Automated cargo transportation system

• US 20040135031A1
• Filed: 01/13/2003
• Published: 07/15/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 01/13/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Boxair Engineering, LLC
• Original Assignee: Boxair Engineering, LLC
• Inventors: Stupakis, John S.
• Granted Patent: US 6,948,681 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 244/120
• CPC Class Codes: B64C 2211/00 Modular constructions of airplanes or helicopters
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 2011/0046 Modular or preassembled units for creating cabin interior structures
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 2101/60 for transporting passengers; for transporting goods other than weapons
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 2201/10 autonomous, i.e. by navigating independently from ground or air stations, e.g. by using inertial navigation systems [INS]
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 2201/20 Remote controls
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 30/10 Wings
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 50/12 using turbine engines, e.g. turbojets or turbofans
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 50/13 using external fans or propellers
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 70/60 Take-off or landing of UAVs from a runway using their own power

Abstract

A modular automated air transport system comprising an unmanned autonomous aircraft having a selectively detachable control systems portion and a structural air frame portion, wherein the structural air frame portion contains an interior cargo hold, aerodynamic members having control surfaces and at least one propulsion device attached to the structural air frame portion; and wherein the control system portion includes a control computer for autonomously controlling the flight of said air transport system from one known location to a second known location.

Claims

1. ) A modular automated air transport system comprising:

an unmanned autonomous aircraft having a selectively detachable control systems portion and a structural air frame portion;

wherein said structural air frame portion contains an interior cargo hold, aerodynamic members having control surfaces and at least one propulsion device attached to said structural air frame portion; and

wherein said control system portion includes a control computer for autonomously controlling the flight of said air transport system from one known location to a second known location.

2. ) The modular automated air transport system of claim 1 wherein said structural air frame portion includes an opening for accessing said interior cargo hold.

3. ) The modular automated air transport system of claim 2 wherein a ramp is used to access said opening.

4. ) The modular automated air transport system of claim 1 wherein said control system portion is pivotally hinged to said structural air frame portion.

5. ) The modular automated air transport system of claim 1 wherein said control computer is detachably connected to said control surfaces and said propulsions system.

6. ) The modular automated air transport system of claim 1 wherein said cargo hold is adapted to receive a standard shipping container.

7. ) An unmanned air transport method comprising;

providing an unmanned aerial vehicle having a fully integrated flight control computer at a first location,

loading freight onto said unmanned aerial vehicle,

programming a flight plan into said integrated flight control computer,

flying said air transport vehicle to a second location;

unloading said freight from said unmanned aerial vehicle.

8. ) An unmanned air transport method of claim 7, the method further including;

providing an unmanned aerial vehicle, having a detachable control systems portion and a freight carrying portion,

detaching said control system portion,

providing at least one alternate freight carrying portion, and

attaching said control system portion to said at least one alternate freight carrying portion.

9. ) An unmanned air transport method of claim 8, including;

providing a plurality of alternate freight carrying portions.

10. ) A automated air transport system comprising:

an unmanned autonomous aircraft having an interior cargo hold, aerodynamic members having control surfaces and at least one propulsion device attached to said aircraft; and

wherein said aircraft includes a control computer for autonomously controlling the flight of said air transport system from one known location to a second known location.

11. ) The automated air transport system of claim 10 wherein said aircraft includes an opening for accessing said interior cargo hold.

12. ) The automated air transport system of claim 11 wherein a ramp is used to access said opening.

13. ) The modular automated air transport system of claim 10 wherein said control computer is remotely programmable.

14. ) The automated air transport system of claim 10 wherein said cargo hold is adapted to receive a standard shipping container.