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Multi-level fulfillment center for unmanned aerial vehicles

  • US 9,777,502 B2
  • Filed: 12/18/2015
  • Issued: 10/03/2017
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/18/2015
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A multi-level fulfillment center configured to support distribution of items by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the multi-level fulfillment center comprising:

  • an exterior shell to secure internal operations of the multi-level fulfillment center;

    UAV platforms to support landings and takeoffs of the UAVs, the UAV platforms coupled to the exterior shell;

    apertures located in the exterior shell at different altitudes to provide at least access to the UAVs located on the UAV platforms, wherein a first aperture provides access to an authenticated UAV on a first UAV platform located proximate to the first aperture, the authenticated UAV to be readied for a next flight while on the first UAV platform to deliver an item from the multi-level fulfillment center to a destination associated with a customer;

    aperture doors to selectively close the apertures, wherein a first door is configured to secure the first aperture in a closed position at least when the first UAV platform is not occupied by the authenticated UAV;

    a controller to authenticate the UAVs and control the aperture doors, wherein the controller causes a second door to open based at least in part on a determination that an incoming UAV being received at a second UAV platform is authorized to access the multi-level fulfillment center;

    a receiving area within the exterior shell to receive freight that includes the item and other items available for consumption by customers; and

    a storage area within the exterior shell to organize and store the item and the other items prior to distribution to customers by the UAVs.

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