INTELLIGENT SELF-LEVELING DOCKING SYSTEM
First Claim
1. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) docking apparatus, comprising:
- a landing surface;
an orientation mechanism coupled with the landing surface configured to adjust the orientation of the landing surface; and
an alignment mechanism coupled with the landing surface configured to move a UAV resting on the landing surface to a predetermined location on the landing surface.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A docking system for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is described that provides a stable landing and take-off area as well as, in some embodiments, refueling and/or data transfer capabilities. The docking system may be portable to provide a ready docking area for a UAV in areas that may not otherwise be suitable for UAV operation. The docking system may include a landing surface, an orientation mechanism that adjusts the landing surface to provide a level landing area, and an alignment mechanism coupled with the landing surface that moves a UAV resting on the landing surface to a predetermined location on the landing surface for automated refueling of the UAV. A latching mechanism may secure the UAV to the landing surface when the UAV is located at the predetermined location.
122 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) docking apparatus, comprising:
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a landing surface; an orientation mechanism coupled with the landing surface configured to adjust the orientation of the landing surface; and an alignment mechanism coupled with the landing surface configured to move a UAV resting on the landing surface to a predetermined location on the landing surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for docking an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), comprising:
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positioning a landing surface to provide a level landing area for a UAV; receiving a signal that the UAV has landed on the landing surface; and positioning the UAV in a predetermined area on the landing surface. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A system for extended operations of one or more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), comprising:
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a plurality of autonomous docking nodes each comprising; a landing surface; an orientation mechanism coupled with the landing surface configured to adjust the orientation of the landing surface; an alignment mechanism coupled with the landing surface configured to move a UAV resting on the landing surface to a predetermined location on the landing surface; and a refueling system associated with the landing surface that is configured to refuel UAVs located on the landing surface, wherein an operating range of the UAVs is extended through use of one or more autonomous docking nodes located remotely from personnel supporting the operation of the UAVs. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification