Wing Aviation LLC

X Development LLC

Google Inc.

Joanna Cohen

James Ryan Burgess

Mathias Samuel Fleck

Trevor Shannon

Roger William Graves

Leila Takayama

Paul Richard Komarek

Matthew Ball

Andrew Lambert

Adam Woodworth

Matthew David Day

Clark Sopper

Sean Mullaney

Parsa Dormiani

Matt Day

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is disclosed that includes a retractable payload delivery system. The payload delivery system can lower a payload to the ground using a delivery device that secures the payload during descent and releases the payload upon reaching the ground. The location of the delivery device can be determined as it is lowered to the ground using image tracking. The UAV can include an imaging system that captures image data of the suspended delivery device and identifies image coordinates of the delivery device, and the image coordinates can then be mapped to a location. The UAV may also be configured to account for any deviations from a planned path of descent in real time to effect accurate delivery locations of released payloads.

Payload-release device position tracking

A tote package including a middle section that forms a bottom portion, a first side section connecting the first side section and the middle section, wherein the first side section creates a first side portion of the tote package that tapers upwardly from the bottom portion to a top portion of the tote package, and a second side section that is opposite of the that connecting the second side section and the middle section, wherein the second side section creates a second side portion of the tote package that tapers upwardly from the bottom portion to the top portion of the top portion of the tote package, a handle positioned on the top portion of the tote package, wherein the middle section, first side section, and second side section intersect to create a tapered front portion of the tote package that extends beyond the bottom portion.

Aerodynamic tote package

Described herein are apparatuses that provided various features related to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). An example apparatus may include, among other features, (i) a launch system for a UAV, (ii) a landing feature that is arranged on the apparatus so as to receive the UAV when the UAV returns from a flight, and (iii) a mechanical battery-replacement system that is configured to (a) remove a first battery from the UAV, and (b) after removal of the first battery, install a second battery in the UAV.

Home station for unmanned aerial vehicle

An example tote package is disclosed for carrying a load external to a UAV. The tote package may be generated by folding a sheet of material. The sheet may include a middle section, a first side section, and a second side section. When the sheet is folded, the middle section may create a bottom portion of the tote package. Additionally, the first side section may create a first side portion tapering up from the edge of the bottom portion to the middle of the top portion of the tote package. Furthermore, the second side section may create a second side portion tapering up from the opposite edge to the middle of the top portion. At the top portion, the first and second sections may connect to create a handle. The first side, second side, and middle sections may be folded to create front and back portions of the tote package.

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is disclosed that includes a retractable payload delivery system. The payload delivery system can lower a payload to the ground using an assembly that secures the payload during descent and releases the payload upon reaching the ground. The assembly can also include a bystander communication module for generating cues for bystander perception. While the assembly securing the payload is being lowered from the UAV, the bystander communication module can generate an avoidance cue indicating that bystanders should avoid interference with the assembly. The assembly also includes sensors that generate data used, at least in part, to determine when the descending assembly is at or near the ground, at which point the assembly releases the payload. The bystander communication module can then cease the avoidance cue and the UAV can retract the assembly.

Interaction during delivery from aerial vehicle

Translational correction of payload-release device based on tracked position

Bystander interaction during delivery from aerial vehicle

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is disclosed that includes a retractable payload delivery system. The payload delivery system can lower a payload to the ground using a delivery device that secures the payload during descent and releases the payload upon reaching the ground. The delivery device can include a channel in which a payload mount attachment for a payload can be inserted. The payload mount attachment can include an aperture for receiving a retaining rod to secure the attachment, and thus the payload, to the delivery device. The retaining rod can assume either an engaged position, in which a portion of the retaining rod engages the payload mount attachment while the payload mount attachment is inserted in the channel, or a disengaged position, in which the retaining rod does not engage the payload mount attachment.

Payload-release device and operation thereof

Growing community of inventors

Mountain View, CA, United States of America

Joanna Cohen