The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.

The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.

Date of Patent:
Aug. 28, 2018

Filed:

Oct. 28, 2016
Applicant:

Wal-mart Stores, Inc., Bentonville, AR (US);

Inventors:

Donald R. High, Noel, MO (US);

Michael D. Atchley, Springdale, AR (US);

John P. Thompson, Bentonville, AR (US);

Chandrashekar Natarajan, San Ramon, CA (US);

Assignee:

Walmart Apollo, LLC, Bentonville, AR (US);

Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
B64D 1/12 (2006.01); B64D 9/00 (2006.01); B64C 39/02 (2006.01); B64D 1/22 (2006.01);
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
B64D 9/00 (2013.01); B64C 39/024 (2013.01); B64D 1/22 (2013.01); B64C 2201/108 (2013.01); B64C 2201/128 (2013.01);
Abstract

Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein for providing package release for an unmanned aerial system. An apparatus for releasing packages for retrieval by an unmanned aerial system comprises a plurality of arms configured to surround a plurality of packages stacked vertically in an extended position, a plurality of powered hinges at a base of each of the plurality of arms, and a control circuit coupled to the plurality of powered hinges. The control circuit being configured to: determine a height for a first lowered position for the plurality of arms at which the plurality arms do not obstruct an unmanned aerial vehicle from coupling with a coupling structure on a first package of the plurality of packages positioned at a top of the plurality of packages, and cause the plurality of powered hinges to pivot the plurality of arms from the extended position to the first lowered position.


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