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.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 08, 2024
Filed:
Aug. 26, 2022
Government of the United States, As Represented BY the Secretary of the Air Force, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH (US);
Michael Anderson, Colorado Springs, CO (US);
Grant Appel, O'Fallon, IL (US);
Nathaniel Bowen, Columbus, MS (US);
Hugh Briggs, Colorado Springs, CO (US);
Spencer Flint, Seattle, WA (US);
Seth Konig, Biloxi, MS (US);
Erin Leslie, Oklahoma City, OK (US);
United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH (US);
Abstract
A method of establishing a system for gathering surveillance data in a hostile environment. The method comprises the steps of providing a movable tractor for ground hauling a trailer, and providing a drone which can be operated independently from the tractor. The trailer has a floor pan for supporting a relay sensor dispensing mechanism and a platform above the floor pan, with a hole for dispensing relay sensors therethrough. The relay sensor dispensing mechanism has an elevator for holding a stockpile of relay sensors, and elevating the relay sensors through the hole. The method comprises disposing at least one relay sensor in the elevator, elevating the relay sensor to a pickup position at or above the platform and retrieving the relay sensor with a drone for subsequent deposition in the hostile environment. The relay sensor then gathers and transceives surveillance data for use and interpretation by an operator. Optional a conveyor chute may replenish the elevator when it is depleted of relay sensors.