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:
Mar. 13, 2018

Filed:

Jan. 07, 2016
Applicant:

Workhorse Group Inc., Loveland, OH (US);

Inventors:

Elliot T. Bokeno, Fairfield, OH (US);

Thaddeus M. Bort, Jr., Maineville, OH (US);

Stephen S. Burns, Maineville, OH (US);

Martin Rucidlo, Mason, OH (US);

Wei Wei, Mason, OH (US);

Donald L. Wires, Loveland, OH (US);

Assignee:

Workhorse Group Inc., Loveland, OH (US);

Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
B64C 37/02 (2006.01); B64D 5/00 (2006.01); G05D 1/10 (2006.01); B64C 39/02 (2006.01); B60L 11/18 (2006.01);
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
G05D 1/102 (2013.01); B64C 39/024 (2013.01); B60L 11/1809 (2013.01); B60L 2200/10 (2013.01); B60L 2200/36 (2013.01); B60L 2240/622 (2013.01); B64C 2201/027 (2013.01); B64C 2201/042 (2013.01); B64C 2201/128 (2013.01); B64C 2201/141 (2013.01); B64C 2201/208 (2013.01); Y02T 10/7072 (2013.01); Y02T 10/7291 (2013.01); Y02T 90/14 (2013.01); Y02T 90/16 (2013.01); Y02T 90/162 (2013.01);
Abstract

Methods and associated systems for autonomous package delivery utilize a UAS/UAV, an infrared positioning senor, and a docking station integrated with a package delivery vehicle. The UAS/UAV accepts a package for delivery from the docking station on the delivery vehicle and uploads the delivery destination. The UAS/UAV autonomously launches from its docked position on the delivery vehicle. The UAS/UAV autonomously flies to the delivery destination by means of GPS navigation. The UAS/UAV is guided in final delivery by means of a human supervised live video feed from the UAS/UAV. The UAS/UAV is assisted in the descent and delivery of the parcel by precision sensors and if necessary by means of remote human control. The UAS/UAV autonomously returns to the delivery vehicle by means of GPS navigation and precision sensors. The UAS/UAV autonomously docks with the delivery vehicle for recharging and preparation for the next delivery sequence.


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