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US 11,440,679 B2Granted
Drone docking station and docking module
AssigneeCowden Technologies, Inc.
InventorJason Patrick Cowden
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A mechanically secure docking platform for unmanned VTOL aircraft (“drone”) or other automated vehicle, acting as an automated battery recharging system for drones or a battery quick change system for drones. The system also is capable of enabling an automated data logistics system for drones, an autonomous guidance system for landing and docking for drones, and/or an autonomous guidance system for undocking and takeoff for drones.
Claims15
A system for docking an unmanned aircraft drone comprising:
- a. a docking platform for the unmanned aircraft drone comprising one or more battery charger that interfaces with the unmanned aircraft drone via a power cable delivered by a securing mechanism that secures the unmanned aircraft drone to the docking platform and one or more data connectors that interface with an onboard drone computer via a network cable delivered by the securing mechanism;
- b. a computerized docking module attached to the unmanned aircraft drone, wherein the docking module comprises a charging port that interfaces with a docking platform charging device via the power cable delivered by the securing mechanism that receives and/or transfers power from the one or more battery charger, and one or more data connection port that interfaces with a docking platform computer via the network cable delivered by the securing mechanism;
- c. one or more battery in or on the unmanned aircraft drone, one or more battery in or on the docking module, or more than one battery in or on both the unmanned aircraft drone and the docking module;
- d. wherein the charging port receives and/or transfers power from the one or more battery charger to charge the one or more battery in or on the unmanned aircraft drone, the one or more battery in or on the docking module, or the more than one battery in or on both the unmanned aircraft drone and the docking module;
- e. wherein the system allows for automated recharging using the one or more battery charger to charge the one or more battery in or on the unmanned aircraft drone, the one or more battery in or on the docking module, or the more than one battery in or on both the unmanned aircraft drone and the docking module;
- f. wherein, using the one or more data connection port connected to the data connector, the system allows for automated high-density data transmission from the unmanned aircraft drone or docking module to the docking platform, or bi-directional automated data transmission between the unmanned aircraft drone or docking module and the docking platform.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.