US 2017/0320572 A1 · SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRANSPORTING PRODUCTS VIA UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES

Abstract

In some embodiments, methods and systems of facilitating movement of product-containing pallets include at least one forklift unit configured to lift and move the product-containing pallets, at least one motorized transport unit configured to mechanically engage and disengage a respective forklift unit, and a central computer system in communication with the at least one motorized transport unit. The central computer system is configured to transmit at least one signal to the at least one motorized transport unit. The signal is configured to cause the at least one motorized transport unit to control the at least one forklift unit to move at least one of the product-containing pallets.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An unmanned aerial system for transporting at least one product, the system comprising:

an unmanned aerial vehicle including a body, a processor-based control circuit coupled to the body, and a receptacle coupled to the body, the receptacle including:
an interior configured to retain the at least one product, the interior having an opening configured to permit the at least one product to pass therethrough;
and
a cover movable from a first position, where the cover covers at least a portion of the opening to restrict the at least one product from passing through the opening, to a second position, where the cover does not cover at least a portion of the opening to permit the at least one product to pass through the opening.

1 more element

A method of transporting at least one product via an unmanned aerial system, the method comprising:

providing an unmanned aerial vehicle including a body, a processor-based control circuit coupled to the body, and a receptacle coupled to the body, the receptacle including an interior configured to retain the at least one product, the interior having an opening configured to permit the at least one product to pass therethrough and a cover;
and
moving the cover from a first position, where the cover covers at least a portion of the opening to restrict the at least one product from passing through the opening, to a second position, where the cover does not cover at least a portion of the opening to permit the at least one product to pass through the opening.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Systems and methods for transporting products via unmanned aerial vehicles

Life of this patent

Systems and methods for transporting products via unmanned aerial vehicles

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20