528results about "Freight handling installations" patented technology

A landing pad receives and stores packages delivered from an aerial vehicle are awaiting pickup from an aerial vehicle. The landing pad can be placed outside of a window and can contain a transmitter for sending out an identification signal via radio frequency to aid aerial vehicles in finding the landing pad. The landing pad contains a landing platform with a trapdoor that leads to a storage compartment. The trapdoor can be configured to only open when it receives a signal from an authorized aerial vehicle. The storage compartment can be accessed via a storage compartment door which can contain a locking mechanism. The storage compartment can be climate controlled. The landing pad can also have a transmitter that emits sounds to discourage animals from nesting on or near the landing pad. The landing pad can also include a solar power generator as a source of electrical energy.

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) delivery apparatus is provided. The UAV delivery apparatus may include at least a pole and a landing platform. The pole of the present invention may have an extended length with a bottom end and a top end. The bottom end is securable to a surface to support the pole in an upright position. The landing pad of the present invention is attached to the top end of the pole and includes a substantially flat upper surface. The upper surface is sized to receive a package from a UAV.

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for transporting a payload is provided. The UAV comprises a body and one or more propellers rotatably connected to the body. The UAV further comprises a battery mounted to the body. The battery is releasable from the bottom of the UAV. The UAV further comprises a payload container mounted to the body. The payload container is releasable from the bottom of the UAV to a landing platform associated with a UAV station.

A powered nose aircraft wheel system (130) for an aircraft (12) includes landing gear (104) that extends from the aircraft (12). A wheel axel (136) is coupled to the landing gear (104). A wheel (134) is coupled to the wheel axel (136). A wheel motor (106) is coupled to the wheel axel (136) and the wheel (134). A controller (120) is coupled to the wheel motor (106) and rotates the wheel (134). A method of taxiing an aircraft (12) includes permitting the wheel (134) of the aircraft (12) to freely spin during the landing of the aircraft (12). Power is transferred from an auxiliary power unit (73) of the aircraft (12) to the wheel motor (106). The wheel (134) is rotated via the wheel motor (106). The aircraft (12) is steered and the speed of the wheel (134) is controlled via one or more controllers selected from an onboard controller (18, 118, 120) and an offboard controller (45, 58, 59).

Systems and methods include UAVs that serve to assist carrier personnel by reducing the physical demands of the transportation and delivery process. A UAV generally includes a UAV chassis including an upper portion, a plurality of propulsion members configured to provide lift to the UAV chassis, and a parcel carrier configured for being selectively coupled to and removed from the UAV chassis. UAV support mechanisms are utilized to load and unload parcel carriers to the UAV chassis, and the UAV lands on and takes off from the UAV support mechanism to deliver parcels to a serviceable point. The UAV includes computing entities that interface with different systems and computing entities to send and receive various types of information.

A system and method for enhancing distribution logistics and surveillance ranges with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and at least one dock in a dock network. The UAV remains in communication with the dock for enhancing distribution logistics of at least one package and increasing the range of surveillance for the unmanned aerial vehicle. From the dock, the UAV delivers the package to a destination point, obtains the package from a pick up point, recharges the unmanned aerial vehicle throughout the network of docks, and increases the range of distribution and surveillance. A logistics software controls the delivery and surveillance. A wireless communication device enables communication between the UAV and the dock. Light indicators indicate status of the package and the operational status of the UAV. A camera captures an image of the package in the dock. A motion detector detects the UAV for regulating access for loading / unloading and docking.

Disclosed herein is a system and device for a drone docking station for deposit of items delivered by drone. Items may include food items, groceries, parcels and others. A secure porch, roof, window or otherwise building mounted box may be secured through to an existing edifice or may be configured to mount to an existing mailbox post or actually take the place of the mailbox. The basic elements making up the components of the box enable it to carry out efficient and secure delivery of goods to a container box located at a specific address, and to securely hold those goods until they are picked up; regardless of duration, weather, or otherwise. The drone dock may employ different technological devices to provide for communication between the drone dock and a drone, to provide for security and for the preservation of the delivered goods before during and after delivery.

Disclosed herein is a system and device for a drone docking station for deposit of items delivered by drone. Items may include but not be limited to food items, groceries and parcels. A secure porch, roof, window or otherwise building mounted box may be secured through to an existing edifice or may be configured to mount to an existing mailbox post and actually take the place of the mailbox. The basic elements making of components of the box enable it to carry out one efficient and secure delivery of goods to a container box located at a specific address, and to securely hold those good until they are picked up regardless of duration, weather, or otherwise. The drone dock may employ many different technological devices in order to provide for communication between the drone dock and a drone, security, and preservation of the delivered goods before during and after delivery.

Systems and methods include UAVs that serve to assist carrier personnel by reducing the physical demands of the transportation and delivery process. A UAV generally includes a UAV chassis including an upper portion, a plurality of propulsion members configured to provide lift to the UAV chassis, and a parcel carrier configured for being selectively coupled to and removed from the UAV chassis. UAV support mechanisms are utilized to load and unload parcel carriers to the UAV chassis, and the UAV lands on and takes off from the UAV support mechanism to deliver parcels to a serviceable point. The UAV includes computing entities that interface with different systems and computing entities to send and receive various types of information.

A system and method for integrating air and ground transportation of passengers and cargo. The system comprises a plurality of universal passenger containers. The system further comprises a plurality of universal cargo containers. An airplane is provided with a hollow fuselage adapted to be loaded with a plurality of passenger and / or cargo containers. A flatbed trailer can be provided to carry a passenger or a cargo container. A tractor vehicle can be provided to transport flatbed trailers between airplanes, locations within the airport, and points of origin and destination outside the airport complex. A system can be provided to load and unload passenger and cargo containers into and out of airplanes at the airport. A system is provided comprised of an airport complex including take-off and landing runways, taxiways, airplane staging areas, apparatus for detection of weapons in passenger and cargo containers, and air terminals with arrival and departure gates and baggage handling conveyors. A system is also provided comprised of remote air terminals at strategic locations a distance from the airport complex.

A system and method for cargo handling is provided. The system includes a transport vehicle including a cargo bay capable of housing a plurality of cargo containers, and a loading dock for coupling to the cargo bay. The system also includes at least one railcar and pylons positioned along a floor of the cargo bay. A predetermined number of pylons are operable to elevate and lower a cargo container within the cargo bay. The present invention also provides a railcar for transporting cargo containers, as well as an apparatus for positioning at least one cargo container within a transport vehicle. The present invention also provides a system for aligning a loading dock and a transport vehicle that includes a mechanism for adjusting the height of the transport vehicle or loading dock, or a plurality of engagement members that are capable of aligning the loading dock and transport vehicle.

Systems and methods include UAVs that serve to assist carrier personnel by reducing the physical demands of the transportation and delivery process. A UAV generally includes a UAV chassis including an upper portion, a plurality of propulsion members configured to provide lift to the UAV chassis, and a parcel carrier configured for being selectively coupled to and removed from the UAV chassis. UAV support mechanisms are utilized to load and unload parcel carriers to the UAV chassis, and the UAV lands on and takes off from the UAV support mechanism to deliver parcels to a serviceable point. The UAV includes computing entities that interface with different systems and computing entities to send and receive various types of information.

Systems and methods include UAVs that serve to assist carrier personnel by reducing the physical demands of the transportation and delivery process. A UAV generally includes a UAV chassis including an upper portion, a plurality of propulsion members configured to provide lift to the UAV chassis, and a parcel carrier configured for being selectively coupled to and removed from the UAV chassis. UAV support mechanisms are utilized to load and unload parcel carriers to the UAV chassis, and the UAV lands on and takes off from the UAV support mechanism to deliver parcels to a serviceable point. The UAV includes computing entities that interface with different systems and computing entities to send and receive various types of information.

A landing pad receives and stores packages delivered from an aerial vehicle and awaiting pickup from an aerial vehicle. The landing pad can be placed outside of a window and can contain a transmitter for sending out an identification signal via radio frequency to aid aerial vehicles in finding the landing pad. The landing pad contains a landing platform with a trapdoor that leads to a storage compartment. The trapdoor can be configured to only open when it receives a signal from an authorized aerial vehicle. The storage compartment can be accessed via a storage compartment door which can contain a locking mechanism. The storage compartment can be climate controlled. The landing pad can also have a transmitter that emits sounds to discourage animals from nesting on or near the landing pad. The landing pad can also include a solar power generator as a source of electrical energy.

Some embodiments relate to a system and method of automatically transporting cargo from a loading station to an unloading station using a vehicle. Loading and unloading of cargo may be accomplished automatically without the need for human operators of either the loading station, the unloading station, or the vehicle. The unloading and loading station each comprise guide rails and a plurality of directional signal sources used by the vehicle to control its current position so that it may retrieve and deliver a target load. The vehicle comprises at least one sensor for detecting modulated directional signals and a controller to control the current position of the vehicle based on the received signals.

An omni direction vehicle with a frame having a round surface about its perimeter with no apparatus mounted on the frame extending beyond the perimeter. Two independent drive wheels located on an axis through the center of the frame are mounted at the same distance from a central vertical axis through the frame. Each wheel is powered independently of the other and can rotate at variable speeds in either direction. The vehicle is capable of movement in any direction by rotating the axis of the drive wheels to a position which is perpendicular to the desired direction of travel. The vehicle can spin about its vertical axis such that the axis of the drive wheels can be oriented at any direction without changing the original footprint of the space that the frame occupies over the ground. Thus, the vehicle requires a zero turning radius and requires only the space it occupies to change its forward orientation.

An omni direction vehicle with a frame having a round surface about its perimeter with no apparatus mounted on the frame extending beyond the perimeter. Two independent drive wheels located on an axis through the center of the frame are mounted at the same distance from a central vertical axis through the frame. Each wheel is powered independently of the other and can rotate at variable speeds in either direction. The vehicle is capable of movement in any direction by rotating the axis of the drive wheels to a position which is perpendicular to the desired direction of travel. The vehicle can spin about its vertical axis such that the axis of the drive wheels can be oriented at any direction without changing the original footprint of the space that the frame occupies over the ground. Thus, the vehicle requires a zero turning radius and requires only the space it occupies to change its forward orientation.

Some embodiments relate to a system and method of automatically transporting cargo from a loading station to an unloading station using a vehicle. Loading and unloading of cargo may be accomplished automatically without the need for human operators of either the loading station, the unloading station, or the vehicle. The unloading and loading station each comprise guide rails and a plurality of directional signal sources used by the vehicle to control its current position so that it may retrieve and deliver a target load. The vehicle comprises at least one sensor for detecting modulated directional signals and a controller to control the current position of the vehicle based on the received signals.

The invention discloses a goods receiving method and device and a goods delivery method and system. The goods receiving device comprises a box body, a cabin door and a wireless communication module, wherein the cabin door is arranged on the box body and is opened when goods are delivered from a flight vehicle and closed when delivered goods are received; the wireless communication module is used for communicating with the flight vehicle to unlock match so as to control the cabin door to be opened or closed. By means of the goods receiving method and device and the goods delivery method and system, the technical problem that goods cannot be unloaded automatically after being delivered to the destination in the prior art is solved, and the technical effect that goods are delivered automatically after being delivered to the destination by the flight vehicle is achieved.

A method for transporting liquid with a UAV transport that includes docking the UAV transport with a first station and supplying the UAV transport with liquid from the first station. The UAV transport undocks from the first station and flies to the vicinity of a second station. The UAV transport docks with the second station and delivers at least a portion of the liquid to the second station. A UAV for use therewith and a method for maintaining a feed tray at the second station are provided.

Systems and methods include UAVs that serve to assist carrier personnel by reducing the physical demands of the transportation and delivery process. A UAV generally includes a UAV chassis including an upper portion, a plurality of propulsion members configured to provide lift to the UAV chassis, and a parcel carrier configured for being selectively coupled to and removed from the UAV chassis. UAV support mechanisms are utilized to load and unload parcel carriers to the UAV chassis, and the UAV lands on and takes off from the UAV support mechanism to deliver parcels to a serviceable point. The UAV includes computing entities that interface with different systems and computing entities to send and receive various types of information.

An overhead warehousing system for use in a warehouse having a ceiling and storage racks supported by the floor of a warehouse includes drawers configured to contain parcels at designated locations of individual cells in the storage racks and adapted to be opened and closed, flight corridors defined along the storage racks adjacent to the individual cells, drones having gripper heads translatable relative to opened drawers to retrieve parcels therefrom, and a communication subsystem communicating with the drones to control their flying on the flight trajectories along the flight corridors and between a designated docking station, selected ones of designated parcel retrieval locations and selected ones of designated parcel drop locations and also communicating with the drones to control their gripper heads relative to opened drawers and communicating with individual cells for opening and closing drawers as drones approach and depart the selected individual cells.

A transfer station includes a housing defining an inner space, and having a front passage for passage of a UGV and a top passage for passage of a container. One or more funnels are provided at the top passage for guiding the passage of containers therethrough, and an actuator system is provided for, selectively, engaging a container with a UAV suspension system and disengaging a container from a UAV suspension system. Also provided is a transfer system that is inclusive of the transfer station, a UAV, a UGV, and a reusable container; and methods of transferring reusable containers between UAVs and UGVs.

Systems and methods include UAVs that serve to assist carrier personnel by reducing the physical demands of the transportation and delivery process. A UAV generally includes a UAV chassis including an upper portion, a plurality of propulsion members configured to provide lift to the UAV chassis, and a parcel carrier configured for being selectively coupled to and removed from the UAV chassis. UAV support mechanisms are utilized to load and unload parcel carriers to the UAV chassis, and the UAV lands on and takes off from the UAV support mechanism to deliver parcels to a serviceable point. The UAV includes computing entities that interface with different systems and computing entities to send and receive various types of information.

A system and method for autonomous drone-based package reception and surveillance of the present invention. In accordance with the inventive method, an at least partially enclosed chute is provided with dimensions sufficient to receive packages. A platform is mounted within the chute to receiving the packages. A mechanism is provided to move the platform from a first position within the chute to receive the packages to a second position within the chute to deliver the packages. In the best mode, the platform is a second drone. Multiple drones, equipped with wireless transceivers, cameras, lasers, lights, detectors and even weapons are networked to provide perimeter security. The chute includes a door secured with a wireless latch activated by a system controller. One or more identification symbols, such as QR codes, bar codes, symbols etc. are provided on the door to be read by the airborne delivery vehicle. Nodes are included for charging the airborne delivery vehicle and the site-based drones as well. The deployment of the nodes within the chute is controlled by the site-based drones. An optional scale is provided in the platform for weighing package upon delivery. The system is adapted for operation via a smartphone.

Some embodiments described herein relate to a drone landing platform. One or more sensors coupled to the drone landing platform can detect local conditions in the vicinity of the drone landing platform. A communications system can be operable to transmit information related local conditions to a drone.

A transport system using an unmanned aerial vehicle that overcomes restrictions on distance, time, and the like, thereby expanding a deliverable range for improved convenience. A transport system using an unmanned aerial vehicle that is capable of performing three-dimensional movement using electric power supplied thereto. The unmanned aerial vehicle is mounted with a container for storing a cargo to be transported and is flown by means of relay stations that cover the shipment source with the shipment destination of the cargo. The container is provided with a power storage unit for storing electric power to be supplied to the unmanned aerial vehicle, and the power storage unit of the container is charged at the relay station when the container is not being moved.

The invention relates to a container loading machine which is characterized in that a shear supporting device comprises an outer shear frame, an inner shear frame, a hinge shaft, a fixing plate, a lifting cylinder and an inclined swing arm device. The inner shear frame and the outer shear frame are arranged on the two sides of the upper end of an automotive chassis respectively, the inner shear frame and the outer shear frame are hinged in a crossed mode through the hinge shaft, the lower end of the inner shear frame is hinged to a connecting rod, the two ends of the connecting rod are respectively in sliding connection with the automotive chassis, the lower end of the lifting cylinder is hinged to the automotive chassis, the upper end of the lifting cylinder is hinged to the upper portion of the inner shear frame through a telescopic rod, the lower end of the outer shear frame is hinged to the front portion of the automotive chassis, the upper end of the outer shear frame is hinged to the rear portion of a conveying platform through the inclined swing arm device, and the inclined swing arm device comprises a folding arm cylinder and an inclined swing arm. The upper end of the inclined swing arm is in sliding connection with the conveying platform, the lower end of the inclined swing arm is hinged to the outer shear frame, the lower end of the folding arm cylinder is hinged to the outer shear frame, the upper end of the folding arm cylinder is hinged to the inclined swing arm. The container loading machine has the advantages of being novel in structure, high in general performance, rapid in butt joint, high in transport efficiency and the like.