Methods and apparatus for unattended deliveries
US11907887B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 10, 2021 |
| Grant date | Feb 20, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 10, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06Q10/0832
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
According to one aspect, a method includes propelling a vehicle to a location. The vehicle includes at least one compartment configured to contain at least one delivery item and at least one transfer mechanism, the transfer mechanism arranged to be activated to cause the delivery item to be purged from the at least one compartment. The method also includes determining when the vehicle is authorized to deliver the delivery item at the location, aligning the vehicle with respect to a target at the location, opening a door to the at least one compartment, and activating the transfer mechanism after opening the door. Activating the transfer mechanism includes causing the transfer mechanism to purge the delivery item such that the delivery item is obtained by the target. The target is arranged to receive the delivery item when the delivery item is purged from the at least one compartment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.