UAV with open cargo bay and method of operation
US12168512B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 14, 2022 |
| Grant date | Dec 17, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 14, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U2101/60
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes a fuselage including a top, a bottom, a cavity that forms a cargo bay between the top and the bottom, and a lower access opening in the bottom for lowering a payload from the cargo bay. A movable stage is coupled to the fuselage and adjustable between an upper position in which the stage is above the cargo bay and a lower position in which the stage is at the bottom of the fuselage, the stage including an opening extending through the stage. The UAV also includes a winch disposed in the fuselage and a tether coupled to the winch. The winch is configured to be secured to the payload and is movable through the opening in the stage so as to raise or lower the payload.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.