Environmental sampling with an unmanned aerial vehicle
US8820672B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 7, 2012 |
| Grant date | Sep 2, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 23, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2001/245
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Environmental samples are collected and analyzed using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). In some examples, the sample is drawn into engagement with a sensor onboard a UAV by the existing fluid flow generated by a rotor fan through a duct of a ducted fan of the UAV. The quality characteristics of the fluid sample may be physically or wirelessly delivered to a remote location. In some examples, samples are drawn into engagement with the sensor by a flexible tube that is attached to an outer surface of the UAV. The flexible tube may allow the UAV to precisely target and collect samples of dust and moisture and other materials from the ground over which the UAV operates.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.