Method and apparatus for transporting a payload
US9352745B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 30, 2013 |
| Grant date | May 31, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 12, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S901/01
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for transporting a payload carrying device is disclosed. The method comprises providing at least one payload carrying device, a vehicle for transporting the at least one payload carrying device, a connection device for connecting the vehicle and the at least one payload carrying device, at least one sensor device for capturing information regarding the vehicle's surrounding environment, and a control unit for operating the connection device autonomously to connect the vehicle and the at least one payload carrying device where, once connected, the weight of the at least one payload carrying device rests directly on the floor and the vehicle autonomously transports the at least one payload carrying device to a desired location, and operating the connection device autonomously to disconnect the vehicle and the at least one payload carrying device at the desired location where the at least one payload carrying device is immobilized.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.