Patent classifications
B65G51/26
INSTRUMENT CONVEYANCE USING A SHUTTLE
A system for instrument conveyance may include a shuttle device including an internal compartment for containing instruments; at least one handling unit configured to dispense instruments, where the handling unit includes: an opening mechanism configured to open the shuttle device to expose the internal compartment of the shuttle device, and a loading mechanism configured to load instruments into the internal compartment of the shuttle device; at least one head unit configured to obtain input from a user in connection with a transaction involving instruments; and a transportation system disposed between the at least one handling unit and the at least one head unit, where the transportation system is configured to transport the shuttle device between the at least one handling unit and the at least one head unit.
INSTRUMENT CONVEYANCE USING A SHUTTLE
A system for instrument conveyance may include a shuttle device including an internal compartment for containing instruments; at least one handling unit configured to dispense instruments, where the handling unit includes: an opening mechanism configured to open the shuttle device to expose the internal compartment of the shuttle device, and a loading mechanism configured to load instruments into the internal compartment of the shuttle device; at least one head unit configured to obtain input from a user in connection with a transaction involving instruments; and a transportation system disposed between the at least one handling unit and the at least one head unit, where the transportation system is configured to transport the shuttle device between the at least one handling unit and the at least one head unit.
UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE (UAV) LANDING GEAR SYSTEM FOR HOLDING DELIVERY CANISTERS
A landing gear system that can be used with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) retrieves and releases canisters suitable for delivering items. To do so, the landing gear comprises a first leg and a second leg. The first landing leg and the second landing leg are rotationally engages at a first leg connection end and a second leg connection end. A tensioning member applies a rotational force about the engagement location, biasing the first leg toward the second leg. Each of the first and second legs can include a curved portion. A UAV comprising the landing gear can be lowered over a canister, and the canister is secured in place within the curved portions of the legs. To release, the landing legs are rotated against the bias, which can be facilitated by landing the UAV and placing the rotors into a reverse thrust.
PAYLOAD CONTAINER FOR UNMANNED SYSTEM DELIVERY
A payload container for delivering canisters having payloads is provided. The payload container includes an open end and a closed end. The open end is configured to couple to a terminal end of a tube of a pneumatic delivery system to receive or provided a canister. The payload container further comprises a gas vent having a first gas vent opening located at the closed end of the payload container and a second gas vent opening located at the open end of the payload container. The open end is configured to couple to an air hose outlet of the pneumatic delivery system, which delivers air into the payload container to push the canister into the pneumatic delivery system tube. A depressed landing platform aids in guiding an unmanned aerial vehicle, having a payload container, into a position where a canister can be delivered to or from the pneumatic delivery system.
PNEUMATIC DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USE WITH UNMANNED VEHICLE SYSTEMS
A pneumatic delivery system is used to facilitate delivery of canisters comprising delivery payloads by unmanned systems, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The pneumatic delivery system comprises a tube having a channel within a tube wall, where a canister is configured to move through the tube. The tube comprises a tube opening and a transfer mechanism proximate the tube opening. The transfer mechanism engages a canister having a payload that is moved within the tube. The transfer mechanism moves the canister through the tube opening by extending from a first transfer position to a second transfer position. At the second transfer position, the transfer mechanism orients the tube and releases it to a UAV for delivery.
PNEUMATIC DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USE WITH UNMANNED VEHICLE SYSTEMS
A pneumatic delivery system is used to facilitate delivery of canisters comprising delivery payloads by unmanned systems, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The pneumatic delivery system comprises a tube having a channel within a tube wall, where a canister is configured to move through the tube. The tube comprises a tube opening and a transfer mechanism proximate the tube opening. The transfer mechanism engages a canister having a payload that is moved within the tube. The transfer mechanism moves the canister through the tube opening by extending from a first transfer position to a second transfer position. At the second transfer position, the transfer mechanism orients the tube and releases it to a UAV for delivery.
PAYLOAD CONTAINER WITH POWER SUPPLY FOR UNMANNED SYSTEMS
A case for carrying loads by an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) comprises a first end comprising a first cap and a first opening and a second end comprising a second cap and a second opening, the second opening being smaller than the first opening. The case also comprises a rechargeable battery pack that, when the case is secured to the UAV, is configured to provide a power source for the UAV and the first cap and the second cap each comprising at least one metal connector for providing power to the UAV.
ADA-COMPLIANT WORKSTATION FOR PNEUMATIC TUBE DELIVERY SYSTEM
A workstation includes a housing and a pneumatic tube port sized and shaped to connect to tubing of a pneumatic tube delivery system. The workstation includes a carrier dispatch and arrival mechanism coupling to the pneumatic tube port and having an outlet and a slide plate movable from a position opening the outlet to a position closing the outlet. The carrier dispatch and arrival mechanism further including a dispatch arm for loading an outbound carrier for transportation from the workstation through the pneumatic tube delivery system to a further workstation. The workstation further comprises an equipment storage compartment adjacent to the carrier dispatch and arrival mechanism and a bin at the bottom of the housing sized and shaped to receive and store the inbound carriers in combination with a user interface cabinet housing a user interface apparatus and a space for supporting stored carriers.
ADA-compliant workstation for pneumatic tube delivery system
A workstation includes a housing and a pneumatic tube port sized and shaped to connect to tubing of a pneumatic tube delivery system. The workstation includes a carrier dispatch and arrival mechanism coupling to the pneumatic tube port and having an outlet and a slide plate movable from a position opening the outlet to a position closing the outlet. The carrier dispatch and arrival mechanism further including a dispatch arm for loading an outbound carrier for transportation from the workstation through the pneumatic tube delivery system to a further workstation. The workstation further comprises an equipment storage compartment adjacent to the carrier dispatch and arrival mechanism and a bin at the bottom of the housing sized and shaped to receive and store the inbound carriers in combination with a user interface cabinet housing a user interface apparatus and a space for supporting stored carriers.
ADA-compliant workstation for pneumatic tube delivery system
A workstation includes a housing and a pneumatic tube port sized and shaped to connect to tubing of a pneumatic tube delivery system. The workstation includes a carrier dispatch and arrival mechanism coupling to the pneumatic tube port and having an outlet and a slide plate movable from a position opening the outlet to a position closing the outlet. The carrier dispatch and arrival mechanism further including a dispatch arm for loading an outbound carrier for transportation from the workstation through the pneumatic tube delivery system to a further workstation. The workstation further comprises an equipment storage compartment adjacent to the carrier dispatch and arrival mechanism and a bin at the bottom of the housing sized and shaped to receive and store the inbound carriers in combination with a user interface cabinet housing a user interface apparatus and a space for supporting stored carriers.