US 12,248,313 B2
System, method and apparatus for providing specialized controller to remotely pilot an unmanned vehicle
Jacob Lahmann, Omaha, NE (US); and Angi Chamberlain, Gretna, NE (US)
Assigned to Valmont Industries, Inc., Omaha, NE (US)
Filed by Valmont Industries, Inc., Omaha, NE (US)
Filed on Jun. 28, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/851,573.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/219,388, filed on Jul. 8, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2023/0012445 A1, Jan. 12, 2023
Int. Cl. G05D 1/20 (2024.01); B64C 39/02 (2023.01); G05D 1/00 (2006.01); G05D 1/221 (2024.01); G05D 1/222 (2024.01); G05D 1/224 (2024.01); G05G 1/38 (2008.04); G05G 1/44 (2008.04); G05G 5/05 (2006.01)
CPC G05D 1/0016 (2013.01) [B64C 39/024 (2013.01); G05D 1/005 (2013.01); G05D 1/101 (2013.01); G05G 1/38 (2013.01); G05G 1/44 (2013.01); G05G 5/05 (2013.01); B64U 2201/20 (2023.01); G05G 2505/00 (2013.01)] 19 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An apparatus for providing control signals to a remotely piloted unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), wherein the apparatus comprises:
a base enclosure;
a pedal input, wherein the pedal input is mechanically connected to the base enclosure;
a linkage system, wherein the linkage system comprises a hinged mechanism that secures a foot pedal to the base and which allows for angular movement of at least a first portion of the pedal input;
a potentiometer, wherein the potentiometer is engaged with the linkage system;
a central controller, wherein the central controller is configured to receive a first signal from the potentiometer indicating a detected position of the pedal input; wherein the central controller is configured to translate the received first signal into a control signal;
a transceiver, wherein the transceiver is configured to transmit the control signal to a remotely controlled UAV;
an antenna, wherein the antenna is configured to direct the control signal from the transceiver to the UAV;
an indicator light, wherein the indicator light comprises at least a first light which is configured to indicate a first state of the apparatus; wherein the first state is selected from a group of states comprising: system power ON/OFF, status of data exchange with the UAV; and a detected power level in the apparatus; and
a speaker; wherein the speaker is configured to provide audio feedback regarding operation of the apparatus.