US 12,384,539 B2
Payload retrieval apparatus with internal unlocking feature and security features for use with a UAV
Elizabeth Marshman, San Francisco, CA (US); Jasper Lee Lewin, Santa Cruz, CA (US); and Ivan Qiu, Redwood City, CA (US)
Assigned to Wing Aviation LLC, Palo Alto, CA (US)
Filed by Wing Aviation LLC, Palo Alto, CA (US)
Filed on Dec. 29, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/400,653.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/477,869, filed on Dec. 30, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2024/0217658 A1, Jul. 4, 2024
Int. Cl. B64D 1/22 (2006.01); B64U 10/60 (2023.01); B64U 101/66 (2023.01)
CPC B64D 1/22 (2013.01) [B64U 10/60 (2023.01); B64U 2101/66 (2023.01); B64U 2201/10 (2023.01)] 26 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A payload retrieval apparatus comprising:
a base;
an autoloader assembly mounted to the base including:
a payload holder configured to hold a payload for retrieval by an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV),
a channel coupled to the payload holder and configured to direct a payload retriever suspended from the UAV to the payload holder, the channel having a tether slot adapted for receiving a tether having a first end attached to the UAV and a second end attached to the payload retriever, wherein the channel is adapted to receive the payload retriever, and the tether slot of the channel allows for passage of the tether during movement of the payload retriever through the channel; and
a locking feature configured to lock access to the payload on the payload holder, the locking feature including a locking member that has a movable end, wherein the locking member has a first position in which the movable end extends through a wall of the channel into an interior of the channel for engagement by the payload retriever as it moves through the channel, wherein when the payload retriever contacts the movable end of the locking member, the movable end moves outwardly thereby moving the locking member to a second position and unlocking the payload on the payload holder;
wherein the payload holder is positioned such that when the payload retriever exits the channel, the payload retriever engages a handle of the payload and removes the payload from the payload holder.