GB2553604A

GB2553604A - A drone and drone recharging and storage station

Info

Publication number: GB2553604A
Application number: GB1702263.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Al Lami Haider
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-09-13
Filing date: 2017-02-10
Publication date: 2018-03-14
Anticipated expiration: 2037-02-10
Also published as: GB201905611D0; GB2553604B; GB201615566D0; GB201702263D0

Abstract

A drone 601 having stabilising means to dampen pitch and roll when the drone is in flight, comprising at least one gyroscope 604. Preferably there are two stabilising gyroscopes located substantially centrally within the frame. There are a number of lift rotors 602 on the drone body 603, providing vertical lift. The drone may also have sideways facing air displacement means, preferably in the form of a plurality of drift rotors 605, and may have adjustable flaps. Preferably the air displacement means comprise four rotors aligned such that two of the rotors are substantially parallel and substantially perpendicular to the other two rotors. The drone preferably has an inductive charging means configured to connect inductively with a remote charging station when the drone is proximate to the charging station, in order to charge a battery on the drone. Preferably the drone has one or more cameras mounted on the shell configured to record or stream video footage. There are independent claims for a drone with inductive charging means, for a drone and storage station with inductive charging means and weather protection means, and for a carrier case for a drone.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: A drone and drone recharging and storage station Abstract Title: Drone with stabilising means (57) A drone 601 having stabilising means to dampen pitch and roll when the drone is in flight, comprising at least one gyroscope 604. Preferably there are two stabilising gyroscopes located substantially centrally within the frame. There are a number of lift rotors 602 on the drone body 603, providing vertical lift. The drone may also have sideways facing air displacement means, preferably in the form of a plurality of drift rotors 605, and may have adjustable flaps. Preferably the air displacement means comprise four rotors aligned such that two of the rotors are substantially parallel and substantially perpendicular to the other two rotors. The drone preferably has an inductive charging means configured to connect inductively with a remote charging station when the drone is proximate to the charging station, in order to charge a battery on the drone. Preferably the drone has one or more cameras mounted on the shell configured to record or stream video footage. There are independent claims for a drone with inductive charging means, for a drone and storage station with inductive charging means and weather protection means, and for a carrier case for a drone.

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Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No. GB 1702263.3

RTM

Date :9 June 2017

The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document:

Bluetooth

Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo

A DRONE AND DRONE RECHARGING AND STORAGE STATION

FIELD

The present invention relates to a drone and drone recharging and storage station. The present invention also relates to a drone. The present invention also relates to a drone storage and recharging station. The present invention also relates to a drone carrier case.

BACKGROUND

Drones and similar remotely-operated devices are becoming increasingly popular in domestic or non-military settings. The cost of purchasing and operating these types of devices has fallen in recent years, and their reliability and functionality has increased. Drones are used both by private operators as a leisure activity, and by organisations or businesses as tools. For example filmmakers, architects, builders, and similar will use drones to provide photographs or video footage. Due to their small size, drones can provide images from angles and areas that would otherwise be difficult to access if using a camera mounted on a crane, helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft. However, time-in-flight tends to be limited, as continuous operation tends to drain on-board batteries relatively quickly, and the radius of operation is therefore limited to within a reasonable distance of a home base or charging station. Deployment of these types of device is also limited by the location of a charging station or a home base (which can be either a static or mobile vehicle). However, even if the home base is located in a vehicle, it can still take considerable time to drive to a suitable location, and the vehicle will probably not be able to remain in position indefinitely. When using a drone as a camera platform or surveillance platform, it is important that the drone is kept stable enough to provide a reasonable picture via the on-board camera. It can be difficult to stabilise drones effectively enough for these to be used as camera platforms, especially in adverse weather conditions. Generally stabilisation relies on the use of differential power to the lifting elements or rotors, which can be slow to react to gusts of wind, downdraughts or similar de-stabilising conditions. Furthermore, transporting a drone from one place to another can affect the amount of battery life. Although drones can be operated away from charging sources, sometimes the length of operation or carrying out multiple sequential operations without charging in between flights is enough to discharge the battery partially or fully. High-specification drones are extremely expensive, and can come with extra peripherals which can also be expensive and valuable, and therefore their security can also be a prime issue.

In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to provide a drone recharging and storage station which goes some way to overcoming the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public or industry with a useful choice.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a drone which goes some way to overcoming the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public or industry with a useful choice.

It is a yet still further object of the present invention to provide a drone carrier case which goes some way to overcoming the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public or industry with a useful choice.

The term “comprising” as used in this specification and indicative independent claims means “consisting at least in part of”. When interpreting each statement in this specification and indicative independent claims that includes the term “comprising”, features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as “comprise” and “comprises” are to be interpreted in the same manner.

As used herein the term “and/or” means “and” or “or”, or both.

As used herein “(s)” following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

Accordingly, in an aspect the present invention may broadly be said to consist in

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Further aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings which show an embodiment of the device by way of example, and in which:

Figures 1a, 1b, and 1c show perspective, side and front views respectively of a drone recharging and storage station according to a first embodiment of the invention, the station generally having the form of an inverted L-shaped duct, with a horizontally aligned opening at the free end of the horizontal portion, the duct configured to receive a drone, the duct having an inductive charger located at the bottom of the vertical portion, the charger configured so that the battery of a drone located on he charger within the duct will be charged, the duct rotatable around a substantially vertical axis to align the duct in a manner that provides optimal shelter to a drone located in the duct, a wind turbine and solar panel connected to the duct to provide power to the inductive charger.

Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c show a drone recharging and storage station according to a second embodiment of the invention, the station of the second embodiment similar to the first embodiment, but with the opening formed on the underside of the horizontally aligned portion of the duct, at the end of a short vertical passage that extends downwards from the free end of the horizontal portion.

Figures 3a and 3b show perspective side views from above and to the rear of a drone recharging and storage station according to a third embodiment of the invention, the station of this embodiment having a hemispherical cover formed from two halves that rotate open and closed to the front and rear of the drone platform, the cover shown closed in figure 3a and open in figure 3b to show detail of the internal platform.

Figures 3c and 3d show a perspective view from above and a side view respectively of multiple ones of the third embodiment of drone recharging and storage station clustered or grouped together on a single mounting, the station shown open in figure 3c and closed in figure 3d.

Figures 4a and 4b show side and top views respectively of a charging station according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, the charging station having an internal platform, and two shell portions that form a cover, each shell portion having the outer form of a quarter-sphere, one shell portion larger than the other and sized and configured to rotate slightly over the top of the smaller portion to slightly overlap with the smaller portion when the cover is closed.

Figures 4c and 4d show perspective side views from above and towards one end of the charging station of figures 4a and 4b, figure 4c showing the cover in the closed position and figure 4d showing the cover open so that detail of the internal platform can be seen.

Figure 5a shows an underside view of a fifth embodiment of the charging station of the present invention, showing detail of a base formed from two halves that hinge open downwards and away from a hemispherical cover.

Figures 5b, and 5c show side and perspective side views of the fifth embodiment of the charging station of the present invention, the charging station formed as a roughly hemispherical cover with a base formed from two halves that hinge open downwards and away from the hemispherical cover, to allow a drone to access the interior of the station or to leave the station, the base shown closed in figures 5a and 5b, and open in figure 5c, the cover configured to hang via its apex from a pole similar to a light pole or lamp post.

Figure 5d shows multiple one of the charging station of figures 5a, 5b, and 5c connected to and hanging from a single pole, the charging stations shown in the open position.

Figures 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d show perspective, front, side and top/plan views of a drone according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the drone having a main body frame to which lift rotors are mounted to provide lift, and sideways-facing rotors to prevent drift, a pair of gyroscopes mounted internally to stabilise the drone, and multiple cameras mounted to the frame to provide streaming footage to a control station.

Figures 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d show perspective, front, side and top/plan views of a drone according to a second embodiment of the present invention, the drone having a main body frame to which lift rotors are mounted to provide lift, and sidewaysfacing rotors to prevent drift, a pair of gyroscopes mounted internally to stabilise the drone, and multiple cameras mounted to the frame to provide streaming footage to a control station.

Figures 8a, 8b, 8c, and 8d show perspective, front, side and top/plan views of a drone according to a third embodiment of the present invention, the drone having a main body frame to which lift rotors are mounted to provide lift, and sideways-facing rotors to prevent drift, a pair of gyroscopes mounted internally to stabilise the drone, and multiple cameras mounted to the frame to provide streaming footage to a control station.

Figures 9a, 9b, and 9c show perspective views and a top/plan view of a drone carrier case according to an embodiment of the present invention, the case shown closed in figures 9a and 9c and open in figure 9b.

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the drone, drone recharging and storage station, and drone carry case of the present invention will now be described with reference to the figures.

Drone Recharging And Storage Station

A first embodiment of a drone recharging and storage station is shown in figure 1.

The station 1 comprises a generally inverted L-shaped tube or duct 2, with a vertical portion and a horizontal portion that extends outwards from the top of the vertical portion. An opening 3 is located at the free or outer end of the horizontal portion. The opening is secured by a use of a gate. The gate is operated to open and close using stepper motors. This allows a drone to fly into the duct 2, along the horizontal portion and down the vertical portion to a landing tray 5 at the bottom of the vertical portion. An inductive charger 6 is located underneath the tray 5, and is configured so as to charge a battery on a drone proximate to the inductive charger 6 in a similar manner to wireless mobile phone chargers or electric toothbrush chargers.

The duct 2 is mounted on a rotating plate or base, at the outer or lower end of the vertically aligned portion of the 'L' shape. This allows the duct 2 to rotate around a vertically aligned axis. Rotation is enabled via a ball-bearing ring 4 or similar mechanism between the bottom of the vertically aligned portion of the 'L' shape, and a fixed surface.

A wind turbine 7 is connected to and extends from the side of the duct 2. The wind turbine 7 provides power to the inductive charger 6. The wind turbine 7 is connected to the duct 2 in such a way that it enables rotation of the duct 2 so that the opening 3 always faces away from the direction which the wind is blowing from.

A solar panel 8 is mounted to the roof or upper surface of the duct 2. This also provides power to the inductive charger 6. In this embodiment, the solar panel 8 is mounted to the upper surface. However, in both the first embodiment and this embodiment, the duct could be formed at least partly from a solar panel or panels.

A sensor is mounted at or close to the opening of the duct. The sensor is configured to detect if a foreign body enters the duct. This could be for example an animal such as a bird or similar. A loudspeaker is fitted within the duct and an unpleasant noise will sound within the duct (for example an ultrasound whistle or similar) to drive out any animal that enters the duct.

A variation of the duct is shown in figure 2 as duct 202. Equivalent numbering is used to indicate the same or similar features in each embodiment, for example 1, 201 indicates the station in each of figures 1 and 2 respectively, and 7, 107 indicates the wind turbine in each of the two embodiments of figures 1 and 2. In the variation shown in figure 2 a short tube extends substantially vertically downwards from the free end of the horizontal portion of the L-shape of the duct 202, with the opening 203 formed in the lower/outer end of this short tube. Alternatively, the opening 203 could be formed directly in the underside.

A third embodiment of charging station is shown in figure 3. Again, equivalent numbering is used for equivalent features, as for figures 1 and 2 and the associated description (e.g. 1, 201, 301. 2, 202, 302, etc). In the embodiment shown in figure 3, the drone recharging and storage station has a hemispherical cover formed from two quarter-halves 309a, 309b that rotate open and closed (apart and together) to the front and rear of the drone platform. The cover is shown closed in figure 3a and open in figure 3b, to show detail of the internal platform. As shown in figures 3c and 3d, multiple ones of the third embodiment of drone recharging and storage station can be clustered or grouped together on a single mounting, for example 5 stations on a single pole.

A fourth embodiment of charging station is shown in figure 4. Again, equivalent numbering is used for equivalent features, as for the previous figures and description (e.g. 1, 201, 301, 401. 2, 202, 302. 402, etc). Figures 4a and 4b show side and top views respectively of the fourth embodiment of the charging station, the charging station having an internal platform, and two shell portions 409a, 409b that form a cover. Each shell portion has the outer form of a quarter-sphere. The front shell portion 409a is slightly larger than the rear cover 409b, and is sized and configured to rotate slightly over the top of the smaller cover 409b to slightly overlap with the smaller portion 409b when the cover 409 is closed. As shown in figure 4d, the two halves 409a, 409b rotate away from one another to open the charging station to allow the drone to enter or leave, and access the landing tray 405.

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A fifth embodiment of the charging station of the present invention is shown in figure 5. In this embodiment, the charging station is formed as a roughly hemispherical solid one-piece top cover 510, with the open bottom of the top cover 510 closed by a base formed from two gate halves 511a, 511b that hinge open downwards and away from the hemispherical cover 510, to allow a drone to access the interior of the station or to leave the station, the base shown closed in figures 5a and 5b, and open in figure 5c. The cover is in use connected to and hangs from a pole, similar to a light pole or lamp post. The gate halves are opened and closed using at least one stepper motors or hydraulic actuators. In variations, a single gate could be used, or bifolding gates or sliding or rolling gates.

A magnet is located within the dome, to keep the drone attached within the dome. Alternatively, a robot grabber or robot hand can be used. A transmitter winding for inductive charging is also located inside the dome. A light sensor or similar is installed on or in the dome to sense to position of a drone relative to the dome as the drone enters and exists, the sensor used to ensure the drone is clear of the gate or gates before closing. Alternatively, the gate can be controlled by sensing when the drone has latched onto the internal magnet.

A single station is shown in figures 5a - 5c. However, multiple stations could be mounted on a single pole as shown in figure 5d.

Drones

Three different configurations of drone according to embodiments of the present invention are shown in figures 6 to 8. The drones of each embodiment have certain features in common with the others. Equivalent numbering is used to indicate the same or similar features in each embodiment, for example 601, 701, 801 indicate the drones shown in each of figures 6, 7, and 8 respectively, and 602, 702, 802, etc. indicates the lift rotors for each of the drones of these figures. For the sake of simplicity, the features on figure 6 only (601, 602, 603, etc.) will be described in detail.

A drone 601 is shown in figure 6. The drone 601 has a number of lift rotors 602 located on a structural or body frame 603, the lift rotors 602 aligned to provide vertical lift to the drone 601. A pair of gyroscopes 604 are located substantially centrally within the frame 603. The gyroscopes 604 are configured to dampen pitch and/or roll when the drone is in flight, and stabilise the drone in roll and pitch.

A number of drift rotors 605 are mounted on the body frame 603. The rotors 605 are generally aligned horizontally, and are configured to counter sideways drift caused by ambient wind conditions. In these embodiments, the drift rotors 605 comprise four rotors 605a, 605b, 605c, 605d, spaced and aligned such that the axis of operation of two of the rotors is substantially parallel, and substantially perpendicular to the operation of the other two rotors. That is, two rotors in parallel on two opposed sides, and two rotors on opposite sides but aligned perpendicular to the first two rotors. When the drone 601 is viewed in plan view with one of the drift rotors 605a at the twelve o'clock position, the other three rotors 605b, 605c, 605d will be spaced at the three o'clock, six o'clock, and nine o'clock positions respectively.

The lift rotors 602 are generally aligned so as to provide vertical lift. That is, having a vertically oriented axis of rotation. However, the lift rotors 602 can also be rotated around the horizontal axis in order to provide fine adjustment. Similarly, the drift rotors are aligned so as to rotate around a generally horizontally aligned axis, but can be rotated around the vertical axis for fine adjustment.

A number of cameras 606 are mounted on the body frame. In the embodiment of figure 6, these comprise a forward camera 606a, a rear camera 606b, and a downwards-facing camera 606c. The cameras are configured to stream video footage.

Each of the drones of these embodiments further comprise an inductive charger and associated battery pack within the body frame (not shown). When the drone is located on the charging tray (e.g. tray 5 or 105), the inductive chargers (e.g. chargers 6, 106) charge the drone batteries.

In these embodiments, the drone body/shell is formed from fibre textile SFO302 coated with a metallic thermoplastic resin based composite which includes a circular winding of dielectric wires. The combination of fibre and resin provides a heat protection shield for the drone, and along with a fire retardant textile material ensures a smooth finish to the shell and increases the heat protection of the drone.

In the preferred embodiments, the metallic resin composition consists of a thermoplastic resin or thermosetting resin filled with 10 to 95% by weight of metal powder having a particle size of 1 to 500μ. The metal powder is selected from the dilectric metal group or semi inductive metal groups or rare earth cobolt. The thermosetting resin is selected from the group consisting of phenolic resins, epoxy resins, urea resins, melamine resins and urethane resins, or a thermoplastic resin selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, ionomers, polybutene and polyamide resins. Alternatively, the thermoplastic resin can be selected from the group consisting of olefinic resins, polyamide resins, polycarbonate resins, modified PPO, polyacetals, PBT, polyacrylate resins, PPS, PS and PES.

The resin based composite material contains a winding of dialectic wire embedded in the metallic resin mixture.

If required, the main body and the rotors can be painted with fire resistant paint, and a heat insulation and fire resistant material installed in the walls of drone in order to provide heat and fire protection.

The drone has a solar cell skin that partly or wholly covers the exterior of the drone body, to supply additional power.

In the drone embodiments above, the rotors provide lift and drift adjustment via the displacement of air over a spinning rotor. The rotors are powered by electric motors. In the preferred embodiments, a brushless motor is embedded inside each propeller hub. The motor’s stator is fixed on the hub wall. This motor acts as a redundant system in case of main motor failure. The emergency motor is powered by a hub solar cell cover which is fixed statically on top of the hub. A battery is included in within the system which is linked to the solar cell cover. The solar cell continuously charges the battery.

The drone rotors comprise a variable pitch control system, the variable pitch achieved by swash plates and actuators that allow the pitch angle of the blades to vary during rotation. The angle of all the blades are altered simultaneously, using a push-rod and mechanical pitch actuator.

Other forms of propulsive power could also be used, such as for example rockets or any other suitable type of propulsion.

The drones of the preferred embodiments have at least one and preferably multiple anti-tamper sensors located in different locations in/on the drone. The sensors are configured to sense tampering with the drone - that the drone has been disassembled or that the drone body has been opened. Together with an integral control system these form a security system. If tampering is sensed, the drone then transmits an alarm signal to the remote control station, which can include specific location data. The security system can be controlled from a remote control station.

Drone Communication

In all of the embodiments of drone station and drone described above, a cell phone transceiver module is included, that allows communication between the drones and base stations, and other connected items or areas such as a control centre/ground station or control hub. This allows the transmission and receiving of data to and from the drone, the charging station, a control centre or hub, and a carrier case (described in detail below). A Wi-Fi communication module is also included in the drone system. In the preferred embodiment, a Bluetooth module is also included for redundancy purposes, in case the Wi-Fi module malfunctions. The transmission protocol used for the process of transmitting data is based on UDP or TCP or SDTP (Sequential Datagram & Transmission Protocol). The SDTP is a combination of UDP & TCP protocols, used sequentially - that is, a first packet of data is sent using UDP standards, and the following packet is sent using TCP standards. The sequence of transmission is either 1:1 (one UDP packet followed by one TCP packet) or 1:2 (one UDP packet then followed by two TCP packets, or 2:1 (two UDP packets then followed by one TCP packet), or 2:2, or any sequential combination.

Drone Carrier Case

A secured drone charging carrier case 50 can be used with the embodiments of drone described above, as shown in figures 9a to 9c. The case 50 is intended to allow storage and transport of a drone and ancillary items such as a controller and a charger. The case 50 protects the contents and assists with preventing malicious or accidental damage or theft.

In the embodiment shown, the carrier case 50 has a generally cuboid overall form, with a lid part connected to a base part via a hinge or hinges along one of the long sides to allow the carrier case to be opened and closed, and to allow access to the interior. The carrier case 50 is sized so that a drone according to the invention (e.g. any of the embodiments described above) can be placed and enclosed within the case in use. An inductive charger or charging tray is mounted within the case, so that the battery of a drone within the case can be charged inductively. The case 50 also includes a battery charger slot 51, that allows a battery to be removed from a drone and charged separately from the drone. This can be via a hardwired link rather than inductive charging. The case 50 in this embodiment also includes a slot 52 and cables to allow a laptop or mobile phone/tablet to be charged. The case 50 includes padding and other slots and pockets as required, and has an integral battery, CPU, cabling and connectors as necessary. A GPS tracker is also mounted inside the case. This allows the location of the case to be monitored and tracked.

The integral battery is used to provide power to the CPU, the GPS tracker, the charging plate, etc. The battery itself can be charged by plugging this into a mains power supply via a cable and plug integral with the case.

The case is lockable via an electronically operated locking mechanism. The lock can either be manual, or the lock can be operated by a finger print sensor, a programmable magnetic swipe card, or similar. A manual or electronic keypad lock could also be used. The lock could also be remotely operated if required (e.g. via a separate remote control or via the control station/control hub). The security locking mechanism has a backup system which allows for manual or mechanical locking and unlocking. The electronic and mechanical locking mechanism protects the drone charging carrier case system from being broken into, and helps to ensure that unauthorised personnel are not able to access the interior of the case. The security system will also transmit location data.

The carrier case includes an electronic display monitor 53 that is configured to display information of the state of the drone and the carrier case.

The case also includes solar panels 54 that are used to provide power to the internal battery, that allow power to be provided to the lock, the CPU and any other components as necessary, to augment or replace the power provided by the internal battery.

The case 50 can be fitted with a motion detector system, configured to detect the movement of a user's hands. This is achieved using a camera mounted in the lid, so that a user sitting in front of the lid will be in front of the camera when the lid is open, and an infra-red LED and laser. The combination of the camera, infra-red LED and laser provides an input to the control system/CPU in the carrier case, which converts the sensed movements into command/control signals that are transmitted to the drone, using RF or Bluetooth or similar.

A transmission/receiver module is also included in the case, connected to the control system/CPU in the case. The transmission/receiver module is configured to use cell phone communication, or Wi-Fi networks, or Bluetooth, or a combination of these. The case includes an integral antenna. The transmission protocol used for the process is based on UDP or TCP or SDTP (Sequential Datagram & Transmission Protocol). The SDTP is a combination of UDP & TCP protocol is achieved sequentially, that is one packet of data is sent using UDP standards, and the following packet is sent using TCP standards. The sequence of transmission is either 1:1 (1 UDP and followed by 1 TCP) or (1:2) that is 1 UDP then followed by 2 TCP, or 2:1 that is 2 UDP then followed by 1 TCP or 2:2 or any sequential combination.

The case includes an integral antenna, configured for use as a long range antenna module, in order to provide an extended reach. The long range antenna can be automatically rotated to face the drone at all time. The rotation is based on a feedback system which monitors the position of the charging station and directs the antenna to face the charging station at all time. This is achieved through GPS pinpoint location relative to the location of the carrier case. A camera is also mounted on the case, which automatically tracks the drone in order to monitor and feed back data about the drone attitude and state.A drone recharging and storage station or stations can be located where required, for example located on lamp posts or rooftops around an urban area. These could belong to a government agency such as a police service or a fire service. When a central control station receives a call, they can remotely activate the nearest drone or more than one local drone, in order to remotely assess the situation and provide intelligence to other units or personnel on their way to the area. As the recharging and storage stations shelter the drones from ambient weather conditions, and keep the drone charged, these effectively allow the drones to be stored remotely at convenient locations until such time as they are required.

Claims

1. A drone, comprising at least one stabilising means configured to dampen pitch and/or roll when the drone is in flight.

2. A drone as claimed in claim 1 wherein the stabilising means comprises at least one gyroscope.

3. A drone as claimed in claim 2 wherein the at least one gyroscope comprises a pair of gyroscopes configured to stabilise the drone in roll and pitch.

4. A drone as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 further comprising sidewaysfacing air displacement means configured to counter drift from ambient wind conditions.

5. A drone as claimed in claim 4 wherein the sideways-facing air displacement means comprises at least one rotor.

6. A drone as claimed in claim 5 wherein the at least one rotor comprises four rotors, spaced and aligned such that the axis of operation of two of the rotors is substantially parallel, and substantially perpendicular to the operation of the other two rotors.

7. A drone as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6 further comprising at least one flap associated with the air displacement means and configured such that in use, at least part of the air flow displaced by the air displacement means flows over the flap, the flap adjustable around an axis aligned substantially horizontally in use.

8. A drone as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 further comprising at least one camera configured to stream video footage.

9. A drone as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 further comprising multiple cameras configured to record and/or stream video footage, the cameras aligned to face in different directions.

10. A drone as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the drone further comprises an inductive charging means configured to connect inductively with a remote charging station when the drone is proximate to the charging station.

11. A drone as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the drone body/shell is formed from a combination of fibre coated with a metallic thermoplastic resin based composite.

12. A drone as claimed in claim 11 wherein the fibre comprises textile SFO302.

13. A drone as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12 wherein In the preferred embodiments, the metallic thermoplastic resin composition comprises a thermoplastic resin or thermosetting resin filled with 10 to 95% by weight of metal powder having a particle size of 1 to 500μ.

14. A drone as claimed in claim 13 wherein the metal powder is selected from the dilectric metal group, or semi inductive metal groups, or rare earth cobalt.

15. A drone as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14 wherein the metallic thermoplastic resin is selected from the group consisting of phenolic resins, epoxy resins, urea resins, melamine resins and urethane resins, or is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, ionomers, polybutene and polyamide resins.

16. A drone as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14 wherein the metallic thermoplastic resin is selected from the group consisting of olefinic resins, polyamide resins, polycarbonate resins, modified PPO, polyacetals, PBT, polyacrylate resins, PPS, PS and PES.

17. A drone as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 16 wherein the composite further comprises a circular winding of dielectric wires.

18. A drone, comprising an inductive charging means configured to connect inductively with a remote charging station when the drone is proximate to the charging station.

19. A drone as claimed in claim 18 wherein the drone further comprises at least one stabilising means configured to dampen pitch and/or roll when the drone is in flight.

20. A drone as claimed in claim 19 wherein the stabilising means comprises at least one gyroscope.

21. A drone as claimed in claim 20 wherein the at least one gyroscope comprises a pair of gyroscopes configured to stabilise the drone in roll and pitch.

22. A drone as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 21 further comprising sideways-facing air displacement means configured to counter drift from ambient wind conditions.

23. A drone as claimed in claim 22 wherein the sideways-facing air displacement means comprises at least one rotor.

24. A drone as claimed in claim 23 wherein the at least one rotor comprises four rotors, spaced and aligned such that the axis of operation of two of the rotors is substantially parallel, and substantially perpendicular to the operation of the other two rotors.

25. A drone as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 24 further comprising at least one flap associated with the air displacement means and configured such that in use, at least part of the air flow displaced by the air displacement means flows over the flap, the flap adjustable around a substantially horizontal axis.

26. A drone as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 25 further comprising at least one camera configured to stream video footage.

27. A drone as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 26 further comprising multiple cameras configured to record and/or stream video footage, the camera aligned to face in different directions.

28. A drone as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 27 wherein the drone body/shell is formed from a combination of fibre coated with a metallic thermoplastic resin based composite.

29. A drone as claimed in claim 28 wherein the fibre comprises textile SFO302.

30. A drone as claimed in claim 28 or claim 29 wherein In the preferred embodiments, the metallic thermoplastic resin composition comprises a thermoplastic resin or thermosetting resin filled with 10 to 95% by weight of metal powder having a particle size of 1 to 500μ.

31. A drone as claimed in claim 30 wherein the metal powder is selected from the dilectric metal group, or semi inductive metal groups, or rare earth cobalt.

32. A drone as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 31 wherein the metallic thermoplastic resin is selected from the group consisting of phenolic resins, epoxy resins, urea resins, melamine resins and urethane resins, or is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, ionomers, polybutene and polyamide resins.

33. A drone as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 32 wherein the metallic thermoplastic resin is selected from the group consisting of olefinic resins, polyamide resins, polycarbonate resins, modified PPO, polyacetals, PBT, polyacrylate resins, PPS, PS and PES.

34. A drone as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 33 wherein the composite further comprises a circular winding of dielectric wires.

35. A drone recharging and storage station, comprising:

an inductive charging means configured to charge a battery on a drone proximate to the inductive charging means;

a protection means configured to provide weather protection to a drone in/on the recharging and storage station.

36. A drone recharging and storage station as claimed in claim 35 wherein the protection means comprises a landing tray and an upstanding wall extending at least partly around the landing tray.

37. A drone recharging and storage station as claimed in claim 35 wherein the protection means comprises a duct, having an opening configured to receive a drone in flight.

38. A drone recharging and storage station as claimed in claim 37 further comprising a sensor and a sound producing means, the sensor configured to detect the presence of a foreign body within or entering the duct and to trigger the sound producing means to produce a deterrent noise.

39. A drone recharging and storage station as claimed in claim 37 further comprising a gate configured to close the opening in use.

40. A drone recharging and storage station as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 37 wherein the protection means can be rotated around a substantially vertical axis to align the protection means in a manner that provides optimal shelter to a drone located in or on the recharging and storage station.

41. A drone recharging and storage station as claimed in claim 40 further comprising a wind turbine connected to the protection means and configured to rotate the protection means to align the protection means in a manner that provides optimal shelter to a drone located in or on the recharging and storage station.

42. A drone recharging and storage station as claimed in claim 41 wherein the wind turbine is further configured to provide power to the inductive charging means.

43. A drone recharging and storage station as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 42 further comprising at least one solar panel configured to provide power to the inductive charging means.

44. A drone recharging and storage station as claimed in claim 43 wherein the at least one solar panel is at least partly configured to provide weather protection to a drone in/on the recharging and storage station.

45. A drone recharging and storage station as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 44 further comprising a connecting means configured to mount the drone recharging and storage station to a pole.

46. A drone recharging and storage station as claimed in claim 35 wherein the protection means comprises a cover formed from at least one shell section, the shell section movable relative to the induction charging means to cover or expose a drone positioned proximate to the induction charging means.

47. A drone recharging and storage station as claimed in claim 46 wherein the at least one shell section comprises two shell sections.

48. A drone recharging and storage station as claimed in claim 47 wherein the two shell sections are substantially equally sized.

49. A drone recharging and storage station as claimed in claim 47 wherein the two shell sections are sized such that one can just rotate over the outer surface of the other.

50. A drone recharging and storage station as claimed in any one of claims 46 to 49 wherein the induction charging means comprises a substantially planar tray or panel on which a drone can rest when not in use, the at least one shell section or section rotating over the planar panel to cover or expose the panel.

51. A drone recharging and storage station as claimed in claim 35 wherein the protection means comprises a domed cover formed from at least one shell section with an open bottom through which a drone can enter and exit the domed cover.

52. A drone recharging and storage station as claimed in claim 51 wherein the inductive charging means comprises a transmitter winding, located substantially at the apex of the dome.

53. A drone recharging and storage station as claimed in claim 51 or claim 52 further comprising a magnet configured to connect with a drone within the cover to hold the drone in position.

54. A drone recharging and storage station as claimed in claim 51 or claim 52 further comprising a robot grabber configured to hold a drone in position within the cover.

55. A drone recharging and storage station as claimed in any one of claims 51 to 54 further comprising at least one door configured to close the open bottom in a closed position.

56. A drone recharging and storage station as claimed in claim 55 wherein the at least one door comprises a pair of gate halves hingedly connected to the domed cover and configured to cover and close the open bottom in a closed position, and to rotate downwards and away from the cover to an open position.

57. A drone and drone recharging and storage station, comprising:

a drone recharging and storage station as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 56;

a drone as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 34.

58. A carrier case for a drone, comprising: an outer rigid shell;

an internal charging tray located within the shell, the shell and case shaped and sized to receive a drone therewithin.

59. A carrier case for a drone as claimed in claim 58 further comprising padding located within the shell and shaped and configured to provided protection for items within the case.

60. A carrier case as claimed in claim 58 or 59 wherein the case further comprises a GPS tracker.

61. A carrier case as claimed in any one of claims 58 to 60 further comprising an integral battery configured to power electrical items within the case.

62. A carrier case as claimed in claim 61 further comprising solar panels mounted on the exterior of the carrier case and configured to provide power to the integral battery.

63. A carrier case as claimed in any one of claims 58 to 62 wherein the carrier case further comprises a locking means.

64. A carrier case as claimed in claim 63 wherein the locking means comprises a manual lock.

65. A carrier case as claimed in claim 63 wherein the locking means comprises a fingerprint sensor.

66. A carrier case as claimed in claim 63 wherein the locking means comprises a lock activated by a magnetic swipe card.

67. A carrier case as claimed in claim 63 wherein the locking means comprises a manual or electric keypad lock.

68. A carrier case as claimed in any one of claims 58 to 67 further comprising a CPU and a display screen, the CPU configured to monitor and control the drone and display the status of the drone and case internals on the display screen.

69. A carrier case as claimed in any one of claims 58 to 67 further comprising a motion detector system configured to monitor movements of a user proximate to the case and to translate these to command/control signals for the drone.

70. A carrier case as claimed in claim 69 wherein the motion detector system comprises one or more of: a camera, an infra-red LED; a laser.

71. A carrier case as claimed in any one of claims 58 to 70 comprising a transmission/receiver module, comprising an integral antenna, the module configured for communication using one or more of Bluetooth; a cell phone network; Wi-Fi.

72. A carrier case as claimed in claim 71 wherein the transmission/receiver module is configured to use a transmission protocol based on UDP or TCP or SDTP.

73. A carrier case as claimed in claim 72 wherein if using SDTP, the protocol is achieved sequentially.

74. A carrier case as claimed in claim 73 wherein the sequence of transmission is either 1:1, 1:2, or 2:2.

75. A drone recharging and storage station substantially as herein described with reference to figure 1.

76. A drone recharging and storage station substantially as herein described with reference to figure 2.

77. A drone recharging and storage station substantially as herein described with reference to figure 3.

78. A drone recharging and storage station substantially as herein described with reference to figure 4.

79. A drone recharging and storage station substantially as herein described with reference to figure 5.

80. A drone substantially as herein described with reference to figure 6.

81. A drone substantially as herein described with reference to figure 7.

82. A drone substantially as herein described with reference to figure 8.

83. A carrier case substantially as herein described with reference to figure 9.

Intellectual

Property

Office

GB 1702263.3

1-17