Method, system and components providing a secure internet connected aerial network for continuous drone operation and surveillance

Inventors: Roger Pecina (Austin, TX); Daniel Donaldson (Austin, TX); Markos Salisbury (Austin, TX); Henry Cappel (Austin, TX); Nicolas Brissonneau (Austin, TX); Robert Ersek (Austin, TX); Mostafa Fath El-Den (Austin, TX)

Assignee: EVE VEHICLES CORPORATION

G08G5/56 B64U10/14 B64U10/20 B64U20/40 B64U30/29 B64U60/50 B64U70/90 H04B7/18502 B64U2101/64 B64U2201/10 B64U2201/20

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Quick Facts

Patent No.: US 12682772
App. No.: 18/354,099
Granted: Jul 14, 2026
Kind: B2

External Links

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Abstract

Systems and methods designed to facilitate a robust and secure aerial network that supports surveillance and delivery operations of electric battery-powered drones. These operations can be conducted in both autonomous and operator-controlled modes. The integrated system utilizes individual drones and base stations, each functioning as nodes within the aerial network and maintaining continuous internet connectivity. The base stations are equipped to serve as recharge and battery swap points for the drones. Furthermore, the network interfaces with a proprietary, secure internet-based application and servers, which enable the coordination and collaboration of drones, autonomous recharging, and comprehensive data collection. This advanced technology has global operability, extending its reach beyond terrestrial boundaries to other celestial bodies, as long as an internet connection is available.

Claims (34)

1 . An uncrewed aerial vehicle comprising:

an elongate body having

(i) a first portion that comprises (a) a first section that comprises a modular payload and (b) a second section to which the first section is removably attachable, and

(ii) a second portion that is fixedly coupled to the second section of the first portion and that comprises a tail along a distal end,

wherein the first and second portions are separated by a latitudinal plane that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the elongate body,

wherein a length of the elongate body along the longitudinal axis is greater than a width of the elongate body along the latitudinal plane, and

wherein the tail is adapted for use by a base station with a conical opening, the tail being shaped in order to utilize gravity and geometry to achieve a centered landing with respect to the base station and connection between an electrical contact located in the tail and another electrical contact of the base station;

one or more rotors positioned along the latitudinal plane; and

landing gear that when extended, extends past the distal end of the second portion of the elongate body, such that the uncrewed aerial vehicle is able to land on a landing surface other than the base station with the first portion pointing substantially upwards and the second portion pointing substantially downwards.

2 . The uncrewed aerial vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the one or more rotors comprise two or more rotors that are circumferentially spaced apart from one another about an exterior of the elongate body.

3 . The uncrewed aerial vehicle of claim 2 , wherein each of the two or more rotors is mounted to a distal end of one or more arms extending outwards from the elongate body.

4 . The uncrewed aerial vehicle of claim 3 , wherein a first end of the landing gear is configured to contact the landing surface, and wherein a second end of the landing gear is rotatably coupled to the uncrewed aerial vehicle via a rotatable coupling and is configured to selectably rotate about the rotatable coupling such that the landing gear is situated against or within the one or more arms when in a retracted position.

5 . The uncrewed aerial vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the one or more rotors comprises a single rotor having a plurality of rotor blades extending outwards beyond the elongate body and a rotation axis substantially coincident with the longitudinal axis of the elongate body.

6 . The uncrewed aerial vehicle of claim 1 , wherein an entirety of the first portion is removably attachable to the second portion.

7 . The uncrewed aerial vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the modular payload comprises an optical device.

8 . The uncrewed aerial vehicle of claim 7 , wherein the optical device is positioned at an upper end of the uncrewed aerial vehicle when the uncrewed aerial vehicle is resting on the landing surface.

9 . The uncrewed aerial vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the modular payload comprises a container having a hollow interior for receiving a delivery item.

10 . An uncrewed aerial vehicle comprising:

an elongate body having

(i) a first portion that comprises a modular payload, and

(ii) a second portion that comprises a tail along a distal end,

wherein the first and second portions are separated by a latitudinal plane that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the elongate body,

wherein a length of the elongate body along the longitudinal axis is greater than a width of the elongate body along the latitudinal plane,

wherein the tail is adapted for use by a base station, the tail being shaped in order to utilize gravity and geometry to achieve a centered landing with respect to the base station and connection between an electrical contact located in the tail and another electrical contact of the base station;

two or more rotors that are positioned along the latitudinal plane and that are circumferentially spaced apart from one another about an exterior of the elongate body,

wherein each of the two or more rotors is mounted to a distal end of one or more arms extending outwards from the elongate body; and

wherein a first end of the landing gear is configured to contact the landing surface, and

wherein a second end of the landing gear is rotatably coupled to the uncrewed aerial vehicle via a rotatable coupling and is configured to selectably rotate about the rotatable coupling such that the landing gear is situated against or within the one or more arms when in a retracted position.

11 . The uncrewed aerial vehicle of claim 10 , wherein an entirety of the first portion is removably attachable to the second portion.

12 . The uncrewed aerial vehicle of claim 10 , wherein the first portion of the elongate body comprises a first section fixedly coupled to the second portion of the elongate body, and a second section defined by the modular payload, the second section being configured to removably attach to the first section.

13 . The uncrewed aerial vehicle of claim 12 , wherein the modular payload comprises an optical device.

14 . The uncrewed aerial vehicle of claim 13 , wherein the optical device is positioned at an upper end of the uncrewed aerial vehicle when the uncrewed aerial vehicle is resting on the landing surface.

15 . The uncrewed aerial vehicle of claim 12 , wherein the modular payload comprises a container having a hollow interior for receiving a delivery item.