Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that includes: a chassis; a plurality of arms that extend outwardly from the chassis; a plurality of propeller assemblies that are supported by the plurality of arms; a canopy that is connected to the chassis so as to provide an outer cover for the UAV that is configured to protect internal components thereof; a frame that is supported by the canopy such that the frame is isolated from the chassis; and a plurality of image capture assemblies that are supported by the frame such that the frame separates the plurality of image capture assemblies from the chassis and the canopy so as to inhibit relative movement between the plurality of image capture assemblies during operation of the UAV.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that includes: a chassis; a plurality of arms that extend outwardly from the chassis; a plurality of propeller assemblies that are supported by the plurality of arms; a canopy that is connected to the chassis so as to provide an outer cover for the UAV that is configured to protect internal components thereof; a frame that is supported by the canopy such that the frame is isolated from the chassis; and a plurality of image capture assemblies that are supported by the frame such that the frame separates the plurality of image capture assemblies from the chassis and the canopy so as to inhibit relative movement between the plurality of image capture assemblies during operation of the UAV.

Abstract: The automated pre-flight inspection of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) uses a UAV and a dock. The UAV includes one or more cameras, one or more sub-systems, and a frame. The dock includes one or more processors, one or more memories, and one or more sensors configured for use with an automated pre-flight inspection of the UAV while the UAV is located at the dock. The one or more processors are configured to execute instructions stored in the one or more memories to perform the automated pre-flight inspection using the one or more sensors to produce output representing operational states of the one or more cameras, the one or more sub-systems, and one or more portions of the frame. The output is transmitted for display at a user device associated with the UAV.

Abstract: A base station for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is disclosed that includes: an enclosure; a slide mechanism; and a cradle. The slide mechanism is repositionable between a retracted and extended positions and is secured in relation to the enclosure via first and second mounts, which are located between the slide mechanism and the enclosure so as to separate the slide mechanism from the enclosure and thereby reduce vibration of the slide mechanism during repositioning between the retracted and extended positions. The cradle is connected to the slide mechanism and is configured for docking with the UAV such that the UAV is movable into and out of the enclosure during repositioning of the slide mechanism between the retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: A base station for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is disclosed that includes: an enclosure; a slide mechanism; and a cradle. The slide mechanism is repositionable between a retracted and extended positions and is secured in relation to the enclosure via first and second mounts, which are located between the slide mechanism and the enclosure so as to separate the slide mechanism from the enclosure and thereby reduce vibration of the slide mechanism during repositioning between the retracted and extended positions. The cradle is connected to the slide mechanism and is configured for docking with the UAV such that the UAV is movable into and out of the enclosure during repositioning of the slide mechanism between the retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: A base station for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is disclosed that includes: an enclosure defining an internal cavity that is configured to receive the UAV; a door that is movably connected to the enclosure; actuators that extend between the door and the enclosure to facilitate opening and closure of the door; a cradle that is configured to receive the UAV and which is movable in relation to the enclosure such that the cradle is repositionable between a retracted position and an extended position to facilitate movement of the UAV into and out of the enclosure; and engagement members that are secured to the actuators and which are configured for contact with propeller assemblies on the UAV to facilitate folding of the propeller assemblies during movement of the UAV into the enclosure.

Abstract: A base station is disclosed for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The base station includes: a metallic enclosure; a first electronics module; a second electronics module; and a third electronics module, wherein the first electronics module, the second electronics module, and the third electronics module are each configured for individual removal from the metallic enclosure. The metallic enclosure is configured to receive the UAV and includes a front end having a front door and a rear end having a rear door. The rear door is located adjacent to the first electronics module and includes a metallic panel that is positioned in correspondence with the first electronics module so as to create a Faraday cage for the first electronics module and thereby reduce electromagnetic emissions from the base station.

Abstract: The technology described herein relates to autonomous aerial vehicle technology and, more specifically, to autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle with folding collapsible arms. In some embodiments, a UAV including a central body, a plurality of rotor arms, and a plurality of hinge mechanisms is disclosed. The plurality of rotor arms each include a rotor unit at a distal end of the rotor arm. The rotor units are configured to provide propulsion for the UAV. The plurality of hinge mechanisms mechanically attach (or couple) proximal ends of the plurality of rotor arms to the central body. Each hinge mechanism is configured to rotate a respective rotor arm of the plurality of rotor arms about an axis of rotation that is at an oblique angle relative to a vertical median plane of the central body to transition between an extended state and a folded state.