Patent Description:
<CIT>discloses a UAV storage box. The UAV storage box includes a communication module, a plurality of UAV hangar modules, and a power storage module.

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles being described.

Claim <NUM> relates to a modular housing structure with a landing pad mechanically actuated to extend from an interior of a modular housing section to receive and deploy a UAV and withdraw into the interior. <FIG> illustrate modular housing structures with retractable charging pads. <FIG> illustrate modular housing structures with retractable charging pads according to the scope of the appended claims.

<FIG> illustrate a modular housing structure with navigational aids, which are also depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Other aspects of the disclosure are described with reference to the following Figures, which may be useful for understanding the subject matter defined by claim <NUM> , but which are not part of the scope of the appended claims.

Apparatuses, systems, and methods for automated aircraft housing are described herein. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the apparatuses, systems, and methods. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the techniques described herein can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring certain aspects.

Several examples of housings for unmanned aerial vehicles ("UAVs") are described herein. UAVs may also be called automated aircraft ("AA"), automated remote-controlled aircraft, drones, or automated planes.

The individual examples of housings for the UAVs may provide at least one of charging functions for the UAVs, shelter from weather for the UAVs, and storage of the UAVs when the UAVs are not in use. The housings may be passive or active. The active housings may communicate directly or indirectly with the UAVs and may move component parts of the housing to accommodate the UAVs. In various examples, the housing are modular for easy deployment and storage of a variable number of UAVs.

<FIG> illustrates a housing structure with a telescoping roof. As shown, the telescoping roof is divided into a plurality of segments, and the segments slide along a track to cover the automated aircraft landing and takeoff pads. As shown, the segments of the telescoping roof are shaped to stack when they are retracted. Like other examples depicted and described herein, the landing pads are coupled to a power supply (see, e.g., blocks on power line depicted) to charge the UAVs when the UAVs land on the pads. The charging may be direct (e.g., with linear electrodes shown) or inductive. The roof segments depicted may have wheels that slide along the track to extend the housing over the landing pads. In another example, other structures such as cables or chains may be used to extend the roof segments over the landing pads.

In the depicted example the substantially triangular roof segments may be covered with photovoltaic cells to provide power. The power generated may be stored (e.g., in a battery, capacitor, or the like) and then supplied to the automated aircraft via power supply circuitry to supply the proper voltage/current.

<FIG> illustrates a housing structure with a retractable (roll-up) cover. The roof structure depicted may slide over the landing pads similar to how an automated pool cover extends over the surface of a pool: the cover may slide along tracks and unroll off of a spool. Here, the housing cover may be made from fabric, polymers, or other flexible materials. Alternatively or additionally, the cover could include rigid segments connected by flexible/pivoting segments (e.g., similar to a roll-up truck bed cover). The landing and takeoff pads may be disposed in a receptacle (e.g., a crate or the like) that the cover extends over.

<FIG> illustrates a housing structure with a fold down roof. As shown, the structure includes three segments, where two of the segments fold down to expose takeoff and landing pads. As shown, the approximate length of the structure may be <NUM>, the width of the portion with the takeoff and landing pads may be <NUM>, and the height of the closed housing structure may be <NUM>. It is appreciated that the structure may be opened and closed with a motor. The motor may be coupled to a controller and the controller determines when the housing structure needs to be opened (e.g., when a signal from an UAV indicates that a takeoff or landing is imminent, for example, when the UAV is in close proximity to the structure).

<FIG> illustrate a modular housing structure. As depicted, the modular housing structure 400A of <FIG> includes a plurality of housing segments <NUM>, endcap structures <NUM>, landing pads <NUM>, one or more ingress points <NUM>, and navigational aids 407a-d. The individual housing segments <NUM> are shaped to be mechanically joined together to form an exterior of modular housing structure 400A. In some examples, the housing segments <NUM> may include geometry to click or slide segments <NUM> together. Alternatively or additionally, fasteners (e.g., Velcro, zip-ties, magnets, clips, locks, or the like) may be used to join and secure housing segments <NUM> to one another. As depicted, one or more landing pads <NUM> are positioned within individual housing segments <NUM>, and the landing pad <NUM> is sized for the automated aircraft to land on the landing pad <NUM>.

The landing pads <NUM> may be organized with three landing pads <NUM> evenly spaced on the floor, and two landing pads <NUM> attached to sidewalls elevated above the floor. Restated, the landing pads <NUM> may be organized into multiple levels such that some landing pads <NUM> are vertically above other landing pads <NUM>. Each individual housing segment <NUM> may have the same layout or may have a different layout of the landing pads <NUM>. If the individual housing segments <NUM> have the same layout, the landing pads <NUM> may include a center row of the landing pads <NUM> disposed below an access corridor. The access corridor extends down the interior of the housing structure 400A. The center row of the landing pads <NUM> is not covered by other landing pads <NUM>. The access corridor connects to the ingress point <NUM> and extends past all of the landing pads <NUM>.

The illustrated layout of landing pads <NUM> is only one possible example, and it is anticipated that other layouts and numbers of landing pads <NUM> may be integrated into each housing segment <NUM>.

One or more ingress points <NUM> are shaped to allow passage of the one or more UAVs into the plurality of housing segments <NUM>. For example, the ingress point <NUM> may be a hole in a portion of the housing structure 400A that has a lateral dimension that is larger than the wingspan of the UAVs and a vertical dimension larger than a height of the UAVs. The ingress points <NUM> may be elevated or near the ground. In the example of <FIG>, ingress point <NUM> is integrated into the sidewall of an endcap structure <NUM>. In other examples (as illustrated and discussed in relation to <FIG>), ingress point <NUM> may be integrated into a roofing structure.

The individual housing segments <NUM> may have a frame of metal polls (e.g., steel, aluminum, etc.), plastic polls, or otherwise. The housing segments <NUM> may also include metal (e.g., steel, aluminum, etc.) or thermal plastic slats (or other similar materials) forming the faces of the housing segments <NUM> on the frame. Restated, housing segments <NUM> may have a metal or plastic frame with metal or plastic slats covering the frame. Alternatively the individual housing segments <NUM> may include a metal or plastic frame with a canvass or similar material over the frame. As another alternative, the individual housing segments <NUM> may be formed of metal or thermal plastic slats with connections, such as locking hinges, connecting the slats.

The individual housing segments <NUM> may have a common structural shape that repeats when assembled to form the modular housing structure 400A. A first and last of the housing segments <NUM> may include endcap structures <NUM> shaped to enclose an end of the exterior of the modular housing structure 400A. The endcap structures <NUM> may be made of the same materials as the housing segments <NUM>. The endcap structure <NUM> may include or define ingress point <NUM>.

As illustrated, housing structure 400A includes endcap structures <NUM> shaped to be mechanically joined to the plurality of housing segments <NUM>, and the endcap structures <NUM> enclose the ends of the housing structure 400A when the plurality of housing segments <NUM> are jointed. In the depicted example, the one or more ingress points <NUM> are positioned on the endcap structures <NUM> so the UAVs "fly through" the housing structure 400A to get to their landing pad <NUM>. Although ingress points <NUM> are referred to as "ingress points" it is appreciated that ingress points may also serve as egress points as well.

As illustrated, the housing structure 400A may include several navigational aids 407a-d. The navigational aids 407a-d may include flashing lights, RFID devices, infrared beacons, sound emitting devices, Bluetooth beacons, fiducial markers and the like. Fiducial markers are objects used as optical points of reference and information. The fiducial markers may take the form of a mark or set of marks such as a barcode or quick response ("QR") code.

The navigational aids 407a-d are displayed on or by the housing structure 400A. First navigational aids407a may be positioned proximate to the one or more ingress points <NUM> to guide the UAVs into the plurality of housing segments <NUM> (or interior of the housing structure 400A). Similar navigational aids may be placed around the ingress points <NUM> in the interior of the housing structure 400A to guide the UAVs out of the housing structure 400A. The first navigational aids 407a may be associated with and thus indicate an entry location, directions for entry to the housing structure 400A, or some other navigational information or identification information. Similarly, second navigational aids 407b may be placed on or around the one or more landing pads <NUM> to guide the UAVs onto the one or more landing pads <NUM>. The second navigational aids 407b may indicate a landing pad number, directions for landing on the landing pad <NUM>, or other navigational or identification information. The second navigational aids 407b may be smaller than the first navigational aids 407a.

Also third navigational aids 407c may be placed on an exterior of the housing structure 400A or next to the housing structure 400A. The third navigational aids 407c may indicate an identification of the housing structure 400A, an approach path, entry location, housing layout, or other identification or navigational information. The navigational aids 407a-c also may reference information stored in a network to which the UAVs are connected or stored onboard the UAVs. For example, the third navigational aids 407c may be fiducial markers which include a code for looking up navigational information or layout information of the housing structure 400A. The third navigational aids 407c may be larger, brighter or otherwise detectable by the UAVs from a greater distance than the first navigational aids 407a.

In some examples, there may be indoor navigational aids 407d to direct UAVs to their respective landing pads <NUM>. For example, the indoor navigational aids 407d may be fiducial markers indicating an identification of the housing segment <NUM> or a relative physical position of the housing segment <NUM> from amongst the plurality of housing segments to aid navigation to a given landing pad <NUM> within the housing structure 400A. The UAVs may be programed to use the indoor navigational aids 407d to find an assigned landing pad <NUM> in one of the housing segments <NUM>.

Restated, the housing structure 400A may include a plurality of navigational aids407a-c and navigational aids 407d which assist the UAVs in navigating into the housing structure 400A and to the landing pads <NUM>, and also from the landing pads <NUM> out of the housing structure 400A.

The third navigational aids 407c are designed to be detected by the UAVs from a great distance to assist the UAV in locating the housing structure 400A. The first navigational aids 407a are designed to assist the UAVs in locating and navigating through the ingress points <NUM> after the UAV has already located the housing structure 400A. Thus, the first navigational aids 407a are designed to be detected by the UAVs at a closer range and may provide more precise navigational information than the third navigational aids 407c. Accordingly, the first navigational aids 407a may be smaller than the third navigational aids 407c.

The second navigational aids 407b are designed to guide the UAVs onto the landing pads <NUM> within the interior of the housing structure 400A. Thus, the second navigational aids 407b are designed to be detected by the UAVs at a close range and provide precise navigational information. Accordingly, the second navigational aids 407b may be smaller or otherwise detectable by a UAV from a lesser distance than the first navigational aids 407a.

The indoor navigational aids 407d are designed to provide general navigational information to the UAVs within the interior of the housing structure 400A. Thus, the indoor navigational aids 407d are designed to be detected by the UAVs at close range. If the navigational aids 407a-d are fiducial markers, the indoor navigation aids 407d may be larger than the second navigational aids 407b and smaller than the third navigational aids 407c. Thus, navigational aids407a-d provide a comprehensive visual based navigation system to UAVs.

Landing pads <NUM> may include charging circuitry <NUM> positioned (e.g., integrated into landing pads <NUM>) to supply charge to the one or more UAVs, when the one or more automated aircraft are on landing pads <NUM>. It is appreciated that charging circuitry <NUM> may include: electrical contacts disposed on the one or more landing pads <NUM> and positioned to contact electrodes on the one or more UAVs; inductive charging circuitry <NUM> disposed on the one or more landing pads <NUM> and positioned to transfer charge inductively to the one or more UAVs; as well as other techniques to provide charge, in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

<FIG> depicts modular housing structure 400B, which has similar features to modular housing structure 400A. However, in the depicted example, one or more ingress points <NUM> are positioned proximate to the top of the individual housing segments <NUM>. Thus, each of the housing segments <NUM> may include a separate ingress point <NUM> to allow passage of the UAVs in or out of the modular housing structure 400B. Accordingly, the UAVs may fly in through the "roof" of housing segments <NUM> and be guided by first navigational aids 407a disposed on the roof. The ingress points <NUM> on the roof of housing segments <NUM> may be open gaps in the roof of the individual housing segments. The individual ingress points <NUM> in the roofs of the individual housing segments may join together to form a one or more larger ingress points (e.g., a larger strip opening).

As depicted in <FIG>, the housing segments <NUM> of the housing structure 400B may have one less landing pad <NUM> than the housing segments <NUM> of housing structure 400A (e.g., housing segments <NUM> of housing structure 400A have three landing pads <NUM> evenly spaced on the floor, and two landing pads <NUM> attached to sidewalls elevated above the floor, whereas housing segments <NUM> of housing structure 400B are missing the middle landing pad <NUM> on the floor, which may be so the landing pad <NUM> does not get wet or receive direct sunlight since the roof of housing structure 400B is partially open). Examples are not limited to these disclosed organizations of the landing pads <NUM>, any organization of the landing pads <NUM> may be used in the housing structures 400A or 400B.

Housing structures 400A and 400B may be passive housing structures. Accordingly, housing structures 400A and 400B may not have any communication elements or actively controlled moving parts. If the housing structures 400A and 400B are passive, the UAVs may communicate with a control server via a wireless network (such as a cellular network) in order to know which landing pad <NUM> to land on and when to take off.

Alternatively, the housing structures 400A and 400B may be active structures with an integrated local communication controller (similar to other communication controllers discussed below). The communication controller may communicate with the UAVs to manage which UAVs land on which landing pads <NUM>. The communication controller may also actively manage which landing pads <NUM> receive electric power to charge the UAVs. The housing structures 400A and 400B may also include active ingress points <NUM> with doors. The doors may open and close based on communications from the UAVs and/or a control server requesting the doors to open to allow the UAVs to enter or exit the housing structure 400A or 400B.

The housing structures 400A and 400B are modular, meaning that the size of the housing structures may be altered by connecting more housing sections <NUM> or <NUM> between the endcap structures <NUM>. Similarly, the number of UAVs that the housing structures 400A and 400B may support is scalable by connecting more or fewer housing sections <NUM> between the endcap structures <NUM>, thus changing the number of landing pads <NUM> in the housing structure 400A or 400B.

<FIG> illustrates a housing segment <NUM> (or <NUM>) in a folded, substantially flat configuration. In some examples the individual housing segments <NUM> or <NUM> are foldable into a substantially flat configuration. In the substantially flat configuration the housing segments <NUM> may be stacked for easy transportation. The housing segments <NUM> or <NUM> are erectable into one of the forms shown in <FIG> and connected to form the housing structures 400A or 400B.

The frame of the housing segment <NUM> (or <NUM>) may include joints, which allow for the housing segments <NUM> to fold into the substantially flat configuration. Alternatively, if the housing structures 400A or 400B do not have a frame, the connectors between the slats may allow the housing segments <NUM> to fold into the substantially flat configuration. Restated, the housing segments <NUM> may be foldable into a substantially flat configuration without the housing segments <NUM> being disassembled. In some examples, the landing pads <NUM> may have to be repositioned or adjusted before the housing segment <NUM> can be folded into the substantially flat configuration.

<FIG> illustrates a modular housing structure. <FIG> depicts an <NUM>'x40' module, which may be used with any of the structures disclosed herein. This provides the <NUM>'x40' base structure with five-plus pads, chargers, wiring, IT and optional ventilation prebuilt into a self-contained unit with internal wiring. Various retractable tops could be added or the modules could be built into a larger modular structure similar to the "fly in modular" structure proposed in <FIG>. Since the modules depicted are relatively flat, the modules could stack ~<NUM> high in a standard container or trailer bed for mobile deployment.

<FIG> illustrate several examples of single-aircraft housing structures. As shown in <FIG>, a first example <NUM> illustrates a fold open roof structure to enclose the UAV, and the UAV is elevated on a pedestal. The roof is slightly curved so water may run off. The pedestal may include a landing pad as discussed elsewhere herein. As shown in <FIG>, the second housing structure example <NUM> has a similar curved roof structure, but the roof may be pulled off, or the sides of the roof may fold under the pedestal to open the top of the roof.

As shown in <FIG>, the third example <NUM> of the housing structure depicted shows a retractable folding (origami-like-similar to an accordion) roof structure. The roof is made from a corrugated sheet of material (e.g., plastic or the like) that folds into a small space when retracted. This housing structure may be advantageous because the roof structure can be fabricated from inexpensive materials and is semideformable. The roof may be folded back manually or automatically (e.g., the roof is on one or more tracks that cause the roof to retract). This single UAV housing structure may have a relatively small footprint (e.g., <NUM>' x <NUM>', which is just slightly larger than the lateral dimensions of a single UAV). As shown in <FIG>, the housing structure may include a landing pad with charging circuitry and a dedicated power source (e.g., one or more batteries, capacitors, or the like).

The fourth example <NUM> of the single UAV housing structure depicted in <FIG> illustrates a plastic dome that folds down over the UAV via a hinge on one side. The dome may open or close manually or via a motor. The dome may have springloaded assistance to reduce stress on the motor. It is appreciated that this example conveys storage advantages, for example, the dome components may be separated from the landing pads and stacked. Moreover, the dome may be made from a transparent polymer or glass in order for operators to see which structures contain an UAV and which are empty.

<FIG> illustrates several other examples of single UAV housing structures. The first example <NUM> in <FIG> illustrates a housing structure where the landing pad slides out of a box similar to how a shoebox may open. It is appreciated that either the cover or the landing pad may move. This may be achieved by putting the cover or the landing pad on tracks. In the depicted example, the closed housing structure may be substantially rectangular shaped (e.g., a <NUM> x <NUM> (<NUM>' x <NUM>') floor plan box).

The second example <NUM> in <FIG> illustrates a single UAV housing structure similar to that of <FIG>, where a rolling cover is used to cover the UAV. In the depicted example, the sides may be hard while the cover is soft (to permit rolling) or, as stated above in connection with <FIG>, the cover may be hard segments linked together with flexible segments similar to hard-top rolling truck bed covers. In other examples, the sides may be soft as well. The rolling of the cover may be manual or automatic (e.g., a motor coupled to the spool to roll and unroll the over). Unrolling of the cover may be guided with tension wires and the cover may slide along tracks. As depicted, the housing structure may be <NUM> x <NUM> (<NUM>' x <NUM>').

The third example <NUM> depicted in <FIG> illustrates a second origami-type housing structure. Unlike the first origami-style housing structure, the one depicted here does not have a rectangular roof base (the roof base of the example <NUM> is substantially elliptical). The folding roof structure also folds in a direction perpendicular to the length of the landed UAV (whereas in the other folding example, the roof collapses lengthwise relative to the landed UAV).

The fourth example615 in <FIG> illustrates a "lotus flower" inspired housing structure where four transparent (or opaque in some example) roof segments open from a dome shape to reveal the UAV inside. The roof structure may be a hard shell made from a plastic or the like. This structure when unfolded may have a large footprint (e.g., <NUM> x <NUM> (<NUM>' x <NUM>')).

<FIG> illustrates an additional example <NUM> of an UAV housing structure. The housing structure depicted is similar to example <NUM> of <FIG>; however, the housing structure depicted here is conformal to the shape of the UAV. Thus the roof of the housing takes up as little space as possible since it follows the contours of the UAV disposed within.

<FIG> illustrate a radial housing structure, in accordance with an example of the disclosure. In the depicted example, a substantially circular radial cover is positioned to cover all of the landing pads and is held up by a thin metal frame. The cover may be soft-top or hardtop. In some examples, the housing structure may be unfolded and assembled like a tent to cover all of the landing pads. The cover may open to expose all of the landing pads simultaneously. Alternatively, only part of the cover may open, and the UAV may fly in through this small opening to their respective pad through the use of fiducials or signals within the housing structure. In some examples, the landing pads may be disposed on a rotating platform, where the location that the UAV that is about to take off or land from is rotated to the exposed position. The rotating platform may be controlled by a motor, a controller, and communication logic (e.g., radio WiFi or the like) to communicate with incoming and outgoing UAVs and one or more control stations.

<FIG> illustrates a circular housing structure. <FIG> is similar to <FIG> in that a circular housing structure with possible rotating internals is employed. However, in the depicted example, the UAVs may land, and then a conveyor belt or track of landing pads may be employed to move the UAVs into the housing structure (moving counter clockwise). When an UAV is schedule to take off, the conveyer belt moves the UAV into the takeoff position. After the UAV takes off, the empty charging pad is moved counter clockwise to the landing position to receive an UAV.

<FIG> illustrates "a bottom dealing card deck" housing structure. In the depicted example, landing pads are deployed from the bottom of the housing structure similar to dealing cards from the bottom of a deck. As shown, the landing pads may be connected and slide-out of the bottom of the housing structure on a rail or the like. One advantage of this structure is that a single actuator may be required to deploy and retract aircraft via a cable. Another advantage is that the housing structure may have a very small footprint (e.g., <NUM> x <NUM> (<NUM>' x <NUM>')).

<FIG> illustrates a continuous landing, charging, and taking off housing structure. In the depicted example, the UAV may land on the landing pad (left), which extends outward from the housing structure. The aircraft may then engage a slot/track where the aircraft is carried (or travels under its own power) along the track to a charging location and/or a package loading location. In some examples, when the aircraft engages the track, the aircraft receives charge through a power rail in the track.

Although the depicted example shows a single level housing structure, other examples may have multiple levels. Moreover, the roof may include photovoltaic cells to provide at least some of the power to the aircraft with a power rail or other charging mechanism. In some examples, the housing structure depicted could be mounted on a vehicle.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a housing with a slot taxi and battery swap gantry. The example depicted in <FIG> is similar to the example depicted in <FIG>; however, the example depicted in <FIG> has multiple levels where the UAVs can land, batteries are exchanged via the gantry, and the UAVs pick up packages. <FIG> depicts one level of the example depicted in <FIG>. In the depicted example, the UAVs land on the terraced landing pads on the left hand side of the page, and take off from the terraced takeoff points on the right hand side of the page. As shown, between the takeoff and landing points the UAVs may reside on charging stations, or have batteries exchanged from the rows of batteries depicted, or the like. As in other examples, the UAVs may be guided to the landing pads, or the landing pads may be marked, with visual, electronic, or magnetic aids (e.g. the UAV magnetically clips to the tracks).

<FIG> illustrates a spindle housing. As shown in <FIG>, the UAVs may land on hoops or another type of landing pad (e.g., the square landing pads depicted elsewhere). An arm may extend down to secure and adjust the UAV in position once it has landed. In the depicted example in <FIG>, there are multiple tiers of landing pads, and each tier of pads, and individual pads themselves, may be able to rotate separately. As depicted, the UAV may be able to land in the hoop in just about any orientation, and the arm associated with each hoop may adjust the orientation of the UAV after landing. In some examples, the pads may be able to move up and down (vertically) on the spindle.

<FIG> illustrate a spindle housing structure. Like the housing structure of <FIG>, the housing structure of <FIG> shows a spindle with multiple UAVs landing pads. As depicted, the UAV may land on a pad on the rack, and a hollow U-shaped base may hold the UAV in place. A band or the like may be used to hold the UAV in place. Either electrodes or inductive charging may be used to charge the one or more batteries on the UAV.

Once the UAV has landed, the pad may swing to a different side of the spindle to get the UAV away from the landing zone. An operator (e.g., a human or a robotic arm) may attach a package (including a magnetic tape) to the underside of the UAV. As shown in <FIG>, the package may be held to the UAV by the tape due to magnetic force between the tape and UAV. For example, there may be electromagnetic coils in or on the UAV that interact with the tape to hold the package in place. After the package is attached to the UAV, the landing pad may be raised and rotated into a launch position for package delivery.

<FIG> illustrates a landing and takeoff platform. In the depicted example, a landing pad is positioned at the top of a spindle (e.g., to avoid having the UAV crash into people and things at ground level). Once the UAV lands on the landing pad, the landing pad extends down the spindle and then rotates to a charging and package pickup station. The charging station may rapidly recharge the UAV, or replace the battery as a package is attached to the underside of the UAV. Once the UAV receives the package and is sufficiently charged (e.g., above a threshold charge to complete the delivery), the UAV may take off from the charging positon. The empty charging pad may then be returned to the top of the spindle to receive another UAV. In some examples, there may be a plurality of charging pads per spindle, and as the landing/charging pads descend on the spindle they deliver charge to the UAVs.

<FIG> illustrate modular housing structures <NUM> with retractable charging pads, in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

<FIG> illustrates a modular housing structure <NUM>, which is not part of the scope of the appended claims. <FIG> depicts a plurality of modular housing sections <NUM> stacked with a capping structure <NUM> on top to form a modular housing structure <NUM>, which may be used with any of the structures disclosed herein. The modular housing structure <NUM> may also include third navigational aids 407c. Each of the stacked modular housing sections <NUM> may include a landing pad <NUM>, with charging circuitry <NUM>, and second navigational aids 407b. The landing pads <NUM> may also include airflow openings <NUM>. In some example embodiments, the modular housing structure <NUM> includes a base structure <NUM>.

The modular housing sections <NUM> are stackable such that the modular housing structure <NUM> supports a scalable number of the UAVs based on a number of modular housing sections <NUM> vertically stacked on each other at a time. Restated, the modular housing sections <NUM> are stackable on each other to form a modular housing structure <NUM>. Any number of modular housing sections <NUM> may be stacked.

The landing pads <NUM> may be mechanically actuated to extend from an interior of a given modular housing section <NUM> to receive and deploy the UAV and withdraw or retract into the interior to shelter the UAV from weather. The individual modular housing section <NUM> may have a door <NUM> which opens when the landing pad is mechanically actuated to extend from the interior of the modular housing section <NUM>, and closes when the landing pad is mechanically actuated to withdraw into the interior of the modular housing section <NUM>. Alternatively, the door <NUM> may be attached to the landing pad <NUM> such that when the landing pad <NUM> is mechanically actuated the door moves with the landing pad <NUM>. The door <NUM> may fold down when the landing pad <NUM> is extended from the interior of the modular housing section <NUM> or may remain upright.

The landing pads <NUM> may be actuated by an electric motor (not shown). Each modular housing section <NUM> may have an electric motor. Alternatively, the modular housing structure <NUM> may have an electric motor with mechanical energy transfer mechanisms (such as chains, gears, drive rods, etc.) connected to each of the modular housing sections <NUM>.

The landing pads <NUM> may extend in any direction from the modular housing structure <NUM>. A first portion of the modular housing sections <NUM> may actuate the landing pad <NUM> out a first side of the modular housing structure <NUM> and a second portion of the modular housing sections <NUM> may actuate the landing pad <NUM> out a second side of the modular housing structure <NUM> different from the first side.

In some locations, such as on an open rooftop, it may be useful to have the landing pads <NUM> extend in all directions from the modular housing structure <NUM> to increase the number of UAVs that may enter and exit the modular housing structure <NUM> at any given time from different approach angles. In other environments, such as near a wall or other obstacle, it may be advantageous to have the landing pads <NUM> only extend in one or two directions to avoid the obstacles or more efficiently use limited space.

When a landing pad <NUM> is within the interior of the modular housing section <NUM>, an exterior of the modular housing section <NUM> along with the door may enclose a UAV on the landing pad <NUM> to protect the UAV from weather or from being stolen. Restated, the modular housing structure <NUM> may enclose and protect the landing pad <NUM> and a UAV on the landing pad <NUM> when the landing pad <NUM> is within the interior of the modular housing section <NUM>.

The airflow openings <NUM> in the landing pads <NUM> may come in several forms. For example, the landing pad <NUM> may include portions of a grating or a mesh that define the airflow openings <NUM> between the grating or mesh material. Alternatively, the airflow openings <NUM> may be holes in the landing pad <NUM>. As another alternative the airflow openings <NUM> may be gaps or ducting between the landing pad <NUM> and the sidewall structure of the modular housing sections <NUM>.

The depicted embodiment is a case where charging pads may slide-out from the sides of the structure on tracks. The UAVs are pulled into the housing structure <NUM> for safe storage. The landing pads <NUM> may slide-out of the modular housing structure <NUM> in response to an UAV landing or departure being requested from either the UAV or a control server. As described below, the electronics to communicate with the UAV and extend and retract the pads may be enclosed in the modular housing structure <NUM>.

The base structure <NUM> may encase the bottom side of the lower most of the modular housing sections <NUM>. The base structure <NUM> may serve as a stable platform for the modular housing structure <NUM>. The base structure may also act to prevent moisture from entering and the climate controlled air from leaving the modular housing structure <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a modular housing structure <NUM> similar to the modular housing structure <NUM> of <FIG>, except that the modular housing structure <NUM> has two landing pads <NUM> side by side within each modular housing section <NUM>. In the modular housing structure of <FIG> the landing pads <NUM> are arranged in a 2x1 pattern. However, other patterns are also possible, such as 2x2 or 3x1.

The landing pads <NUM> which are side by side when in an interior of the modular housing section <NUM> are connected such that the landing pads <NUM> are mechanically actuated together.

<FIG> illustrates a modular housing structure <NUM> similar to the modular housing structure <NUM> of <FIG>. In <FIG> the side-by-side landing pads <NUM> are on a track <NUM> which runs perpendicular to the direction in which the landing pads <NUM> are side by side. The side-by-side landing pads <NUM> are connected such that the landing pads <NUM> are mechanically actuated together in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the landing pads <NUM> are side by side.

<FIG> illustrates the interior of the modular housing structure <NUM> and also the airflow within the modular housing structure <NUM>. Modular housing structure <NUM> represents one possible interior implementation of modular housing structures <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>. The modular housing structure <NUM> includes a climate controller <NUM>, a communication controller <NUM>, and optionally a battery <NUM> in the capping structure <NUM>. These elements may alternatively be placed in the base structure <NUM>. The battery may be replaced by a connection to an outside power source such as an electrical grid, a generator, or another electric power source. The interior of the modular housing structure <NUM> may also include landing pads <NUM> which define airflow openings <NUM>.

The climate controller <NUM> may include at least one of a heater, a fan, an air conditioning unit, or a dehumidifier. The climate controller <NUM> may control the air temperature using the heater and air conditioning unit. The climate controller <NUM> may control the humidity within the modular housing structure <NUM> using the dehumidifier. The fan may assist the heater, air conditioning unit and dehumidifier in controlling the climate throughout the modular housing structure <NUM> by circulating the air within the modular housing structure. Accordingly, the climate controller <NUM> may keep the UAVs operational by preventing the UAVs from having overheating, icing, or other climate related problems. The airflow openings <NUM> allow the climate controller <NUM> to more easily control the climate within the interior of the modular housing structure <NUM> by allowing air to flow from the climate controller <NUM> to each of the modular housing segments <NUM>.

The structure of the modular housing structure <NUM> may also shelter the UAVs from wind, rain, snow, etc. and keep the climate controlled within the modular housing structure <NUM>. In this way, the modular housing structure <NUM> may shelter the UAVs in the interior of the modular housing structure <NUM> from weather and efficiently control the climate in the modular housing structure <NUM>.

The modular housing structures of <FIG> are active housing structures that may communicate with the UAVs directly or indirectly. For example, the housing structure may use Wi-Fi or another Wireless Local Area Network ("WLAN") to communicate with the UAVs to facilitate the landing and storage of the UAVs in the modular housing structure. As another example, the modular housing structure may communicate via a control server over a wireless network to which the UAVs are connected. Restated, the UAVs or a control server may communicate with the modular housing structure (directly or indirectly) in order to request mechanical actuation of the landing pads <NUM> to facilitate landing or take off for the UAVs.

The communication controller <NUM> may communicate with the UAVs and control the operations of the modular housing structure <NUM>. The communication controller <NUM> may communicate with the UAV directly or indirectly. The communication controller <NUM> may operate based on its communications with the UAV or may operate based on commands from a control server. For example, the communication controller <NUM> may communicate with the UAV to determine that the UAV requesting to be stored in the modular housing structure <NUM>.

The communication controller <NUM> may assign the UAV to one of the landing pads <NUM> and then cause the assigned landing pad <NUM> to be mechanically actuated to the exterior of the modular housing structure <NUM>. Once the communication controller <NUM> senses that the UAV has landed on the landing pad <NUM> (such as by sensing that charging has commenced or by a detected change in weight of the landing pad), the communication controller <NUM> may then cause the landing pad <NUM> to be mechanically actuated to an interior of the modular housing structure <NUM>. Alternatively, the communication controller <NUM> may mechanically actuate the landing pad to an interior of the modular housing structure <NUM> based on a communication form the UAV that the UAV has landed. As another example, the communication controller <NUM> may receive a communication from the communication server indicating that a UAV stored in modular housing structure <NUM> is to take off and the communication controller <NUM> may cause the associated landing pad <NUM> to be mechanically actuated to an exterior of the modular housing structure <NUM> such that the UAV may take off.

The communications controller <NUM> may control an electric motor in order to mechanically actuate the landing pad <NUM>. The communication controller <NUM> may also control the climate controller <NUM> to control the climate in the modular housing structure <NUM> to cool or heat the UAV based on a sensed temperature of the UAV, a communication from the UAV indicating a temperature of the UAV, or received weather information. For example, the communication controller <NUM> may receive weather information from the control server that the weather is below freezing and snowing and based on this weather information control the climate controller <NUM> to deice a recently arrived UAV.

Photovoltaic devices may be disposed on the top of the structure to charge the UAVs contained within. Additionally, the battery <NUM> may store power from the photovoltaic device. The communication controller <NUM> may include communication electronics for communicating via Wi-Fi, radio, RFID, Bluetooth, or the like.

<FIG> illustrate rotating charging pads in a housing structure. <FIG> shows a large rectangular receptacle <NUM> with a plurality of landing pads <NUM> disposed within which are sized and spaced to hold UAVs. As shown, rectangular receptacle <NUM> has an opening <NUM> in the top where UAVs can land and takeoff from. As shown, track <NUM> is at least partially disposed within an interior of receptacle <NUM>. Motor <NUM> is mechanically coupled to move one or more landing pads <NUM> along track <NUM> from inside receptacle <NUM> to a takeoff and landing position (top), where the one or more UAVs land on the one or more landing pads <NUM> from the takeoff and landing position.

In the depicted example, one or more landing pads <NUM> are configured to mechanically couple to track <NUM>, to move one or more landing pads <NUM> along the track. As shown, landing pads <NUM> may include clasps to grasp onto a cable or chain (e.g., a tow line). Motor <NUM> may be mechanically coupled to move the towline.

<FIG> depicts another example of the housing structure. The housing structure in <FIG> has many of the same components as the housing structure in <FIG>. However, the structure in <FIG> includes a bypass structure <NUM> disposed within receptacle <NUM>, where bypass structure <NUM> is positioned along the track <NUM> to prevent individual landing pads <NUM> in the plurality of landing pads <NUM> from being moved into the takeoff and landing position (top), when the one or more landing pads <NUM> are moved along the track <NUM>. Put another way, the bypass structure may redirect pads from making it to the takeoff and landing position. This way pads with a UAV on them do not get moved into the takeoff position when an UAV is landing. Further, pads without an UAV on them do not get moved into the takeoff positon when an UAV needs to take off. The bypass system may route the landing pad onto a secondary track (similar to a train). Thus, track <NUM> is one of a plurality of tracks at least partially disposed within an interior of receptacle <NUM>. In some examples, the landing pad may clip onto another cable to be pulled onto the secondary track. This functionality may be governed by a controller (e.g., controller <NUM>) that is informed by other components when UAVs need to land/takeoff. Put another way, the controller including logic that when executed by the controller causes the controller to perform operations including determining if an individual landing pad <NUM> in the plurality of landing pads <NUM> is occupied by the one or more automated aircraft. Then, based on determining if the individual landing pad <NUM> is occupied, the controller may use the bypass structure <NUM> to prevent the individual landing pad from being moved into the takeoff and landing position.

<FIG> illustrates the interior of a housing structure, like the other examples, individual landing pads <NUM> are coupled to be moved on a track <NUM> by motor <NUM>. Motor <NUM> is coupled to controller <NUM>, communication system <NUM> (e.g., to receive wired or wireless communication form the internet, radio sources or the like), and power supply <NUM>.

Controller <NUM> is also electrically coupled to thermostat/thermometer <NUM>. Thermostat <NUM> is positioned to measure a temperature of the interior of the receptacle <NUM>. Heating system <NUM> (e.g., a thermoelectric heater, resistive heater or the like) is electrically coupled to controller <NUM> and positioned to supply heat to the interior of the receptacle <NUM>. Cooling system <NUM> (e.g., thermoelectric cooler) is electrically coupled to controller <NUM> and posited to remove heat from the interior of the receptacle <NUM>. In response to thermostat <NUM> measuring a first temperature that is greater than a first threshold temperature (e.g., ><NUM>), thermostat <NUM> activates cooling system <NUM>, and in response to thermostat <NUM> measuring a second temperature that is less than a second threshold temperature (e.g., < <NUM>), thermostat <NUM> activates heating system <NUM>. This may keep UAVs electronics from overheating/cooling.

<FIG> illustrates a static wire charging station. In the depicted example, one or more UAVs may land or be placed on charged wires strung between posts within the body of the housing structure. In the depicted example, the UAVs have conductive hooks to engage the wires (to charge the batteries) and hold the UAV in place. The roof of the housing structure may be a retractable awning made from fabric, plastic, or the like. Charging of the UAVs on the wires may be achieved with 24V DC power supply. In the depicted example, <NUM>-<NUM> aircraft may hang from wires in an <NUM>' housing structure. Additionally, a single <NUM> V AC outlet may be provided for charging, awning extension/retraction, infrared navigation, and communication with the UAV.

<FIG> illustrates a warehouse-based unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) "nest". As depicted, the warehouse based housing structure may have fly-in UAV functionality (e.g., through an opening in the building or the like). Guidance systems, described in association with other examples disclosed herein, may be used for UAVs to navigate into the building. After entering, the UAVs may be placed on a track or conveyor belt where some are diverted to storage, charging stations, or maintenance, and others (if they still have sufficient charge to complete a delivery) are rerouted to package pickup.

In the example depicted, the warehouse is divided into three sections, a first section for UAV landing, a second section for UAV package loading and departure, and a third section for package prep (e.g., food prep if the package contains food). Prepared packages may be placed on a conveyor belt or track and moved to the UAV loading/departure zone. After the UAV is loaded, it may leave through one or more holes in the housing structure. The one or more holes/windows in the structure may have doors that are automated to open/close with an UAV departure or landing.

It is appreciated that the housing structure may include advanced computer systems (e.g., processors, memory, power supplies, and the like) to control the large number of UAVs flowing in and out of the warehouse. For example, the computer may communicate with incoming UAV to determine the charge level of the battery and assign the UAV a mission based on the charge level. The conveyor system may similarly be controlled with one or more computer systems coupled to motors and the like.

<FIG> illustrates wind reduction housing structures. In the depicted example, the housing structure roofs are shells that are substantially quarter-spherical. The shells have landing pads disposed at least in part under the roof of the structure. The roof of the structure rotates (either passively or with controlled motorization) to block the UAVs from the wind. This way UAVs do not blow away while on the landing pads. Here the landing pads may be intermediary landing pads disposed on the top of a building or the like. This way if a mission end point is very far away (outside the maximum range of the UAV) the UAV can stop to charge at a midpoint or on its way back from completing a mission.

Alternatively or additionally, instead of having a landing pad in the shelter of the quarter-sphere roof structure, the area under the shelter could be an ingress point into a housing structure (e.g., the building depicted here). Thus, as the UAV approaches the building, it does not get knocked into the side of the building or the like due to wind while the UAV is trying to enter the housing structure since the shelter shields the UAV.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate systems for automated aircraft handling and storage. <FIG> illustrates UAVs may land on the rectangular pads. Then robotic arms may be used to pick up the UAVs and put them in high-density charging and/or storage. Similarly, when an UAV is ready to complete a mission, the robotic arm may be used to place the UAV on the landing pad from storage shelves. After the robotic arm disengages from the UAV, the UAV may take off and complete its mission. The robotic arms may be coupled to a computer system, and move their position according to the takeoff and landing patterns of the UAVs. For example, incoming UAVs may communicate with the computer system controlling the robotic arms, to inform the arms to move out of the way of an incoming UAV, or to take an UAV out of its storage shelf because a mission was requested.

<FIG> also illustrates a system <NUM> for UAV handling and storage. The illustrated example of system <NUM> includes a storage body <NUM>, storage racks <NUM>, a robotic arm <NUM> on a track <NUM>, a surface <NUM> with landing pads <NUM>, and a controller <NUM>.

The robotic arm <NUM> is controlled by the controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may be a computer, CPU, processor, or other control circuitry. The controller <NUM> controls the robotic arm <NUM> to move the UAVs from a landing pad <NUM> to the storage racks <NUM> and from the storage racks <NUM> to a landing pad <NUM>.

The storage body <NUM> may be a framed box about the size of a storage container and capable of being loaded on a semi-truck trailer, or may be mounted to a vehicle. The surface <NUM> may be a slat capable of folding up onto the open side of the storage body <NUM> for transportation.

In some examples, there are separate landing and takeoff areas on the surface <NUM> and similarly separate landing pads <NUM> for landing and takeoff. In some examples, the robotic arm <NUM> may be fixed or move along the track <NUM>. In the depicted example the robotic arm <NUM> is attached to the storage body <NUM>, and the arm can traverse vertically along a vertical beam of the robotic arm and also horizontally on the track <NUM> to move in the x/y plane. This movement functionality allows the arm to place/remove the UAVs from their designated storage area in the storage body <NUM>. Although not shown, system <NUM> may include navigational aids 407a-c similar to those described above to guide the UAVs to the landing pads <NUM>.

The storage racks <NUM> may include charging circuitry <NUM> (not shown here) and mounts for securing the UAVs for transport while stored in the storage racks <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a high-density wire charging housing. In the depicted example, UAVs land on a cable, and are pushed onto an available hanger within the housing structure. The UAVs are hung like clothes on hangers. In the depicted example <NUM>, aircraft arriving and departing can be managed. The aircraft may be moved within the housing structure along a track similar to a clothes rack at a drycleaners. In the depicted example, the UAVs drop their batteries into one of two charging carousels. The charging carousel is indexed and charged batteries are uploaded into departing aircraft. Departing UAVs enter a location within the housing structure where they are pushed off of the hanger and into a takeoff area. When ready, the UAV is slid off of the rails and a package is uploaded.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a housing with slide-out takeoff and landing racks. In one example, individual racks slide-out independently (e.g., each rack housing an aircraft slides in and out individually). It is appreciated that the racks may have UAV charging functionality. Their sliding may occur manually (e.g., when an operator wants to access an UAV) and/or automatically (e.g., when an UAV needs to take off or land). In some examples, all of the racks may slide-out at once to expose all of the aircraft. When all of the racks slide-out, the housing structure may be terraced (e.g., similar to bleacher seats) so all UAVs may take off or land at once (e.g., in high volume situations).

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a housing structure with a turntable and gantry. In the depicted example, the UAVs may land on the top of the housing structure. The UAVs may be in any number of orientations due to landing conditions (e.g., wind blowing the UAVs off course). The turntable may be coupled to logic to turn the aircraft to a positon so it can be picked up by a mechanical arm/gantry coupled to the housing structure, and the mechanical arm puts the UAV in the proper slot for charging and/or storage. Similarly, when the UAV needs to take off, the arm may be sent instructions to pick up the aircraft and a battery pack and put it in a takeoff position on the turntable on top of the housing structure. The arm may be coupled to any number of actuators, sensors, and computer systems to enable this functionality.

<FIG> illustrate a takeoff and landing pad with manual battery swap. In the depicted example, an UAV lands on the roof of a structure and a worker in the structure supplies the UAV with a package and additional power (e.g., battery swap). As shown, the UAV may land on tracks or a conveyor belt, which move the UAV across the top of the structure to allow the worker to attach a parcel and change the battery or perform other maintenance.

<FIG> illustrates a mobile charging station with swing-out landing pads. The depicted example shows a spindle with a plurality of landing pads attached to the spindle, and the landing pads are coupled to the spindle to swing inward towards the cab of the truck. In the depicted example, part of the truck has been converted to include an operator system. The operator may attach/remove batteries and packages from the UAVs. UAVs may land on the landing pads when the landing pad is extended away from the cab of the truck. Once the UAV is landed and secured, the landing pads may be rotated in towards the truck to receive a new package. When the UAV is ready to be deployed, it may once again be rotated out away from the truck cab.

<FIG> illustrate mobile charging stations. In particular, <FIG> illustrate an extendable, mobile charging station <NUM>. The extendable, mobile charging station <NUM> includes a main body <NUM> and an extendable portion <NUM>. The main body <NUM> and extendable portion <NUM> may be mounted on a vehicle <NUM> such as a trailer of a semi-truck or on any type of vehicle. The main body <NUM> and extendable portion <NUM> may be made of steel, aluminum, thermal plastic or otherwise. The extendable portion <NUM> may move on tracks or other similar mechanisms.

The extendable, mobile charging station <NUM> may also include an ingress point <NUM> and first navigational aids 407a proximate to the ingress point <NUM>. The ingress point <NUM> may be defined by the main body <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. However, the ingress point may also be located at any point on the main body <NUM> or extendable portion <NUM>, including the top, sides, or ends (illustrated).

When the vehicle <NUM> is stopped, the extendable portion <NUM> may extend from the main body <NUM>. The ingress point <NUM> may be opened by the extendable portion <NUM> extending, or may include a door or other mechanism for closing and opening the ingress point. The ingress point <NUM> may be sized to allow UAVs to pass through the ingress point into or out of an interior of the extendable, mobile charging station <NUM>.

<FIG> is an aerial view of the extendable, mobile charging station <NUM> with a view through its roof. As shown in <FIG>, the extendable, mobile charging station <NUM> may also include a generator <NUM> and a plurality of landing pads <NUM> within the interior of the extendable, mobile charging station <NUM>. The landing pads <NUM> may include charging circuitry <NUM> and second navigational aids 407b similar to those discussed with relation to other examples.

<FIG> is a view of the extendable, mobile charging station <NUM> from the rear of the vehicle looking through the rear wall of the extendable, mobile charging station <NUM>. The extendable, mobile charging station <NUM> may include multiple levels of landing pads <NUM> such that some of the landing pads <NUM> are vertically above others of the landing pads <NUM>. The landing pads <NUM> may include charging circuitry <NUM>. The interior and exterior of the extendable, mobile charging station <NUM> may include navigational aids 407a-c to guide the UAVs into the interior of the extendable, mobile charging station <NUM> and to the landing pads <NUM>.

Some of the landing pads <NUM> may move with the extendable portion <NUM> when the extendable portion <NUM> is extended. Thus, an aisle for the UAVs to move through may be opened up between the landing pads <NUM> when the extendable portion <NUM> is extended. Restated, the landing pads <NUM> attached to the extendable portion <NUM> may be too close to the landing pads connected to the main body <NUM> for the UAVs to pass between when the extendable portion <NUM> is not extended. By moving the extendable portion <NUM> to the extended position, the landing pads <NUM> separate such that the UAVs may pass between the landing pads <NUM> to descend or ascend to a different level of landing pads <NUM>.

<FIG> is an alternative example of the mobile charging station <NUM>'. The mobile charging station <NUM>' may not be extendable and may include modular housing structures <NUM> (or <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) as depicted in <FIG>. The UAVs may enter and leave an interior of the mobile charging station <NUM>' by an ingress point <NUM>'. The mobile charging station <NUM>' may also include a generator <NUM> and a communication controller <NUM> for communicating with the UAVs either directly or indirectly. The communication controller <NUM> may communicate with the communication controllers <NUM> in the modular housing structures <NUM> to control the storage of the UAVs.

It is appreciated that all of the mobile housing structures depicted herein may include a computer, generator <NUM> (or other power source), and communication controller <NUM> to communicate with the UAVs, perform mechanical operations, or the like.

<FIG> illustrates a housing structure with manual battery swap and storage. As depicted, the housing structure includes battery charging stations and UAVS storage. In the depicted example, the housing structure is manned. The UAVS may fly up to one open window and the operator replaces the battery, attaches a package, or takes the UAVs in for service, or the like. When an UAV is launched, the operator may put the UAV on a launch pad out a second window.

<FIG> illustrates a housing structure with partially automated battery swap and storage. In the depicted example, part of the UAVs throughput process is automated. The UAVs may land on wires or bars, which convey the UAVs into the kiosk. An operator may change batteries or put UAVs on a charging rack or remove them for maintenance. The operator may load a package and put the aircraft onto a wire where it is conveyed via pulleys to a takeoff area (left). The aircraft can takeoff directly from the wires, once the operator enters an "all clear" signal into a computer system (which may include pressing a button) to indicate the operator, and other objects, are clear of the UAVs.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate slide-out cabinets for manual battery swap and storage. In the depicted example, a landing pad can be extended outward from the top of the cabinet. The UAVs can then be manually or automatically placed from the top into storage in the interior. As shown, the storage also includes a plurality of batteries that can be changed in and out of the UAVs. The housing structure depicted may be plugged into a power source to charge the batteries and the UAVs contained within.

<FIG> illustrates another example of slide-out cabinets for manual battery swap and storage. The housing depicted in <FIG> is similar to the housing depicted in <FIG> but the slide-out landing pad configuration is different. Landing pads extend out of the backs of the cabinets, which slide into the cabinets for storage. The sliding may be manual or automatic.

Claim 1:
A modular housing structure (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for housing a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles, UAVs, comprising:
a plurality of modular housing sections (<NUM>) configured to hold a plurality of UAVs, the plurality of modular housing sections vertically stackable, each one of the modular housing sections including:
a landing pad (<NUM>) sized to land a given UAV of the UAVs, the landing pad mechanically actuated to extend from an interior of a given modular housing section to receive and deploy the given UAV and withdraw into the interior, and
charging electronics (<NUM>) disposed in or on the landing pad and configured to charge the given UAV,
wherein the modular housing structure supports a scalable number of the UAVs based on a number of the modular housing sections vertically stacked on each other at a time; wherein at least one of the modular housing sections includes first and second landing pads, wherein the first landing pad and the second landing pad are connected such that the first landing pad and the second landing pad are mechanically actuated together, wherein the first landing pad and the second landing pad are connected side by side in a first direction, and wherein the first landing pad and the second landing pad are mechanically actuated in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction; and wherein,
when the first landing pad and the second landing pad are mechanically actuated in the second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction, the first landing pad is actuated out of a first side of the modular housing structure; and
when the first landing pad and the second landing pad are mechanically actuated in a third direction that is perpendicular to the first direction and is opposite to the second direction, the second landing pad is actuated out of a second side of the modular housing structure that is opposite to the first side of the modular housing structure.