Patent ID: 12250896

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides generally for an automated system of planting flora and fauna and other organisms, particularly aquatic flora, such as mangroves, Spartina grass, and sea grass, and other aquatic organisms, such as oysters. According to the present disclosure, drone delivery of pods with flora or fauna may allow for quick and accurate planting. Automated delivery may replace manual dispersal and may supplement natural growth, which may be necessary to combat erosion.

In the following sections, detailed descriptions of examples and methods of the disclosure will be given. The description of both preferred and alternative examples, though thorough, are exemplary only, and it is understood to those skilled in the art that variations, modifications, and alterations may be apparent. It is therefore to be understood that the examples do not limit the broadness of the aspects of the underlying disclosure as defined by the claims.

Glossary

Seedling box: as used herein refers to a receptacle which contains pods filled with seedlings for deployment when planting.Pod: as used herein refers to receptacle which contains the seedling and is utilized to assist the seedling in penetrating the ground sufficient for seedling growth.Seedling: as used herein refers to the deployable object released from the seedling box. The seedling may comprise organic or inorganic material. In some embodiments, the seedling may be deployed from the seedling box with one or more components, such as a pod. In some implementations, the seedling may comprise objects that do not grow. In some embodiments, the seedling may interact with its environment after deployment. In some aspects, the seedling may originate from different biological kingdoms such as, but not limited to, the animal kingdom and the plant kingdom. For ease of reference, seedlings are primarily described as aquatic, but should not be limited as such. For example, seedlings may comprise young hardwood trees, as a non-limiting example.

Referring now toFIGS.1A-1B, an exemplary embodiment of a system for planting flora through drone110delivery is illustrated. In some embodiments, the drone110may carry a seedling box120to deploy pods140containing seedlings130. In some embodiments, after the seedling130is planted, the fertilizer within the pod140may enable the seedling130to grow. In some implementations, the pod140may comprise a variety of materials.

In some aspects, when the seedling130is planted, the pod140may begin to decompose. As the roots grow and the pod140decomposes, the structural integrity of the pod140may be reduced to pod fragments142that may continue to decompose. For example, the pod140may be formed from clay or biodegradable plastic that easily breaks into pod fragments142, as non-limiting examples. For example, the clay may decompose into the soil as the roots of the seedling130apply larger amounts of force from the interior of the pod140. In another example, the pod140may be constructed from a biodegradable plastic that contains slits or holes for the roots to begin growing into the surrounding ground before breaking the pod140into pod fragments142.

Referring now toFIG.2, an exemplary pod240containing a seedling230is illustrated. In some embodiments, the pod240may contain material that may help the seedling230to grow once the pod240is secured within the ground. For example, the pod240may contain a nutrient-rich soil that provides the necessary environment for growth within the seedling230.

In another example, the pod240may contain a small segmented portion that contains a nutrient-rich liquid. Upon contact with the ground, the force may rupture the seal of the liquid and releases it into the pod240to stimulate rapid growth. In some aspects, this segmented portion may eject nutrient-rich liquid into the surrounding environment when the climate may be known as less supportive to stimulating seedling230growth. For example, the segmented portion containing nutrient-rich liquid may possess a semi-permeable membrane that releases the nutrients into the soil at a rate proportional to the moisture within the soil. This distribution method ensures that the nutrients are released when enough moisture exists in the soil for the seedling230to efficiently absorb the nutrients.

Referring now toFIGS.3A-B, an exemplary pod340and deployment mechanism322are illustrated. In some aspects, the deployment mechanism322may accept and grasp a pod340with seedling (not shown) to effectively shift and drop the pod340onto the targeted area. In some implementations, the pod340may comprise a support system that may provide additional rigidity and sturdiness to the seedling.

In some embodiments, the pod340may contain a weighted pod tip344. The pod tip344may help to orient the seedling330and pod340vertically during deployment. In some implementations, the weighted pod tip344may possess the correct amount of weight to mimic the natural planting process of the seedling330.

For example, a pod340may require a weighted tip344to produce the necessary force required to insert the pod340and seedling330into a more resistant surface. In another example, when a mangrove seedling detaches from the tree, the base of the seedling330is sufficiently weighted to allow the seedling330to sink beneath the surface of the water and remain vertically in contact with the submerged ground while the roots begin to secure the seedling330in the desired vertical position. Immediate planting may be preferable when deploying pods340in very little water or low tide.

In some embodiments, the planting process may endeavor to closely mimic the process found in nature. For example, a seed may drift on a stream before eventually sinking and planting itself in the submerged soil. To mimic this same process, the weighted tip may also include a sponge that may gradually increase in weight. The longer the pod is in the water, the sponge may accumulate water sufficient to sink and plant the seedling330. In some aspects, the pod340may possess slots or openings to encourage the roots of the seedling330to grow into the surrounding soil. A floating process may be preferable when deploying pods340in shallow or deeper water.

In some embodiments, the pod340may possess various contours to improve aerodynamics and reduce air resistance. This may be useful if the seedling330requires planting in a surface that requires a larger penetration force. In some aspects, the contours of the pod340may vary based upon application.

For example, the pod340may be utilized to pass through multiple mediums in a desired trajectory. The pod340may be deployed and fall through the air and enter an additional medium such as water. Based upon the planting requirements of the seedling330, the pod340may need to plant firm in the submerged ground or it may need to loosely drift as part of the planting process. These trajectories may utilize different forms of movement within the medium of the deployment which may be affected by the contours and shape of the pod330.

Referring now toFIGS.4A-4B, an exemplary seedling box420is illustrated. In some embodiments, the deploying mechanism422may be oriented in a layered format to increase the number of pods stored within the seedling box420. In some implementations, the loading mechanism423may suspend the pod440in a vertical orientation.

In some aspects, the deploying mechanism422may deploy pods440at a predetermined constant rate. To maintain a constant rate of deployment, the deploying mechanism422may rotate at a variable rate within the drone410. For example, the deploying mechanism422may increase in speed when the pod440travels around a corner in the deploying mechanism422structure to compensate for the greater distance traveled in a curve compared to a straight line.

In some embodiments, the deploying mechanism422may secure the pod by enclosing a portion of the pod440in a grip. In some implementations, the pod440may be released via lessened applied force that allows the pod440to fall free from the deploying mechanism422. For example, each loading mechanism423may contain a low-energy signal emitter that communicates with a separate signal receiver at the point of deployment. This signal correspondence may allow the loading mechanism423to release the pod440and may monitor how many pods440are remaining.

In another example, placing the pod440within the loading mechanism423may include an application of force that may allow the pod440to mechanically snap into place. As the mechanism secures the pod440, a lever may shift that is exposed at the top of the loading mechanism423. When a pod440is deployed, the loading mechanism423may release the pod440as the lever is physically shifted into a release position. This may occur via an extruded structure positioned above the deployment location within the drone410.

Referring now toFIG.5, an exemplary configuration of seedlings530within a seedling box520is illustrated. In some embodiments, the deploying mechanism522may be oriented in a nested format to increase the number of pods540stored within the seedling box520. In some implementations, the seedling530may be suspended in a vertical orientation. In some aspects, the deploying mechanism522could deploy pods540at a predetermined constant rate.

To maintain a constant rate of deployment, the deploying mechanism522may rotate at a variable rate within a drone. For example, the deploying mechanism522may increase in speed when the pod540travels around a corner in the deploying mechanism522structure to compensate for the greater distance traveled in a curve compared to a straight line.

In some embodiments, the deployment of the pod540may occur from a predetermined number of locations within the seedling box520. In some aspects, the deploying mechanism522may consist of a number of deploying mechanisms522. For example, the deploying mechanism522may be one continuous set of deploying mechanisms522that lead to a singular deployment location in the center of the drone. In another example, there may be a number of deploying mechanisms522that operate in a parallel configuration and move the pods540from one end of the drone to the other and deploy the pods540consistently along one side of the drone. In another example, four deployment locations may exist at each corner of the drone. Deploying mechanisms522may be designed to alternate deployment of the pods540via the four deployment locations. Deploying mechanisms522may be designed to accommodate a range of pods540and seedlings530, such as through interchangeable parts or flexible composition materials, as non-limiting examples.

In some implementations, the seedling box520may contain a counterweight mechanism to maintain a horizontal orientation of the drone. In some embodiments, the drone may comprise a device that detects the horizontal orientation of the drone and activates a form of compensation if the drone begins to experience a significant amount of tilt. Significant amounts of tilt may affect the drone's ability to accurately deploy the pods540, increase wear on rotors and motors, and disrupt flight pattern accuracy, as non-limiting examples.

For example, a sensor that detects tilt may relay signals to the drone rotors to exert higher amounts of thrust to compensate for the imbalance. In another example, when the drone begins to tilt, a sensor may send a signal to a series of motors that rotate horizontal lead screws mounted with weights. The horizontal translation of these weights may continue until the sensor detects a reduced tilt within a predetermined tolerance.

Referring now toFIG.6A, an exemplary deploying mechanism622is illustrated. In some embodiments, the loading mechanism623may be coupled to the deploying mechanism622. In some implementations, the loading mechanism623may be oriented at an angle congruent to the pod640to allow the pod640to deploy vertically. This may allow the seedling630to mature effectively by growing vertically after being planted.

Referring now toFIG.6B, an exemplary deploying mechanism622is illustrated. In some embodiments, the deploying mechanism622may comprise components that transport the pods linearly to be deployed sequentially. In some aspects, the deploying mechanism622may contain a mechanical indicator that notifies the drone when a segment of pods has been deployed.

For example, the deploying mechanism622may contain four rows of pods that deploy in an ordered sequence. When a row of pods has been deployed, that row flips a mechanical switch that indicates to the drone that the row is depleted of pods. When the final row in the sequence finishes deploying the remaining pods and the corresponding switch is triggered, the drone may be notified that all of the pods are deployed and it returns to a loading location. The switch may comprise a sensor, such as a pressure sensor or an infrared sensor, that detects when the row is depleted and activates the switch.

Referring now toFIGS.6C-6F, an exemplary loading mechanism623is illustrated. In some embodiments, the loading mechanism623may comprise hinged segments that, while extended, remain in a stable state to hold the pods640. In some embodiments, after the pod640is deployed, the loading mechanism623may begin to transition towards the underside of the deploying mechanism622. Without the forces of gravity and the weight of the pod640, the structure of the loading mechanism623may collapse from a rigid orientation to a series of hinged segments that move flexibly with the movement of the undercarriage of the deploying mechanism622. In some implementations, the loading mechanism623may be oriented at an angle congruent to the pod640to allow the pod640to deploy vertically. This may allow the seedling630to grow correctly by growing vertically after being planted.

Referring now toFIG.7A, an exemplary drone710deploying pods740according to a flight path752within a planting area750is illustrated. In some embodiments, the flight path752may be configured automatically based upon a preliminary scan of the planting area750, by either the drone710or an external device. In some aspects, the seedlings730may be spaced by a defined distance to ensure consistency in adequate seeding a defined planting area750. In some implementations, the flight path752may comprise designated planting locations and navigational portions of flight. For example, a drone may deploy numerous seedlings along a straight line of the flight path and then navigate a curve without deploying additional pods until the next straight line of deployment has been reached.

Referring now toFIG.7B, an exemplary drone710deploying pods740according to a flight path752within a planting area750is illustrated. In some embodiments, the flight path752may vary in orientation. For example, the flight path752may best utilize a circular pattern around the base of a mountain and it may be most effective as a series of rows for a deforested location that may require a specific configuration of seedlings to prevent issues such as erosion.

Referring now toFIGS.8A and8C, an exemplary drone810navigating planting obstacles854while deploying seedlings830in the planting area850is illustrated. In some embodiments, the drone810may utilize a method of detection to verify the validity of a designated planting location along a predetermined flight path852. In some aspects, this may occur in the process of deploying seedlings830along the flight path852.

For example, as a seedling830is deployed and the drone810is moving to the next predesignated deployment locations, the drone810may scan the next planting location prior to deployment to ensure there are no rocks or similar obstructions that may prevent the successful planting of the seedlings830after deployment. In some embodiments, the drone810may withhold a pod840from deployment when a planting obstacle854is detected. Detection may occur via a detecting sensor. In some implementations, the pod840withheld may be deployed in the subsequent planting locations that is free of planting obstacles854. In some aspects, the flight path852may contain a predesignated number of planting locations and there may be undeployed pods840remaining when planting obstacles854inhibit pod840deployment.

Referring now toFIG.8B, an exemplary visualization of drone810navigating planting obstacles854while deploying seedlings830in the planting area850is illustrated. In some embodiments, the flight path852may dynamically create markers indicating the locations of planting obstacles854. In some implementations, the obstacle marker may be stored within the internal memory of the drone810. In some aspects, the obstacle marker and flight path852information may be transmitted from the drone810to an external device.

For example, someone may oversee the planting efforts of multiple drones810and assess their performance via electronic user interface on an external device. In some implementations, the obstacle marker and flight path852may be transferable from the drone. For example, after completing flight path, the drone810may return to a location where a user may connect a cord to the drone810and extract the completed flight information. This may be a helpful method of analyzing completed flight paths852for consistency. This may allow systematic or recurring patterns to become more easily recognized and improved upon more effectively.

Referring now toFIGS.9A-9C, an exemplary drone910identifying planting obstacles954while deploying seedlings930in the planting area950is illustrated. In some embodiments, the drone910may complete a scan of the intended flight path952and create markers indicating the locations of planting obstacles954. This may occur in preparation for drone delivery, when the flight path852may be determined.

As an illustrative example, a drone910may be directed to a planting area950and may commence in scanning the intended planting locations. This information may then be utilized in the deployment process to skip locations previously identified as containing planting obstacles954. This may improve efficiency by reducing the time between each pod940deployment. This reduced deployment time may result in larger potential planting areas950and more seedlings930deployed per battery charge.

In some embodiments, the flight path information may be transmitted from the drone910to an external device. For example, someone may oversee the planting efforts of multiple drones910and assess their performance via electronic user interface on an external device. This would provide the user with an opportunity to review and revise an intended flight path952and any associated planting obstacles954before pod940deployment. For example, a drone910may misinterpret a depression in the ground as an unplantable location, but upon review from the user, the planting obstacle954marker may be removed so the drone910resume deploying pods940in the specified location.

In some implementations, the drone910may register planting obstacles954via a detecting sensor. For example, the drone910may use an infrared sensor to detect shapes or forms that may represent planting obstacles954. In another example, the drone910may be equipped with distance sensor and mark obstacles that may create a significant difference in distance from the drone910to the ground, assuming the height of the drone910is known. In some aspects, the drone910may contain an image capture device. The images captured may be compared to an algorithm that identifies planting obstacles954.

In some embodiments, the images captured by the drone910may be transmitted with associated planting obstacle954markers to an external device utilized by a user. The user may utilize the images associated with planting obstacle954markers to decide if a marker should remain a designated planting omittance within the flight path952. In some embodiments, the drone910may navigate the flight path952and skip locations marked with planting obstacle954markers. The external device may also allow the user to interrupt the determined flight path952to manually revisit a location with a planting obstacle954marker and then allow the user to direct the drone910back onto the determined flight path952.

Referring now toFIGS.10A-10C, various pods1040with seedlings1030,1031,1032are illustrated. In some embodiments, the pod1040may contain a vertical shaft1046that may support the upright orientation and may assist the growth of the seedling1030,1031,1032. In some implementations, the pod1040may degrade over time as the seedling1030begins to take root and grow. In some aspects, the vertical shaft1046may fall away from the seedling1030as the supporting structure of the pod1040and the binding device to the seedling1030decompose.

In some embodiments, the seedling1030may be inserted at a shallow depth within the pod1040to allow space for the roots to grow and utilize the nutrients provided by the fertilizer within the pod1040. In some implementations, the vertical shaft1046may provide structural support when the seedling1030is inserted at a shallow depth within the pod1040. In some aspects, the pod1040may not contain a vertical shaft1046when the seedling1030is inserted deep within the pod1040.

Referring now toFIG.11, a pod1140with seedling1130is illustrated. In some aspects, a pod1140may comprise a rigid top portion that may secure the seedling1130to the pod1140. The pod1140may comprise a fertilizing medium, such as peat, that may surround the seedling1130. Once planted, the fertilizing medium may dissolve into the ground allowing the seedling to grow in a nutrient-rich environment.

Referring now toFIG.12, a pod1240with seedling1230is illustrated. In some aspects, a pod1240may comprise a rigid top portion and a weighted base. A seedling1130may be anchored within the rigid top portion and weighted base. A fertilizing medium may connect the rigid top portion and the weighted base. The fertilizing medium may provide nutrients to the seedling1230once planted.

Referring now toFIGS.13A and13B, a pod1340with seedling1330is illustrated. In some embodiments, a pod1340may comprise a solid rigid top connected to a weighted base. A seedling1330may extend into the rigid top surrounded by a fertilizing medium. The seedling1330may not extend into the weighted base, which may allow for a faster rooting of the seedling1330into the ground when planted.

Referring now toFIG.14, an exemplary drone1410is illustrated. In some embodiments, the seedling box1420may be separate from the drone1410. In some aspects, a battery may be included in the detached seedling box1420. For example, the battery may be located in the attachment container1421that may connect to the drone1410when the seedling box1420is connected. In some implementations, the drone1410may contain a primary power source that may be supplemented by a secondary power source contained within the seedling box1420. This may provide the extra power required to sustain the additional weight of the seedling box1420and its contents for the duration of deployment within the designated planting area. The secondary power source may be removeable for charging via an external device.

In some embodiments, the drone1410may contain extended rods that could may to the attachment container1421. For example, the drone1410may possess hinged, looped tubes of metal that may be extended to horizontal orientation when the drone1410flies without a seedling box1420and that extend vertically to carry a seedling box1420. The loops may lift the seedling box1420by the underside of extrusions on either side of the attachment container1421.

In some implementations, the drone1410may comprise biodegradable materials. This may protect the environment if the seedling box1420or drone1410fails during deployment in a planting area to the extent that it cannot return from the area and is irretrievable for recovery. A drone1400may be able to detect when it is at risk of crashing and may release the seedling box1420. In some aspects, release of the biodegradable seedling box1420may allow the drone1410to restabilize and return safely.

Referring now toFIGS.15A-15D, an exemplary seedling box1520with an attachment container1521is illustrated. In some embodiments, the attachment container1521may connect to an interface that is integrated with the frame of the seedling box1520. In some embodiments the deploying mechanism1522may be elevated from the base of the seedling box1520frame to provide space for used loading mechanisms1523to rotate after deploying pods1540. In some aspects, the rotation that returns the loading mechanisms1523to be loaded with additional pods1540may be at an angle that may reconfigure the loading mechanisms1523into a stable, loading position.

Referring now toFIGS.16A-16D, an exemplary attachment container1621is illustrated. In some embodiments, the attachment container1621may possess external mechanical features to secure the seedling box1620to the drone. In some implementations, the attachment container1621may utilize a pressure-induced snapping mechanism for securing the seedling box1620to the drone1610. In some aspects, a power source may exist within the attachment container1621that connects to the drone1610via removeable electrical connection.

In some embodiments, the power source may be interchangeable to allow for replacement when the power source lacks sufficient power. In some implementations, the attachment container1621may contain release points to allow for remote separation of the seedling box1620and the drone1610. For example, the seedling box1620may function improperly to the extent that it is advisable to detach the seedling box1620and allow the drone1610to return to the user without the seedling box1620.

Referring now toFIGS.17A-17D, an exemplary seedling box1720with an attachment container1721is illustrated. In some embodiments, the seedling box1720may comprise the form of a frame of structural beams. For example, the walls of the seedling box1720may exist as a shell that could be placed over the frame as a part of the attachment container1721.

In some implementations, the walls of the seedling box1720may comprise as separate components. In some aspects, the side walls may be easily removeable for adjusting content within the seedling box1720. For example, the walls of the seedling box1720may magnetically snap into place to allow for removal of the walls. In some embodiments, the walls of the seedling box1720may slide into place via interlocking grooves.

In some embodiments, the top cover of the seedling box1720may be connected to the attachment container1721and open as a lid to the seedling box1720. This may allow for convenient access to the contents of the seedling box1721. In some implementations, the seedling box1720may comprise biodegradable materials. This may protect the environment in the event that the seedling box1720or drone1710fails during deployment in a planting area to the extent that it cannot return to the user and is irretrievable for recovery.

Referring now toFIGS.18A-18D, an exemplary deploying mechanism1822is illustrated. In some embodiments, the deploying mechanism1822may comprise a plurality of deploying mechanisms1822. For example, one deploying mechanism1822may deploy pods from a drone and four smaller deploying mechanisms1822may operate perpendicular to the singular deploying mechanism1822to sequentially transfer additional pods to the active deployment mechanism1822. This distribution may improve the balance of the drone as the pods are deployed. An increased quantity of deploying mechanisms1822may improve minute control of the pattern of pod deployment.

In some implementations, the deploying mechanism1822may comprise an extruded structure for interfacing with a loading mechanism. In some aspects, the deploying mechanism1822may contain a hollow cavity to allow for the insertion of the loading mechanism. For example, the deploying mechanism1822may operate as a rotating belt that contains a frame that connects via applied force to a secondary belt containing loading mechanisms or segment of loading mechanisms. In another example, the deploying mechanism1822could contain slots for the placement of singular loading mechanisms.

Referring now toFIGS.19A-19C, an exemplary seedling box1920is illustrated. In some embodiments, a seedling box1920may comprise a container or bag that may hold multiple pods1930. In some implementations, the pods1940may be arranged through internal structure. In some aspects, the seedling box1920may be filled with pods without distinct organization. The seedling box1920may comprise a deploying mechanism1922. The deployment mechanism1922sliding panel, wherein sliding the panel opens at least a portion of the base allowing for deployment of the pods1940. In some aspects, sliding the panel may allow for free fall of multiple seedlings, such as any number that may fit through the opening. This may allow for mass deployment of pods1940. Mass deployment may be preferred where spacing between seedlings may not be necessary, such as with grasses, including for example, sea grass, eel grass, and spartina grass.

Referring now toFIG.20, a drone2010comprising a seedling box2020is illustrated delivering seedlings2000. In some aspects, a drone2010may deploy pods2040in bulk, where deployment may not provide for specific spacing of the seedlings2030. In some aspects, activating the deployment mechanism2022may allow for the free fall of pods2040from the seedling box2020. In some embodiments, broadcasting of pods2040may be preferable for some types of flora and scenarios. For example, grasses may be planted closer together than other types, such as mangroves. As another example, broadcasting may be preferable for large expanses of land where seedlings may be needed.

Referring now toFIG.21, an exemplary visualization of deployed seedlings2130is illustrated. In some aspects, deployment of a mass of seedlings2130may allow for quick and effective dispersal of seedlings within a predefined area, such as an area of sludge or damage caused by nature or man. Mass dispersal may be preferable to measured and spaced-out deployment in some situations and applications. As an illustrative example, a portion of a shoreline grasses may be damaged during high tide from a boat that runs aground or other machinery scraping the seafloor. This may leave a gap in grass growth that may need to be repaired. Where the damage is excessive and may include a hole, the hole may be filled with sand to allow for a level grow bed along the coast. A drone may be programmed to navigate within a designated space where broadcasting of seedlings2130may fill in the designated space during flight.

Referring now toFIGS.22A-D, an exemplary seedling box2220is illustrated. In some embodiments, the seedling box2220may comprise a loading mechanism2223. In some implementations, the seedling box2220may comprise a deploying mechanism2222. In some aspects, the seedling box2220may interface with a drone2210.

In some embodiments, the seedling box2220may be large enough to accommodate small aquatic organisms, such as oysters at varying stages of their life cycles. For example, the seedling box2220may be used to sift through and distribute oyster spat in order to more evenly implement oyster barriers along coastlines. This distribution could be accomplished by manual use of the seedling box2220or with a drone2210.

In some implementations, there may be a filter located between and coupled to the loading mechanism2223and deploying mechanism2222so as to limit the number of seedlings being deployed at any given time. This filter may be interchangeable so as to accommodate for varying loads of seedlings. In some aspects, separation of the seedlings by the loading mechanism2223may allow the seedling deployment to be distributed evenly at a lighter density of seedlings per distribution. This may be of particular use when the seedlings may be smaller in size and may, as a result of size, more easily clump together.

Referring now toFIG.23, an exemplary drone2310comprising a seedling box2320delivering seedlings2330is illustrated. In some embodiments, the seedling box2320may comprise a loading mechanism2323. In some implementations, the seedling box2320may comprise a deploying mechanism2322.

In some aspects, the drone2310may allow for the dispersal of seedlings2330over parts of land or water that are difficult, dangerous, or impossible for humans to access. In some embodiments, the deploying mechanism2322may comprise a timing mechanism to allow for timed release of the seedlings2330from the seedling box2320. In some implementations, the drone2310may have to be flown at a predetermined height above the water, so as to not damage the seedlings2330during dispersal.

In some embodiments, the seedlings2330may comprise a plurality of organisms. As an example, the seedlings may comprise spats of oysters with the intent of interspersing spats of oyster seedlings within the perimeter of an oyster reef. In some implementations, the loading mechanism2323may provide sufficient separation to allow the spats of oysters to be sufficiently small to prevent clumping that may create ecological issues as the oysters mature.

Referring now toFIGS.24A-D, an exemplary drone2410comprising a seedling box2420delivering seedlings2430is illustrated. In some embodiments, the drone2410may comprise a loading mechanism2422. In some implementations, the drone may comprise a deploying mechanism2423,2424,2425. In some aspects, the seedling box2420may comprise a seedling container2415.

In some embodiments, the seedling container2415may assist in retaining seedlings2430within the seedling box2420. In some implementations, the seedling container2415may extrude from the seedling box2420, thereby allowing external interaction with the seedling box while the seedling box remains connected to the drone2410.

As an illustrative example, funnels may extrude from the top of the seedling box2420to allow an external user to add additional seedlings2430when the drone has released previously stored seedlings2430. The seedling container2415may provide rigidity to small clumps of seedlings2430, such as spats of oysters, to facilitate a smooth deployment process to the deploying mechanism2423.

In some embodiments, the deploying mechanism2423may deploy a plurality of seedlings2430simultaneously. In some implementations, the deploying mechanism2423may comprise a surface with a plurality of openings, whereby a plurality of seedlings2430may be deployed simultaneously. In some aspects, the deploying mechanism2423may rotate to deploy the seedlings2430.

For example, the deploying mechanism2423may comprise a rotational disk with portioned ridges and an inclined center whereby the seedlings2430, when received from the loading mechanism2422, may distribute the seedlings2430evenly across the portioned ridges and, using centrifugal force, distribute a plurality of seedlings2430simultaneously.

In some embodiments, the deploying mechanism2424,2425may comprise one or more openings to deploy seedlings2430. In some implementations, the deploying mechanism2424may comprise a funnel-shape that may collect and focus the seedlings2430into a concentrated area. This design may allow for targeted deployment of seedlings2430in scenarios where precise placement might be necessary.

In some aspects, the deploying mechanism2425may comprise one or more centralized openings. In some embodiments, the deploying mechanism2425may operate on a time-keeping mechanism, such as a timer. As an illustrative example, the time-keeping mechanism may allow the deploying mechanism2425to release oyster spats in intervals, so as to prevent overpopulation during oyster development in a predetermined region of deployment.

Referring now toFIGS.25A-B, an exemplary drone2510comprising a seedling box2520delivering seedlings2530is illustrated. In some embodiments, the seedling box2520may adapt to versatile applications. As an illustrative example, the seedling box2520may comprise fire starters that, when deployed, may ignite flammable brush in a forest. Starting fires may assist firefighting efforts where the safety measures for fire containment may comprise the formation of fire lines along the perimeters of a large brush fire to keep the fire from extending beyond the point of the fire lines. The fire lines may comprise areas that have previously been consumed by fire, thereby leaving little flammable material for the growing forest fire to consume for further expansion.

As another example, when interfaced with the drone2510, the seedling box2520may deploy fire retardant when flown over a fire, such as a brush fire, forest fire, controlled burn, or housefire, as non-limiting examples. This compatibility may be especially useful in situations where it is extremely difficult, dangerous, or even impossible to manually extinguish a fire.

In some implementations, the deploying mechanism2522may operate on a time-keeping mechanism, such as a timer. As an illustrative example, the time-keeping mechanism may allow the deploying mechanism to release fire retardant in intervals, so as to limit the amount of fire retardant deployed at any given time. For example, this may be useful in extinguishing controlled burns, as some regions of the treatment area may be more densely populated by vegetation than others. As another example, the timed deployment of fire starters may assist in forming a fire line that inhibits the direction and spread of a forest fire.

In some aspects, correct timing of seedling2530deployment may provide for consistent application of the seedlings2530to the intended environment. This may ensure that the capacity of the seedling box2520is not depleted before the targeted deployment area is adequately covered with the seedlings2530. Referring to the previous fire retardant example, the timed deployment of seedlings2530may allow for a constant and even distribution of the seedlings2530without interruption or the formation of unintended gaps between seedling2530placement.

In some aspects, the time-keeping mechanism may interface with moveable barriers within the bottom of the seedling box2520. These moveable barriers may engage and disengage when prompted by the time-keeping mechanism, advancing a seedling2530from a position further from the deploying mechanism2522to a position closer to the deploying mechanism sharing. The moveable barriers may form separate, individual slots that house a seedling2530when the moveable barriers are engaged.

CONCLUSION

A number of embodiments of the present disclosure have been described. While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any disclosures or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the present disclosure.

Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination or in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in combination in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

Thus, particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order show, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In certain implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed disclosure.