Kubota has filed a patent for an agricultural machine that includes a takeoff/landing station to prevent skidding of an unmanned aerial vehicle during takeoff or landing. The machine also features a coupler to attach a working implement and a protector with an arm for the takeoff/landing station. GlobalData’s report on Kubota gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Kubota, Autonomous harvesters was a key innovation area identified from patents. Kubota's grant share as of September 2023 was 21%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
An agricultural machine with a takeoff/landing station for drones
A recently filed patent (Publication Number: US20230312146A1) describes an agricultural machine that incorporates unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for various tasks. The machine includes a traveling vehicle body, a coupler to attach a working implement, and a takeoff/landing station to prevent skidding when the UAV takes off or lands.
In addition to the basic components, the agricultural machine may also have a protector to safeguard the operator's seat, with the takeoff/landing station located on the protector. The station consists of an arm that extends horizontally during takeoff or landing. This arm includes a first member fixed to the protector and a second member that can move on the first member. Furthermore, the arm may have a marker that is visually recognizable by the UAV.
The UAV is equipped with a cable to supply electric power, and the takeoff/landing station includes a housing to store the cable. Additionally, the station may have a winder to wind the cable, ensuring it remains organized and protected.
Another aspect of the agricultural machine involves the use of multiple UAVs. The machine includes a first cable attached to the traveling vehicle body, which connects to a first UAV. A second cable is used to link the first UAV with a second UAV. Both cables can supply electric power and transmit/receive signals between the UAVs. The first cable is provided on the protector, which also serves as a protective cover for the operator's seat.
The second UAV is equipped with a sensor that detects the working implement attached to the machine. When the sensor senses the implement, the second UAV can fly towards it. The first UAV is designed to fly in coordination with the second UAV. The sensor on the second UAV includes an imager to capture images of the working implement.
Furthermore, the first UAV also has a sensor to detect the working implement. The agricultural machine includes a takeoff/landing station for the UAVs, allowing the second UAV to fly while the first UAV is on the station. The traveling vehicle body of the machine includes a winder to wind the first cable, ensuring it remains organized during operation.
Overall, this patent describes an agricultural machine that incorporates UAVs for various tasks, including monitoring and interacting with the working implement. The machine includes a protective cover for the operator's seat, a takeoff/landing station, and cables to supply power and transmit signals between the UAVs. The use of multiple UAVs allows for coordinated operations and efficient task completion.
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GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.
GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
