# Relay drone system

- **Patent:** US 9836049
- **Original title:** Relay drone system
- **Owner:** Pinnacle Vista
- **Granted:** 2017
- **Status:** Active
- **Times cited:** 40

## What it does

Systems and methods are provided for a network of relay drones utilized as a set of relays or linkages between a base station and a working drone controlled by the base station. The relay drones in the network may augment a communication link or communication signal between the base station and working drone. Relay drones may augment the communication link by acting as nodes that relay communication between the base station and the working drone by boosting the communication signal at each node to compensate for loss of signal power over a traveled distance and/or providing a path with a direct line of sight between the base station and working drone. Directional antennas may be utilized when a direct line of sight is established, which may improve communication signal efficacy when compared with omnidirectional antennas.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who owns patent US 9836049?

Pinnacle Vista owns this patent, granted in 2017.

### When does this patent expire?

This patent is expected to expire on May 5, 2037, when the invention enters the public domain.

### What is patent US 9836049 cited by?

This patent has been cited by 40 later patents that build on its ideas.

**Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/9836049/relay-drone-system

**Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US9836049

---

_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._