U.S. patent application number 17/410038 was filed with the patent office on 2021-12-09 for landing pad for unmanned aerial vehicle delivery.
The applicant listed for this patent is VALQARI HOLDINGS, LLC. Invention is credited to Alex J. Falesch, Ryan Walsh.
Application Number | 20210380277 17/410038 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005795444 |
Filed Date | 2021-12-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210380277 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Walsh; Ryan ; et
al. |
December 9, 2021 |
Landing Pad for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Delivery
Abstract
A landing pad receives and stores packages delivered from an
aerial vehicle are awaiting pickup from an aerial vehicle. The
landing pad can be placed outside of a window and can contain a
transmitter for sending out an identification signal via radio
frequency to aid aerial vehicles in finding the landing pad. The
landing pad contains a landing platform with a trapdoor that leads
to a storage compartment. The trapdoor can be configured to only
open when it receives a signal from an authorized aerial vehicle.
The storage compartment can be accessed via a storage compartment
door which can contain a locking mechanism. The storage compartment
can be climate controlled. The landing pad can also have a
transmitter that emits sounds to discourage animals from nesting on
or near the landing pad. The landing pad can also include a solar
power generator as a source of electrical energy.
Inventors: |
Walsh; Ryan; (Aurora,
IL) ; Falesch; Alex J.; (Oswego, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
VALQARI HOLDINGS, LLC |
BATAVIA |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005795444 |
Appl. No.: |
17/410038 |
Filed: |
August 24, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16121174 |
Sep 4, 2018 |
11117680 |
|
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17410038 |
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14587828 |
Dec 31, 2014 |
10124912 |
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16121174 |
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61923207 |
Jan 2, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B64C 39/024 20130101;
B64F 1/04 20130101; B64C 2201/128 20130101; A47G 29/14 20130101;
B64C 2201/145 20130101; A01M 29/16 20130101; B64C 2201/027
20130101; B64F 1/32 20130101; G05D 1/0202 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B64F 1/32 20060101
B64F001/32; G05D 1/02 20060101 G05D001/02; B64C 39/02 20060101
B64C039/02; A01M 29/16 20060101 A01M029/16; A47G 29/14 20060101
A47G029/14; B64F 1/04 20060101 B64F001/04 |
Claims
1. A landing pad comprising: (a) a landing platform, wherein said
landing pad acts as a charging station for an air drone.
2. The landing pad of claim 1 further comprising: (b) a receptacle
for said air drone to plug into said landing pad for charging said
air drone.
3. The landing pad of claim 1 wherein said charging station charges
said air drone via inductive charging.
4. The landing pad of claim 1 wherein said landing pad is
configured to be placed in a window.
5. The landing pad of claim 1 further comprising: (b) a sound
emitter capable of deterring animals.
6. The landing pad of claim 1 further comprising: (b) a transmitter
that transmits a unique ID associate with said landing pad.
7. A method of directing an air drone to a landing pad wherein said
landing pad acts as a charging station for said air drone.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein said method comprises said air
drone plugging into a receptacle of said landing pad to charge said
air drone.
9. The method of claim 7 wherein said charging station charges said
air drone via inductive charging.
10. The method of claim 7 wherein said method comprises: extending
said landing pad from a window.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein said method comprises folding
said landing pad into said window when said landing pad is not
interacting with said air drone.
12. The method of claim 7 wherein said method comprises: providing
said landing pad with a unique landing pad ID.
13. The method of claim 7 wherein said method comprises: employing
a global positioning system device to navigate said air drone to
said landing pad.
14. The method of claim 10 wherein said method comprises emitting a
sound from a sound emitter to deter animals.
15. A system comprising: (a) a landing pad; and (b) an application
wherein said application confirms a delivery of a package to said
landing pad.
16. The system of claim 15 wherein said application runs on a
smartphone.
17. The system of claim 15 wherein said application runs on a
tablet.
18. The system of claim 15 wherein said application modifies a
setting on said landing pad.
19. The system of claim 18 wherein said setting adjusting a
plurality of climate control mechanisms of a storage
compartment.
20. The system of claim 15 wherein said application sends a
confirmation to a third party when a drone delivers said package to
said landing pad, wherein said confirmation is an email.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 16/121,174 filed on Sep. 4, 2018, entitled "Landing Pad for
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Delivery". The '174 application is a
continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/587,828 (now U.S. Pat.
No. 10,124,912) filed on Dec. 31, 2014, also entitled "Landing Pad
for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Delivery" which, in turn, claims
priority benefits from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.
61/923,207 filed on Jan. 2, 2014, also entitled "Landing Pad For
Receiving Packages From Unmanned Aerial Vehicles".
[0002] The '174, '828 and '207 applications are hereby incorporated
by reference herein in their entireties.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to the use of a landing pad to
send/receive packages via unmanned air aerial vehicles, also
frequently referred to as drones. One embodiment involves mounting
the device in a window so that it can be used by those living in
high-rises.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Online or remote shopping has grown immensely over the past
decade and now accounts for over 8% of items sold, with sales
topping $226 billion in 2012 and expected to climb to $327 billion
by 2016. Remote shopping offers many benefits including: allowing
customers to shop from literally anywhere in the world; eliminating
the costs associated of having to ship, store, and sell items from
traditional retail store locations; and allowing manufacturers and
distributors to reach a larger target market. With the growth of
Cyber Monday, the trend of increased online or remote shopping has
increased unequivocally.
[0005] However, despite these advantages, remote shopping is not
without its drawbacks. Most prominent among such drawbacks is the
lag time between purchasing an item and having it delivered. With
the exception of digital goods that can be downloaded over the
internet, most goods purchased by remote shopping need to be
delivered to the users home or business. This usually takes days,
if not weeks, and is subject to the intrinsic costs, hazards and
obstacles of traditional parcel delivery. The variability in
timeframes and distance is due to the inherent drawbacks of the
current logistics and transportation models.
[0006] Companies are attempting to minimize the delay between
purchase and delivery by offering same day delivery in certain
cities. However, this can be very costly and inefficient as it
requires a large number of individuals on call to go out and
deliver items as they are purchased. Not only does this increase
the delivery cost, but also increases traffic congestion and carbon
emissions, as there are more people out making deliveries.
[0007] One suggestion in improved delivery service that does not
have the draw backs of conventional same day delivery, is the use
of unmanned aerial vehicles/drones. Low flying drones, such as
quadcopters and octocopters, can be used to carry and deliver small
to medium sized packages, directly to known locations, using global
positioning system technology, telemetry, metadata and/or commands
from a remote operator. Once purchased, these drones promise to be
much more cost effective than human delivery, and will likely be
faster as they can bypass traffic and are not limited to following
paved roads.
[0008] As consumer demand for same day delivery rises, drones will
rapidly become a viable technology for many delivery services and
companies. Companies implementing drones will reach a greater
market with less overhead and lower costs than companies using
conventional delivery methods.
[0009] Despite its many advantages, one of the potential problems
of using drones to deliver packages is that their use will increase
package theft. This problem arises from the fact that drones are
visible from the ground and typically have shorter ranges than
traditional truck delivery. Potential thieves will be able to
follow drones to their destination and steal the package after it
has been left at the recipient's doorstep.
[0010] Another problem with using drones to deliver packages arises
when the destination for the package is an area with a high density
population. In an area with high-rises housing thousands of tenants
and busy streets, packages simply cannot be left in front of
buildings. Not only would this encourage theft, but it would also
create a public safety hazard as doors and streets would quickly
become blocked. Currently this problem is dealt with by having a
doorman for a building accept packages for the building's tenants.
However, this current setup will not work with drones, as drones
are incapable of opening doors or ringing bells.
[0011] Another issue in utilizing drones for package delivery is
that obstacles, such as low hanging branches or covered porches,
can make it impractical if not impossible to deliver goods to the
ground level, and will create a myriad of variables that could lead
to either more expensive delivery due to the increased need for
sensors on the drones, or prevent certain areas from being capable
of receiving deliveries. Many of these problems will not be known
until the drone reaches the delivery location, further compounding
the problem.
[0012] With Amazon announcing a standardized form of drone delivery
with Amazon PrimeAir, other delivery services will soon begin
adopting the new form of delivery. With the ability to
revolutionize the delivery service, it is imperative that the
proper infrastructure is developed to ensure the successful
implementation of drone delivery. What is needed is a device that
accepts packages from a drone and is secure from potential
thieves.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] A landing pad with a secure storage compartment or box can
be used to provide a convenient and safe place for drones to
deliver and/or pick up packages. The landing pad can be configured
to fit into a standard window, so that it is more accessible to
drones, and less accessible to thieves. The landing pad can also be
configured to stand alone, either on a rooftop or in a field.
[0014] The drone landing pad can be secured to a standard sized
window similar to an adjustable window based air conditioning unit.
In some embodiments, the landing pad can have some adjustability to
meet a larger variety of window sizes. The portion that faces into
the building can have the digital interface as well as the door to
the lockable compartment. The landing pad then protrudes from the
window towards the outside; creating a platform for the drone to
land as well as to secure the package once it is delivered and/or
before it is picked up.
[0015] The method in which the landing pad is mounted to the
building includes, but is not limited to: brackets; adhesives;
magnets; or other methods of securing the landing pad to the
building. With many large buildings and condominium/apartment
developments having stringent rules and codes concerning the
application of exterior hardware, the method of mounting and
securing the pad to the window can have the options listed above to
allow the maximum number of people to benefit from this
technology.
[0016] In some embodiments the outside surface(s) of the landing
pad can contain LED or other display panel(s). This allows the
landing pads to display information such as clocks, advertisements,
and/or be decorative features. In some embodiments, multiple
landing pads can be placed on the same building and networked
together to create visual designs, much like high-rise buildings
often black out certain windows to form words and/or designs.
[0017] Power for the landing pad can come from solar energy,
battery energy, electricity from a wall outlet, or any other method
of delivering energy including but not limited to combinations of
the listed power sources.
[0018] In some embodiments, the landing pad can act as a charging
station for the air drone. Various methods for changing the drone
could be used including inductive charging, and/or directly
allowing the drone to plug into the landing pad. By allowing drones
to charge at the landing pad, drones will be able to make longer
trips and/or carry heavier loads.
[0019] In one embodiment, the landing pad contains a transmitter
that transmits, via radio frequency, a unique ID to help a drone
identify it. After identifying the landing pad, the drone proceeds
to the landing platform, which extends from a window, lands and
releases its package. The landing pad, receiving a signal from the
drone that the package has been delivered, opens a trapdoor on the
landing platform so that the package can enter a storage
compartment. In an alternative embodiment, the trapdoor is opened
before the package is actually delivered, to lessen the chance that
it is dislodged or removed, from the secure location within the
landing platform.
[0020] A storage door, located on the landing pad opens into the
building and allows access to the storage compartment. In some
embodiments, the storage door includes a lock to lessen the chance
that the package is stolen. The lock can be accessible through
digital means such as pass code, pin or biometric scanning such as
finger print recognition or retinal scan; or the lock can be
accessible through mechanical means such as a key. Opening of the
secured storage compartment can occur through the device itself, or
can be opened remotely such as through a smart phone based
application that can remotely configure, secure, or open the
device.
[0021] One optional feature that can be included in the design and
method of the device is the option to notify the recipient of the
package's arrival through the means of text message or email
notification in addition to the signal on the device itself or
integrated into a home smart system.
[0022] Another optional feature is that the landing pad can be
climate controlled. Various elements of the storage compartment
that can be controlled include, but are not limited to, the
temperature, humidity, and light settings. Traditional climate
control mechanisms, including air-conditioners, electric and gas
heaters, infrared heaters, dehumidifiers and/or humidifiers can be
used. In some embodiments various insulating materials can be used
to make the landing pad more efficient.
[0023] In at least one embodiment, the landing pad can be
configured to change the climate of its storage box based on the
item being dropped off and/or picked up. For example, in some
instances if an item that should be kept warm is being dropped off,
such as a pizza, the landing pad can be configured to keep the
storage box warm so the item is ready when the individual gets
home. Similarly, when an item that should be kept cool, such as
certain medications, is being dropped off the storage box can be
kept cool. In other or the same embodiments, the storage box can
receive information about the item being dropped off from a variety
of sources including, but not limited to, the user, a network,
and/or the drone.
[0024] In some embodiments, the landing pad can be configured to
adjust the climate based on user input. For example, in one
embodiment, refrigerated food can be dropped off during the morning
when an individual is at work. The landing pad, having received the
food, can keep the food refrigerated until the user gets home, or
the user tells the landing pad, either via a physical signal and/or
electrical signal that the landing pad should heat up the food. In
this way, refrigerated food can be delivered, stored, and cooked
before the individual arrives home.
[0025] In some embodiments the landing pad can be configured to
reduce wind resistance so as to prevent it from becoming detached
during strong winds. In other or the same embodiments, the landing
pad can be configured to fold into the window when not in use to
minimize wind resistance.
[0026] The landing pad can be made of various materials, including
but not limited to, aluminum, stainless steel, carbon fiber, and
other rust resistant materials. The interior of the storage
compartment can be made of a bacteria resistant material to prevent
mold growth and to keep food sanitary.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 is a side view of a landing pad.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a back view of the landing pad in FIG. 1.
[0029] FIG. 3 is top view of the landing pad in FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the landing pad in FIG. 1.
[0031] FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C depict the stages of drone delivery.
[0032] FIGS. 6A and 6B depict the actual delivery of the package to
the landing pad.
[0033] FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C depict the use of the landing pad.
[0034] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the front of a landing pad
according to some embodiments.
[0035] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the back of a landing pad
according to some embodiments.
[0036] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a landing pad in a
window.
[0037] FIG. 11 is a top view of a landing pad according to some
embodiments.
[0038] FIG. 12 is a side cutaway view of a landing pad with a
conveyor belt.
[0039] FIG. 13 is a side cutaway view of another embodiment of a
landing pad.
[0040] FIG. 14A is a side cutaway view of an expandable landing pad
in an expanded state.
[0041] FIG. 14B is a side cutaway view of an expandable landing pad
in a contracted state.
[0042] FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of a landing pad
configured to be used on a rooftop.
[0043] FIG. 16 is a back perspective view of a landing pad
configured to be used on a rooftop.
[0044] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a landing pad configured to
be used in a field.
[0045] FIG. 18A is a side perspective view of an expandable landing
pad in an expanded state.
[0046] FIG. 18B is a side perspective view of an expandable landing
pad in a semi-contracted state.
[0047] FIG. 18C is a side perspective view of an expandable landing
pad in a contracted state.
[0048] FIG. 19A is a perspective view of a landing pad that doubles
as a wireless charging station.
[0049] FIG. 19B is a perspective view of a landing pad that doubles
as a wireless charging station charging a drone.
[0050] FIG. 20A is a perspective view of a landing pad with a
charging plug.
[0051] FIG. 20B is a perspective view of a landing pad with a
charging plug charging a drone.
[0052] FIG. 21A is a side cutaway view of a landing pad with a
hydraulic floor.
[0053] FIG. 21B is a side cutaway view of a landing pad with a
hydraulic floor in which part of the floor is in a raised
position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0054] FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4 illustrate various viewpoints of the
same landing pad 1.
[0055] FIG. 1 is a side view of landing pad 1. Landing pad 1 is
designed to be inserted into a window, much like a window
air-conditioner with the majority of landing platform 2 and storage
compartment 3, protruding out of the window. In this way, a drone
can land on landing platform 2 and deposit its package into storage
compartment 3. A user can then retrieve the package via storage
door 10 (see FIG. 2) which opens into the room.
[0056] Landing platform 2 and storage compartment 3 are supported
by support brace 4 which can be attached to the exterior of a
building. An optional transponder (not shown) can use radio
frequency to emit a unique ID corresponding to landing pad 1 to aid
the drone, along with GPS, in finding landing pad 1. This
transponder can be housed with other electronics in electronic
housing 5.
[0057] In some embodiments, storage compartment 3 includes a
conveyer belt (not shown) which move packages either towards the
window (not shown) after they have been delivered and/or away from
the window when they are being picked up by the drone. In some
embodiments, storage compartment 3 has a hydraulic system that
tilts the floor of storage compartment 3 or the entire storage
compartment, to help move any packages towards and/or away from the
window.
[0058] FIG. 21A shows landing pad 1 with a hydraulic floor in a
lower position.
[0059] FIG. 21B shows landing pad 1 with hydraulic floor in a
raised position.
[0060] In some embodiments, storage compartment 3 can be expandable
to allow for larger packages, while decreasing wind resistance when
storage compartment 3 is not in use.
[0061] FIGS. 18A-18C show an embodiment of expandable landing pad 1
in various stages of contraction.
[0062] FIG. 2 shows a back view of landing pad 1, as would be seen
by a user inside the building. Storage door 10 opens into the room,
although it could also push into storage compartment 3, and allows
for access into storage compartment 3.
[0063] An optional lock 6 can be applied to storage door 10 for
added security. Lock 6 can be mechanical, electronic or both, and
can be opened by a physical object such as a key, keycard,
fingerprint (or other biometric identifier), by supplying a secret
code such as via a keypad, or voice recognizer, or by a combination
of both physical objects and secret codes. Lock 6 is especially
useful if landing pad 1 is installed in a window facing a common
room, such as a hallway or lobby in an apartment.
[0064] One can imagine floors of large skyscrapers being dedicated
to drone delivery, in which residents have personal landing pads
installed. Individuals can opt for this type of setup if they do
not want landing pad 1 blocking the view from their personal
window, or if they live too high or too low in a high-rise for
effective drone delivery.
[0065] FIG. 3 is a top view of landing pad 1. It illustrates
trapdoor 8 on landing platform 2 which opens into storage
compartment 3 when a drone leaves a package on landing platform 1.
Trapdoor 8 can be spring loaded and activated via gravity. However,
this can cause problems as it could allow animals, such as birds or
squirrels to activate trapdoor 8 and find their way into users'
homes. Furthermore, lightweight packages may not weigh enough to
open trapdoor 8. Finally, if trapdoor 8 is allowed to freely swing
open, thieves could easily steal from storage compartment 3,
assuming landing pad 1 can be easily accessed.
[0066] To alleviate these problems, trapdoor 8 can be configured to
be opened only via magnetic and/or mechanical means. In one
embodiment, an air drone delivering a package sends a signal to
landing pad 1, that the package is on landing platform 2 and it is
safe to open trapdoor 8. This signal is received by a receiver (not
shown) in electronic housing 5 and trapdoor 8 opens and then closes
once the package is inside storage compartment 3.
[0067] In some embodiments, the signals being sent between the
landing pad and air drones are encrypted to prevent thieves from
hacking and replicating them.
[0068] FIG. 3 also illustrates optional solar paneling 7. While
landing pad 1 can be powered via a myriad of ways, such as
traditional electrical wiring running from the house or batteries,
solar paneling 7 can be a highly efficient source of power for a
variety of reasons. For one, solar paneling 7 will be receiving a
full day of sunlight in many situations as it is located outside.
Furthermore, landing pad 1 is dormant most of the time, except when
sending out a unique ID from a transponder when an air drone is
near or being engaged by the user and does not require a
substantial amount of power.
[0069] Eliminating the need for external power allows for easier
installation in areas without an electrical outlet nearby.
[0070] Landing pad 1 can also include a device in electronic
housing 5 that transmits a frequency that deters animals away from
landing pad 1. This would keep animals from nesting on or near
landing pad 1.
[0071] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of land pad 1. It shows electronic
housing 5 and storage compartment 3.
[0072] FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C depict the steps of the drone delivery
method. FIG. 5A depicts drone 20 with proper data relayed or
stored, departing distribution facility 22 with package 25 (see
FIG. 6A).
[0073] FIG. 5B shows that upon travel to recipients location 30,
drone 20 will conduct the proper identification of landing pad 1
and, following a successful exchange of credentials, approaching
the landing pad 1 (see FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B and 7C) and delivering
the package. FIG. 5C shows drone 20 traveling back to subsequent
destination 40, whether that is an original distribution facility
22 or another location.
[0074] FIGS. 6A and 6B depict the function of landing pad 1 upon
successful credential transfer between drone 20 and landing pad 1
and the subsequent approach of drone 20 to landing pad 1.
[0075] FIG. 6Aa shows drone 20 landing upon landing platform 2.
Drone 20 then releases package 25 as shown in FIG. 6B and continues
to subsequent destination 40 (not shown). The package remains on
landing platform 2 until trapdoor 8 opens.
[0076] FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C depict the steps of package 25 being
left on landing platform 2 after successful delivery from drone 20
(see FIG. 7A), package 25 entering storage compartment 3 via
trapdoor 8 (see FIG. 7B), and package 25 being removed by a user
via storage door 10 (see FIG. 7C).
[0077] Whether notified by drone 20 or whether it senses the
package via internal sensors, landing pad 1, aware that package 25
is upon landing platform 2, opens trapdoors 8 causing package 25 to
drop into storage compartment 3. In some embodiments, before
package 25 is delivered, a signature is obtained from the addressee
and/or landing pad owner. This signature can be obtained physically
and/or electronically such as via an email authorization. This
added level of security allows for a single landing pad to be used
by several unrelated individuals without the fear of others
receiving valuable/and or personal deliveries.
[0078] FIG. 19A illustrates landing pad 1 configured to operate as
a wireless charging station.
[0079] FIG. 19B illustrates landing pad 1 wirelessly charging a
drone.
[0080] FIG. 20A illustrates landing pad 1 configured to operate as
a charging station.
[0081] FIG. 20B illustrates landing pad 1 charging a drone.
[0082] In some embodiments, landing pad is configured to be used
with an application that can run on, among other things, a
smartphone, tablet, laptop, and/or personal computer. In some
embodiments the application confirms package deliveries and/or
pickups. The application can also allow an individual to sign for
deliveries and/or pickups. In some embodiments, the application
also allows the user to modify various setting on the landing pad
such as its internal climate.
[0083] In some embodiments a notification is sent to a recipient of
the successful delivery by means of text message, email, or
notification on a smartphone application in conjunction with an LED
or digital display on landing pad 1.
[0084] FIG. 7C depicts the recipient unlocking and opening storage
door 10 and removing package 25 from the storage compartment 3.
[0085] FIG. 8 shows landing pad 1 configured to be placed in a
window.
[0086] FIG. 9 illustrates, among other things, landing pad 1 with
sound emitter 50 and transmitter 60.
[0087] FIG. 12 illustrates, among other things, landing pad 1 with
conveyer belt 70 and climate control mechanism 80.
[0088] While particular elements, embodiments and applications of
the present invention have been shown and described, it will be
understood, that the invention is not limited thereto since
modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the
present disclosure, particularly in light of the foregoing
teachings.
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