Patents Assigned to Terrafugia, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11067164
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic gear shifter assembly for a dual-mode flying and driving vehicle. The electronic gear shifter assembly may include a lever moveable between a first shifting path that includes at least one drive-related operating position, and a second shifting path that includes at least one flying-related operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Terrafugia, Inc.
    Inventors: Julie Henion, Kevin Colburn, Carl C. Dietrich, Dagny Dukach, Edmund Golaski, Andrew Heafitz, Elizabeth Von Der Heydt, Lluis Penalver-Aguila, Bryan Sandoz, Ethan Stowe
  • Patent number: 11014418
    Abstract: A combined flying-driving vehicle having a unique hybrid propulsion system architecture that provides a very high level of reliability and functionality to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Terrafugia, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl C. Dietrich
  • Patent number: 10518595
    Abstract: A combined flying-driving vehicle having a hybrid propulsion system architecture, foldable wings, and rotatable propulsion devices that is capable of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL), fixed wing cruise, and legally operating one a roadway surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Terrafugia, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl C. Dietrich
  • Patent number: 8210473
    Abstract: Improvements to the hinge of a folding aircraft wing including a load bearing hinge mechanism with multiple locking mechanisms. The mechanism includes rigid panels that cover the hinge area when the wing is deployed, and the wing itself covers the hinge area when the wing is retracted. A control lever is used to actuate the wing and incorporates safety features to prevent unwanted actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Terrafugia, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel Adam Schweighart, Carl Curtis Dietrich, Andrew Heafitz
  • Patent number: 7938358
    Abstract: A low-wing, low-span canard aircraft with a protected pusher-style propeller is designed to transition simply between use in the air and use on the ground, without any mechanical effort on the part of the pilot. The vehicle may include deformable aerodynamic bumpers, embedded road-safety vehicle lighting and license plates, a protected propeller, and an integrated RFID airport access system. The vehicle may be designed for potential certification by the Federal Aviation Administration as a Light Sport Aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Terrafugia, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Curtis Dietrich, Samuel Adam Schweighart, Anna Marie Mracek
  • Publication number: 20100051742
    Abstract: Improved mechanisms for folding and locking an aircraft wing and controlling the wing's aileron through a wing fold have been motivated by development of a roadable aircraft. Applicable to a broader class of aircraft, these mechanisms allow for a safer, lighter-weight solution to the wing-folding challenge than currently available. The cable control system allows an outer wing section to be moved in concert with an actuated inner wing section. The locking mechanism allows for automated operation and visual inspection. The aileron control mechanism provides centering and locking in addition to flight control through the hinge axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Terrafugia, Inc,;
    Inventors: Samuel Adam Schweighart, Carl Curtis Dietrich, Andrew Heafitz, Benjamin Zelnick
  • Publication number: 20100019080
    Abstract: Improvements to the hinge of a folding aircraft wing including a load bearing hinge mechanism with multiple locking mechanisms. The mechanism includes rigid panels that cover the hinge area when the wing is deployed, and the wing itself covers the hinge area when the wing is retracted. A control lever is used to actuate the wing and incorporates safety features to prevent unwanted actuation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: Terrafugia, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel Adam Schweighart, Carl Curtis Dietrich, Andrew Heafitz