Patents by Inventor Adam Woodworth
Adam Woodworth has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20240133243Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting a ladder on a roof having a ridge is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a frame, a roof anchor, a first ladder engagement portion, a second ladder engagement portion and a wheel assembly. The first ladder engagement portion and the second ladder engagement portion attach the apparatus to the ladder. The wheel assembly enables the apparatus to be easily rolled up and down the roof and the roof anchor anchors the apparatus over the ridge of the roof to attach the apparatus, and thus the ladder, to the roof.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2022Publication date: April 25, 2024Inventor: Adam Woodworth
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Publication number: 20240109657Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes a fuselage, a pair of fixed wings attached to the fuselage, a tail assembly attached to an aft portion of the fuselage and including a pair of stabilizers, a plurality of distributed propulsion units having first propellers that rotate about first rotational axes positioned below the fixed wings, and a plurality of tail propulsion units having second propellers that rotate about second rotational axes each positioned inline with one of the stabilizers. The first propellers are mounted fore of the fixed wings and the second propellers are mounted fore of a corresponding one of the stabilizers. Three or more of the distributed propulsion units are mounted to each of the fixed wings.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2022Publication date: April 4, 2024Inventors: Adam Woodworth, Giulia Pantalone, Michelle Suen, Luis Prado
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Patent number: 11891164Abstract: A technique of operating an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) adapted for a package delivery mission includes: powering distributed propulsion units during takeoff and landing segments of the package delivery mission and idling at least a portion of the distributed propulsion units while powering a pair of outboard propulsion units during a cruise segment of the package delivery mission. The distributed propulsion units are mounted below fixed wings of the UAV and have first propellers mounted fore of the fixed wings. The outboard propulsion units are each mounted to a corresponding one of the fixed wings outboard of the distributed propulsion units. The outboard propulsion units include outboard propellers having a larger diameter than the first propellers.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2022Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: WING Aviation LLCInventors: Adam Woodworth, Giulia Pantalone, Michelle Suen, Luis Prado
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Patent number: 11873091Abstract: An example UAV landing structure includes a landing platform for a UAV, a cavity within the landing platform, and a track that runs along the landing platform and at least a part of the cavity. The UAV may include a winch system that includes a tether that may be coupled to a payload. Furthermore, the cavity may be aligned over a predetermined target location. The cavity may be sized to allow the winch system to pass a tethered payload through the cavity. The track may guide the UAV to a docked position over the cavity as the UAV moves along the landing platform. When the UAV is in the docked position, a payload may be loaded to or unloaded from the UAV through the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2022Date of Patent: January 16, 2024Assignee: WING AVIATION LLCInventors: Jesse Blake, Jim Schmalzried, Trevor Shannon, Michael Simonian, Sindre Klepp, Stephen Benson, Adam Woodworth
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Patent number: 11858633Abstract: Example implementations may relate to door-enabled loading and release of payloads in an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which could be a type of UAV in a group of UAVs that is assigned to carry out certain transport tasks. In particular, the UAV may include a fuselage having a first side and a second side, as well as a chamber formed within the fuselage and arranged to house a payload. A first door may be arranged on the first side of the fuselage, such that an opening of the first door enables loading of the payload into the chamber. And a second door may be arranged on the second side of the fuselage, such that an opening of the second door enables release of the payload from the chamber. Moreover, the UAV may include a control system configured to control flight of the UAV, and possibly opening and/or closing of door(s).Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2021Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: WING AVIATION LLCInventors: Andre Prager, Adam Woodworth
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Patent number: 11851176Abstract: An example method of manufacturing a wing includes providing a wing frame. The wing frame includes a primary spar, a drag spar, a plurality of transverse frame elements having at least one spar joiner, and a plurality of mounting elements. The primary spar is coupled to the drag spar via the at least one spar joiner. The method further includes placing the wing frame into a mold, wherein the mold defines a shape of the wing. The method also includes injecting the mold with an air-filled matrix material, such that the air-filled matrix material substantially encases the wing frame and fills the defined shape of the wing, and such that the plurality of transverse frame elements provide torsional rigidity to the wing.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2021Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: WING AVIATION LLCInventors: Adam Woodworth, Adem Rudin, Stephen Benson
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Publication number: 20230406499Abstract: A delivery method using curbside payload pickup by a UAV is provided. The method includes providing instructions to cause physical loading of a payload onto an autoloader device for subsequent UAV transport of the payload. A communication signal is received indicating that the autoloader device has been physically loaded with the payload. A UAV from a group of one or more UAVs is selected to pick up the payload from the autoloader device. Instructions are provided to cause the selected UAV to navigate to the autoloader device to pick up the payload and transport the payload to a delivery location.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2023Publication date: December 21, 2023Inventors: Adam Woodworth, André Prager, Marcus Hammond, Kevin Jenkins, Ivan Qiu, Jasper Lewin, Jonathan Lesser, Elizabeth Marshman
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Publication number: 20230192290Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes lift rotors and control rotors. The lift rotors are mounted to the UAV and oriented to provide a first vertical thrust to the UAV. The control rotors are mounted to the UAV outboard of the lift rotors and oriented to provide a second vertical thrust to the UAV. The control rotors are each smaller than any of the lift rotors.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2021Publication date: June 22, 2023Inventors: Adam Woodworth, Giulia B. Pantalone, Luis Prado, Michelle Suen
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Patent number: 11659322Abstract: Example methods, systems, and articles of manufacture may relate to an aerial vehicle. The methods, systems, and articles of manufacture may include receiving an audio signal with a microphone of the aerial vehicle. The methods, systems, and articles of manufacture may also include processing the audio signal to determine at least one of a distance and type of aircraft located near the aerial vehicle. Additionally, the methods, systems, and articles of manufacture may include, based on the determination, performing at least one maneuver of the aerial vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2020Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: WING AVIATION LLCInventors: Adam Woodworth, Jacob Huffman, Jeremy Chalmer
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Publication number: 20220250748Abstract: An example UAV landing structure includes a landing platform for a UAV, a cavity within the landing platform, and a track that runs along the landing platform and at least a part of the cavity. The UAV may include a winch system that includes a tether that may be coupled to a payload. Furthermore, the cavity may be aligned over a predetermined target location. The cavity may be sized to allow the winch system to pass a tethered payload through the cavity. The track may guide the UAV to a docked position over the cavity as the UAV moves along the landing platform. When the UAV is in the docked position, a payload may be loaded to or unloaded from the UAV through the cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2022Publication date: August 11, 2022Inventors: Jesse Blake, Jim Schmalzried, Trevor Shannon, Michael Simonian, Sindre Klepp, Stephen Benson, Adam Woodworth
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Patent number: 11312490Abstract: An example UAV landing structure includes a landing platform for a UAV, a cavity within the landing platform, and a track that runs along the landing platform and at least a part of the cavity. The UAV may include a winch system that includes a tether that may be coupled to a payload. Furthermore, the cavity may be aligned over a predetermined target location. The cavity may be sized to allow the winch system to pass a tethered payload through the cavity. The track may guide the UAV to a docked position over the cavity as the UAV moves along the landing platform. When the UAV is in the docked position, a payload may be loaded to or unloaded from the UAV through the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2020Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: WING AVIATION LLCInventors: Jesse Blake, Jim Schmalzried, Trevor Shannon, Michael Simonian, Sindre Klepp, Stephen Benson, Adam Woodworth
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Publication number: 20220048625Abstract: Example implementations may relate to door-enabled loading and release of payloads in an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which could be a type of UAV in a group of UAVs that is assigned to carry out certain transport tasks. In particular, the UAV may include a fuselage having a first side and a second side, as well as a chamber formed within the fuselage and arranged to house a payload. A first door may be arranged on the first side of the fuselage, such that an opening of the first door enables loading of the payload into the chamber. And a second door may be arranged on the second side of the fuselage, such that an opening of the second door enables release of the payload from the chamber. Moreover, the UAV may include a control system configured to control flight of the UAV, and possibly opening and/or closing of door(s).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2021Publication date: February 17, 2022Inventors: Andre Prager, Adam Woodworth
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Patent number: 11186368Abstract: Example implementations may relate to door-enabled loading and release of payloads in an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which could be a type of UAV in a group of UAVs that is assigned to carry out certain transport tasks. In particular, the UAV may include a fuselage having a first side and a second side, as well as a chamber formed within the fuselage and arranged to house a payload. A first door may be arranged on the first side of the fuselage, such that an opening of the first door enables loading of the payload into the chamber. And a second door may be arranged on the second side of the fuselage, such that an opening of the second door enables release of the payload from the chamber. Moreover, the UAV may include a control system configured to control flight of the UAV, and possibly opening and/or closing of door(s).Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2017Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: WING AVIATION LLCInventors: Andre Prager, Adam Woodworth
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Patent number: 11155351Abstract: An inflatable package enclosure for use on an aerial vehicle including an inflatable exterior chamber, a first inner cavity positioned within the inflatable exterior chamber, an inflation valve positioned on the inflatable exterior chamber, and a handle on the inflatable exterior chamber for securing the inflatable package enclosure to the aerial vehicle, wherein when the inflatable exterior chamber is inflated and when a package is positioned in the first inner cavity, inner surfaces of the inflatable exterior chamber conform to outer surfaces of the package to secure the package within the inflatable exterior chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2018Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: Wing Aviation LLCInventors: Clark Sopper, Adam Woodworth
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Publication number: 20210309350Abstract: An aerial vehicle is provided including rotor units connected to the aerial vehicle, and a control system configured to operate at least one of the rotor units. The rotor unit includes rotor blades, wherein each rotor blade includes a surface area, and wherein an asymmetric parameter is defined, at least in part, by the relationship between the surface areas of the rotor blades. The value of the asymmetric parameter is selected such that the operation of the rotor unit: (i) moves the rotor blades such that each rotor blade produces a respective vortex and (ii) the respective vortices cause the rotor unit to produce a sound output having an energy distribution defined, at least in part, by a set of frequencies, wherein the set of frequencies includes a fundamental frequency, one or more harmonic frequencies, and one or more non-harmonic frequencies having a respective strength greater than a threshold strength.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2021Publication date: October 7, 2021Inventors: Giulia Pantalone, Adam Woodworth
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Publication number: 20210276704Abstract: An aerial vehicle is provided including rotor units connected to the aerial vehicle, and a control system configured to operate at least one of the rotor units. The rotor unit includes rotor blades, wherein each rotor blade includes a surface area, and wherein an asymmetric parameter is defined, at least in part, by the relationship between the surface areas of the rotor blades. The value of the asymmetric parameter is selected such that the operation of the rotor unit: (i) moves the rotor blades such that each rotor blade produces a respective vortex and (ii) the respective vortices cause the rotor unit to produce a sound output having an energy distribution defined, at least in part, by a set of frequencies, wherein the set of frequencies includes a fundamental frequency, one or more harmonic frequencies, and one or more non-harmonic frequencies having a respective strength greater than a threshold strength.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2021Publication date: September 9, 2021Inventors: Giulia Pantalone, Adam Woodworth, André Prager
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Patent number: 11059576Abstract: An aerial vehicle is provided including rotor units connected to the aerial vehicle, and a control system configured to operate at least one of the rotor units. The rotor unit includes rotor blades, wherein each rotor blade includes a surface area, and wherein an asymmetric parameter is defined, at least in part, by the relationship between the surface areas of the rotor blades. The value of the asymmetric parameter is selected such that the operation of the rotor unit: (i) moves the rotor blades such that each rotor blade produces a respective vortex and (ii) the respective vortices cause the rotor unit to produce a sound output having an energy distribution defined, at least in part, by a set of frequencies, wherein the set of frequencies includes a fundamental frequency, one or more harmonic frequencies, and one or more non-harmonic frequencies having a respective strength greater than a threshold strength.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2020Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: Wing Aviation LLCInventors: Giulia Pantalone, Adam Woodworth
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Patent number: 11046427Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is provided including a fuselage, a pair of wings extending outwardly from the fuselage, and a deployable surface moveable from a first undeployed position during normal flight to a second deployed position when there is a system failure during flight. A method of adjusting a center of pressure of a UAV is also provided including the steps of providing a UAV with a fuselage, a pair of wings extending outwardly from the fuselage, and a deployable surface moveable from a first undeployed position during normal flight to a second deployed position when there is a system failure during flight, sensing when there is a system failure, and moving the deployable surface from the first undeployed position to the second deployed position.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2018Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: Wing Aviation LLC.Inventors: Andre Prager, Adam Woodworth
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Patent number: 11034445Abstract: Systems for wing structure and attachment to frame for Unmanned Autonomous Vehicle (UAV) are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a UAV includes an H-frame having a wing spar secured to two or more boom carriers. The wing spar includes two or more mounting locations, where each of the two or more mounting locations of the wing spar secures a horizontal propulsion unit. The boom carriers include a plurality of mounting locations, each of the plurality of mounting locations of the boom carriers securing a vertical propulsion unit. The UAV also includes a pre-formed wing shell attached to the H-frame.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2017Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: Wing Aviation LLCInventors: Adam Woodworth, Adem Rudin, Stephen Benson
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Patent number: 10974831Abstract: An example system includes an aerial vehicle, a sensor, and a winch system. The winch system includes a tether disposed on a spool, a motor operable to apply a torque to the tether, and a payload coupling apparatus coupled to the tether and configured to mechanically couple to a payload. The system also includes a repositioning apparatus configured to reposition the payload coupling apparatus in at least a horizontal direction. A control system is configured to control the aerial vehicle to deploy the payload coupling apparatus by unwinding the tether from the spool; receive, while the aerial vehicle hovers above the payload and from the sensor, data indicative of a position of the payload coupling apparatus in relation to the payload; and reposition, using the repositioning apparatus and based on the data, the payload coupling apparatus in the horizontal direction to mechanically couple to the payload.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2020Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: Wing Aviation LLCInventors: Andre Prager, Trevor Shannon, Adam Woodworth