Patents by Inventor Benjamin Scott Thompson
Benjamin Scott Thompson 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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Patent number: 11970287Abstract: An introduced autonomous aerial vehicle can include multiple cameras for capturing images of a surrounding physical environment that are utilized for motion planning by an autonomous navigation system. In some embodiments, the cameras can be integrated into one or more rotor assemblies that house powered rotors to free up space within the body of the aerial vehicle. In an example embodiment, an aerial vehicle includes multiple upward-facing cameras and multiple downward-facing cameras with overlapping fields of view to enable stereoscopic computer vision in a plurality of directions around the aerial vehicle. Similar camera arrangements can also be implemented in fixed-wing aerial vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2022Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: Skydio, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Scott Thompson, Adam Parker Bry, Asher Mendel Robbins-Rothman, Abraham Galton Bachrach, Yevgeniy Kozlenko, Kevin Patrick Smith O'Leary, Patrick Allen Lowe, Daniel Thomas Adams, Justin Michael Sadowski, Zachary Albert West, Josiah Timothy VanderMey
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Patent number: 11947348Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) controller may have control elements configured to receive inputs from a user. A cover may be coupled to the controller. The cover may be movable between a closed position in which the control elements are covered and an open position in which the control elements are exposed. An antenna may be integrated in the cover. The antenna may be electrically connected to circuitry in the controller for communicating with a UAV. In some implementations, a conductive plane and/or an insulating plane may be integrated in the cover. In some implementations, a heatsink, a fan, and/or a support mechanism may be arranged on an under portion of the controller. In some implementations, a circuit board including a cutout may be arranged inside the controller.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2022Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: Skydio, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Scott Thompson, Christopher Brian Grasberger, Patrick Allen Lowe, Asher Mendel Robbins-Rothman, Yevgeniy Kozlenko, Logan Sweet, Blair Williams, Joseph Anthony Enke
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Publication number: 20240069005Abstract: A method includes determining, using a processing device, a set of observations from coolant data, the coolant data being received from one or more sensors in an environment associated with a coolant. The method further includes determining, using a machine learning model and the set of observations, a contamination level of the coolant. The method also includes initiating an operation, using the processing device, responsive to determining the coolant contamination level.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2022Publication date: February 29, 2024Inventors: Ryan Kelsey Albright, William Andrew Mecham, Tahir Cader, Michael Scott Thompson, Aaron Richard Carkin, William Ryan Weese, Benjamin Joseph Goska, Marc Davis
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Publication number: 20230373668Abstract: A battery configured to power an unmanned aerial vehicle. The battery includes an enclosure configured to house a power module of the battery. The battery also includes one or more conducting contacts located on the enclosure configured to contact one or more pogo pins of a battery charger located on a docking station of the unmanned aerial vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2023Publication date: November 23, 2023Inventors: Yevgeniy Kozlenko, Benjamin Scott Thompson, Jack Zi Qi Ye, Christopher Brian Grasberger, Gareth Benoit Cross, Jack Louis Zhu, Abraham Galton Bachrach, Adam Parker Bry, Hayk Martirosyan
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Publication number: 20230373663Abstract: A dock assembly includes a docking station and a stand or mount coupled to the docking station. The dock assembly may be configured for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The docking station may include a landing surface configured to interface with the UAV, an extended portion coupled to the landing surface and extending from the landing surface, and a fiducial located on the extended portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2023Publication date: November 23, 2023Inventors: Yevgeniy Kozlenko, Benjamin Scott Thompson, Jack Zi Qi Ye, Christopher Brian Grasberger, Gareth Benoit Cross, Jack Louis Zhu, Abraham Galton Bachrach, Adam Parker Bry, Hayk Martirosyan
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Patent number: 11818463Abstract: Embodiments are described for a stabilization system configured, in some embodiments, for stabilizing image capture from an aerial vehicle (e.g., a UAV). According to some embodiments, the stabilization systems employs both active and passive stabilization means. A passive stabilization assembly includes a counter-balanced suspension system that includes an elongated arm that extends into and is coupled to the body of a vehicle. The counter-balanced suspension system passively stabilizes a mounted device such as an image capture device to counter motion of the UAV while in use. In some embodiment the counter-balanced suspension system passively stabilizes a mounted image capture assembly that includes active stabilization means (e.g., a motorized gimbal and/or electronic image stabilization). In some embodiments, the active and passive stabilization means operate together to effectively stabilize a mounted image capture device to counter a wide range of motion characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2021Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: Skydio, Inc.Inventors: David Kalinowski, Stephen R. McClure, Patrick Allen Lowe, Daniel Thomas Adams, Benjamin Scott Thompson, Adam Parker Bry, Abraham Galton Bachrach
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Publication number: 20230348099Abstract: A docking system is disclosed for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The docking system includes a base station that is configured to receive the UAV and a pedestal that is configured to support the base station in an elevated position. The pedestal defines an interior space that is configured in correspondence with an outer contour of the base station such that the base station is positionable within the pedestal to protect the base station during nonuse.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2022Publication date: November 2, 2023Inventors: Yee Shan Woo, Benjamin Scott Thompson
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Publication number: 20230261359Abstract: A controller for an unmanned aerial vehicle may have a top portion configured to interface with a user and a bottom portion on a side opposite the top portion. A device support may be coupled to the controller. The device support may be configured to hold a portable electronic device. The device support may be movable between a closed position in which the device support is received in the bottom portion of the controller and an open position in which the device support extends away from the controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2022Publication date: August 17, 2023Inventors: Adam Nathan Lebovitz, Benjamin Scott Thompson, Kellen James Waterman O'Rourke
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Publication number: 20230166862Abstract: An introduced autonomous aerial vehicle can include multiple cameras for capturing images of a surrounding physical environment that are utilized for motion planning by an autonomous navigation system. In some embodiments, the cameras can be integrated into one or more rotor assemblies that house powered rotors to free up space within the body of the aerial vehicle. In an example embodiment, an aerial vehicle includes multiple upward-facing cameras and multiple downward-facing cameras with overlapping fields of view to enable stereoscopic computer vision in a plurality of directions around the aerial vehicle. Similar camera arrangements can also be implemented in fixed-wing aerial vehicles.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2022Publication date: June 1, 2023Applicant: Skydio, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Scott Thompson, Adam Parker Bry, Asher Mendel Robbins-Rothman, Abraham Galton Bachrach, Yevgeniy Kozlenko, Kevin Patrick Smith O'Leary, Patrick Allen Lowe, Daniel Thomas Adams, Justin Michael Sadowski, Zachary Albert West, Josiah Timothy VanderMey
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Publication number: 20230144408Abstract: An introduced autonomous aerial vehicle can include multiple cameras for capturing images of a surrounding physical environment that are utilized for motion planning by an autonomous navigation system. In some embodiments, the cameras can be integrated into one or more rotor assemblies that house powered rotors to free up space within the body of the aerial vehicle. In an example embodiment, an aerial vehicle includes multiple upward-facing cameras and multiple downward-facing cameras with overlapping fields of view to enable stereoscopic computer vision in a plurality of directions around the aerial vehicle. Similar camera arrangements can also be implemented in fixed-wing aerial vehicles.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2022Publication date: May 11, 2023Applicant: Skydio, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Scott Thompson, Adam Parker Bry, Asher Mendel Robbins-Rothman, Abraham Galton Bachrach, Yevgeniy Kozlenko, Kevin Patrick Smith O'Leary, Patrick Allen Lowe, Daniel Thomas Adams, Justin Michael Sadowski, Zachary Albert West, Josiah Timothy VanderMey
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Publication number: 20230002074Abstract: An introduced autonomous aerial vehicle can include multiple cameras for capturing images of a surrounding physical environment that are utilized for motion planning by an autonomous navigation system. In some embodiments, the cameras can be integrated into one or more rotor assemblies that house powered rotors to free up space within the body of the aerial vehicle. In an example embodiment, an aerial vehicle includes multiple upward-facing cameras and multiple downward-facing cameras with overlapping fields of view to enable stereoscopic computer vision in a plurality of directions around the aerial vehicle. Similar camera arrangements can also be implemented in fixed-wing aerial vehicles.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2022Publication date: January 5, 2023Applicant: Skydio, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Scott Thompson, Adam Parker Bry, Asher Mendel Robbins-Rothman, Abraham Galton Bachrach, Yevgeniy Kozlenko, Kevin Patrick Smith O'Leary, Patrick Allen Lowe, Daniel Thomas Adams, Justin Michael Sadowski, Zachary Albert West, Josiah Timothy VanderMey
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Publication number: 20220411103Abstract: An introduced autonomous aerial vehicle can include multiple cameras for capturing images of a surrounding physical environment that are utilized for motion planning by an autonomous navigation system. In some embodiments, the cameras can be integrated into one or more rotor assemblies that house powered rotors to free up space within the body of the aerial vehicle. In an example embodiment, an aerial vehicle includes multiple upward-facing cameras and multiple downward-facing cameras with overlapping fields of view to enable stereoscopic computer vision in a plurality of directions around the aerial vehicle. Similar camera arrangements can also be implemented in fixed-wing aerial vehicles.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2022Publication date: December 29, 2022Applicant: Skydio, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Scott Thompson, Adam Parker Bry, Asher Mendel Robbins-Rothman, Abraham Galton Bachrach, Yevgeniy Kozlenko, Kevin Patrick Smith O'Leary, Patrick Allen Lowe, Daniel Thomas Adams, Justin Michael Sadowski, Zachary Albert West, Josiah Timothy VanderMey
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Publication number: 20220411102Abstract: An introduced autonomous aerial vehicle can include multiple cameras for capturing images of a surrounding physical environment that are utilized for motion planning by an autonomous navigation system. In some embodiments, the cameras can be integrated into one or more rotor assemblies that house powered rotors to free up space within the body of the aerial vehicle. In an example embodiment, an aerial vehicle includes multiple upward-facing cameras and multiple downward-facing cameras with overlapping fields of view to enable stereoscopic computer vision in a plurality of directions around the aerial vehicle. Similar camera arrangements can also be implemented in fixed-wing aerial vehicles.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2022Publication date: December 29, 2022Applicant: Skydio, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Scott Thompson, Adam Parker Bry, Asher Mendel Robbins-Rothman, Abraham Galton Bachrach, Yevgeniy Kozlenko, Kevin Patrick Smith O'Leary, Patrick Allen Lowe, Daniel Thomas Adams, Justin Michael Sadowski, Zachary Albert West, Josiah Timothy VanderMey
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Publication number: 20220393561Abstract: An actuator is introduced that utilizes the forces that result from placing a current carrying coil in a magnetic field to rotate a connected object about at least one axis. In some embodiments, the introduced coil actuator includes a coil of conductor coupled to an arm or other type of structural element that extends radially from an axis of rotation. The introduced coil actuator can be utilized to provide motion control in a variety of different applications such as gimbal mechanisms. In some embodiments, the introduced coil actuator can be implemented in a gimbal mechanism for adjusting an orientation of a device such as a camera relative to a connected platform such as the body of an aerial vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2022Publication date: December 8, 2022Applicant: Skydio, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Thomas Adams, Patrick Allen Lowe, Benjamin Scott Thompson, Abraham Galton Bachrach, Adam Parker Bry
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Publication number: 20220355952Abstract: An introduced autonomous aerial vehicle can include multiple cameras for capturing images of a surrounding physical environment that are utilized for motion planning by an autonomous navigation system. In some embodiments, the cameras can be integrated into one or more rotor assemblies that house powered rotors to free up space within the body of the aerial vehicle. In an example embodiment, an aerial vehicle includes multiple upward-facing cameras and multiple downward-facing cameras with overlapping fields of view to enable stereoscopic computer vision in a plurality of directions around the aerial vehicle. Similar camera arrangements can also be implemented in fixed-wing aerial vehicles.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2022Publication date: November 10, 2022Applicant: Skydio, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Scott Thompson, Adam Parker Bry, Asher Mendel Robbins-Rothman, Abraham Galton Bachrach, Yevgeniy Kozlenko, Kevin Patrick Smith O'Leary, Patrick Allen Lowe, Daniel Thomas Adams, Justin Michael Sadowski, Zachary Albert West, Josiah Timothy VanderMey
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Publication number: 20220326705Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) controller may have control elements configured to receive inputs from a user. A cover may be coupled to the controller. The cover may be movable between a closed position in which the control elements are covered and an open position in which the control elements are exposed. An antenna may be integrated in the cover. The antenna may be electrically connected to circuitry in the controller for communicating with a UAV. In some implementations, a conductive plane and/or an insulating plane may be integrated in the cover. In some implementations, a heatsink, a fan, and/or a support mechanism may be arranged on an under portion of the controller. In some implementations, a circuit board including a cutout may be arranged inside the controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2022Publication date: October 13, 2022Inventors: Benjamin Scott Thompson, Christopher Brian Grasberger, Patrick Allen Lowe, Asher Mendel Robbins-Rothman, Yevgeniy Kozlenko, Logan Sweet, Blair Williams, Joseph Anthony Enke
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Patent number: 11453513Abstract: An introduced autonomous aerial vehicle can include multiple cameras for capturing images of a surrounding physical environment that are utilized for motion planning by an autonomous navigation system. In some embodiments, the cameras can be integrated into one or more rotor assemblies that house powered rotors to free up space within the body of the aerial vehicle. In an example embodiment, an aerial vehicle includes multiple upward-facing cameras and multiple downward-facing cameras with overlapping fields of view to enable stereoscopic computer vision in a plurality of directions around the aerial vehicle. Similar camera arrangements can also be implemented in fixed-wing aerial vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2019Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: Skydio, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Scott Thompson, Adam Parker Bry, Asher Mendel Robbins-Rothman, Abraham Galton Bachrach, Yevgeniy Kozlenko, Kevin Patrick Smith O'Leary, Patrick Allen Lowe, Daniel Thomas Adams, Justin Michael Sadowski, Zachary Albert West, Josiah Timothy VanderMey
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Patent number: 11418102Abstract: An actuator is introduced that utilizes the forces that result from placing a current carrying coil in a magnetic field to rotate a connected object about at least one axis. In some embodiments, the introduced coil actuator includes a coil of conductor coupled to an arm or other type of structural element that extends radially from an axis of rotation. The introduced coil actuator can be utilized to provide motion control in a variety of different applications such as gimbal mechanisms. In some embodiments, the introduced coil actuator can be implemented in a gimbal mechanism for adjusting an orientation of a device such as a camera relative to a connected platform such as the body of an aerial vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2020Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: Skydio, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Thomas Adams, Patrick Allen Lowe, Benjamin Scott Thompson, Abraham Galton Bachrach, Adam Parker Bry
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Publication number: 20210403177Abstract: The technology described herein relates to autonomous aerial vehicle rotor configurations. In some embodiments, the aerial vehicle includes a central body that extends along a longitudinal axis from a forward end to an aft end including a port side opposite a starboard side. Multiple rotor arms each have a proximal end coupled to the central body and a rotor assembly arranged at a distal end to provide propulsion for the aerial vehicle. The rotor assemblies include a first set of rotor assemblies and a second set of rotor assemblies. The first set of rotor assemblies are arranged in a non-inverted configuration on a top side of the aerial vehicle such that each rotor assembly includes an upward-facing rotor. The second set of rotor assemblies are arranged in an inverted configuration on a bottom side of the aerial vehicle such that each rotor assembly includes a downward-facing rotor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2021Publication date: December 30, 2021Applicant: Skydio, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Scott Thompson, Adam Parker Bry, Asher Mendel Robbins-Rothman, Abraham Galton Bachrach, Yevgeniy Kozlenko, Kevin Patrick Smith O'Leary, Patrick Allen Lowe, Daniel Thomas Adams, Justin Michael Sadowski, Zachary Albert West, Josiah Timothy VanderMey
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Publication number: 20210314490Abstract: Embodiments are described for a stabilization system configured, in some embodiments, for stabilizing image capture from an aerial vehicle (e.g., a UAV). According to some embodiments, the stabilization systems employs both active and passive stabilization means. A passive stabilization assembly includes a counter-balanced suspension system that includes an elongated arm that extends into and is coupled to the body of a vehicle. The counter-balanced suspension system passively stabilizes a mounted device such as an image capture device to counter motion of the UAV while in use. In some embodiment the counter-balanced suspension system passively stabilizes a mounted image capture assembly that includes active stabilization means (e.g., a motorized gimbal and/or electronic image stabilization). In some embodiments, the active and passive stabilization means operate together to effectively stabilize a mounted image capture device to counter a wide range of motion characteristics.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2021Publication date: October 7, 2021Applicant: Skydio, Inc.Inventors: David Kalinowski, Stephen R. McClure, Patrick Allen Lowe, Daniel Thomas Adams, Benjamin Scott Thompson, Adam Parker Bry, Abraham Galton Bachrach