Patents by Inventor Bernard J. Michini
Bernard J. Michini 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: 20230264516Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for automated vehicle wheel removal and replacement are provided. One system includes a computer system with applications for scheduling the replacement of tires for the vehicle. An electronically controlled lift device and robotic apparatus is configured for interaction with the computer system. The lift device mechanically adjusts arms for placement on lift points of vehicles. The robotic apparatus detects positioning of lug nut configuration for a wheel, removes lug nuts, and then removes the wheel from the wheel hub with gripping arms. The wheel and tire are then handed off to a separate tire changing machine. When a new tire is replaced the robotic apparatus then mounts the wheel to the original wheel hub, and then secures the lug nuts to the lug nut bolts.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2023Publication date: August 24, 2023Inventors: Jonathan Downey, Victor Darolfi, Robert Baranowski, Mark Bauer, Bernard J. Michini
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Patent number: 11725940Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for an unmanned aerial vehicle control point selection system. A first unmanned aerial vehicle can navigate about a geographic area while a second unmanned aerial vehicle can capture images of the first unmanned aerial vehicle. Location information of the first unmanned aerial vehicle can be recorded, and a system can identify the first unmanned aerial vehicle in the captured images. Utilizing the recorded location information, the system can identify landmarks proximate to the first unmanned aerial vehicle identified in the images, and determine location information of the landmarks. The landmarks can be assigned as ground control points for subsequent flight plans.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2021Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: Skydio, Inc.Inventors: Bernard J. Michini, Brett Michael Bethke, Hui Li
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Publication number: 20230236611Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) logs first UAV information at a first frequency. The UAV triggers a camera associated with the UAV to capture an image. In response to triggering the camera to capture the image, the UAV logs second UAV information at a second frequency that is higher than the first frequency. A device that is separate from the UAV identifies a location of the UAV corresponding to the image based on a capture timestamp of the image received from the camera, the first UAV information, and the second UAV information. The device generates a geo-rectified imagery based on the image and the location of the UAV.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2023Publication date: July 27, 2023Inventors: Hui Li, John Bressler, Volkan Gurel, Bernard J. Michini
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Patent number: 11709491Abstract: In some implementations, a UAV flight system can dynamically adjust UAV flight operations based on radio frequency (RF) signal data. For example, the flight system can determine an initial flight plan for inspecting a RF transmitter and configure a UAV to perform an aerial inspection of the RF transmitter. Once airborne, the UAV can collect RF signal data and the flight system can automatically adjust the flight plan to avoid RF signal interference and/or damage to the UAV based on the collected RF signal data. In some implementations, the UAV can collect RF signal data and generate a three-dimensional received signal strength map that describes the received signal strength at various locations within a volumetric area around the RF transmitter. In some implementations, the UAV can collect RF signal data and determine whether a RF signal transmitter is properly aligned.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2021Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: Skydio, Inc.Inventors: Bernard J. Michini, Fabien Blanc-Paques, Logan Kaminski
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Publication number: 20230213931Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for an unmanned aerial system inspection system. One of the methods is performed by a UAV and includes obtaining, from a user device, flight operation information describing an inspection of a vertical structure to be performed, the flight operation information including locations of one or more safe locations for vertical inspection. A location of the UAV is determined to correspond to a first safe location for vertical inspection. A first inspection of the structure is performed is performed at the first safe location, the first inspection including activating cameras. A second safe location is traveled to, and a second inspection of the structure is performed. Information associated with the inspection is provided to the user device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2022Publication date: July 6, 2023Inventors: Brett Michael Bethke, Hui Li, Bernard J. Michini
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Publication number: 20230202232Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for automated vehicle wheel removal and replacement are provided. One system includes a computer system with applications for scheduling the replacement of tires for the vehicle. An electronically controlled lift device and robotic apparatus is configured for interaction with the computer system. The lift device mechanically adjusts arms for placement on lift points of vehicles. The robotic apparatus detects positioning of lug nut configuration for a wheel, removes lug nuts, and then removes the wheel from the wheel hub with gripping arms. The wheel and tire are then handed off to a separate tire changing machine. When a new tire is replaced the robotic apparatus then mounts the wheel to the original wheel hub, and then secures the lug nuts to the lug nut bolts.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2023Publication date: June 29, 2023Inventors: Jonathan Downey, Victor Darolfi, Robert Baranowski, Mark Bauer, Bernard J. Michini
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Publication number: 20230191832Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for automated vehicle wheel removal and replacement are provided. One system includes a computer system with applications for scheduling the replacement of tires for the vehicle. An electronically controlled lift device and robotic apparatus is configured for interaction with the computer system. The lift device mechanically adjusts arms for placement on lift points of vehicles. The robotic apparatus detects positioning of lug nut configuration for a wheel, removes lug nuts, and then removes the wheel from the wheel hub with gripping arms. The wheel and tire are then handed off to a separate tire changing machine. When a new tire is replaced the robotic apparatus then mounts the wheel to the original wheel hub, and then secures the lug nuts to the lug nut bolts.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2023Publication date: June 22, 2023Inventors: Victor Darolfi, Jonathan Downey, Robert Baranowski, Mark Bauer, Bernard J. Michini
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Patent number: 11667153Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for automated vehicle wheel removal and replacement are provided. One system includes a computer system with applications for scheduling the replacement of tires for the vehicle. An electronically controlled lift device and robotic apparatus is configured for interaction with the computer system. The lift device mechanically adjusts arms for placement on lift points of vehicles. The robotic apparatus detects positioning of lug nut configuration for a wheel, removes lug nuts, and then removes the wheel from the wheel hub with gripping arms. The wheel and tire are then handed off to a separate tire changing machine. When a new tire is replaced the robotic apparatus then mounts the wheel to the original wheel hub, and then secures the lug nuts to the lug nut bolts.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2022Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: RoboTire, Inc.Inventors: Victor Darolfi, Jonathan Downey, Robert Baranowski, Mark Bauer, Bernard J. Michini
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Publication number: 20230133257Abstract: Methods, systems, and program products of inspecting solar panels using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are disclosed. A UAV can obtain a position of the Sun in a reference frame, a location of a solar panel in the reference frame, and an orientation of the solar panel in the reference frame. The UAV can determine a viewing position of the UAV in the reference frame based on at least one of the position of the Sun, the location of the solar panel, and the orientation of the solar panel. The UAV can maneuver to the viewing position and point a thermal sensor onboard the UAV at the solar panel. The UAV can capture, by the thermal sensor, a thermal image of at least a portion of the solar panel. A server onboard the UAV or connected to the UAV can detect panel failures based on the thermal image.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2022Publication date: May 4, 2023Inventors: Bernard J. Michini, Fabien Blanc-Paques, Edward Dale Steakley
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Patent number: 11639075Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for automated vehicle wheel removal and replacement are provided. One system includes a computer system with applications for scheduling the replacement of tires for the vehicle. An electronically controlled lift device and robotic apparatus is configured for interaction with the computer system. The lift device mechanically adjusts arms for placement on lift points of vehicles. The robotic apparatus detects positioning of lug nut configuration for a wheel, removes lug nuts, and then removes the wheel from the wheel hub with gripping arms. The wheel and tire are then handed off to a separate tire changing machine. When a new tire is replaced the robotic apparatus then mounts the wheel to the original wheel hub, and then secures the lug nuts to the lug nut bolts.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2022Date of Patent: May 2, 2023Assignee: RoboTire, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan Downey, Victor Darolfi, Robert Baranowski, Mark Bauer, Bernard J. Michini
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Publication number: 20230130910Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for automated vehicle wheel removal and replacement are provided. One system includes a computer system with applications for scheduling the replacement of tires for the vehicle. An electronically controlled lift device and robotic apparatus is configured for interaction with the computer system. The lift device mechanically adjusts arms for placement on lift points of vehicles. The robotic apparatus detects positioning of lug nut configuration for a wheel, removes lug nuts, and then removes the wheel from the wheel hub with gripping arms. The wheel and tire are then handed off to a separate tire changing machine. When a new tire is replaced the robotic apparatus then mounts the wheel to the original wheel hub, and then secures the lug nuts to the lug nut bolts.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2022Publication date: April 27, 2023Inventors: Jonathan Downey, Victor Darolfi, Robert Baranowski, Mark Bauer, Bernard J. Michini
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Patent number: 11610495Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for unmanned aerial vehicle authorization and geofence envelope determination. One of the methods includes determining, by an electronic system in an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), an estimated fuel remaining in the UAV. An estimated fuel consumption of the UAV is determined. Estimated information associated with wind affecting the UAV is determined using information obtained from sensors included in the UAV. Estimated flights times remaining for a current path, and one or more alternative flight paths, are determined using the determined estimated fuel remaining, determined estimated fuel consumption, determined information associated wind, and information describing each flight path. In response to the electronic system determining that the estimated fuel remaining, after completion of the current flight path, would be below a first threshold, an alternative flight path is selected.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2020Date of Patent: March 21, 2023Assignee: Skydio, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan Downey, Bernard J. Michini, Joseph Moster, Donald Curry Weigel, James Ogden
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Patent number: 11597233Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for automated vehicle wheel removal and replacement are provided. One system includes a computer system with applications for scheduling the replacement of tires for the vehicle. An electronically controlled lift device and robotic apparatus is configured for interaction with the computer system. The lift device mechanically adjusts arms for placement on lift points of vehicles. The robotic apparatus detects positioning of lug nut configuration for a wheel, removes lug nuts, and then removes the wheel from the wheel hub with gripping arms. The wheel and tire are then handed off to a separate tire changing machine. When a new tire is replaced the robotic apparatus then mounts the wheel to the original wheel hub, and then secures the lug nuts to the lug nut bolts.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2021Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: RoboTire, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan Downey, Victor Darolfi, Robert Baranowski, Mark Bauer, Bernard J. Michini
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Patent number: 11567019Abstract: Methods, systems, and program products of inspecting solar panels using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are disclosed. A UAV can obtain a position of the Sun in a reference frame, a location of a solar panel in the reference frame, and an orientation of the solar panel in the reference frame. The UAV can determine a viewing position of the UAV in the reference frame based on at least one of the position of the Sun, the location of the solar panel, and the orientation of the solar panel. The UAV can maneuver to the viewing position and point a thermal sensor onboard the UAV at the solar panel. The UAV can capture, by the thermal sensor, a thermal image of at least a portion of the solar panel. A server onboard the UAV or connected to the UAV can detect panel failures based on the thermal image.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2021Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: Skydio, Inc.Inventors: Bernard J. Michini, Fabien Blanc-Paques, Edward Dale Steakley
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Patent number: 11550315Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for an unmanned aerial system inspection system. One of the methods is performed by a UAV and includes obtaining, from a user device, flight operation information describing an inspection of a vertical structure to be performed, the flight operation information including locations of one or more safe locations for vertical inspection. A location of the UAV is determined to correspond to a first safe location for vertical inspection. A first inspection of the structure is performed is performed at the first safe location, the first inspection including activating cameras. A second safe location is traveled to, and a second inspection of the structure is performed. Information associated with the inspection is provided to the user device.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2020Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: Skydio, Inc.Inventors: Brett Michael Bethke, Hui Li, Bernard J. Michini
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Publication number: 20220410623Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for automated vehicle wheel removal and replacement are provided. One system includes a computer system with applications for scheduling the replacement of tires for the vehicle. An electronically controlled lift device and robotic apparatus is configured for interaction with the computer system. The lift device mechanically adjusts arms for placement on lift points of vehicles. The robotic apparatus detects positioning of lug nut configuration for a wheel, removes lug nuts, and then removes the wheel from the wheel hub with gripping arms. The wheel and tire are then handed off to a separate tire changing machine. When a new tire is replaced the robotic apparatus then mounts the wheel to the original wheel hub, and then secures the lug nuts to the lug nut bolts.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2022Publication date: December 29, 2022Inventors: Victor Darolfi, Jonathan Downey, Robert Baranowski, Mark Bauer, Bernard J. Michini
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Publication number: 20220388335Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for automated vehicle wheel removal and replacement are provided. One system includes a computer system with applications for scheduling the replacement of tires for the vehicle. An electronically controlled lift device and robotic apparatus is configured for interaction with the computer system. The lift device mechanically adjusts arms for placement on lift points of vehicles. The robotic apparatus detects positioning of lug nut configuration for a wheel, removes lug nuts, and then removes the wheel from the wheel hub with gripping arms. The wheel and tire are then handed off to a separate tire changing machine. When a new tire is replaced the robotic apparatus then mounts the wheel to the original wheel hub, and then secures the lug nuts to the lug nut bolts.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2022Publication date: December 8, 2022Inventors: Jonathan Downey, Victor Darolfi, Robert Baranowski, Mark Bauer, Bernard J. Michini
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Publication number: 20220388656Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media for an unmanned aerial vehicle aerial survey. One of the methods includes receiving information specifying a location to be inspected by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the inspection including the UAV capturing images of the location. Information describing a boundary of the location to be inspected is obtained. Inspections to be assigned to the location are determined, with the inspection legs being parallel and separated by a particular width. A flight pattern is determined based on a minimum turning radius of the UAV, with the flight pattern specifying an order each inspection leg is to be navigated along, and a direction of the navigation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2022Publication date: December 8, 2022Inventors: Patrick Michael Bouffard, Bernard J. Michini
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Publication number: 20220390945Abstract: A modular vehicle management system is described, comprising a controller module configured to control different types of carrier modules. The controller module includes a computer system and optionally one or more sensors. The computer system is configured to perform operations comprising detecting whether a carrier module is connected to the controller module. If the carrier module is connected to the controller module, the carrier module is authenticated. If the authentication fails, operation of the vehicle is inhibited. The control module is configured to determine carrier module capabilities including information regarding a navigation processing device, and/or a radio modem. The controller adapts to the capabilities of the controller module. Using information from the sensors and the navigation processing device, the vehicle management system navigates the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2022Publication date: December 8, 2022Applicant: Skydio, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan B. Downey, Bernard J. Michini
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Publication number: 20220388334Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for automated vehicle wheel removal and replacement are provided. One system includes a computer system with applications for scheduling the replacement of tires for the vehicle. An electronically controlled lift device and robotic apparatus is configured for interaction with the computer system. The lift device mechanically adjusts arms for placement on lift points of vehicles. The robotic apparatus detects positioning of lug nut configuration for a wheel, removes lug nuts, and then removes the wheel from the wheel hub with gripping arms. The wheel and tire are then handed off to a separate tire changing machine. When a new tire is replaced the robotic apparatus then mounts the wheel to the original wheel hub, and then secures the lug nuts to the lug nut bolts.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2022Publication date: December 8, 2022Inventors: Jonathan Downey, Victor Darolfi, Robert Baranowski, Mark Bauer, Bernard J. Michini