Patents by Inventor Gregor Veble Mikic

Gregor Veble Mikic 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).

  • Publication number: 20230058816
    Abstract: A high efficiency hydrogen fuel system for an aircraft at high altitude which utilizes compressors to compress air to a sufficiently high pressure for the fuel cell. Liquid hydrogen is compressed and then utilized in heat exchangers to cool the compressed air, maintaining the air at a temperature low enough for the fuel cell. The hydrogen is also used to cool the fuel cell as it is also depressurized prior to its entry in the fuel cell cycle. A water condensation system allows for water removal from the airstream to reduce impacts to the atmosphere. The hydrogen fuel system may be used with VTOL aircraft, which may allow them to fly at higher elevations. The hydrogen fuel system may be used with other subsonic and supersonic aircraft, such as with asymmetric wing aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2022
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Inventors: Gregor Veble Mikic, JoeBen Bevirt, Robert Gulliver Lynn, Alex Stoll
  • Patent number: 11572168
    Abstract: A multi-segment oblique flying wing aircraft which has three distinct segments including two outer wing segments and a central wing segment. The central segment may be thicker in the vertical direction and adapted to hold pilots and passengers. The outer wing segments may be substantially thinner and may taper as they progress outboard from the wing center. The multi-segment oblique flying wing aircraft be adapted for rotating into a high speed flight configuration, or may be adapted for take-off and cruise at a constant angle. In an extreme flight case, the central wing segment may rotate to a local sweep of ninety degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Joby Aero, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregor Veble Mikic, JoeBen Bevirt, Benjamin John Brelje
  • Patent number: 11565804
    Abstract: The aircraft can include: an airframe, a tilt mechanism, a payload housing, and can optionally include an impact attenuator, a set of ground support members (e.g., struts), a set of power sources, and a set of control elements. The airframe can include: a set of rotors and a set of support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Joby Aero, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregor Veble Mikic, Alex Stoll, JoeBen Bevirt
  • Patent number: 11565607
    Abstract: A high efficiency hydrogen fuel system for an aircraft at high altitude which utilizes compressors to compress air to a sufficiently high pressure for the fuel cell. Liquid hydrogen is compressed and then utilized in heat exchangers to cool the compressed air, maintaining the air at a temperature low enough for the fuel cell. The hydrogen is also used to cool the fuel cell as it is also depressurized prior to its entry in the fuel cell cycle. A water condensation system allows for water removal from the airstream to reduce impacts to the atmosphere. The hydrogen fuel system may be used with VTOL aircraft, which may allow them to fly at higher elevations. The hydrogen fuel system may be used with other subsonic and supersonic aircraft, such as with asymmetric wing aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Joby Aero, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregor Veble Mikic, JoeBen Bevirt, Robert Gulliver Lynn, Alex Stoll
  • Publication number: 20220297833
    Abstract: The rotary airfoil 100 defines a cross section and a span, wherein the cross section is a function of the point along the span (e.g., spanwise point) and defines an upper surface and a lower surface at each spanwise point. The rotary airfoil 100 also defines, at a cross section, a lift coefficient (CL) that is a function of the angle of attack at which the airfoil is rotated through the air. The system can optionally include: a rotor hub to mount the rotary airfoil, a tilt mechanism to pivot the rotary airfoil between a forward configuration and a hover configuration, and a pitching mechanism to change the angle of attack of the rotary airfoil 100.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Inventors: Gregor Veble Mikic, JoeBen Bevirt, Jeremy Bain, Alex Stoll
  • Patent number: 11407510
    Abstract: The rotary airfoil 100 defines a cross section and a span, wherein the cross section is a function of the point along the span (e.g., spanwise point) and defines an upper surface and a lower surface at each spanwise point. The rotary airfoil 100 also defines, at a cross section, a lift coefficient (CL) that is a function of the angle of attack at which the airfoil is rotated through the air. The system can optionally include: a rotor hub to mount the rotary airfoil, a tilt mechanism to pivot the rotary airfoil between a forward configuration and a hover configuration, and a pitching mechanism to change the angle of attack of the rotary airfoil 100.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Joby Aero, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregor Veble Mikic, JoeBen Bevirt, Jeremy Bain, Alex Stoll
  • Publication number: 20220219804
    Abstract: An extension linkage for a wing flap can include at least one arm that includes two elements connected by a joint. The linkage can include an actuation mechanism, additional arms and/or each arm can include more than two elements, tie rods and/or cross pieces connecting two or more arms, and any other suitable components. The linkage functions to translate and rotate a body attached to one end of the arm relative to a primary structure attached to a second end of the arm. The linkage resides entirely within a space defined by the upper skin and the lower skin of the wing rearward of the mounting when in a retracted configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2022
    Publication date: July 14, 2022
    Inventors: JoeBen Bevirt, Gregor Veble Mikic, Joachim Grenestedt, Robert Thodal, Edward Stilson, Percy Pei, Drew Boggio
  • Publication number: 20220177131
    Abstract: A multi-segment oblique flying wing aircraft which has three distinct segments including two outer wing segments and a central wing segment. The central segment may be thicker in the vertical direction and adapted to hold pilots and passengers. The outer wing segments may be substantially thinner and may taper as they progress outboard from the wing center. The multi-segment oblique flying wing aircraft be adapted for rotating into a high speed flight configuration, or may be adapted for take-off and cruise at a constant angle. In an extreme flight case, the central wing segment may rotate to a local sweep of ninety degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2021
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Inventors: Gregor Veble Mikic, JoeBen Bevirt, Benjamin John Brelje
  • Publication number: 20220169362
    Abstract: An aircraft propulsion system with a drag reduction portion adapted to reduce skin friction on at least a portion of the external surface of an aircraft. The drag reduction portion may include an inlet to ingest airflow. The aircraft may also have an internally cooled electric motor adapted for use in an aerial vehicle. The motor may have its stator towards the center and have an external rotor. The rotor structure may be air cooled and may be a complex structure with an internal lattice adapted for airflow. The stator structure may be liquid cooled and may be a complex structure with an internal lattice adapted for liquid to flow through. A fluid pump may pump a liquid coolant through non-rotating portions of the motor stator and then through heat exchangers cooled in part by air which has flowed through the rotating portions of the motor rotor. The drag reduction portion and the cooled electric motor portion may share the same inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2022
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Inventors: JoeBen Bevirt, Gregor Veble Mikic, Joey Milia, Rob Thodal, Vishnu Vithula
  • Patent number: 11312471
    Abstract: An aircraft propulsion system with a drag reduction portion adapted to reduce skin friction on at least a portion of the external surface of an aircraft. The drag reduction portion may include an inlet to ingest airflow. The aircraft may also have an internally cooled electric motor adapted for use in an aerial vehicle. The motor may have its stator towards the center and have an external rotor. The rotor structure may be air cooled and may be a complex structure with an internal lattice adapted for airflow. The stator structure may be liquid cooled and may be a complex structure with an internal lattice adapted for liquid to flow through. A fluid pump may pump a liquid coolant through non-rotating portions of the motor stator and then through heat exchangers cooled in part by air which has flowed through the rotating portions of the motor rotor. The drag reduction portion and the cooled electric motor portion may share the same inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Joby Aero, Inc.
    Inventors: JoeBen Bevirt, Gregor Veble Mikic, Joey Milia, Rob Thodal, Vishnu Vithala
  • Publication number: 20220081108
    Abstract: A vertical take-off and landing aircraft which uses fixed rotors for both VTOL and forward flight operations. The rotors form a synthetic wing and are positioned to achieve a high span efficiency. The rotors are positioned to even out the lift across the span of the synthetic wing. The synthetic wing may also have narrow front and rear airfoils which may provide structural support as well as providing lift during forward flight. The wing rotors are tilted forward and provide some forward propulsion during horizontal flight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventors: Gregor Veble Mikic, JoeBen Bevirt, Alex Stoll
  • Publication number: 20220041271
    Abstract: A method for the flying of a vertical take-off and landing aircraft which uses fixed rotors for both VTOL and forward flight operations. The rotors form a synthetic wing and are positioned to achieve a high span efficiency. The rotors are positioned to even out the lift across the span of the synthetic wing. The synthetic wing may also have narrow front and rear airfoils which may provide structural support as well as providing lift during forward flight, or may have a single center wing. The wing rotors are tilted forward and provide some forward propulsion during horizontal flight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Inventors: Gregor Veble Mikic, JoeBen Bevirt, Alex Stoll
  • Publication number: 20220011782
    Abstract: A system and method for use with a VTOL aircraft with batteries in a state of deep discharge which prepares the aircraft for a safe vertical landing despite the deep discharge initial condition. The method may include preparing the batteries for an intense burst of power as may be needed during the vertical landing. The method may include idling the battery, thermally conditioning the battery, and may further include charging the batteries by regenerative use of the rotors. The preparation of the batteries may then allow for a burst of power used for landing the aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Inventors: Gregor Veble Mikic, JoeBen Bevirt, Alex Stoll, Brian Matthew Uznanski
  • Publication number: 20220009379
    Abstract: A high efficiency hydrogen fuel system for an aircraft at high altitude which utilizes compressors to compress air to a sufficiently high pressure for the fuel cell. Liquid hydrogen is compressed and then utilized in heat exchangers to cool the compressed air, maintaining the air at a temperature low enough for the fuel cell. The hydrogen is also used to cool the fuel cell as it is also depressurized prior to its entry in the fuel cell cycle. A water condensation system allows for water removal from the airstream to reduce impacts to the atmosphere. The hydrogen fuel system may be used with VTOL aircraft, which may allow them to fly at higher elevations. The hydrogen fuel system may be used with other subsonic and supersonic aircraft, such as with asymmetric wing aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Inventors: Gregor Veble Mikic, JoeBen Bevirt, Robert Gulliver Lynn, Alex Stoll
  • Patent number: 11161589
    Abstract: An aircraft propulsion system with a drag reduction portion adapted to reduce skin friction on at least a portion of the external surface of an aircraft. The drag reduction portion may include an inlet to ingest airflow. The aircraft may also have an internally cooled electric motor adapted for use in an aerial vehicle. The motor may have its stator towards the center and have an external rotor. The rotor structure may be air cooled and may be a complex structure with an internal lattice adapted for airflow. The stator structure may be liquid cooled and may be a complex structure with an internal lattice adapted for liquid to flow through. A fluid pump may pump a liquid coolant through non-rotating portions of the motor stator and then through heat exchangers cooled in part by air which has flowed through the rotating portions of the motor rotor. The drag reduction portion and the cooled electric motor portion may share the same inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Joby Aero, Inc.
    Inventors: JoeBen Bevirt, Gregor Veble Mikic, Joey Milia, Rob Thodal, Vishnu Vithala
  • Patent number: 11130566
    Abstract: A vertical take-off and landing aircraft which uses fixed rotors for both VTOL and forward flight operations. The rotors form a synthetic wing and are positioned to achieve a high span efficiency. The rotors are positioned to even out the lift across the span of the synthetic wing. The synthetic wing may also have narrow front and rear airfoils which may provide structural support as well as providing lift during forward flight. The wing rotors are tilted forward and provide some forward propulsion during horizontal flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Joby Aero, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregor Veble Mikic, JoeBen Bevirt, Alex Stoll
  • Publication number: 20210253237
    Abstract: An aircraft including an airframe and a plurality of propulsion assemblies coupled to the airframe, wherein each propulsion assembly includes an electric motor, a propeller coupled to the electric motor, and a tilt mechanism that connects the propulsion assembly to the airframe and transforms the propulsion assembly between a forward configuration and a hover configuration; wherein the plurality of propulsion assemblies is transformable between a forward arrangement and a hover arrangement, wherein each of the plurality of propulsion assemblies is in the forward configuration in the forward arrangement, wherein each of the plurality of propulsion assemblies is in the hover configuration in the hover arrangement, wherein the spacing between at least two of the propellers of the plurality of propulsion assemblies changes between the forward arrangement and the hover arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Inventors: JoeBen Bevirt, Edward Stilson, Alex Stoll, Gregor Veble Mikic
  • Publication number: 20210253236
    Abstract: The rotary airfoil 100 defines a cross section and a span, wherein the cross section is a function of the point along the span (e.g., spanwise point) and defines an upper surface and a lower surface at each spanwise point. The rotary airfoil 100 also defines, at a cross section, a lift coefficient (CL) that is a function of the angle of attack at which the airfoil is rotated through the air. The system can optionally include: a rotor hub to mount the rotary airfoil, a tilt mechanism to pivot the rotary airfoil between a forward configuration and a hover configuration, and a pitching mechanism to change the angle of attack of the rotary airfoil 100.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Inventors: Gregor Veble Mikic, JoeBen Bevirt, Jeremy Bain, Alex Stoll
  • Publication number: 20210229829
    Abstract: A method for determining airspeed of an aircraft that includes determining a rotor model relating a power coefficient of a propeller of the aircraft to an axial inflow velocity through the propeller as a function of a set of rotor operating parameters; determining the set of rotor operating parameters by sampling an electronic control signal associated with an electric motor actuating the propeller; computing the axial inflow velocity through the propeller based on the set of rotor operating parameters using the rotor model; and determining the airspeed based on the axial inflow velocity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2021
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Inventors: Gregor Veble Mikic, Jason Ryan, JoeBen Bevirt
  • Publication number: 20210214069
    Abstract: The 3D extension linkage 100 can include at least one arm that includes two elements connected by a joint. The linkage can include an actuation mechanism, additional arms and/or each arm can include more than two elements, tie rods and/or cross pieces connecting two or more arms, and any other suitable components. The linkage 100 functions to translate and rotate a body attached to one end of the arm relative to a primary structure attached to a second end of the arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: JoeBen Bevirt, Gregor Veble Mikic, Joachim Grenestedt, Robert Thodal, Edward Stilson, Percy Pei, Drew Boggio