Patents by Inventor Matthew Knoll
Matthew Knoll 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: 11981450Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide for controlling orientation of a payload of a balloon through a despin mechanism. In one instance, a system may include a flexible coupling configured to reduce effects of a balloon envelope tilting on a payload, a sensor configured to measure rotational displacement of the flexible coupling, a despin mechanism including a motor configured to rotate the payload, and a controller. The controller may be configured to use receive the measured rotational displacement and to use the despin mechanism to rotate the payload towards a preferred orientation based on the measured rotational displacement.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2022Date of Patent: May 14, 2024Assignee: Aerostar International, LLCInventors: Matthew Knoll, Michael Eglington
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Patent number: 11975826Abstract: A rotor system for an aircraft includes an open rotor assembly comprising an open rotor assembly comprising a plurality of rotor blades connected to a rotor mast, wherein the rotor assembly is tiltable relative to a wing of the aircraft between a first position corresponding to an airplane mode of the aircraft and a second position corresponding to a helicopter mode of the aircraft; and a drive system for providing rotational energy to the open rotor assembly via the rotor mast. The drive system includes at least one electric motor for generating rotational energy to a motor shaft; and a gearbox connected to receive rotational energy from the at least one electric motor via the motor shaft and to provide rotational energy to the rotor mast via a rotor shaft, wherein the at least one electric motor is fixed relative to the wing of the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2021Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: Textron Innovations IncInventors: Jonathan Andrew Knoll, George Matthew Thompson, Charles Hubert Speller, Grant Michael Beall
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Publication number: 20240046522Abstract: A color measurement instrument for measuring colors of areas of interest of a target object, according to one aspect of the present invention, includes a spectral engine, a color camera, a display, and a processor. The spectral engine has a first field of view. The camera has a second field of view, the second field of view being larger than the first field of view and encompassing the first field of view. The processor is coupled to the spectral engine, camera and display. The processor to causes the spectral engine to make a color measurement of an area of interest on the target object within the first field of view and obtains from the camera a measurement image comprising at least a portion of the second field of view including the first field of view. The processor further causes the display of color values from a measurement made by the spectral engine along with at least a portion of the measurement image including the first field of view.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2021Publication date: February 8, 2024Inventors: Matthew KNOLL, Micheal WEBER
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Publication number: 20240035890Abstract: A color measurement instrument for measuring colors of areas of interest of a target object includes a spectral engine, a color camera, a display, and a processor. The spectral engine has a first field of view. The camera has a second field of view, the second field of view being larger than the first field of view and encompassing the first field of view. The processor is coupled to the spectral engine, camera and display, and configured with instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to display a live view of the second field of view on the display with a representation of the location of the first field of view superimposed on the displayed live view, an area of interest is detected as wholly occupying the first field of view, and a measurement is made.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2021Publication date: February 1, 2024Inventors: Matthew KNOLL, Michael WEBER
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Publication number: 20240002068Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide for controlling orientation of a payload of a balloon through a despin mechanism. In one instance, a system may include a flexible coupling configured to reduce effects of a balloon envelope tilting on a payload, a sensor configured to measure rotational displacement of the flexible coupling, a despin mechanism including a motor configured to rotate the payload, and a controller. The controller may be configured to use receive the measured rotational displacement and to use the despin mechanism to rotate the payload towards a preferred orientation based on the measured rotational displacement.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2022Publication date: January 4, 2024Applicant: Aerostar International, LLCInventors: Matthew Knoll, Michael Eglington
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Patent number: 11851154Abstract: Aspects of the technology relate to propulsion systems for high altitude, long duration balloons, such as balloons that operate in the stratosphere for weeks, months or longer. A propeller assembly is used to provide lateral directional adjustments, which allows the balloon to spend more time over a desired region, reduce the return time to the desired region, reduce fleet overprovisioning, and increases the safety case by additional controls and avoidance abilities. A control assembly manages operation of the propeller assembly, including setting the pointing direction, speed of rotation and determining when to turn on the propeller and for how long. The propulsion system including the control and propeller assemblies is rotatable around a connection member of the balloon. Such rotation is independently adjustable from any rotation of the balloon's payload. The propeller blades may be made of plastic, which reduces weight and cost while providing sufficient speed at stratospheric altitudes.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2021Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: Aerostar International, LLCInventors: Jacques Gagne, Matthew Knoll, Daniel Luebke, Jonathan Nutzmann, Michael Eglington, Sameera Ponda, Aaron Fan, Ewout van Bekkum
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Patent number: 11434022Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide for controlling orientation of a payload of a balloon through a despin mechanism. In one instance, a system may include a flexible coupling configured to reduce effects of a balloon envelope tilting on a payload, a sensor configured to measure rotational displacement of the flexible coupling, a despin mechanism including a motor configured to rotate the payload, and a controller. The controller may be configured to use receive the measured rotational displacement and to use the despin mechanism to rotate the payload towards a preferred orientation based on the measured rotational displacement.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2018Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: Aerostar International, Inc.Inventors: Matthew Knoll, Michael Eglington
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Publication number: 20220219799Abstract: Aspects of the technology relate to propulsion systems for high altitude, long duration balloons, such as balloons that operate in the stratosphere for weeks, months or longer. A propeller assembly is used to provide lateral directional adjustments, which allows the balloon to spend more time over a desired region, reduce the return time to the desired region, reduce fleet overprovisioning, and increases the safety case by additional controls and avoidance abilities. A control assembly manages operation of the propeller assembly, including setting the pointing direction, speed of rotation and determining when to turn on the propeller and for how long. The propulsion system including the control and propeller assemblies is rotatable around a connection member of the balloon. Such rotation is independently adjustable from any rotation of the balloon's payload. The propeller blades may be made of plastic, which reduces weight and cost while providing sufficient speed at stratospheric altitudes.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2021Publication date: July 14, 2022Inventors: Jacques Gagne, Matthew Knoll, Daniel Luebke, Jonathan Nutzmann, Michael Eglington, Sameera Ponda, Aaron Fan, Ewout van Bekkum
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Patent number: 11220320Abstract: Aspects of the technology relate to propulsion systems for high altitude, long duration balloons, such as balloons that operate in the stratosphere for weeks, months or longer. A propeller assembly is used to provide lateral directional adjustments, which allows the balloon to spend more time over a desired region, reduce the return time to the desired region, reduce fleet overprovisioning, and increases the safety case by additional controls and avoidance abilities. A control assembly manages operation of the propeller assembly, including setting the pointing direction, speed of rotation and determining when to turn on the propeller and for how long. The propulsion system including the control and propeller assemblies is rotatable around a connection member of the balloon. Such rotation is independently adjustable from any rotation of the balloon's payload. The propeller blades may be made of plastic, which reduces weight and cost while providing sufficient speed at stratospheric altitudes.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2019Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Assignee: Aerostar International, Inc.Inventors: Jacques Gagne, Matthew Knoll, Daniel Alex Luebke, Jonathan Nutzmann, Michael Eglington, Sameera Ponda, Aaron Fan, Ewout van Bekkum
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Publication number: 20210016865Abstract: Aspects of the technology relate to propulsion systems for high altitude, long duration balloons, such as balloons that operate in the stratosphere for weeks, months or longer. A propeller assembly is used to provide lateral directional adjustments, which allows the balloon to spend more time over a desired region, reduce the return time to the desired region, reduce fleet overprovisioning, and increases the safety case by additional controls and avoidance abilities. A control assembly manages operation of the propeller assembly, including setting the pointing direction, speed of rotation and determining when to turn on the propeller and for how long. The propulsion system including the control and propeller assemblies is rotatable around a connection member of the balloon. Such rotation is independently adjustable from any rotation of the balloon's payload. The propeller blades may be made of plastic, which reduces weight and cost while providing sufficient speed at stratospheric altitudes.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2019Publication date: January 21, 2021Inventors: Jacques Gagne, Matthew Knoll, Daniel Alex Luebke, Jonathan Nutzmann, Michael Eglington, Sameera Ponda, Aaron Fan, Ewout van Bekkum
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Publication number: 20210016866Abstract: Aspects of the technology relate to propulsion systems for high altitude, long duration balloons, such as balloons that operate in the stratosphere for weeks, months or longer. A propeller assembly is used to provide lateral directional adjustments, which allows the balloon to spend more time over a desired region, reduce the return time to the desired region, reduce fleet overprovisioning, and increases the safety case by additional controls and avoidance abilities. A control assembly manages operation of the propeller assembly, including setting the pointing direction, speed of rotation and determining when to turn on the propeller and for how long. The propulsion system including the control and propeller assemblies is rotatable around a connection member of the balloon. Such rotation is independently adjustable from any rotation of the balloon's payload. The propeller blades may be made of plastic, which reduces weight and cost while providing sufficient speed at stratospheric altitudes.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2019Publication date: January 21, 2021Inventors: Jacques Gagne, Matthew Knoll, Raymond Gradwohl, Kristen Anderson, John Cromie
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Patent number: 10751949Abstract: A system for manufacturing a balloon envelope includes a table component and a sealing component. The sealing component includes a first level and a second lower level. The first level further includes first and second platforms. The first platform can provide a work area for sealing respective first and second sheets of material together to form a sealed edge and the second platform may provide a work area for sealing the second sheet of material and a third sheet of material together. The first, second, and third sheets of material respectively form first, second, and third gores of the balloon envelope. The sealing component may be configured to move along length of the first platform and to apply a heat seal to bond the first sheet of material to the second sheet material and form a sealed edge.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2018Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: Loon LLCInventors: Daniel Henry Fourie, Matthew Knoll
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Publication number: 20200189765Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide for controlling orientation of a payload of a balloon through a despin mechanism. In one instance, a system may include a flexible coupling configured to reduce effects of a balloon envelope tilting on a payload, a sensor configured to measure rotational displacement of the flexible coupling, a despin mechanism including a motor configured to rotate the payload, and a controller. The controller may be configured to use receive the measured rotational displacement and to use the despin mechanism to rotate the payload towards a preferred orientation based on the measured rotational displacement.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2018Publication date: June 18, 2020Inventors: Matthew Knoll, Michael Eglington
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Patent number: 10364858Abstract: A planar flexure member for resisting rotation about a central axis thereof includes, in various embodiments, a central portion comprising a plurality of attachment points; and at least one serpentine flexure arm extending from the central portion in a plane. The arm(s) terminate in an arcuate mounting rail that includes a series of attachment points. The rails are positioned in opposition to each other to partially define and occupy a planar circular envelope radially displaced from but surrounding the central portion of the flexure member. A portion of the serpentine arms may extend to (or substantially to) the envelope between the mounting rails.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2017Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: RETHINK ROBOTICS GmbHInventors: Matthew Knoll, Jonathan Bond, Robert White, Umberto Scarfogliero, Andrew Wallace
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Patent number: 10173373Abstract: A system for manufacturing a balloon envelope includes a table component and a sealing component. The sealing component includes a first level and a second lower level. The first level further includes first and second platforms. The first platform can provide a work area for sealing respective first and second sheets of material together to form a sealed edge and the second platform may provide a work area for sealing the second sheet of material and a third sheet of material together. The first, second, and third sheets of material respectively form first, second, and third gores of the balloon envelope. The sealing component may be configured to move along length of the first platform and to apply a heat seal to bond the first sheet of material to the second sheet material and form a sealed edge.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2016Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: LOON LLCInventors: Daniel Henry Fourie, Matthew Knoll
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Publication number: 20170130778Abstract: A planar flexure member for resisting rotation about a central axis thereof includes, in various embodiments, a central portion comprising a plurality of attachment points; and at least one serpentine flexure arm extending from the central portion in a plane. The arm(s) terminate in an arcuate mounting rail that includes a series of attachment points. The rails are positioned in opposition to each other to partially define and occupy a planar circular envelope radially displaced from but surrounding the central portion of the flexure member. A portion of the serpentine arms may extend to (or substantially to) the envelope between the mounting rails.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2017Publication date: May 11, 2017Inventors: Matthew Knoll, Jonathan Bond, Robert White, Umberto Scarfogliero, Andrew Wallace
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Patent number: 9556920Abstract: A planar flexure member for resisting rotation about a central axis thereof includes, in various embodiments, a central portion comprising a plurality of attachment points; and at least one serpentine flexure arm extending from the central portion in a plane. The arm(s) terminate in an arcuate mounting rail that includes a series of attachment points. The rails are positioned in opposition to to each other to partially define and occupy a planar circular envelope radially displaced from but surrounding the central portion of the flexure member. A portion of the serpentine arms may extend to (or substantially to) the envelope between the mounting rails.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2015Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Rethink Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Matthew Knoll, Jonathan Bond, Robert White, Umberto Scarfogliero, Andrew Wallace
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Publication number: 20170023083Abstract: A planar flexure member for resisting rotation about a central axis thereof includes, in various embodiments, a central portion comprising a plurality of attachment points; and at least one serpentine flexure arm extending from the central portion in a plane. The arm(s) terminate in an arcuate mounting rail that includes a series of attachment points. The rails are positioned in opposition to to each other to partially define and occupy a planar circular envelope radially displaced from but surrounding the central portion of the flexure member. A portion of the serpentine arms may extend to (or substantially to) the envelope between the mounting rails.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2015Publication date: January 26, 2017Inventors: Matthew Knoll, Jonathan Bond, Robert White, Umberto Scarfogliero, Andrew Wallace
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Patent number: D769953Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: RETHINK ROBOTICS, INC.Inventors: Miri Bauman, Christopher John Smith, Bruce Blumberg, Matthew Knoll, Umberto Scarfogliero