Patents Assigned to TooFon, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11731759
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a multi-rotor aircraft that implements the unconventional use of different sized rotors. The different sized rotors than the main rotors tend to generate an unbalanced torque and pitch on the aircraft that effectively decouples the pitch and yaw control from the main rotors. The atypical design tends to lend itself to improved control capabilities and simplified control systems. Additional configurations implement the use of smaller thrust rotors that can be used to generate thrust as well as control yaw and thus counteract any remaining unbalanced torque from the odd auxiliary rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignees: TOOFON, INC., CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Michael V. Ol, Morteza Gharib, Amir Emadi
  • Publication number: 20220297822
    Abstract: A system of a multi-rotor aircraft that capitalizes on the advantages of fixed wing elements combined with rotary wing structures. The fixed wing elements can help to generate lift once the aircraft is airborne and can thus reduce the need for larger lifting rotors which can allow for longer flight times and distances. Additionally, the systems disclosed herein take advantage of a partial in-wing configuration with a number of rotors to reduce the overall footprint of the vehicle while maintaining the flight efficiency that comes with combining features of fixed and rotary wing elements, and increasing operator safety by shrouding rotating parts. The unique configurations allow for a decoupling of the pitch, yaw and roll authority to reduce the complexity in control systems and improve the flight efficiency of the aircraft. Additional configurations implement the use of smaller thrust rotors that can be used to generate thrust as well as control yaw and thus counteract any remaining unbalanced torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2022
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Applicants: California Institute of Technology, Toofon, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael V. Ol, Morteza Gharib
  • Publication number: 20220227489
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a multi-rotor aircraft that implements the unconventional use of different sized rotors. The different sized rotors than the main rotors tend to generate an unbalanced torque and pitch on the aircraft that effectively decouples the pitch and yaw control from the main rotors. The atypical design tends to lend itself to improved control capabilities and simplified control systems. Additional configurations implement the use of smaller thrust rotors that can be used to generate thrust as well as control yaw and thus counteract any remaining unbalanced torque from the odd auxiliary rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2022
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Applicants: California Institute of Technology, TooFon, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael V. Ol, Morteza Gharib, Amir Emadi
  • Publication number: 20220212792
    Abstract: A network of high-resolution cameras for monitoring and controlling a drone within a specific operational environment such that the latency time for communication between the cameras and drone is less than that of human controlled drones. The drone can communication drone health data to the network of cameras where such information can be combined with visual image data of the drone to determine the appropriate flight path of the drone within the operational environment. The drone can then subsequently be controlled by the network of cameras by maintaining a constant visual image and flight control data of the drone as it operates within the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2022
    Publication date: July 7, 2022
    Applicants: California Institute of Technology, Toofon, Inc.
    Inventors: Morteza Gharib, Michael V. Ol, David Jeon, Amir Emadi
  • Publication number: 20220185464
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a multi-rotor aircraft that implements the unconventional use of an odd number of rotors. The odd or auxiliary rotor is designed to be smaller in diameter than the remaining main rotors and accordingly generates a smaller unbalanced torque and pitch on the aircraft. Additional configurations implement the use of smaller thrust rotors that can be used to generate thrust as well as control yaw and thus counteract any remaining unbalanced torque from the odd auxiliary rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2021
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Applicants: California Institute of Technology, TooFon, Inc.
    Inventors: Morteza Gharib, Reza Nemovi, Michael V. Ol, Christopher J. Dougherty