Patents Assigned to WISK AERO LLC
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Patent number: 12162625Abstract: Embodiments provide a compact vertiport system. The vertiport system may be efficient and compact by combining, into one space and time period, multiple activities that typically take place in different spaces and different times. For example, when an aircraft is being moved from a landing zone to a takeoff zone, the aircraft may also be charged simultaneously. Also, passenger exchange may take place while the aircraft is being moved. As a result, compact vertiport systems may fit into smaller spaces (e.g., tops of buildings, or smaller plots of land).Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2021Date of Patent: December 10, 2024Assignee: Wisk Aero LLCInventors: James Joseph Tighe, Geoffrey Alan Long, Uri Tzarnotzky
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Patent number: 12157555Abstract: Embodiments provide a propeller ground stop mechanism configured to keep an unpowered propeller of an aircraft (e.g. when the aircraft is on the ground and not operating) static. The propeller is prevented from rotating due to external forces (e.g. an air flow caused by wind, manual rotation of the propeller). When the propeller is powered, and the propeller is providing thrust, the propeller ground stop mechanism automatically disengages and does not provide any drag. Among various benefits, the propeller ground stop mechanism provides added safety to the ground support personnel.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2023Date of Patent: December 3, 2024Assignee: Wisk Aero LLCInventors: Geoffrey Alan Long, Pieter DePape
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Publication number: 20240391597Abstract: Embodiments provide a damping unit coupled to a moveable element. An actuator configured to drive the moveable element provides a primary load path, while the damping unit provides a secondary load path that slows uncontrolled motion of the moveable element in the event of failure of the primary load path. To test the working condition of the damping unit, a load on the actuator can be measured when the actuator drives the moveable element. If the load is greater than a predetermined threshold, it can be determined that the damping unit is providing a damping force against the actuator, and therefore the damping unit is operational.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2024Publication date: November 28, 2024Applicant: Wisk Aero LLCInventors: Chase Nichols, Shawn Falzone
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Patent number: 12151809Abstract: A power distribution circuit for an electrically powered aircraft includes a plurality of batteries and a plurality of electric propulsion systems. A plurality of isolated power distribution circuits each couple a battery of the plurality of batteries to two or more electric propulsion systems. The plurality of electric propulsion systems are positioned on the aircraft to apply balanced forces to the aircraft such that in the event of a failure, the aircraft remains stable and only experiences a loss in altitude or speed.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2021Date of Patent: November 26, 2024Assignee: Wisk Aero LLCInventors: Geoffrey Alan Long, Lewis Romeo Hom
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Publication number: 20240367787Abstract: Techniques to control flight of an aircraft are disclosed. In various embodiments, a set of inputs associated with a requested set of forces and moments to be applied to the aircraft is received. An optimal mix of actuators and associated actuator parameters to achieve to an extent practical the requested forces and moments is determined.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2024Publication date: November 7, 2024Applicant: Wisk Aero LLCInventors: Zouhair Mahboubi, Gabe Hoffmann, Olivier Toupet, Herve Martins-Rivas
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Patent number: 12122503Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems and methods for reducing drag on an aircraft. The aircraft can include at least one propulsion system with rotor blades configured to reduce aerodynamic drag when the propulsion system is deactivated. To reduce the amount of drag, the rotor blades can be locked into an aerodynamic position, and prevented from passively spinning. Additionally, the rotor blades can be configured to have angular positions that reduce drag. For example, the rotor blades as a group may be configured to generally point toward and/or away from an airflow current.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2022Date of Patent: October 22, 2024Assignee: Wisk Aero LLCInventor: Geoffrey Alan Long
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Publication number: 20240345175Abstract: Battery management systems and methods can provide real-time automated monitoring of various aspects of battery health and operation. Some battery management systems can use an equivalent cell circuit model to predict a range for the expected behavior of a battery cell under actual operating conditions in real-time. The prediction can be compared to the actual behavior of the cell to determine whether an anomaly exists. Some battery management systems can maintain an estimate of battery state-of-health parameters such as charge capacity and internal resistance and can update these estimates in real time while the battery is being discharged and/or charged. Anomalous variations in a monitored parameter can trigger a real-time fault notification.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2024Publication date: October 17, 2024Applicant: Wisk Aero LLCInventor: Lewis Romeo Hom
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Publication number: 20240339860Abstract: A battery system includes a battery cell, a thermally insulating layer, and a thermally conducting layer which includes a fin. The fin pushes against an interior surface of a case which surrounds the battery cell, the thermally insulating layer, and the thermally conducting layer. The thermally conducting layer includes a discontinuity where the discontinuity is configured to reduce a capacitance associated with the thermally conducting layer compared to when the thermally conducting layer does not include the discontinuity.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2024Publication date: October 10, 2024Applicant: Wisk Aero LLCInventors: John Melack, Thomas P. Muniz, Nihal Murthy, Sampson Lau
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Publication number: 20240329140Abstract: For each cell in a plurality of cells from a same manufacturing run, a first and a second cell characteristic are received in order to obtain a plurality of cell characteristics. For each cell, a batch compatibility number that is associated with a number of compatible cells that that cell is compatible with is determined based at least in part on the plurality of cell characteristics. The plurality of cells is sorted according to the batch compatibility numbers to obtain a sorted list of cells. A plurality of compatible cells to include in a battery is selected from the plurality of cells, including by evaluating the plurality of cells according to the order of the sorted list of cells and beginning with the lowest batch compatibility number.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2024Publication date: October 3, 2024Applicant: Wisk Aero LLCInventors: Lewis Romeo Hom, Thomas P. Muniz, Patrick K. Herring
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Patent number: 12091167Abstract: Embodiments provide scissoring mechanisms for a vertical lift fan of an electric aircraft (e.g., a vertical take-off-landing eVTOL aircraft) where the blades of the vertical lift fan can be opened at almost zero speed. Exemplary scissoring mechanisms have position locking features that keep the collapsed blades in the low drag orientation once closed (e.g., in the stowed position). As a result, the scissoring mechanisms do not cause large impulses during opening and closing that cause large stresses and noise. In addition, the scissoring mechanisms provide an opportunity to check that the fans are opened properly prior to spinning them to the full operating speed. The scissoring mechanisms may not require an extra actuator, and rely on the propulsion motor.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2022Date of Patent: September 17, 2024Assignee: Wisk Aero LLCInventors: Geoffrey Alan Long, Chase Nichols, Patrick Kelly
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Patent number: 12071231Abstract: Techniques to control flight of an aircraft are disclosed. In various embodiments, a set of inputs associated with a requested set of forces and moments to be applied to the aircraft is received. An optimal mix of actuators and associated actuator parameters to achieve to an extent practical the requested forces and moments is determined.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2023Date of Patent: August 27, 2024Assignee: Wisk Aero LLCInventors: Zouhair Mahboubi, Gabe Hoffmann, Olivier Toupet, Herve Martins-Rivas
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Publication number: 20240274923Abstract: Embodiments provide battery cells and/or battery submodules including a phase change material (PCM) for absorbing excess heat that may be released within the battery cell and/or battery submodule. The PCM may be provided in form of a layer within the battery cell in addition to a thermal insulation layer. Alternatively, the PCM layer may replace the thermal insulation layer. The PCM may be provided on one or more sides of the battery submodule within a container that contains the battery submodule. The PCM may be a solid PCM provided in form of a layer and/or one or more strips. The PCM may also include a liquid PCM that is provided in the container containing the battery submodule.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2024Publication date: August 15, 2024Applicant: Wisk Aero LLCInventor: Lewis Romeo Hom
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Patent number: 12062945Abstract: Techniques described here provide a rotor and a method of making a rotor. In an embodiment, a method of making a rotor includes forming a magnet array by assembling a plurality of magnets into the magnet array, providing pre-preg adjacent to the magnet array, co-curing the magnet array with the pre-preg, and magnetizing the magnet array subsequent to the formation of the magnet array.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2021Date of Patent: August 13, 2024Assignee: Wisk Aero LLCInventor: Geoffrey Alan Long
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Publication number: 20240265814Abstract: Methods and systems for providing status of other aircraft in a vicinity of an operator controlled aircraft. A method of providing status of other aircraft in a vicinity of an operator controlled aircraft include displaying an operator controlled aircraft icon on a display to represent positioning of the operator controlled aircraft. Radio transmissions from the other aircraft are processed to generate corresponding text. The text is processed to determine at least one of an identifier of the other aircraft, a position of the other aircraft, or an intent of the other aircraft. An aircraft icon representing the other aircraft indicative of at least one of the position of the other aircraft, the identifier of the other aircraft, or the intent of the other aircraft is displayed on a display.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2024Publication date: August 8, 2024Applicant: Wisk Aero LLCInventor: Robert Gettler, JR.
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Patent number: 12055596Abstract: Battery management systems and methods can provide real-time automated monitoring of various aspects of battery health and operation. Some battery management systems can use an equivalent cell circuit model to predict a range for the expected behavior of a battery cell under actual operating conditions in real-time. The prediction can be compared to the actual behavior of the cell to determine whether an anomaly exists. Some battery management systems can maintain an estimate of battery state-of-health parameters such as charge capacity and internal resistance and can update these estimates in real time while the battery is being discharged and/or charged. Anomalous variations in a monitored parameter can trigger a real-time fault notification.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2022Date of Patent: August 6, 2024Assignee: Wisk Aero LLCInventor: Lewis Romeo Hom
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Publication number: 20240246670Abstract: Embodiments provide mechanisms for coupling rotor blade pitch to propulsion system tilt angle in an aircraft, and more specifically in electric aircrafts. A system may include a tiltable propulsion system configured to move between a first tilt angle and a second tilt angle, wherein the tiltable propulsion system includes a plurality of rotor blades each configured to move between a first pitch position and a second pitch position; a tilting mechanism coupled to the tiltable propulsion system and configured to move the tiltable propulsion system between the first tilt angle and the second tilt angle; a pitching mechanism coupled to one or more of the plurality of rotor blades and configured to move one or more of the plurality of rotor blades between the first pitch position and the second pitch position; and an actuator configured to operate both the tilting mechanism and the pitching mechanism simultaneously.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2024Publication date: July 25, 2024Applicant: Wisk Aero LLCInventors: Geoffrey Alan Long, Chase Nichols, Patrick Kelly
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Publication number: 20240249630Abstract: Embodiments provide techniques for illustrating and manipulating flight parameters communicated to an aircraft. More specifically, techniques disclosed herein provide a graphical user interface (GUI) that enables the adjustment of flight parameters via a translucent or transparent compass rose icon overlaid on a flight map, to intuitively select, transmit, and execute commands at an aircraft. For example, a controller may adjust one or more flight parameters, such as speed, heading, and/or altitude of an aircraft, such as an autonomous aircraft, by dragging an arrow icon around a compass rose icon displayed in connection with the aircraft on the GUI.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2024Publication date: July 25, 2024Applicant: Wisk Aero LLCInventors: Lance Welsh, Andrew Fickling, Marco Delgado, Michael Blaine Johnson, Raymond J. Schreiner, Scott Rossi, Uri Tzarnotzky
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Patent number: 12046728Abstract: A battery includes a metal can having a bottom, a top opening, and four sides. The battery also includes a plurality of cells stacked inside the metal can, wherein at least two opposing sides of the four sides of the metal can are biased inward against the plurality of cells to provide compression.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2020Date of Patent: July 23, 2024Assignee: Wisk Aero LLCInventors: John Melack, Thomas P. Muniz, Nihal Murthy
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Patent number: 12044738Abstract: For each cell in a plurality of cells from a same manufacturing run, a first and a second cell characteristic are received in order to obtain a plurality of cell characteristics. For each cell, a batch compatibility number that is associated with a number of compatible cells that that cell is compatible with is determined based at least in part on the plurality of cell characteristics. The plurality of cells is sorted according to the batch compatibility numbers to obtain a sorted list of cells. A plurality of compatible cells to include in a battery is selected from the plurality of cells, including by evaluating the plurality of cells according to the order of the sorted list of cells and beginning with the lowest batch compatibility number.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2023Date of Patent: July 23, 2024Assignee: Wisk Aero LLCInventors: Lewis Romeo Hom, Thomas P. Muniz, Patrick K. Herring
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Publication number: 20240239500Abstract: A power distribution control approach employs power distribution buses that are controllably energized and de-energized to control which aerial vehicle systems received power based on the applicable operational mode. A method of controlling power distribution in an electrically powered vertical takeoff and landing aircraft includes receiving an operational mode indication that identifies an operational mode. The operational mode is one of predetermined operational modes for the aircraft. Power distribution buses of the aircraft are controlled, based on the operational mode indication, to control each of the power distribution buses to be energized or de-energized.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2024Publication date: July 18, 2024Applicant: Wisk Aero LLCInventors: Rui Gao, Michael John Burgart, Geoffrey Alan Long