Patents by Inventor Andrew Heafitz
Andrew Heafitz 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: 20230150661Abstract: A method is provided for horizon detection. The method includes acquiring an image that depicts a view of an environment, and defining a line pattern of lines that divide the image into respective pairs of image segments. The line pattern is formed of lines that are parallel, or intersecting at a common point of intersection. The method includes searching the lines of the line pattern to identify one of the lines as an estimated true horizon in the image that divides the image into a respective pair of image segments at a boundary of greatest difference in average brightness between the image segments from among the respective pairs of image segments. The method includes determining true horizon in the image from the estimated true horizon. The method may also include an evaluation of the estimated true horizon or the true horizon as to verify one or more expected characteristics.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2021Publication date: May 18, 2023Inventor: Andrew Heafitz
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Patent number: 11067164Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic gear shifter assembly for a dual-mode flying and driving vehicle. The electronic gear shifter assembly may include a lever moveable between a first shifting path that includes at least one drive-related operating position, and a second shifting path that includes at least one flying-related operating position.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2017Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: Terrafugia, Inc.Inventors: Julie Henion, Kevin Colburn, Carl C. Dietrich, Dagny Dukach, Edmund Golaski, Andrew Heafitz, Elizabeth Von Der Heydt, Lluis Penalver-Aguila, Bryan Sandoz, Ethan Stowe
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Patent number: 11046416Abstract: A vehicle includes a fuselage having a longitudinal axis and a propulsion system that is coupled to the fuselage. The vehicle also includes a pair of articulated appendages that is coupled to the fuselage. Each one of the articulated appendages includes a plurality of airfoil segments and is moveable between a ground configuration, in which each one of the pair of articulated appendages supports the vehicle during takeoff or landing of the vehicle, and a flight configuration, in which each one of the pair of articulated appendages produces lift during flight of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2018Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: Aurora Flight Sciences CorporationInventors: William Bosworth, Andrew Heafitz
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Publication number: 20200039629Abstract: A vehicle includes a fuselage having a longitudinal axis and a propulsion system that is coupled to the fuselage. The vehicle also includes a pair of articulated appendages that is coupled to the fuselage. Each one of the articulated appendages includes a plurality of airfoil segments and is moveable between a ground configuration, in which each one of the pair of articulated appendages supports the vehicle during takeoff or landing of the vehicle, and a flight configuration, in which each one of the pair of articulated appendages produces lift during flight of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2018Publication date: February 6, 2020Applicant: Aurora Flight Sciences CorporationInventors: William Bosworth, Andrew Heafitz
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Publication number: 20190323866Abstract: A surface mounting device is disclosed. The mounting device may be configured for coupling to a sensor package. The mounting device may include an active adherent and one or more passive adherents. The active adherent may include a suction cup with a powered pressurizer in fluid communication with a cavity of the suction cup. The passive adherent(s) may include one or more pads having an adhering coating. The mounting device may be positioned proximate a suitable mounting surface by a vehicle, such as an aerial vehicle. Once proximate a suitable surface, the mounting device may first attach itself to the surface using the active adherent. The mounting surface may attach itself to the surface using the passive adherent(s) if a more permanent attachment is desired, and/or if power is in short supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2018Publication date: October 24, 2019Inventor: Andrew Heafitz
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Publication number: 20170299049Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic gear shifter assembly for a dual-mode flying and driving vehicle. The electronic gear shifter assembly may include a lever moveable between a first shifting path that includes at least one drive-related operating position, and a second shifting path that includes at least one flying-related operating position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2017Publication date: October 19, 2017Inventors: Julie Henion, Kevin Colburn, Carl C. Dietrich, Dagny Dukach, Edmund Golaski, Andrew Heafitz, Elizabeth Von Der Heydt, Lluis Penalver-Aguila, Bryan Sandoz, Ethan Stowe
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Publication number: 20130193263Abstract: The invention relates to a roadable aircraft vehicle (100) and related systems. An example roadable aircraft vehicle (100) includes a vehicle drive system (262) including an engine (264) and gearbox (206) selectively engageable with an automotive driveline (266) and at least one propeller (270), a user interface including a display (202) for controlling the drive system (262) in an automotive mode including a steering wheel (204) and in a flight mode including a control stick (272), a control system for switching between the flight mode and the automotive mode, and a system (236) for locking the propeller (270) during the automotive mode. The invention also relates to aircraft systems and elements such as an airfoil (106) having a nominal profile, a folding wing (102), and an occupant crash protection system for an aircraft (100).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2011Publication date: August 1, 2013Inventors: Samuel Adam Schweighart, Andrew Heafitz, Gregor Cadman, Benjamin Zelnick, Marc Stiller, Anna Dietrich, Carl Curtis Dietrich
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Patent number: 8210473Abstract: Improvements to the hinge of a folding aircraft wing including a load bearing hinge mechanism with multiple locking mechanisms. The mechanism includes rigid panels that cover the hinge area when the wing is deployed, and the wing itself covers the hinge area when the wing is retracted. A control lever is used to actuate the wing and incorporates safety features to prevent unwanted actuation.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2008Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Terrafugia, Inc.Inventors: Samuel Adam Schweighart, Carl Curtis Dietrich, Andrew Heafitz
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Publication number: 20100051742Abstract: Improved mechanisms for folding and locking an aircraft wing and controlling the wing's aileron through a wing fold have been motivated by development of a roadable aircraft. Applicable to a broader class of aircraft, these mechanisms allow for a safer, lighter-weight solution to the wing-folding challenge than currently available. The cable control system allows an outer wing section to be moved in concert with an actuated inner wing section. The locking mechanism allows for automated operation and visual inspection. The aileron control mechanism provides centering and locking in addition to flight control through the hinge axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2008Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: Terrafugia, Inc,;Inventors: Samuel Adam Schweighart, Carl Curtis Dietrich, Andrew Heafitz, Benjamin Zelnick
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Publication number: 20100019080Abstract: Improvements to the hinge of a folding aircraft wing including a load bearing hinge mechanism with multiple locking mechanisms. The mechanism includes rigid panels that cover the hinge area when the wing is deployed, and the wing itself covers the hinge area when the wing is retracted. A control lever is used to actuate the wing and incorporates safety features to prevent unwanted actuation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2008Publication date: January 28, 2010Applicant: Terrafugia, Inc.Inventors: Samuel Adam Schweighart, Carl Curtis Dietrich, Andrew Heafitz
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Patent number: 6933965Abstract: An imaging device that gives a ground based user immediate access to a detailed aerial photograph of the entire area for a given radius about his present position. The device can be launched into the air, and rotates in a predictable pattern to scan an imager over every point of the ground, from a vantage point high in the air. These pictures can be stored or transmitted to the ground and assembled on a computer to form a spherical picture of everything surrounding the imaging device in the air.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2002Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: Tacshot, Inc.Inventor: Andrew Heafitz
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Publication number: 20020196339Abstract: An imaging device that gives a ground based user immediate access to a detailed aerial photograph of the entire area for a given radius about his present position. The device can be launched into the air, and rotates in a predictable pattern to scan an imager over every point of the ground, from a vantage point high in the air. These pictures can be stored or transmitted to the ground and assembled on a computer to form a spherical picture of everything surrounding the imaging device in the air.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2002Publication date: December 26, 2002Inventor: Andrew Heafitz