Patents by Inventor Brian Whipple

Brian Whipple 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).

  • Patent number: 10926874
    Abstract: A hybrid propulsion aircraft is described having a distributed electric propulsion system. The distributed electric propulsion system includes a turbo shaft engine that drives one or more generators through a gearbox. The generator provides AC power to a plurality of ducted fans (each being driven by an electric motor). The ducted fans may be integrated with the hybrid propulsion aircraft's wings. The wings can be pivotally attached to the fuselage, thereby allowing for vertical take-off and landing. The design of the hybrid propulsion aircraft mitigates undesirable transient behavior traditionally encountered during a transition from vertical flight to horizontal flight. Moreover, the hybrid propulsion aircraft offers a fast, constant-altitude transition, without requiring a climb or dive to transition. It also offers increased efficiency in both hover and forward flight versus other VTOL aircraft and a higher forward max speed than traditional rotorcraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation
    Inventors: Francesco Giannini, Martin Gomez, Daniel Cottrell, Jean-Charles Lede, Thomas Roberts, Carl G. Schaefer, Jr., Dorian Colas, Brian Whipple, Timothy Nuhfer, Herbert E. Hunter, Jonathan Grohs, Steve Petullo
  • Publication number: 20170203839
    Abstract: A hybrid propulsion aircraft is described having a distributed electric propulsion system. The distributed electric propulsion system includes a turbo shaft engine that drives one or more generators through a gearbox. The generator provides AC power to a plurality of ducted fans (each being driven by an electric motor). The ducted fans may be integrated with the hybrid propulsion aircraft's wings. The wings can be pivotally attached to the fuselage, thereby allowing for vertical take-off and landing. The design of the hybrid propulsion aircraft mitigates undesirable transient behavior traditionally encountered during a transition from vertical flight to horizontal flight. Moreover, the hybrid propulsion aircraft offers a fast, constant-altitude transition, without requiring a climb or dive to transition. It also offers increased efficiency in both hover and forward flight versus other VTOL aircraft and a higher forward max speed than traditional rotorcraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Inventors: Francesco Giannini, Martin Gomez, Dan Cottrell, Jean-Charles Lede, Tom Roberts, Carl G. Schaefer, JR., Dorian Colas, Brian Whipple, Tim Nuhfer, Herb Hunter, Jonathan Grohs, Steve Petullo
  • Patent number: 9206624
    Abstract: An electromechanical cable lock system comprising an electromechanical locking mechanism including a cable having at least one plug end receivable in the locking mechanism and a plurality of slidable locking plates engageable with the plug in said locking mechanism. At least one of the locking plates is capable of movement in a first direction different from the movement of a second of said locking plates in a second direction. The locking plates are driven by a motor-driven cam mechanism. The system includes a card reader or other credential verifying device and an electronic controller for activating the locking mechanism, The system also includes a barrel lock for over-riding the electronic controller. A plurality of features can detect and alarm in the event of tampering or unauthorized entry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Hanchett Entry Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Wheeler, Brian A. Whipple, Michael A. Webb, Joshua T. Peabody, Matthew Lynn Petersen, Robert William Lewis, William Chungsum Chow, Scott Patrick Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20130067966
    Abstract: An electromechanical cable lock system comprising an electromechanical locking mechanism including a cable having at least one plug end receivable in the locking mechanism and a plurality of slidable locking plates engageable with the plug in said locking mechanism. At least one of the locking plates is capable of movement in a first direction different from the movement of a second of said locking plates in a second direction. The locking plates are driven by a motor-driven cam mechanism. The system includes a card reader or other credential verifying device and an electronic controller for activating the locking mechanism, The system also includes a barrel lock for over-riding the electronic controller. A plurality of features can detect and alarm in the event of tampering or unauthorized entry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas J. Wheeler, Brian A. Whipple, Michael A. Webb, Joshua T. Peabody, Matthew Lynn Petersen, Robert William Lewis, William Chungsum Chow, Scott Patrick Sullivan