Patents by Inventor Fabian Hensel
Fabian Hensel 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: 20240161636Abstract: This disclosure describes an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) configured to autonomously deliver items of inventory to various destinations. The UAV may receive inventory information and a destination location and autonomously retrieve the inventory from a location within a materials handling facility, compute a route from the materials handling facility to a destination and travel to the destination to deliver the inventory.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2023Publication date: May 16, 2024Inventors: Gur KIMCHI, Daniel BUCHMUELLER, Scott A. GREEN, Brian C. BECHMAN, Scott ISAACS, Amir NAVOT, Fabian HENSEL, Avi BAR-ZEEV, Severan Sylvain Jean-Michel RAULT
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Patent number: 11749125Abstract: This disclosure describes an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) configured to autonomously deliver items of inventory to various destinations. The UAV may receive inventory information and a destination location and autonomously retrieve the inventory from a location within a materials handling facility, compute a route from the materials handling facility to a destination and travel to the destination to deliver the inventory.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2021Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gur Kimchi, Daniel Buchmueller, Scott A. Green, Brian C. Beckman, Scott Isaacs, Amir Navot, Fabian Hensel, Avi Bar-Zeev, Severan Sylvain Jean-Michel Rault
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Patent number: 11262415Abstract: An illustrative battery charging device may identify a battery to be charged, and charge the identified battery using charge settings that are optimized for the identified battery. In some embodiments, the battery charging device may determine the optimized settings based on monitoring charging performance and discharge activities of the battery over time. The battery charging device may exchange data with a battery management service device, such as by exchanging battery health information, battery settings, and/or other data. The battery charging device may determine charge setting and times to charge a battery that is intended to power an unmanned aerial vehicle to complete a flight path.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2020Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael Bolotski, Daniel Buchmueller, Nathan Stuart Friendly, Fabian Hensel, Walker Chamberlain Robb, Joshua White Traube
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Publication number: 20220058965Abstract: This disclosure describes an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) configured to autonomously deliver items of inventory to various destinations. The UAV may receive inventory information and a destination location and autonomously retrieve the inventory from a location within a materials handling facility, compute a route from the materials handling facility to a destination and travel to the destination to deliver the inventory.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2021Publication date: February 24, 2022Inventors: Gur Kimchi, Daniel Buchmueller, Scott A. Green, Brian C. Beckman, Scott Isaacs, Amir Navot, Fabian Hensel, Avi Bar-Zeev, Severan Sylvain Jean-Michel Rault
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Patent number: 11232389Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) may emit masking sounds during operation of the UAV to mask other sounds generated by the UAV during operation. The UAV may be used to deliver items to a residence or other location associated with a customer. The UAV may emit sounds that mask the conventional sounds generated by the propellers and/or motors to cause the UAV to emit sounds that are pleasing to bystanders or do not annoy the bystanders. The UAV may emit sounds using speakers or other sound generating devices, such as fins, reeds, whistles, or other devices which may cause sound to be emitted from the UAV. Noise canceling algorithms may be used to cancel at least some of the conventional noise generated by operation of the UAV using inverted sounds, while additional sound may be emitted by the UAV, which may not be subject to noise cancelation.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2018Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Brian C. Beckman, Jack Erdozain, Jr., Sheridan Leigh Martin, Fabian Hensel, David Lindskog
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Patent number: 11195422Abstract: This disclosure describes an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) configured to autonomously deliver items of inventory to various destinations. The UAV may receive inventory information and a destination location and autonomously retrieve the inventory from a location within a materials handling facility, compute a route from the materials handling facility to a destination and travel to the destination to deliver the inventory.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2019Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gur Kimchi, Daniel Buchmueller, Scott A. Green, Brian C. Beckman, Scott Isaacs, Amir Navot, Fabian Hensel, Avi Bar-Zeev, Severan Sylvain Jean-Michel Rault
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Patent number: 10984663Abstract: A system and method for operating an automated aerial vehicle are provided wherein influences of ground effects (e.g., which may increase the effective thrusts of propellers by interfering with the respective airflows) are utilized for sensing the ground or other surfaces. In various implementations, operating parameters of the automated aerial vehicle are monitored to determine when ground effects are influencing the parameters associated with the propellers, which correspondingly indicate proximities to a surface (e.g., the ground). Such ground effect sensing techniques may be utilized as a backup to other sensors (e.g., which may be determined to not be functioning properly and/or may be otherwise inhibited due factors such as to rain, snow, fog, reflections, bright sunlight, etc.).Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2019Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Amir Navot, Brian C. Beckman, Daniel Buchmueller, Gur Kimchi, Fabian Hensel, Scott A. Green, Brandon William Porter, Severan Sylvain Jean-Michel Rault
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Patent number: 10663529Abstract: An illustrative battery charging device may identify a battery to be charged, and charge the identified battery using charge settings that are optimized for the identified battery. In some embodiments, the battery charging device may determine the optimized settings based on monitoring charging performance and discharge activities of the battery over time. The battery charging device may exchange data with a battery management service device, such as by exchanging battery health information, battery settings, and/or other data. The battery charging device may determine charge setting and times to charge a battery that is intended to power an unmanned aerial vehicle to complete a flight path.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael Bolotski, Daniel Buchmueller, Nathan Stuart Friendly, Fabian Hensel, Walker Chamberlain Robb, Joshua White Traube
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Publication number: 20200013298Abstract: A system and method for operating an automated aerial vehicle are provided wherein influences of ground effects (e.g., which may increase the effective thrusts of propellers by interfering with the respective airflows) are utilized for sensing the ground or other surfaces. In various implementations, operating parameters of the automated aerial vehicle are monitored to determine when ground effects are influencing the parameters associated with the propellers, which correspondingly indicate proximities to a surface (e.g., the ground). Such ground effect sensing techniques may be utilized as a backup to other sensors (e.g., which may be determined to not be functioning properly and/or may be otherwise inhibited due factors such as to rain, snow, fog, reflections, bright sunlight, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2019Publication date: January 9, 2020Inventors: Amir Navot, Brian C. Beckman, Daniel Buchmueller, Gur Kimchi, Fabian Hensel, Scott A. Green, Brandon William Porter, Severan Sylvain Jean-Michel Rault
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Publication number: 20190347942Abstract: This disclosure describes an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) configured to autonomously deliver items of inventory to various destinations. The UAV may receive inventory information and a destination location and autonomously retrieve the inventory from a location within a materials handling facility, compute a route from the materials handling facility to a destination and travel to the destination to deliver the inventory.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2019Publication date: November 14, 2019Inventors: Gur Kimchi, Daniel Buchmueller, Scott A. Green, Brian C. Beckman, Scott Isaacs, Amir Navot, Fabian Hensel, Avi Bar-Zeev, Severan Sylvain Jean-Michel Rault
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Patent number: 10410527Abstract: A system and method for operating an automated aerial vehicle are provided wherein influences of ground effects (e.g., which may increase the effective thrusts of propellers by interfering with the respective airflows) are utilized for sensing the ground or other surfaces. In various implementations, operating parameters of the automated aerial vehicle are monitored to determine when ground effects are influencing the parameters associated with each of the propellers, which correspondingly indicate proximities to a surface (e.g., the ground). Utilizing such techniques, proximities of different portions of an automated aerial vehicle to the ground or other surfaces may be determined (e.g., for detecting issues with an uneven landing area, a sloped ground, etc.).Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2018Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Amir Navot, Brian C. Beckman, Daniel Buchmueller, Gur Kimchi, Fabian Hensel, Scott A. Green, Brandon William Porter, Severan Sylvain Jean-Michel Rault
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Patent number: 10403155Abstract: This disclosure describes an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) configured to autonomously deliver items of inventory to various destinations. The UAV may receive inventory information and a destination location and autonomously retrieve the inventory from a location within a materials handling facility, compute a route from the materials handling facility to a destination and travel to the destination to deliver the inventory.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2016Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gur Kimchi, Daniel Buchmueller, Scott A. Green, Brian C. Beckman, Scott Isaacs, Amir Navot, Fabian Hensel, Avi Bar-Zeev, Severan Sylvain Jean-Michel Rault
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Patent number: 10102493Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) may emit masking sounds during operation of the UAV to mask other sounds generated by the UAV during operation. The UAV may be used to deliver items to a residence or other location associated with a customer. The UAV may emit sounds that mask the conventional sounds generated by the propellers and/or motors to cause the UAV to emit sounds that are pleasing to bystanders or do not annoy the bystanders. The UAV may emit sounds using speakers or other sound generating devices, such as fins, reeds, whistles, or other devices which may cause sound to be emitted from the UAV. Noise canceling algorithms may be used to cancel at least some of the conventional noise generated by operation of the UAV using inverted sounds, while additional sound may be emitted by the UAV, which may not be subject to noise cancellation.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2017Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Brian C. Beckman, Jack Erdozain, Jr., Fabian Hensel, David Lindskog, Sheridan Leigh Martin
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Patent number: 10096255Abstract: This disclosure describes an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) and system that may perform one or more techniques for protecting objects from damage resulting from an unintended or uncontrolled impact by a UAV. As described herein, various implementations utilize a damage avoidance system that detects a risk of damage to an object caused by an impact from a UAV that has lost control and takes steps to reduce or eliminate that risk. For example, the damage avoidance system may detect that the UAV has lost power and/or is falling at a rapid rate of descent such that, upon impact, there is a risk of damage to an object with which the UAV may collide. Upon detecting the risk of damage and prior to impact, the damage avoidance system activates a damage avoidance system having one or more protection elements that work in concert to reduce or prevent damage to the object upon impact by the UAV.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2017Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jon Lewis Lindskog, Daniel Buchmueller, Samuel Park, Louis LeRoi LeGrand, III, Ricky Dean Welsh, Fabian Hensel, Christopher Aden Maynor, Ishwarya Ananthabhotla, Scott Michael Wilcox
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Patent number: 10065745Abstract: This disclosure describes a system and method for operating an automated aerial vehicle wherein the battery life may be extended by performing one or more electricity generation procedures on the way to a destination (e.g., a delivery location for an item). In various implementations, the electricity generation procedure may include utilizing an airflow to rotate one or more of the propellers of the automated aerial vehicle so that the associated propeller motors will generate electricity (e.g., which can be utilized to recharge the battery, power one or more sensors of the automated aerial vehicle, etc.). In various implementations, the airflow may consist of a wind, or may be created by the kinetic energy of the automated aerial vehicle as it moves through the air (e.g., as part of a normal flight path and/or as part of an aerial maneuver).Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2016Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Brian C. Beckman, Amir Navot, Daniel Buchmueller, Gur Kimchi, Fabian Hensel, Scott A. Green, Brandon William Porter, Severan Sylvain Jean-Michel Rault
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Publication number: 20180190133Abstract: A system and method for operating an automated aerial vehicle are provided wherein influences of ground effects (e.g., which may increase the effective thrusts of propellers by interfering with the respective airflows) are utilized for sensing the ground or other surfaces. In various implementations, operating parameters of the automated aerial vehicle are monitored to determine when ground effects are influencing the parameters associated with each of the propellers, which correspondingly indicate proximities to a surface (e.g., the ground). Utilizing such techniques, proximities of different portions of an automated aerial vehicle to the ground or other surfaces may be determined (e.g., for detecting issues with an uneven landing area, a sloped ground, etc.).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2018Publication date: July 5, 2018Inventors: Amir Navot, Brian C. Beckman, Daniel Buchmueller, Gur Kimchi, Fabian Hensel, Scott A. Green, Brandon William Porter, Severan Sylvain Jean-Michel Rault
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Patent number: 9998975Abstract: Described are systems and methods for considering a user equipment (UE) location and Evolved Node B (eNodeBs) locations as a factor in determining whether a handoff of a wireless connection between the UE and a first eNodeB to a second eNodeB should be initiated. Alternatively, the systems and methods include selection of an eNodeB with which a wireless connection is to be established. In addition to considering a signal strength for an eNodeB and determining whether to established a wireless communication or initiate a handoff based on the signal strength, the UE location and eNodeB locations may likewise considered. Likewise, a navigation path or anticipated trajectory of the UE may also be considered when selecting an eNodeB with which a wireless communication is to be established or to which a handoff of an existing wireless communication is to be initiated.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2016Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Buchmueller, Fabian Hensel, Gur Kimchi
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Patent number: 9940432Abstract: Techniques for developing a design for a module of an unmanned device may be provided. For example, the unmanned device may comprise one or more already designed components. If a component is to be added to the unmanned device, a design of this new component may be developed. The development may include attaching a computer to the unmanned vehicle. The computer may interface with the one or more already designed components, may be configured to host features of the new component, and may interface with a design computing device. The computer and the design computing device may form a design environment within which data may be exchanged to develop the design. Upon completion of the design development, a design plan may be generated for the new component.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2014Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Fabian Hensel
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Patent number: 9934694Abstract: A system and method for operating an automated aerial vehicle are provided wherein influences of ground effects (e.g., which may increase the effective thrusts of propellers by interfering with the respective airflows) are utilized for sensing the ground or other surfaces. In various implementations, operating parameters of the automated aerial vehicle are monitored to determine when ground effects are influencing the parameters associated with each of the propellers, which correspondingly indicate proximities to a surface (e.g., the ground). Utilizing such techniques, different propellers of an automated aerial vehicle may provide different sensing data (e.g., for detecting issues with an uneven landing area, a sloped ground, determining an automated aerial vehicle's location based on a unique ground surface profile, etc.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2017Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Amir Navot, Brian C. Beckman, Daniel Buchmueller, Gur Kimchi, Fabian Hensel, Scott A. Green, Brandon William Porter, Severan Sylvain Jean-Michel Rault
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Patent number: 9868524Abstract: This disclosure describes a configuration of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that will facilitate extended flight duration. The UAV may have any number of lifting motors. For example, the UAV may include four lifting motors (also known as a quad-copter), eight lifting motors (octo-copter), etc. Likewise, to improve the efficiency of horizontal flight, the UAV also includes a pushing motor and propeller assembly that is oriented at approximately ninety degrees to one or more of the lifting motors. When the UAV is moving horizontally, the pushing motor may be engaged and the pushing propeller will aid in the horizontal propulsion of the UAV.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2014Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ricky Dean Welsh, Daniel Buchmueller, Fabian Hensel, Gur Kimchi, Louis LeRoi LeGrand, III, Brandon William Porter, Walker Chamberlain Robb, Joshua White Traube