Patents by Inventor Gaofei Yan

Gaofei Yan 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).

  • Publication number: 20230060888
    Abstract: An aeronautical vehicle that rights itself from an inverted state to an upright state has a self-righting frame assembly has a protrusion extending upwardly from a central vertical axis. The protrusion provides an initial instability to begin a self-righting process when the aeronautical vehicle is inverted on a surface. A propulsion system, such as rotor driven by a motor can be mounted in a central void of the self-righting frame assembly and oriented to provide a lifting force. A power supply is mounted in the central void of the self-righting frame assembly and operationally connected to the at least one rotor for rotatably powering the rotor. An electronics assembly is also mounted in the central void of the self-righting frame for receiving remote control commands and is communicatively interconnected to the power supply for remotely controlling the aeronautical vehicle to take off, to fly, and to land on a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2022
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: Gaofei YAN, James DEES
  • Patent number: 11447227
    Abstract: An aeronautical vehicle that rights itself from an inverted state to an upright state has a self-righting frame assembly has a protrusion extending upwardly from a central vertical axis. The protrusion provides an initial instability to begin a self-righting process when the aeronautical vehicle is inverted on a surface. A propulsion system, such as rotor driven by a motor can be mounted in a central void of the self-righting frame assembly and oriented to provide a lifting force. A power supply is mounted in the central void of the self-righting frame assembly and operationally connected to the at least one rotor for rotatably powering the rotor. An electronics assembly is also mounted in the central void of the self-righting frame for receiving remote control commands and is communicatively interconnected to the power supply for remotely controlling the aeronautical vehicle to take off, to fly, and to land on a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Inventors: Gaofei Yan, James Dees
  • Publication number: 20200247522
    Abstract: An aeronautical vehicle that rights itself from an inverted state to an upright state has a self-righting frame assembly has a protrusion extending upwardly from a central vertical axis. The protrusion provides an initial instability to begin a self-righting process when the aeronautical vehicle is inverted on a surface. A propulsion system, such as rotor driven by a motor can be mounted in a central void of the self-righting frame assembly and oriented to provide a lifting force. A power supply is mounted in the central void of the self-righting frame assembly and operationally connected to the at least one rotor for rotatably powering the rotor. An electronics assembly is also mounted in the central void of the self-righting frame for receiving remote control commands and is communicatively interconnected to the power supply for remotely controlling the aeronautical vehicle to take off, to fly, and to land on a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Inventors: Gaofei YAN, James Dees
  • Patent number: 10569854
    Abstract: An aeronautical vehicle that rights itself from an inverted state to an upright state has a self-righting frame assembly has a protrusion extending upwardly from a central vertical axis. The protrusion provides an initial instability to begin a self-righting process when the aeronautical vehicle is inverted on a surface. A propulsion system, such as rotor driven by a motor can be mounted in a central void of the self-righting frame assembly and oriented to provide a lifting force. A power supply is mounted in the central void of the self-righting frame assembly and operationally connected to the at least one rotor for rotatably powering the rotor. An electronics assembly is also mounted in the central void of the self-righting frame for receiving remote control commands and is communicatively interconnected to the power supply for remotely controlling the aeronautical vehicle to take off, to fly, and to land on a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Inventors: Gaofei Yan, James Dees
  • Publication number: 20190202542
    Abstract: An aeronautical vehicle that rights itself from an inverted state to an upright state has a self-righting frame assembly has a protrusion extending upwardly from a central vertical axis. The protrusion provides an initial instability to begin a self-righting process when the aeronautical vehicle is inverted on a surface. A propulsion system, such as rotor driven by a motor can be mounted in a central void of the self-righting frame assembly and oriented to provide a lifting force. A power supply is mounted in the central void of the self-righting frame assembly and operationally connected to the at least one rotor for rotatably powering the rotor. An electronics assembly is also mounted in the central void of the self-righting frame for receiving remote control commands and is communicatively interconnected to the power supply for remotely controlling the aeronautical vehicle to take off, to fly, and to land on a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Publication date: July 4, 2019
    Inventors: Gaofei YAN, James Dees
  • Patent number: 10112694
    Abstract: A self-righting aeronautical vehicle comprising a hollowed frame and a lift mechanism. The exterior of the frame and center of gravity are adapted to self-right the vehicle. The frame can include sealed, hollowed sections for use in bodies of water. The frame can be spherical in shape enabling inspection of internal surface of partially or fully enclosed structures. Inspection equipment can be integrated into the vehicle and acquired data can be stored or wirelessly communicated to a server. A controlled or other mass can be pivotally assembled to a pivot axle spanning across the interior of the frame. The pivot axis can rotate about a vertical axis (an axis perpendicular to the elongated axis). The propulsion mechanisms can be adapted for use as a terrestrial vehicle when enclosed in a sealed spherical shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Inventors: Gaofei Yan, James Dees
  • Publication number: 20180057135
    Abstract: A self-righting aeronautical vehicle comprising a hollowed frame and a lift mechanism. The exterior of the frame and center of gravity are adapted to self-right the vehicle. The frame can include sealed, hollowed sections for use in bodies of water. The frame can be spherical in shape enabling inspection of internal surface of partially or fully enclosed structures. Inspection equipment can be integrated into the vehicle and acquired data can be stored or wireles sly communicated to a server. A controlled or other mass can be pivotally assembled to a pivot axle spanning across the interior of the frame. The pivot axis can rotate about a vertical axis (an axis perpendicular to the elongated axis). The propulsion mechanisms can be adapted for use as a terrestrial vehicle when enclosed in a sealed spherical shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Gaofei YAN, James Dees
  • Patent number: 9725158
    Abstract: A self-righting aeronautical vehicle comprising a hollowed frame and a lift mechanism. The exterior of the frame and center of gravity are adapted to self-right the vehicle. The frame can include sealed, hollowed sections for use in bodies of water. The frame can be spherical in shape enabling inspection of internal surface of partially or fully enclosed structures. Inspection equipment can be integrated into the vehicle and acquired data can be stored or wirelessly communicated to a server. A controlled or other mass can be pivotally assembled to a pivot axle spanning across the interior of the frame. The pivot axis can rotate about a vertical axis (an axis perpendicular to the elongated axis). The propulsion mechanisms can be adapted for use as a terrestrial vehicle when enclosed in a sealed spherical shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Inventors: Gaofei Yan, James Dees
  • Publication number: 20160375983
    Abstract: A self-righting aeronautical vehicle comprising a hollowed frame and a lift mechanism. The exterior of the frame and center of gravity are adapted to self-right the vehicle. The frame can include sealed, hollowed sections for use in bodies of water. The frame can be spherical in shape enabling inspection of internal surface of partially or fully enclosed structures. Inspection equipment can be integrated into the vehicle and acquired data can be stored or wirelessly communicated to a server. A controlled or other mass can be pivotally assembled to a pivot axle spanning across the interior of the frame. The pivot axis can rotate about a vertical axis (an axis perpendicular to the elongated axis). The propulsion mechanisms can be adapted for use as a terrestrial vehicle when enclosed in a sealed spherical shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Gaofei YAN, James DEES
  • Patent number: 9434462
    Abstract: An aeronautical vehicle that rights itself from an inverted state to an upright state has a self-righting dome shaped vehicle body has an apex/protrusion preferably at a top of a central vertical axis. The apex/protrusion provides initial instability to begin a self-righting process when the vehicle is inverted on a surface. A lift and stabilization panel extends across an upper portion of said frame to provide lift, drag and/or stability. A propulsion system can be located within a central void of the frame assembly and oriented to provide a lifting force. An electronics assembly is also carried by the self-righting body for receiving remote control commands and is communicatively interconnected to the power supply for remotely controlling the aeronautical vehicle to take off, to fly, and to land on a supporting surface. The body provides self-righting functionality and protection of elements carried therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Inventors: Gaofei Yan, James Dees
  • Publication number: 20160176494
    Abstract: An aeronautical vehicle that rights itself from an inverted state to an upright state has a self-righting dome shaped vehicle body has an apex/protrusion preferably at a top of a central vertical axis. The apex/protrusion provides initial instability to begin a self-righting process when the vehicle is inverted on a surface. A lift and stabilization panel extends across an upper portion of said frame to provide lift, drag and/or stability. A propulsion system can be located within a central void of the frame assembly and oriented to provide a lifting force. An electronics assembly is also carried by the self-righting body for receiving remote control commands and is communicatively interconnected to the power supply for remotely controlling the aeronautical vehicle to take off, to fly, and to land on a supporting surface. The body provides self-righting functionality and protection of elements carried therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: Gaofei YAN, James DEES
  • Patent number: 9216808
    Abstract: An aeronautical vehicle that rights itself from an inverted state to an upright state has a self-righting frame assembly has an apex preferably at a top of a central vertical axis. The apex provides initial instability to begin a self-righting process when the vehicle is inverted on a surface. A lift and stabilization panel extends across an upper portion of said frame to provide lift, drag and/or stability. A propulsion system can be located within a central void of the frame assembly and oriented to provide a lifting force. An electronics assembly is also carried by the self-righting frame for receiving remote control commands and is communicatively interconnected to the power supply for remotely controlling the aeronautical vehicle to take off, to fly, and to land on a supporting surface. The frame provides self-righting functionality and protection of elements carried therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Inventors: Gaofei Yan, James Dees
  • Publication number: 20150291272
    Abstract: An aeronautical vehicle that rights itself from an inverted state to an upright state has a self-righting frame assembly has an apex preferably at a top of a central vertical axis. The apex provides initial instability to begin a self-righting process when the vehicle is inverted on a surface. A lift and stabilization panel extends across an upper portion of said frame to provide lift, drag and/or stability. A propulsion system can be located within a central void of the frame assembly and oriented to provide a lifting force. An electronics assembly is also carried by the self-righting frame for receiving remote control commands and is communicatively interconnected to the power supply for remotely controlling the aeronautical vehicle to take off, to fly, and to land on a supporting surface. The frame provides self-righting functionality and protection of elements carried therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Inventors: Gaofei YAN, James DEES
  • Patent number: 9067667
    Abstract: An aeronautical vehicle that rights itself from an inverted state to an upright state has a self-righting frame assembly has an apex preferably at a top of a central vertical axis. The apex provides initial instability to begin a self-righting process when the vehicle is inverted on a surface. A lift and stabilization panel extends across an upper portion of said frame to provide lift, drag and/or stability. A propulsion system can be located within a central void of the frame assembly and oriented to provide a lifting force. An electronics assembly is also carried by the self-righting frame for receiving remote control commands and is communicatively interconnected to the power supply for remotely controlling the aeronautical vehicle to take off, to fly, and to land on a supporting surface. The frame provides self-righting functionality and protection of elements carried therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Inventors: Gaofei Yan, James Dees
  • Patent number: 8795009
    Abstract: A watercraft has an elongate hull having an arcuately shaped bow and a propulsion system including a flow generator coupled thereto. A shroud extends below a forward portion of the hull, and in combination with said hull defines a conduit therethrough with the flow generator positioned in the conduit. The arcuately shaped bow and the conduit in combination at least partially form a funnel shaped forward-to-aft fluid path for water flow induced by the flow generator. The flow generator in operation produces a forward thrust vector and a Bernoulli thrust vector created by the forward-to-aft fluid flow of water flow along the partial funnel shaped forward-to-aft fluid path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventors: Gaofei Yan, James Dees
  • Publication number: 20140014767
    Abstract: An aeronautical vehicle that rights itself from an inverted state to an upright state has a self-righting frame assembly has an apex preferably at a top of a central vertical axis. The apex provides initial instability to begin a self-righting process when the vehicle is inverted on a surface. A lift and stabilization panel extends across an upper portion of said frame to provide lift, drag and/or stability. A propulsion system can be located within a central void of the frame assembly and oriented to provide a lifting force. An electronics assembly is also carried by the self-righting frame for receiving remote control commands and is communicatively interconnected to the power supply for remotely controlling the aeronautical vehicle to take off, to fly, and to land on a supporting surface. The frame provides self-righting functionality and protection of elements carried therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Gaofei Yan, James Dees
  • Patent number: 8528854
    Abstract: An aeronautical vehicle that rights itself from an inverted state to an upright state has a self-righting frame assembly has a protrusion extending upwardly from a central vertical axis. The protrusion provides an initial instability to begin a self-righting process when the aeronautical vehicle is inverted on a surface. A propulsion system, such as rotor driven by a motor can be mounted in a central void of the self-righting frame assembly and oriented to provide a lifting force. A power supply is mounted in the central void of the self-righting frame assembly and operationally connected to the at least one rotor for rotatably powering the rotor. An electronics assembly is also mounted in the central void of the self-righting frame for receiving remote control commands and is communicatively interconnected to the power supply for remotely controlling the aeronautical vehicle to take off, to fly, and to land on a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventors: Gaofei Yan, James Dees
  • Publication number: 20120018579
    Abstract: An aeronautical vehicle that rights itself from an inverted state to an upright state has a self-righting frame assembly has a protrusion extending upwardly from a central vertical axis. The protrusion provides an initial instability to begin a self-righting process when the aeronautical vehicle is inverted on a surface. A propulsion system, such as rotor driven by a motor can be mounted in a central void of the self-righting frame assembly and oriented to provide a lifting force. A power supply is mounted in the central void of the self-righting frame assembly and operationally connected to the at least one rotor for rotatably powering the rotor. An electronics assembly is also mounted in the central void of the self-righting frame for receiving remote control commands and is communicatively interconnected to the power supply for remotely controlling the aeronautical vehicle to take off, to fly, and to land on a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Gaofei Yan, James Dees
  • Patent number: 7997059
    Abstract: A propulsion system for use in a liquid or gas fluid is provided including an axially-extending funnel-shaped conduit, a flow generator, a power source, and, optionally, an airfoil-shaped wing. The funnel-shaped conduit has outer walls forming an inner fluid passageway, an upper edge defining a fluid inlet, and a lower edge defining a fluid outlet. The optional airfoil-shaped wing is connected to and circumferentially surrounds the funnel-shaped conduit upper edge. The flow generator is rotatably mounted about the axis of the funnel-shaped conduit and is configured to force the fluid from the fluid inlet rearward through the fluid outlet. A forward force is produced by the combination of both thrust from the flow generator plus the lift force created as the flow generator draws the fluid across the annular airfoil-shaped wing and inwardly through the fluid inlet forcing the fluid rearward to exit out of the fluid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventors: Gaofei Yan, James Dees
  • Patent number: 7836678
    Abstract: A propulsion system for use in a liquid or gas fluid is provided including an axially-extending funnel-shaped conduit, a flow generator, a power source, and, optionally, an airfoil-shaped wing. The funnel-shaped conduit has outer walls forming an inner fluid passageway, an upper edge defining a fluid inlet, and a lower edge defining a fluid outlet. The optional airfoil-shaped wing is connected to and circumferentially surrounds the funnel-shaped conduit upper edge. The flow generator is rotatably mounted about the axis of the funnel-shaped conduit and is configured to force the fluid from the fluid inlet rearward through the fluid outlet. A forward force is produced by the combination of both thrust from the flow generator plus the lift force created as the flow generator draws the fluid across the annular airfoil-shaped wing and inwardly through the fluid inlet forcing the fluid rearward to exit out of the fluid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventors: Gaofei Yan, James Dees