Patents by Inventor Joshua White Traube
Joshua White Traube 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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Patent number: 11469673Abstract: A power conversion unit may include two or more power modules for providing high-voltage direct current power to electrical loads, such as one or more propulsion motors aboard an aerial vehicle. Each of the power modules may be controlled by hysteresis, and may include one or more pairs of transistors that are switched by a gate driver with respect to differences between a reference current and a sensed current passing through a boost inductor. The number, size and shape of the power modules may be selected to accommodate the electrical loads, and may be switched on or off, as necessary. The power conversion unit may feature at least one more power module than is required to meet all anticipated electrical loads, thereby ensuring that the power conversion unit may continue to provide power even in the event that one of the power modules experiences a fault of any kind.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2020Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Joshua White Traube
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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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Patent number: 10836485Abstract: 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: December 4, 2017Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ricky Dean Welsh, Daniel Buchmueller, Fabian Thomas Hensel, Gur Kimchi, Louis LeRoi LeGrand, III, Brandon William Porter, Walker Chamberlain Robb, Joshua White Traube
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Patent number: 10810501Abstract: Data captured during evolutions performed by aerial vehicles prior to one or more missions, and data regarding outcomes of the missions, may be used to train a machine learning system to predict data regarding an outcome of a mission of an aerial vehicle based on the performance of the aerial vehicle during one or more evolutions. The data may be captured by sensors provided aboard an aerial vehicle, or in association with a testing facility, and may include data captured during both pre-flight and/or in-flight evolutions performed by the aerial vehicle. The evolutions may include any pre-flight operation of motors, propellers and/or control surfaces, or any other components, as well as the in-flight operation of such components. If a machine learning system determines that a mission is unlikely to succeed, the mission may be canceled, delayed until further inspections may be performed, or assigned to another aerial vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2017Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gur Kimchi, Michael Piedmonte, Liam Stewart Cavanaugh Pingree, Joshua White Traube
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Publication number: 20200257314Abstract: An aerial vehicle and system for automatically detecting an object (e.g., human, pet, or other animal) approaching the aerial vehicle is described. When an approaching object is detected by an object detection component, a safety profile may be executed to reduce or avoid any potential harm to the object and/or the aerial vehicle. For example, if the object is detected entering a safety perimeter of the aerial vehicle, the rotation of a propeller closest to the object may be stopped to avoid harming the object and rotations of remaining propellers may be modified to maintain control and flight of the aerial vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2020Publication date: August 13, 2020Inventors: Gur Kimchi, Louis Leroi LeGrand, III, Joshua White Traube
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Patent number: 10671094Abstract: An aerial vehicle and system for automatically detecting an object (e.g., human, pet, or other animal) approaching the aerial vehicle is described. When an approaching object is detected by an object detection component, a safety profile may be executed to reduce or avoid any potential harm to the object and/or the aerial vehicle. For example, if the object is detected entering a safety perimeter of the aerial vehicle, the rotation of a propeller closest to the object may be stopped to avoid harming the object and rotations of remaining propellers may be modified to maintain control and flight of the aerial vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2017Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gur Kimchi, Louis LeRoi LeGrand, III, Joshua White Traube
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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: 20200153340Abstract: A power conversion unit may include two or more power modules for providing high-voltage direct current power to electrical loads, such as one or more propulsion motors aboard an aerial vehicle. Each of the power modules may be controlled by hysteresis, and may include one or more pairs of transistors that are switched by a gate driver with respect to differences between a reference current and a sensed current passing through a boost inductor. The number, size and shape of the power modules may be selected to accommodate the electrical loads, and may be switched on or off, as necessary. The power conversion unit may feature at least one more power module than is required to meet all anticipated electrical loads, thereby ensuring that the power conversion unit may continue to provide power even in the event that one of the power modules experiences a fault of any kind.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2020Publication date: May 14, 2020Inventor: Joshua White Traube
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Patent number: 10536078Abstract: A power conversion unit may include two or more power modules for providing high-voltage direct current power to electrical loads, such as one or more propulsion motors aboard an aerial vehicle. Each of the power modules may be controlled by hysteresis, and may include one or more pairs of transistors that are switched by a gate driver with respect to differences between a reference current and a sensed current passing through a boost inductor. The number, size and shape of the power modules may be selected to accommodate the electrical loads, and may be switched on or off, as necessary. The power conversion unit may feature at least one more power module than is required to meet all anticipated electrical loads, thereby ensuring that the power conversion unit may continue to provide power even in the event that one of the power modules experiences a fault of any kind.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2017Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Joshua White Traube
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Publication number: 20180323712Abstract: A power conversion unit may include two or more power modules for providing high-voltage direct current power to electrical loads, such as one or more propulsion motors aboard an aerial vehicle. Each of the power modules may be controlled by hysteresis, and may include one or more pairs of transistors that are switched by a gate driver with respect to differences between a reference current and a sensed current passing through a boost inductor. The number, size and shape of the power modules may be selected to accommodate the electrical loads, and may be switched on or off, as necessary. The power conversion unit may feature at least one more power module than is required to meet all anticipated electrical loads, thereby ensuring that the power conversion unit may continue to provide power even in the event that one of the power modules experiences a fault of any kind.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2017Publication date: November 8, 2018Inventor: Joshua White Traube
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Patent number: 10059440Abstract: A propeller alignment device is described. The propeller alignment device can include a second retainer attached to a propeller and a motor. The propeller alignment device can also include a first retainer that does not rotate, but that is aligned with the second retainer. The first retainer can include two or more magnets oppositely orientated relative to each other. The second retainer can also include two or more magnets oppositely orientated relative to each other. As the second retainer rotates relative to the first retainer, the magnets alternatingly align with each other. In the absence of a current applied to the motor, the magnets may magnetically bias the second retainer into a predetermined orientation relative to the first retainer.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2017Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jack Erdozain, Jr., Louis LeRoi LeGrand, III, Joshua White Traube
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Publication number: 20180093770Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2017Publication date: April 5, 2018Inventors: Ricky Dean Welsh, Daniel Buchmueller, Fabian Thomas Hensel, Gur Kimchi, Louis LeRoi LeGrand, III, Brandon William Porter, Walker Chamberlain Robb, Joshua White Traube
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Publication number: 20180079497Abstract: A propeller alignment device is described. The propeller alignment device can include a second retainer attached to a propeller and a motor. The propeller alignment device can also include a first retainer that does not rotate, but that is aligned with the second retainer. The first retainer can include two or more magnets oppositely orientated relative to each other. The second retainer can also include two or more magnets oppositely orientated relative to each other. As the second retainer rotates relative to the first retainer, the magnets alternatingly align with each other. In the absence of a current applied to the motor, the magnets may magnetically bias the second retainer into a predetermined orientation relative to the first retainer.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2017Publication date: March 22, 2018Inventors: Jack Erdozain, JR., Louis LeRoi LeGrand, III, Joshua White Traube
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Patent number: 9878784Abstract: A propeller alignment device is described. The propeller alignment device can include a second retainer attached to a propeller and a motor. The propeller alignment device can also include a first retainer that does not rotate, but that is aligned with the second retainer. The first retainer can include two or more magnets oppositely orientated relative to each other. The second retainer can also include two or more magnets oppositely orientated relative to each other. As the second retainer rotates relative to the first retainer, the magnets may alternatingly align with each other. In the absence of a current applied to the motor, the magnets may magnetically bias the second retainer into a predetermined orientation relative to the first retainer. The predetermined orientation can be predetermined to correspond to an alignment of the propeller that is desirable (e.g., that minimizes aerodynamic drag on the propeller).Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2015Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jack Erdozain, Jr., Louis LeRoi LeGrand, III, Joshua White Traube
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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
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Publication number: 20170166304Abstract: A propeller alignment device is described. The propeller alignment device can include a second retainer attached to a propeller and a motor. The propeller alignment device can also include a first retainer that does not rotate, but that is aligned with the second retainer. The first retainer can include two or more magnets oppositely orientated relative to each other. The second retainer can also include two or more magnets oppositely orientated relative to each other. As the second retainer rotates relative to the first retainer, the magnets may alternatingly align with each other. In the absence of a current applied to the motor, the magnets may magnetically bias the second retainer into a predetermined orientation relative to the first retainer. The predetermined orientation can be predetermined to correspond to an alignment of the propeller that is desirable (e.g., that minimizes aerodynamic drag on the propeller).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2015Publication date: June 15, 2017Inventors: Jack Erdozain, JR., Louis LeRoi LeGrand, III, Joshua White Traube
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Publication number: 20170160750Abstract: An aerial vehicle and system for automatically detecting an object (e.g., human, pet, or other animal) approaching the aerial vehicle is described. When an approaching object is detected by an object detection component, a safety profile may be executed to reduce or avoid any potential harm to the object and/or the aerial vehicle. For example, if the object is detected entering a safety perimeter of the aerial vehicle, the rotation of a propeller closest to the object may be stopped to avoid harming the object and rotations of remaining propellers may be modified to maintain control and flight of the aerial vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2017Publication date: June 8, 2017Inventors: Gur Kimchi, Louis LeRoi LeGrand, III, Joshua White Traube
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Patent number: 9598169Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a single blade propeller and systems, devices, and techniques pertaining to assisting in critical stages of flight (e.g., takeoff, landing, emergency situations, etc.) in vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The single blade propeller may be incorporated into fixed and rotary wing VTOL aircraft as part of a first propulsion system. The first propulsion system may include one or more single blade propellers driven by electric motors, combustion engines, and/or hybrid engines. Each of the single blade propellers may include a lift-producing blade and a counterweight opposite the lift-producing blade. As each of the single blade propellers spins, it may produce lift in a direction approximately perpendicular to the horizon to effect vertical flight.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2016Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Louis LeRoi LeGrand, III, Ricky Dean Welsh, Walker Chamberlain Robb, Robert Roy Champagne, Jr., Daniel Buchmueller, Joshua White Traube, Gur Kimchi
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Publication number: 20160129998Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2014Publication date: May 12, 2016Inventors: Ricky Dean Welsh, Daniel Buchmueller, Fabian Hensel, Gur Kimchi, Louis LeRoi LeGrand, III, Brandon William Porter, Walker Chamberlain Robb, Joshua White Traube
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Patent number: 9334049Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a single blade propeller and systems, devices, and techniques pertaining to assisting in critical stages of flight (e.g., takeoff, landing, emergency situations, etc.) in vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The single blade propeller may be incorporated into fixed and rotary wing VTOL aircraft as part of a first propulsion system. The first propulsion system may include one or more single blade propellers driven by electric motors, combustion engines, and/or hybrid engines. Each of the single blade propellers may include a lift-producing blade and a counterweight opposite the lift-producing blade. As each of the single blade propellers spins, it may produce lift in a direction approximately perpendicular to the horizon to effect vertical flight.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2014Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Louis LeRoi LeGrand, III, Ricky Dean Welsh, Walker Chamberlain Robb, Robert Roy Champagne, Jr., Daniel Buchmueller, Joshua White Traube, Gur Kimchi