Patents by Inventor Patrick Kranking

Patrick Kranking 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).

  • Methods and apparatus for transforming unmanned aerial vehicle
    Patent number: 8157203
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a transforming aerial vehicle according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with a launch system configured to rotate the aerial vehicle about its longitudinal axis. A lifting surface pivotally connected to the aerial vehicle may be positioned such that the rotation of the aerial vehicle causes the lifting surface to generate a lifting force on the aerial vehicle. This lift causes the aerial vehicle to rise gyroscopically before the lifting surface is rotated to a second position such that the aerial vehicle transforms from a gyroscopic mode to a fixed-wing aerial vehicle. The lifting surface may then be rotated again to allow the aerial vehicle to land as an auto gyro.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Lloyd E. Kinsey, Patrick Kranking
  • METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSFORMING UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20100025543
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a transforming aerial vehicle according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with a launch system configured to rotate the aerial vehicle about its longitudinal axis. A lifting surface pivotally connected to the aerial vehicle may be positioned such that the rotation of the aerial vehicle causes the lifting surface to generate a lifting force on the aerial vehicle. This lift causes the aerial vehicle to rise gyroscopically before the lifting surface is rotated to a second position such that the aerial vehicle transforms from a gyroscopic mode to a fixed-wing aerial vehicle. The lifting surface may then be rotated again to allow the aerial vehicle to land as an auto gyro.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: LLOYD E. KINSEY, Patrick Kranking