Search Patents
  • High Efficiency Hydrogen Fueled High Altitude Thermodynamic Fuel Cell System And Aircraft Using Same
    Publication number: 20230058816
    Abstract: A high efficiency hydrogen fuel system for an aircraft at high altitude which utilizes compressors to compress air to a sufficiently high pressure for the fuel cell. Liquid hydrogen is compressed and then utilized in heat exchangers to cool the compressed air, maintaining the air at a temperature low enough for the fuel cell. The hydrogen is also used to cool the fuel cell as it is also depressurized prior to its entry in the fuel cell cycle. A water condensation system allows for water removal from the airstream to reduce impacts to the atmosphere. The hydrogen fuel system may be used with VTOL aircraft, which may allow them to fly at higher elevations. The hydrogen fuel system may be used with other subsonic and supersonic aircraft, such as with asymmetric wing aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2022
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Inventors: Gregor Veble Mikic, JoeBen Bevirt, Robert Gulliver Lynn, Alex Stoll
  • Apparatus and method for harvesting wind power using tethered airfoil
    Publication number: 20100026007
    Abstract: A wind energy generator for employment in the jet stream or other wind conditions is described herein. The craft comprises a “kite” configured with an airfoil and tethered to a ground based power generator. The craft and tether are configured to pull on the tether during a flight pattern calculated to pull on the tether that is connected to the generator to enable power generation. Also, an aerodynamically stable tether configuration is used and can be supplemented with a number of periodically spaced control surfaces arranged at various points along the tether. These control surfaces can be selectively actuated to stabilize and position the tether. The tether can comprise a two-stage tether having an inelastic portion attached to a pool and an elastic portion that connects with the kite. Also, the invention contemplates a system of wind detection devices that identify the local wind variations and through control systems enable the optimal positioning of the kite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: Joeben Bevirt
  • High efficiency hydrogen fueled high altitude thermodynamic fuel cell system and aircraft using same
    Patent number: 11752899
    Abstract: A high efficiency hydrogen fuel system for an aircraft at high altitude which utilizes compressors to compress air to a sufficiently high pressure for the fuel cell. Liquid hydrogen is compressed and then utilized in heat exchangers to cool the compressed air, maintaining the air at a temperature low enough for the fuel cell. The hydrogen is also used to cool the fuel cell as it is also depressurized prior to its entry in the fuel cell cycle. A water condensation system allows for water removal from the airstream to reduce impacts to the atmosphere. The hydrogen fuel system may be used with VTOL aircraft, which may allow them to fly at higher elevations. The hydrogen fuel system may be used with other subsonic and supersonic aircraft, such as with asymmetric wing aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Joby Aero, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregor Veble Mikic, JoeBen Bevirt, Robert Gulliver Lynn, Alex Stoll
  • Apparatus for generating power using jet stream wind power
    Publication number: 20100032947
    Abstract: A wind energy generator for employment in the jet stream or other wind conditions is described herein. The craft includes an airfoil and at least one wind energy generating device. The craft further includes a variable geometry tail boom unit whose orientation relative to the rest of the craft can be adjusted in accordance with the needs of the user. The craft is tethered to the ground. The wind energy generating devices transferring generated electrical power back to the ground using a conductive transfer line or alternative energy transfer means. The can craft further include an airframe onto which the wind energy generating devices can be mounted the airframe can include an open structured airframe. The invention further describes method of putting an energy generating craft into the air. The method comprises becoming airborne in a vertical configuration, transitioning a tail boom into an orientation parallel to plane of the airfoil and entering a horizontal flight configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventor: JoeBen BEVIRT
  • REMOTELY CONTROLLED VTOL AIRCRAFT, CONTROL SYSTEM FOR CONTROL OF TAILLESS AIRCRAFT, AND SYSTEM USING SAME
    Publication number: 20120286102
    Abstract: A manned/unmanned aerial vehicle adapted for vertical takeoff and landing using the same set of engines for takeoff and landing as well as for forward flight. An aerial vehicle which is adapted to takeoff with the wings in a vertical as opposed to horizontal flight attitude which takes off in this vertical attitude and then transitions to a horizontal flight path. An aerial vehicle which controls the attitude of the vehicle during takeoff and landing by alternating the thrust of engines, which are separated in at least two dimensions relative to the horizontal during takeoff, and which may also control regular flight in some aspects by the use of differential thrust of the engines. A tailless airplane which uses a control system that takes inputs for a traditional tailed airplane and translates those inputs to provide control utilizing non-traditional control methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Pranay Sinha, Jeffrey Kyle Gibboney, JoeBen Bevirt, Piotr Esden-Tempski, Christopher Allen Forrette, Gregory Mainland Horn
  • High efficiency hydrogen fueled high altitude thermodynamic fuel cell system and aircraft using same
    Patent number: 11565607
    Abstract: A high efficiency hydrogen fuel system for an aircraft at high altitude which utilizes compressors to compress air to a sufficiently high pressure for the fuel cell. Liquid hydrogen is compressed and then utilized in heat exchangers to cool the compressed air, maintaining the air at a temperature low enough for the fuel cell. The hydrogen is also used to cool the fuel cell as it is also depressurized prior to its entry in the fuel cell cycle. A water condensation system allows for water removal from the airstream to reduce impacts to the atmosphere. The hydrogen fuel system may be used with VTOL aircraft, which may allow them to fly at higher elevations. The hydrogen fuel system may be used with other subsonic and supersonic aircraft, such as with asymmetric wing aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Joby Aero, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregor Veble Mikic, JoeBen Bevirt, Robert Gulliver Lynn, Alex Stoll
  • Microscope slide container
    Publication number: 20020008045
    Abstract: A container for removably retaining a plurality of microscope slides in a predetermined spaced relationship comprises a back wall, a pair of opposing side walls and a pair of opposing end walls. The side walls and end walls extend from the back wall, and the end walls extend between the side walls. The side walls have a plurality of side ribs. The back wall has a plurality of grippers, each of which include a first grip rib and a second grip rib. The first grip rib has a first grip location capable of firmly gripping one of the slides to prevent the slide from freely moving. Additionally, the first grip rib is capable of flexing away from the second grip rib. Moreover, each of the side walls has an outer surface, and one of said outer surfaces has a rail projecting outward from the outer surface. The outer surface also has an orientation notch and a circular-shaped projection with a depressed center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: Joshua N. Guyot, JoeBen Bevirt, Eric J. Rollins
  • Aircraft Drag Reduction System And Aircraft Using Same
    Publication number: 20220169362
    Abstract: An aircraft propulsion system with a drag reduction portion adapted to reduce skin friction on at least a portion of the external surface of an aircraft. The drag reduction portion may include an inlet to ingest airflow. The aircraft may also have an internally cooled electric motor adapted for use in an aerial vehicle. The motor may have its stator towards the center and have an external rotor. The rotor structure may be air cooled and may be a complex structure with an internal lattice adapted for airflow. The stator structure may be liquid cooled and may be a complex structure with an internal lattice adapted for liquid to flow through. A fluid pump may pump a liquid coolant through non-rotating portions of the motor stator and then through heat exchangers cooled in part by air which has flowed through the rotating portions of the motor rotor. The drag reduction portion and the cooled electric motor portion may share the same inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2022
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Inventors: JoeBen Bevirt, Gregor Veble Mikic, Joey Milia, Rob Thodal, Vishnu Vithula
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AIRBORNE CYCLICALLY CONTROLLED POWER GENERATION USING AUTOROTATION
    Publication number: 20100221112
    Abstract: An airborne centrifugally stiffened and cyclically controlled system which uses airfoils which rotate around a central hub, similar to the mechanics of an autogyro. The airfoils may achieve speeds significantly above the wind speed feeding the system. The airfoils may be linked to the central hub by flexible radial tethers which stiffen considerably as the speed of the airfoil increases, or may be linked to the central hub by rigid radial links. The central hub may be linked to the ground with an extendible main tether. Power generation turbines may reside on the airfoils and utilize the high apparent wind speed for power generation. The generated power may travel down the radial tethers and across a rotating power conduit to the main tether and to the ground. The system may use autorotation, similar to the mechanics of an autogyro.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: JOEBEN BEVIRT, Lan Kroo
  • Accessory clips and mounting apparatus using same
    Publication number: 20080035807
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to mounting clips and structures to support the mounting clips. One such clip is substantially annular in nature. The mounting clip may have internal grip strips within its interior to better enable the clip to engage the supported item. Other clips involve the use of a suction cup and other designs. The mounting clips may be used with a tripod or a monopod, and in some embodiments a tripod with flexible legs utilizing ball and socket joint connectors which, when interconnected, form a flexible assembly. Each connector includes a body with a first and second end portion. An external socket engaging surface is provided at one end of the body. The other end of the body has an internal cavity. The socket engaging surface of one connector is snapped into the internal cavity of another to interconnect the connectors. In some embodiments, the ball and socket joint connectors utilize an over-molded strip around the outside of the connector to facilitate in their use for gripping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: JoeBen Bevirt, Peter Frykman
  • Realtime Flight Simulation Using Method And System For Modeling Aerodynamic Interactions In Complex eVTOL Configurations
    Publication number: 20230351912
    Abstract: A method and system for modeling aerodynamic interactions in complex eVTOL configurations for realtime flight simulations and hardware testing which includes decomposing the aircraft into aerodynamic subcomponents, wherein the interactions between these components are handled by flow simulations of the surrounding fluid, which may be Euler flow CFD simulations. A computer generated simulation can be used to analyze the fluid flow and pressures, the forces delivered by an aircraft into the fluid and the forces onto the aircraft from the fluid, to determine the position and attitude of the aircraft, and other aspects. The system may be used as a flight simulator for pilot training in a realtime environment. The system may be used to support component testing using an interface to those components, such as flight electronics and actuators, to test the components in high fidelity simulations of actual flight demands on those components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: Gregor Veble Mikic, JoeBen Bevirt, Alex Stoll, Jeremy Bain
  • Flashlight With Mounting Apparatus
    Publication number: 20110199759
    Abstract: A light and support structure apparatus, wherein the light may have beam width adjustment such that the beam may be easily adjusted from a wide beam to more of a spot beam. The light may also be able to switch to a different color beam. The light may utilize standard cylindrical batteries which are inserted into a battery compartment side by side with their positive and negative ends in the same orientation. The light may be mounted upon a tripod or a monopod, and in some embodiments a tripod with flexible legs utilizing ball and socket joint connectors which, when interconnected, form a flexible assembly. Each connector may include a body with a first and second end portion. An external socket engaging surface is provided at one end of the body. The other end of the body has an internal cavity. The socket engaging surface of one connector is snapped into the internal cavity of another to interconnect the connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: Joeben Bevirt
  • Aircraft Drag Reduction System And Internally Cooled Electric Motor System And Aircraft Using Same
    Publication number: 20190329858
    Abstract: An aircraft propulsion system with a drag reduction portion adapted to reduce skin friction on at least a portion of the external surface of an aircraft. The drag reduction portion may include an inlet to ingest airflow. The aircraft may also have an internally cooled electric motor adapted for use in an aerial vehicle. The motor may have its stator towards the center and have an external rotor. The rotor structure may be air cooled and may be a complex structure with an internal lattice adapted for airflow. The stator structure may be liquid cooled and may be a complex structure with an internal lattice adapted for liquid to flow through. A fluid pump may pump a liquid coolant through non-rotating portions of the motor stator and then through heat exchangers cooled in part by air which has flowed through the rotating portions of the motor rotor. The drag reduction portion and the cooled electric motor portion may share the same inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2019
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Inventors: JoeBen Bevirt, Gregor Veble Mikic, Joey Milia, Rob Thodal, Vishnu Vithula
  • Method And System For Modeling Aerodynamic Interactions In Complex eVTOL Configurations For Realtime Flight Simulations And Hardware Testing
    Publication number: 20210125515
    Abstract: A method and system for modeling aerodynamic interactions in complex eVTOL configurations for realtime flight simulations and hardware testing which includes decomposing the aircraft into aerodynamic subcomponents, wherein the interactions between these components are handled by flow simulations of the surrounding fluid, which may be Euler flow CFD simulations. A computer generated simulation can be used to analyze the fluid flow and pressures, the forces delivered by an aircraft into the fluid and the forces onto the aircraft from the fluid, to determine the position and attitude of the aircraft, and other aspects. The system may be used as a flight simulator for pilot training in a realtime environment. The system may be used to support component testing using an interface to those components, such as flight electronics and actuators, to test the components in high fidelity simulations of actual flight demands on those components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2020
    Publication date: April 29, 2021
    Inventors: Gregor Veble Mikic, JoeBen Bevirt, Alex Stoll, Jeremy Bain
  • Aircraft Drag Reduction System And Internally Cooled Motor System And Aircraft Using Same
    Publication number: 20190329859
    Abstract: An aircraft propulsion system with a drag reduction portion adapted to reduce skin friction on at least a portion of the external surface of an aircraft. The drag reduction portion may include an inlet to ingest airflow. The aircraft may also have an internally cooled electric motor adapted for use in an aerial vehicle. The motor may have its stator towards the center and have an external rotor. The rotor structure may be air cooled and may be a complex structure with an internal lattice adapted for airflow. The stator structure may be liquid cooled and may be a complex structure with an internal lattice adapted for liquid to flow through. A fluid pump may pump a liquid coolant through non-rotating portions of the motor stator and then through heat exchangers cooled in part by air which has flowed through the rotating portions of the motor rotor. The drag reduction portion and the cooled electric motor portion may share the same inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2019
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Inventors: JoeBen Bevirt, Gregor Veble Mikic, Joey Milia, Rob Thodal, Vishnu Vithula
  • Aircraft drag reduction system and internally cooled motor system and aircraft using same
    Patent number: 11312471
    Abstract: An aircraft propulsion system with a drag reduction portion adapted to reduce skin friction on at least a portion of the external surface of an aircraft. The drag reduction portion may include an inlet to ingest airflow. The aircraft may also have an internally cooled electric motor adapted for use in an aerial vehicle. The motor may have its stator towards the center and have an external rotor. The rotor structure may be air cooled and may be a complex structure with an internal lattice adapted for airflow. The stator structure may be liquid cooled and may be a complex structure with an internal lattice adapted for liquid to flow through. A fluid pump may pump a liquid coolant through non-rotating portions of the motor stator and then through heat exchangers cooled in part by air which has flowed through the rotating portions of the motor rotor. The drag reduction portion and the cooled electric motor portion may share the same inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Joby Aero, Inc.
    Inventors: JoeBen Bevirt, Gregor Veble Mikic, Joey Milia, Rob Thodal, Vishnu Vithala
  • Accessory clips and mounting apparatus using same
    Patent number: 8096026
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to mounting clips and structures to support the mounting clips. One such clip is substantially annular in nature. The mounting clip may have internal grip strips within its interior to better enable the clip to engage the supported item. Other clips involve the use of a suction cup and other designs. The mounting clips may be used with a tripod or a monopod, and in some embodiments a tripod with flexible legs utilizing ball and socket joint connectors which, when interconnected, form a flexible assembly. Each connector includes a body with a first and second end portion. An external socket engaging surface is provided at one end of the body. The other end of the body has an internal cavity. The socket engaging surface of one connector is snapped into the internal cavity of another to interconnect the connectors. In some embodiments, the ball and socket joint connectors utilize an over-molded strip around the outside of the connector to facilitate in their use for gripping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Joby Photo, Inc.
    Inventors: Joeben Bevirt, Peter Frykman
  • Aircraft drag reduction system and internally cooled electric motor system and aircraft using same
    Patent number: 11161589
    Abstract: An aircraft propulsion system with a drag reduction portion adapted to reduce skin friction on at least a portion of the external surface of an aircraft. The drag reduction portion may include an inlet to ingest airflow. The aircraft may also have an internally cooled electric motor adapted for use in an aerial vehicle. The motor may have its stator towards the center and have an external rotor. The rotor structure may be air cooled and may be a complex structure with an internal lattice adapted for airflow. The stator structure may be liquid cooled and may be a complex structure with an internal lattice adapted for liquid to flow through. A fluid pump may pump a liquid coolant through non-rotating portions of the motor stator and then through heat exchangers cooled in part by air which has flowed through the rotating portions of the motor rotor. The drag reduction portion and the cooled electric motor portion may share the same inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Joby Aero, Inc.
    Inventors: JoeBen Bevirt, Gregor Veble Mikic, Joey Milia, Rob Thodal, Vishnu Vithala
  • Flashlight with mounting apparatus
    Patent number: 8251536
    Abstract: A light and support structure apparatus, wherein the light may have beam width adjustment such that the beam may be easily adjusted from a wide beam to more of a spot beam. The light may also be able to switch to a different color beam. The light may utilize standard cylindrical batteries which are inserted into a battery compartment side by side with their positive and negative ends in the same orientation. The light may be mounted upon a tripod or a monopod, and in some embodiments a tripod with flexible legs utilizing ball and socket joint connectors which, when interconnected, form a flexible assembly. Each connector may include a body with a first and second end portion. An external socket engaging surface is provided at one end of the body. The other end of the body has an internal cavity. The socket engaging surface of one connector is snapped into the internal cavity of another to interconnect the connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: DayMen US, Inc.
    Inventor: Joeben Bevirt
  • Hemispherical high bandwidth mechanical interface for computer systems
    Publication number: 20060194180
    Abstract: A mechanical interface for providing high bandwidth and low noise mechanical input and output for computer systems. A gimbal mechanism includes multiple members that are pivotably coupled to each other to provide two revolute degrees of freedom to a user manipulatable about a pivot point located remotely from the members at about an intersection of the axes of rotation of the members. A linear axis member, coupled to the user object, is coupled to at least one of the members, extends through the remote pivot point and is movable in the two rotary degrees of freedom and a third linear degree of freedom. Transducers associated with the provided degrees of freedom include sensors and actuators and provide an electromechanical interface between the object and a computer. Capstan band drive mechanisms transmit forces between the transducers and the object and include a capstan and flat bands, where the flat bands transmit motion and force between the capstan and interface members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Publication date: August 31, 2006
    Inventors: JoeBen Bevirt, David Moore, John Norwood, Louis Rosenberg, Mike Levin
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