×

Apparatus and methods for stabilization and vibration reduction

  • US 10,334,171 B2
  • Filed: 09/29/2016
  • Issued: 06/25/2019
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/08/2013
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
Patent Images

1. An aerial vehicle comprising:

  • (a) a vehicle body coupled to one or more blades configured to provide lift to the aerial vehicle; and

    (b) an apparatus connected to the vehicle body and configured to stabilize at least a portion of an imaging device, said imaging device comprising (1) a first housing containing an optical unit comprising a lens and a photosensor, and (2) a second housing containing a non-optical unit and not the optical unit, wherein the non-optical unit is configured to permit wireless transmission of image data generated by the photosensor of the optical unit, said wireless communication comprising image data based on signals generated by the photosensor of the optical unit, wherein the apparatus comprises;

    (i) a frame assembly supporting the optical unit of the imaging device without supporting the non-optical unit of the imaging device, wherein the frame assembly comprises (A) a first frame member that supports the optical unit and an inertial measurement unit, and (B) a second frame member that bears weight of the first frame member, and wherein the frame assembly is configured to permit rotation of the optical unit about at least a first rotational axis and a second rotational axis; and

    ii) a motor assembly coupled to the frame assembly, wherein the motor assembly is configured to drive the frame assembly in response to a signal provided by the inertial measurement unit so as to permit rotation of the optical unit about at least the first rotational axis and the second rotational axis, and wherein a motor of the motor assembly utilizes 5 Watts or less to drive a corresponding frame member of the frame assembly.

View all claims
  • 2 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×