| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
|---|
| 244024000 | AIRCRAFT, LIGHTER-THAN-AIR | 75 |
| 20120001017 | INSTALLATION PLATFORM FOR DEPLOYING AN EARTH-BASED SENSOR NETWORK UTILIZING A PROJECTED PATTERN FROM A HEIGHT - An installation platform for deploying an earth-based sensor network utilizing a projected pattern from a height. The installation platform includes an aerostatic aircraft, at least one sensor-location projector, and a projector stabilizer. The sensor-location projector is coupled with the aerostatic aircraft, and is configurable to project the projected pattern including at least one sensor-location marker associated with a location for a sensor in the sensor network. The projector stabilizer is configurable for maintaining the sensor-location projector in a sufficiently static orientation relative to the location for the sensor to allow deployment of the sensor within a specified distance of the location on a surface of the earth from the sensor-location marker. A sensor-network-deployment system along with a method for deploying the sensor-network are also provided. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20090206194 | AIRSHIP PHOTOCATALYTIC REACTOR ENERGY GENERATION, STORAGE, AND TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS - An energy management system for lighter-than-air vehicles which includes a reactor means for generating energy, storage means for storing the reactants used in the reactor means, and an integrated pipeless reactant and power distribution means. | 08-20-2009 |
| 244025000 | Airships with sustaining wings | 9 |
| 20100102163 | Aircraft configured for vertically ascending and landing - An aircraft which is configured for vertically ascending and landing, includes at least two wings ( | 04-29-2010 |
| 20130062457 | Aerial Vehicle and Method of Flight - An aerial vehicle is described which comprises:
| 03-14-2013 |
| 20130068879 | WING-IN-GROUND EFFECT VESSEL - A WIG (wing in ground effect) vessel includes a hull with wings attached. The WIG vessel includes means for propulsion as well as altitude and directional control. The lift of the wings in ground effect is augmented by partial aerostatic lift, achieved through interior gas holding envelopes containing a lighter-than-air gas. The wings have a high mean chord length, for example fourteen meters or more, allowing the vessel to fly in ground effect above water at an altitude where waves are of minimal concern. The vessel has a low wing loading, below 1.5 kg/m | 03-21-2013 |
| 20110198437 | Helium rocket aerochute - This invention, the “aerochute,” creates a body suit full of helium and a flexible cloth wing above the user powered by a horizontally-orientated rocket jet pack that the user uses to “fly” through the air through the combination of the lift from the helium and the thrust from a rocket jet pack. The helium suit contains pockets of airtight helium that effectively reduce the weight of the individual, making him lighter and thus more susceptible to being lifted and thrust by the rocket jet pack. The wing is hollow and contains extra helium to give more lift to the user or “aeronaught.” The rocket jet pack gives thrust and direction to the individual flying the helium wing. Working in combination, the body suit with the packets of helium, the hollow wing, and the rocket jet pack combine to give the individual the ability to fly over extended distances at low altitudes. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110108661 | SEGMENTED AIRCRAFT COMPRISING AN ENERGY MEDIUM - The invention relates to a segmented aerial vehicle with gasbags filled with an energy medium. It refers in particular to an aerial vehicle having interlinked gasbags and/or one big gasbag. This one gasbag or these interlinked gasbags are filled with an energy medium the specific weight of which is approximately the one of air. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20090108126 | High-Security Aircraft - The aircraft ( | 04-30-2009 |
| 20100096493 | EMERGENCY AND RESCUE AIRCRAFT - The invention relates to lighter-than-air vehicles. The inventive aircraft comprises a rigid body with carrier gas-containing shells and propulsers arranged inside aerodynamic modules which are embodied in the form of aerodynamically shaped toroidal bodies of revolution. A longitudinal through passage in embodied in the lower part of the body in such a way that it communicates a crew cabin, a cargo-and-passenger compartment, fuel tanks and accessories and is provided with exit hatches and devices for docking to external objects, an extensible stairway with fences and a demountable carriage. The aircraft also comprises a transversal passage with overwing exits and a vertical passage provided with a cable hoist and devices for lowering and lifting people and cargo. The lower part of the body and hollow wings are filled with a foamed plastic which is used for providing the aircraft with floatability and strength. The aim of the invention is to extend the list of technical means. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100270424 | HYBRID AIRSHIP - A hybrid airship comprises a non-rigid body having a delta-wing shape and an airfoil cross-section. The body is shaped for generating aerodynamic lift during forward flight, and contains a gas for generating buoyancy lift. At least one splitter plate is pivotally connected along a trailing edge of the body. The splitter plate is configured to be controllably pivoted for controlling the airship. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20120126052 | FLIGHT DEVICE - Provided is a flight device which can utilize headwind and following wind, respond flexibly to changes of wind directions and travel stably. The flight device includes a main body with an air sac. It also includes a forward air resistance changing unit and a backward air resistance changing unit that lies anterior and posterior to the main body in traveling direction, respectively. They are controlled by a controller to change air resistance. As a result, the flight device can travel stably despite wind direction. The flight device further includes a wing tilted vertically which provides driving force without gasoline engine. The driving force is gained from vertical wind caused by changing altitude using air sac. Further, the flight device can select the route toward the destination based on the prediction of changes of winds by prediction device. | 05-24-2012 |
| 244026000 | Airship and helicopter sustained | 1 |
| 20120273608 | HYBRID LIFT AIR VEHICLE - A hybrid lift air vehicle for carrying and transporting a load, comprising an envelope having a generally ellipsoidal shape adapted to receive a volume of lighter-than-air gas, at least two variable thrust vertical thrusters in secure engagement with the envelope and at least two variable thrust lateral thrusters in secure engagement with the envelope, means for temporarily securely engaging the load to the envelope wherein the volume of lighter-than-air gas has a buoyancy that offsets at least 25% of the weight of the air vehicle when unloaded, wherein the thrust from the at least two vertical thrusters may be varied to raise and lower the air vehicle and the load when engaged, and wherein the thrust from the at least two lateral thrusters may be varied to maneuver and transport the raised air vehicle and the load when engaged. | 11-01-2012 |
| 244029000 | Airship and fluid sustained | 2 |
| 20090314879 | HYBRID THERMAL AIRSHIP - An airship comprises a shell, a gas storage system, an air storage system, a cargo storage system, a heating system, and a propulsion system. The shell encompasses a volume. The gas storage system is located within the volume, wherein the gas storage system is capable of storing a lighter than air gas. The air storage system is located within the volume, wherein the air storage system is capable of storing heated air. The heating system is capable of heating air. The propulsion system is capable of propelling the shell during flight. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20100012771 | HYBRID LIFT AIR VEHICLE - A hybrid lift air vehicle for lifting and transporting a payload to a delivery location, which comprises a helium or other lighter-than-air gas filled envelope mounted on an airframe. Variable and reversible vertical thrusters are positioned on the airframe, and at least two variable and reversible lateral thrusters are mounted on the envelope or mounted on truss arms attached and extending out from the airframe, wherein, when the vehicle is connected to the payload for transport, the helium or other lighter-than-air gas supports or substantially supports the weight of the vehicle and the vertical thrusters are then continuously engaged to support the weight of the payload and to provide lift to the payload, wherein the lateral thrusters are then engaged to effect lateral movement of the vehicle to the delivery location, whereby, once at the delivery location, the lift provided by the variable and reversible vertical thrusters is reduced or reversed so as to allow the air vehicle to descend and the payload to again engage the ground surface, and where necessary, the variable and reversible vertical thrusters may be reversed to facilitate the unloading of the payload from the vehicle, the vehicle continuing to be kept aloft, once unloaded, by the helium or other lighter than air gas. In this manner, the vehicle utilizes the helium or lighter than air gas to offset or substantially offset the weight of the vehicle, the vertical thrusters providing the power to lift the payload. | 01-21-2010 |
| 244030000 | Airships | 39 |
| 20120199693 | Airship - The invention relates to an airship including a flexible envelope having no rigid inner structure containing a gas that is lighter than air, and a gondola. The balloon also includes three legs for setting the balloon on the surface and a landing structure. Said landing structure is located on the outside of the envelope, and provides a connection between the legs, the gondola and the envelope while surrounding the envelope. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20130043341 | Self-Powered Air-Floating Carrier with an Adjustable Height - A self-powered air-floating carrier includes a floating body having a compartment. A pressure resistant member is mounted in the compartment of the floating body. The pressure resistant member includes a chamber and an adjusting assembly mounted to a peripheral wall of the pressure resistant member. The adjusting assembly communicates the chamber of the pressure resistant member with the compartment of the floating body, allowing exchange of a gas in the chamber and a gas in the compartment. The pressure resistant member is covered by an insulating layer. A temperature controlling unit is connected to the floating body. The temperature controlling unit controls a temperature in the chamber of the pressure resistant member. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20100140390 | Flying Wind Energy Conversion Apparatus - A Wind energy conversion apparatus comprising a wind turbine supported by, or integral with, a lighter-than-air structure, the part of the turbine that rotates being rotated by the wind whilst at the same time absorbing substantially all of the force of the wind so that the position of the apparatus can be maintained. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100140391 | Blimp - An airship includes an airbag, a control cabin disposed on a lower portion of the airbag, a propel device mounted to a rear portion of the control cabin and a power control system disposed in the control cabin. The propel device includes a propeller for providing moving power to the airship and multiple compressors each having a spray nozzle connected thereto for providing air stream to change the moving direction of the airship. The power control system includes multiple solar energy boards secured on and outer periphery of the airship for transferring the solar energy into direct current that is used as an energy source of the airship. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20090230236 | AIRBORNE POWER STATION - Disclosed is a system for generating power from sunlight collected substantially above the earth's surface, comprised of an airborne platform which supports an apparatus to collect sunlight, an apparatus to convert sunlight to electricity, and an apparatus to transmit the electricity to a selected location on the earth's surface. The invention collects solar energy above the clouds and transmits the energy to a receiving station on the ground via a cable, thereby avoiding the attenuating effects of clouds and pollution, resulting in an improved solar power generation system. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20100102164 | System, method and apparatus for widespread commercialization of hydrogen as a carbon-free alternative fuel source - A system for efficiently transporting hydrogen from where it can be economically made to where it is most needed using specially designed airships. Technologies such as geothermal, wind, solar, wave tidal or hydropower can be used to generate electricity in-situ or very near to the primary energy sources. This electricity can then be used to produce hydrogen directly from water through various methods known in the art. Hydrogen can be delivered from the place where it is produced to the place where it is needed using an airship in which the hydrogen gas can also be used for generating lift, providing propulsion energy and serving ancillary needs. In other embodiments of the invention, the airship of the present invention can be used to dramatically reduce the cost of transportation of freight, the cost of passenger transportation, and to save on the area required for landing at the points of loading/unloading and embarkation/debarkation. And in another embodiment, the airship of the present invention can be used for transporting water and food to areas where needed. A unique docking system can use a remotely piloted unmanned aircraft flown from the mother craft to carry a guide line into a receiving attachment point. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20120223181 | Lighter-Than-Air Systems, Methods, and Kits for Obtaining Aerial Images - Lighter-than-air systems, methods, and kits for obtaining aerial images are described. For example, various methods for determining planned ascent, drift, and/or descent of a lighter-than-air system are described. In addition, various structural arrangements of lighter-than-air systems for accomplishing planned ascent, drift, and/or descent and obtaining aerial images are described. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20100230531 | AVIAN DETERRENCE SYSTEM AND METHOD - Systems and methods are described for deterring birds from flying into airspace above airport runways. The system features at least one mortar for firing a pyrotechnic device to produce a light and sound display for the purpose of disturbing, frightening, and harassing birds so as to deter them from flying into airspace above and in the vicinity of an airport runway. The mortars of the system can be installed on a mounting platform capable of being securely connected to the ground or a ground surface substrate or to a vehicle. Fixed position, movable and portable embodiments of the system may be created and used. The light and sound display produced by the exploding pyrotechnic devices can be varied to prevent the birds from becoming desensitized to the sounds and visual effects of the system. The system may also include deterrent chemicals. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20090314880 | BI-CONVEX AIRSHIP - An airship comprises a shell having a bi-convex shape, wherein the shell encompasses a volume, and a gas storage system located within the volume. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20110198438 | Propulsion and steering system for an airship - The present invention relates generally to airships and more precisely, to a propulsion and steering system for use with an airship. The airship possesses a hull having an outer envelope. The propulsion and steering system includes at least one propulsion and steering assembly. The assembly includes an engine for producing thrust to propel the airship and a support frame for carrying the engine. The engine is fixed to the support frame. A support frame movement mechanism is operable to move the support frame relative to the hull to thereby allow the engine and the thrust produced by the engine to be oriented in a desired direction. The assembly further includes spacer means connected to the support frame movement mechanism for spacing the support frame and the engine from the outer envelope of the hull so as to create sufficient clearance therebetween when the support frame is moved. Also provided is a mounting framework for attaching the spacer means to the hull. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20090272841 | Albedo-derived airship power system - A power generation system for an airship includes a solar array and an Earth array for converting solar radiation and albedo radiation, respectively, into electrical energy. The airship also carries a power distribution controller to receive the electrical energy for transfer to a power storage device and/or electrical components carried by the airship. The airship may also receive a man-made radiation source purposefully directed at the Earth array. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090283630 | Lighter-than-air vehicle for shading - The lighter-than-air vehicle for shading is an airborne, movable system that provides sun shade for an open area. The vehicle is a substantially flat flying device having upper and lower surfaces, and which is filled with a lighter-than-air gas or gases, such as helium or hydrogen. The vehicle may be tethered to the ground through control wires, or may be fully autonomous and controlled by propeller fans. The required power may be provided by wire from ground, or through a portable power source, such as solar cells, mounted atop of vehicle. The vehicle has sun sensors that allow it to track the sun, and provides around the clock shaded area underneath its surface. The vehicle can also have pressure sensors and altitude sensors that may trigger an alarm in case of an emergency descent to the ground. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090294575 | Swivel Orientation System For Lighter-Than-Air Aircraft - An orientation system is disclosed for a lighter-than-air aircraft having a lower stage suspended from an envelope. The orientation system includes a swivel and a plurality of thrust generators. The swivel is affixed between the envelope and the lower stage. The swivel is oriented for allowing the lower stage to rotate with respect to the envelope. The plurality of thrust generators are affixed to the lower stage. At least some of the trust generators generating differential thrust produces a change in rotation of the lower stage with respect to the envelope. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090189012 | Piezoelectric and pyroelectric power-generating laminate for an airship envelope - A power-generating laminate for an airship comprises a base fabric layer, a barrier layer disposed upon the fabric layer, an inner metal film layer disposed upon the barrier layer, a piezoelectric/pyroelectric layer disposed upon the inner metal layer, an outer metal layer disposed upon the piezoelectric/pyroelectric layer, and a cover layer disposed upon the outer metal layer. The power-generating laminate forms a gas-impervious envelope to maintain lifting gas and air therein, and is configured such that when the envelope is subjected to structural strain or experiences changes in temperature, power is generated, which is used to supply power to the various electrical systems aboard the airship. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20080265087 | Power and imaging system for an airship - A power transmission and imaging system for an airship comprises a transmission antenna array configured to transmit an energy beam to a patch rectenna carried by the airship. Coupled to the patch rectenna is a power distribution and control network that supplies rectified power delivered by the energy beam into the proper format for delivery to a power storage system and a motor control system. The power storage system comprises one or more batteries to store the transmitted energy, while the motor control system powers various propellers, blowers, and valves maintained by the airship in order to descend the airship to the ground. The rectenna may also function as an imaging system in real-time. The image processing system uses the patch rectenna to transmit and receive signals, and in turn store and process the return signals (images). | 10-30-2008 |
| 20110006153 | Internet linked environmental data collection system and method - An environmental data collection system and method is provided having an internet link for providing an additional level of security for a remotely controlled data collection platform having a security alarm for protecting the platform and the environmental subject of the study. A novel lighter-than-air platform having a novel snorkel for detachably securing, mooring and providing buoyancy control is provided for the collection of data in the form of real time audio and video linked to the internet and subscribers. The novel snorkel is flexible and retractable into the novel airship to provide remote buoyancy control of the airship together with silently operating electrical motors for allowing the novel airship to be remotely controlled and moved at will to track and monitor wildlife and make environmental measurements necessary for the protection of the environment, wildlife and the operation of the novel airship. Detachable securing means provide an anti-tethering feature of the novel airship and allow the collection of data from both, an aerial perspective and a ground perspective, while providing for the collection of data from either the surface of the earth or below the surface of the water while transmitting the data to scientists, environmentalists and subscribers through the internet. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20090321557 | AIRSHIP & METHOD OF OPERATION - This invention relates to the field of buoyant aircraft and operation thereof, in particular, airships with improved stability. The present invention is directed to non-rigid, non-spherical airships having an envelope contained within the airship and at least one further envelope contained therein for holding a volume of lifting gas. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090200416 | Boundary layer propulsion airship with related system and method - Systems, method, devices and apparatus are provided for reducing drag and increasing the flight efficiency characteristics of aircraft and airships including hybrid aircraft utilizing distributed boundary layer control and propulsion means. Boundary layer control includes passive systems such as riblet films and boundary layer propulsion means includes a divided and distributed propulsion system disposed in the curved aft sections of aircraft and airships including hybrid aircraft susceptible to boundary layer drag due to degree of curvatures, speed and density of the surrounding air. Distributed propulsion propulsion means includes constructing propellers and riblets from shape memory alloys, piezoelectric materials and electroactive polymer (EAP) materials to change the shape and length of the distributed propulsion means. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090230237 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MAKING OPTIMAL USE OF A PHOTOVOLTAIC ARRAY ON AN AIRBORNE POWER SYSTEM - A system for generating power from sunlight collected substantially above the earth's surface comprises an airborne platform which supports solar power generation system to collect sunlight, convert the sunlight to electricity, and to transmit the electricity to a selected location on the earth's surface. The solar power generation system is coupled to the airborne platform by a support which can be manipulated by a control system to move the solar power generation system away from a shadow that might be cast by the airborne platform. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090078818 | AERIAL TRANSPORTER - This invention relates to an aerial transporter comprising rigid cell structures which are covered with light materials as a skin, composed of modules. The invention aerial transporter represents some type of airship without a tail unit as well as an approximate balloon construction comprising a rigid structure and an independent drive unit. Said aerial transporter can transport loads in the range of about 20 t and more over short to medium distances using lighter-than-air technology while meeting air traffic regulations. Furthermore, the disclosed aerial transporter can be used as an air crane in the tied state. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090294576 | Method and apparatus for a mobile aerial sustained solar power-plant - The mobile aerial sustained solar power-plant (MASP) provides an improved method and device for the highly efficient collection, storage, transport, and wireless delivery of renewable energy from an airborne platform. This energy can be used to supply electrical power to clients or be used to power directed energy weapons. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20080210810 | AIRSHIP PORT OPERATIONS - A process for conducting port operations with a cargo-lifting airship that enables inspection of cargo lifted from a cargo ship while the cargo-lifting airship is in route to a destination. If the cargo fails inspection, the cargo may be delivered to quarantine. If the cargo passes inspection, it may be delivered to its destination. The same embodiment may be used to load a container cargo ship with freshly inspected cargo containers and their cargo. Alternate embodiments are disclosed. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20110233324 | Radio frequency transparent photovoltaic cell - A radio frequency transparent photovoltaic cell includes a back contact layer formed of an electrically conductive material, at least one aperture formed in the back contact layer, and at least one photovoltaic cell section disposed on the back contact layer. An airship includes one or more radio frequency antennas disposed in an interior of the airship. One or more radio frequency transparent photovoltaic cells are disposed on an outer surface of the airship. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110233325 | Cargo Carrying Air Vehicle - A system for controlling the lift of an airship for carrying a cargo and a supply of fuel has a self supporting hull made of a flexible gas impermeable material. Air which is located in the hull is at an internal pressure which is greater than the atmospheric pressure of the air on the outside of the hull, and a bag filled with helium is located within the hull and is surrounded by the air in the hull. A heating means is provided to heat both the air and the helium. The bag located within the hull and surrounded by the air in the hull has enough helium in it at ambient temperature to lift all but the cargo and fuel in the airship, and the air and helium, when heated, provides increased buoyancy due to the increase of expansion of both heated gases to lift the airship with its fuel and cargo. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110240794 | AIRSHIP FOR TRANSPORTATION - An airship for facilitating transportation to and from one or more locations which are difficult to access or operate such as high above the ground level is disclosed. The airship can also be used in surface missions, The airship includes a cabin and a platform. The cabin is configured on a top portion of the airship. The platform is operatively connected to the cabin. The platform facilitates easy access to the cabin. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20120241554 | ATMOSPHERIC DELIVERY SYSTEM - The invention relates to an apparatus for transporting and dispersing solid particles into the earth's stratosphere, comprising a conduit connecting a substantially ground level location to an elevated location, a particle transport means, and a deagglomeration means coupled with a dispersal means, wherein the deagglomeration means and dispersal means are located at an elevated location, and to a method of transporting particles of high refractive index into the stratosphere as well as to an aircraft and to a cloud thus formed. | 09-27-2012 |
| 20110163200 | LENTICULAR AIRSHIP - An airship may include a hull substantially shaped as an oblate spheroid, one or more frame members defining a support structure, wherein the support structure forms at least a partial support for the hull, at least one horizontal stabilizing member operably coupled to a lower surface of the airship, and at least one horizontal stabilizing member having a first end and a second end. The at least one horizontal stabilizing member may define an anhedral configuration. The airship may also include a vertical stabilizing member having a first end pivotally coupled to the airship and a second end oriented to remain below an upper surface of the airship. The vertical stabilizing member may be configured to pivot within a vertical plane, and the first end of the vertical stabilizing member and the first end of the at least one horizontal stabilizing member may be operably coupled to one another. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20090072078 | High Altitude Airship Configuration And Power Technology And Method For Operation Of Same - A new High Altitude Airship (HAA) capable of various extended applications and mission scenarios utilizing inventive onboard energy harvesting and power distribution systems. The power technology comprises an advanced thermoelectric (ATE) thermal energy conversion system. The high efficiency of multiple stages of ATE materials in a tandem mode, each suited for best performance within a particular temperature range, permits the ATE system to generate a high quantity of harvested energy for the extended mission scenarios. When the figure of merit 5 is considered, the cascaded efficiency of the three-stage ATE system approaches an efficiency greater than 60 percent. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20110315811 | LIGHTER-THAN-AIR VEHICLE FOR SHADING - The lighter-than-air vehicle for shading is an airborne, movable system that provides shade from the sun for an open area. The vehicle is a substantially flat flying device having upper and lower surfaces, and which is filled with a lighter-than-air gas or gases, such as helium or hydrogen. The vehicle may be tethered to the ground through control wires, or may be fully autonomous and controlled by propeller fans. The required power may be provided by wire from ground, or through a portable power source, such as solar cells, mounted atop of vehicle. The vehicle has sun sensors that allow it to track the sun, and provides around the clock shaded area underneath its surface. The vehicle can also have pressure sensors and altitude sensors that may trigger an alarm in case of an emergency descent to the ground. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20090200417 | High-altitude long-endurance airship - A high-altitude long-endurance airship with a top surface that is highly emissive of infrared radiation and a bottom surface that is highly absorptive of infrared radiation. Movable displacer blankets inside the airship separate the upper and lower portions of the airship. Lifting gas in the airship is warmed by radiation from the earth when the displacer blankets are in their upper position. Lifting gas is cooled by radiation to space when the displacer blankets are in their lower position. The whole airship is a heat engine. By expanding the volume of lifting gas when it is relatively warm and compressing the lifting gas when it is relatively cold, net power output can be recovered in the form of electric power. The overall configuration of the preferred airship is a variable-thickness flying wing. If the whole airship is alternately expanded and compressed, imbalance between its weight and buoyancy allow gliding flight. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20080265086 | Long mission tethered aerostat and method of accomplishing - Apparatus and method for a continuous replenishing of the lift gas and maintaining the proper pressure and lift of a tethered medium altitude aerostat utilizing a novel feed tube running the entire length of the tether. A first end of the feed tube is connected to the aerostat while a second end is connected through a novel slip ring means to a pressure controlled helium ballast chamber and scrubber on the ground to maintain pressure and lift by a reversible compressing pump. A plurality of pressure and temperature sensors and tension gauges strategically placed inside and around the airship continuously monitor the temperature and pressure changes in the aerostat. A data retrieval and communication unit mounted on the aerostat collects measurement data from the pressure, temperature and tension sensors which is relayed to the ground station and the data is used to regulate lifting gas pressure inside the aerostat. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20120018571 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SOLAR-POWERED AIRSHIP - A solar-powered airship with a hull configured to contain a gas and at least one propulsion assembly with a propulsion device and electric motors configured to drive the propulsion device. The airship may also include a power supply system including solar panels operatively coupled to the electric motors and configured to supply power to the electric motors. The power supply system may also include batteries operatively coupled to the solar panels and configured to receive and store electrical energy supplied by the solar panels, the batteries being further operatively coupled to the electric motors and configured to supply power to the electric motors. The batteries may each be located within an outer envelope of the airship defined by the hull of the airship in a position selected to provide ballast. The solar-powered airship may also include a cargo system configured to contain passengers or freight. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20090152391 | Multibody aircrane - The MULTIBODY AIRCRANE performs relative positioning, predictive control, and ballast control to achieve very heavy-lifting tasks on land or sea. Such tasks allow station keeping and precise transfer of very heavy payloads between ships underway. This scalable multibody system features three subcomponents: AIRSHIP, SKYCRANE and LOADFRAME. This semi-autonomous system combines aerodynamic (kinetic) and aerostatic (buoyancy force) lift with efficient power and propulsion. During low-speed flight, the Airship and Skycrane are decoupled but linked via a reelable Tether Control Line. Beneath the Skycrane, centered on its hull, a patented NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) RoboCrane (featuring a computer controlled six degrees of freedom (DoF) cabling system,) is attached, to precisely suspend and control a Loadframe, with or without payload. During subsonic forward flight, these Airship and Skycrane are coupled as a single airframe (fuselage and delta wing.) | 06-18-2009 |
| 20120248241 | Airship Including Aerodynamic, Floatation, and Deployable Structures - An airship is provided. The airship includes a hull configured to contain a gas, at least one propulsion assembly coupled to the hull and including a propulsion device, and at least one aerodynamic component including a plurality of fairing structures including one or more slats, wherein the at least one aerodynamic component is associated with the hull and is configured to direct airflow around the airship. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120312919 | LIFTING GAS REPLENISHMENT IN A TETHERED AIRSHIP SYSTEM - A system for lifting gas replenishment in a tethered airship system includes an upper airship with a first end of a tether attached to the upper airship. A balloon is configured to travel up the tether toward the upper airship carrying a payload of lifting gas. A method for gas replenishment of an airship is also provided. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20120312918 | Tethered Airships - In one example, a tethered airship system for high altitude long endurance missions includes a first airship configured to be equiliberally buoyant in a first altitude range and a second airship configured to be equiliberally buoyant in a second altitude range, such that the first airship is at least five kilometers above the second airship. The first airship and second airship are connected by a tether. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20120138733 | High-Altitude Aerial Vehicle - A high-altitude aerial vehicle, in particular an aerial vehicle for the stratosphere that is designed as a non-rigid aerial vehicle with a hull, that has an at least partially inflated envelope with a buoyant gas other than air, which is lighter than air, in particular hydrogen. The hull is provided with at least a first chamber for the buoyant gas and at least a second chamber that can be inflated with air. Between the first and second chambers a flexible partition wall is provided that is preferably formed by a flexible membrane. Inflating of the second chamber, preferably with hot air depending on the flight altitude, can be controlled or regulated in such a way that the envelope of hull is always tautly inflated. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20130119188 | Lighter-Than-Air Systems, Methods, and Kits for Obtaining Aerial Images - Lighter-than-air systems, methods, and kits for obtaining aerial images are described. For example, various methods for determining planned ascent, drift, and/or descent of a lighter-than-air system are described. In addition, various structural arrangements of lighter-than-air systems for accomplishing planned ascent, drift, and/or descent and obtaining aerial images are described. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130146703 | AUTONOMOUS STRATOSPHERIC UNMANNED AIRSHIP - An autonomous stratospheric unmanned airship with an operating altitude from 5-22 km and with a mutli-month operational cycle. Spheroid rigid geodesic frame of constant volume formed by a multitude of struts, with an outer envelope enclosing the frame defining the eigenfrequency spectrum of the airship above 20 Hz, with vibrational amplitudes between 0.1 and 1 cm. Independently controllable electrical propulsion units, attached to the frame in the horizontal plane passing through the center of mass, can change the direction and value of the thrust vector. Buoyancy is controlled with a system integrated inside the geodesic frame including buoyant fluid pressurized tanks, valves for the release of the buoyant fluid through the buoyant fluid conduit into the buoyant gas cell which fills the geodesic frame. Valves at the subsystem support platform enable ambient atmosphere to fill the internal volume of the frame not occupied by the buoyant gas cell. | 06-13-2013 |
| 244031000 | Balloons | 22 |
| 20130037654 | HYDROGEN REPLENISHED LIGHTER-THAN-AIR VEHICLE AND METHOD TO REPLENISH HYDROGEN - The present invention discloses a lighter-than-air vehicle and a method to replenish hydrogen into the vehicle while the vehicle is in the sky. The lighter-than-air vehicle can use helium or other gases that doesn't react with hydrogen as lifting gas. Hydrogen will be replenished into the lighter-than-air vehicle while it is still in mid-air. The lighter-than-air vehicles can comprise an aerostat, a hydrogen generator; a water tank and a duct. The present invention can also comprise an aerostat, a compartment, hydrogen generator, a water tank; and a duct. The present invention can also comprise an aerostat, a compartment, and a hydrogen storage alloy device. The present invention can also comprise an aerostat and a hydrogen storage alloy device. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130062458 | CONTROLLABLE BUOYANT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A controllable buoyant system ( | 03-14-2013 |
| 20110297784 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR OPENING AN INFLATED WALL - A method and a device for deflating an inflated wall ( | 12-08-2011 |
| 20090145999 | Method and Apparatus for Stratospheric and Space Structures - The high-altitude balloon has a skin made of nearly evacuated electrostatically inflated cells which provide thermal insulation to minimize heat loss from the gas in the balloon, while transmitting heat from the sun to heat the gas. The lower surface of the balloon is reflective to microwave or laser beams. A stable array of the balloons is maintained at a high altitude and is used to facilitate communications in a world-wide communications system. Ascent of the balloon is well controlled and weight is minimized by starting with lighter-than-air gases in liquid form, releasing a lifting gas into the craft, and then using the empty containers to store the remaining gas when the balloon is aloft. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20100123040 | HELIUM-COOLED LEDS IN A FLOATING ILLUMINATION SYSTEM - A balloon-mounted light source includes an array of LEDs mounted on, and cooled by, a balloon structure filled with a lightweight gas such as helium. The LEDs are preferably mounted in long series arrangements with small gauge wire to minimize weight. They may be mounted on heatsinks that are dispersed in a mesh-like structure over the balloon. The LED circuitry may also be mounted on flexible circuit boards, which may be porous to reduce weight. The balloon may include an envelope compartment with a leak-resistant seal or zipper to allow the interior of the envelope to be accessed, and a pressure relief valve. The envelope of the balloon may be clear in the front in order to maximize the projection of light but reflective along the back and sides as to minimize spill. The balloon may take the form of a controllable dirigible. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20090084892 | Device and Method for Sealing and Lighting a Balloon - An apparatus for sealing and illuminating a balloon includes a housing for sealing insertion into a neck of a balloon. A flow path within the housing conducts an inflation gas from an inlet to an outlet of the housing, and a flow control system disposed in the flow path allows the inflation gas to flow from the inlet to the outlet. The apparatus includes a light source mounted in conjunction with the housing and a power source disposed within the housing providing power for the light source. A switch mounted in conjunction with the housing is operable to selectively connect the power source to the light source by completing a circuit between the power source and the light source. The apparatus also includes a switch activating member annularly disposable around the housing to operate the switch. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20100147994 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SEALING AND LIGHTING A BALLOON - An apparatus for sealing and illuminating a balloon includes a housing for sealing insertion into a neck of a balloon. A flow path within the housing conducts an inflation gas from an inlet to an outlet of the housing, and a flow control system disposed in the flow path allows the inflation gas to flow from the inlet to the outlet. The apparatus includes a light source mounted in conjunction with the housing and a power source disposed within the housing providing power for the light source. A switch mounted in conjunction with the housing is operable to selectively connect the power source to the light source by completing a circuit between the power source and the light source. The apparatus also includes a switch activating member annularly disposable around the housing to operate the switch. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100012772 | PRESSURE TIGHT LARGE-SCALED MEMBRANE STRUCTURE - A pressure tight large-scaled membrane structure comprising a bag body having a plurality of gores attached to each other along an attachment line, and a plurality of first ropes attached over a predetermined range of the bag body in such a manner as to be orthogonal to the attachment line of the gores, whereby a cylindrical shaped portion is formed. The cylindrical shaped portion has a substantially circular cross-sectional area that is a maximum substantially circular cross-section of the bag body and the plurality of first ropes each having approximately the same length as a circumference of the substantially circular-cross section having a maximum area with respect to the bag body. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20130126668 | Balloon Comprising Photovoltaic Means and a Solar Concentration Device - A balloon equipped with photovoltaic means exhibiting an active face intended to receive solar rays and comprising an envelope, characterized in that the envelope comprises at least: a first zone transparent to solar rays; a second reflecting zone for said solar rays; a third zone comprising said photovoltaic means, the active face of which is directed toward the inside of said envelope; the second and third zones being positioned and cooperating in such a way as to reflect the solar rays in the direction of said third zone. | 05-23-2013 |
| 244033000 | Captive | 13 |
| 20120181380 | SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING A RAPIDLY ELEVATED AEROSTAT PLATFORM - A system and method for deploying a payload with an aerostat uses a mobile transporter for moving the system to a deployment site. Structurally, the system includes a base unit with a rotation head mounted thereon. An envelope container for holding a deflated aerostat is mounted on the rotation head and a rotation of the container on the rotation head positions the aerostat for optimal compliance with the existing wind condition. Also included in the system is an inflator that is mounted on the base unit to inflate the aerostat with a Helium gas. And, the system includes a tether control unit for maintaining a connection with the aerostat during its deployment, in-flight use, and recovery. Preferably, a deployment computer is used for a coordinated control of the rotation head, inflator and tether. | 07-19-2012 |
| 20100264259 | Long mission tethered aerostat and method of accomplishing - Apparatus and method for a continuous replenishing of the lift gas and maintaining the proper pressure and lift of a tethered medium altitude aerostat utilizing a novel feed tube running the entire length of the tether. A first end of the feed tube is connected to the aerostat while a second end is connected through a novel slip ring means to a pressure controlled helium ballast chamber and scrubber on the ground to maintain pressure and lift by a reversible compressing pump. A plurality of pressure and temperature sensors and tension gauges strategically placed inside and around the airship continuously monitor the temperature and pressure changes in the aerostat. A data retrieval and communication unit mounted on the aerostat collects measurement data from the pressure, temperature and tension sensors which is relayed to the ground station and the data is used to regulate lifting gas pressure inside the aerostat. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20120286089 | Strain reduction on a balloon system in extreme weather conditions - The subject matter described herein relates to strain reduction on a balloon system in extreme weather conditions. The strain reduction is achieved by using an elastic bungee between a balloon and the tether attached to the balloon. As wind pushes on the balloon, immediate pressure caused by the wind is cushioned on the elastic bungee rather than on the balloon or the tether, thereby reducing immediate force and tension on either the balloon or the tether. Thus, the balloon system that includes the balloon and the tether is protected from damage that can possibly be caused by tension due to pressure. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20090184196 | WIDE AREA AERIAL CRANE SYSTEM - A tether-based system for utilizing the aerostatic lift of a light-than-air balloon for the transport of payload across a wide area without having to translate the balloon along with the payload. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090065633 | Floating Bearing Structure with Static Buoyancy - Disclosed is a suspended load-bearing structure that is formed by pneumatic structural load-bearing elements ( | 03-12-2009 |
| 20080223982 | Method and device for wind generated electricity - An airborne electricity producing generator powered by wind at high altitude. A gas filled balloon keeps the turbines and other apparatus afloat. Connection with the ground is with tethers that also prevent the apparatus from floating freely and conduct electricity, thereby bringing the electricity produced to ground based transformers. Computer controls the position, direction, tilt and height of the apparatus depending on wind direction and speed. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20110133023 | COLLAPSIBLE AERIAL PAYLOAD DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - The present invention provides mobile aerial platform system, comprising: an aerial platform having an outer shell; a gas containment system disposed within the outer shell; a tether system for attachment of the aerial platform to a means for transporting the system; and a payload configured to be lifted by the aerial platform when the aerial platform is inflated; wherein the aerial platform is configured such that it may be completely collapsed when deployed. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110147513 | AERIAL PAYLOAD DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM - A mobile aerial platform system is provided. The aerial platform system may lift a payload, such as a surveillance system or a communications repeater, into the lower atmosphere to assist in applications such as crowd control or disaster relief. The aerial platform system may be contained in a portable configuration and transported to the deployment site using a vehicle. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20120056032 | Airborne elevator apparatus - An Airborne Elevator Apparatus capable of deploying at the same time multiple service loads at different altitudes in the Earth's atmosphere by physically separating tether weight carrier function from the service load weight carrier function of a common aerostat. The tether weight carrier function is performed by at least one airborne canopy assembly ( | 03-08-2012 |
| 20100288872 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AERIAL CABLED TRANSPORTATION - The technology described herein provides for the creation of an atmospherically-lifted multi-tethered structure in a semi-stationary position in the atmosphere, which supports cabled cargo handling operations within the three-dimensional space beneath the structure, allowing cargo loads to move directly from source to destination in that same space (between the ground and the atmospherically-suspended structure itself). The design combines a highly configurable aerial platform with the usefulness of complex cargo transportation systems to enable transit both at high speeds over long distances, and at low speeds on the localized level. Constant atmospheric lift from buoyancy and wind effects allows for a flexible transportation infrastructure over a broad three-dimensional area. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100270425 | APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING SURVEILLANCE OF AN AREA OR A SPACE - The present invention is an apparatus and system for providing surveillance of an area or a space. According to some embodiments of the present invention there may be provided a housing containing a deployable and inflatable surveillance balloon, which balloon may elevate and/or support a surveillance payload including one or more sensor assemblies. Data collected by the sensors may be transmitted to a user interface which may display the data to a user. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20120091261 | Long mission tethered aerostat and method of accomplishing - Apparatus and method for a continuous replenishing of the lift gas and maintaining the proper pressure and lift of a tethered medium altitude aerostat utilizing a novel feed tube running the entire length of the tether. A first end of the feed tube is connected to the aerostat while a second end is connected through a novel slip ring means to a pressure controlled helium ballast chamber and scrubber on the ground to maintain pressure and lift by a reversible compressing pump. A plurality of pressure and temperature sensors and tension gauges strategically placed inside and around the airship continuously monitor the temperature and pressure changes in the aerostat. A data retrieval and communication unit mounted on the aerostat collects measurement data from the pressure, temperature and tension sensors which is relayed to the ground station and the data is used to regulate lifting gas pressure inside the aerostat. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20130119189 | Location Signaling Device - A location signaling device comprising a wing balloon for signaling a location. The wing balloon is fixed to a tether line that itself is fixed to the location to be signaled. The wing balloon has an inflatable aerodynamically shaped hollow body to be at least partly be filled with a lighter-than-air gas and having a wing attack surface for air flowing relative to said wing balloon. The floating aloft of said wing balloon is supported by said air flow. When the wing balloon is inflated, a flexible wing portion is passively variable. The stronger the wind, the less attack is given. Thus, the dragging force on the tether line is generally static. | 05-16-2013 |
