Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
244030000 | Airships | 62 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20130193266 | WIND POWER GENERATION SYSTEM FOR LIGHTER THAN AIR (LTA) PLATFORMS - An apparatus includes a lighter than air platform, a reversible propulsive/wind turbine, a deployable anchor to constrain movement of the lighter than air platform with respect to an anchor point allowing wind to drive the turbine, and a generator/motor coupled to the turbine to produce electrical power when movement of the lighter than air platform is constrained. A method performed by the apparatus is also provided. | 08-01-2013 |
20130270387 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FURLING AN AIR CUSHION LANDING SYSTEM - A furling system adapted for use with an air cushion landing system (ACLS) coupled to a hull of an airship is disclosed. The furling system includes a deployable cover having two lateral edges. The cover is configured to cover at least a first portion of the ACLS when the cover is deployed. The furling system also includes a fairing that has an inlet and is coupled to the hull of the airship. The furling system also includes a pair of cables each coupled to at least one point along respective lateral edges of the cover. The pair of cables is configured to selectably draw the cover into the fairing through the inlet when the pair of cables is activated in a first direction, thereby stowing the cover and exposing the ACLS. | 10-17-2013 |
20130299628 | 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. | 11-14-2013 |
20140061370 | Airship and a Method for Controlling the Airship - According to another aspect of the present invention, an airship includes a plurality of connected segments and a controller that is adapted to dynamically control the movement of each of the plurality of segments relative to one another during flight of the airship. | 03-06-2014 |
20140158817 | RIGID AIRSHIP UTILIZING A RIGID FRAME FORMED BY HIGH PRESSURE INFLATED TUBES - A rigid airship comprising a hull comprising a rigid frame covered by a skin, the rigid frame comprising a plurality of high pressure inflated tubes. | 06-12-2014 |
20140158818 | Looking over-the-horizon system - A catamaran airship is tethered to a portable and mobile housing. The roof of the housing will be the landing and take-off place for the airship. Many types of vehicles—truck, ship—can be a mobile base for the housing and its airship. This is primarily a visual surveillance and long-range communication system for day and night, and in all-weather. This system can survey large areas over long periods of time, economically and noiselessly. | 06-12-2014 |
20140158819 | AIRSHIP, ANCHORING DEVICE, AND LANDING AND MOORING METHOD - An air vehicle such as an airship is provided, having a rounded top portion, and the bottom portion of which has a substantially planar shape, including a region having a smaller inclination, which is referred to as a bottom surface, and the surface area of which is larger than that of an intermediate region having a greater inclination, referred to as an intermediate surface. The general shape produces, due to relative wind, a resulting overall downward force near the ground. The vehicle also includes a device for anchoring same to the ground, the anchoring device being stationary or controllable from the vehicle, located at the front portion of the vehicle, and projecting downward, in particular a ram including a portion which can be expanded by applying a bar against a translatably movable shoulder. Also included is a landing method implementing such a vehicle. | 06-12-2014 |
20140231580 | 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. | 08-21-2014 |
20150028154 | 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. The hydrogen can provide propulsion energy and serve 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. | 01-29-2015 |
20150060598 | AIRSHIP HAVING A CARGO COMPARTMENT - 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. | 03-05-2015 |
20150076279 | EXTENDED ENDURANCE AIR VEHICLE - An air vehicle comprises a vehicle body and a propulsion assembly. The vehicle body has the shape of a wing airfoil so that the vehicle body generates lift when air flows over the vehicle body. The vehicle body has a body longitudinal axis, and includes a first hull and a second hull that are secured together side-by-side, the hulls having longitudinal axes that are substantially parallel to the body longitudinal axis. Each hull defines a separate fluid chamber that is filled with a fluid that is at least partially buoyant. The propulsion assembly is secured to the vehicle body. The propulsion assembly generates thrust and includes a port front engine, a port rear engine, a starboard front engine, and a starboard rear engine, wherein at least two of the engines have independently controlled thrust vectors. | 03-19-2015 |
20150108270 | AIRSHIP - An airship ( | 04-23-2015 |
20150144731 | STRATOSPHERE TETHERED PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER PLATFORM - The present invention is realized by apparatus and methods for placing a large utility scale photovoltaic array in the low stratosphere of earth's atmosphere at an altitude of about 20 km, above clouds, moisture, dust, and wind. This is accomplished using a large light-weight, rigid, buoyant structure to support the large photovoltaic array. Long, strong and light tethers connect the buoyant structure to the ground and hold it in position against wind forces. The electricity output from the photovoltaic array is then coupled to high voltage transmission lines which connect from the platform to the earth's surface. The electricity is then transmitted through the high voltage transmission lines to the earth's surface where it is connected to the electrical supply grid and provides lower cost, more reliable electricity. | 05-28-2015 |
20150291269 | CARGO AIRSHIP - A cargo airship is disclosed. The cargo airship may include a hull configured to contain a gas and at least one propulsion assembly coupled to the airship and including a propulsion device. The cargo airship may further include a payload bay comprising an external cargo area located outside of the hull. The cargo airship may also include a cargo handling system including at least one hoisting mechanism configured to lift cargo into the external cargo area while the airship is hovering. | 10-15-2015 |
20150298786 | AUTONOMOUS INTELLIGENCE SURVEILLANCE RECONNAISSANCE AND PAYLOAD DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING SAME - An intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance system is disclosed including a ground station and one or more aerial vehicles. The aerial vehicles are autonomous systems capable of communicating intelligence data to the ground station and be used as part of a missile delivery package. A plurality of aerial vehicles can be configured to cast a wide net of reconnaissance over a large area on the ground including smaller overlapping reconnaissance areas provided by each of the plurality of the aerial vehicles. | 10-22-2015 |
20150353180 | PLASMA-LIFT APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING SAME - Lighter than air apparatuses include at least one ballast container having an electrically insulated and fire resistant, an envelop containing a gas and a plasma generating and heating assembly, where the containers provide lift by generating a plasma within the envelop. In certain embodiments, the envelop includes an expandable portion. | 12-10-2015 |
20150359184 | AIRSHIPS FOR WEATHER MANIPULATION - Airships for weather manipulation are disclosed. An airship may include a hull and a frame supporting the hull. The airship may also include a container configured to capture and transport a cloud. The airship may also include a sunlight reflecting system configured to block the sunlight over a destination area on ground. The airship may also include a nozzle configured to distribute a material to the cloud. The airship may also include a sensing system including at least one sensor configured to measure a parameter reflecting a condition of the cloud. The airship may further include at least one weather interference device configured to generate a wave or light and direct the wave or light toward the cloud. In some examples, two or more airships may be used to tow a parachute-style container deployable for capturing and transporting the cloud. | 12-17-2015 |
20150360763 | HIGH ALTITUDE BALLOON SYSTEM - A high altitude balloon system includes a dual chamber balloon extending from an upper apex to a lower apex with a circumferential edge between the upper and lower apexes. A deflectable diaphragm is within the dual chamber balloon and coupled along the circumferential edge. The deflectable membrane divides the dual chamber balloon into a lift gas chamber formed by an interior surface of the dual chamber balloon and the deflectable diaphragm, and a ballast chamber formed by the interior surface of the dual chamber balloon and the deflectable diaphragm. Optionally, the dual chamber balloon is constructed by interposing the deflectable diaphragm between an upper and lower balloon panels. Each of the upper and lower balloon panels and the deflectable diaphragm are then coupled together along the circumferential edge to form both the lift gas chamber and the ballast chamber. | 12-17-2015 |
20160075422 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GAS AND, OPTIONALLY, LIQUID CARGO TRANSPORTATION BY AIR - A system and a method for gas transportation by air, in which the transported gas also creates at least some of the lift for the airship, transporting it. In the same time, a fluid cargo, which also serves as ballast, is loaded. One of the options is that some of the transported gas is carried in a compressed form within a strong vessel on the airship. Among other options for the fluid cargo is the same gas in liquefied form, sea water, fresh or brackish water, LPG and oil. Yet another option is carrying easily liquefied gas, which is evaporated and fills in the airship envelope on its way back. Other embodiments are disclosed, such as cooling the transported gas or using heated air or steam when the transported gas is unloaded. A network of airships, terminals and control stations for natural gas transportation by air and more can be used with multiple airships of this kind. | 03-17-2016 |
20160083067 | DURABLE AIRSHIP HULL AND IN SITU AIRSHIP HULL REPAIR - A system for airship hull reinforcement and in-situ repair includes a sensor for detecting a leak in the airship hull of a lighter-than-air airship and a repair mechanism inside lighter-than-air airship for dispensing repair material to seal the leak. A durable airship hull includes an inner gas barrier, an outer gas barrier, and a microlattice layer sandwiched between the inner gas barrier and the outer gas barrier. | 03-24-2016 |
20160375976 | AUTONOMOUS INTELLIGENCE SURVEILLANCE RECONNAISSANCE AND PAYLOAD DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING SAME - An intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance system is disclosed including a ground station and one or more aerial vehicles. The aerial vehicles are autonomous systems capable of communicating intelligence data to the ground station and be used as part of a missile delivery package. A plurality of aerial vehicles can be configured to cast a wide net of reconnaissance over a large area on the ground including smaller overlapping reconnaissance areas provided by each of the plurality of the aerial vehicles. | 12-29-2016 |
20170233055 | System, method and apparatus for widespread commercialization of hydrogen as a carbon-free fuel source | 08-17-2017 |
20220135198 | VARIABLE SHAPE AIRSHIP - Disclosed is a method for controlling an elongated lighter-than-air aircraft formed of a thin shell. The method includes providing a first stiffener on the outer surface of the shell of the aircraft on a first side of a gas tank, and a second stiffener on the outer surface of the shell of the aircraft on a second side of the gas tank, fitting control members with adjustable length through the shell of the aircraft in a gas tank space defined by the inner surface of the shell so the control members extend between the first and second stiffener, adjusting the distance between the first stiffener and the second stiffener when controlling the aircraft by means of the control members by moving the first stiffener and second stiffener in a first and a second direction opposite to each other. Further, disclosed is an aircraft. | 05-05-2022 |