Abstract: An expanding pin system is described that can provide automated and/or power controlled locking and unlocking of an expanding pin assembly in a mechanical joint. For example, the expanding pin system can include an actuation assembly that includes a single actuator (e.g., motor) to control an expanding pin assembly for locking and unlocking a mechanical joint.

Abstract: An expanding pin system is described that can provide automated and/or power controlled locking and unlocking of an expanding pin assembly in a mechanical joint. For example, the expanding pin system can include an actuation assembly that includes a single actuator (e.g., motor) to control an expanding pin assembly for locking and unlocking a mechanical joint.

Abstract: An expanding pin system is described that can provide automated and/or power controlled locking and unlocking of an expanding pin assembly in a mechanical joint. For example, the expanding pin system can include an actuation assembly that includes a single actuator (e.g., motor) to control an expanding pin assembly for locking and unlocking a mechanical joint.

Abstract: An expanding pin system is described that can provide automated and/or power controlled locking and unlocking of an expanding pin assembly in a mechanical joint. For example, the expanding pin system can include an actuation assembly that includes a single actuator (e.g., motor) to control an expanding pin assembly for locking and unlocking a mechanical joint.

Abstract: An expanding pin system is described that can provide automated and/or power controlled locking and unlocking of an expanding pin assembly in a mechanical joint. For example, the expanding pin system can include an actuation assembly that includes a single actuator (e.g., motor) to control an expanding pin assembly for locking and unlocking a mechanical joint.

Abstract: An expanding pin system is described that can provide automated and/or power controlled locking and unlocking of an expanding pin assembly in a mechanical joint. For example, the expanding pin system can include an actuation assembly that includes a single actuator (e.g., motor) to control an expanding pin assembly for locking and unlocking a mechanical joint.

Abstract: A load patch for attaching concentrated loads to a flexible inflated structure such as a high-altitude airship is stiff in the direction of the applied load so as to carry the load, and is attached to the inflated structure for a very short distance through T-tape so as to minimize strain concentration in the inflated structure due to the stretching of the inflated structure. Since the load patch must be attached for a long length transverse to the load to distribute the applied load, it is transversely compliant to minimize strain concentration in the inflated structure due to stretching of the inflated structure.

Abstract: A propulsion assembly for attachment to the enclosing material of an airship which includes a base which is positioned proximate to the enclosing material. An extension member having opposed ends projects away from the base and includes opposed ends. A motor assembly is attached to the end of the extension member opposed to the base. A mounting assembly is attached to the enclosing material and a plurality of pre-tensioned guy cables connect the mounting assembly to the extension member.

Abstract: A propulsion assembly for attachment to the enclosing material of an airship which includes a base which is positioned proximate to the enclosing material. An extension member having opposed ends projects away from the base and includes opposed ends. A motor assembly is attached to the end of the extension member opposed to the base. A mounting assembly is attached to the enclosing material and a plurality of pre-tensioned guy cables connect the mounting assembly to the extension member.

Abstract: A load patch for attaching concentrated loads to a flexible inflated structure such as a high-altitude airship is stiff in the direction of the applied load so as to carry the load, and is attached to the inflated structure for a very short distance through T-tape so as to minimize strain concentration in the inflated structure due to the stretching of the inflated structure. Since the load patch must be attached for a long length transverse to the load to distribute the applied load, it is transversely compliant to minimize strain concentration in the inflated structure due to stretching of the inflated structure.