Abstract: The present disclosure provides an appliance for towing compact loads (e.g., logs), and include an auxiliary winch provided in combination with a main winch on a tractor without the need for separate powering means or the need to transport said auxiliary winch to the area adjacent to the load (away from the main winch/tractor.) The appliance may be provided by upgrading an existing tractor winch by, for example, attaching the auxiliary winch to a casing of the main winch, or to the ground adjacent the tractor with the main winch. The auxiliary winch may be furnished with a driving means powered by disposable powering means on the tractor that may include auxiliary pulley block(s) with an accompanying accessory to provide attachment thereof to the terrain, with each pulley block suitable for guiding an auxiliary cable in the area outside of the line between the main winch and the load.

Abstract: An airship dynamic adaptive harness is provided to stabilize airships and particularly a tethered aerostat in high winds and atmospheric changes. A novel adaptive device accommodates the supply of a lift gas and simultaneously controls opposing cables in a tethered harness with a cascade control system that provides an immediate and particularly the dynamic control of roll, yaw and particularly the pitch of the aerostat in response to real time environmental flight conditions and impart stability to the airship in high winds using a stability zone geometric suspension control system and enhance the duration of in flight missions. A lifting gas replenishment system and particularly a ground based lifting gas replenishment system adds long duration deployment to the dynamic adaptability to high wind conditions for long term deployment.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide anti-tilt assemblies for reducing the strain of an air ballast when used to change the direction of a high altitude balloon. For instance, in one example, a balloon includes a balloon envelope having an air ballast and a plurality of support tendons and a payload assembly. The balloon also includes an anti-tilt assembly arranged between the balloon envelope and the payload assembly. The anti-tilt assembly includes a support structure having a plurality of line connections arranged at a top end of the support structure and a connection member at a bottom end of the support structure. The connection member is attached to the payload assembly. The anti-tilt assembly also includes a plurality of support lines connected at to one of the support tendons and to the connection member. In addition, each support line is arranged to pass through a corresponding one of the line connections.

Abstract: An aerostat system with an extended flight envelope in which the aerostat system can safely operate is provided. The aerostat system includes an aerostat, multiple tether groups and a base station. Spatially distinct tether groups allow for improved stability and controllability over a wide range of wind conditions. Independent actuation of the tether groups allows for control of the aerostat pitch and roll angle. A rotating platform including rails to rest the aerostat allows docking without auxiliary tethers, minimizing or eliminating the ground crew required to dock traditional aerostat systems. An optional controller allows remote or autonomous operation of the aerostat system.

Abstract: A moored balloon includes a balloon, a wire coupled to the balloon, an antenna, a cable coupled to the balloon, a rotating device hung below the balloon, and a fixing device. The rotating device comprises a rotating unit and a bracket. The rotating unit comprises a bearing seat mounted on the bracket, a bearing unit mounted on the bearing seat, and a shaft passing through the bearing unit and coupled to the balloon. The fixing device comprises a receiving tube for receiving the antenna. The receiving tube is located on the bracket. The shaft moves with the balloon to generate a twisting force, the bearing unit counterbalances the twisting force to prevent the cable being twisted with the wires.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention is realized by apparatus and methods for placing a large rigid buoyant platform in the low stratosphere of earth's atmosphere at an altitude of about 20 km, above clouds, moisture, dust, and wind. The platform can serve several uses, either individually or in any combination. These uses include uninterrupted radio and light communications, radar and optical observation including very powerful radars and solar power electricity generation. Long, strong and light tethers connect the buoyant structure to the ground which hold it in position against wind forces. The electricity output from a photovoltaic array is used to power platform uses and can also be coupled to high voltage transmission lines which transmit power from the platform to the earth's surface during daylight hours. Power can also be transmitted up to the platform during darkness to power facilities mounted on the platform ensuring continuous operation.

Abstract: An aerial balloon railway and system of using the same including balloon-carriage assembly having at least one balloon structure and at least one carriage structure for accommodating passengers and/or cargo which operates through a single or network railway system, whereby the balloon-carriage assembly travels above and along a triangulated track system by at least one drive cable assembly.

Abstract: A duplex complementary carrier includes a flight vehicle floating above the ground, a control system moving on the ground for controlling movement of the flight vehicle, and a connecting system connecting between the control system and the flight vehicle. When the control system is moving on the ground, the flight vehicle above the ground is able to follow movement of the control system due to the connection provided by the connecting system such that the pressure of the control system on the ground and the frictional force of the ground on the control system are reduced by the buoyancy of the flight vehicle. The flight vehicle is able to move above the ground stably by the directing and guiding effects of the control system.

Abstract: Method and equipment to aerially transport loads between two sites. A winch is provided at each site and a load carrying balloon is coupled by cables to each winch. Auxiliary balloons are provided to maintain the cables at a height above objects in the line of travel of the balloon.