Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A system for controlling lift of an aircraft comprises an inflatable compartment for containing a gas which is lighter than air. A receiver receives and stores the gas in a compressed condition. Means are provided for compressing the gas and transferring it from the inflatable compartment into the receiver thus reducing the lift force on the aircraft.

Abstract: The invention relates to an unmanned aircraft for telecommunicative or other scientific purposes, which is stationed in determined height, in particular in the stratosphere. The aircraft comprises a gas-filled balloon (11) carrying a platform (10) and means for maintaining the platform position relative to the ground. The balloon (11) carrying the platform (10) is disposed in the interior of an external balloon (12) of aerodynamical shape, particularly in the stratosphere. At least one low or high pressure insulation chamber (20; 20?; 20?) filled with a medium is arranged between them and encircles the inner balloon (11). The medium used in the insulation chamber is a gas having a low thermal conductivity. The negative effects of the temperature differences are largely compensated so that the inner balloon can be produced from a lighter and cheaper material, thereby increasing durably its longevity.

Abstract: A system allowing for the active management of aerostatic lift in buoyant and semi-buoyant aerial vehicles comprised of a high tensile-strength outer pressure cell of a given volume and an inner compression cell of only slightly smaller dimensions. The inner compression cell is filled with a lifting gas, such as helium or hydrogen, to some fractional volume of its maximum, allowing for expansion of the lifting gas at different operational altitudes. When a reduction in aerostatic lift is desired, external air is compressed through the use of air handling means, and introduced into the outer pressure cell through a directional valve that prevents the pressurized air from leaving the pressure cell. When increased aerostatic lift is once again desired, the valve system may release all or a part of the pressurized air in the pressure cell, allowing the lifting gas to expand thereby displacing a greater volume of air and increasing lift.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to position an unmanned aircraft (1) that is used as a platform (10) for telecommunication or other scientific purposes at a predetermined altitude in the stratosphere. Said aim is achieved by an unmanned aircraft (1) comprising a pressurized balloon (11) which is filled with gas and supports the platform (10). The pressurized balloon (11) is arranged within an outer balloon (12; 12?) which is provided with an aerodynamic external shape in the stratosphere and forms a low-pressure or high-pressure insulating chamber (20; 50) around the pressurized balloon (11), said insulating chamber (20; 50) being optionally filled with a medium. Furthermore, heating and cooling means are provided for the medium circulating in the insulating chamber (20; 50) while means encompassing electrically driven propellers (15) or similar located outside the outer balloon (12, 12?) are supplied for maintaining the position of the platform relative to the Earth.

Abstract: A propulsion system for an airship or hybrid aircraft includes a propeller and a pivot mechanism connected to the propeller. The pivot mechanism enables the propeller to pivot around a first pivot axis between a maneuver thruster position and an emergency ballonet fill position. Under normal conditions, when the propulsion system is disposed in the maneuver thruster position, the pivot mechanism also enables the propeller to pivot around a second pivot axis to control the attitude and thrust of the vehicle. However, in an emergency descent situation, the propeller may be rotated to the emergency ballonet fill position.

Abstract: A buoyancy system using double-sorb controllers for engine fueling and airship attitude control is disclosed. The buoyancy system is based on the use of a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) payload that assists in buoyancy control and provides simultaneously a fuel for natural gas engines that propel the airship. The airship attitude correction is achieved by changing the amount of buoyant gas such as methane that is enclosed in the airship's baffles located forward and aft in the airship, and to the starboard and port if necessary for active roll control. The airship attitude control is provided by absorption or desorption of the natural gas using two double-sorb controllers. One of two double-sorb controllers is mounted forward and the other is mounted aft in the airship, so the differential absorption/desorption of natural gas is used to control the pitch of the airship. Each double-sorb controller consists of a thermally insulated external container connected with the LNG payload and natural gas engines.

Abstract: A large heavy lift airship of lenticular shape divided into upper and lower convex shaped halves and configured with horizontal configurations in each half made up of four quadrants of inter-connected buoyant gas cells in which the interconnections consist of inline heat exchangers and blowers that control temperatures and buoyancy, giving a high degree of buoyancy, attitude and trim control. The flat lenticular design and large lifting capacity allows for a very large passenger or cargo deck positioned in the center of the airship, dividing it into its upper and lower convex shaped halves.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides an airship having an outer tube formed in the shape of a toroid and defining a central opening, a first compartment positioned within the outer tube and containing a first gas, and a second compartment positioned within the outer tube and containing a second gas. The airship may also include top and bottom covers further defining and enclosing the central opening, the central opening containing the second gas, and a controller that controls the flow of the first gas into and out of the first compartment to actively control the ascent and descent of the airship.

Abstract: A dehumidification system for removing water vapor from the within the envelope of an airship comprises a pressurizer valve, a blower and a dehumidifier attached to the airship. The pressurizer valve releases air from the envelope and directs the air to the blower. The blower forces the air through the dehumidifier where the air is dried to a desired dew point. The dried air is then forced back into the envelope of the airship, thus reducing the weight of the airship and reducing the amount of condensate that may form during an ascent.

Abstract: An differential expansion system and method for balloon buoyancy control which includes a zero-pressure envelope and a superpressure envelope. A gas transfer device is positioned between the envelopes to facilitate the transfer of lift gases that are lighter than air between the envelopes. The superpressure envelope and the gas transfer device can be located inside the zero-pressure envelope. Alternatively, the zero-pressure envelope, the superpressure envelope, and the gas transfer device can be located inside a zero-pressure envelope.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanism to control the pitch and/or roll and/or center of gravity of a vehicle. The first embodiment is a track-based mass transfer system in which pathways are positioned along or radially terminate at a central horizontal plane of the vehicle to move one or more mass transfer devices to a desired location to control the pitch and/or roll and/or center of gravity of the vehicle. A second embodiment is a fluid mass distribution system in which one or more conduits selectively distribute a fluid to one or more tanks positioned near a central horizontal plane of the vehicle to control the pitch and/or roll and/or center of gravity of the vehicle.

Abstract: A lighter-than-air gas handling method and system for an airship capable of operating at a plurality of altitudes each characterized by a plurality of environmental conditions comprises a structure including a first envelope and a flexible volume portion in fluid communication with the first envelope. The first envelope capable of containing a volume of lighter-than-air gas disposed within the first envelope at a pressure in substantial equilibrium with an ambient pressure external to the first envelope when the airship is operating at a first altitude of the plurality of altitudes. A lighter-than-air gas transfer mechanism is coupled with the first envelope and the flexible volume portion and operative to allow the lighter-than-air gas to flow into the flexible volume portion as the lighter-than-air gas expands when the airship ascends to a second altitude higher than the first altitude and before the expanded lighter-than-air gas exceeds the containment capability of the first envelope.

Abstract: An airship ballast system includes an engine driven propeller and a cooling tube that is positioned coplanar with the propeller and outside its tip path. One end of the cooling tube is connected to receive exhaust gases from the engine while the other end is connected to a ballast tank. In operation, exhaust gases from the engine are cooled as they transit the cooling tube, and water condensed from the cooled exhaust gases is pumped to the ballast tank to maintain a ballast for the airship.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An airship has a generally spherical shape and has an internal envelope for containing a lifting gas such as Helium or Hydrogen. The airship has a propulsion and control system that permits it to be flown to a desired loitering location, and to be maintained in that location for a period of time. In one embodiment the airship may achieve neutral buoyancy when the internal envelope is as little as 7% full of lifting gas, and may have a service ceiling of about 60,000 ft. The airship has an equipment module that can include either communications equipment, or monitoring equipment, or both. The airship can be remotely controlled from a ground station. The airship has a solar cell array and electric motors of the propulsion and control system are driven by power obtained from the array. The airship also has an auxiliary power unit that can be used to drive the electric motors.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method comprises: launching observation means configured to observe upper air environment immediately before launching an airship to acquire ambient air data on the actual conditions of the upper ambient air including altitude, pressure, wind direction, wind speed and temperature; determining an ascension profile for the airship by simulation using the ambient air data on the actual conditions of the ambient air; determining an initial quantity of Helium gas conforming to the actual conditions of the ambient air; and adjusting the quantity of Helium gas in the Helium room to the initial quantity of Helium gas to set an initial buoyancy. The method sets hull parameters for the hull of the airship to provide an ascension profile conforming to the actual conditions of the ambient air.

Abstract: A plurality of bulkheads (23a to 23d) are installed in a hull (21) so as to divide the interior space of the hull (21) into a plurality of compartments (&Dgr;S1 to &Dgr;S5) successively arranged along the axis (22) of the hull (21). The compartments (&Dgr;S1 to &Dgr;S5) are divided into upper flotation gas containing spaces (25a to 25e) and lower air containing spaces (26a to 26e) by flexible diaphragms (24a to 24e) impermeable to air and a flotation gas, respectively. The bulkheads (23a to 23d) have upper parts A1a, A1b, A1c and A1d formed of a meshed sheet, extending upward from joints (27a to 27d) of the diaphragms (24a to 24e) and the bulkheads (23a to 23d), exposed to the flotation gas containing spaces (25a to 25e). The upper parts are provided with a plurality of vents through which the flotation gas is allowed to flow.

Abstract: An airship has a gas bag for containing lifting gas, which gas bag is located within an outer envelope. The envelope, made of flexible material, is made rigid by the pressure of the gas in the gas bag. A hollow ring surrounds the gas bag and is coupled to the envelope as well as support decking located below the gas bag. On one of the decks is located a propulsion unit and horizontal and vertical control surfaces. Vertical flight is controlled with the control surfaces as well as by moving gas in and out of the gas bag. The gas from the gas bag is stored within the hollow ring. Vertical flight is also controlled by an expandable diaphragm located below the gas bag; when inflated, the diaphragm compresses the gas bag. Vertical flight is also controlled by adjusting the top shape of the envelope so as to compress the gas bag. When the airship is on the ground, a suction between the deck and the ground maintains the airship in a parked condition.

Abstract: An automatic buoyancy controller is disclosed for management of lift in thermal airship 20. Data from envelope air temperature sensor 34 and ambient air temperature sensor 38 are input to difference processor 46 which transmits the calculated difference signal 48 to process controller 50/92. Comparing the operator selected difference temperature setpoint value 52 to difference signal 48, process controller 50/92 controls heater 44 operation in a way in which will equalize the comparison, thereby fixing the operator selected value of lift.

Abstract: A high-altitude airship has a non-rigid hull. On launch, the airship is partially inflated with a lifting gas. The partially inflated hull is less susceptible to buffeting and turbulence from lower atmosphere air currents during ascent. A ballast rotates the airship into a flight attitude (e.g., near horizontal) upon reaching a desired altitude. A low-powered propulsion system may be included to propel the airship at the desired altitude. Upon completion of its mission, the airship may be deflated and returned using aerodynamic deceleration such as a parachute, a parafoil and a ballute.

Abstract: A method comprises: launching observation means configured to observe upper air environment immediately before launching an airship to acquire ambient air data on the actual conditions of the upper ambient air including altitude, pressure, wind direction, wind speed and temperature; determining an ascension profile for the airship by simulation using the ambient air data on the actual conditions of the ambient air; determining an initial quantity of Helium gas conforming to the actual conditions of the ambient air; and adjusting the quantity of Helium gas in the Helium room to the initial quantity of Helium gas to set an initial buoyancy. The method sets hull parameters for the hull of the airship to provide an ascension profile conforming to the actual conditions of the ambient air.

Abstract: The invention seeks to provide a dirigible balloon with an internal enclosure (V2) having a flexible wall (4) contained in an outer rigid enclosure (15) which is of aerodynamic shape. The internal enclosure (V2) contains helium and is provided with means (5, 6, 7, 8) enabling its volume to be modified. Thus, depending on the volume given to the internal enclosure (V2) of the dirigible balloon, landing, take-off, and altitude variation are easy to perform. The means for modifying the volume of the internal enclosure (V2) comprise a cable (8) connected to the internal enclosure (V2) by means of a set of pulleys (5, 6), and a winch (7) for reducing the length of the cable (8).

Abstract: A high-altitude airship has a non-rigid hull. On launch, the airship is partially inflated with a lifting gas. The partially inflated hull is less susceptible to buffeting and turbulence from lower atmosphere air currents during ascent. A ballast rotates the airship into a flight attitude (e.g., near horizontal) upon reaching a desired altitude. A low-powered propulsion system may be included to propel the airship at the desired altitude. Upon completion of its mission, the airship may be deflated and returned using aerodynamic deceleration such as a parachute, a parafoil and a ballute.

Abstract: A cyclical thermal management system is provided for responding to diurnal heating and nocturnal cooling cycles to maintain a high altitude platform in a geostatic position for long periods of time. The novel cyclical thermal management system utilizes solar energy collection devices to collect solar energy which is stored and utilized to operate physical and chemical exothermic processes for heating the lifting gas of the novel high altitude platform at night and to operate physical and chemical processes during the day for transferring the heat of the lifting gas to maintain a particular geostatic position. The cyclical thermal management system utilizes a recyclable energy storage material which is utilized in not only the cyclical thermal management of heat diurnally but also to provide for seasonal and longitudinal variation by increasing or decreasing the volume of lifting gas or by increasing or decreasing the amount of the energy storage material.

Abstract: A super-pressured high-altitude airship flies in the stratosphere, is propelled against the wind by the power obtained through the photovoltaic conversion of the sunlight, and is used for a large-scale LTA (light-than-air) platform for environmental observation, telecommunication relay, etc. This airship has a super-pressure structure which has a pressure-resistant gas bag in an envelope capable of enduring the rise of internal pressure by allowing no in-flow or out-flow of gas from or to, respectively, the outside atmosphere at the mission altitude. A solar cell is installed on an upper external surface of the envelope. A ventilation space is provided between an installation surface of the solar cell and the gas bag to block the heat transfer from the solar cell to the buoyant gas in the envelope. A fan is provided to forcibly circulate the outside atmospheric air in this ventilation space.

Abstract: A partially buoyant aircraft capable of transporting very large cargo payloads comprises a lifting body with an exterior airfoil configuration that includes internal structural support members for an exterior skin, the skin defining an internal volume for storing the cargo, propulsion apparatus, flight stabilization apparatus on a portion of the lifting body, lift assisting apparatus carried within the lifting body, and landing gear arranged in close proximity to the longitudinal centerline of the lifting body. Each landing gear comprises a wheel supported by a cylinder set including upper and lower telescoping cylinders, the upper cylinders of the wheels being ported together to operate as a single element.

Abstract: A cyclical thermal management system is provided for responding to diurnal heating and nocturnal cooling cycles to maintain a high altitude platform in a geostatic position for long periods of time. The novel cyclical thermal management system utilizes solar energy collection devices to collect solar energy which is stored and utilized to operate physical and chemical exothermic processes for heating the lifting gas of the novel high altitude platform at night and to operate physical and chemical processes during the day for transferring the heat of the lifting gas to maintain a particular geostatic position. The cyclical thermal management system utilizes a recyclable energy storage material which is utilized in not only the cyclical thermal management of heat diurnally but also to provide for seasonal and longitudinal variation by increasing or decreasing the volume of lifting gas or by increasing or decreasing the amount of the energy storage material.

Abstract: An aircraft utilizes a buoyant evacuated rotating envelope to provide at least a portion of the lift required. The rotating envelope may be in the form of a disk, cylinder or other suitable shape. In one embodiment, an evacuated rotating envelope in the form of a disk is utilized. The disk is provided with a central core tube with at least one jet engine mounted therein. The deflection of the exhaust causes rotation of the envelope. A non-rotating payload compartment is mounted to the rotating envelope by bearings. Structures are provided for deflecting the exhaust to be utilized for lateral propulsion as well as for stabilizing the payload compartment to prevent rotation. Two other embodiments utilize rotating cylinders which may be rotated either by a jet engine mounted within a core tube or by an off center jet engine which drives the cylinder.

Abstract: In an air balloon (1) comprising a leak-tight casing (2) consisting of one or more layers containing an inert gas (3) that is lighter than air and provided with a part (4) designed to be opened reversibly to enable deflation of the said balloon (1), this part (4) is positioned such that the axis (K--K) perpendicular to its aperture (4a) is inclined to the horizontal at an angle between 0.degree. and 180.degree., but perferably at an angle equivalent to 90.degree..

Abstract: A neutral buoyancy fuel bladder uses hydrogen and oxygen to power an airship. The neutral buoyancy fuel bladder includes a fuel cell, electrolyzer, and means for storing hydrogen, oxygen and water. The fuel cell uses the hydrogen and oxygen to create heat, water and current flow. An energy source transmits a beam to an energy receiving unit on the airship, and the energy from said beam is used to (1) power said airship, and (2) replenish the supply of hydrogen and oxygen.

Abstract: The balloon support apparatus for a hot air balloon ride comprises a doughnut shaped sleeve engaged within a crown area of an envelope of the hot air balloon. The sleeve contains a lighter than air substance, such as helium, in an amount sufficient to elevate the balloon envelope, the sleeve having a volume which will accommodate expansion of the lighter than air substance when heated to approximately 350.degree. F.

Abstract: A sensor mount apparatus includes a loop for carrying a sensor payload. An upper portion of the loop includes at least one upper attachment point for receiving at least one upper tether line. A lower portion of the loop includes at least one lower attachment point to connect the sensor mount apparatus to a lower tether line. The sensor mount apparatus further includes an upper plate mounted to the loop, a lower plate for carrying a sensor payload, and a slide mechanism mounted between the two plates. The slide mechanism operates to slidably move the lower plate relative to the upper plate so that the lower plate and sensor payload attached to the lower plate move to a position where the sensing device of the sensor payload is not obstructed by the loop. Where the sensor payload is an optical sensor, such as a camera, the camera may be positioned to see an unobstructed, three hundred sixty degree field of view.

Abstract: The invention is a ballonet system for a lighter-than-air-vehicle, the vehicle having a lift producing gas bag and a longitudinal, vertical and lateral axis. In detail, the ballonet system includes a plurality of ballonets located within the gas bag positioned along the longitudinal axis and on each side of the vertical axis of the vehicle. Each of the ballonets include a flexible sheet joined at its periphery thereof to a portion of the wall of the gas bag. A ballonet pressurization system is coupled to each ballonet for pressurizing them with air that includes the portion of the wall of the gas bag forming the ballonet having a plurality of holes therethrough. A manifold having an inlet port is joined to the wall covering the holes therein and is adapted to diffuse the pressurized air entering therein.

Abstract: An airship of semirigid type including hydrogen which floats for a long period of time without supplying energy, and is for example in use for a relay station or a wide range observatory station. The airship is powered by a solar cell battery in the daytime and by a hydrogen engine in the nighttime.

Abstract: The invention is a ballonet system for a lighter-than-air-vehicle, the vehicle having a lift producing gasbag and a longitudinal, vertical and lateral axis. In detail, the ballonet system includes a plurality of ballonets located within the gasbag positioned along the longitudinal axis and on each side of the vertical axis of the vehicle. Each of the ballonets include a flexible sheet joined at its periphery thereof to a portion of the wall of the gasbag. A ballonet pressurization system is coupled to each ballonet for pressurizing them with air that includes the portion of the wall of the gasbag forming the ballonet having a plurality of holes therethrough. A manifold having an inlet port is joined to the wall covering the holes therein and is adapted to diffuse the pressurized air entering therein. Also included is at least one fan having an inlet port coupled to ambient atmosphere and an outlet port coupled to the inlet port of the manifold for providing pressurized air to the interior thereof.

Abstract: A balloon member includes a plurality of partition walls coextensive within the balloon to divide the balloon into equal quadrants to accommodate safe descent and enhance inflation of at least a plurality of the quadrants during a leakage of air from the balloon.

Abstract: An airship has a carrier frame with triangular cross-ribs arranged so that an apex faces upwardly and a base faces downwardly, whereby longitudinal beams at the corners of the triangles interconnect the cross-ribs. The carrier frame is enclosed by an envelope including at least three skin segments joined to each other along seams coinciding with the longitudinal frame beams. Each skin segment extends entirely from the bow to the stern and may include several strips. At least two steering air chambers are provided, one near the bow, the other near the stern for trimming purposes. The seams or at least one of the seams, is so constructed that it is readily openable and closable for providing access to the interior of the airship.

Abstract: An airship is described that shows a central rigid frame, extending the length of the airship, about which are arranged at least three equally spaced gas envelopes containing a lifting gas. Propulsion units are located at each end of the central frame and are controllably moved in different directions to control the airship. Also included on the airship is a hot air envelope above the lifting gas envelopes and provided with pivoting masts to increase and decrease the size of the hot air envelope.

Abstract: A helium purification system for use with lighter-that-air airships has a catalytic purification stage for removing oxygen from the lift gas, and if desired, a nitrogen removal stage. Impure lift gas is passed through the catalytic purification stage which includes catalytic means for reacting hydrogen and contaminating oxygen entrained in the lift gas to form water and liberate heat energy. The catalytic reaction of oxygen and hydrogen increases the lift capacity of the airship both by removing oxygen from the lift gas which can then be replaced with additional lift gas and by heating the lift gas. The lifht weight catalytic purifier requiring no external power makes practical an on-board lift gas purifier to scavenge oxygen from the lift gas as soon as it enters the aerostat whose only cost of operation is that of the hydrogen consumed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aerostat of the double balloon type intended to travel in an autonomous and reversible manner between the ground of a planet having an atmosphere and a predetermined ceiling altitude. This aerostat is of the type comprising a first closed carrier balloon (1) for containing a gas lighter than the gas present in the atmosphere, and a solar hot air balloon (3) comprising a permanent opening (6) permitting its filling by the gas present in the atmosphere. According to the invention the solar hot air balloon is provided at its upper extremity with an opening defined by an annular border, and means for sealingly securing this annular border to the peripheral wall of the carrier balloon (1), such that said carrier balloon extends partially into the interior of the envelope of the hot air balloon (3).

Abstract: A variable geometry lighter-than-air craft which can change from a buoyant airship to a heavier-than-air craft by changing shape. The craft has a flexible envelope filled with helium or other lifting gas. Releasing or tightening the adjusting lines changes the envelope shape by adjusting the internal dimensions and extending or withdrawing wing expansion sections. The craft's shape can change from an ovoid shape for lighter-than-air flight to a winged shape for heavier-than-air flight. Controlling the craft's speed and trim regulates the aerodynamic lift.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for stabilizing at altitude a stratospheric balloon between the upper and lower levels through a plurality of diurnal and nocturnal cycles. The process comprises providing the stratospheric balloon (1) of the open, variable volume type a with a thermal trapping hood (7) arranged in the vicinity of its upper pole piece (4). This hood has reflecting properties from the side oriented toward the interior of the balloon and preferably thermal insulating properties, and its surface comprises between 1% and 15% of the total surface area of the balloon when full, preferably between 2% and 5%. In the full state, it does not appreciably alter the thermal balance of the balloon, while at lower levels at reduced states of inflation, it limits the energy loss from the bulb by reflecting toward the exterior and avoids an irreversible descent of the balloon.

Abstract: A lighter-than-air type vehicle comprising a frame-work and a series of inflatable lift bags secured to said framework. The lift bags inwardly contain heating elements and a gas, such as hydrogen or helium, in intimate contact with the heater elements. A source of power is coupled to the heater elements is such that the supply of electrical current, for example, to said elements can be varied as to increase or decrease the degree of inflation of the respective lift bags. Propulsion structure is affixed to the framework and preferably comprises a pair of oppositely revolving propellers which are independently controlled. A shroud and interior plate-like vanes surround the propellers and are constructed and powered to vary the air stream, as to direction, coming from the propeller area.

Abstract: The invention improve hot air balloons of the type using heavy duty propane burners producing large unconfined flames by manually controlled intermittent short combustion periods,--the type used for the sustained flight and transport of one or more passengers. The improvements comprise increased lift and rate of lift, fuel economy, safety of components and passengers, envelope life, and elimination of scorching and near-scorching of the envelope and skirt, reduced cumulative deterioration of the envelope; these improvements are accomplished by the elimination of the hiterto unrecognized large loss of radiant energy from the flame which has passed through the transparent gas and translucent portions of the envelope (thin, light colored) and being lost without having heated the interior gases,--by means of opaque shields of metal and/or fabric suspended between the flame and the envelope to intercept the radiant energy, convert it to heat energy and transfer it to the contiguous gases.

Abstract: The invention is a propulsion system for a buoyant aircraft. The invention comprises a gas storage container filled with a lighter-than-air gas and having outer walls of which at least a portion thereof are flexible. A system is provided to move the flexible portions of the walls alternately inward and outward varying the internal volume of the container, thus, varying the buoyancy of the aircraft and providing a propulsive force. Air foils mounted on the aircraft are adapted to provide trimming forces as the aircraft descends and ascends.

Abstract: A lighter-than-air craft [10] having an outer envelope [11] divided into an inner envelope [25] and a plurality of compartments [40,41,42]. The compartments are filled with lifting gases such as helium and hydrogen and the overall lifting force of the craft is regulated by supplying hot air to the inner envelope.

Abstract: The invention concerns a steered aerostatic balloon and in particular the creation of balloons of large volumes, which are free (airships, space balloons) or captive (material loading or unloading balloons). This balloon has an outer envelope (1) containing air, an interpolar connector (11) connecting the lower pole (2) and the upper pole (3) of this envelope, a grid of longitudinal reinforcements (8) connected to the poles (2) and (3), a grid of circumferential reinforcements (8) connected to the poles (2) and (3), a grid of circumferential reinforcements (7), at least one inside envelope (12) within the first envelope and containing helium, this latter envelope during inflation coming to rest against the outer envelope and being provided with poles fixed on the interpolar connector (11), and lastly air intake means and air evacuation means to and from the outer envelope.