Aerostatic Devices Patents (Class 40/212)
  • Patent number: 11753134
    Abstract: A flying robot (10) with projector, including a movable end (100) and a fixed end (200). A distributed working mode is used on the movable end (100) and the fixed end (200). The movable end (100) includes a top (110), a main body (120) and a bottom (130). The top (110) includes a lift system (112) and one or more proximity sensors (114); the main body (120) is a sealed hollow spherical body or spheroid body made of a film material capable of being used as a rear projection screen, and is filled with a gas of which the density is less than that of the air. The bottom (130) includes one or more rear projectors (131), a wireless communication module (132), a microcontroller (133), a battery (134), a direction and steering controlling device (135), a camera device (136), a sound capturing and reproduction device (137), a height sensor (138) and other sensors, etc. The fixed end (200) includes a wireless communication module (220), a control apparatus (240), a charging port (260), and other data interfaces, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: X-Control System Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fan Yang
  • Patent number: 11443638
    Abstract: A formation monitoring system for a plurality of aircraft flying in formation is disclosed. The system includes a display for a leader aircraft configured to display a current position of one or more aircraft of the plurality of aircraft. The system further includes a controller for the leader aircraft configured to at least one of receive a current position signal from one or more aircraft of the plurality of aircraft, calculate the current position of the one or more aircraft of the plurality of aircraft, or calculate a target position of the one or more aircraft of the plurality of aircraft. The system further includes a transmitter configured to transmit the target position signal to the one or more aircraft of the plurality of aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: Valerie R. Byxbe
  • Patent number: 11217126
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments generally relate to methods, systems and apparatuses to provide ad hoc digital signage for public or private display. In certain embodiments, the disclosure provides dynamically formed digital signage. In one application, one or more drones are used to project the desired signage. In another application one or more drones are used to form a background to receive the projected image. In still another application, sensors are used to detect audience movement, line of sight or engagement level. The sensor information is then used to arrange the projecting drones or the surface-image drones to further signage presentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Carl S. Marshall, John Sherry, Giuseppe Raffa, Glen J. Anderson, Selvakumar Panneer, Daniel Pohl
  • Patent number: 10096272
    Abstract: The present invention is a cart, kiosk, booth, equipment, machine (or similar) of any design or construction, mobile or stationary, integrated with an inflatable & deflatable advertising/signage/display/identity element. Inflatable & deflatable advertising, signage, display (or similar) identity elements can be configured in any; form, shape, size, color, etc. and therefore the present invention integrates carts, kiosks, booths (or similar) with inflatable & deflatable advertising/identity elements to improve the design and fabrication of carts, kiosks, booths (or similar).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Inventor: Roy M. Penner
  • Patent number: 9669943
    Abstract: An apparatus for illuminating an underside of a fuselage of an aircraft, the apparatus comprising a housing mounted to an underside of the fuselage; and a light source disposed within the housing the housing being configured to direct light from the light source toward the underside of the fuselage in an aft direction. Also disclosed is an aircraft advertising arrangement, comprising light emanation means for causing light to emanate from an underside of an aircraft fuselage, the light emanation means being configured to emanate light as a graphical advertising image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Concept Ideas Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Joane Andre Sidler
  • Publication number: 20150078620
    Abstract: Provided is an aircraft having a spherical body which generates buoyancy or which may generate buoyancy when filled with gas, wherein the aircraft further comprises four actuation units arranged on the surface of the body for movement of the aircraft in a translation and/or rotation through air, and at least one camera arranged on or in the surface of the body. Further provided is a method for providing optical information to a person in the environment of a flying aircraft, a method for providing optical information about an object and/or surveying of an object, a method for transmission of acoustic information and a method for observing or tracking an object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: ETH Zurich
    Inventors: Anton Ledergerber, Andreas Schaffner, Claudio Ruch, Daniel Meier, Johannes Weichart, Lukas Gasser, Luca Muri, Miro Kach, Matthias Krebs, Matthias Burri, Lukas Mosimann, Nicolas Vuilliomenet, Randy Michaud, Simon Laube, Paul Beardsley, Javier Alonso Mora, Roland Yves Siegwart, Stefan Leutenegger, Konrad Rudin
  • Publication number: 20150027010
    Abstract: An aircraft banner comprises an image, with at least a section thereof being visually adaptive with respect to the location of an observer thereof. The banner presents a moving or changing image thereon in the eyes of the observer during use. The moving or changing image moves or changes as the aircraft banner moves relative to the observer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Wayne Mansfield
  • Patent number: 8701316
    Abstract: An aerial advertising device for providing predictable and consistent oscillations to a banner towed behind an aircraft. The aerial advertising device may be disposed at the bottom of the leading edge of a banner. The device may generally comprise a weight box disposed above a wind box. The device may be rotatable about the leading edge or extension, wherein the range of motion of such rotation may be limited by a restriction arm preventing further motion of the device relative to the leading edge. Such rotation may allow the inside walls of the wind box to transfer the applied wind force to the rotation of the device and thereby the rotation of the leading edge of the banner. The weight box may further comprise a horizontal translation arm upon which a slidable weight may slide as the translation arm is moved into greater angular positions relative to horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventors: James Butler, James Deveaux Money
  • Publication number: 20130139421
    Abstract: A wingtip fin of an aircraft comprising an upstanding fin body, the fin body having an inboard face and an outboard face, a sign assembly in the fin body, the assembly comprising a translucent, graphic bearing face, substantially flush with and forming at least part of the inboard face or the outboard face of the fin body, a recess in the fin body behind the graphic-bearing face, and a light source arranged in the recess to illuminate the graphic-bearing face from inside the fin body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventor: Airbus Operations Limited
  • Patent number: 8296979
    Abstract: A banner apparatus comprising a base having a substantially symmetrical central core formed in an upper end of the base and a banner-insert sub-assembly removably installed within the core from either open end. The core has a substantially symmetrical and central stepped inner surface that is accessible from each open end. The banner-insert sub-assembly comprises an insert having at least one passage therethrough and a windsock banner installed over the insert so as to be pinched between the insert and the core when the banner-insert sub-assembly is removably installed within the core during use, the banner having a proximal end and a distal end and at least one airflow channel in communication therebetween and with the passage and the core so as to allow airflow through the base and the banner to aid its substantially horizontal flight during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventors: Steve Pereira, Kris Stewart, Carl Tenbrink, Scott Willis
  • Publication number: 20120018589
    Abstract: A method to produce an aircraft (1) includes providing an overlay coating (22), shaped according to the development of a flat airfoil made from a flexible laminate (23) and having a film (25) and an adhesive layer (24), providing a filler (21), shaped according to the aerodynamic profile chosen, so that the adhesive layer (24) contacts the filler (21) and the film conforms to the aerodynamic surface of the aircraft (1). Thereafter, the coating (22) is fixed to the filler (21) through the adhesive layer (24), with a flap of the coating (22) left protruding beyond the rear part of the filler (21), the flap being flexibly movable with respect to the filler (21). Actuators (3) are then placed and secured by the adhesive layer (24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Marco TESTI
  • Patent number: 8091822
    Abstract: An aerial image projection system (20) includes a light aircraft (22) having a parachute-wing (24) attached to a carriage (26). The system (20) further includes an on-board computing and projection unit (30) with an image projector (32) coupled to the carriage (26) and suspended below the parachute-wing (24). An image display process (98) utilizing the system (20) entails generating (100) still and/or moving images (34) in a digital format for management by the computing and projection unit (30) and projecting (102) those images (34) from the projector (32) onto the parachute-wing (24). The projection of particular images (34) may be governed by time of day, particular events, current location of aerial image projection system (20) as detected by a navigational system receiver (66) of the unit, and so forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: Mark A. Boyce
  • Publication number: 20110146118
    Abstract: The present invention is an illuminated aerial aircraft display rowed by an airplane with a propeller with a front facing with a plurality of illuminated indicia that includes letters and numbers and illuminated computer generated or non-computer generated moving indicia or pictorial images disposed on the front facing and a wind milling generator installed on a lead pole of the illuminated aerial aircraft display and a plurality of LED lights that illuminate the illuminated indicia. The display has illuminated indicia that can utilize a wide variety of colors and aesthetically pleasing styles and works in combination with the propeller that spins and produces electricity used by the LED lights once the illuminated aerial aircraft display is picked up and towed by the aircraft. A battery can also be used to power the LED lights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Jamsheed James Samadi
  • Publication number: 20100287801
    Abstract: Formation of an aerostat through the application of a pressure sensitive adhesive onto one or more barrier films at the desired point of bonding between the films. The adhesive is applied about the periphery prior to the point of bonding the two barrier films together. The method of the present invention results in aerostats with a bond line at the edge of the desired shape. The reduced weight, in comparison to conventional practices employing a heat sealing layer, enables intricate designs and smaller volume aerostats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: Anagram International, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean Scott Borchardt, Andrew Thomas Swanson, Todd Richard Sarnstrom, SR., Jeffrey Jacob Cernohous, Garrett Scott Van Gorden
  • Publication number: 20100270424
    Abstract: A hybrid airship comprises a non-rigid body having a delta-wing shape and an airfoil cross-section. The body is shaped for generating aerodynamic lift during forward flight, and contains a gas for generating buoyancy lift. At least one splitter plate is pivotally connected along a trailing edge of the body. The splitter plate is configured to be controllably pivoted for controlling the airship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: James D. DeLaurier
  • Publication number: 20100192432
    Abstract: A banner apparatus comprising a base having a substantially symmetrical central core formed in an upper end of the base and a banner-insert sub-assembly removably installed within the core from either open end. The core has a substantially symmetrical and central stepped inner surface that is accessible from each open end. The banner-insert sub-assembly comprises an insert having at least one passage therethrough and a windsock banner installed over the insert so as to be pinched between the insert and the core when the banner-insert sub-assembly is removably installed within the core during use, the banner having a proximal end and a distal end and at least one airflow channel in communication therebetween and with the passage and the core so as to allow airflow through the base and the banner to aid its substantially horizontal flight during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Steve Pereira
  • Publication number: 20100115808
    Abstract: An inflatable flag display includes a shaft having a hollow core and a sealed upper end. An aperture is located in the upper portion of the shaft and penetrates from an outer surface to the hollow core. A supporting base is connected to the shaft. A gas input connection is affixed to the shaft or the base and is in fluid communication with the core. An inflatable flag member is affixed to the shaft, formed of flexible material and has at least one inflatable chamber. The chamber is in fluid communication with the aperture and has an exhaust vent. A compressed gas source is in fluid communication with the gas input connection. A compressed gas modulator controls pressure or duration of gas flow, causing the flag to undulate. A variant includes means for rotating the shaft as the flag is inflated. Another variant includes an inflatable column replacing the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen Coutts
  • Publication number: 20090193695
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for generating foam shapes that float in air having a container, a gas source, an aeration nozzle for aerating a gas from the gas source, an outlet, and a separator for separating extruded foam into individualized foam shapes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Francisco Guerra, Brian Glover
  • Publication number: 20090133299
    Abstract: A dynamic messaging system comprises a balloon, a lighting array disposed within the balloon and further comprising a plurality of light-emitting diodes, a power source connected to the lighting array, and a means for rotating the lighting array within the balloon. In a first preferred embodiment, the lighting arrays includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes that are capable of generating monochrome visible light, thereby providing simple graphics and alphanumeric messages. In a second preferred embodiment, the lighting array includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes are capable of generating colored visible light, thereby providing complex graphics and messages. In a third embodiment, the lighting array includes a plurality of ultraviolet laser diodes that generate graphics and messages on an inner, flourescent-coated surface of the balloon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Zachary Blackwell
  • Publication number: 20090094867
    Abstract: The Compact Rescue Signal Device is designed to help lost or stranded hikers. This device is approximately the size of a small flashlight and comes in a variety of colors. When activating the lever a 30 Mylar balloon imprinted with the letter SOS is filled by a lighter than air gas. From this stage the balloon can be deployed and become more visible on the attached 75 foot tether to aid in the quicker recovery of lost or stranded hikers and helping to lower cost of state and federal rescue operations. Also included is a reflective disk on the outer cap of this device to assist when needed. The design of operation is easily operated by children and adults and light enough to carry in a pant pocket or small daypack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventor: Lloyd Bill Darnell, II
  • Publication number: 20080313937
    Abstract: An aerial image projection system (20) includes a light aircraft (22) having a parachute-wing (24) attached to a carriage (26). The system (20) further includes an on-board computing and projection unit (30) with an image projector (32) coupled to the carriage (26) and suspended below the parachute-wing (24). An image display process (98) utilizing the system (20) entails generating (100) still and/or moving images (34) in a digital format for management by the computing and projection unit (30) and projecting (102) those images (34) from the projector (32) onto the parachute-wing (24). The projection of particular images (34) may be governed by time of day, particular events, current location of aerial image projection system (20) as detected by a navigational system receiver (66) of the unit, and so forth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Mark A. Boyce
  • Publication number: 20080047176
    Abstract: Airborne transmission/reception arrays and associated systems and methods are disclosed. An airborne image display device in accordance with one embodiment includes a plurality of electrically interconnected display units, with individual display units including at least one flexible support member mountable to an exterior surface of an airborne device. The display unit can further include a plurality of pixel carriers supported by the flexible support member, with each pixel carrier having multiple, spaced apart pixels. In other embodiments, the systems can include other transmission/reception arrays, for example, radar arrays or solar arrays, in lieu of the display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: James R. Thiele, Rudolf H. Bartel, Lance L. Nordby
  • Patent number: 7204049
    Abstract: An emergency drop system allows ballasted advertising banner (14) if disconnected from an aircraft to descend slowly to the ground. Banner (14) is suspended below an aircraft by line (4) held taut by ballasted container (24). Static line (26) attached to the aircraft will, on release of loop (6) of line (4) from the aircraft, pull on closures (12) and release parachute (8) from its container (10). Drag of parachute (8) in the slipstream will slow the fall of banner (14) and also pull on lanyard (20) so that it activates 3-ring release (22) causing container (24) to invert and disperse the ballast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Heli-Banners Limited
    Inventor: Sean Patrick Herbert
  • Patent number: 7197841
    Abstract: An inflatable doll display has a barrel and a doll. The barrel has an inner wall and an outer wall, and a board transversely provided in an interior of the barrel to form an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The fabric doll is provided on the board and has a plane transversely provided in a middle portion of the doll to form an upper part and a lower part. An inflator is mounted in the lower chamber and has a first tube which is received between the inner wall and the outer wall, and a second tube which is inserted into the lower part. A first end of a third tube is inserted into the barrel and a second end of the third tube is inserted into the upper part. Hence, with the alternating operation of the inflator, the doll is raised or lowered to achieve an attractive effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Gemmy Industries Corporation
    Inventor: Sheng-Hung Hsu
  • Patent number: 7094124
    Abstract: A balloon display generally having decorative, informative and/or structural value. The display is comprised of an aperture framework, inflated chambers and connector members that join inflated chambers through apertures small enough to resist the passage of the inflated chambers. There is generally a plurality of connector members associated with each inflated chamber. Connector members from a given inflated chamber start from different locations, go to different locations and do not intersect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventor: Graham Manly Rouse
  • Patent number: 6874263
    Abstract: A balloon-type advertising equipment includes a vehicle and a balloon mounted on the vehicle which is adapted to be inflated and deflated as occasion demands to display an image and/or a message on the balloon. The equipment further includes blowers and lights mounted on an upper part of the vehicle wherein the balloon is bottom-opened box shaped and made of a sheet displaying thereon an image and/or message and having its lower part fixed to the upper part of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Appukoporeshon
    Inventor: Masao Ohmuku
  • Patent number: 6804905
    Abstract: A portable sign which includes a base member having a generally cylindrical rigid lateral wall with an air input opening and an upper opening. An air blower is positioned in the base member, and an elongated display member having a flexible generally cylindrical section extends upwardly from the generally cylindrical rigid lateral wall of the base member. The flexible cylindrical section has a lower open end connecting to a disc shaped cut out in the base member and has a closed top section having an air exit opening. Lettering will be displayed on the flexible cylindrical section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Inventors: Frank Leo Burger, III, Okey F Cobb, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6655057
    Abstract: Disclosed is a framework for a balloon decoration capable of forming a balloon ornament at a predetermined shape by inserting a plurality of balloons into a space created between connecting rods of the framework. More particularly, this framework for the balloon decoration is mainly used for enhancing an effectiveness of advertisement at a ceremony to open a business or at a party held in celebration of an event. This framework can be fabricated such as a sectional toy and can be expressed as a variety of shapes adapted to further enhance the effectiveness of advertisement. According to the present invention, the framework for a balloon decoration includes a plurality of connecting balls (20) having a plurality of connecting holes (21) formed on a radial outer surface of the balls (20), and a connecting member (10) having a pair of connecting ends (13) and a connecting rod (11) extending between the connecting ends (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Se Gon Kim
  • Publication number: 20030131507
    Abstract: A balloon-type advertising equipment includes a vehicle and a balloon mounted on the vehicle which is adapted to be inflated and deflated as occasion demands to display an image and/or a message on the balloon. The equipment further includes blowers and lights mounted on an upper part of the vehicle wherein the balloon is bottom-opened box shaped and made of a sheet displaying thereon an image and/or message and having its lower part fixed to the upper part of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Masao Ohmuku
  • Patent number: 6523778
    Abstract: A process for creating a flying light source including the steps of providing an inflatable balloon and associating a light source therewith. A retaining filament is attached to the inflated balloon. The light source may be a chemiluminescent lighting device which is attached to, or inserted into, the balloon. Alternatively, the light source may be a battery-operated light assembly attached to the balloon. The invention may be in the form of a rescue kit including the inflatable balloon, the chemiluminescent lighting device, the retaining filament and a lighter-than-air gas source. Alternatively, the invention may be in the form of a self-contained signaling device including a canister of lighter-than-air gas, a nozzle for dispensing the gas, the battery-operated light assembly, and the filament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: The Night Fun Co., LLC
    Inventors: Craig J. Key, Allen Weideman
  • Patent number: 6478651
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a flower vase containing an inflatable balloon bouquet. The flower vase contains a source of air for inflating the balloons positioned near the bottom of the vase being connected to an upwardly standing air cylinder whereby the balloon bouquet stems are pushed upwardly through the air cylinder somewhat as an internal combustion piston passing through its cylinder. Means are provided for transferring gas from the gas canister through apertures in the wall of the air cylinder and thereafter through apertures in the hollow stems of the balloons and thereafter into the balloons themselves so that the balloons become inflated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: Steven A. Weir
  • Patent number: 6464165
    Abstract: An image display craft (10) for outdoor advertising. The craft is lighter than air, such as a dirigible airship (12), and has flat projection surfaces (16) on each of its sides. Variable static or moving images, such as advertising images or other messages, are projected onto the sides of the craft by projectors (30) which are positioned on booms (22) that extend laterally from the craft. As the airship moves around the sky the image is visible on the exterior of the craft to observers on the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignees: Future Trading LLC
    Inventors: Ian Graham Black, Michael Gilbert Booth
  • Patent number: 6375534
    Abstract: A holder for novelty balloons has a conical plastic cup with a flanged open end. A tubular connector extends from a narrow closed end opposite the open end. A series of narrow longitudinal and narrow transverse slits in the cup receive the stem of a balloon and hold it in a tightly wrapped condition around the closed end of the cup. The holder prevents the stem from bulging with entrapped air or gas and maintains an associated balloon in the preferred upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Judy K. Burns
  • Patent number: 6238259
    Abstract: A display apparatus has a stationary base, a floating display member secured to the base by a first cord, and a balloon secured to the floating member by a second cord. The balloon is inflated with a gas which is lighter than air, and rises upwardly to suspend the floating member at a location spaced above the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Vincent Medina
  • Patent number: 5992065
    Abstract: An aerial message system uses a plurality of aircraft flying in formation to form a visible message in the sky. A lead or master aircraft carries a small computer which may be programmed with the message(s) to be formed, as well as other factors such as the true airspeed of the aircraft and the configuration of the formation. An interface and encoder are placed between the computer and a transmitter aboard the lead aircraft, with the interface and encoder serving to accept a signal from the computer which is compatible with a dot matrix printer, and reformatting the signal to output to the transmitter. The transmitter transmits a plurality of discrete pulses or signals to the receiving or slave aircraft, with each of the slave aircraft receivers being tuned or adjusted to receive a signal corresponding to the position of that aircraft in the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Arthur H. Bond
    Inventor: Gerard A. Preiser
  • Patent number: 5826535
    Abstract: A tethered display device with at least two vertical panels connected at a top seam and a bottom seam. The panels are preferably cloth or other soft and flexible material. The panels and seams define at least one tubular channel through which air can flow. In preferred embodiments there are multiple channels in each device. Preferred embodiments will also have at least one soft airfoil horizontally disposed between and connected to the two vertical panels. In the simplest airfoil embodiment, the airfoil defines two tubular channels, the one above the airfoil and the one below it; in each airfoil embodiment, an airfoil so defines in part at least one of the tubular channels. In some embodiments there are multiple airfoils. The device may be employed optionally in combination with an artificially enhanced or induced windsource.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Matthew H. Shaw
  • Patent number: 5778581
    Abstract: The apparatus has an inflatable member attached to top and bottom members. A flexible sleeve shaped display wall is attached to the top and bottom members and surrounds the inflatable member. The display sleeve has hook and loop fasteners on its outside. Flexible strips of material are attached to the top and bottom members to limit stretching of the inflatable member between the top and bottom members when inflated to prevent the display wall from being damaged when the inflatable member is inflated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: Morris W. Bailey
  • Patent number: 5710543
    Abstract: The device of this invention has a deployable signalling or display structure for displaying messages on a display area of the structure to signal an event that exists within the building, including a distress event. The messages are provided by indicia placed on a display area of the structure. The signalling structure is large enough to be easily seen by persons who approach the entrance to the building, as well as persons at a safe distance from the building. The deployable signalling structure is stored within an enclosure adapted for installation to a portion of the building with a deployment opening directed to an exterior location away from the building. The signalling structure is deployed by forcing a fluid into the structure by way of a supply conduit from a deployment unit. A control valve is used to control the supply of fluid to the signalling structure from the deployment unit and to maintain the signalling structure deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Inventor: George David Moore
  • Patent number: 5678357
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of attaching reversibly an inflatable three dimensional graphic to the exterior surface of an inflatable wall of an inflatable toy. The wall surface includes means for reversibly attaching the graphic in a leak tight manner while providing a method for fluid communication between the wall and the graphic so that the graphic can be inflated simultaneously with the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventors: Jesse Rubio, Guy W. Rochefort
  • Patent number: 5533285
    Abstract: A three-dimensional balloon display comprising a grid array comprised of at least one set of grid members, each set of grid members having a front side and a back side. The grid members are each shaped to form a compartment for receipt of at least one inflated balloon. The compartments have an interior side and an exterior side. An inflated balloon is maintained in the compartment by the pneumatic pressure within the inflated balloon exerted against the interior side of the compartment to create the three-dimensional display. In an alternative embodiment, a second set of grid members is aligned with the first set of grid members to create a three-dimensional compartment for receipt of the inflated balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Continental American Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Skistimas, Christian M. Hoebener
  • Patent number: 5365685
    Abstract: A lightweight wind tube utilized for advertising, constructed of fabric with a constant diameter having annular sleeve at each end. The forward end sleeve being held in an open circle by flexible frame members with furled ends which are positioned in lateral openings in the forward end sleeve to provide attachment points for mounting yoke strings and access for disassembly. The wind tube further includes a rear sleeve formed in the exit end of the tube including a string for adjusting the choke in the exit end of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Inventor: Lynn D. Shank
  • Patent number: 5186675
    Abstract: An inflatable vent toy for an exhaust vent air outlet comprising: an inflatable balloon made of a flexible material patterned and shaped to suit the preference of a user having a base defining an air inlet with surrounding attachment structure to secure the base over the exhaust vent air outlet such that the air inlet is in communication with the vent air outlet to enable in-coming air from the vent to enter the base air inlet and fill the balloon in a first mode, and to escape and collapse in a second mode when the in-coming air from the vent stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Inventor: Robert D. D. Stoddard
  • Patent number: 5098039
    Abstract: A kite designed for night flying, the kite having a facial ornamental design, comprising a frame means for providing the structural support of the kite, the frame means including a plurality of frame members being in mechanical association with one another. A body means provides the aerodynamic flight characteristics of the kite, the body means being supported by the frame means. The body means inlcudes an interchangeable face means, the interchangeable face means allowing the selective substitution of a variety of ornamental designs for the kite. The kite includes an illumination means for illuminating the ornamental designs of the kite, the illumination means also being supported by the frame means. The illumination means renders the kite readily visible while in night flight, whereby a kite is provided which exhibits striking nocturnal features when viewed by the human eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Linden, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5031299
    Abstract: An expandable balloon wrapped media display system including: a transparent balloon (30); an accordion pleated sheet (11, 11a, 11b) having formed thereon a message, picture, graphic display, graphic design, or combination thereof; a first attachment member (15) fixedly secured to a first edge (21) of the sheet (11, 11a); the sheet (11, 11a, 11b) being folded up on itself at its midpoint (28) so as to present the left and right halves (26L, 26R) of a second edge (26) thereof in generally face-to-face relation; a second attachment member (22) having a tubular portion (24) and an axially extending flange (25) fixedly secured to a second edge (26) of the sheet (11, 11b); the folded accordion pleated sheet (11, 11a, 11b) being inserted into a balloon (30) with the first attachment member (15) engaging the polar extremity (34) of the balloon (30) most remote from the balloon's inflation aperture (31) and the second attachment member (22) having its tubular portion (24) disposed within the constricted neck portion (
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Inventor: Craig J. Lovik
  • Patent number: 5024012
    Abstract: An expandable balloon wrapped media display system including: a transparent balloon; an accordion pleated paper-like sheet having formed thereon a message, picture, graphic display, graphic design, or combination thereof; a first attachment member fixedly secured to a first edge of the sheet; the sheet being folded up on itself at its midpoint so as to present the left and right halves of a second edge thereof in generally face-to-face relation; a second attachment member having a tubular portion and an axially extending flange fixedly secured to a second edge of the sheet; the folded accordion pleated sheet being inserted into a balloon with the first attachment member engaging the polar extremity of the balloon most remote from the balloon's inflation aperture and the second attachment member having its tubular portion disposed within the constricted neck portion of the balloon; first attachment means securing the first polar extremity of the balloon to the first attachment member; and, second attachment me
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Inventor: Craig J. Lovik
  • Patent number: 4989356
    Abstract: An amusement device for enabling a colorful display of one's allegiance to a particular team or entity includes a generally circular hoop member which is provided with a generally cylindrical handle portion, an air-extendable, flexible, fabric sleeve which is hollow throughout having a large opening at one end and a smaller opening at the opposite end and which is securely attached to the hoop member such that the larger opening remains in an open condition. The hoop member further includes a rotational joint which receives the generally cylindrical handle member and which is anchored in place by top and bottom retaining rings securely attached to the handle member, one on each side of the rotational joint of the hoop member. As a circular motion is imparted to the handle member, this motion results in a circular path of the hoop and fabric sleeve, and the interaction of air flow into the hollow sleeve through the hoop results in the hoop and sleeve rotating so as to always receive the incoming air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Inventor: Marvin Combs
  • Patent number: 4885858
    Abstract: An inflatable plastic structure simulating a beverage can or bottle with a capped end. The upper end of the structure is provided with an annular lip projecting vertically from the peripheral edge thereof. The lip is adapted to be folded down over the end of the structure, and may be provided with a tubular ring inflatable separately from the structure to resemble the rim of a beverage can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Assignee: Strom International, Ltd.
    Inventor: David H. Strom
  • Patent number: 4597633
    Abstract: An image reception system is provided with an inflatable viewing surface. A video projection system is arranged within the volume defining the viewing surface to form images on interior concave surfaces. The projected image is viewed on the outside convex surface. The concave image reception surfaces permit large area projection surfaces with a projection system having a short focal length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1986
    Inventor: Charles H. Fussell
  • Patent number: 4447974
    Abstract: Means and method are provided for creating giant simulated soft drink bottles, with distinctive shapes more particularly the type having generally longitudinally extended ribs which serve as trade dress. The construction utilizes a series of side panels which are laid out and sewn edge to edge, subsequent to which chalk lines are marked onto the side panels, indicating where the furrows between the longitudinal ribs are to go, and gussets are sewn along each chalk line and centrally restrained with a strap or the like which runs longitudinally of the bottle, so that when the top and bottom portions are installed and the unit is inflated, the trade dress ribs and furrows are well defined in the outer surface of the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1984
    Inventors: Robert K. Vicino, Dale L. Cooper, Lauren M. Pembleton, Constance C. Allen
  • Patent number: 4236333
    Abstract: A sign structure which may be supported from aircraft, and especially helicopters. The structure is comprised of three distinct sections which may be compactly transported and then easily assembled and connected around the landing gear on the underside of the aircraft. The structure provides an aerodynamically stable frame which may be supported in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of a helicopter. Novel electrically controlled light assemblies are attached in a rectangular matrix on the structure for displaying a desired illuminated message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1980
    Inventors: Richard C. Kohm, C. Thomas Foster