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 collapsible airship batten assembly (20) is disclosed for airships (22). The assembly (20) is deployed upon inflation of the containment chamber, and is freely collapsible during the deflation process. The preferred embodiment includes the folding nose batten assembly (20), comprising a central deployment guide beam (50), a spoke hinge hub (56) rigidly affixed to the aft end of the central beam (50), a set of spokes (58), the first ends of which are adjustably connected to and emanating out from the spoke hinge hub (56), a nose spar hinge hub (46) slidably mounted on the central beam (50) for movement along the length of the beam (50), a set of nose spars (42), the first ends of which are attached to the exterior of the airship skin (36) and adjustably connected to the seconds ends of the spokes (58), and the second ends of the nose spars (42) translate inwardly to movably connect with the nose spar hinge hub (46).

Abstract: When this new and unique folding nose batten assembly is incorporated on the dirigible style of hot air airships so that they can easily be folded up and stored, it will mean that small airships will be no longer be held to operating out of airfields. They could take off from a small area with a mooring station having a storage building no bigger than a garage to keep the fabric out of the weather. Another convenience would include the unique ability of flying to and from the top of tall buildings. Many of these small airships could operate for a fraction of the cost of a single large gas filled airship. The advertising industry could use vast numbers of these air ships saving the cost of transporting large airships and crews to various locations. If there were no airships of this kind in the area it would be easy to have any number trucked in, still at a great savings.

Abstract: An aerial image projection system is provided for use on an airship, balloon, or other inflatable structure which obtains its lift from gas or hot air, and may be used for advertising or other video projection and display. A defined surface area of the envelope of the inflatable structure serves as the projection screen for receiving a video image effective for viewing from a location external to the inflatable structure. A projector apparatus is mounted to the exterior framework or envelope opposite the projection screen for projecting a video image through a window in the envelope and through the interior of the inflatable structure to the opposing projection screen. The projector apparatus utilizes a projector array for establishing the required illumination for viewing long distances.