Patents by Inventor Robert H. Shelton

Robert H. Shelton has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240116621
    Abstract: A lighter-than-air airship has an exoskeleton constructed of spokes and hubs to create a set of connected hexagrams comprised of isosceles triangles wherein the spokes flex and vary in length to produce the slope of said airship's surface. In one embodiment, the exoskeleton connects to a nose cone that includes a cockpit cabin for controlling the airship's operation from a single location that can be physically separated from the exoskeleton in response to catastrophic events and for autonomous and/or remotely piloted operation. An improved means is also provided for landing and unloading cargo, and through use of unmanned aerial vehicles in another embodiment, the airship is configured for remote pickup, transport, delivery and return of payloads such as packages. In yet another embodiment, the airship provides a communications platform for beam form transmission and satellite signal relay, including in combination with the foregoing disclosed attributes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2023
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Applicant: H2 Clipper, Inc.
    Inventors: Rinaldo S. Brutoco, Robert H. Shelton, Shawn Merritt
  • Publication number: 20240021852
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus are disclosed for enabling the efficient utilization of hydrogen as an emissions-free fuel for airships and other aircraft, including in one embodiment for transporting cryogenic hydrogen as the airship's payload. A system, method and apparatus are disclosed to provide substantially higher net energy density for the propulsion system, optimizing the weight of the cryogenic tanks, utilizing boiloff directly or indirectly for propulsion power, and employing a novel thermal management system both to cool the fuel cells and help regulate the conversion of liquid hydrogen into gas. A system, method and apparatus are also disclosed for ground-based facilities including strategically located depots, optionally supplied by such hydrogen transport vehicles, and utilizing a novel thermal compression system to store, pressurize and distribute hydrogen, including but not limited to gaseous hydrogen pipelines, transport trailers, and dispensing systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2022
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Applicant: H2 Clipper, Inc.
    Inventors: Rinaldo S. Brutoco, Robert H. Shelton, Matthew Knapp, Bob Boyd
  • Patent number: 11851214
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus are proposed to assist in assembling the frame, attaching the skin, and performing other tasks in manufacturing an airship and constructing other structures that are otherwise challenging, inefficient, or unsuitable for humans to perform, and/or that traditionally require significant investments in capital intensive manufacturing facilities. Several embodiments are proposed in which these and other recurring manufacturing tasks can be performed safely and efficiently with the assistance of autonomous, semi-autonomous, and/or human-directed robots, acting independently and in robot swarms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: H2 Clipper, Inc.
    Inventors: Rinaldo S. Brutoco, Robert H. Shelton, Michael R. Everman
  • Patent number: 11820482
    Abstract: A lighter-than-air airship has an exoskeleton constructed of spokes and hubs to create a set of connected hexagrams comprised of isosceles triangles wherein the spokes flex and vary in length to produce the slope of said airship's surface. In one embodiment, the exoskeleton connects to a nose cone that includes a cockpit cabin for controlling the airship's operation from a single location that can be physically separated from the exoskeleton in response to catastrophic events and for autonomous and/or remotely piloted operation. An improved means is also provided for landing and unloading cargo, and through use of unmanned aerial vehicles in another embodiment, the airship is configured for remote pickup, transport, delivery and return of payloads such as packages. In yet another embodiment, the airship provides a communications platform for beam form transmission and satellite signal relay, including in combination with the foregoing disclosed attributes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: H2 Clipper, Inc.
    Inventors: Rinaldo S. Brutoco, Robert H. Shelton, Shawn Merritt
  • Publication number: 20230272883
    Abstract: A system and method for transporting and distributing hydrogen, reducing the risk of hydrogen leakage, maintaining a record of provenance, and measuring and recording its purity level as it flows from source to destination to assure it complies with a predetermined range of values. The system includes a hydrogen delivery line made from metallic or non-metallic pipe that may be placed inside a safety pipe such that a channel is formed between an exterior of the hydrogen delivery line and an interior of the safety pipe. A sweeper gas or liquid may be injected into the channel to purge any hydrogen that might escape from the hydrogen delivery line, and one or more sensors may be used to detect and avoid the presence of an unacceptable level of hydrogen, or to stop the flow of hydrogen and remediate the problem well before a safety or environmental risk can occur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2023
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Applicant: H2 Clipper, Inc.
    Inventors: Rinaldo S. Brutoco, Robert H. Shelton
  • Publication number: 20230150693
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus are proposed to assist in assembling the frame, attaching the skin, and performing other tasks in manufacturing an airship and constructing other structures that are otherwise challenging, inefficient, or unsuitable for humans to perform, and/or that traditionally require significant investments in capital intensive manufacturing facilities. Several embodiments are proposed in which these and other recurring manufacturing tasks can be performed safely and efficiently with the assistance of autonomous, semi-autonomous, and/or human-directed robots, acting independently and in robot swarms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2022
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Applicant: H2 Clipper, Inc.
    Inventors: Rinaldo S. Brutoco, Robert H. Shelton, Michael R. Everman
  • Publication number: 20230112682
    Abstract: A lighter-than-air airship has an exoskeleton constructed of spokes and hubs to create a set of connected hexagrams comprised of isosceles triangles wherein the spokes flex and vary in length to produce the slope of said airship's surface. In one embodiment, the exoskeleton connects to a nose cone that includes a cockpit cabin for controlling the airship's operation from a single location that can be physically separated from the exoskeleton in response to catastrophic events and for autonomous and/or remotely piloted operation. An improved means is also provided for landing and unloading cargo, and through use of unmanned aerial vehicles in another embodiment, the airship is configured for remote pickup, transport, delivery and return of payloads such as packages. In yet another embodiment, the airship provides a communications platform for beam form transmission and satellite signal relay, including in combination with the foregoing disclosed attributes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2022
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Applicant: H2 Clipper, Inc.
    Inventors: Rinaldo S. Brutoco, Robert H. Shelton, Shawn Merritt
  • Publication number: 20220307652
    Abstract: A system uses existing pipelines, e.g., natural gas, oil, etc., to transport hydrogen to one or more distribution points. The disclosed hydrogen distribution system enables use of water, sewer, storm drain and other existing pipelines for local distribution. Hydrogen is produced from an energy source at a producing location. A safety pipe is located inside an existing pipeline configured to carry a first product and a hydrogen delivery line, configured to carry hydrogen, is placed inside the safety pipe such that a channel is formed between an exterior of the hydrogen delivery line and an interior of the safety pipe. Hydrogen is injected into the hydrogen delivery line and a sweeper gas is injected into the channel to purge any hydrogen that might be leaking from the hydrogen delivery line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2022
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Applicant: H2 Clipper, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Ewan, Robert H. Shelton, Rinaldo S. Brutoco
  • Patent number: 11441737
    Abstract: A system uses existing pipelines, e.g., natural gas, oil, etc., to transport hydrogen to one or more distribution points. The disclosed hydrogen distribution system enables use of water, sewer, storm drain and other existing pipelines for local distribution. Hydrogen is produced from an energy source at a producing location. A safety pipe is located inside an existing pipeline configured to carry a first product and a hydrogen delivery line, configured to carry hydrogen, is placed inside the safety pipe such that a channel is formed between an exterior of the hydrogen delivery line and an interior of the safety pipe. Hydrogen is injected into the hydrogen delivery line and a sweeper gas is injected into the channel to purge any hydrogen that might be leaking from the hydrogen delivery line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: H2 Clipper, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Ewan, Robert H. Shelton, Rinaldo S. Brutoco
  • Patent number: 11396356
    Abstract: A lighter-than-air airship has an exoskeleton constructed of spokes and hubs to create a set of connected hexagrams comprised of isosceles triangles wherein the spokes flex and vary in length to produce the slope of said airship's surface. In one embodiment, the exoskeleton connects to a nose cone that includes a cockpit cabin for controlling the airship's operation from a single location that can be physically separated from the exoskeleton in response to catastrophic events and for autonomous and/or remotely piloted operation. An improved means is also provided for landing and unloading cargo, and through use of unmanned aerial vehicles in another embodiment, the airship is configured for remote pickup, transport, delivery and return of payloads such as packages. In yet another embodiment, the airship provides a communications platform for beam form transmission and satellite signal relay, including in combination with the foregoing disclosed attributes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: H2 Clipper, Inc.
    Inventors: Rinaldo S. Brutoco, Robert H. Shelton, Shawn Merritt
  • Publication number: 20220146048
    Abstract: A system uses existing pipelines, e.g., natural gas, oil, etc., to transport hydrogen to one or more distribution points. The disclosed hydrogen distribution system enables use of water, sewer, storm drain and other existing pipelines for local distribution. Hydrogen is produced from an energy source at a producing location. A safety pipe is located inside an existing pipeline configured to carry a first product and a hydrogen delivery line, configured to carry hydrogen, is placed inside the safety pipe such that a channel is formed between an exterior of the hydrogen delivery line and an interior of the safety pipe. Hydrogen is injected into the hydrogen delivery line and a sweeper gas is injected into the channel to purge any hydrogen that might be leaking from the hydrogen delivery line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2021
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Applicant: H2 Clipper, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Ewan, Robert H. Shelton, Rinaldo S. Brutoco
  • Publication number: 20220063790
    Abstract: A lighter-than-air airship has an exoskeleton constructed of spokes and hubs to create a set of connected hexagrams comprised of isosceles triangles wherein the spokes flex and vary in length to produce the slope of said airship's surface. In one embodiment, the exoskeleton connects to a nose cone that includes a cockpit cabin for controlling the airship's operation from a single location that can be physically separated from the exoskeleton in response to catastrophic events and for autonomous and/or remotely piloted operation. An improved means is also provided for landing and unloading cargo, and through use of unmanned aerial vehicles in another embodiment, the airship is configured for remote pickup, transport, delivery and return of payloads such as packages. In yet another embodiment, the airship provides a communications platform for beam form transmission and satellite signal relay, including in combination with the foregoing disclosed attributes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Applicant: H2 Clipper, Inc.
    Inventors: Rinaldo S. Brutoco, Robert H. Shelton, Shawn Merritt
  • Patent number: 11236864
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus to transport and distribute hydrogen, store energy at scale, and interconnect locations where large quantities of “green” hydrogen can be produced most advantageously, with cities, towns and rural communities where hydrogen is needed as a clean transportation fuel, industrial feedstock, power source, and for long-term storage of electrical power. A hydrogen distribution pipeline enables use of natural gas, oil and other existing pipelines to transport hydrogen to one or more distribution points; and in one embodiment, integrates a lighter-than-air airship to transport hydrogen between locations where pipelines don't exist or are impractical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: H2 Clipper, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Ewan, Robert H. Shelton, Rinaldo S. Brutoco
  • Patent number: 11066145
    Abstract: A lighter-than-air airship has an exoskeleton constructed of spokes and hubs to create a set of connected hexagrams comprised of isosceles triangles wherein the spokes flex and vary in length to produce the slope of said airship's surface. In one embodiment, the exoskeleton connects to a nose cone that includes a cockpit cabin for controlling the airship's operation from a single location that can be physically separated from the exoskeleton in response to catastrophic events and for autonomous and/or remotely piloted operation. An improved means is also provided for landing and unloading cargo, and through use of unmanned aerial vehicles in another embodiment, the airship is configured for remote pickup, transport, delivery and return of payloads such as packages. In yet another embodiment, the airship provides a communications platform for beam form transmission and satellite signal relay, including in combination with the foregoing disclosed attributes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: H2 Clipper, Inc.
    Inventors: Rinaldo S. Brutoco, Robert H. Shelton, Shawn Merritt
  • Publication number: 20150331999
    Abstract: An internet and/or intranet based system and method for limiting access to confidential records to properly authorized and authenticated parties. The system's central premise is that the person to whom such records pertain should control access rights through specific, informed consent. It reinforces the widely held conception of privacy in general, while also providing an expedited and cost efficient means to find and transfer confidential records. It also gives the repositories where these records are held the right to stipulate the specific terms and conditions that must be fulfilled before they will release documents. And it carries out all of these legitimate interests in a way that is fast, simple to use and easy to audit. The system optionally includes a billing mechanism to pay for any added cost associated with providing this additional protection; and in its preferred embodiment, is applicable to both digital as well as non-digital records.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Inventor: Robert H. Shelton
  • Patent number: 9047487
    Abstract: An internet and/or intranet based system and method for limiting access to confidential records to properly authorized and authenticated parties. The system's central premise is that the person to whom such records pertain should control access rights through specific, informed consent. It reinforces the widely held conception of privacy in general, while also providing an expedited and cost efficient means to find and transfer confidential records. It also gives the repositories where these records are held the right to stipulate the specific terms and conditions that must be fulfilled before they will release documents. And it carries out all of these legitimate interests in a way that is fast, simple to use and easy to audit. The system optionally includes a billing mechanism to pay for any added cost associated with providing this additional protection; and in its preferred embodiment, is applicable to both digital as well as non-digital records.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Inventor: Robert H. Shelton
  • Publication number: 20130061336
    Abstract: An internet and/or intranet based system and method for limiting access to confidential records to properly authorized and authenticated parties. The system's central premise is that the person to whom such records pertain should control access rights through specific, informed consent. It reinforces the widely held conception of privacy in general, while also providing an expedited and cost efficient means to find and transfer confidential records. It also gives the repositories where these records are held the right to stipulate the specific terms and conditions that must be fulfilled before they will release documents. And it carries out all of these legitimate interests in a way that is fast, simple to use and easy to audit. The system optionally includes a billing mechanism to pay for any added cost associated with providing this additional protection; and in its preferred embodiment, is applicable to both digital as well as non-digital records.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Robert H. Shelton
  • Publication number: 20100138902
    Abstract: An internet and/or intranet based database search system and method for conducting searches of highly confidential records such as individual patient medical records and to automate the process of securing required approvals to make such records available to a properly authorized and authenticated requesting party. The system's central premise is that the patient has a fundamental right to the confidentiality of their personal medical records and should control that right through specific, informed consent each time that a party requests to receive them. It reinforces the widely held conception of privacy in general as well as of the sanctity of the doctor/patient relationship by granting the doctor the right, subject to the patient's express permission, to initiate a search request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Robert H. Shelton
  • Patent number: 7664753
    Abstract: An internet and/or intranet based database search system and method for conducting searches of highly confidential records such as individual patient medical records and to automate the process of securing required approvals to make such records available to a properly authorized and authenticated requesting party. The system's central premise is that the patient has a fundamental right to the confidentiality of their personal medical records and should control that right through specific, informed consent each time that a party requests to receive them. It reinforces the widely held conception of privacy in general as well as of the sanctity of the doctor/patient relationship by granting the doctor the right, subject to the patient's express permission, to initiate a search request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Private Access, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert H. Shelton
  • Publication number: 20080215368
    Abstract: An internet and/or intranet based database search system and method for conducting searches of highly confidential records such as individual patient medical records and to automate the process of securing required approvals to make such records available to a properly authorized and authenticated requesting party. The system's central premise is that the patient has a fundamental right to the confidentiality of their personal medical records and should control that right through specific, informed consent each time that a party requests to receive them. It reinforces the widely held conception of privacy in general as well as of the sanctity of the doctor/patient relationship by granting the doctor the right, subject to the patient's express permission, to initiate a search request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Robert H. Shelton