Abstract: A method and system for geophysical surveying. A non-rigid airship having a self-supporting gas envelope and propulsion units coupled to the gas envelope, the propulsion units being configured to control the steering and altitude of the airship without the aid of a rudder or elevators, is provided with geophysical survey equipment, and geophysical data is collected while flying the airship. Also a method for geophysical surveying that includes providing a first airship with a first set of geophysical survey equipment, providing a second airship with a second set of geophysical survey equipment that is complimentary to the first set, and conducting an airborne geophysical survey by flying the first airship and the second airship along a designated flight path within a predetermined range of each other.

Abstract: The lighter-than-air vehicle for shading is an airborne, movable system that provides sun shade for an open area. The vehicle is a substantially flat flying device having upper and lower surfaces, and which is filled with a lighter-than-air gas or gases, such as helium or hydrogen. The vehicle may be tethered to the ground through control wires, or may be fully autonomous and controlled by propeller fans. The required power may be provided by wire from ground, or through a portable power source, such as solar cells, mounted atop of vehicle. The vehicle has sun sensors that allow it to track the sun, and provides around the clock shaded area underneath its surface. The vehicle can also have pressure sensors and altitude sensors that may trigger an alarm in case of an emergency descent to the ground.

Abstract: A power generation system for an airship includes a solar array and an Earth array for converting solar radiation and albedo radiation, respectively, into electrical energy. The airship also carries a power distribution controller to receive the electrical energy for transfer to a power storage device and/or electrical components carried by the airship. The airship may also receive a man-made radiation source purposefully directed at the Earth array.

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 system for generating power from sunlight collected substantially above the earth's surface comprises an airborne platform which supports solar power generation system to collect sunlight, convert the sunlight to electricity, and to transmit the electricity to a selected location on the earth's surface. The solar power generation system is coupled to the airborne platform by a support which can be manipulated by a control system to move the solar power generation system away from a shadow that might be cast by the airborne platform.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for generating power from sunlight collected substantially above the earth's surface, comprised of an airborne platform which supports an apparatus to collect sunlight, an apparatus to convert sunlight to electricity, and an apparatus to transmit the electricity to a selected location on the earth's surface. The invention collects solar energy above the clouds and transmits the energy to a receiving station on the ground via a cable, thereby avoiding the attenuating effects of clouds and pollution, resulting in an improved solar power generation system.

Abstract: Systems, method, devices and apparatus are provided for reducing drag and increasing the flight efficiency characteristics of aircraft and airships including hybrid aircraft utilizing distributed boundary layer control and propulsion means. Boundary layer control includes passive systems such as riblet films and boundary layer propulsion means includes a divided and distributed propulsion system disposed in the curved aft sections of aircraft and airships including hybrid aircraft susceptible to boundary layer drag due to degree of curvatures, speed and density of the surrounding air. Distributed propulsion propulsion means includes constructing propellers and riblets from shape memory alloys, piezoelectric materials and electroactive polymer (EAP) materials to change the shape and length of the distributed propulsion means.

Abstract: A high-altitude long-endurance airship with a top surface that is highly emissive of infrared radiation and a bottom surface that is highly absorptive of infrared radiation. Movable displacer blankets inside the airship separate the upper and lower portions of the airship. Lifting gas in the airship is warmed by radiation from the earth when the displacer blankets are in their upper position. Lifting gas is cooled by radiation to space when the displacer blankets are in their lower position. The whole airship is a heat engine. By expanding the volume of lifting gas when it is relatively warm and compressing the lifting gas when it is relatively cold, net power output can be recovered in the form of electric power. The overall configuration of the preferred airship is a variable-thickness flying wing. If the whole airship is alternately expanded and compressed, imbalance between its weight and buoyancy allow gliding 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: A power-generating laminate for an airship comprises a base fabric layer, a barrier layer disposed upon the fabric layer, an inner metal film layer disposed upon the barrier layer, a piezoelectric/pyroelectric layer disposed upon the inner metal layer, an outer metal layer disposed upon the piezoelectric/pyroelectric layer, and a cover layer disposed upon the outer metal layer. The power-generating laminate forms a gas-impervious envelope to maintain lifting gas and air therein, and is configured such that when the envelope is subjected to structural strain or experiences changes in temperature, power is generated, which is used to supply power to the various electrical systems aboard the airship.

Abstract: A lighter than air blimp which has either an aerodynamically shaped or a round envelope of flexible sheet material, and a plurality of stabilizing fins mounted in a circumferentially spaced apart arrangement about the tail end portion of the envelope. The tail fins are collapsible, to faciliate storage and transport to the point of use, and to also facilitate the rapid assembly and deployment of the blimp at the point of use, particularly under windy conditions. The tail fins are attached while the envelope is deflated and with the fins in a collapsed position, and after the envelope is inflated, the fins can be moved to snap upwardly to an operative position.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of buoyant aircraft and operation thereof, in particular, airships with improved stability. The present invention is directed to non-rigid, non-spherical airships having an envelop contained within the airship and at least one further envelop contained therein for holding a volume of lifting gas.

Abstract: The MULTIBODY AIRCRANE performs relative positioning, predictive control, and ballast control to achieve very heavy-lifting tasks on land or sea. Such tasks allow station keeping and precise transfer of very heavy payloads between ships underway. This scalable multibody system features three subcomponents: AIRSHIP, SKYCRANE and LOADFRAME. This semi-autonomous system combines aerodynamic (kinetic) and aerostatic (buoyancy force) lift with efficient power and propulsion. During low-speed flight, the Airship and Skycrane are decoupled but linked via a reelable Tether Control Line. Beneath the Skycrane, centered on its hull, a patented NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) RoboCrane (featuring a computer controlled six degrees of freedom (DoF) cabling system,) is attached, to precisely suspend and control a Loadframe, with or without payload. During subsonic forward flight, these Airship and Skycrane are coupled as a single airframe (fuselage and delta wing.

Abstract: The invention is an aircraft having an inflatable wing connected to a base unit, with the inflatable wing inflated with a lifting gas such as helium. The inflatable wing has a series of cell structures, and may be configured with ballonets to selectively introduce and expel outside air within the inflatable wing to vary the buoyancy and/or airfoil properties of the inflatable wing. The aircraft is particularly useful at low speeds and in thin atmospheres (such as at high Earth altitudes and on Mars), and can be used for interplanetary missions to explore planetary bodies, such as moons and planets, having atmospheres.

Abstract: This invention relates to an aerial transporter comprising rigid cell structures which are covered with light materials as a skin, composed of modules. The invention aerial transporter represents some type of airship without a tail unit as well as an approximate balloon construction comprising a rigid structure and an independent drive unit. Said aerial transporter can transport loads in the range of about 20 t and more over short to medium distances using lighter-than-air technology while meeting air traffic regulations. Furthermore, the disclosed aerial transporter can be used as an air crane in the tied state.

Abstract: A new High Altitude Airship (HAA) capable of various extended applications and mission scenarios utilizing inventive onboard energy harvesting and power distribution systems. The power technology comprises an advanced thermoelectric (ATE) thermal energy conversion system. The high efficiency of multiple stages of ATE materials in a tandem mode, each suited for best performance within a particular temperature range, permits the ATE system to generate a high quantity of harvested energy for the extended mission scenarios. When the figure of merit 5 is considered, the cascaded efficiency of the three-stage ATE system approaches an efficiency greater than 60 percent.

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: An airship with a lifting gas cell system comprises an airship that contains a plurality of partitions and a plurality of diaphragms, wherein the partitions and diaphragms are configured to form a number of gas cells that contain a lifting gas such as helium, and a single air cell that contains air. As a result, during the ascent and descent of the airship the number of gas cells ensures that the lifting gas is uniformly distributed over the entire length of the airship, whereas the air cell allows a large amount of air to be retained during a descent.

Abstract: An airship including a hull having a lenticular shape and a fairing attached to the hull to act as a stall strip and reduce the lift generated by the hull. The hull is symmetrical along a central horizontal plane and the fairing may be positioned along the central horizontal plane. The fairing may have a triangular shape, a semi-circular shape or any other shape capable of disrupting the flow of air over the hull.

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: A lighter-than-air aircraft includes a gas envelope for containing a buoyant gas, and a solar panel is carried by a predetermined portion of the gas envelope. A solar sensor is used for determining a direction of the sun. A propulsion system carried by the gas envelope orients the gas envelope so that the solar panel is oriented in the direction of the sun based upon the solar sensor. A navigation controller cooperates with the propulsion system to move the lighter-than-air aircraft along a desired flight path while the solar panel is oriented in the direction of the sun.

Abstract: A propulsion assembly for attachment to the enclosing material of an airship which includes a base which is positioned proximate to the enclosing material. An extension member having opposed ends projects away from the base and includes opposed ends. A motor assembly is attached to the end of the extension member opposed to the base. A mounting assembly is attached to the enclosing material and a plurality of pre-tensioned guy cables connect the mounting assembly to the extension member.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for the generation of energy. The method system and apparatus can include one or more airships that collect solar energy and convert it into electricity. An array of airships may be used so as to increase the collection rates of solar energy. The array of airships may include an airship that receives and stores electricity from the other airships in the array. Additionally, the solar energy may be transmitted to a terrestrial collection and distribution station.

Abstract: A power transmission and imaging system for an airship comprises a transmission antenna array configured to transmit an energy beam to a patch rectenna carried by the airship. Coupled to the patch rectenna is a power distribution and control network that supplies rectified power delivered by the energy beam into the proper format for delivery to a power storage system and a motor control system. The power storage system comprises one or more batteries to store the transmitted energy, while the motor control system powers various propellers, blowers, and valves maintained by the airship in order to descend the airship to the ground. The rectenna may also function as an imaging system in real-time. The image processing system uses the patch rectenna to transmit and receive signals, and in turn store and process the return signals (images).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for a continuous replenishing of the lift gas and maintaining the proper pressure and lift of a tethered medium altitude aerostat utilizing a novel feed tube running the entire length of the tether. A first end of the feed tube is connected to the aerostat while a second end is connected through a novel slip ring means to a pressure controlled helium ballast chamber and scrubber on the ground to maintain pressure and lift by a reversible compressing pump. A plurality of pressure and temperature sensors and tension gauges strategically placed inside and around the airship continuously monitor the temperature and pressure changes in the aerostat. A data retrieval and communication unit mounted on the aerostat collects measurement data from the pressure, temperature and tension sensors which is relayed to the ground station and the data is used to regulate lifting gas pressure inside the aerostat.

Abstract: The high-altitude balloon has a skin made of nearly evacuated electrostatically inflated cells which provide thermal insulation to minimize heat loss from the gas in the balloon, while transmitting heat from the sun to heat the gas. The lower surface of the balloon is reflective to microwave or laser beams. A stable array of the balloons is maintained at a high altitude and is used to facilitate communications in a world-wide communications system. Ascent of the balloon is well controlled and weight is minimized by starting with lighter-than-air gases in liquid form, releasing a lifting gas into the craft, and then using the empty containers to store the remaining gas when the balloon is aloft.

Abstract: A process for conducting port operations with a cargo-lifting airship that enables inspection of cargo lifted from a cargo ship while the cargo-lifting airship is in route to a destination. If the cargo fails inspection, the cargo may be delivered to quarantine. If the cargo passes inspection, it may be delivered to its destination. The same embodiment may be used to load a container cargo ship with freshly inspected cargo containers and their cargo. Alternate embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A modular airship system capable of assembling and disassembling two or more modular airships while in flight. The assembled modular airships providing improved lift and loft characteristics, while the disassembled modular airships provide for improved ground handling, storage, and transport. The modular airship comprises a coupling device to couple two or more modular airships together while in flight. The coupling device may include an electromagnetic attachment, a shaft and socket, Velcro, a latch, a draw cord, or a combination thereof. The modular airship may also have a propulsion system and the capability to carry a payload. The modular airship further comprises an electrical communication system which allows the two or more modular airships, when coupled together, to permit navigation, monitoring, and/or power systems to be shared and/or synchronized.

Abstract: An airship may include a hull substantially shaped as an oblate spheroid, one or more frame members defining a support structure, wherein the support structure forms at least a partial support for the hull, at least one horizontal stabilizing member operably coupled to a lower surface of the airship, and at least one horizontal stabilizing member having a first end and a second end. The at least one horizontal stabilizing member may define an anhedral configuration. The airship may also include a vertical stabilizing member having a first end pivotally coupled to the airship and a second end oriented to remain below an upper surface of the airship. The vertical stabilizing member may be configured to pivot within a vertical plane, and the first end of the vertical stabilizing member and the first end of the at least one horizontal stabilizing member may be operably coupled to one another.

Abstract: A lighter than air blimp which has either an aerodynamically shaped or a round envelope of flexible sheet material, and a plurality of stabilizing fins mounted in a circumferentially spaced apart arrangement about the tail end portion of the envelope. The tail fins are collapsible, to faciliate storage and transport to the point of use, and to also facilitate the rapid assembly and deployment of the blimp at the point of use, particularly under windy conditions. The tail fins are attached while the envelope is deflated and with the fins in a collapsed position, and after the envelope is inflated, the fins can be moved to snap upwardly to an operative position.

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: 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: The Soaring Wind Turbine is an alternative in electrical power production for all sizes of wind turbines. The wind turbine is lifted by two (2) lighter-than-air craft known as dirigibles. These dirigibles contain helium and can climb to one-thousand (1000) feet above ground level. With the capability to increase altitude the best winds can be found at any geographical location. The wind turbine stays aloft generating continuous power and through a tether cable it can be pulled downward in a storm or let out to acquire faster wind speeds above. Lighter-than-air craft carrying wind turbines to altitudes where wind speeds offer full-time electrical power production, can solve temporary or permanent power needs any where in the world.

Abstract: A laminate material for lighter-than-air vehicles includes a liquid crystal polymer fiber layer, a polyimide layer secured to the liquid crystal polymer fiber layer; and a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) layer secured to the polyimide layer. The layers are secured to one another with a polyurethane adhesive. Adjacent laminates may be secured to one another by a PVDF cover tape on the exterior surfaces and a structural tape on the interior surfaces. The structural tape includes a liquid crystal polymer fiber layer and a polyimide layer to ensure the integrity of the vehicle. An alternative material may include a liquid crystal polymer fiber layer and a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) layer disposed on both sides of the liquid crystal polymer fiber layer.

Abstract: A highly maneuverable aircraft with aerostatic lift consists, in particular, of a non-rigid airship (10) which can be piloted or radio-controlled; the airship (10) is sustained by helium and consists of two spindle-shaped elements side by side (11) joined by a connecting structure (12) to form a characteristic catamaran shape, without deflecting aerodynamic control surfaces as the command system consists of a set of several adjustable electric motors, each driving a variable-pitch propeller (13).

Abstract: A miniature surveillance balloon system is described that can be used in military and public safety situations for real-time observations. They are as small as feasibly possible, low-cost and expendable, and typically are deployed in clusters. Balloons may act individually or alternately clusters may act robotically (in unison) without command input at times. Video surveillance information is preprocessed and then sent via wireless communications links. Batteries and/or gas cylinders may be selectively jettisoned to facilitate vertical movement. Balloons may optionally have thruster mechanisms to facilitate lateral movement which may in some embodiments be powered by a source of combustible gas which is also used for providing lift.

Abstract: A highly maneuverable powered airship is disclosed. The powered airship may include an exterior shell having a front portion, a rear portion and a main axis; the exterior shell may be configured with an aspect ratio greater than or equal to 9:1. The powered airship may further include a motor powered by an energy source, the motor mounted to the rear portion of the exterior shell and configured for selectively providing thrust parallel to the main axis and in any direction up to 90° relative to the main axis. A solar-assisted, electrically powered airship and propeller assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for internally supporting a flexible envelope such as an airship is described, comprising a truss structure and supporting struts attached to a central support member. The internal structure may be foldable so as to allow the envelope to be collapsed when not in use.

Abstract: A lighter than air blimp which has either an aerodynamically shaped or a round envelope of flexible sheet material, and a plurality of stabilizing fins mounted in a circumferentially spaced apart arrangement about the tail end portion of the envelope. The tail fins are collapsible, to faciliate storage and transport to the point of use, and to also facilitate the rapid assembly and deployment of the blimp at the point of use, particularly under windy conditions. Also, the configuration of the fins may be adjusted during flight by a control system which permits adjustment of the orientation of the blimp with respect to the wind direction.

Abstract: A tether system for use in a balloon ride having a balloon envelope and a gondola includes a tether connected to the balloon ride to prevent free flight. The system includes structure for offsetting the gondola from the tether so as to enable use of a smaller, lighter, less costly gondola and better minimize gondola tilt. In one embodiment, the structure has first, second and third connection points, wherein the balloon envelope is pivotally connected to the first connection point, the gondola is pivotally connected to the second connection point, and the tether is pivotally connected to the third connection point. In another embodiment, the tether system includes a load ring attached to the gondola and a plurality of envelope lines extending between the envelope and the load ring. The tether is connected so as to be offset from the gondola.

Abstract: A solar-powered aircraft uses solar energy to electrolyze on-board water to produce hydrogen. The hydrogen fills various on-board tanks, causing the aircraft to become lighter than air. The hydrogen is also used to operate a fuel cell which provides power for electrical equipment, including a motor for turning a propeller. Water produced as waste by the fuel cell is recycled for use in the production of hydrogen. When hydrogen is removed from the tanks, either because it is consumed by the fuel cell or because it is compressed and pumped out of the tanks, air returns to the tanks, and the aircraft becomes heavier than air. The aircraft can thus be made to climb and descend by making it lighter than air, or heavier than air. The aircraft emits no harmful substances into the environment. The aircraft can remain aloft indefinitely, limited only by an insignificant amount of leakage of hydrogen and water.

Abstract: A system and method for docking an airship to a mooring mast includes a thruster that is mounted to the fore end of the airship. When activated, the thruster generates a thrust vector that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the airship and is selectively directional. In particular, the configuration of the thruster can be changed to vary the direction of the thrust vector around the longitudinal axis to maneuver a connector on the thruster into contact with the mooring mast. Engagement of the connector to the mooring mast then docks the airship to the mooring mast.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solar-powered transformable airship, on which solar cell panels are installed all over to maximize the amount of solar energy collected. Moreover, the airship according to the present invention has a main body of variable volume, suitable for any altitude, ranging from the ground to 30 kilometers high, providing very good economic potential.

Abstract: A lighter-than-air aircraft includes a gas envelope for containing a buoyant gas, and a propulsion system is carried by the gas envelope. A solar panel is carried by the gas envelope for powering the propulsion system when generating sufficient power. A closed loop combustion generating system is also carried by the gas envelope for powering the propulsion system when the solar panel is not generating sufficient power. The fuel for the closed loop combustion generator is regenerated by the solar panel from its exhaust when the solar panel is generating sufficient power.

Abstract: The video airship is a lighter-than-air airship, preferably spherical, including a video display disposed with substantially all of the craft's outer surface, a nearly invisible computerized electric propulsion-control system, speakers, microphones, video cameras, communications systems, and extendible landing gear. A power generation system contained within the airship's interior supplies the energy for it's display, propulsion, flight control and other onboard devices.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention relate generally to systems for providing active vertical control of an airship. More particularly, at least one embodiment of the invention relates to a system for actively controlling the aerostatic lift of an airship by manipulating the ratio of air to lifting gas contained within the airship, and thus the overall mass of the airship. This manipulation is accomplished by actively compressing and/or decompressing the lifting gas or internal air, with the resulting pressure differential borne primarily by the hull and/or an internal pressure tank depending upon the configuration.

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 aerodynamic fairing system for an airship having a substantially spherical balloon portion includes an inflatable fairing that is attachable to the balloon portion, and a fairing actuation mechanism that selectively inflates and deploys the fairing after lift-off, and deflates and retracts the fairing before landing. The actuation mechanism includes an inflation/deflation mechanism and a deployment/retraction mechanism that cooperate to deploy and inflate the fairing, and to deflate and retract the fairing. The fairing includes a substantially conical, inflatable tail section tapering from a wide forward end to a narrow aft end, and a collapsible annular collar connecting the forward end of the tail section to the balloon portion. The inflation/deflation mechanism includes a fan system in the tail section, and the deployment/retraction mechanism includes a plurality of cables attached between the tail section and a plurality of winches mounted on the balloon portion.

Abstract: An airship (100) for conveyance through a fluid medium in a selected direction of travel. The airship includes a hull adapted to contain a lifting medium therein, wherein the hull (108) includes a first section having a width which varies along the selected direction of travel, the width increasing from a bow of the hull to a maximum width and decreasing from the maximum width to a tail section of the first section; and a second section coupled to the first section and having a width which varies along the selected direction of travel, the width increasing from a leading edge of the second section to a maximum width and decreasing from the maximum width to a stern of the hull.