Abstract: The present invention is a balloon system for transporting a load wherein an aerostat is movable, both horizontally and vertically, throughout a working area defined by the guy lines that anchor the aerostat. Such area can include multiple pickup and discharge points. The balloon system is especially useful for logging in inaccessible or rugged terrain and transporting heavy loads between widely separated pickup and discharge points with intervening obstructions rendering group transport difficult. Individual loads may be picked up at any point within the working area for movement to a discharge point for unloading, after which conventional load handling equipment may be used to handle the load. A plurality of at least three guy lines radiating downwardly from the aerostat anchors the balloon to individual and separately controllable ground-based guy line control and storage apparatus. Each control apparatus is controllable to extend or retract its respective guy line.

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

Abstract: A radio-controlled flying apparatus comprising an annular buoyant body and having an overall center of gravity below the center of buoyant force of the buoyant body. The annular buoyant body contains a gas of lighter weight than air. A main body is supported by the annular buoyant body by means of a dual-axis gimbal. The main body is provided with a pair of propellers which are rotatably supported by the main body and are driven by variable-speed motors into rotation in opposite directions. The main body is further provided with a rocking mechanism for causing said main body to rock about the dual-axis gimbal. An electric circuit resides in the main body for receiving a radio wave from an external transmitter to control the rocking mechanism and variable-speed motors. The electric components in the electric circuit are supplied their power from a battery carried on the main body.

Abstract: A fire-resistant foam having hydrogen-filled cells for use in airship/balloon envelopes.

Abstract: A weapon system including a primary weapon arranged to be guided to a target, and further comprising at least one secondary weapon forming a unit with the primary weapon, but being releasable from the primary weapon on the approach to a target, the secondary weapon or weapons being controllable, on release, to ensure target destruction should the primary weapon not succeed in target destruction.

Abstract: An air bag device for use with a motor vehicle has an inflatable bag on the inner surface of which is provided a thin film-like layer of gas generating agent. At least one igniter is mounted in a part of the thin gas generating agent layer. When the vehicle encounters a collision, the gas generating agent is ignited by the igniter to generate gas. The gas fills up and thereby inflates the bag to restrain an occupant of the vehicle.

Abstract: A rescue balloon for rescuing individuals from high places such as towers and building includes an enclosed envelope for holding heated air under substantially greater than atmospheric pressure with a burner contained within the enclosed envelope for burning a combustible gas to generate sufficient heated air under pressure in the envelope to provide lift to the balloon. A rescue compartment is carried by the envelope for accommodating rescued individuals and a tether is provided for guiding the balloon as necessary to effect rescues. The balloon includes a porous blast shield positioned within the envelope to prevent direct contact between the envelope and the flame of the burner. The blast shield comprises an upright cylinder supported and secured in fixed relation within the envelope by a plurality of catenaries attached to the blast shield and to the inner walls of the envelope around its perimeter. The burn super-pressurizes the heated air within the envelope.

Abstract: An artificial inflated flower composed of individual inflated petals and/or petal assemblies. Selected portions of the petals and petal assemblies are sealed together along heat-fused seams to impart a generally flattened shape to each petal and assembly.

Abstract: Balloon decorative devices (10,26) consisting of a light-weight plate-like support element (14), a plurality of flexible ribbon-like streamers (15a-15f) fixedly secured at spaced peripheral points about the support element (14) by means of adhesive and/or staples (21), a light-weight stiffener (22) fixedly secured to the free outboard ends of each of the streamers (15e-15f) by means of adhesive and/or staples (21), a plurality of helium-inflated balloons (12a-12f) separably attached to the stiffeners (22) on the free ends of respective different ones of the streamers (15a-15f) so as to form a hanging basket (26) for one or more stuffed animals (28) or similar novelty items, and a central helium-inflated balloon (11) separably attachable to the support element (14) at about the midpoint thereof so as to convert the hanging basket (26) to a balloon simulation of a chandelier (10).

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in hot air balloons and the like. An insulation of carbonaceous fibers is provided on the interior of the balloon's envelope and/or the skirt, nozzle or scoop which is light weight and provides flame and scortch protection.

Abstract: A high velocity aerodynamic projectile having a central body with a forward nd, a rearward end and a longitudinal axis, the forward end of the body has a pedestal coaxially extending outward from the body. The projectile has aft stabilizing fins or a flare rigidly affixed at its rearward end and a forward stablizing means pivotably attached to the pedestal of the central body. The forward stabilizing means consists of a self-aligning projectile nose having its rearward end separated from the forward end of the projectile's central body so as to allow the self-aligning projectile nose to pivot and align with the oncoming air stream.

Abstract: A fire-resistant foam having hydrogen-filled cells for use in airship/balloon envelopes.

Abstract: An extendible probe projectile and an extendible probe assembly therefor, in which the extendible probe reduces drag on the projectile in its extended position and is moved to its extended locked drag-reducing position by ram air action which is converted into a forwardly acting force on the probe during forward motion of the projectile.

Abstract: A rescue balloon for rescuing individuals from high places such as towers and buildings includes an enclosed envelope for holding heated air under substantially greater than atmospheric pressure with a burner contained within the enclosed envelope for burning a combustible gas to generate sufficient heated air under pressure in the envelope to provide lift to the balloon. A rescue compartment is carried by the envelope for accommodating rescued individuals and a tether is provided for guiding the balloon as necessary to effect rescues. The balloon includes a porous blast shield positioned within the envelope to prevent direct contact between the envelope and the flame of the burner. The blast shield comprises an upright cylinder supported and secured in fixed relation within the envelope by a plurality of catenaries attached to the blast shield and to the inner walls of the envelope around its perimeter. The burn super-pressurizes the heated air within the envelope.

Abstract: A device for the impervious sealing of a structure, for example a munitions compartment of a rocket, is disclosed. This device comprises an elastic shaped section inside which the edge of the structure and rim of a lid are imperviously embedded. This device further has means for thrusting the lid outwards from the structure. This thrust pushes the rim and/or the edge out of the shaped section through the deformation of this elastic shaped section, and causes the total expulsion of lid. When the device is fitted into a rocket, the moving away of the rim modifies the aerodynamic drag coefficient (Cx) of the rocket. This difference in Cx causes the total expulsion of the lid and thus causes the structure to be opened.

Abstract: The balloon according to the invention is formed by heat-sealing at least one heat-sealable sheet which comprises a plastic film and a metal vapor deposition layer formed on one side of the plastic film. The metal vapor deposition layer is discontinuously formed so that the sheet has a metallic but insulating surface. Resultantly, the balloon having a dielectric breakdown voltage of not less than 1000 V can be easily obtained. Preferably, the metal vapor deposition layer is formed in a state of islands in the sea, the size of the island being 200 .ANG. to 1 .mu.m and the interval between the islands being 100 .ANG. to 5000 .ANG..

Abstract: Disclosed is a device used to bend the end of the trajectory of a rocket in the desired plane without making costly and complicated servo-control mechanisms necessary. A cardan type assembly is formed by a section of the projectile and an internal frame, a gyrostat being mounted in the internal frame. The section carries the control instrument. The device can thus be used to keep the control instrument in a stable roll position throughout the trajectory. It is thus possible to bend the trajectory in a defined direction so as to attack targets from the top with high precision. The device can be adapted to infantry rockets, aeronautical rockets and in general, to short-range projectiles.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for hooking of a band of a flexible material, intended to be subjected to tensile forces, to a fixation piece, for hooking onto the fixation piece of an envelope of which the end portion is divided along a given length, into a plurality of bands of equal width, the process comprising longitudinally folding one extremity of the band upon itself, at least one time, in such a manner as to form at least one hem (14, 15), transversely gathering the hem in accordian fashion in such a manner as to form a flange presenting a fan-shaped configuration, using a fixation piece provided with a groove of a wedge-shape conjugate to the shape of the flange, the groove having a longitudinal extremity opening toward its apex, and arranging the flange within the groove, the band extending through the open extremity of the groove in such a manner as to create a self-locking of the flange when the band is placed in tension.

Abstract: While the broad invention is directed to a device automatically releasable of a balloon when a predetermined degree of inflation has been achieved, in a preferred combination there is included the inflatable balloon, the balloon being restrained by a restraining mechanism until inflation by a lever mechanism when moved beyond a predetermined point representing the degree of balloon inflation desired, causes the restraining mechanism to release the balloon, and the restraining mechanism including a biasing spring to facilitate rapid release, together with the balloon gas-input spincter rubber valve having inserted therethrough a gas-inflating needle providable of inflating gas from a compressed or pressurized gas source or gas container contained in an open-top box having a lid, until the opening of the lid actuates a gas-release valve to inflate the balloon; release of the inflated balloon facilitates the pulling of the balloon's spincter rubber valve off-of the gas-inflating needle, the gas being preferably

Abstract: A method for the attacking of a target object from an overflying projectile, and wherein the projectile is equipped with a target detector for the activation of its warhead. Moreover, there is disclosed an overflying projectile which is equipped with a downwardly oriented target detector and with a warhead which is activated in dependence upon the target detection for the attacking of the target object. The method contemplates that the projectile be guided into a lower altitude of flight for the scanning of the target area, and upon detection of a target object is pulled up steeply into an ascending path, which has its tail end oriented towards the target object, so as to launch the warhead opposite the direction of flight which is in an ascending trajectory from the tail end of the projectile in a direction towards the target object.

Abstract: The optical sighting device makes it possible to increase the quality of ical transmission by preventing turbulences from forming in the field of vision at high speed, by means of an airstream-deflecting device which is mounted in the turbulence formation zone and which has a profile in the form of a stem-post to dispel the air-streams laterally. In the case of transparent plane wall via which vision takes place in this zone, the deflecting device can consist of an attached plates which is connected to or located in the vicinity of the wall.

Abstract: Air carrying equipment particularly suited for ballistic type munitions, consisting of two parts that can be mutually coupled: a saddle that can be mounted to straddle the munition, provided with a pair of wings that are opposite and hinged close to the longitudinal edges of the saddle; and a cradle that can be mounted underneath the body of the munition, which can be coupled to saddle and contains fuel tanks, a motor device in the rear and an ogival part or torpedo nose in front with air intake and wind rotor.

Abstract: A command control and propulsion unit for ballistic munitions, including a wind-driven propeller, attached to a front end of the body of the munition for activation of an alternator. The electric power generated by the alternator activates a pump that feeds liquid fuel to a rocket motor oxidized by a liquid oxygen coming from a tank housed in a cradle. The cradle is coupled to a saddle, radially opposite from the cradle, which is provided with hinged and foldable sings. The body of the munition is coupled between the saddle and the cradle.

Abstract: Furniture which resides in one of a levitated position and a sunk position is disclosed. The furniture includes a bladder which is shaped to remain stable when placed on a floor and which is shaped to support a body. The bladder contains a lighter-than-air gaseous substance, such as helium, confined therein. The gaseous substance operates in conjunction with the bladder to define the furniture shape. The bladder is dimensioned to contain a sufficient quantity of the gaseous substance so that buoyancy in the atmosphere causes it to rise to a ceiling of a room when the furniture is out of use. The furniture additionally includes a tether attached to a bottom surface thereof. The furniture is moved from a levitated, out-of-use, position to a sunk, in-use, position by grasping the tether and pulling the furniture downward from the ceiling. The furniture may then be maintained in the sunk position, wherein it rests on a floor of the room, by using the furniture in a conventional manner to support a body.

Abstract: A high-altitude balloon having prestrained gores made from an asymmetrical gore pattern. The invention includes the balloon, the method of assembling the balloon, and a table specially designed to implement the method. The method can be used to assemble balloons of varying shapes and sizes, within a determinable range of ratios of gore width to gore length. The method involves cutting and sealing edges of a pair of flexible plastic sheets along a straight edge of a table, then inverting the seam so formed until it is aligned with a curved index line on the surface of the table. The curved index line is longer than the seam created along the straight edge so stretching is required during inverting. Successsively cutting, joining and inverting pairs of sheets in this manner produces a balloon with a plurality of symmetrical gores that give the balloon a predetermined shape when inflated.

Abstract: A navigation system for an aircraft fitted with an autopilot, the system comprising at least one ground-based transmitter (2), receiver means (7,8) mounted in the aircraft and including two antenna (5,6) oriented such that their polar diagrams overlap and are inclined with respect to the fore-and-aft axis of the aircraft.

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

Abstract: A plurality of pursuers or defensive missiles which are self-guided and self-propelled individually assign themselves to one of a plurality of targets or incoming offensive missiles in such a manner that the probability is substantially increased that more targets will be selected by at least one pursuer and that fewer targets will be selected by more than one pursuer.

Abstract: A unidirectional clamping mechanism for clamping a visibility enhancement device such as a strobe light to an aerostat tether subject to deployment and in-haul operation. The clamping mechanism includes diametrically opposed rollers each having a single tooth ratchet and pawl arrangement which allows unlimited rotation in one direction and limited or no rotation in an opposite direction such that when deployed, the strobe lights will not move down the tether but during an in-haul operation the mechanisms may be stacked one on top of the other while the tether is rapidly pulled through them.

Abstract: A projectile having a downstream extending surface of revolution which terminates as a blunt base has a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart U-shaped, downstream extending troughs in its surface. Each trough is essentially aligned with the direction of the bulk fluid flow adjacent the surface in the vicinity of the trough, and intersects the blunt base to form a trough outlet therein. The troughs are appropriately spaced apart, sized and configured to flow full over their entire length and to cause fluid to flow into the space immediately behind the blunt base, thereby reducing base drag on the projectile.

Abstract: A suspension cable for connecting together the carriage support ropes and the envelope load cords of a hot air balloon in the area of the burner assembly. The suspension cable comprises a non-electrically conductive material having a destruct point sufficiently high to avoid damage from the accidental exposure to the flame of the burner and a tensil strength sufficient to support the balloon carriage. The suspension cable is braided and the non-conductive material comprises an aramid fiber core. The suspension cable includes a non-electrically conductive sheath surrounding the core which will destruct if accidentally exposed to the flame of the burner in order to give an indication that the suspension cable should be inspected.

Abstract: Projectiles fired toward a target are provided with target tracking devices for automatic guidance. To improve accuracy of fire at least one projectile in a burst is provided with an illumination source which is activated by a target detector at the end of the projectile trajectory. The source selectively illuminates the target and its closest surroundings with radiation for which the target tracking device in other projectiles is sensitive. A following projectile corrects its trajectory toward the target. All projectiles in a burst can be provided with an illumination source which is activated at the end of the trajectory as a guidance aid for following projectiles.

Abstract: In the event of an earthquake or fire, important objects like a recording medium used in a location where important information to the outside are relayed or in a location where natural phenomena are observed, are carried away, hanging from an airborne balloon that is inflated and released in response to the mechanical shock of an earthquake or the heat of a fire.

Abstract: A missile, and in particular a shell flying at supersonic velocity, having aerodynamic control. The missile comprises a missile housing and a missile tip which is tiltably connected to the missile housing. Between the missile housing and the shell tip, a positioning device consisting of at least one piezoelectric positioning member and a control circuit is arranged which comprises a voltage source. By applying a voltage to the piezoelectric positioning members, their lengths are changed, whereby the tilting motion of the shell tip is executed.

Abstract: A passive step trimmer for a maneuvering re-entry body (MRB) which uses existing inertial forces acting on the MRB to deploy a free flowing mass from the rear of the MRB to trim the MRB altitude. The mass deployment from the MRB causes a forward shift in the center of gravity (CG) which in turn creates a more stable body which flies at a reduced angle-of-attack (.alpha.).

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

Abstract: This invention relates to an inflatable aerodynamic surface (14) particularly adapted for improving the aerodynamic smoothness of the forward end of a missile (10) of the type having a relatively blunt forward end with a centrally disposed extendible probe member (26). In accordance with this invention, a flexible membrane (36) is provided having a base edge (46) sealingly affixed to the forward edge of the missile casing and an apex (48) affixed to the forward end of the probe (26). The membrane (36) is inflated by a gas generator (42) to pressurize the inside of the membrane to define a smooth, nose-shaped aerodynamic frontal surface.

Abstract: A flexible solar skin which absorbs radiant solar energy to convert it into electricity, made possible through a conductive plastic, which conceals a conductive fiber, whereby the fiber directs generated electricity to a terminal in the form of a contact strip hemmed or fused alongside the material. Additionally, an air vehicle covered with this photovoltaic material to collect solar radiant energy during flight which is converted into electricity to assist the propulsion system of the vehicle.

Abstract: A warning and signaling system includes a kite attached to a flexible tether rope wherein one end of the rope is secured to a person or a lifeboat. The kite is made from a material having high visibility and includes radar reflective material. The tether rope may carry an antenna for a radio transmitter and receiver. An optional inflatable chamber provides rigidity to the kite. The kite may be provided with a tail having radar reflective swatches attached thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imitation lighter-than-air craft envelope assembly for use in conjunction with an attached imitation gondola. The assembly comprises an inflatable gas bag capable of containing a gas, and an imitation envelope which surrounds the gas bag. The imitation envelope simulates an actual lighter-than-air craft envelope when the gas bag is inflated within the envelope.

Abstract: A high velocity aerodynamic body, particularly a shell flying at supersonic velocity, having a device for stabilizing the aerodynamic body and for reducing its oscillation. The aerodynamic body has in the vicinity of its tip, a rotation symmetrical tip enclosure which is supported, with balanced mass, about a support point located on the longitudinal axis of the aerodynamic body, freely tiltably on all sides.

Abstract: A hot air balloon envelope (11) of the type having a downwardly-directed bottom opening (12) and characterized by being formed of a multiplicity of elongate gores (26) joined along adjacent sides, each of the gores being formed of a multiplicity of joined-together individual fabric panels (30). The improvement comprises at least one observation window (40) positioned in the upper hemisphere of the envelope in substitution for an envelope panel and having a size and transparency sufficient to permit an occupant of a balloon carriage (20) suspended from the envelope to look upwardly through the bottom opening and the observation window to view large objects, such as other balloons in the vicinity above the balloon envelope and not otherwise visible from the balloon carriage.

Abstract: A method and system for delivery ordnance to a target via a remotely piloted or programmable aircraft including a yaw-to-turn guidance system, a deployment and launching system and packaging for the aircraft are disclosed.

Abstract: A braking arrangement for a spin-stabilized projectile, which provides for an increase in the effective surface on the projectile which is contacted by onflowing air, and which is activated in dependence upon the time of flight. There is provided a braking sail which is radially outwardly stretchable or expandable by means of centrifugal masses or flyweights.

Abstract: A guided missile is directed to railroad tracks, is buried a particular distance, such as five (5) feet, below the tracks upon reaching the tracks and is covered by rocks in the railroad bed as it moves the particular distance below the tracks. The guided missile detonates when the train approaches on the tracks within a particular distance from the guided missile on the tracks. The train then becomes derailed. The guided missile has a housing which is made from a strong metal and which is relatively thick. Preferably the metal is steel and has a thickness of about 0.2". A nose cone having a blunt configuration is disposed on the housing at the front end of the housing and is made from a material which passes signals into and out of the housing. The material is compressible (e.g. fiberglass, a ceramic or a glass) to become flattened when the missile strikes the ground.

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

Abstract: A protective dome (14) is provided for a zoom telescope (12) which is located therein. Telescope (12) can be used as an attachment to a prime imaging system (22) such as a FLIR (forward looking infrared). The dome (14) is mounted so that its center of curvature (16) is inboard of the outer skin (18) of the aircraft in order to reduce aerodynamic drag. The objective lens (24) of the telescope (12) is decentered with respect to a common axis (29) and the lenses of the zoom lens group (26) are tilted with respect to the common axis (29) to compensate for aberrations introduced by the decentered dome (14).

Abstract: A method for hooking a flexible envelope to a fastener device, comprising employing an annular and rigid fastener (2), provided with an annular groove (3) on its outer peripheral side, tightening the sheath at the fastener (2) and locking it in place in such a manner that it assumes the shape of the groove (3) by means of a tightening collar (4) comprising a cable made of a substantially inextensible material of high tensile strength and wound inside said groove to a specific height within it, and placing an annular seal (5) in contact with the outer peripheral side (4a) of the tightening collar (4), whereby this seal (5) when compressed may deform radially in order to provide the tightening collar with a degree of freedom with respect to the groove sidewalls (3a); and a hooking device for use with the method.

Abstract: A device for coupling a flexible envelope (1) to an external element including a ballonet (3) with two fasteners (4, 5) located in such a manner as to define the upper and lower poles of said ballonet, one of the fasteners (5) being linked by coupling members (2, 16) fitted to position the ballonet with respect to the envelope (1) in such a manner as to create a contact surface Z1 between said ballonet and the envelope (1), the second fastener (4) being linked to the external element by link means (8-15) including drive means to set the ballonet (3) in rotation; this device makes it possible to transmit large point forces or torques between an external element and an envelope, especially a space-balloon envelope.

Abstract: An aimer for a guided missile that is easily strapped on the side of a missile to provide an automatic device for aiming the missile at a target.