Airship Control Patents (Class 244/96)
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Patent number: 5348251Abstract: An airship in the form of a self-powered, elongated dirigible which comprises at least three sections connected together by joints. The sections including a front section with propulsion devices and control surfaces, at least one intermediate section designed to carry a payload and a rear section with control surfaces. The joints allow limited articulation between sections under gust conditions and tend to return the sections to aligned condition in calm air. A cover may provide a streamline exterior shape for the airship; alternatively the sections may have rims which mate together when there is no articulation to provide a smooth exterior shape.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 1993Date of Patent: September 20, 1994Inventor: Frederick D. Ferguson
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Patent number: 5294076Abstract: A non-rigid airship is provided which includes a gas envelope having propulsion units mounted on either side thereof. Thrust emanating from the propulsion units is deflectable to control at least the vertical positioning of the airship. Horizontal positioning of the airship may be controlled by varying the relative thrust of the propulsion units. A method is also provided for controlling the flight path of an airship. The method includes providing propulsion units on opposite sides of the airship and deflecting the thrust of the propulsion units to control vertical placement of the airship. Horizontal placement of the airship may be carried out by varying the relative thrust of the propulsion units.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1992Date of Patent: March 15, 1994Inventor: Hakan Colting
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Patent number: 5240206Abstract: An acrobatic airship capable of making a perfect somersault, and a 360 degree roll in a limited small air space, without utilizing high-powered thrusters or sophisticated automatic control mechanisms. The airship has a rather thick and round axi-symmetrically shaped hull equipped with a pair of reversible thrusters on each side of the hull's nose area. Each thruster is also equipped with a tilting mechanism, which enables the thrust vector orientation to be changed independently. The airship has a set of tail fins as attitude stabilizers which do not have movable control surfaces. This acrobatic airship can be designed as a manned or unmanned craft, and is ideal for use in advertising and also as a camera platform, an observation vehicle for hazardous environments, and in various other industrial applications.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1991Date of Patent: August 31, 1993Inventor: Sousuke Omiya
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Patent number: 5199667Abstract: An air floater comprises a balloon body which seals a gas therein and balancing means detachably attached to the balloon body. The balloon body comprises a film composed of a central layer made of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer-resin, an aluminum evaporated layer provided outside the central layer, and a heated adhesive layer provided inside the central layer. The balancing means comprises a plurality of magnetic cards which are attracted by an attraction portion composed of a magnetic body attached to the balloon body. The plurality of magnetic cards includes one card having a reference weight matched with the buoyant force of the balloon body, first weight balancing cards having weight heavier by stages than the reference weight, and second weight balancing cards having weight lighter by stages than the reference weight. The balancing means may comprise sublimate sealed in a bag body.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1991Date of Patent: April 6, 1993Assignees: Adonis Inc., Dentsu Prox Inc.Inventor: Yoshiro Fujii
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Patent number: 5149015Abstract: A radio controlled hot air balloon, particularly suitable for use by hobbyists, includes a balloon envelope, a burner assembly and a radio control system. The altitude of the balloon is remotely controlled by adjusting the amount of hot air produced by the burner assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1991Date of Patent: September 22, 1992Inventor: R. Scott Davis
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Patent number: 5143322Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for ground handling, controlling the altitude and for increasing the longitudinal stability of airships. The invention involves an airship hull or envelope to enclose air-filled ballonets and a lifting gas. The buoyancy obtained may be changed by varying the air pressure in the ballonets, thus forcing compression or allowing expansion of the lifting gas. Suitable air pump and valve means are provided to allow two different levels of pressure differential in the ballonets. The buoyancy of the airship is decreased during ground handling and during descent and increased during climb. The airship cruise altitude is slightly above pressure height.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 1991Date of Patent: September 1, 1992Inventor: Earl W. Mason
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Patent number: 5042748Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1990Date of Patent: August 27, 1991Inventor: Sidney H. Conn
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Patent number: 5005783Abstract: A variable geometry lighter-than-air craft which can change from a buoyant airship to a heavier-than-air craft by changing shape. The craft has a flexible envelope filled with helium or other lifting gas. Releasing or tightening the adjusting lines changes the envelope shape by adjusting the internal dimensions and extending or withdrawing wing expansion sections. The craft's shape can change from an ovoid shape for lighter-than-air flight to a winged shape for heavier-than-air flight. Controlling the craft's speed and trim regulates the aerodynamic lift.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 1990Date of Patent: April 9, 1991Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventor: James D. Taylor
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Patent number: 4986494Abstract: The invention relates to a process for stabilizing at altitude a stratospheric balloon between the upper and lower levels through a plurality of diurnal and nocturnal cycles. The process comprises providing the stratospheric balloon (1) of the open, variable volume type a with a thermal trapping hood (7) arranged in the vicinity of its upper pole piece (4). This hood has reflecting properties from the side oriented toward the interior of the balloon and preferably thermal insulating properties, and its surface comprises between 1% and 15% of the total surface area of the balloon when full, preferably between 2% and 5%. In the full state, it does not appreciably alter the thermal balance of the balloon, while at lower levels at reduced states of inflation, it limits the energy loss from the bulb by reflecting toward the exterior and avoids an irreversible descent of the balloon.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1989Date of Patent: January 22, 1991Assignee: Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (C.N.E.S.)Inventor: Christian Tockert
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Patent number: 4932606Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1988Date of Patent: June 12, 1990Inventor: Sidney H. Conn
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Patent number: 4838501Abstract: A flying machine (L.T.A.-H.T.A. Hybrid) connected through the fuselage . . . using a two-point-lift system wherein the lifts are static and dynamic . . . separately and simultaneously. The static lift is supplied by an aerostat (#36) while the dynamic lift is supplied by an atmospheric deflector (#48) . . . This system, by the clever use of 180 degrees pivotable pusher (blower) engine (#1), being and becoming capable of:1. S. T. O. L. and/or V.T.O.L.2. Rearward FlightA two-point-lift system, as stated in the preferred embodiment (technical description), employing L. T. A. and H. T. A. method (separately and simultaneously) to be allowed development on a non-exclusive basis (excluding Balopod). The process levels the device by coordinating static lift, thrust, and dynamic lift.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1986Date of Patent: June 13, 1989Inventor: Edward G. Judson
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Patent number: 4799914Abstract: A remote control lighter-than-air toy apparatus has an inflatable container having a predetermined shape, such as the shape of a dirigible, for holding a lighter-than-air gas. A gondola is removably attached to the inflatable container and has a shaft extending therethrough and rotably supported thereon. A reversible electric motor is attached to each end portion of the shaft passing through the gondola with each electric motor having a propeller attached thereto for rotation upon actuation of the electric motor. Each of the electric motors and propellers are fixedly attached to the shaft. A tether line is formed of a plurality of conductors, each connected at one end to one of the electric motors and connected at the other end to a control box having a plurality of controls thereon for remotely controlling each motor separately, so that a lighter than air toy can be remotely controlled with two propellers.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1987Date of Patent: January 24, 1989Inventor: Jack M. Hutchinson
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Patent number: 4711416Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1985Date of Patent: December 8, 1987Assignee: Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (C.N.E.S)Inventor: Robert Regipa
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Patent number: 4402475Abstract: The use of thrusters at the bow and stern of an airship for control of the direction, attitude, and orientation of such an airship is described. The thruster utilizes an electric motor or a gas turbine for power. In the electric motor embodiment, the motor utilizes two contra-rotating rotors which each drive a separate and contra-rotating propeller to generate the controlling jet of air. Thrusters are arranged in pairs at the top, bottom, and each side of the bow and stern of the airship. Lifting thrusters directed downwardly and located above the longitudinal extent of the hull are provided to augment the static lift capability of the airship when under heavy load.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1980Date of Patent: September 6, 1983Assignee: Airships International, Inc.Inventor: Vladimir H. Pavlecka
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Patent number: 4262864Abstract: A solar powered hot air balloon with a maneuvering system is disclosed. The balloon is formed of an envelope with an opaque portion and a transparent portion arranged so as to utilize solar heating to heat air within the envelope. The opaque portion of the envelope has a substantially black inner surface and a light reflecting outer surface with the black inner surface being positioned so as to receive a maximum amount of sunlight through the transparent portion for a given location of the sun. Ascent and descent maneuvering is accomplished by changing the rotational position of the balloon relative to the position of the sun so that more or less portions of the black inner surface receive sunlight to thus generate heating within the envelope. The maneuvering system includes a pair of propulsion units positioned on opposite sides of the balloon. In one embodiment, two light sensors may be provided which are connected to a control unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1979Date of Patent: April 21, 1981Inventor: Fredrick Eshoo
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Patent number: 4261534Abstract: An aircraft is constructed of an airfoil shaped inflated involucrum of lightweight gas-impervious plastic film. The airfoil is maneuverable to attain forward self-propulsion upon ascent as well as descent. The gases contained in the involucrum are heated by solar radiation to reduce craft density with the upper surface of the airfoil being translucent and the lower surface of the airfoil interior mirrored for concentration of the radiant energy upon an interior cylindrical black spar. A honeycomb reradiation barrier is provided beneath the translucent surface. In one embodiment a large volume involucrum is changeable in camber to maximize forward propulsion. The craft may be utilized to suspend a large fog broom for the purpose of condensation of water vapor. In a further embodiment a manpowered inflatable craft is formed with a flexible longitudinal medial fold which separates the airfoil into wing segments. Each segment includes a passive trailing zone.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1978Date of Patent: April 14, 1981Inventor: Auro Roselli
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Patent number: 4204656Abstract: The invention is a system for providing propulsion, control, and stability to small airships (miniblimps) in free flight, especially lighter than air airships. Propulsion is provided by a single motor. Control is achieved by moving the propulsion motor up or down, or left or right. Stability is provided by a single fixed control surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 1978Date of Patent: May 27, 1980Inventor: DeWitt C. Seward, III
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Patent number: 4090682Abstract: In a hot air airship including an elongate gas envelope aerodynamically shaped for horizontal flight with a pressure hot air generator for pressurizing the envelope and tail members on the envelope, a gondola below the envelope and power driven member for propelling the envelope horizontally, a method and structure for releasing over pressure from the airship envelope and for regulating its ascent and descent by a variably controllable first vent in the front end of the airship and a second variably controllable vent at the aft end of the airship, each of which functions to release air at a controlled rate to cause heated air to move toward either end and cause either end to ascend.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1976Date of Patent: May 23, 1978Assignee: Raven Industries, Inc.Inventor: Roger R. Parsons
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Patent number: 4055316Abstract: Method and equipment to aerially transport loads between two sites. A winch is provided at each site and a load carrying balloon is coupled by cables to each winch. Auxiliary balloons are provided to maintain the cables at a height above objects in the line of travel of the balloon.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1976Date of Patent: October 25, 1977Inventors: John Lester Chipper, Donald Bruce Owner
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Patent number: 4046337Abstract: A hot air airship including an elongate aerodynamic shaped gas envelope carrying a pressure hot air generating means for pressurizing the envelope with heated air during flight and having inflatable hollow first tail members at the aft end for stabilizing the flight and second tail members at the aft end of the first tail members hingedly attached thereto with gas conduits extending through the hinges and both tail members inflated by the hot air of the envelope.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1976Date of Patent: September 6, 1977Assignee: Raven Industries, Inc.Inventor: Roger R. Parsons