Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a parachute flight controller from a parachute comprises a bearing member, for example a pulley, a load-bearing coupling, for example a harness, connected to the bearing member and including a connector for connecting the coupling to a parachute flight controller. The coupling includes a load-bearing connector for connecting a payload thereto, and the bearing member is adapted to enable relative movement, controlled by the flight controller, between the bearing member and a support member, for example a flexible coupling line or web for supporting the bearing member connected between first and second suspension lines of a parachute. The flight controller may include one or more control lines connected to the support member or suspension lines which can be wound in or out of the flight controller to effect relative movement between the bearing member and the support member and thereby control the direction of the parachute.

Abstract: An apparatus including a balloon envelope, a cutting blade secured to a blade block; a cutter guide rail secured above the balloon envelope, and an arm rotatable about a pivot point having an end secured to the blade block, wherein the end of the arm extends past the blade block, wherein the arm is releasably secured by a release member, and wherein release of the arm from the release member allows for a rotation of the arm, wherein the rotation of the end of the arm is guided by the cutter guide rail such that the cutting blade maintains contact with and cuts the balloon envelope during the rotation of the arm.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for actuating an elastomer valve. The apparatus includes a first solenoid at least partially surrounding a first moveable member. The apparatus also includes a second solenoid at least partially surrounding a second moveable member. The apparatus also includes an elastomer valve positioned between the first moveable member and the second moveable member. The first and second moveable members extend from the first and second solenoids to contact and open the elastomer valve when the first and second solenoids receive a first current. Further, the first and second moveable members retract towards the first and second solenoids to close the elastomer valve when the first and second solenoids receive a second current.

Abstract: High-altitude balloons and apparatuses for filling such high-altitude balloons are provided. As an example, an apparatus for filling a high-altitude balloon includes a tube extending through envelope material of the balloon is provided. The apparatus also includes a flange connected to a first end of the tube. The flange is connected to an interior surface of the balloon. A fitting is connected to a second end of the tube. The fitting is configured for attachment with an apparatus for filling the balloon with lift gas. In addition, methods of filing high-altitude balloons with lift gas and methods of manufacturing balloons are also provided.

Abstract: A balloon having a bladder positioned within a balloon envelope, a plate having a port, a housing secured to the plate, an impeller positioned within the housing, the port providing a passageway from an inside of the housing to an inside of the bladder, wherein a passive valve having a periphery is positioned over the port, a control system configured, upon receiving a signal to increase the amount of air within the bladder, to cause the passive valve to move from a first, closed position where a seal is provided by the engagement of the periphery of the passive valve and a periphery of the port to a second, open position where the periphery of the passive valve is disengaged from the periphery of the port to open the passageway between the housing and the bladder and to allow air to be forced into the bladder.

Abstract: A method and a device for deflating an inflated wall (1), wherein the inflated wall (1) is cut by using at least one cutting member adapted to cut the inflated wall (1) along a cutting line with the effect of causing a deflation opening of the inflated wall (1). The invention applies in particular to the inflated envelope of an aerostat balloon.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a communication system configured to be used in land geophysical operations. The system includes: a balloon configured to lift one or more antennas; at least one cable connected to the balloon and configured for transmission of at least one of power and data, configured as a tether connected to the balloon and configured to be deployed such that an altitude of the balloon is between 50 and 100 meters; one or more antennas mounted internally or externally to the balloon and configured to extend a communication range between a base station, a command and control truck, and one or more seismic shooting devices for communicating information associated with seismic acquisition activities; and an electronics suite configured to trigger a controlled descent of the balloon and configured to deflate the balloon.

Abstract: A balloon is provided having a balloon envelope having a top portion and a bottom portion, a payload positioned beneath the balloon envelope, a moveable plate positioned atop the balloon envelope, a line attached to the moveable plate, and a control system configured to cause the line to be pulled to cause the moveable plate to be pulled towards the bottom portion of the balloon envelope such that the top portion of the balloon envelope is moved towards the bottom portion of the balloon envelope forcing gas out of the balloon envelope such that the balloon envelope is collapsed. The balloon may further include a drag plate positioned beneath the balloon envelope that serves to slow the descent of the payload to the earth.

Abstract: A vehicle suitable for use in high-altitude applications use may include a gas impermeable body and a flexible barrier separating the body into multiple sections or compartments. The compartments may include a lift compartment for holding lift gas, such as lighter than air gas, and a ballast compartment for holding a ballast, such as heavier than air gas. A valve may permit passage of the ballast from the ballast compartment to an exterior of the body. The body may have an oblong shape, with fins attached to an exterior back end thereof. The vehicle may have only internal ballast compartments, without including a hopper external to the body.

Abstract: A balloon includes a cut-down device, a payload, and an envelope. A control system could be configured to determine a position of the balloon with respect to a predetermined zone. The cut-down device could be operable to cause at least the payload to land in response to determining that the position of the balloon is within the predetermined zone. The predetermined zone includes an exclusion zone and a shadow zone. The shadow zone could include locations from which the balloon would be likely to drift into the exclusion zone based on, e.g., historic weather patterns or expected environmental conditions. Boundaries of the shadow zone could be determined based on, for example, a probability of the balloon entering the exclusion zone.

Abstract: An airship system, including an inflatable airship of predetermined volume adapted to be filled with gas and to rise to a predetermined altitude, said airship having a hull formed from an inflated flexible gas containment primary envelope, at least one lifting envelope located within the primary envelope for containing the lifting gas, where the lifting envelope will expand to substantially occupy the space of the primary envelope when the airship is at its predetermined high altitude, at least one secondary envelope located within the primary envelope, which can be inflated when said lifting envelope is at lower altitudes to fill the balance of the space of the primary envelope, and air handling means external to the primary envelope and communicating with the secondary envelope for filling and emptying the secondary envelope.

Abstract: A system for efficiently transporting hydrogen from where it can be economically made to where it is most needed using specially designed airships. Technologies such as geothermal, wind, solar, wave tidal or hydropower can be used to generate electricity in-situ or very near to the primary energy sources. This electricity can then be used to produce hydrogen directly from water through various methods known in the art. Hydrogen can be delivered from the place where it is produced to the place where it is needed using an airship in which the hydrogen gas can also be used for generating lift, providing propulsion energy and serving ancillary needs. In other embodiments of the invention, the airship of the present invention can be used to dramatically reduce the cost of transportation of freight, the cost of passenger transportation, and to save on the area required for landing at the points of loading/unloading and embarkation/debarkation.

Abstract: A computer-implemented function monitors and displays exhaust gas temperatures (EGT) in a plurality of cylinders in an engine. The invention provides an easy way to read exhaust gas temperature on a specific cylinder, and to provide a means for leaning the engine while in a climb. Efficient leaning in a climb reduces fuel consumption and reduces the chance of harmful conditions that can lead to engine failure.

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 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: 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: A method for modifying a target includes directing exhaust from multiple engines, preferably jet engines, towards the target. The target being modified can be, for example, a fire, an atmospheric system, a storm, snow, a gathering, a spill, an emission, a discharge, a mud slide, or a dust. The operation and/or deployment of the engines can be by remote control or robotics. In one example, a system for modifying a target includes a support for securing multiple jet engines and a fuel source. Preferably, the jet engines are mounted on turrets that are capable of being rotated.

Abstract: An aircraft of the present invention has an envelope used in such an air balloon and/or airship. The aircraft can be in flated continuously to the envelope with supplying an air into the envelope without extending the envelope on the ground, and the envelope can be rolled up continuously into the gondola with an inside-out condition, as keeping the inflating condition of the envelope.

Abstract: A venting valve in a hot air balloon comprises a valve member for opening and closing on outlet hole in the balloon envelope, the valve member being in the form of a flat panel having an edge portion secured along a line to a portion of the envelope adjacent an edge portion of the outlet hole. There is a cord and pulley arrangement for drawing the valve member to and fro across the outlet hole, moving substantially transversely of the outlet hole, to close and open the outlet hole. The cord and pulley arrangement can be operated both to open and to close the valve, closing movement being possible from any partially or fully open position of the valve, and, in one form, also, from the valve member fully closed position, to obtain re-closable venting without moving the valve member transversely of the outlet hole.

Abstract: A thermal aircraft, such as a hot air load-carrying balloon which includes a balloon envelope having a deflation aperture therein and a venting valve or operculum designed to removably cover and seal the aperture and to be opened and/or closed rapidly so as to assist in the control of the balloon, forming both a deflation panel and a maneuvering port for the balloon. The venting valve is removably and releasably secured to the balloon envelope adjacent the periphery of the aperture, and means are provided for controllably and selectively positioning the valve in the aperture for open and closed dispositions thereof. Separate controls are provided firstly to extend the valve to its maximum surface area, at which point it removably covers and seals the aperture and/or to allow controlled venting of hot air therefrom, and secondly to allow reefing of the valve from the aperture for rapid deflation of the envelope.

Abstract: The hot air balloon ride includes a balloon envelope having a basket attached thereto. The balloon is engaged by tether lines extending from grounded weights, the tether lines limiting extent of rise of the balloon. The basket includes an entryway and has further been modified to allow a gas tank for same to be engaged thereto, outside the basket. Further, the bottom surface of the basket is cushioned, and a pair of rip panels have been incorporated into the crown of the balloon, one of which is manually operable and the other of which would operate automatically if the balloon becomes disengaged from the tether lines.

Abstract: A balloon member includes a plurality of partition walls coextensive within the balloon to divide the balloon into equal quadrants to accommodate safe descent and enhance inflation of at least a plurality of the quadrants during a leakage of air from the balloon.

Abstract: An improved cap valving means for hot air load-carrying balloons which is designed to be opened and/or closed rapidly so as to assist in control of the balloon. The valve and/or vent includes a disc which may be opened by applying a force to a pull cord, and wherein the applied force is provided with an improved mechanical advantage so as to unseat the disc and thereby open the interior of the balloon envelope to the ambient. In addition to the pull cord, the control cord includes a number of disc cords which are spaced at substantially equally arcuately spaced points around the circumference of the disc, to assist in guiding the disc in its opening and closing motion.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a hot air type balloon which includes a balloon envelope having a generally circular top opening and a top cap adjacent the top opening for opening and closing the balloon. The top cap forms both a deflation panel and maneuvering port for the balloon. A closure assembly is provided for use with the envelope and top cap for closing the deflation port and for permitting controlled opening thereof. The assembly has a fixed member secured to the balloon envelope and a releasable member releasably secured to the fixed member. A securement cord is secured to the releasable member and is connected to the top cap and a release line extends from the releasable member to a gondola where the operator is riding. The operator by pulling on the release line can open the closure assembly by separating the releasable member from the fixed member and can cause the deflation panel to separate from the envelope so as to spill air from the balloon and rapidly deflate the balloon.

Abstract: Lifting body for transporting or lifting objects under water, of the type in which the lifting gas has essentially the same pressure as the surrounding mass of water. The lifting body comprises a pressure measuring instrument which provides a depth position signal, which is arranged to be compared with a desired depth signal and produces a signal which indicates the required force for controlling the position. The desired thus computed command value is compared with the actual exerted lifting force, via a dynamometer, the signal of which is sent via a high pass filter. By thus arranging a double control system with a position loop and a force loop, it is possible to achieve stable control.

Abstract: A gas leak proof sealing panel system is disclosed for a non-rigid airship such as a gas balloon. The sealing panel system is especially useful as a rip panel for rapid deflation of the airship. The rip panel covers an aperture in an envelope of the airship and is held in position by hook-loop releasable fastening type strips. Grease is applied to at least one of the strips such that when they are aligned and mated, a gas leak proof seal is formed.

Abstract: A lighter-than-air (LTA) aircraft having a valve structure affording the rapid removal of the lifting gas. The valve comprises a circular panel sewn within the envelope about an upper opening in the envelope for approximately one-third of its periphery and sealed thereabout by a releasable fastening tape. The sewn portion and tape portion of the valve being spaced 5 to 10 inches from the opening. A drape may extend beyond and depend from the fastening tapes. Gas may be exhausted from the aircraft in flight by collapsing opposed sides to force gas from a lower opening as is present in hot air balloons.

Abstract: A balloon or airship having a hull of flexible material is provided with a deflation opening in the hull and a rigid frame permanently fastened to the edge of the opening. A ring of flexible sheet material has its peripheral edge removably clamped to the rigid frame. A disc of flexible sheet material larger than the central opening in the ring is fastened by an adhesive to the ring all around the central opening in the ring. A deflation tape sewed to the disc near the edge of the upper half thereof has a central free end to be pulled for peeling the adhesive-held disc from the ring to rapidly deflate the balloon.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A hot air balloon with an adjustable deflation port at its upper end and a maneuvering port on a side region which allows both ports to be selectively opened and closed on the ground and during flight such that positive control of such ports exist by the operator of the balloon in the basket.

Abstract: A hot air airship including an elongate aerodynamic shaped gas envelope carrying a pressure hot air generator system for pressurizing the envelope with heated air during flight with tail members at the aft end of the airship for guiding and directing the direction and attitude of flight, a gondola supported from the envelope for carrying the load including a push fan for propelling it in flight, a pressurizing blower and hot air generator for carrying with the ship, a deflation opening in the airship envelope having a cap over the elongate envelope with a netting sewn over the opening outwardly of the cap and the cap attached by Velcro along its edges and permanently attached at side edges so that the fore and aft edges can be pulled away from the opening.