Abstract: Tethered Unmanned Aircraft Antenna utilizing a Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) which may be provided by quadcopter drone (for example) constrained by a tether connected at one end to a maritime or land-based platform, the tether also being used as a RF antenna. The tether is capable of transmitting DC power to the UAS or drone at a desired antenna height and simultaneously supports RF transmission power with the help of a DC power isolation circuit. The tether is desirously lightweight and corona resistant.

Abstract: A control system for a tethered aerostat is provided, where at least one rotational and at least one translational degree of freedom are controlled to setpoints through the variation of tether lengths by an actuator system. The term tether includes a single tether, a tether group or a sub section of tether controlled by an individual actuator. Accurate rotational and translational control is essential for the successful operation of an aerostat under several applications, including surveillance, weather monitoring, communications, and power generation. For a given use case, the controller can be constructed and arranged to manage the tradeoff between several key performance characteristics, such as transient performance, steady-state pointing accuracy, tether tension regulation, and power generation.

Abstract: An antenna assembly includes a base, a gimbal disposed at the base, an antenna disposed at the gimbal, and a mainboard configured to control an attitude of the gimbal to control a radiation direction of the antenna.

Abstract: An antenna device for a vehicle includes an antenna board in which a colinear array antenna is constructed by a conductor pattern provided on each of both surfaces of a dielectric substrate. The colinear array antenna includes a first straight portion, a second straight portion, a first connection portion one end of which is connected to the first straight portion, and a second connection portion one end of which is electrically connected to the first connection portion and another end of which is connected to the second straight portion. The first straight portion and the first connection portion are provided on a first surface of the dielectric substrate. The second straight portion and the second connection portion are provided on a second surface of the dielectric substrate opposite to the first surface.

Abstract: A vehicle fairing includes an electrical routing for conducting power and/or control signals between spaced-apart components of a vehicle structure. The vehicle fairing includes an outer surface configured to form part of an outer surface of a vehicle body. The electrical routing includes a printed circuit board having a substrate and a first conductive path for conduction of electrical current or signals provided on the substrate. The substrate is substantially rigid and forms at least a portion of the outer surface of the vehicle fairing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a human transporting drone including a drone core, a human receptacle for accommodating a human, the human receptacle being detachably housed in the drone core, ropes connected to the human receptacle, and rope winding mechanisms mounted on the drone core, for winding the ropes to house the human receptacle into the drone core and unwinding the ropes to release the human receptacle from the drone core.

Abstract: A steerable antenna, of a UAV, is used to optimize connectivity to a wireless network, such as to radio access network (RAN) of a cellular wireless network. In one implementation, the altitude of a UAV may be used to determine a direction in which to point the antenna of the UAV. In some implementations, additional factors, such as the travel direction of the UAV and/or the known location of base stations associated with the wireless cellular network, may alternatively or additionally be used to determine the direction of the antenna.

Abstract: An antenna includes a radiator and a reflector and has a radiation pattern that is based at least in part on a separation distance between the radiator and the reflector. The antenna includes a linkage configured to adjust the separation distance based at least in part on the altitude of the antenna. The resulting radiation pattern can be dynamically adjusted based on altitude of the antenna such that, while the antenna is aloft and the antenna is ground-facing, variations in geographic boundaries and intensity of the radiation received at ground level are at least partially compensated for by the dynamic adjustments to the radiation pattern.

Abstract: An aerial vehicle is described which comprises: a first compartment for holding a lighter than air gas; a second compartment for holding atmospheric air and having an inlet and an outlet; a solar panel for converting sunlight into electricity; a compressor for pumping atmospheric air through the inlet into the second compartment; control means for controlling the pitch and yaw of the vehicle; and a controller for controlling the buoyancy of the vehicle via the compressor and the outlet such that the vehicle is either lighter than the surrounding air and rising or heavier than the surrounding air and falling, and for controlling the control means such that the rising and falling motion includes a horizontal component. In another embodiment the solar panel is replaced by an engine and a fuel tank for storing fuel for the engine is also provided. The aerial vehicle can remain airborne for extended periods by using buoyancy propulsion.

Abstract: Multi-Mission Frameless Airship Platform (MFAP) leverages composite material science to achieve a frameless lightweight airframe design enabling increased speed, lift and cargo capacity. Deployable/retrievable high-value modules provide enhanced operational and mission flexibility. Unified power electronics enable hybrid integration of propulsion, power generation (e.g. diesel generator, photovoltaic solar, etc.), energy storage and tethered wind-power generation for both on-grid and off-grid electrical power delivery for airborne operations and ground operations. Onboard antenna systems serve as cell phone towers.

Abstract: A communication system has a stratospheric platform with a payload controller and a phased array antenna having a plurality of main array elements for generating a plurality of communication beams and a plurality of auxiliary elements for canceling interference between the communication beams. A gateway station communicates with the stratospheric platform. The gateway station scales the plurality of elements to form a reconfigurable plurality of beams. The gateway station communicates an embedded control signal to the stratospheric platform to communicate a scaling of elements to form the communication beams and the auxiliary element output. The auxiliary element output is used to provide interference canceling.

Abstract: A polygonal cylindrically shaped phased array antenna forming a radar has an active aperture that focuses in any of one or more angular azimuth directions without inertia. It further includes adjacent multiple similar polygonal staves joined along their vertical edges to form a right regular polygonal cylinder. Each stave is further decomposed into flat panels, wherein each panel has a plurality of antenna elements positioned in a regular rectangular or triangular lattice. Each panel contains a beam forming network that electronically forms and steers an electromagnetic beam for purposes of transmission and subsequent reception. The panels optionally may operate as autonomous radars which when coherently combined form multiple larger antenna apertures, each capable of operating autonomously. A switching network allows transmit power and all requisite radar and control signals to be sent to and received from a selected set of panels anywhere on the polygonal cylinder.

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: The present invention involves an inflatable antenna system including an inflatable antenna and a mounting plate. The inflatable antenna includes an inflatable cone or cylinder and a plurality of conductors integrated therein. The mounting plate can be incorporated into a protective enclosure that holds and protects the inflatable antenna during transport, supports it during use, and provides a means for mounting it to a mast. The mounting plate serves as a mounting surface for the inflatable antenna, a radio frequency (RF) connector, an air intake valve, and an impedance matching network. Selected surfaces of the protective enclosure can be coated with conductive materials. An air intake valve allows for inflation and deflation of the inflatable antenna. Inflatable support members can be used in conjunction with a stabilizing portion comprised of a vertical member and attached weight, to allow the inflatable antenna system to be deployed in water.

Abstract: A polyhedral-shaped inflatable structure having substantially continuous inner and outer flexible surfaces is inflatable with air or gas so that a radar reflector, comprising a plurality of conterminous corner reflectors, is thereby positioned within the inflatable structure to reflect radar waves. The corner reflectors are preferably made of metallized reflective plastic film attached to a plurality of support filaments. Support members attached to the support filaments are pivotally disposed adjacent to the inner flexible surface to position the radar reflector within the inflatable structure. Removable fasteners are disposed adjacent to the outer flexible surface and concentrically proximate to the support members to thereby fasten the radar reflector to the inflatable structure without puncturing the inner and outer flexible surfaces.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a movable appendage on an aerospace vehicle independent from the position of the aerospace vehicle. First and second beacons containing actual position information for the movable appendage are tracked and acquired by first and second beacon tracking sites. The beacon tracking sites report the azimuth and elevation data relating to the position of the movable appendage to a processor where a correction command is determined based on an error calculated from the position data and a desired position. The correction command is communicated to the movable appendage so that appropriate correction to the desired position can be made.

Abstract: An antenna system and method of improving radio frequency isolation in such a system positioned on a hull of a vessel includes a first antenna that transmits a signal having a wavelength. The antenna system also includes a second antenna which is positioned away from the first antenna on the hull by half a perimeter of the hull offset by approximately an odd multiple of one quarter wavelength of the signal transmitted by the first antenna.

Abstract: A multi-beam antenna for a wireless communication network, a method of creating cells for a wireless communication network with a multi-beam antenna held aloft by an aeronautical vehicle and a wireless infrastructure. The multi-beam antenna projects: (1) a first antenna beam to create a first cell upon a generally circular first terrestrial area below the multi-beam antenna and (2) a second antenna beam to create a second cell upon a generally circular second terrestrial area below the multi-beam antenna, the first cell having a smaller radius than, and substantially concentric with, the second cell.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a heatable feedhorn assembly including a feedhorn having a wide end and a heater assembly wrapped around the wide end. The heater assembly includes an elongate element in the form of a cable tie and an electrically insulated heater wire wrapped around the elongate element.

Abstract: A reusable portable device for providing location data by a lost individual as well as a signal enhancer for radios or other signal emitting devices. The device is in the form of a briefcase size unit containing a deflated airfoil with air brake and a gas cylinder containing ligher-than-air gas such as helium. The helium is released into the airfoil and is temporarily sealed with a clip. A signal emitting tether line attaches to the airfoil at one end and a reel at the other end. The reel contains a trim capacitor to adjust frequency of the antenna to different signal emitting devices which may be attached to the reel. Incorporated into the reel is a lightning arrestor which can be attached to an anchor permitting use in adverse weather. The reel may adjust the height of the airfoil and bring it back to the ground to be deflated and reused another time.

Abstract: Lighting devices for an aerostat tether wherein the tether is used as a communication antenna. The lighting apparatus includes a split core transformer having a plurality of turns of secondary winding with the electrical portion of the tether constituting a single turn primary. The secondary voltage is provided to a voltage limiter which reflects excess energy back into the primary circuit, with the output of the voltage limiter being fullwave rectified and regulated to a predetermined DC value for operating a strobe light.

Abstract: A flexible cord and antenna is paid out at a controlled rate from a radiosonde as it is lifted into the upper atmosphere by a balloon. The cord is knit into a tubular body and folded into a compartment in the radiosonde. The extended end is wrapped around the rotor of a centrifugal brake which limits the pay out rate. The knit tubular body unravels as the cord and antenna are paid out.

Abstract: A VLF communication system which utilizes the tether of an aerostat system as the VLF antenna. The aerostat is flown at an altitude such that the tether is approximately a quarter wavelength of the operating frequency and the transmitter signal is coupled to the antenna by means of a elongated sleeve transformer surrounding the tether and including a single turn primary coupled to the transmitter with the tether acting as a single turn secondary of the transformer.

Abstract: An improved tether having a central strength member comprised of layers of synthetic fibers surrounded by a thin weatherproof plastic barrier. A current carrying metallic braid surrounds the weatherproof barrier and in a portion of the tether is of a higher strength and denser weave copper than in other areas. An outer protective jacket surrounds the metallic braid and one or more windows are formed by removing a short longitudinal section of the outer jacket above an area of the tether which has the high density metallic braid. The weatherproof barrier, at least in the area where windows are formed, is heat sealed to form a seamless barrier. A relatively soft copper wire is wound around the metallic braid in the window area so as to transfer lightning induced currents in the metallic braid of the tether to a grounding system.

Abstract: An antenna system for radiating information in the ELF range is disclosed and comprises an extended conductor sized to produce a corona at the operating voltage. In the preferred embodiment, "ultra-thin" wire is used as the antenna element for weight savings and is lofted by means of a tether line which absorbs the stresses. Means are provided for helically winding the antenna element around the tether line.

Abstract: A receiving antenna for use in proximity to an antenna having a circular radiating magnetic field includes at least one antenna having a null spatial sensitivity pattern along at least one axis, oriented with the circular radiating antenna located in said null pattern. In a preferred embodiment, the antenna having spatial sensitivity is three orthogonally oriented loop antennas, arranged to be insensitive to signals from the circular radiating antenna and sensitive to TE and TM signals from a remote location.

Abstract: A VLF communication system which utilizes the electrically conducting portions of an electromechanical cable connected to a deployed aerostat and acting as its tether so as to additionally serve as the VLF antenna.

Abstract: The central station of a radio-connected seismic surveying system uses a tethered blimp carrying an antenna and an electronics package including a dc voltage/rf decoupler, a variable dc controlled preamplifier, a P-I-N diode switch for changing the antenna from receive to transmit operation, a transmitter and modulator and a battery. An rf coaxial cable to ground provides means for controlling the preamplifier gain and for switching the central station to the transmit mode by using appropriate dc signals. In the receive mode, the cable carries detected field unit seismic signals, which are detected by the blimp-carried antenna and preamplified by the blimp preamplifier, to the ground for suitable recording and further processing in the ground portion of the central station. An audio channel can also be modulated onto the transmit carrier of approximately 70 MHz to provide voice communications via the blimp electronics, if desired.

Abstract: A collinear series-fed antenna array formed from two spaced-apart electrical conductors extending parallel to one another in a longitudinal direction and having regularly spaced complementary changes in transverse dimensions along the longitudinal direction. These two shaped conductors are connected at one end to an RF transmitter or receiver and are substantially isolated from electromagnetic interaction with other unconnected electrical conductors in the immediate vicinity. The array is preferably fabricated by etching a copper laminate adhered to one side of a dielectric sheet which serves solely to support the shaped conductors etched thereon. There is no ground plane associated with these conductors and the dielectric merely serves to support the antenna elements. The whole assembly can therefore be made very thin and flexible and formed into a compact unit for storage when not in use.

Abstract: A device for aiding in the location of a person or object comprises a balloon connected by a valve to a container for a pressurized gas lighter than air, all of which are disposed within a casing in which a tethering line for the balloon is disposed and held closed by a releasable strap and lid which also holds the valve closed and which is operative to permit escape of the balloon and gas container from the casing whilst simultaneously opening the valve to admit gas into the balloon whereby the inflated balloon with the gas container connected thereto can rise into the air at one end of the tethering line.

Abstract: A flexible strap-like antenna which may be supported on the outside surface of an aerostat includes a first substrate member having conductors thereon in a pattern which includes a center conductor and dipole antennas on either side of the center conductor. A ground conductor is disposed over the center conductor and is electrically insulated from it by an insulating strip sandwiched between them. A second or covering substrate seals the layered arrangement.To achieve broad band operation, an array of antennas is provided with the width of the center conductor being varied for certain different sections thereof.

Abstract: A vertical dipole antenna for the ELF (extremely low frequency) range. The antenna provides a series resonant circuit consisting of an inductor and the distributed capacitance of the conductor such as a wire which may be carried by lighter-than-air craft. The lighter-than-air craft may be conductive, in which case it contributes to the capacitance or the capacitance may be solely represented by the wire. The antenna may be frequency or phase modulated. In case of frequency modulation the frequency of the generator must be changed accordingly so that the series resonant circuit remains resonant at the frequency to be radiated. The antenna can be readily moved. A plurality of antennas may be provided to form a super-radiant array.

Abstract: A pair of conductive spherical shells are carried by a balloon or other means into an electrical field which induces equal and opposite charges on the shells. Rotation of the shells causes the charges to alternate. The alternating sinusoidal charge is applied to an amplifier and the amplified output modulated and applied to a transmitter. The spherical shells become a telemetry antenna for transmitting the sensed electrical field information to a remote receiver.

Abstract: A portable antenna support structure which can be carried by a vehicle and includes an inflatable balloon and telescopic extension poles that are pivoted to the sides of the vehicle at the front and back and may be extended radially when the vehicle is at rest. The vehicle carries a storage tank of compressed helium which can be transferred to the balloon for inflating it, the balloon being equipped with an antenna. Guy lines extend from a winch on the vehicle and are passed around pulleys arranged at the outer ends of the fully extended telescopic poles and then are secured to the balloon for holding it and the antenna in a fixed position and at a desired height above the vehicle. The balloon may be pulled down to the vehicle by the winch where the helium may be withdrawn from the balloon for collapsing it and the gas may be compressed in the storage tank until its next use.