Abstract: A portable and inflatable marine vessel canopy that is operably configured to shield a user on a marine vessel from the elements, such as rain, wind, UV rays, and sunlight, and to be selectively positioned into various configurations on a marine vessel to provide the optimum amount of shade and protection. The present invention beneficially reduces the damage, discomfort, and inconvenience caused by users' exposure to the elements and comprises a plurality of covering panels coupled to a flexible tubular frame, the canopy operably configured to selectively removably couple to a Bimini top, T-top, or other boat cover, canvas, or canopy structure (or to the marine vessel itself) using a plurality of fasteners coupled to the flexible tubular frame.

Abstract: An inflatable tent storage assembly for a tent being storable includes a box having a square shape. The box has a front wall, a back wall, a bottom wall and a top wall. The box has an interior where a tent is stored in a closed position within. The tent has a mattress being inflatable. A pump is positioned within the interior of the box and the pump fills and removes air from the mattress. In addition, a solar panel is integrated within the top wall of the box and a battery is in electric communication with the solar panel. A switch is position on the front wall of the box. The switch includes a fill position, a drain position, and an off position. A handle is positioned on the front wall of the box and a pair of wheels is positioned on the bottom wall of the box.

Abstract: Elements of drop-stitch material are formed into different structures. In a platform, two legs support a horizontal platform. All are of drop-stitch material, which can be inflated to sufficient pressure for it to be rigid. Valves between the legs and platform allow air to flow between the legs and the platform. Another design is a luggage or cargo carrier for vehicles with a base, top and front walls formed of interconnected drop-stitch material. When the drop-stitch material is inflated, the material forms a cavity which receives luggage or other items. Sidewalls create an enclosed space, elements of the drop-stitch material can form other structures such as a truck shell with openings through the material to acts as windows or a door.

Abstract: Vehicle awnings comprise an inflatable frame assembly comprising a main frame member that defines a space, a left supporting frame member, and a right supporting frame member; a canopy operatively coupled to the main frame member and spanning the space; and an attachment system for attaching the vehicle awning to a vehicle.

Abstract: Elements of drop-stitch material are formed into different structures. In a platform, two legs support a horizontal platform. All are of drop-stitch material, which can be inflated to sufficient pressure for it to be rigid. Valves between the legs and platform allow air to flow between the legs and the platform. Another design is a luggage or cargo carrier for vehicles with a base, top and front walls formed of interconnected drop-stitch material. When the drop-stitch material is inflated, the material forms a cavity which receives luggage or other items. Sidewalls create an enclosed space. elements of the drop-stitch material can form other structures such as a truck shell with openings through the material to acts as windows or a door.

Abstract: Aerosol containment apparatus and methods of use are provided herein. The apparatus provides for creating an interior rest space for a person. The apparatus includes a self-sealable cover which is configurable to seal the interior rest space for use in dental care, cosmetic care or other procedures. Access to the person is provided by arm ports located on the apparatus. These arm ports are flexible and allow for vertical, horizontal and angular arm movement procedures. The apparatus includes a partially or substantially transparent cover for visual access to the client and an internal utility tray for tool storage. The apparatus, also includes, an air filtration port equipped with a replaceable air filter.

Abstract: An inflatable air mattress tent assembly for integrating an air pump within the tent includes a tent. The tent has a pair of sides and a pair of walls. The tent has an interior that defines a space for a mattress to be positioned within. The mattress can be inflated by air from a pump that the mattress is in fluid communication with. The pump is attached to the tent and the pump provides air to inflate the mattress and a pillow. The pillow is positioned on a surface of the mattress and has a conduit. The conduit makes the pillow be in fluid communication with the mattress.

Abstract: A system and method of extracting frozen water from soil or a regolith and capturing the water is provided. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a water collection system to extract and collect water from regolith. The system is configured to heat the regolith in situ to a temperature at which frozen water in the regolith will vaporize. The water vapor is then captured and collected. In one embodiment, the system includes a power system to provide energy to the regolith to heat the regolith, an enclosure to trap the water vapor released from the heated regolith, and a container operably interconnected to the enclosure to collect the water vapor. In one embodiment, the system can be positioned at a production facility on the Earth, the Moon, Mars, or an asteroid.

Abstract: An inflatable partition includes a flexible membrane, an inflatable frame, and a support member coupled to the inflatable frame. The inflatable frame extends along a periphery of the flexible membrane and has an inner edge adjacent to the flexible membrane and an outer edge. The inflatable frame further includes a sealing mechanism extending along at least a portion of the outer edge and the inflatable frame is inflatable between a first state and a second state. The inflatable partition includes a first structural member and a second structural member. Each of the first and second structural members is coupled to the inflatable frame and extends vertically from the upper portion to the bottom portion of the inflatable frame and the first and second structural members define an opening in the inflatable partition.

Abstract: A lightweight heat reflective shield useful for hikers and campers to reflect heat from a campfire back toward themselves. The heat reflective shield includes a base panel and a concave body portion attached to and extending upward from the base panel and supported by at least two inflatable ribs. The concave body portion includes an open front face along a front edge of the base panel, an inner side, and an outer side, wherein at least a portion of the inner side includes a heat reflective material. When the inflatable ribs are filled with air, the heat reflective shield may accommodate a standing or seated person, and when positioned adjacent a heat source, the heat reflective material of the inner side reflects heat from the heat source back toward the heat source.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides inflatable attractions, including inflatable attachments for attractions and attraction parks having such inflatable attractions. The inflatable attractions represent a significant advancement in safety, and include a central column, a first arm extending away from the central column, a second arm extending away from the central column, and at least one inflatable air chamber extending through at least one of the first arm or the second arm.

Abstract: A chemical/biological vehicle survivability barrier (CVSB) has an inflatable air beam shelter (IABS), also referred to as a tunnel-like enclosure, for inserting and coupling to the interior of a vehicle. The CVSB further has at least one air handling and power unit (AHPU) coupled to an exterior fitting of the IABS. The AHPU withdraws potentially contaminated air from inside the tunnel-like enclosure, filtrates the air by removing contaminants from the air withdrawn, and returns the filtrated air back into the tunnel-like enclosure.

Abstract: An inflatable structure includes a plurality of inflatable walls arranged to form a room having an interior and one or more lockable compartments integrated into the plurality of inflatable walls. The lockable compartments can include a non-inflated recess formed within an inflatable wall and at least one flap configured to close an opening of the recess of the first lockable compartment. The inflatable structure can be themed, e.g., by installing themed skins on interior surfaces of the room to provide a user experience. The inflatable structure may also include integrated virtual reality components, including a virtual reality headset supported by the structure.

Abstract: The system and method for a green integrated electric power plant mounted on rooftops, includes platform on which installed low body and upper body with gap. There are no rotatable parts for generating electric power except the propeller of generator which is affected by three air flows. The generator with propeller placed inside of upper body vertically. Low body has inside tube and spirals. Also low body has a few windows. Each window supplied by tangential plate for creating confined vortex. Thus one wind flow acting through low body directly on propeller, second air flow move warm air flow from source of warm air such as laundry or boiler room of building through conduit, inner tube and multiple Venturi tubes also act as a propeller. Third wind air flow moves perpendicular to vertical axes of generator and goes through gap between low body and upper body directly on propeller.

Abstract: An inflatable protective resting assembly for enclosing a child while the child is outdoors includes an inflatable enclosure that is inflatable to define an enclosed resting area for a child. A plurality of screens is each removably attachable to the inflatable enclosure to protect the child from insects and reduce exposure to sunlight. A socket is provided and the socket is coupled to the inflatable enclosure. A plurality of accessory units is each removably attachable to the socket to enhance safety and security of the child when the child is positioned in the enclosed resting area defined by the inflatable enclosure.

Abstract: An escape system comprises a slide for facilitating evacuation of from a structure to water, wherein the slide comprises at least one helical inflatable path. The or each helical inflatable path may be configured to extend generally vertically between the structure and the water. The slide may comprise a plurality of helical inflatable paths. The slide may comprise spacing means for controlling the pitch between helix turns of the or each of the helical inflatable paths. A bowsing arrangement for the slide is also disclosed.

Abstract: An impact shield for earthquake protection is described herein. The impact shield may include a canopy constructed of a puncture-resistant material, the canopy defining a first internal volume accessible via a first opening, the canopy being structured to form a semispherical shape when in an inflated state, the semispherical shape defining a space dimensioned for sheltering at least one human body; a support joined to the canopy and constructed of the puncture-resistant material, the support defining a second internal volume accessible via the first opening and a second opening, the support located within the space, the support structured to form a column when in the inflated state; and a fitting joined to the support for closing the second opening to fix the first internal volume and the second internal volume after inflation of the support and the canopy.

Abstract: Aerosol containment apparatus and methods of use are provided herein. The apparatus provides for creating an interior rest space for a person. The apparatus includes a self-sealable cover which is configurable to seal the interior rest space for use in dental care, cosmetic care or other procedures. Access to the person is provided by arm ports located on the apparatus. These arm ports are flexible and allow for vertical, horizontal and angular arm movement procedures. The apparatus includes a partially or substantially transparent cover for visual access to the client and an internal utility tray for tool storage. The apparatus, also includes, an air filtration port equipped with a replaceable air filter.

Abstract: A portable, inflatable canopy is disclosed having an inflatable support system including interconnected, intersecting arches over which a tarp is secured to form a dome structure that can be temporarily anchored to the ground as a respite for sun, heat, wind, and rain. The inflatable support system works with a battery powered fan to inflate the canopy quickly without outside power requirements, and the fan can also be used to quickly deflate the canopy. The use of all soft materials allows the canopy to be folded or rolled when deflated into a compact storage configuration without poles, rigid supports, or other cumbersome elements.

Abstract: A rooftop tent includes a frame and a canopy, a first inlet is provided on the frame, and a side of the canopy is provided with an entrance; and a baseboard, which is inflatable and a second inlet in provided on a side of the baseboard. The frame is inflatable and air is inflated into the frame by the first inlet, such that the canopy is supported. A second inlet is located on the side of the baseboard, and the air is inflated into the baseboard through the second inlet, such that the baseboard is unfolded into a panel, which is used to support and carry the tent body. A receiving apparatus of the rooftop tent is also provided.

Abstract: An aerosol containment enclosure is used to isolate an air mass immediately surrounding a patient known or suspected to have a disease which may be transmitted through the air. The enclosure cooperates with a patient support apparatus. In embodiments, a flexible rod supports a substantially aerosol impermeable covering and is connected to the patient support apparatus. The enclosure is collapsible to a predetermined collapsed shape and expandable to a predetermined erect shape. In embodiments, a portal in the covering provides access for care personnel or equipment. The aerosol containment enclosure is lightweight, compact, and partially or fully disposable. The enclosure may be rapidly erected around a patient in an ambulance or other treatment setting.

Abstract: Systems and methods for magnetic induction of a penile prosthesis are disclosed. The magnetic induction system includes a wand that has a coil arrangement covered with a thermal and electrical insulator sheath operable to generate an alternating magnetic field. The coil arrangement of the sheath is configured to receive the length of the penile prosthesis therein. The penile prosthesis may be made from a shape memory material such that application of alternating magnetic fields generated by the magnetic induction system induces eddy currents that raise the temperature of the penile prosthesis to a temperature above the austenitic transformation temperature that allows the penile prosthesis to achieve an erect state.

Abstract: An inflatable booth for use in detecting dents on an automobile. The inflatable booth generally forms an archway or tunnel and has an exterior surface and an interior surface. Lights are mounted on the exterior surface of the booth. The exterior surface of the booth is transparent or clear at least in the areas where the lights are positioned. The interior surface has a repeating geometric pattern. To detect dents, an automobile is driven into the booth and the lights are turned on. The geometric pattern on the interior surface of the booth is reflected off the surface of the automobile forming a reflected pattern. Dents or mars in the surface of the automobile cause distortions in the reflected pattern, thus making them easy to detect and fix. The booth can be easily inflated, deflated, and transported.

Abstract: A removable storage device adaptable for use in exercise, fishing, paddling, floating, anchoring and other operations pertaining to, but not limited to, recreational operation of watercraft. This storage device has a population of receptacles or storage areas in which a user may rapidly and securely store a variety of objects such as, for example only, paddles, snorkeling gear, valuable items, waterproof pouches and/or containers, lights, personal flotation devices, dog leashes, fishing poles, anchors, food and/or beverage containers, rope, flares and other desired items. This removable storage device may be constructed to allow secure fastening of the storage device to a wide variety of external surfaces such as, for example only paddle craft, docks, boats and other objects and surfaces desired by the operator. The storage device may be an inflatable device, a solid or semi-solid device, and/or a combination inflatable and solid or semi-solid device.

Abstract: A tent with a heater base includes a domed-shaped tent having a plurality of illuminated dome support rods and a heated base. The heated base has an inflatable air mattress having a length of heating tape running through the interior spaces thereof.

Abstract: A portable shelter having an inflatable frame that is lightweight and collapsible so that it can easily be transported from one place to the next without transporting heavy spars. The inflatable frame has only one external valve for inflation but creates a complex structure of circles, triangles and diamond-like shapes that provide a rigid and stable frame for a plurality of covering shells. The portable shelter adapts to any climate or circumstance by having an outer shell and an inner shell that can be easily modified accordingly. The portable shelter has solar panels that provide power to a power system and a storage battery therein to power an air pump to inflate the portable shelter frame. The portable shelter is completely self-sustaining. A plurality of portable shelters may be arranged into a self-sustaining village for people displaced by poverty, violent conflict and natural disasters.

Abstract: An inflatable child safety bed for providing safe, soft and comfortable place for special needs children to be safely secured for bedtime purposes. Moreover, the inflatable nature of the bed provides a protective barrier between them and the outside environment. The inflatable child safety bed generally comprises an upper inflatable structure adapted to be secured to a bed having a mattress. In other versions, the inflatable child safety bed further includes a removable attachable inflatable bottom mattress adapted to couple with the upper inflatable structure in order to provide a flooring to the interior space.

Abstract: An individual sized, sleeping bivy in the form of a lightweight, self-supporting, personal shelter that provides protection from bug bites and stings and, more particularly, concerns a personal shelter sized for an individual regardless of whether that individual is a child or a grown adult male to prevent illness and death, especially among children. The bivy includes an endoskeleton or frame overlaid and integrated with mosquito netting, and includes a flooring member connected to the endoskeleton. The endoskeleton is preferably, but not necessarily, an inflatable structure or a self-rising structure that can be collapsed into a small package suitable for easy carrying, for mass distribution, or to be supplied via airdrops.

Abstract: An automobile tent apparatus includes a body member that includes an inflatable framework having opposed front and back support members each having opposed proximal and distal ends and a first dome support member extending between opposed proximal ends of the front and back support members, respectively, the front, back, and first dome support members having a tubular construction in fluid communication with one other and are selectively inflatable with air. The first dome support member has an upwardly arching configuration relative to the front and back support members. A plurality of housing panels is attached to respective support members of the inflatable framework and each extends downwardly therefrom so as to define an interior area within the body member. A first upper panel is positioned atop the first dome support member that covers an upper extent of the interior area proximate the first dome support member.

Abstract: A retractable shelter is provided for use with a slideout compartment of a recreational vehicle. The retractable shelter includes a sheet of flexible material capable of being rolled up into a retracted position; and a storage compartment capable of storing the sheet of flexible material rolled up into the retracted position. The storage compartment is attachable along and near a bottom edge of a slideout compartment of a recreational vehicle. Doors can also be attached to the extended sheet of flexible material underneath the slideout compartment. The sheet of flexible material can also be extended in a horizontal direction to support poles.

Abstract: An inflatable sleeper including an inflatable support skeleton of spaced apart parallel tubular arches and an inflatable mattress having an air inlet-outlet valve and further including a waterproof cover, which has an arched door parallel to the arches, removably attached to and covering the entire support skeleton when the support skeleton is in an inflated condition. Each arch has a pair of outer ends attached to and in fluid communication with a bottom edge of the mattress. Spaced apart fasteners, such as hook and loop fasteners, on the arches secure the cover and the support skeleton together. Spaced apart tie down eyelets on the cover are configured to receive a tie down fastener, such as a rope, therethrough to secure the cover and support skeleton to one of a pickup truck bend interior side and a ground stake. The mattress rests atop a separate foldable floor provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting an attachment and an air beam comprising a hug strap attached to a hug strap pad, the hug strap adapted to connect with the attachment, and the hug strap pad adapted to attach to the air beam. A method of securing an attachment to an air beam comprising providing an air beam, attaching a hug strap to a hug strap pad, securing the hug strap pad (with the hug strap attached) to the air beam, and securing the attachment to the hug strap.

Abstract: A pneumatic frame for textiles of control at of light used in the film industry or images capture with the object to reflect, block, filter, blur and make any use of light and have optimum control of it at the time of capturing the image. The pneumatic frame comprises a hose inflatable structure of at least twelve pieces with threads that allow its assembly, tucks vulcanized along its entire periphery which allow the passage of an elastic which is intertwined with the stitched slit, secured by hang setbolt devices along its entire periphery, as well as external gripping devices of type-setbolt screw pins.

Abstract: An inflatable structure to surround a dwelling comprising: a sand base; a plurality of inflatable tubes stacked vertically on the sand base; a lip extending from the sand base; and a plurality of securing pins extending through the lip, where the plurality of pins secures the inflatable structure to the ground. The each inflatable tube may include an air nozzle, where the air nozzle enables the inflatable of each respective tube. A zipper may be provided at each end of the plurality of inflatable tubes. The inflatable structure may also include a ribbed bottom surface to provide further support.

Abstract: A shelter assembly has a frame having a plurality of fillable support members, each having a hollow portion for receiving a filling material. The support members are configured to form a structure wherein the support members form walls of the structure. The shelter assembly has a plurality of columns which form corner posts of a structure and a plurality of walls which are removably attached to a pair of adjacent columns. The walls have support members to which at least one panel is attached. The support members are secured to a pair of adjacent columns via fasteners. An upper portion forms a roof of the structure wherein the columns are attached to coupling members of the upper portion.

Abstract: The present invention is a readily collapsible lightweight, support structure utilizing one or more three dimensional shapes formed from a material exhibiting compressive strength in a high longitudinal to transverse ratio. The composite anisotropic materials preferably comprise a reinforced polymer with continuous, high modulus unidirectional fibers.

Abstract: A structural element employing hydrostatic pressure to compress cohesion-less particles to significantly increase the load carrying capacity of the element along a load-bearing axis, a system for deploying said structural element and a method for deploying said structural element using the system.

Abstract: A system and method is described generally for providing a high altitude conduit the high altitude conduit includes a first material layer forming an elongated duct. The high altitude conduit also includes a second material layer outside the first material layer. The second material layer defines a space between the second material layer and the first material layer. A gas has a density that is less dense than that of the atmosphere outside of the second material layer. The gas is disposed in the space between the first and the second layer. An introducer is configured to provide the gas into the space between the first material layer and the second material layer. The gas causes the conduit to extend in an approximately upright orientation.

Abstract: A structural element employing hydrostatic pressure to compress cohesion-less particles to significantly increase the load carrying capacity of the element along a load-bearing axis, a system for deploying said structural element and a method for deploying said structural element using the system.

Abstract: A system for producing electricity from jet streams and tower therefor extending from a ground surface to an altitude wherein jet streams exist. The tower is self supporting, comprising a plurality of buoyant modules adapted to house a lighter than air gas or gas mixture. The system includes at least one generator for electricity production.

Abstract: A mobile building module comprises rigid load-bearing surface elements and one or more inflatable flexible surface elements connected therewith. In the transport condition, several of the load-bearing rigid surface elements are disposed to form a parallelepiped container having a floor and surrounding rigid walls for accommodating the inflatable flexible surface elements, with the height of the container being lower than the height of the building. A building, which is assembled of several partial modules, which are constructed according to the above-mentioned principles, is also an object of the invention.

Abstract: A freestanding space elevator tower for launching payloads, tourism, observation, scientific research and communications. The space elevator tower has a segmented elevator core structure, each segment being formed of at least one pneumatically pressurized cell. The pressure cells may be filled with air or another gas. Elevator cars may ascend or descend on the outer surface of the elevator core structure or in a shaft on the interior of the elevator core structure. A payload may be launched from a pod or deck at the upper end of the space elevator tower. The space elevator tower is stabilized by gyroscopic and active control machinery. The space elevator tower maintains a desired pressure level through gas compressor machinery. Methods of constructing the space elevator are also disclosed.

Abstract: A floating solar chimney includes several parts, e.g., the Main Chimney, the Heavy Base, and the Folding Lower Part. The main chimney includes cylindrical balloon rings full of non flammable light gas. The cylindrical balloon rings are tied with the help of supporting rings so that together they form one or more compact units of the main chimney. The compact parts of the main chimney are fastened on the heavy base. The successive compact parts are separated by separating rings filled with environmental air that can go in and out of the separating rings, so that the dynamic independence of the successive compact parts is ensured. The main chimney, which can float, is configured to sit on a chimney seat, and is connected to the heavy base. The lower part of the heavy base is fastened to the folding lower part. The air can enter and come out freely from the rings of folding lower part in order to enable the floating solar chimney to achieve any suitable decline as dictated by the exterior winds.

Abstract: An inflatable and rigidizable structure for use as a habitat or a load bearing structure is disclosed. The structure consists of an outer wall and an inner wall defining a containment member and a bladder. The bladder is pressurized to erect the structure from an initially collapsed state. The containment member is subsequently injected with rigidizable fluid through an arrangement of injection ports. Exhaust gases from the curing rigidizable fluid are vented through an arrangement of exhaust ports. The rate of erection can be controlled by frictional engagement with a container or by using a tether. A method for fabricating a tubular structure is disclosed.

Abstract: An inflatable air beam having a laceloop assembly affixed thereto, a structure utilizing same and a method of constructing a structure is provided. In the structure, the fabric is laced to a structural support, typically, an air beam to position and properly tension the fabric thereon. The laceloop assembly includes spaced apart adjacent laceloops that are interconnected to secure the fabric panel to the structural support. In practicing the method, the laceloops are passed through fabric panels and through adjacent laceloops to interconnect the adjacent laceloops and secure the fabric panels to the structural support.

Abstract: A compartment for a transportation device is provided. The compartment may include a one-piece basin, an inflatable wall member, and multi-directional support arms to attach the basin within the transportation device. The one-piece basin may fit through an opening in the transportation device. Methods of installation for installing the compartment within the transportation device are also provided.

Abstract: A load-bearing, pressurized-fluid column apparatus and method for supporting a load or mine ceiling with respect to a support surface or mine floor includes an elongated, flexible sleeve and bladder retain a substantially incompressible liquid. The sleeve and bladder have a collapsed and an expanded configuration. In the collapsed configuration, the sleeve and bladder are not filled, and have a first, shorter length. In the expanded configuration, the sleeve and bladder are filled with the liquid, and have a second, longer length sized to extend to and between the load and the support surface. A valve allows the liquid to be added and prevents escape of the liquid. A base can seal a lower end of the sleeve, and can be disposed on the support surface. A cap can seal an upper end of the sleeve, and can be capable of abutting the load.

Abstract: Apparatus for displaying a visual image includes a device having an inflatable main body and a base portion. The main body is formed from tubular members which define a predetermined shape when inflated, providing at least one display face for displaying a visual image. The base portion stabilizes the device.

Abstract: A capital to be placed upon a hollow column having a non-uniform cross section with a maximum inner dimension and a minimum inner dimension. The capital has an ornamental upper portion attached to a neck. The neck possesses a maximum outer cross-sectional dimension which is intermediate in size between the maximum inner cross-sectional dimension of the portion of the column intended to be occupied by the neck and the minimum inner cross-sectional dimension of the portion of the column intended to be occupied by said neck. The neck also has a minimum outer cross-sectional dimension smaller than the minimum inner cross-sectional dimension of the portion of the column intended to be occupied by said neck.

Abstract: An inflatable boom for space applications, and a methods of folding and deploying a boom are disclosed. The boom comprises a membrane having a substantially tapered cylindrical shape. A wide end of the membrane is attached to a base, and a narrow end of the membrane is attached to a mandrel. The method of folding a boom comprises forming a plurality of ring-shaped folds in the boom membrane. The method of deploying a boom comprises increasing a gas pressure inside the boom and repeatedly unfolding the outer-most ring fold increase the length of the boom.