Abstract:
Unmanned and remotely controlled airship constituted from system of multirotor combined with inflatable envelope. The airship may be lifted/powered by a power system comprising three or more rotors. In some embodiments, the airship may be constructed using rods, connectors, the main system/control box and the rotors. The airship system may have a systemic symmetry for weight distribution and flight control and may be, for example, a symmetric ellipsoid envelope/blimp.
Abstract:
A hybrid VTOL vehicle having an envelope configured to provide hydrostatic buoyancy, a fuselage attached to the envelope and having at least one pair of wings extending from opposing sides thereof to produce dynamic lift through movement, and a thrust generation device on each wing and configured to rotate with each wing about an axis that is lateral to a longitudinal axis of the envelope to provide vertical takeoff or landing capabilities. Ideally, the envelope provides negative hydrostatic lift to enhance low-speed and on-the-ground stability. A vehicle comprising a first lift device capable of providing hydrostatic lift; a second lift device capable of providing dynamic lift through movement; and a system structured to generate thrust coupled to the second lift device, the second lift device and the thrust generation system capable of rotating together about an axis that is lateral to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle at angles at least in the range of 90 degrees to and including 180 degrees.
Abstract:
A hybrid VTOL vehicle having an envelope configured to provide hydrostatic buoyancy, a fuselage attached to the envelope and having at least one pair of wings extending from opposing sides thereof to produce dynamic lift through movement, and a thrust generation device on each wing and configured to rotate with each wing about an axis that is lateral to a longitudinal axis of the envelope to provide vertical takeoff or landing capabilities. Ideally, the envelope provides negative hydrostatic lift to enhance low-speed and on-the-ground stability.
Abstract:
An aircraft includes: a plurality of rotor units each including a propeller and a motor that drives the propeller; and a shock absorber covering the entire vertical length of lateral sides of the plurality of rotor units.
Abstract:
The disclosed embodiments include a trailer for an autonomous vehicle controlled by a command and control interface. The trailer includes a trailer body configured to retain the autonomous vehicle in an undeployed configuration. The trailer also anchors the autonomous vehicle in a deployed configuration. A tether is provided having a first end coupled to the trailer body and a second end that is configured to couple to the autonomous vehicle. A winch is utilized to adjust a length of the tether to move the autonomous vehicle between the undeployed configuration and deployed configuration. Further, a communication system communicates with the command and control interface and the autonomous vehicle to control movement of the autonomous vehicle between the undeployed configuration and deployed configuration.
Abstract:
A system and a method for gas transportation by air, in which the transported gas also creates at least some of the lift for the airship, transporting it. In the same time, a fluid cargo, which also serves as ballast, is loaded. One of the options is that some of the transported gas is carried in a compressed form within a strong vessel on the airship. Among other options for the fluid cargo is the same gas in liquefied form, sea water, fresh or brackish water, LPG and oil. Yet another option is carrying easily liquefied gas, which is evaporated and fills in the airship envelope on its way back. Other embodiments are disclosed, such as cooling the transported gas or using heated air or steam when the transported gas is unloaded. A network of airships, terminals and control stations for natural gas transportation by air and more can be used with multiple airships of this kind.
Abstract:
A hovering surveillance device. An electronic imaging device is disposed on a housing having a primary lift element, at least one compressed lighter-than-air gas element, a pitch adjustment element, and, a steering element. The compressed lighter-than-air gas is channeled to the primary lift element and the pitch adjustment element to selectively vary the altitude and angle for the housing such that scene of interest may be imaged. The lighter-than-air gas may be selected from the group of helium, hydrogen, heated air, neon, ammonia, and methane.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a position control system for a remote-controlled vehicle, a vehicle operated by the control system, and a method for operating a remote-controlled vehicle. An electromagnetic energy receiver is configured to receive an electromagnetic beam. The electromagnetic energy receiver is further configured to determine a position of the remote-controlled vehicle relative to a position of the electromagnetic beam. The vehicle is directed to maneuver to track the position of the electromagnetic beam.
Abstract:
An apparatus for removing harmful gas components out of the earth's atmosphere is a free-flying autonomous lightweight aircraft with an onboard gas processing system including gas separation or extraction devices, and inlets and outlets connected to the devices. Solar cells and/or thermoelectric generators provided on the craft produce electrical energy to operate the individual devices. The system may include a cryogenic closed-loop circulation system that participates in liquefying the extracted gas components. The apparatus is preferably a lighter-than-air craft like a dirigible. A method of extracting harmful gas components from the atmosphere involves flying the apparatus at a prescribed altitude level and operating the gas processing system to remove the harmful gas component from the atmosphere, then returning the apparatus to earth to offload the liquefied stored harmful gas component.
Abstract:
An orientation system is disclosed for a lighter-than-air aircraft having a lower stage suspended from an envelope. The orientation system includes cords interconnecting the envelope and the lower stage and means for adjusting the length of at least one of the cords between the lower stage and the envelope. Adjusting the length produces a shift in the angle of attack of the envelope with respect to the lower stage.