公开(公告)号：US20080035787A1

公开(公告)日：2008-02-14

申请号：US11501608

申请日：2006-08-08

Applicant: Mark N. Thompson

Inventor： Mark N. Thompson

IPC: B64B1/58

CPC classification number: B64B1/62 ,  B64B1/24 ,  B64B2201/00

Abstract: A lighter-than-air gas handling method and system for an airship capable of operating at a plurality of altitudes each characterized by a plurality of environmental conditions comprises a structure including a first envelope and a flexible volume portion in fluid communication with the first envelope. The first envelope capable of containing a volume of lighter-than-air gas disposed within the first envelope at a pressure in substantial equilibrium with an ambient pressure external to the first envelope when the airship is operating at a first altitude of the plurality of altitudes. A lighter-than-air gas transfer mechanism is coupled with the first envelope and the flexible volume portion and operative to allow the lighter-than-air gas to flow into the flexible volume portion as the lighter-than-air gas expands when the airship ascends to a second altitude higher than the first altitude and before the expanded lighter-than-air gas exceeds the containment capability of the first envelope. The flexible volume portion is operative to expand to accommodate the lighter-than-air gas flowing thereto from the first envelope wherein expansion of the flexible volume portion does not substantially affect the capability of the airship to operate in the plurality of environmental conditions of the second altitude. The lighter-than-air gas is transferred from the flexible volume portion into the first envelope as the airship descends from the second altitude to a third altitude lower than the second altitude.

Abstract translation: 一种用于能够以多个高度运行的飞艇的比空气轻的气体处理方法和系统，其特征在于多个环境条件包括包括与第一封套流体连通的第一封套和柔性容积部分的结构。 所述第一信封能够在所述飞艇在所述多个高度的第一高度运行时，以与所述第一信封外部的环境压力基本上平衡的压力，所述第一信封能够容纳设置在所述第一信封内的轻于空气的气体。 比空气中的气体转移机构与第一外壳和柔性容积部分相结合，并且可操作以当轻型空气气体膨胀时允许轻型空气气体流入柔性容积部分 升高到比第一高度高的第二高度，并且在膨胀的轻质空气气体超过第一包层的容纳能力之前。 柔性体积部分可操作以膨胀以适应从第一包壳流到其上的轻于空气的气体，其中柔性体积部分的膨胀基本上不影响飞艇在第二壳体的多个环境条件下操作的能力 高度。 随着飞艇从第二高度下降到低于第二高度的第三高度，轻于空气的气体从柔性体积部分转移到第一封套中。

公开(公告)号：US20080179453A1

公开(公告)日：2008-07-31

申请号：US11698969

申请日：2007-01-26

Applicant: Mark N. Thompson

Inventor： Mark N. Thompson

IPC: B64B1/00

CPC classification number: B64D5/00 ,  B64B1/06

Abstract: A modular airship system capable of assembling and disassembling two or more modular airships while in flight. The assembled modular airships providing improved lift and loft characteristics, while the disassembled modular airships provide for improved ground handling, storage, and transport. The modular airship comprises a coupling device to couple two or more modular airships together while in flight. The coupling device may include an electromagnetic attachment, a shaft and socket, Velcro, a latch, a draw cord, or a combination thereof. The modular airship may also have a propulsion system and the capability to carry a payload. The modular airship further comprises an electrical communication system which allows the two or more modular airships, when coupled together, to permit navigation, monitoring, and/or power systems to be shared and/or synchronized. It can be appreciated that the modular airships may also be coupled together on the ground prior to flight and may be replenished while in flight by another modular airship or aircraft. In a preferred embodiment, the modular airship may have the shape of an airfoil.

Abstract translation: 一种模块化飞艇系统，能够在飞行中组装和拆卸两个或多个模块化飞艇。 组装的模块化飞艇提供改进的升降和特性，而拆卸的模块化飞艇提供改进的地面处理，存储和运输。 模块式飞艇包括联接装置，以在飞行中将两个或更多个模块化飞艇耦合在一起。 联接装置可以包括电磁附件，轴和插座，魔术贴，闩锁，拉绳或其组合。 模块式飞艇还可以具有推进系统和携带有效载荷的能力。 模块化飞艇还包括电气通信系统，其允许两个或多个模块化飞艇在耦合在一起时允许共享和/或同步的导航，监视和/或电力系统。 可以理解，模组飞艇还可以在飞行之前在地面上耦合在一起，并且可以在飞行中由另一模块式飞艇或飞行器补充。 在优选实施例中，模块式飞艇可以具有翼型的形状。

公开(公告)号：US5906335A

公开(公告)日：1999-05-25

申请号：US838609

申请日：1997-04-10

Applicant: Mark N. Thompson

Inventor： Mark N. Thompson

IPC: B64B1/32 ,  F02B75/34 ,  B69B1/02

CPC classification number: F02B75/34 ,  B64B1/32

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the flight direction of a blimp. The blimp includes an elongate fuselage for containing a lighter-than-air gas, a movable rudder located toward a tail end of the fuselage, and at least one propeller mounted on a side of the fuselage. The propeller is attached to the blimp by a connection that provides two axes of movement. The propeller connection can be rotated or pivoted (1) about a first axis which is a horizontal axis that is perpendicular to a direction of the longitudinal axis of the elongate fuselage, and/or (2) about a second axis which is a vertical axis that is perpendicular to the direction of the longitudinal axis of the fuselage.

Abstract translation: 一种用于控制飞艇飞行方向的方法和装置。 飞艇包括用于容纳比空气更轻的气体的细长机身，朝向机身的尾端定位的可移动方向舵以及安装在机身一侧的至少一个螺旋桨。 螺旋桨通过提供两个运动轴的连接件连接在飞艇上。 螺旋桨连接可以围绕作为垂直于细长机身的纵向轴线的方向的水平轴线的第一轴线旋转或枢转（1），和/或（2）围绕作为垂直轴线的第二轴线 其垂直于机身的纵向轴线的方向。