摘要:
Embodiments disclosed herein enable routine autonomous execution of at least some major phases of aerostat operation in response to commands from human or automated external operators, a built-in decision-making capacity, or both. Various embodiments combine one or more actively controlled tethers, aerodynamic aerostat control surfaces, mechanical assistive devices (e.g., jointed arms attached to a ground station), and/or active propulsors attached to the aerostat to govern aerostat behavior during launch, flight, and landing phases of operation. Some embodiments enable automatic autonomous performance of all phases of routine post-commissioning aerostat operation, including launch, flight, and landing, without any routine need for availability of a human crew.
摘要:
A survey airship (10) comprising a non-rigid self-supporting gas envelope (12) and one or more propulsion units (22) to provide movement of the airship (10). A first transmitting coil (32) extends around the gas envelope in a horizontal plane. A second transmitting coil (34) extends around the gas envelope (12) in a vertical plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the airship (10). A third transmitting coil (36) extends around the gas envelope (12) in a vertical plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the airship (10). One or more geophysical survey systems provided to collect geophysical survey data based on the sensed ground response to signals transmitted by the transmitting coils (30).
摘要:
Lifting module with an envelope (11) for storing a lifting fluid (Gl) and with a flexible, gas-tight membrane (12) partially extending inside the envelope (11). The membrane (12) is arranged so that the envelope (11) together with the membrane (12) defines a first compartment (Cl) and a second compartment (C2) inside. A valve (24) is provided for inserting lifting fluid (Gl) into said first compartment (Cl) and a fluid inlet is provided for inserting a ballast fluid (G2). The module (10) further comprises means for introducing the ballast fluid (G2) through the fluid inlet into the second compartment (C2). The module (10) further comprises a first engine, which is positionable in a first and in a second position. The first engine (21) is accomplished as a conveying means for introducing ballast fluid (G2) into said second compartment (C2) when positioned in its first position. When positioned in its second position, the first engine (21) is accomplished as propulsion means for providing thrust with respect to an ambient fluid (G3) in which said module (10) is floating.
摘要:
Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Luftschiff mit einem Ballon und mehreren Antrieben zum Bewegen des Luftschiffes, wobei die Erfindung sowohl bei Prallluftschiffen, die auch als autonome Luftschiffe oder Blimps bekannt sind, als auch für Zeppeline angewendet werden kann. Es ist die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, ein Luftschiff der oben genannten Art zur Verfügung zu stellen, bei welchen ein Aufschaukeln oder Kippen des Luftschiffes weitgehend vermieden werden kann. Die Aufgabe wird dadurch gelöst, dass die Antriebe des Luftschiffes wenigstens drei Antriebe sind, die derart um den Ballon herum angeordnet sind, dass ein aus den Antrieben resultierender und in seiner Position veränderbarer Kraft- und Momentvektor erzeugbar ist.
摘要:
One embodiment of the invention provides an airship having an outer tube formed in the shape of a toroid and defining a central opening, a first compartment positioned within the outer tube and containing a first gas, and a second compartment positioned within the outer tube and containing a second gas. The airship may also include top and bottom covers further defining and enclosing the central opening, the central opening containing the second gas, and a controller that controls the flow of the first gas into and out of the first compartment to actively control the ascent and descent of the airship.
摘要:
A lighter than air semi-rigid air vehicle utilizing two or more spherical chambers with composite fairings in between to reduce drag. The vehicle also may utilize a reverse ballonet or conventional ballonet system for the lift gas control (Helium, Hot Air, Hydrogen or any other lift gas). The power plants may use reversible pitch propellers to enhance maneuverability.
摘要:
A method and system for air flight is disclosed. A blended lifting body system is comprised of a lift module, a propulsion module, a payload module and a control system. The control system morphs the other modules through variable buoyancy, internal structures and a flexible exterior, and varies bio-mimetic oscillation in the propulsion module in order to facilitate takeoff, flight and landing.
摘要:
An article of manufacture and method of manufacturing the article that is lighter-than-air. The article of manufacture includes a shell (102) material forming containment chamber (100) having a sealed cavity. The article also includes a filler gas (104) that is sealed in the sealed cavity of the containment chamber. The containment chamber (100) and filler gas (104) that is sealed within the containment chamber has a combined weight that is less than a weight of atmospheric air that is displaced by the containment chamber. Also a method of manufacturing includes heating a shell material to a molten state and heating a filler gas. The method includes injecting the heated filler gas into the molten shell material to form a containment chamber defined by the shell material and containing the heated filler gas.
摘要:
A highly maneuverable aircraft with aerostatic lift consists, in particular, of a non-rigid airship(10) which can be piloted or radio-controlled; the airship (10) is sustained by helium and consists of two spindle-shaped elements side by side (11) joined by a connecting structure (12) to form a characteristic catamaran shape, without deflecting aerodynamic control surfaces as the command system consists of a set of several adjustable electric motors, each driving a variable-pitch propeller (13).
摘要:
An environmental data collection system and method is provided having an internet link for providing an additional level of security for a remotely controlled data collection platform (30) having a security alarm for protecting the platform and the environmental subject of the study. A novel lighter-than-air platform having a novel snorkel for detachably securing, mooring and providing buoyancy control is provided for the collection of data in the form of real time audio and video linked to the internet and subscribers. The novel snorkel is flexible and retractable into the novel airship to provide remote buoyancy control of the airship together with silently operating electrical motors (38) for allowing the novel airship to be remotely controlled and moved at will to track and monitor wildlife and make environmental measurements necessary for the protection of the environment, wildlife and the operation of the novel airship. Detachable securing means provide an anti-tethering feature of the novel airship and allow the collection of data from both, an aerial perspective and a ground perspective, while providing for the collection of data from either the surface of the earth or below the surface of the water while transmitting the data to scientists, environmentalists and subscribers through the internet (70).