Circumferential ring propulsors and control assemblies for manned and unmanned lighter than air aircraft
US11066146B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 29, 2020 |
| Grant date | Jul 20, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 29, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U40/00
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A propulsor and control system for a Lighter Than Air (LTA) aircraft having annular fore and aft circumferential shrouds surrounding the aircraft body. The fore and aft circumferential shrouds form respective fore and aft circumferential shroud gaps between the fore and aft circumferential shrouds and the LTA aircraft body. Fore and aft propulsor blades are situated substantially or completely within the fore and aft circumferential shroud gaps. The blades counter-rotate in one embodiment. The fore and aft circumferential ring propulsors can have front control vanes located in front of the respective propulsors blade sets, and back control vanes located behind the respective propulsors to control the direction of the flow of air in order to maneuver the LTA aircraft. Magnetic levitation may be used to actuate the propulsor blade sets.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.