Airship docking mechanism
US7275714B2 · kind B2 · utility
1Cited by
10References
20Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 1, 2005 |
| Grant date | Oct 2, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 8, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64C11/006
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for docking an airship to a mooring mast includes a thruster that is mounted to the fore end of the airship. When activated, the thruster generates a thrust vector that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the airship and is selectively directional. In particular, the configuration of the thruster can be changed to vary the direction of the thrust vector around the longitudinal axis to maneuver a connector on the thruster into contact with the mooring mast. Engagement of the connector to the mooring mast then docks the airship to the mooring mast.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.