External pressurization system for lighter than air vehicles
US8459589B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 15, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jun 11, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 13, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64B1/62
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An airship system, including an inflatable airship of predetermined volume adapted to be filled with gas and to rise to a predetermined altitude, said airship having a hull formed from an inflated flexible gas containment primary envelope, at least one lifting envelope located within the primary envelope for containing the lifting gas, where the lifting envelope will expand to substantially occupy the space of the primary envelope when the airship is at its predetermined high altitude, at least one secondary envelope located within the primary envelope, which can be inflated when said lifting envelope is at lower altitudes to fill the balance of the space of the primary envelope, and air handling means external to the primary envelope and communicating with the secondary envelope for filling and emptying the secondary envelope.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.