The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 25, 2001
Filed:
Dec. 21, 1999
David B. Eichstedt, Lancaster, CA (US);
John P. Morehead, Santa Clarita, CA (US);
John B. Kalisz, Newhall, CA (US);
Lockheed Martin Corporation, Palmdale, CA (US);
Abstract
A non-ridged semi-buoyant vehicle includes a pressure stabilized gasbag having a longitudinal, vertical and horizontal axis, top, bottom and side surfaces and front and rear ends and an aerodynamic shape capable of producing lift. Within the gasbag are first and second vertical catenary curtains attached to the top and bottom surfaces between the sides of the gasbag. These first and second catenary curtains are positioned on either side of the longitudinal axis extending from the front end along a first portion of the gasbag. A pair of first and second Y shaped catenary curtains are coupled to the first and second vertical catenary curtains and extend along a second portion of the gasbag. The arms of each of the Y shaped curtains are attached to the top surface and the legs are attached to the bottom surface of the gasbag. First and second pairs of vertical catenary curtains are coupled to the first and second pairs of Y shaped catenary curtains, respectively, and extend to the rear end of said gasbag. The first and second pairs of vertical catenary curtains are attached at their top and bottom ends to the top and bottom surfaces of the gasbag. Secondary vertical catenary curtains are positioned on either side of the first and second pairs of vertical catenary curtains and extend from the rear end of the gasbag a portion of length of the first and second pairs of catenary curtains. These secondary vertical catenary curtains are attached at their top and bottom ends to the top and bottom surfaces of the gasbag.