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:
Jun. 28, 2011
Filed:
Sep. 05, 2006
Ronald P. Fuchs, Bellevue, WA (US);
Daniel J. Gadler, Mercer Island, WA (US);
Rodney B. Kendrick, Bellevue, WA (US);
John L. Mciver, Bothell, WA (US);
Ronald P. Fuchs, Bellevue, WA (US);
Daniel J. Gadler, Mercer Island, WA (US);
Rodney B. Kendrick, Bellevue, WA (US);
John L. McIver, Bothell, WA (US);
The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US);
Abstract
A system including a heavier-than-air vehicle (HTA), a lighter-than-air vehicle (LTA), and a tether is disclosed. The tether is coupled between the HTA and the LTA such that the LTA supports the HTA. The system may be further configured to suit the needs of the particular application. For example, the system may be configured to be controllable from a remote location or capable of autonomous operations. The system may also be configured such that the HTA comprises a mission payload and communications equipment. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the LTA is configured to provide lift for the system and the HTA is configured to provide station-keeping propulsion, the advantage being reduced fuel consumption and increased mission endurance.