Variable geometry airship
Patent 5005783 Issued on April 9, 1991. Estimated Expiration Date: 
January 18, 2010. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
January 18, 2010. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References 3227400 3669367 3876265 3907218 3913871 Low speed aircraft Ballooned, STOL aircraft Autonomous variable density aircraft Semi-buoyant aircraft Convertible airship InventorAssigneeApplicationNo. 466888 filed on 01/18/1990US Classes:244/97, Buoyancy varying244/5, Airplanes, weight diminished by bouyant gas244/25, Airships with sustaining wings244/96Airship controlExaminersPrimary: Peters, Joseph F. Jr.Assistant: Ellis, Christopher P. Attorney, Agent or FirmInternational ClassB64B 001/58AbstractA variable geometry lighter-than-air craft which can change from a buoyant airship to a heavier-than-air craft by changing shape. The craft has a flexible envelope filled with helium or other lifting gas. Releasing or tightening the adjusting lines changes the envelope shape by adjusting the internal dimensions and extending or withdrawing wing expansion sections. The craft's shape can change from an ovoid shape for lighter-than-air flight to a winged shape for heavier-than-air flight. Controlling the craft's speed and trim regulates the aerodynamic lift. | |
