초록 ▼

A lighter-than-air airship system, having a multitude of uses, with a primary purpose being the dispensing of water over a raging fire, where access by personnel and ground equipment is difficult. The airship system comprises an aerodynamically configured structure having a semi-rigid keel or skelet

A lighter-than-air airship system, having a multitude of uses, with a primary purpose being the dispensing of water over a raging fire, where access by personnel and ground equipment is difficult. The airship system comprises an aerodynamically configured structure having a semi-rigid keel or skeleton, where lift is provided in part by helium, with the keel mounting a liquid management mechanism preferably consisting of a reservoir open to the outside for resupply of liquid or water, a conduit leading to a holding tank, and a piping distribution and nozzle assembly below the airship system to spray or dispense the liquid or water, like an artificial rain, over selected areas to control or extinguish the raging fire. Alternate systems are provided for replenishing or filling the holding tank from ground locations.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A hybrid airship, platform system for delivering and dispersing large quantities of liquid while in flight and hovering modes over specified ground areas, where dynamic lift for said airship system is derived by its aerodynamically shaped body and engine fans to provide lift in an airstream, and

1. A hybrid airship, platform system for delivering and dispersing large quantities of liquid while in flight and hovering modes over specified ground areas, where dynamic lift for said airship system is derived by its aerodynamically shaped body and engine fans to provide lift in an airstream, and static lift is achieved by a non-combustible lighter-than-air gas confined therewithin, said airship system comprising:a.) a semi rigid, light-weight frame encased within a skin and aerodynamically configured to provide lift in an air stream while in a flying and hovering modes over said specified ground areas;b.) means for flying said airship system, where said means include a plurality of engine fans and attitude stabilizing mechanisms to provide 3-axis stability and control; and,c.) a liquid control and dispensing mechanism disposed primarily within said frame, said mechanism including,i.) a liquid holding tank positioned along the center of gravity of said airship system,ii.) a manifold in liquid communication with said holding tank, when said manifold includes means for controlling the quantity of liquid passing therethrough, andiii.) a liquid distribution, piping and nozzle assembly in liquid communication with said manifold, where said assembly is exposed below said frame. 2. The hybrid airship, platform system according to claim 1, wherein said means for flying includes a pilot's cabin of a size to receive operating personnel. 3. The hybrid airship, platform system according to claim 1, wherein said liquid distribution, piping and nozzle assembly is mounted within a supporting frame assembly secured to the underside of said airship system. 4. The hybrid airship, platform system according to claim 1, wherein said manifold includes plural, parallel transmitting conduits, with each said parallel conduit includes means for regulating liquid flow therethrough. 5. The hybrid airship, platform system according to claim 1, including a plenum below said system, where said plenum forms a part of said liquid distribution, piping and nozzle assembly. 6. The hybrid airship, platform system according to claim 1, where said light weight material is selected from the group consisting of aluminum and carbon fiber. 7. The hybrid airship, platform system according to claim 1, wherein means are provided to replenish the liquid in said liquid holding tank, said means including a downwardly extending snorkel mechanism having an opened ended pipe operable to be positioned below the surface of a quantity of liquid, and a pump to facilitate the flow from said quantity of liquid to said holding tank. 8. A hybrid airship, platform system, for delivering and dispensing large quantities of liquid while in flight and hovering modes over specified ground areas, where lift for said airship system is achieved in part by helium confined therewithin, said hybrid airship platform system comprising:a.) a semi-rigid, light-weight frame encased within a skin and aerodynamically configured to provide lift in an air stream while in flying and hovering modes over said specified ground areas;b.) means for flying said airship system, where said means include a plurality of engine fans and attitude stabilizing mechanisms to provide 3-axis stability and control; andc.) a liquid control and dispensing mechanism disposed primarily within said frame, said mechanism including,i.) a liquid holding tank positioned along the center of gravity of said airship system,ii.) a manifold in liquid communication with said holding tank, where said manifold includes means for controlling the quantity of liquid passing therethrough, andiii.) a liquid distribution, piping nozzle assembly in liquid communication with said manifold, where said assembly is exposed below said frame;wherein said liquid control dispensing means further includes a reservoir, open to the exterior of said airship system, for receiving in-fight replenishing of liquid, to feed liquid to said holding tank. 9. The hy brid airship, platform system according to claim 8, including a liquid passing conduit extending between said reservoir and said holding tank, and said conduit includes a series of baffle elements to minimize turbulence in the liquid passing therethrough. 10. The hybrid airship, platform system according to claim 9, including a first debris collecting filtering screen within said reservoir, a second filtering screen between said reservoir and said liquid passing conduit, and a third filtering screen between said holding tank and said manifold. 11. The hybrid airship, platforms system according to claim 8, wherein said reservoir is defined by an opening and a predetermined depth, and said opening includes a criss-cross grating member.