Patent ID: 9016622
Filing Date: 2015-04-28
Classification: B64B

Abstract:
1. A system for compressing and releasing a lifting gas for use in an aircraft, comprising: a power source; a tank for the storage and release of a compressed lifting gas; an enclosed space for the storage and release of air ballast, the enclosed space being in fluid communication with atmospheric air outside of the aircraft; an envelope wherein the envelope, when filled with a lifting gas, provides the airship with static lift; wherein, the tank for the storage and release of the compressed lifting gas is located within the envelope; an inflation valve in fluid communication with the tank and the envelope; a power transmission system for driving one or more compressors; wherein the one or more compressors compress lifting gas from the envelope into the tank when the aircraft is ascending, and said lifting gas pressure is rising; wherein the inflation valve releases lifting gas from the tank into the envelope when the aircraft is descending; and wherein atmospheric air is released from, received within, or held constant within the enclosed space when the aircraft is ascending or descending, wherein a combined volume of lifting gas and air ballast is maintained constant both when the aircraft is ascending and descending.