Patent ID: 7150430
Filing Date: 2006-12-19
Classification: B64B,G01W,H04B

Abstract:
1. An observation device comprising: (a) a remote controlled detachably secured lighter-than-air aircraft having a first remote control means to remotely control the flight of said remote controlled detachably secured lighter-than-air aircraft during continuous daytime and nighttime operation said first remote control means operated without autonomous or semi-autonomous means; (b) an unmanned remotely controlled retractable and detachable anchor means remotely controlled by said first remote control means during a portion of the time said first remote control means maintains control of the flight of said remote controlled detachably secured lighter-than-air aircraft; (c) a remotely controlled ballast ballonet having means for acquiring ballast and secure said lighter-than-air aircraft on the surface of water controlled by said first remote control means to control buoyancy to maintain said remote controlled detachably secured lighter-than-air aircraft at a predetermined altitude with respect to the earth; (d) a daytime and nighttime ground proximity system for providing real time distance information between the ground and said remote controlled detachably secured lighter-than-air aircraft to a master control station disposed at a remote location to said remote controlled detachably secured lighter-than-air aircraft; (e) a remotely controlled ballast release mechanism controlled by said first remote control means to assist in maintaining said remote controlled detachably secured lighter-than-air aircraft in a predetermined altitude with respect to the earth; (f) a master control station disposed at a remote location from said remote controlled detachably secured lighter-than-air aircraft having disposed therein said first remote control means; (g) a data acquisition device disposed on said remote controlled detachably secured lighter-than-air aircraft; and (h) a second remote control means disposed remote from said first remote control means configured to control said data acquisition device on said remote controlled detachably secured lighter-than-air aircraft.