Patent ID: 6510805
Filing Date: 2003-01-28
Classification: A01C,A01G,A62C,B64D,Y02A,Y02P,Y10S

Abstract:
A lighter-than-air airship system for distributing and planting tree saplings while in a flight mode over defined ground areas, where lift for said airship system is achieved by means of helium confined therewithin, said airship system comprising:a.) a semi rigid, light-weight frame encased within a flexible skin and aerodynamically configured for flying and hovering over selected ground areas; b.) means for flying said airship system, where said means include a plurality of engines and attitude stabilizing mechanisms to provide 3-axis stability and control; c.) an undercarriage frame suspended from said airship system, said undercarriage frame mounting at least one horizontally disposed canister, said canister including i.) an intermittantly rotating axle, ii.) plural axial vanes extending from said axle to define plural compartments for receiving said tree saplings, iii.) a fixed peripheral, circular cover about said compartments having two axially extending slots, iv.) a discontinuous, generally circular sliding cover about said vanes and movable between said said slots, and v.) a means to rotate said axle relative to said sliding cover to open selective said compartments to store and release the tree saplings contained therewithin; and d.) a liquid control and dispensing mechanism in proximity to said undercarriage frame to supply liquid to the defined ground areas.