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(19)

(11) EP 1 591 356 B1


(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Date of publication and mention (51) Int Cl.:


of the grant of the patent: B64B 1/62 (2006.01) B64B 1/40 (2006.01)
24.12.2008 Bulletin 2008/52 B64B 1/06 (2006.01) F04B 45/04 (2006.01)

(21) Application number: 05252627.4

(22) Date of filing: 27.04.2005

(54) System for controlling the lift of an aircraft


Luftfahrzeugsauftriebs- Steuerungssystem
Système de contrôle de la force ascensionelle d’un aéronef

(84) Designated Contracting States: (72) Inventor: Handley, Alan Roy


AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR Stourbridge DY8 4NX (GB)
HU IE IS IT LI LT LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR
(74) Representative: Somervell, Thomas Richard
(30) Priority: 27.04.2004 GB 0409314 Marks & Clerk
02.06.2004 GB 0412220 Alpha Tower
16.06.2004 GB 0413437 Suffolk Street
Queensway
(43) Date of publication of application: Birmingham
02.11.2005 Bulletin 2005/44 B1 1TT (GB)

(73) Proprietor: Handley, Alan Roy (56) References cited:


Stourbridge DY8 4NX (GB) WO-A-20/05081680 FR-A- 768 327
FR-A- 1 601 319 US-A- 5 368 067
US-A1- 2002 179 771
EP 1 591 356 B1

Note: Within nine months of the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent in the European Patent
Bulletin, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to that patent, in accordance with the
Implementing Regulations. Notice of opposition shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been
paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).

Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR)


1 EP 1 591 356 B1 2

Description compartment when the inflatable container is inflated and


deflated.
[0001] The present invention relates to a system for [0010] The system may employ a plurality of inflatable
controlling the lift of an aircraft. More particularly it relates containers and variable displacement compartments,
to a system for a controlling lift in an airship or balloon 5 each inflatable container being housed within a respec-
using a lighter-than air gas. tive variable displacement compartment.
[0002] Airships have the potential to carry large quan- [0011] The system may further comprise a fixed dis-
tities of goods, or passengers. This potential is best re- placement compartment containing a gas, which is lighter
alized in a rigid-body airship, as opposed to the flexible than air. This compartment provides a fixed lift to over-
body airship or blimp, because of the structural demands 10 come the dead weight of the airship, with the variable
placed on the materials used. displacement compartments being used to vary the lift.
[0003] Airships have a problem in landing and load- [0012] The gas is preferably an inert gas, more pref-
carrying due to having a fixed displacement of air by light- erably Helium.
er than air gas. Due to the usage of fuel during a flight [0013] The system of the invention is one in which the
the airship gets lighter and because it has a fixed dis- 15 amount of lift is controlled by varying the amount of Air
placement the airship has to be powered down to earth displaced by Helium (or other lighter than air gas). This
by the use of the engines. It then involves many ground is made possible by, but not exclusively, the use of at
crew to stabilize and secure it. Similarly, for balloons (for least part of the airship having compartments that have
example hot-air balloons and Helium balloons) variables, fixed displacement and others that have variable dis-
such as air temperature, make the landing very difficult 20 placements.
to control. [0014] In a related aspect, there is provided an aircraft
[0004] FR 1.601.319 is considered as the best prior lift control diaphragm compressor, comprising: first and
art as it discloses a system for controlling lift of an aircraft, second chambers having a common wall that comprises
comprising: an inflatable compartment for containing a a diaphragm; means for compressing a first gas in said
gas which is lighter than air; a receiver for receiving and 25 first chamber so as to displace said diaphragm towards
storing the gas in a compressed condition; and means said second chamber and compress a second, lighter
for compressing the gas and transferring it from the in- than air, gas therein; and valve means for controlling
flatable compartment into the receiver thus reducing the charging of said second chamber with said second gas
lift force on the aircraft. and discharging of said compressed second gas from
[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide 30 said second chamber.
a system that alleviates these problems. A further object [0015] Due to the size of the helium molecule being
is to provide a controlled take off, flight, and landing for far smaller than the constituents of air, it is difficult to
airships from ground level or other base without dispos- compress with standard piston compressors and so this
ing of ballast. This would give airships the ability to load aspect of the invention concerns the application of the
and unload whilst on the ground or base station. 35 diaphragm pump or compressor for use in airships and
[0006] According to the present invention there is pro- balloons. The diaphragm pump or compressor has the
vided a system for controlling lift of an aircraft as defined advantage that the unit is hermetically sealed from the
in claim 1 below. outside environment and therefore cannot let contami-
[0007] The system preferably further comprises nants in or the helium out to atmosphere once fitted into
means for expanding the gas and transferring it from the 40 a closed loop system.
receiver into the inflatable container thus increasing the [0016] The means for compressing the first gas in the
lift. A valve means may be provided for controlling the first chamber may comprise a positive displacement
transfer of the gas between the receiver and the inflatable compressor, which may be a piston having a reciprocat-
container. Preferably, the receiver is directly coupled to ing motion, whereby the first gas in the first chamber is
the inflatable container via the valve means and the 45 decompressed by a return stroke of said piston, such that
means for compressing the gas, thereby providing a the second chamber is charged and discharged as a re-
closed system. sult of movement of said diaphragm towards and away
[0008] The receiver may be a fixed dimension recep- from said second chamber during alternating strokes of
tacle. Alternatively, the receiver may be an inflatable re- said piston in opposing directions.
ceptacle, the inflatable container being manufactured 50 [0017] In a preferred embodiment, the diaphragm is
from a material that is more easily inflatable than the re- constructed of metal. This is advantageous because He-
ceiver. lium will not permeate through the metal as it would
[0009] In another embodiment, the aircraft is a rigid- through, say, a polymer material.
body airship. The airship may comprise a metal shell, [0018] According to an embodiment of the present in-
preferably of Aluminium. A variable displacement com- 55 vention, the airship comprises: the system of claim 1; a
partment, containing air, may surround the inflatable con- shell for containing a lighter than air gas; a plurality of
tainer. An opening may be provided in the rigid aircraft variable displacement compartments within said shell,
for air to pass into and out of the variable displacement each variable displacement compartment having an as-

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3 EP 1 591 356 B1 4

sociated inflatable container therein, and associated fer the compression is removed and the gas expands to
means for expanding the gas and transferring it from the give the balloon envelope 1 a much larger displacement
receiver into the inflatable container so as to increase and therefore more lift.
the lift; and at least one opening in said shell for allowing [0024] By control of the amount of transfer the lift may
air to pass into and out of each variable displacement 5 be varied to suit the requirements of the operator. This
compartment. principle of the invention could be used as a single unit
[0019] Embodiments of the present invention will now in a balloon (as shown in Figures 1 and 2) or as multiple
be described with reference to the accompanying draw- units in compartments of a multi compartment air ship
ings, in which: (as will be described in more detail below).
10 [0025] Referring to Figure 3, a rigid body airship 10,
Figures 1 and 2 show two conditions of a helium has a metal body shell 12 formed of aluminium or light-
balloon; weight alloy. A load-bearing hold 14 is suspended un-
derneath the body shell 12.
Figure 3 is a sectional elevation of an airship; and [0026] C1, C2, C3 are fixed displacement compart-
15 ments containing a lighter-than-air gas such as Helium,
Figure 4 is a sectional elevation of a diaphragm giving a combined lift just under the total weight of the
pump. airship 10. R1, R2, R3, R4 are rear variable displacement
compartments. Inside each of the variable displacement
[0020] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a Helium balloon compartments R1, R2, R3 and R4 is an inflatable. R1X,
has an outer balloon envelope 1 and an inflatable receiver 20 R2X, R3X, R4X are rear receivers with associated com-
2. A valve station 3 and a compressor 4 are suspended pressors. F1, F2, F3, F4 are front variable displacement
underneath the balloon envelope 1. By the use of the compartments, each with an inflatables, and F1X, F2X,
compressor 4, the lift gas can be transferred from the F3X, F4X are the receivers with associated compressors.
balloon envelope 1 into the receiver 2. The receiver 2 [0027] Each of the variable displacement compart-
could be an inflatable inner balloon (as shown in Figures 25 ments R1, R2, R3, R4, F1, F2, F3, F4 is provided with a
1 and 2) that requires pressure to inflate, or a fixed di- vent opening (not shown) through the shell 12 to allow
mension receptacle (not shown). air displaced from compartment to escape to the sur-
One arrangement is to have the outer balloon envelope roundings when the inflatable is inflated, and to allow air
1 manufactured from a suitable material that needs very from the surroundings to enter the compartment when
little pressure to inflate it, with the receiver 2 as a second 30 the inflatable is deflated. The vent openings are prefer-
balloon either inside or outside the balloon envelope 1, ably sited on the underside of the shell 12 because any
but for this illustration will be described as inside. The Helium escaping from an inflatable, being lighter than air,
receiver balloon 2 would be smaller and manufactured will rise towards the top of the compartment.
from a material that would stretch upon inflation and [0028] The fixed displacements C1 and C3 are provid-
would require pressure to inflate it so as to reduce the 35 ed to give sufficient lift to support the structure at each
volume of the inflating gas. The receiver balloon 2 would end of the airship 10 to prevent cantilever loads to the
be directly coupled to the outer balloon 1 via the valve structure when the lift in the variable compartment is re-
station 3 and compressor 4 so as to complete a closed duced or removed.
loop system. [0029] Helium gives a lift of 1 kilogram per cubic metre.
[0021] For pressure regulation, for example in re- 40 Therefore, by mathematical calculation of the volume of
sponse to the heating of the outer balloon 1 contents by compartments C1, C2, C3 with regard to the overall
the sun or air temperature, this can be controlled by the weight of the airship, a suitable ship can be constructed.
transfer of the lift gas from the outer envelope 1 to the Compartments F1, F2, F3, F4 and R1, R2, R3, R4 give
inner balloon 2 or vice versa by the compressor 4 and final lift to include passengers and cargo.
valves 3. 45 [0030] In the arrangement shown in Figure 3, the fixed
[0022] The compressor 4 could be driven directly, ei- compartments C1, C2, C3 would have a lift force of an
ther by an engine, or an electric motor powered from an amount slightly lower than the weight of the airship 10,
engine driven electric generator or battery or both The thus keeping the airship 10 firmly on the ground when
control of the transfer of the lift gas could be manual or being loaded or out of use. The variable compartments
by programmable controller via a key-pad or other sys- 50 F1, F2, F3, F4, R1, R2, R3, R4 would have compressed
tem. Helium (or other inert lighter than air gas) stored in the
[0023] The condition of the balloon shown in Figure 1 receivers F1X, F2X, F3X, F4X, R1X, R2X, R3X, R4X.
provides a reduced lift. Part of the lift gas has been trans- Each variable compartment F1, F2, F3, F4, R1, R2, R3,
ferred from the balloon envelope 1 into the receiver 2 and R4 has an inflatable fitted inside. Through the use of suit-
is held under pressure reducing the displaced volume of 55 able valves the Helium (or other lighter than air gas)
the balloon envelope 1. The condition shown in Figure 2 would, in a controlled way, be transferred from a receiver
provides maximum lift. The lift gas has been transferred (for example R1X) to the associated inflatable. As infla-
from the receiver 2 into the balloon envelope 1. On trans- tion takes place this would displace the air in that variable

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displacement compartment (R1) and add to the lifting With reference to Figure 4, a module A is fitted in place
force. By controlling which variable compartment was in- of the cylinder head on a piston compressor 20, having
flated or the amount of the inflation taking place then the a cylinder B inside which a piston C reciprocates. A dia-
airship would rise in the air to a height required by the phragm D forms part of a wall separating a chamber F
controller. 5 in the module A, from the cylinder B. When the piston C
[0031] Selecting the forward F1, F2, F3, F4 or rear R1, moves up, the air in the cylinder B compresses and de-
R2, R3, R4 variable compartments for inflating would set flects the diaphragm D, causing the helium in the cham-
the pitch of the airship 10, as required. Adjustment of the ber F to be compressed. The helium is then forced
amount of inflation of selected compartments may be through a non-return valve E. On the down stroke of the
used to set the trim for the airship 10 in flight. The trim 10 piston C, the air compression is removed and the dia-
could also be maintained by transfer of Helium (or other phragm D returns to its normal position so that helium is
inert lighter than air gas) from one variable compartment forced into the chamber F through another non-return
to another by way of the compressors and valves. valve G by the outside pressure. It will be appreciated
[0032] In order to land the airship 10, the Helium in the that this return stroke may set up a negative pressure in
variable compartments F1, F2, F3, F4, R1, R2, R3, R4 15 the chamber F so as to suck helium in through the non-
would be re-compressed into the receivers F1X, F2X, return valve G.
F3X, F4X, R1X, R2X, R3X, R4X by the compressors, [0041] The diaphragm D itself is preferably formed of
deflating the inflatables and reducing the displacement a thin metal. This is preferable to other flexible materials,
of the air, thereby reducing lift. By carefully controlling such as polymers, because metals are much less per-
the flow of Helium (or other inert lighter than air gas) from 20 meable to helium.
inflatables to receivers F1X, F2X, F3X, F4X, R1X, R2X, [0042] It is within the scope of the application that the
R3X, R4X a smooth descent to the landing area would diaphragm pump or compressor can be operated by any
be achieved. of various means such as hydraulics or pneumatics by
[0033] In this way the Helium (or other inert lighter than hand lever or electric motor or engine driven units.
air) gas is reused and is encapsulated in a closed loop 25
system.
[0034] The stored Helium (or other lighter than air gas) Claims
in the receivers F1X, F2X, F3X, F4X, R1X, R2X, R3X,
R4X could also be used to top up the fixed displacement 1. A system for controlling lift of an aircraft, comprising:
compartments C1, C2, C3 as and if required. 30
[0035] It should be noted that in flight most of the com- a plurality of inflatable containers, each for con-
pressed receivers would be at a very low or zero pres- taining a gas which is lighter than air;
sure. a plurality of receivers (F1X-F4X, R1X-R4X)
[0036] It is within the scope of the invention to have all each associated with a respective inflatable con-
compartments with variable displacement, but this would 35 tainer, each.receiver for receiving and storing
depend on the practicalities of construction. the gas in a compressed condition; and
[0037] Figure 3 shows one arrangement of both fixed a plurality of means, each associated with a re-
and variable compartments but these could be changed spective inflatable container and a respective re-
by position or quantity to suit particular design require- ceiver, for compressing the gas and transferring
ments. 40 it from the associated inflatable container into
[0038] The transfer valves and compressors could be the associated receiver thus reducing the lift
controlled by hand or an onboard Computer or Program- force on the aircraft, wherein each of the means
mable Logic Controller or by other devices. for compressing the gas comprises a diaphragm
[0039] In order for the system described above to op- compressor.
erate effectively, a suitable compressor is required to 45
compress the lighter-than-air gas from the variable dis- 2. A system according to claim 1 further comprising a
placement compartment into the receiver. Because the plurality of means for expanding the gas and trans-
helium molecule is far smaller than that of the constitu- ferring it from one of the receivers (F1 X-F4X, R1X-
ents of air, it is difficult to compress with standard piston R4X) into the associated inflatable container thus
compressors and so this aspect of the invention concerns 50 increasing the lift.
the application of the diaphragm pump or compressor for
use in airships and balloons. The diaphragm pump or 3. The system according to claim 2, further comprising
compressor has the advantage that the unit is hermeti- a valve means operable for controlling the transfer
cally sealed from the outside environment and therefore of the gas between each receiver (F1 X-F4X, R1X-
cannot let contaminants in or the helium out to atmos- 55 R4X) and the associated inflatable container.
phere once fitted into a closed loop system.
[0040] One such diaphragm unit will now be described 4. The system according to claim 3, wherein each re-
as an add-on module to a standard piston compressor. ceiver (F1 X-F4X, R1X-R4X) is directly coupled to

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the associated inflatable container via the valve wherein power is provided to the means for com-
means and the means for compressing the gas, pressing the gas from one or more of an engine, an
thereby providing a closed system. engine driven electric generator, and a battery.

5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 5 16. The system according to any preceding claim,
wherein the aircraft is an airship (10). wherein the diaphragm compressor comprises a di-
aphragm unit activated under pressure from a pos-
6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the aircraft itive displacement compressor.
is a rigid-body airship (10).
10 17. The system according to any preceding claim,
7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the airship wherein the gas is an inert gas.
(10) comprises a metal shell (12).
18. The system according to claim 17, wherein the inert
8. The system according to any one of claims 5 to 7, gas is Helium.
further comprising a plurality of variable displace- 15
ment compartments (F1-F4, R1-R4) containing air, 19. A rigid body airship (10) comprising:
the variable displacement compartments each sur-
rounding respective inflatable containers. the system of claim 1;
a shell (12) for containing a lighter than air gas;
9. The system according to claim 8, further comprising 20 a plurality of variable displacement compart-
openings in said rigid aircraft (10) for air to pass into ments (F1-F4, R1-R4) within said shell, each
and out of each variable displacement compartment variable displacement compartment having said
(F1-F4, R1-R4) when said associated inflatable con- associated inflatable containers therein, and as-
tainer is inflated and deflated. sociated means for expanding the gas and
25 transferring it from the receiver into the inflatable
10. The system according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein container so as to increase the lift; and
said variable displacement compartments (F1-F4, at least one opening in said shell for allowing air
R1-R4)are disposed at positions along the length of to pass into and out of each variable displace-
said airship (10), and means are provided for adjust- ment compartment,.
ment of the amount of inflation of selected inflatable 30
containers to set the pitch and/or trim of the airship. 20. The rigid body airship (10) according to claim 19,
wherein the means for compressing the gas is op-
11. The system according to claim 10, wherein said var- erable for adjusting the amount of inflation of each
iable displacement compartments (F1-F4, R1-R4) inflatable container to set the pitch and/or trim of the
comprise forward (F1-F4) and rear (R1-R4) variable 35 airship.
compartments disposed at positions along the length
of the airship (10).
Patentansprüche
12. The system according to any of claims 5 to 11,
wherein said means for compressing and transfer- 40 1. Luftfahrzeugauftriebs-Steuerungssystem, das auf-
ring the gas is operable for adjusting the amount of weist:
inflation of said containers to set the pitch and/or trim
of the airship (10). eine Vielzahl von aufblasbaren Behältern, ein
jeder für das Aufnehmen eines Gases, das leich-
13. The system according to any preceding claim, further 45 ter ist als Luft;
comprising a fixed displacement compartment (C1, eine Vielzahl von Speichern (F1X-F4X, R1X-
C2, C3) containing a gas which is lighter than air. R4X), ein jeder mit einem jeweiligen aufblasba-
ren Behälter verbunden, wobei ein jeder Spei-
14. The system according to claim 13, comprising a plu- cher für das Aufnehmen und Speichern des Ga-
rality of means for expanding the gas and transfer- 50 ses in einem komprimierten Zustand vorhanden
ring it from one of the receivers (F1 X-F4X, R1X- ist; und
R4X) into the associated inflatable container thus eine Vielzahl von Mitteln, die jeweils mit einem
increasing the lift and wherein said means for ex- entsprechenden aufblasbaren Behälter und ei-
panding and transferring the gas is further operable nem entsprechenden Speicher für das Kompri-
for transferring gas from the receiver into the fixed 55 mieren des Gases und Übertragen dieses vom
displacement compartment (C1, C2, C3). dazugehörenden aufblasbaren Behälter in den
dazugehörenden Speicher verbunden sind, wo-
15. The system according to any preceding claim, durch die Auftriebskraft auf das Luftfahrzeug

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9 EP 1 591 356 B1 10

verringert wird, wobei ein jedes der Mittel für das re (F1-F4) und hintere (R1-R4) veränderliche Kam-
Komprimieren des Gases einen Membrankom- mern aufweisen, die in Positionen entlang der Länge
pressor aufweist. des Luftschiffes (10) angeordnet sind.

2. System nach Anspruch 1, das außerdem eine Viel- 5 12. System nach einem der Ansprüche 5 bis 11, bei dem
zahl von Mitteln für das Expandieren des Gases und das Mittel für das Komprimieren und Übertragen des
Übertragen dieses von einem der Speicher (F1X- Gases für das Regulieren des Aufblasgrades der Be-
F4X, R1X-R4X) in den dazugehörenden aufblasba- hälter betriebsfähig ist, um die Längsneigung und/
ren Behälter aufweist, wodurch der Auftrieb verstärkt oder Trimmung des Luftschiffes (10) einzustellen.
wird. 10
13. System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprü-
3. System nach Anspruch 2, das außerdem ein Ventil- che, das außerdem eine unveränderliche Verdrän-
mittel aufweist, das für das Steuern der Übertragung gungskammer (C1, C2, C3) aufweist, die Gas ent-
des Gases zwischen jedem Speicher (F1X-F4X, hält, das leichter ist als Luft.
R1X-R4X) und dem dazugehörenden aufblasbaren 15
Behälter betriebsfähig ist. 14. System nach Anspruch 13, das eine Vielzahl von
Mitteln für das Expandieren des Gases und Übertra-
4. System nach Anspruch 3, bei dem jeder Speicher gen dieses von einem der Speicher (F1X-F4X, R1X-
(F1X-F4X, R1X-R4X) direkt mit dem dazugehören- R4X) in den dazugehörenden aufblasbaren Behälter
den aufblasbaren Behälter mittels des Ventilmittels 20 aufweist, wodurch der Auftrieb verstärkt wird, und
und des Mittels für das Komprimieren des Gases wobei das Mittel für das Expandieren und Übertra-
gekoppelt ist, wodurch ein geschlossenes System gen des Gases für das Übertragen des Gases vom
bereitgestellt wird. Speicher in die unveränderliche Verdrängungskam-
mer (C1, C2, C3) außerdem betriebsfähig ist.
5. System nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, bei dem 25
das Luftfahrzeug ein Luftschiff (10) ist. 15. System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprü-
che, bei dem dem Mittel für das Komprimieren des
6. System nach Anspruch 5, bei dem das Luftfahrzeug Gases eine Leistung von einem oder mehreren von
ein Luftschiff (10) mit starrem Körper ist. Motor, motorgetriebenen Stromerzeuger und Batte-
30 rie zur Verfügung gestellt wird.
7. System nach Anspruch 6, bei dem das Luftschiff (10)
eine Metallaußenhülle (12) aufweist. 16. System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprü-
che, bei dem der Membrankompressor eine Mem-
8. System nach einem der Ansprüche 5 bis 7, das au- braneinheit aufweist, die unter Druck von einem Ver-
ßerdem eine Vielzahl von veränderlichen Verdrän- 35 dränger-Kompressor aktiviert wird.
gungskammern (F1-F4, R1-R4) aufweist, die Luft
enthalten, wobei die veränderlichen Verdrängungs- 17. System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprü-
kammern jeweils entsprechende aufblasbare Behäl- che, bei dem das Gas ein inertes Gas ist.
ter umgeben.
40 18. System nach Anspruch 17, bei dem das inerte Gas
9. System nach Anspruch 8, das außerdem Öffnungen Helium ist.
im starren Luftfahrzeug (10) aufweist, damit Luft in
jede veränderliche Verdrängungskammer (F1-F4, 19. Luftschiff (10) mit starrem Körper, das aufweist:
R1-R4) hinein- und herausgelangen kann, wenn der
dazugehörende aufblasbare Behälter aufgeblasen 45 das System nach Anspruch 1;
und abgelassen wird. eine Außenhülle (12) für das Aufnehmen eines
Gases, das leichter ist als Luft;
10. System nach Anspruch 8 oder Anspruch 9, bei dem eine Vielzahl von veränderlichen Verdrän-
die veränderlichen Verdrängungskammern (F1-F4, gungskammern (F1-F4, R1-R4) innerhalb der
R1-R4) in Positionen entlang der Länge des Luft- 50 Außenhülle, wobei jede veränderliche Verdrän-
schiffes (10) angeordnet sind und Mittel für die Re- gungskammer darin die dazugehörenden auf-
gulierung des Aufblasgrades der ausgewählten auf- blasbaren Behälter aufweist, und die dazugehö-
blasbaren Behälter bereitgestellt werden, um die renden Mittel für das Expandieren des Gases
Längsneigung und/oder Trimmung des Luftschiffes und Übertragen dieses vom Speicher in den auf-
einzustellen. 55 blasbaren Behälter, um so den Auftrieb zu ver-
stärken; und
11. System nach Anspruch 10, bei dem die veränderli- mindestens eine Öffnung in der Außenhülle, da-
chen Verdrängungskammern (F1-F4, R1-R4) vorde- mit Luft in jede veränderliche Verdrängungs-

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11 EP 1 591 356 B1 12

kammer hinein- und herausgelangen kann. 8. Système selon l’une quelconque des revendications
5 à 7, comprenant, en outre, une pluralité de com-
20. Luftschiff (10) mit starren Körper nach Anspruch 19, partiments à déplacement variable (F1-F4, R1-R4)
bei dem das Mittel für das Komprimieren des Gases contenant de l’air, les compartiments à déplacement
für das Regulieren des Aufblasgrades eines jeden 5 variable entourant chacun des conteneurs gonfla-
aufblasbaren Behälters betriebsfähig ist, um die bles respectifs.
Längsneigung und/oder Trimmung des Luftschiffes
einzustellen. 9. Système selon la revendication 8, comprenant, en
outre, des ouvertures dans ledit aéronef rigide (10)
10 pour permettre à l’air d’entrer et sortir de chaque
Revendications compartiment à déplacement variable (F1-F4, R1-
R4) lorsque ledit conteneur gonflable associé est
1. Système de contrôle de la force ascensionnelle d’un gonflé et dégonflé.
aéronef, comprenant:
15 10. Système selon la revendication 8 ou la revendication
une pluralité de conteneurs gonflables dont cha- 9, dans lequel lesdits compartiments à déplacement
cun est destiné à contenir un gaz plus léger que variable (F1-F4, R1-R4) sont disposés en des posi-
l’air; tions le long de la longueur dudit dirigeable (10) et
une pluralité de récipients (F1X-F4X, R1X-R4X) des moyens sont prévus pour ajuster le volume de
dont chacun est associé à un conteneur gonfla- 20 gonflage de conteneurs gonflables sélectionnés
ble respectif, chaque récipient étant destiné à pour régler le tangage et/ou l’assiette du dirigeable.
recevoir et stocker le gaz dans un état compri-
mé; et 11. Système selon la revendication 10, dans lequel les-
une pluralité de moyens, dont chacun est asso- dits compartiments à déplacement variable (F1-F4,
cié à un conteneur gonflable respectif et un ré- 25 R1-R4) comprennent des compartiments variables
cipient respectif, pour comprimer le gaz et le antérieurs (F1-F4) et postérieurs (R1-R4) disposés
transférer du conteneur gonflable associé dans en des positions le long de la longueur du dirigeable
le récipient associé, réduisant ainsi la force as- (10).
censionnelle sur l’aéronef, dans lequel chacun
des moyens de compression de gaz comprend 30 12. Système selon l’une quelconque des revendications
un compresseur à diaphragme. 5 à 11, dans lequel lesdits moyens de compression
et de transfert du gaz peuvent fonctionner pour ajus-
2. Système selon la revendication 1, comprenant, en ter le volume de gonflage desdits conteneurs pour
outre, une pluralité de moyens pour dilater le gaz et régler le tangage et/ou l’assiette du dirigeable (10).
le transférer de l’un des récipients (F1X-F4X, R1X- 35
R4X) dans le conteneur gonflable associé, augmen- 13. Système selon l’une quelconque des revendications
tant ainsi la force ascensionnelle. précédentes, comprenant, en outre, un comparti-
ment à déplacement fixe (C1, C2, C3) contenant un
3. Système selon la revendication 2, comprenant, en gaz plus léger que l’air.
outre, un moyen de soupape pouvant fonctionner 40
pour contrôler le transfert du gaz entre chaque réci- 14. Système selon la revendication 13, comprenant une
pient (F1X-F4X, R1X-R4X) et le conteneur gonflable pluralité de moyens pour dilater le gaz et le transférer
associé. de l’un des récipients (F1X-F4X, R1X-R4X) dans le
conteneur gonflable associé, augmentant ainsi la
4. Système selon la revendication 3, dans lequel cha- 45 force ascensionnelle, et dans lequel lesdits moyens
que récipient (F1X-F4X, R1X-R4X) est directement pour dilater et transférer le gaz peuvent fonctionner,
couplé au conteneur gonflable associé par le biais en outre, pour transférer le gaz du récipient dans
du moyen de soupape et du moyen de compression ledit compartiment à déplacement fixe (C1, C2, C3).
de gaz, fournissant ainsi un système fermé.
50 15. Système selon l’une quelconque des revendications
5. Système selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel de l’énergie est fournie aux
1 à 4, dans lequel l’aéronef est un dirigeable (10). moyens de compression du gaz par un ou plusieurs
moyens parmi un moteur, un générateur électrique
6. Système selon la revendication 5, dans lequel l’aé- actionné par un moteur et une batterie.
ronef est un dirigeable à carcasse rigide (10). 55
16. Système selon l’une quelconque des revendications
7. Système selon la revendication 6, dans lequel le di- précédentes, dans lequel le compresseur à
rigeable (10) comprend une coque métallique (12). diaphragme comprend une unité de diaphragme ac-

7
13 EP 1 591 356 B1 14

tionnée sous l’effet d’une pression fournie par un


compresseur à déplacement positif.

17. Système selon l’une quelconque des revendications


précédentes, dans lequel le gaz est un gaz inerte. 5

18. Système selon la revendication 17, dans lequel le


gaz inerte est l’hélium.

19. Dirigeable à carcasse rigide (10), comprenant: 10

le système de la revendication 1;
une coque (12) pour contenir un gaz plus léger
que l’air;
une pluralité de compartiments à déplacement 15
variable (F1-F4, R1-R4) à l’intérieur de ladite co-
que, chaque compartiment à déplacement va-
riable contenant lesdits conteneurs gonflables
associés, et des moyens associés pour dilater
le gaz et le transférer du récipient dans le con- 20
teneur gonflable de manière à augmenter la for-
ce ascensionnelle; et
au moins une ouverture dans ladite coque pour
permettre à l’air d’entrer et sortir de chaque com-
partiment à déplacement variable. 25

20. Dirigeable à carcasse rigide (10) selon la revendica-


tion 19, dans lequel les moyens de compression du
gaz peuvent fonctionner pour ajuster le volume de
gonflage de chaque conteneur gonflable pour régler 30
le tangage et/ou l’assiette du dirigeable.

35

40

45

50

55

8
EP 1 591 356 B1

9
EP 1 591 356 B1

10
EP 1 591 356 B1

11
EP 1 591 356 B1

REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader’s convenience only. It does not form part of the European
patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be
excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description

• FR 1601319 [0004]

12

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