Importance

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Abstract

An aerostat tether, anchorage, and tether spool system which extends the “On Station” uninterrupted intervals of service for which a “Lighter Than Air” (LTA) aerostat may stay aloft at its designated altitude without requiring retrieval for ground service. Anchoring vessels are provided at both the aerostat and ground control ends of the tethered system which enables remote control of varying choices for bi-directional gas flow patterns within the tether which better facilitate continuous lift gas maintenance and emergency control. The gas routing is selectively controlled per best practice toward the constant filtering and scrubbing of the lift gas within both the aerostat and the tether restraining the aerostat. The system uniquely provides for a very rapid switch-out of tethers by having a full “replacement tether spool” on the ground at the ready which is pre-wound, pre-filled, and sealed with fresh lift gas where it is available at all times for rapid changeout. Quick tether replacement is accomplished by interchangeable quick disconnect fittings at both ends of a hollow tether with a hollow piston valve stem to provide a simple process of unplugging the tether at both the aerostat to close the valves and ground terminal ends and then plugging in the replacement tether to open the valves and reinstituting deployment facilitated by the unique tether spool and anchoring system. The system also enables the effective prevention and dissipation of damage due to torque forces being applied to the tether by a weathervaning aerostat. This is accomplished through counter rotation being applied to the tether at the most advantageous and effective source of tether/aerostat union, at its point of attachment at the aerostat end since the tether attachment point (TAP) is where damage to the tether is most likely to occur. Also favorable to the longevity of service, the aerostat system provides improvements of electrical strike/static build-up dissipation as well as superior tether terminal end preparation, interconnection speed, and short turnaround repair times. The entire aerostat system is designed for plug and play usage and versatility.

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First Claim