Internet linked environmental data collection system and method

• US 8,011,615 B2
• Filed: 11/10/2008
• Issued: 09/06/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 03/10/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: SKY Innovations, Inc.
• Original Assignee: SKY Innovations, Inc.
• Inventors: Burton, Kenneth E. Jr., Silansky, Edward R., Darlington, Harry IV, Silansky, Sandra
• Primary Examiner(s): Dinh; Tien
• Application Number:
  US12/292,018
• Publication Number:
  US 20110006153A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,030 Days
• Field of Search: 244/30, 244/94, 244/97, 244/190, 244/93, 244/115, 244/33, 114/297
• US Class Current: 244/30
• CPC Class Codes: B64B 1/02 Non-rigid airships B64B1/58 takes precedence; balloons B64B1/40
• CPC Class Codes: B64B 1/06 Rigid airships; Semi-rigid airships B64B1/58 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B64B 1/60 Gas-bags surrounded by separate containers of inert gas
• CPC Class Codes: G01W 1/08 Adaptations of balloons, missiles, or aircraft for meteorological purposes; Radiosondes transmission of measurements G01D; transmitting circuits H04B; balloons in general B64B; aeroplanes in general B64D; missiles in general F42B15/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/18504 Aircraft used as relay or high altitude atmospheric platform
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/18508 with satellite system used as relay, i.e. aeronautical mobile satellite service
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/18595 Arrangements for adapting broadband applications to satellite systems

Abstract

An environmental data collection system and method is provided having an internet link for providing an additional level of security for a remotely controlled data collection platform having a security alarm for protecting the platform and the environmental subject of the study. A novel lighter-than-air platform having a novel snorkel for detachably securing, mooring and providing buoyancy control is provided for the collection of data in the form of real time audio and video linked to the internet and subscribers. The novel snorkel is flexible and retractable into the novel airship to provide remote buoyancy control of the airship together with silently operating electrical motors for allowing the novel airship to be remotely controlled and moved at will to track and monitor wildlife and make environmental measurements necessary for the protection of the environment, wildlife and the operation of the novel airship. Detachable securing means provide an anti-tethering feature of the novel airship and allow the collection of data from both, an aerial perspective and a ground perspective, while providing for the collection of data from either the surface of the earth or below the surface of the water while transmitting the data to scientists, environmentalists and subscribers through the internet.

Claims

1. An airship snorkel device comprising:

(a) a first flexible conduit having a first end connected to a water ballonet and a second end connected to a first water pump to provide a detachable anchor means to control altitude of a lighter-than-air aircraft and anchor said lighter-than-air aircraft in place on a surface of water;

(b) a spool for extending and retracting said first flexible conduit;

(c) a first water pump for pumping a liquid in said first flexible conduit to control the level of liquid in said first flexible conduit and control the altitude of said lighter-than-aircraft,

(d) a second water pump disposed intermediate said water ballonet and said first end of said first flexible conduit;

(e) a second flexible conduit having a first end and a second end disposed inside said first flexible conduit; and

(f) a remote controlled device disposed on said first flexible conduit or on a lighter-than-air aircraft having said first flexible conduit and said first water pump to operate said first water pump and said spool for extending and retracting said flexible conduit to anchor said lighter-than-air aircraft in place on a surface of water.

2. The airship snorkel of claim 1 further comprising a motor for operating said spool.

3. The airship snorkel of claim 1 wherein said first flexible conduit is composed of a hydrophobic material.

4. The airship snorkel of claim 3 wherein said hydrophobic material is an elastomeric material.

5. The airship snorkel of claim 4 wherein said elastomeric material is rubber.

6. The airship snorkel of claim 5 wherein said elastomeric material is hypalon.

7. The airship snorkel of claim 1 wherein said second water pump is connected to the second end of said second flexible conduit.

8. The airship snorkel of claim 7 wherein said first end of said first flexible conduit and said first end of said second flexible conduit include a filter.

9. The airship snorkel of claim 1 further comprising a data acquisition device attached to said second end of said first flexible conduit.

10. The airship snorkel of claim 9 wherein said data acquisition device is an underwater camera and hydrophone combination.

11. The airship snorkel of claim 1 wherein said first and second flexible conduit and said spool for extending and retracting said first and second flexible conduit are housed in a housing.

12. The airship snorkel of claim 11 wherein said housing includes a water ballonet connected to said first end of said first flexible conduit.

13. The airship snorkel of claim 1 further comprising an underwater camera attached to said first flexible conduit.

14. The airship snorkel of claim 13 wherein said underwater camera is detachable from said first flexible conduit.

15. The airship snorkel of claim 14 wherein said underwater camera includes a recovery capsule.