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Lighter-than-air systems, methods, and kits for obtaining aerial images

  • US 9,126,669 B2
  • Filed: 12/12/2013
  • Issued: 09/08/2015
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/01/2011
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for acquiring one or more aerial images using at least one lighter-than-air system and ground control software, the ground control software stored on a computer readable medium, the method comprising the steps of:

  • determining a location to obtain one or more aerial images to be acquired by a first lighter-than-air system, the first lighter-than-air system comprising;

    an airship comprising a first balloon and a second balloon, the first balloon having a wall defining a first balloon chamber, the first balloon moveable between a deflated configuration and an inflated configuration, the second balloon disposed within the first balloon chamber and having a wall defining a second balloon chamber, the second balloon moveable between a deflated configuration and an inflated configuration;

    an instrument case attached to the airship;

    a communication device stored within the instrument case, the communication device in communication with a network; and

    an observation device stored within the instrument case, the observation device capable of obtaining the one or more aerial images;

    inputting the determined location into said ground control software;

    introducing a first volume of fluid into the first balloon chamber;

    introducing a second volume of fluid into the second balloon chamber; and

    launching the first lighter-than-air system.

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