Charles S Lowe

US Patent:

60169915, Jan 25, 2000

Filed:

Jan 24, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/788535

Inventors:

Charles S. Lowe - Lansdale PA

International Classification:

B64B 102

US Classification:

244 5

Abstract:

An aircraft utilizes a buoyant evacuated rotating envelope to provide at least a portion of the lift required. The rotating envelope may be in the form of a disk, cylinder or other suitable shape. In one embodiment, an evacuated rotating envelope in the form of a disk is utilized. The disk is provided with a central core tube with at least one jet engine mounted therein. The deflection of the exhaust causes rotation of the envelope. A non-rotating payload compartment is mounted to the rotating envelope by bearings. Structures are provided for deflecting the exhaust to be utilized for lateral propulsion as well as for stabilizing the payload compartment to prevent rotation. Two other embodiments utilize rotating cylinders which may be rotated either by a jet engine mounted within a core tube or by an off center jet engine which drives the cylinder. In all of the embodiments, the envelope is evacuated by pumps and the centrifugal force of rotation reduces the amount of necessary mechanical structure to maintain the envelope shape. Accordingly, an evacuated envelope may be utilized with a minimum of weight required to maintain its structural rigidity.

US Patent:

62700367, Aug 7, 2001

Filed:

Sep 16, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/398962

Inventors:

Charles S. Lowe - Lansdale PA

International Classification:

B64C 1500
B64C 2900

US Classification:

244 122

Abstract:

A rotating airfoil aircraft utilizing blown air from a centrifugal fan located at its center to produce lift by causing airflow to travel over the upper surface of the airfoil and outwardly and downwardly from the lower surface of the airfoil. The airflow over the upper surface produces lift by causing a reduced pressure in the blown air current and the downwardly directed air produces an upward lift. This lifting force is used in connection with other lift produced by various factors including the airfoil traveling laterally through ambient air and, particularly during takeoff and landing, by means of the downward exhaust of an engine such as a jet engine. The rapidly rotating airfoil aircraft provides an advantage of providing the leading edge an opportunity to cool during a major portion of each rotation, thereby reducing the effective degree of leading edge heating caused during lateral flight.