Ralph K Pope

US Patent:

6769493, Aug 3, 2004

Filed:

Dec 18, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/321016

Inventors:

Raoul G. Fima - Oceanside CA
Thomas Gagliano - Huntington Beach CA
Ralph E. Pope - Cumming GA

Assignee:

Wetzone Technologies, LLC - Oceanside CA

International Classification:

A62C 2500

US Classification:

169 53, 169 51, 239171, 239548, 244136

Abstract:

A lighter-than-air airship system, having a multitude of uses, with a primary purpose being the dispensing of water over a raging fire, where access by personnel and ground equipment is difficult. The airship system comprises an aerodynamically configured structure having a semi-rigid keel or skeleton, where lift is provided in part by helium, with the keel mounting a liquid management mechanism preferably consisting of a reservoir open to the outside for resupply of liquid or water, a conduit leading to a holding tank, and a piping distribution and nozzle assembly below the airship system to spray or dispense the liquid or water, like an artificial rain, over selected areas to control or extinguish the raging fire. Alternate systems are provided for replenishing or filling the holding tank from ground locations.

US Patent:

20020121382, Sep 5, 2002

Filed:

Mar 2, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/796973

Inventors:

Raoul Fima - Oceanside CA, US
Thomas Gagalino - Huntington CA, US
Ralph Pope - Cumming GA, US

International Classification:

A62C029/00

US Classification:

169/053000, 239/171000

Abstract:

A lighter-than-air airship system, primarily for the purpose of dispensing water over a raging fire, where access by personnel and ground equipment is difficult. The airship system comprises an aerodynamically configured structure having a semi-rigid keel or skeleton, where lift is provided by helium, with the keel mounting a liquid management mechanism consisting of a reservoir open to the outside for resupply of liquid or water, a conduit leading to a holding tank, and a piping distribution and nozzle assembly below the airship system to spray or dispense the liquid or water, like an artificial rain, over selected areas to control or distinguish the raging fire.

US Patent:

20020121562, Sep 5, 2002

Filed:

Mar 29, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/819405

Inventors:

Raoul Fima - Oceanside CA, US
Charles Farnham - Oceanside CA, US
Ralph Pope - Cumming GA, US

International Classification:

B64D001/18

US Classification:

239/171000, 239/550000, 239/548000, 239/302000, 239/562000

Abstract:

A reforestation and nourishing practice by the use of a lighter-than-air airship system, for dispersing and planting tree saplings, primarily in remote regions which may have been devastated by fire, where access to such regions by personnel and ground equipment is difficult. The airship system comprises an aerodynamically configured structure having a semi-rigid keel or skeleton, where lift is provided by helium, with the keel mounting a liquid management mechanism consisting of a reservoir open to the outside for resupply of liquid or water, a conduit leading to a holding tank, and a piping distribution and nozzle assembly below the airship system to spray or dispense the liquid or water over selected areas to water or nourish the newly planted trees. The mechanism for temporarily storing and eventually dispensing the tree saplings is a rack mounting at least one cylindrical canister containing plural compartments. The cylindrical canister includes a sliding cover that is operable to open and close one compartment to allow stowage and release of the tree saplings.