Method of using lighter-than-air device having a flexible usable surface

Abstract

A lighter-than-air device comprises a buoyant element containing lighter-than-air gas, and a flexible surface having a length and height forming a usable area. The flexible surface has a bottom edge that is not connected to the buoyant element. The length of the flexible surface is connected directly to the buoyant element. The flexible surface is operable to use an area defined by the buoyant element and the bottom edge of the flexible surface to, among other things, condense water, move a vessel, and block material from entering an area.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of condensing water using an element connected to a flexible surface having a length and height, the flexible surface forming a usable area, said method comprising: 
 inflating the element with sufficient lighter-than-air gas to lift the element and at least a portion of the flexible surface; and    controllably moving the inflated element and the flexible surface through the air,    wherein water condenses on the flexible surface.    
     
     
         2 . A method of moving a vessel with a sail, the sail having a length and a height and being connected directly to an element, said method comprising: 
 securing the sail to the vessel; and    inflating the element with sufficient lighter-than-air gas to lift the element and at least a portion of the sail,    wherein a wind force pushes the sail and thereby moves the vessel.    
     
     
         3 . A method of blocking material from entering an area having a perimeter with a flexible surface having a length and a height and being connected directly to an element, said method comprising: 
 securing the flexible surface to the perimeter of the area; and    inflating the element with sufficient lighter-than-air gas to lift the element and at least a portion of the flexible surface,    wherein the flexible surface lifted by the inflated element blocks material from entering the area.    
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the material blocked from entering the area is wind.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the material blocked from entering the area is fog.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the material blocked from entering the area is a particulate.  
     
     
         7 . A method of blocking material from entering an area having a perimeter with an element that is attached to a flexible surface having a length and a height, said method comprising: 
 securing the element;    inflating the element with sufficient lighter-than-air gas to lift the element and at least a portion of a flexible surface; and    securing the flexible surface to the perimeter of the area,    wherein the flexible surface that is lifted by the inflated element blocks material from entering the area.    
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the material blocked from entering the area is wind.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the material blocked from entering the area is fog.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the material blocked from entering the area is a particulate.