Flex connection for high altitude balloons
US10035576B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 19, 2015 |
| Grant date | Jul 31, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 30, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/32032
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Aspects of the disclosure provide a flex connection for high altitude balloon applications. During operation flex connection allows a payload of a high-altitude balloon to remain level when an envelope of the balloon is tilted, in order to change the direction of the balloon. As an example, a system may include a balloon envelope, a payload, a cable between the balloon envelope and the payload, and a flex connection on the cable. The flex connection enables the payload to remain level relative to the ground when the balloon is in flight and the balloon envelope is tilted relative to the payload. The flex connection includes a top portion, a plurality of discs, and a bottom portion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.