Patent · US Active

Payload separation for balloon flight termination

US10059420B1 · kind B1 · utility

4Cited by

9References

22Claims

0Family size

Assignee

X Development LLC · US

Inventors

Michael Hall-Snyder · Palo Alto, US
Kyle Brookes · Fays Corner, US

Key dates

Filing date	Dec 7, 2015
Grant date	Aug 28, 2018
Priority date	—
Expiry date	Nov 6, 2036

Classification

Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
CPC primaryB64B1/46
WIPO fieldTransport
WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure relate to terminating flight of a balloon that may include separating a connection between a balloon envelope and a payload of the balloon. In one example, a payload separation apparatus includes a first shaft configured to attach to the envelope, a second shaft configured to attach to the payload, a pair of arms, and a bracket arranged to secure the pair of arms to the first shaft. In another example, a system includes a flight termination assembly having a cutting edge configured to cut an opening in the envelope and a payload separation apparatus. The apparatus includes a first shaft configured to attach to the envelope, a second shaft configured to attach to the payload, a pair of arms, and a bracket configured to secure the pair of arms to the first shaft. The system also includes a controller configured to activate the cutting edge.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.