Lighter than air balloon systems and methods
US11511843B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 30, 2020 |
| Grant date | Nov 29, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 9, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01W1/08
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Described herein are features for a high altitude lighter-than-air (LTA) system and associated methods. The LTA may include one or more super-pressure balloons (SPB). One or more of the SPB's may include one or more interior volumes. One or more of the interior volumes may be configured to receive an LTA gas therein to supplement the free lift of the LTA system. There may be an adjustable valve or vent to release the LTA gas. One or more of the interior volumes may be configured to receive ambient air to provide a variable downward force. The SPB may use a compressor to pump in ambient air. The compressor or another valve may release ambient air to decrease the downward force. A zero-pressure balloon (ZPB) may be attached with the one or more SPB's. The ZPB may supplement lift for the system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.