Reusable balloon system
US11814151B2 · kind B2 · utility
0Cited by
4References
20Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 31, 2022 |
| Grant date | Nov 14, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 31, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64B1/46
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An example reusable high-altitude balloon system includes a balloon with a first end supporting a payload and a second end with an aperture and an apex fitting that is positioned within the aperture. A clamp applies a pressure to a plurality of pleated folds formed in the perimeter of the aperture around the apex fitting to form an air-tight seal against the balloon at the perimeter of the aperture. The reusable high-altitude balloon system further includes control circuitry that controllably releases the apex fitting from the balloon to initiate a descent sequence.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.