Method and apparatus for launching and inflating a space balloon
US4387868A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 1980 |
| Grant date | Jun 14, 1983 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 22, 2000 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64B1/40
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The method of the invention for launching especially large-volume space balloons consists in using a space balloon (8) equipped with a non-stretching or slightly stretching axial tie (9) to which is fastened the upper pole of the balloon and alongside which the lower pole may slide, in using an auxiliary carrier balloon (1) of a lesser volume and provided with a non-stretching axial tie (2) between its upper and lower poles, in fastening the collapsed space balloon (preferably housed in a protective sheath 22) underneath the carrier balloon by connecting the axial ties of the two balloons, and in arranging a transfer duct (7) between these, in partially inflating the carrier balloon (1), and, after transferring a given amount of gas into the space balloon, in inducing the sealing of the transfer duct (7), the separation between the space balloon (7) and the carrier balloon (1) and the locking of the power pole of the space balloon on the axial tie (9) of same.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.