Method of suspending a platform for communications and observation kept at high altitude by atmospheric molecular momentum transfer
US4704732A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 21, 1986 |
| Grant date | Nov 3, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 21, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01Q1/28
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The instant invention comprises a method for freely suspending without any solid material support, a platform in an atmosphere by atmospheric-particle-momentum transfer having opposite surface portions which are structured to have different atmospheric-particle-momentum-transfer characteristics determined by temperature and surface structure. Electromagnetic radiation is transmitted from an antenna with the platform disposed in the atmosphere so that the radiation impinges the platform. A temperature difference between at least one surface portion of the platform and the atmosphere adjacent that surface portion is established by regulating the temperature distribution on the surface of the platform by heating at least one surface portion by the impinging radiation. The net force produced on the platform freely suspends the platform in the atmosphere. The center of mass of the platform is located below the point of attack of the resultant force generated by the net atmospheric particle momentum transfer and the altitude is controlled by varying the intensity of the radiation impinging the platform. The platform surface structure includes, on one surface, indentations which increase …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.