Process of stabilizing at altitude a stratoshperic balloon, and balloon adapted for carrying out the process
US4986494A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 29, 1989 |
| Grant date | Jan 22, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 29, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64B1/58
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention relates to a process for stabilizing at altitude a stratospheric balloon between the upper and lower levels through a plurality of diurnal and nocturnal cycles. The process comprises providing the stratospheric balloon (1) of the open, variable volume type a with a thermal trapping hood (7) arranged in the vicinity of its upper pole piece (4). This hood has reflecting properties from the side oriented toward the interior of the balloon and preferably thermal insulating properties, and its surface comprises between 1% and 15% of the total surface area of the balloon when full, preferably between 2% and 5%. In the full state, it does not appreciably alter the thermal balance of the balloon, while at lower levels at reduced states of inflation, it limits the energy loss from the bulb by reflecting toward the exterior and avoids an irreversible descent of the balloon. The process of the invention permits stabilizing a stratospheric balloon during a number of cycles which may be several tens of cycles.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.