Collapsible envelope for descent of balloon with envelope still attached
US8812176B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 31, 2012 |
| Grant date | Aug 19, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 31, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64B1/62
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A balloon is provided having a balloon envelope having a top portion and a bottom portion, a payload positioned beneath the balloon envelope, a moveable plate positioned atop the balloon envelope, a line attached to the moveable plate, and a control system configured to cause the line to be pulled to cause the moveable plate to be pulled towards the bottom portion of the balloon envelope such that the top portion of the balloon envelope is moved towards the bottom portion of the balloon envelope forcing gas out of the balloon envelope such that the balloon envelope is collapsed. The balloon may further include a drag plate positioned beneath the balloon envelope that serves to slow the descent of the payload to the earth.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.