Balloon envelope adapted to direct sunlight towards payload
US8833696B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 28, 2012 |
| Grant date | Sep 16, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 30, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64B1/62
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A balloon is provided having an envelope, and a payload positioned beneath the envelope, wherein the envelope has an exterior shape adapted for directing sunlight towards the payload. The balloon may further include a control system configured to cause the balloon or payload to rotate to cause a first portion of the balloon envelope or a first portion of the payload to be positioned facing the sun. The first portion of the balloon envelope may be asymmetrical with respect to a second portion of the balloon envelope, with the first portion angled to direct sunlight towards the payload. The balloon envelope may include a transmissive or translucent surface adapted to direct sunlight towards a lower portion of the envelope, which in turn is adapted to direct sunlight onto the payload. The balloon may also be lens-shaped to focus sunlight onto the payload.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.