Controlling descent of a zero pressure balloon
US9090323B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 12, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jul 28, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 12, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64B1/64
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus is provided that includes a solenoid chamber having a plunger configured to create an opening in a first balloon envelope of a balloon system when the solenoid chamber is actuated. The opening enables gas to evacuate from the first balloon envelope. A mixer valve having a nozzle is coupled to the solenoid chamber. The mixer valve is configured to create a gas mixture formed from the gas evacuating from the opening and atmospheric gas. A heating device is attached to the nozzle. The heating device is configured to heat the gas mixture created by the mixer valve. A second balloon envelope is attached to the nozzle. The second balloon envelope is arranged to expand in proportion to a quantity of the heated gas mixture passing through the nozzle. This expansion of the second balloon envelope creates an amount of lift for controlling descent of the balloon system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.