Patent · US Active

High altitude balloon system

US9193480B2 · kind B2 · utility

30Cited by
67References
31Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 14, 2013
Grant dateNov 24, 2015
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 13, 2033

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T156/10
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A high altitude balloon system includes a dual chamber balloon extending from an upper apex to a lower apex with a circumferential edge between the upper and lower apexes. A deflectable diaphragm is within the dual chamber balloon and coupled along the circumferential edge. The deflectable membrane divides the dual chamber balloon into a lift gas chamber formed by an interior surface of the dual chamber balloon and the deflectable diaphragm, and a ballast chamber formed by the interior surface of the dual chamber balloon and the deflectable diaphragm. Optionally, the dual chamber balloon is constructed by interposing the deflectable diaphragm between an upper and lower balloon panels. Each of the upper and lower balloon panels and the deflectable diaphragm are then coupled together along the circumferential edge to form both the lift gas chamber and the ballast chamber.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.