Controlled balloon descent using straws
US9211942B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 1, 2013 |
| Grant date | Dec 15, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 25, 2034 |
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, one or more straws, where each of the one or more straws includes a first end connected to the balloon envelope and a second end within the balloon envelop, one or more mechanisms, where each mechanism is operable to close and open the first end of one of the straws, and a control system configured to cause at least one of the mechanisms to close the first end of the corresponding straw such that gas is retained in the balloon envelope and to cause at least one of the mechanisms to open the first end of the corresponding straw such that gas below the second end of the corresponding straw is released from the balloon envelope through the corresponding straw, causing the balloon to descend.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.