Attitude control for a high-altitude balloon
US9254906B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 4, 2013 |
| Grant date | Feb 9, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 26, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64B1/58
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A high-altitude balloon is provided that may use at least one conductive coil to facilitate attitude control of the balloon. The balloon may include an envelope, a conductive coil, and a control system. The conductive coil may be operatively coupled to the envelope, and the control system may be configured to perform functions. The functions may include determining a measure of rotation with respect to a predetermined orientation of the balloon. The functions may additionally include causing a current to be applied to the conductive coil in a manner such that torque is applied to the envelope that counteracts the measure of rotation and substantially returns the balloon to the predetermined orientation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.