Altitude control via adjustment to mass of air in bladder within lift-gas filled envelope
US9340272B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 1, 2014 |
| Grant date | May 17, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 10, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64B1/70
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
This disclosure relates to the use of a method for adjusting an altitude of variable-buoyancy vehicle, such as an aerostatic balloon. The method includes determining a target mass for a variable-buoyancy vehicle, where the target mass is based on a target altitude for the variable-buoyancy vehicle. Additionally, the method includes adding a first mass to the variable-buoyancy vehicle. The mass added is less than a difference between the target mass and a current mass. The method also includes adding a second mass to the variable-buoyancy vehicle in response to a decrease in an internal pressure of the variable-buoyancy vehicle caused by adding the first mass. Further, adding the second mass makes a current mass of the variable-buoyancy vehicle approximately equal to the target mass.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.