System for constructing balloon envelopes
US9371123B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 23, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jun 21, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 23, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/3076
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An assembly for use during manufacture of a balloon envelope that includes a table having first and second levels, an indicator disposed on the first level and a sealing component. The first level is arranged to receive a first sheet portion of material. The indicator is arranged along a lengthwise axis of the table to indicate a position for attaching a tendon to the first sheet portion. The second level is arranged to receive assembled gore portions of the envelope comprising the first sheet portion, the tendon and a second sheet portion material. The sealing component is configured to move along the table and to apply a heat seal to bond together the first and second sheet portions disposed thereon in order to form at least part of a gore portion of the envelope, such that the tendon is arranged proximate to a centerline of the gore.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.