High altitude balloon system
US9463861B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 20, 2015 |
| Grant date | Oct 11, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 20, 2035 |
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.