High altitude balloon systems and methods
US9540091B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 23, 2016 |
| Grant date | Jan 10, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 23, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64B1/70
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A high altitude lighter-than-air (LTA) system can include a zero-pressure balloon (ZPB) attached in tandem with one or more variable ballast air super-pressure balloons (SPB). The ZPB provides lift for the system while the SPB uses a centrifugal compressor to provide a variable amount of ballast air by pumping in or expelling out ambient air. A solar array coupled with an elongated ladder assembly can be coupled to a payload support for a payload carried by the LTA system. Various advanced performance targets relating to ascent rate, descent rate, range and maximum altitude are achievable with various scaled versions of the basic design of the LTA system. Advanced navigation and control techniques, such as efficient high altitude station-keeping approaches, are made possible with the LTA system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.