Anti-tilt assembly for balloons
US9902480B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 7, 2015 |
| Grant date | Feb 27, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 24, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64B1/50
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Aspects of the disclosure provide anti-tilt assemblies for reducing the strain of an air ballast when used to change the direction of a high altitude balloon. For instance, in one example, a balloon includes a balloon envelope having an air ballast and a plurality of support tendons and a payload assembly. The balloon also includes an anti-tilt assembly arranged between the balloon envelope and the payload assembly. The anti-tilt assembly includes a support structure having a plurality of line connections arranged at a top end of the support structure and a connection member at a bottom end of the support structure. The connection member is attached to the payload assembly. The anti-tilt assembly also includes a plurality of support lines connected at to one of the support tendons and to the connection member. In addition, each support line is arranged to pass through a corresponding one of the line connections.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.