Continuous multi-chamber super pressure balloon
First Claim
1. A continuous multi-chamber super pressure balloon (SPB) comprising:
- a continuous envelope configured to be inflated to form a plurality of two or more chambers, wherein each chamber comprises a maximum inflated width, and the continuous envelope when inflated defines a waist, the waist having an inflated waist width located between each chamber that is less than the maximum inflated width of each chamber;
a barrier disposed inside the continuous envelope and fluidly separating a first fluid compartment from a second fluid compartment; and
a fitting configured to be positioned around the waist.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Described herein are features for a high altitude lighter-than-air (LTA) system and associated methods. The LTA may include a continuous multi-chamber super-pressure balloon (SPB). The SPB may include two, three, four or more chambers. There may be more than one such multi-chamber SPB. A ring may provide structural support between each chamber. A plurality of tendons may extend upwardly and downwardly from the ring around respective upper and lower chambers to bias each of the SPB chambers to a pumpkin shape. The SPB may use a compressor to provide a variable amount of ballast air by pumping in or expelling out ambient air. A zero-pressure balloon (ZPB) may be attached with the continuous multi-chamber SPB. The ZPB may provide lift for the system. The multi-chamber SPB may include lifting gas and ballast air to provide both lifting and descent functions. The SPB may have an internal barrier separating a lift gas compartment from a variable ballast air compartment.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A continuous multi-chamber super pressure balloon (SPB) comprising:
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a continuous envelope configured to be inflated to form a plurality of two or more chambers, wherein each chamber comprises a maximum inflated width, and the continuous envelope when inflated defines a waist, the waist having an inflated waist width located between each chamber that is less than the maximum inflated width of each chamber; a barrier disposed inside the continuous envelope and fluidly separating a first fluid compartment from a second fluid compartment; and a fitting configured to be positioned around the waist. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A continuous multi-chamber super pressure balloon comprising:
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a continuous envelope comprising a first section, a second section, and a third section, wherein the first, second and third sections are configured to extend axially along a central axis with the third section located between the first and second sections, the third section having a smaller maximum inflated width than each of the first and second sections; a circumferential constriction configured to extend around the continuous envelope between the first and second sections; and a plurality of tendons configured to extend from the circumferential constriction and around the continuous envelope to bias the first and second sections into respective first and second pumpkin shapes when the continuous envelope is inflated. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of adjusting an altitude of a high altitude balloon system comprising a continuous multi-chamber super pressure balloon (SPB), the method comprising:
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decreasing the altitude, wherein decreasing the altitude comprises; causing air to enter a first section of a continuous envelope of the multi-chamber SPB, and causing air to enter a second section of the continuous envelope, wherein the first and second sections each have a larger width than a third section of the continuous envelope that is located between the first and second sections; and increasing the altitude, wherein increasing the altitude comprises; causing air to exit the first section, and causing air to exit the second section. - View Dependent Claims (19)
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Specification