Lighter than air balloon systems and methods
First Claim
1. A lighter-than-air (LTA) high altitude balloon system comprising:
- a zero-pressure balloon (ZPB) configured to receive therein a first mass of LTA gas to provide a first upward lifting force to the balloon system;
a super-pressure balloon (SPB) configured to couple with the ZPB, the SPB comprising an interior volume configured to receive therein a second mass of LTA gas to provide a second upward lifting force to the balloon system; and
the SPB comprising a first valve configured to be opened and closed, wherein the first valve when opened allows for release of at least a portion of the second mass of LTA gas from the SPB through the first valve to a surrounding atmosphere to decrease the second upward lifting force, and the first valve when closed does not allow for release of the second mass of LTA gas from the SPB through the first valve to the surrounding atmosphere,wherein the interior volume of the SPB is further configured, after release of the at least a portion of the second mass of LTA gas from the SPB, to receive therein a variable amount of ambient air from the surrounding atmosphere to provide a variable downward force to the balloon system.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Described herein are features for a high altitude lighter-than-air (LTA) system and associated methods. The LTA may include one or more super-pressure balloons (SPB). One or more of the SPB'"'"'s may include one or more interior volumes. One or more of the interior volumes may be configured to receive an LTA gas therein to supplement the free lift of the LTA system. There may be an adjustable valve or vent to release the LTA gas. One or more of the interior volumes may be configured to receive ambient air to provide a variable downward force. The SPB may use a compressor to pump in ambient air. The compressor or another valve may release ambient air to decrease the downward force. A zero-pressure balloon (ZPB) may be attached with the one or more SPB'"'"'s. The ZPB may supplement lift for the system.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A lighter-than-air (LTA) high altitude balloon system comprising:
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a zero-pressure balloon (ZPB) configured to receive therein a first mass of LTA gas to provide a first upward lifting force to the balloon system; a super-pressure balloon (SPB) configured to couple with the ZPB, the SPB comprising an interior volume configured to receive therein a second mass of LTA gas to provide a second upward lifting force to the balloon system; and the SPB comprising a first valve configured to be opened and closed, wherein the first valve when opened allows for release of at least a portion of the second mass of LTA gas from the SPB through the first valve to a surrounding atmosphere to decrease the second upward lifting force, and the first valve when closed does not allow for release of the second mass of LTA gas from the SPB through the first valve to the surrounding atmosphere, wherein the interior volume of the SPB is further configured, after release of the at least a portion of the second mass of LTA gas from the SPB, to receive therein a variable amount of ambient air from the surrounding atmosphere to provide a variable downward force to the balloon system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A lighter-than-air (LTA) high altitude balloon system comprising:
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a zero-pressure balloon (ZPB) configured to receive therein a first LTA gas; a super-pressure balloon (SPB) configured to couple with the ZPB, the SPB configured to receive therein a second LTA gas; and a first valve configured to be adjusted to control release of at least a portion of the second LTA gas from the SPB, wherein the SPB is further configured, after release of the at least a portion of the second LTA gas from the SPB, to receive therein a variable amount of ambient air from the surrounding atmosphere. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14)
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Specification