BALLOON DESTRUCT DESCENT AND RECOVERY SYSTEM

• US 3,614,031 A
• Filed: 04/09/1970
• Issued: 10/19/1971
• Est. Priority Date: 04/09/1970
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Henry Demboski
• Original Assignee: Henry Demboski
• Inventors: Demboski, Henry
• Primary Examiner(s): Buchler, Milton
• Assistant Examiner(s): Rutledge, C. A.
• Application Number:
  US05/027,095
• Time in Patent Office: 558 Days
• Field of Search: 244/32,138,33,147,149,152,127,31
• US Class Current: 244/32
• CPC Class Codes: B64B 1/48 to enable load to be dropped by parachute
• CPC Class Codes: B64B 1/62 Controlling gas pressure, heating, cooling, or discharging gas

Abstract

A structure for recovering the instrument package of a highaltitude balloon by providing means for destroying a portion of the balloon, inverting the balloon and allowing the escaping gas to provide a controlled descent until such time as the balloon is deflated and a parachute then provides a means for returning the entire package to the earth.

Claims

1. A high-altitude balloon destruct and descent system, comprising:

a. a high-altitude balloon having upper and lower fittings at the top and bottom of said balloon;

b. an instrument package for performing scientific observations and experiments;

c. first means for coupling the instrument package to said upper fittings of said balloon;

d. second means for coupling said instrument package to said lower fitting of said balloon so that during the ascent and float stages, said instrument package is suspended below said balloon;

e. parachute means coupled to said instrument package and said balloon; and

f. third means coupled to said instrument package for uncoupling said second means coupling the instrument package below said balloon so that the weight of said package rotates the balloon to an inverted position, said parachute means being disposed upon said rotation to open as said balloon and instrument package descends.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said first and second coupling means are affixed to each other in a severable relationship below said lower fitting.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein said uncoupling means is affixed between said lower fitting and said affixed portions of said first and second coupling means.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein said parachute means is coupled to said lower fitting and said second means for coupling the instrument package.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein a line is provided directly connecting said lower and upper fitting so that a positive connection exists therebetween in the event that the balloon skin is not strong enough to support the instrument package on descent.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein there is provided a positive connection between said first coupling means and a portion of said balloon so that upon rotation of said balloon a hole is provided near said lower fitting to allow for the escape of lifting gas.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein said uncoupling means includes an explosive charge positioned about said means for coupling said instrument package electrically connected to said instrument package so that the descent phase of the balloon flight may be initiated upon command from said instrument package.