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Solar balloon maneuvering system

  • US 4,262,864 A
  • Filed: 03/14/1979
  • Issued: 04/21/1981
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/15/1977
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A solar hot air balloon having a maneuvering system for ascent and descent, comprising:

  • (a) an envelope;

    (b) a gondola suspended from the envelope;

    (c) a highly translucent portion of the envelope;

    (d) an opaque portion of the envelope, said opaque portion having a substantially light absorbing inner surface within the envelope positioned so as to receive a substantial portion of sunlight passing through the translucent portion;

    (e) maneuvering system means for rotating the balloon about a vertical axis relative to level flight for controlling the amount of sunlight received by said light absorbing inner surface and for controlling ascent and descent;

    (f) said maneuvering system means comprising a first propulsion means disposed on a side of the envelope; and

    (g) said maneuvering system means including at least four light sensors positioned in spaced relationship around the balloon and circuitry means for simultaneously activating only two of said light sensors for automatically maintaining the balloon at a rotational position associated with the activated light sensors, said two sensors being positioned on opposite sides of the envelope.

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