×

Aerial communications network including a plurality of aerial platforms

  • US 6,167,263 A
  • Filed: 05/15/1998
  • Issued: 12/26/2000
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/16/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A communications network for providing communications coverage around the earth, the network comprising:

  • a multiplicity of aerial platforms distributed around the earth in the stratosphere approximately 18-45 km above the earth, each platform permitted to drift within the stratosphere but maintained within line of sight distance from the adjacent neighboring platforms;

    a ground station for communicating control signals to any two platforms for substantially increasing the distance between said two platforms while maintaining communication links with said two platforms;

    each aerial platform comprising a lighter than air portion and a heavier than air portion suspended from the lighter then air portion;

    each platform comprising means for directional propulsion in response to a control signal and for remaining airborne for a period of time, said platform including communications electronics for sending communication signals to and receiving them from other aerial platforms, and control electronics coupled to the communications electronics, said control electronics adapted to generate a control signal for directing the platform to another location in response to communication signals received from another platforms.

View all claims
  • 1 Assignment
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×