Balloon envelope adapted to direct sunlight towards payload
First Claim
1. A computer-implemented method, comprising:
- causing an airborne balloon to operate using a first mode, wherein the balloon comprises an envelope and a payload carried beneath the envelope, wherein the envelope has a shape adapted for directing sunlight towards the payload, and wherein operation in the first mode comprises;
determining a position of the sun with respect to the balloon;
moving the balloon to position a first exterior reflective portion of the balloon envelope so as to face the sun;
directing sunlight from an exterior surface of an overhang formed in the balloon envelope and positioned on the first exterior reflective portion of the balloon envelope towards the payload; and
collecting and storing solar energy in solar cells positioned in or above the payload.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A balloon is provided having an envelope, and a payload positioned beneath the envelope, wherein the envelope has an exterior shape adapted for directing sunlight towards the payload. The balloon may further include a control system configured to cause the balloon or payload to rotate to cause a first portion of the balloon envelope or a first portion of the payload to be positioned facing the sun. The first portion of the balloon envelope may be asymmetrical with respect to a second portion of the balloon envelope, with the first portion angled to direct sunlight towards the payload. The balloon envelope may include a transmissive or translucent surface adapted to direct sunlight towards a lower portion of the envelope, which in turn is adapted to direct sunlight onto the payload. The balloon may also be lens-shaped to focus sunlight onto the payload.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A computer-implemented method, comprising:
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causing an airborne balloon to operate using a first mode, wherein the balloon comprises an envelope and a payload carried beneath the envelope, wherein the envelope has a shape adapted for directing sunlight towards the payload, and wherein operation in the first mode comprises; determining a position of the sun with respect to the balloon; moving the balloon to position a first exterior reflective portion of the balloon envelope so as to face the sun; directing sunlight from an exterior surface of an overhang formed in the balloon envelope and positioned on the first exterior reflective portion of the balloon envelope towards the payload; and collecting and storing solar energy in solar cells positioned in or above the payload. - View Dependent Claims (2)
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3. A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored therein instructions executable by a computing device to cause the computing device to perform functions comprising:
causing an airborne balloon to operate using a first mode, wherein the balloon comprises an envelope and a payload carried beneath the envelope, wherein the envelope has a shape adapted for directing sunlight towards the payload, and wherein operation in the first mode comprises; causing rotational movement of the balloon to position a first portion of the balloon envelope facing the sun; directing sunlight from an overhang formed in the balloon envelope and positioned on the first portion of the balloon envelope towards the payload; and collecting and storing solar energy in solar cells positioned in or above the payload. - View Dependent Claims (4)
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5. An airborne balloon, comprising:
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an envelope; a payload carried beneath the envelope; wherein the envelope has an exterior shape with a first exterior reflective portion having a reflective exterior surface of an overhang formed in the balloon envelope and adapted for directing sunlight towards the payload. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification