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Balloon altitude control using density adjustment and/or volume adjustment

  • US 9,033,274 B2
  • Filed: 07/11/2012
  • Issued: 05/19/2015
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/11/2012
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A balloon, comprising:

  • an envelope;

    a payload positioned beneath the envelope, wherein the envelope comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion allows more solar energy to be transferred to gas within the envelope than the second portion; and

    a control system that is configured to cause the balloon to operate using a first mode in which altitudinal movement of the balloon is caused, at least in part, by rotating the envelope to change an amount of the first portion that faces the sun and an amount of the second portion that faces the sun;

    wherein the control system is further configured, responsive to not attaining a desired altitude or rate of descent or ascent, to cause the balloon to operate using a second mode in which altitudinal movement of the balloon is caused, at least in part, by moving a lifting gas or air into or out of the envelope.

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