Unmanned lighter-than-air-safe termination and recovery methods
First Claim
1. A platform comprising an unmanned balloon comprising a lighter-than-air gas enclosure, a GPS configured to determine current geographical coordinates of the unmanned balloon and a payload, the payload comprising a processor and a transceiver, wherein the processor is capable of making a decision to terminate a flight of the free-floating platform, and the transceiver is capable of communicating with a communication device separate from the platform;
- the platform further comprising;
a pump and a valve;
first and second flight-termination devices each configured to cause termination of a flight of the unmanned balloon; and
at least two power sources each configured to provide power to at least one of the first and second flight-termination devices;
wherein a transmitter operationally related to the unmanned balloon is configured to provide a last recorded position of the unmanned balloon;
wherein the unmanned balloon is configured to be operational above an altitude of about 60,000 feet, andwherein, in operation, the unmanned balloon is substantially free drifting at the altitude of above about 60,000 feet.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Innovative new methods in connection with lighter-than-air free floating platforms, of facilitating legal transmitter operation, platform flight termination when appropriate, environmentally acceptable landing, and recovery of these devices are provided. Especially, termination of radio transmissions and flight related to regional, governmental and international border requirements, regulations and laws. The new methods comprise specific criteria, detection of the criteria and elements of operation for reducing or preventing illegal transmissions, for producing rapid descend to the ground, for environmentally acceptable landing and for facilitating recovery all with improved safety and enhanced compliance with known regulations.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A platform comprising an unmanned balloon comprising a lighter-than-air gas enclosure, a GPS configured to determine current geographical coordinates of the unmanned balloon and a payload, the payload comprising a processor and a transceiver, wherein the processor is capable of making a decision to terminate a flight of the free-floating platform, and the transceiver is capable of communicating with a communication device separate from the platform;
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the platform further comprising; a pump and a valve; first and second flight-termination devices each configured to cause termination of a flight of the unmanned balloon; and at least two power sources each configured to provide power to at least one of the first and second flight-termination devices; wherein a transmitter operationally related to the unmanned balloon is configured to provide a last recorded position of the unmanned balloon; wherein the unmanned balloon is configured to be operational above an altitude of about 60,000 feet, and wherein, in operation, the unmanned balloon is substantially free drifting at the altitude of above about 60,000 feet. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification