Unmanned lighter-than-air-safe termination and recovery methods

• US 9,823,663 B2
• Filed: 01/24/2014
• Issued: 11/21/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 04/18/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Space Data Corporation
• Original Assignee: Space Data Corporation
• Inventors: Knoblach, Gerald M, Frische, Eric A
• Primary Examiner(s): Bonzell, Philip J
• Application Number:
  US14/163,786
• Publication Number:
  US 20160378119A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,397 Days
• CPC Class Codes: B64B 1/40 Balloons B64B1/58 takes precedence; toy balloons A63H27/10
• CPC Class Codes: B64B 1/44 adapted to maintain predetermined altitude
• CPC Class Codes: B64B 1/64 Gas valve operating mechanisms
• CPC Class Codes: B64B 1/70 Ballasting arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 19/13 Receivers
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/042 specially adapted for aircraft
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/18504 Aircraft used as relay or high altitude atmospheric platform

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.

Claims

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, and

wherein, in operation, the unmanned balloon is substantially free drifting at the altitude of above about 60,000 feet.

2. The platform of claim 1, wherein the platform is configured to operate with altitudinal control.

3. The platform of claim 1, wherein the payload further comprises an altitude sensor, a position sensor and a power source.

4. The platform of claim 1, wherein the decision is based at least in part on if the platform is determined to be outside a specified geographic boundary.

5. The platform of claim 1, wherein the decision is based at least in part on if the platform is outside of a specified altitude range.

6. The platform of claim 1, wherein the decision is based at least in part on if the platform has a lateral or vertical velocity outside a specified range.

7. The platform of claim 1, wherein the decision is based at least in part on if the processor fails.

8. The platform of claim 1, wherein the decision is based at least in part on if a power source fails.

9. The platform of claim 1, wherein the decision is based at least in part on if a command and control communications link fails.

10. The platform of claim 1, wherein the platform is configured to operate without longitudinal position control.

11. The platform of claim 1, wherein the platform is configured to operate without latitudinal position control.

12. The platform of claim 1, wherein the platform is arranged to operate in range of altitude from 60,000 feet to 140,000 feet.

13. A method of terminating a flight of the platform of claim 1, the method comprising determining a geographic position or a velocity of the platform, and making a decision with a processor on the platform to terminate the flight of the platform.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising operating the flight of the platform with altitudinal control.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein making the decision comprises determining whether the platform is outside a specified geographic boundary.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein making the decision comprises determining whether the platform is outside of a specified altitude range.

17. The method of claim 13, further comprising operating the flight of the platform without longitudinal position control.

18. The method of claim 13, further comprising operating the flight of the platform without latitudinal position control.

19. A system comprising the platform of claim 1.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the platform is configured to operate without a longitudinal and latitudinal position control.

21. The system of claim 19, wherein the first flight-termination device configured to cause termination of a flight of the unmanned balloon based at least on a determination that further operation of the unmanned balloon may present a hazard to an aircraft.

22. The system of claim 19, wherein the unmanned balloon has a flight duration capability that is longer than that of weather balloons that have flight durations of approximately 2 hours;

and

wherein each of the first and second flight termination devices has an ability to independently terminate a flight of the unmanned balloon based on a determination of a malfunction of the unmanned balloon.

23. The system of claim 19, wherein the payload remains attached to the unmanned balloon as one when landed unless the payload is separated from the unmanned balloon.