US 9,193,480 B2 · High altitude balloon system

Abstract

A high altitude balloon system includes a dual chamber balloon extending from an upper apex to a lower apex with a circumferential edge between the upper and lower apexes. A deflectable diaphragm is within the dual chamber balloon and coupled along the circumferential edge. The deflectable membrane divides the dual chamber balloon into a lift gas chamber formed by an interior surface of the dual chamber balloon and the deflectable diaphragm, and a ballast chamber formed by the interior surface of the dual chamber balloon and the deflectable diaphragm. Optionally, the dual chamber balloon is constructed by interposing the deflectable diaphragm between an upper and lower balloon panels. Each of the upper and lower balloon panels and the deflectable diaphragm are then coupled together along the circumferential edge to form both the lift gas chamber and the ballast chamber.

Claims31

Dependent claims

An high altitude balloon system comprising:

a dual chamber balloon, the dual chamber balloon extending from an upper apex to a lower apex with a circumferential edge between the upper and lower apexes;
a deflectable diaphragm within the dual chamber balloon and coupled along the circumferential edge, the deflectable membrane divides the dual chamber balloon into:
a lift gas chamber formed by an interior surface of the dual chamber balloon and the deflectable diaphragm, and
a ballast chamber formed by the interior surface of the dual chamber balloon and the deflectable diaphragm, the ballast chamber configured to change the buoyancy of the dual chamber balloon;
and
a deflation port in communication with the lift gas chamber, the deflation port including:
a valve flapper rotatably coupled with a valve ring,
a biasing mechanism configured to bias the valve flapper toward an open position, and
a retaining feature configured to hold the valve flapper in a closed position,
disengagement of the retaining feature allowing the biasing mechanism to move the valve flapper to the open position.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

High altitude balloon system

Life of this patent

High altitude balloon system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims31