| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
|---|
| 244031000 | Balloons | 45 |
| 20090084892 | Device and Method for Sealing and Lighting a Balloon - An apparatus for sealing and illuminating a balloon includes a housing for sealing insertion into a neck of a balloon. A flow path within the housing conducts an inflation gas from an inlet to an outlet of the housing, and a flow control system disposed in the flow path allows the inflation gas to flow from the inlet to the outlet. The apparatus includes a light source mounted in conjunction with the housing and a power source disposed within the housing providing power for the light source. A switch mounted in conjunction with the housing is operable to selectively connect the power source to the light source by completing a circuit between the power source and the light source. The apparatus also includes a switch activating member annularly disposable around the housing to operate the switch. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090145999 | Method and Apparatus for Stratospheric and Space Structures - The high-altitude balloon has a skin made of nearly evacuated electrostatically inflated cells which provide thermal insulation to minimize heat loss from the gas in the balloon, while transmitting heat from the sun to heat the gas. The lower surface of the balloon is reflective to microwave or laser beams. A stable array of the balloons is maintained at a high altitude and is used to facilitate communications in a world-wide communications system. Ascent of the balloon is well controlled and weight is minimized by starting with lighter-than-air gases in liquid form, releasing a lifting gas into the craft, and then using the empty containers to store the remaining gas when the balloon is aloft. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20100012772 | PRESSURE TIGHT LARGE-SCALED MEMBRANE STRUCTURE - A pressure tight large-scaled membrane structure comprising a bag body having a plurality of gores attached to each other along an attachment line, and a plurality of first ropes attached over a predetermined range of the bag body in such a manner as to be orthogonal to the attachment line of the gores, whereby a cylindrical shaped portion is formed. The cylindrical shaped portion has a substantially circular cross-sectional area that is a maximum substantially circular cross-section of the bag body and the plurality of first ropes each having approximately the same length as a circumference of the substantially circular-cross section having a maximum area with respect to the bag body. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100123040 | HELIUM-COOLED LEDS IN A FLOATING ILLUMINATION SYSTEM - A balloon-mounted light source includes an array of LEDs mounted on, and cooled by, a balloon structure filled with a lightweight gas such as helium. The LEDs are preferably mounted in long series arrangements with small gauge wire to minimize weight. They may be mounted on heatsinks that are dispersed in a mesh-like structure over the balloon. The LED circuitry may also be mounted on flexible circuit boards, which may be porous to reduce weight. The balloon may include an envelope compartment with a leak-resistant seal or zipper to allow the interior of the envelope to be accessed, and a pressure relief valve. The envelope of the balloon may be clear in the front in order to maximize the projection of light but reflective along the back and sides as to minimize spill. The balloon may take the form of a controllable dirigible. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100147994 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SEALING AND LIGHTING A BALLOON - An apparatus for sealing and illuminating a balloon includes a housing for sealing insertion into a neck of a balloon. A flow path within the housing conducts an inflation gas from an inlet to an outlet of the housing, and a flow control system disposed in the flow path allows the inflation gas to flow from the inlet to the outlet. The apparatus includes a light source mounted in conjunction with the housing and a power source disposed within the housing providing power for the light source. A switch mounted in conjunction with the housing is operable to selectively connect the power source to the light source by completing a circuit between the power source and the light source. The apparatus also includes a switch activating member annularly disposable around the housing to operate the switch. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20110297784 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR OPENING AN INFLATED WALL - A method and a device for deflating an inflated wall ( | 12-08-2011 |
| 20130037654 | HYDROGEN REPLENISHED LIGHTER-THAN-AIR VEHICLE AND METHOD TO REPLENISH HYDROGEN - The present invention discloses a lighter-than-air vehicle and a method to replenish hydrogen into the vehicle while the vehicle is in the sky. The lighter-than-air vehicle can use helium or other gases that doesn't react with hydrogen as lifting gas. Hydrogen will be replenished into the lighter-than-air vehicle while it is still in mid-air. The lighter-than-air vehicles can comprise an aerostat, a hydrogen generator; a water tank and a duct. The present invention can also comprise an aerostat, a compartment, hydrogen generator, a water tank; and a duct. The present invention can also comprise an aerostat, a compartment, and a hydrogen storage alloy device. The present invention can also comprise an aerostat and a hydrogen storage alloy device. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130062458 | CONTROLLABLE BUOYANT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A controllable buoyant system ( | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130126668 | Balloon Comprising Photovoltaic Means and a Solar Concentration Device - A balloon equipped with photovoltaic means exhibiting an active face intended to receive solar rays and comprising an envelope, characterized in that the envelope comprises at least: a first zone transparent to solar rays; a second reflecting zone for said solar rays; a third zone comprising said photovoltaic means, the active face of which is directed toward the inside of said envelope; the second and third zones being positioned and cooperating in such a way as to reflect the solar rays in the direction of said third zone. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130175387 | Altitude Control Via Rotation of Balloon to Adjust Balloon Density - A balloon that includes an envelope with a gas contained within the envelope, as well as a payload connected to the envelope wherein the envelope has a first portion that has a first absorptive or reflective property with respect to allowing solar energy to be transferred to the gas within the envelope, and a second portion that has a second absorptive or reflective property with respect to allowing solar energy to be transferred to the gas within the envelope where the second absorptive or reflective property is different than the first absorptive or reflective property, and wherein the envelope is rotatable to allow a preferred ratio of the first and second portions of the envelope to be positioned facing the sun. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130270388 | Cone Tower Based Facility And Method For Launching An Atmospheric Sounding Device Under Strong Winds - A facility and method for launching an atmospheric sounding device (ASD) under strong winds are provided. The ASD includes an instrumental box connected to a balloon through a string. To avoid collision with the ground, the ASD is launched from the top of a cone tower by means of at least one sliding loop connected to the ASD and fitted around the cone tower. The loop connected to the string slides off from the top of the cone tower thereby releasing the ASD into a free flight. In one embodiment, the lower portion of the cone tower is placed inside a shelter protecting an operator from strong winds at all stages of the ASD launch. The shelter has a sliding roof with an opening to enable release of the ASD into a free flight by means of the cone tower in communication with two sliding loops. | 10-17-2013 |
| 20140124616 | AEROSTAT DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR THE SAME - An aerostat deployment system includes fore and aft envelope housings with respective folded fore and aft portions of an inflatable aerostat envelope therein. A support frame is interposed between the fore and aft envelope housings, and a payload is coupled with the inflatable aerostat envelope between the fore and aft envelope housings at the time of deployment inflation. One or more of the fore or aft envelope housings includes a brake configured to control unrolling of the folded fore or aft portions. In one example, the folded aft portion of the inflatable aerostat envelope including a tail portion is inflated prior to inflation of the folded fore portion. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140203135 | Balloon with Deflation and Maneuvering Port - A hot air balloon with an adjustable deflation port at its upper end which can fee selectively opened and closed on the ground and during flight. The positive control of the port by the operator of the balloon in the basket allows the deflation port to be adjusted at any position from full open to fully closed or held in intermediate positions as desired. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140306056 | METAL LAYER-FREE MULTI-LAYER FILM WITH LOW SURFACE WEIGHT - A metal layer-free multi-layer film with a surface weight of ≦33 g/m | 10-16-2014 |
| 20150060599 | APPARATUS FOR SEALING AND ILLUMINATING A BALLOON - An apparatus for sealing and illuminating a balloon includes: a body element insertable into an opening of a balloon, the body element enabling inflation of the balloon through an intake tube thereof; a light module for illuminating an interior of the balloon; and a sealing element having a first end couplable to the body element and a second end extending freely from the body element, the second end of the sealing element sealable below the intake tube to prevent deflation of the balloon. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150291270 | FILLING APPARATUS FOR HIGH-ALTITUDE BALLOONS - High-altitude balloons and apparatuses for filling such high-altitude balloons are provided. As an example, an apparatus for filling a high-altitude balloon includes a tube extending through envelope material of the balloon is provided. The apparatus also includes a flange connected to a first end of the tube. The flange is connected to an interior surface of the balloon. A fitting is connected to a second end of the tube. The fitting is configured for attachment with an apparatus for filling the balloon with lift gas. In addition, methods of filling high-altitude balloons with lift gas and methods of manufacturing balloons are also provided. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150336652 | MULTILAYERED STRUCTURE AND BALLOON INCLUDING THE SAME - Various embodiments of the present invention relate to a multilayered structure and balloon including the same. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a multilayered structure including at least one A layer (a) including a linear olefin polymer or copolymer, at least one B layer (b) including a cyclic olefin polymer or copolymer, and at least one A layer (c) including a linear olefin polymer or copolymer. The cyclic olefin polymer or copolymer of the at least one B layer is a polymer or copolymer of a substituted or unsubstituted norbornene. | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150367928 | HIGH ALTITUDE BALLOON AND METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ITS MANUFACTURE - A high altitude balloon, including a method and machine for manufacture, uses a perimeter border strip to couple two circular balloon panels with a lap or butt seal. Simultaneous sealing of two perimeter seals, one between the border strip and each of two balloon panels, is provided by supporting stacked balloon panels on a rotatable support and sealing around the full perimeter of the two interposed balloon panels and the border strip. The method and machine for manufacture allow for the mass production of high altitude balloons and minimize necessary material handling. The perimeter border strip can be dispensed and guided relative to the perimeter of the balloon panels for positioning before sealing together, as a bonding device is rotated relative to the balloon envelope. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20160023742 | MECHANICAL ASSEMBLY FOR LIFTING A BALLOON - A lift assembly for use during inflation of a balloon envelope is provided. The lift assembly includes a plate structure that has a set of cavities. Each cavity includes one or more openings passing through the plate. One or more pistons are coupled to the plate through at least one of the openings of each cavity in the set of cavities. Each piston has a hollow tube portion projecting lengthwise from the at least one opening, a flange attached to the hollow tube portion and a grabber portion in communication with the flange. The grabber portion includes a plurality of bearings for grabbing a stud attached to an apex of the balloon envelope. A handle portion is coupled to the plate. The handle is arranged to lift the balloon envelope when the bearings have grabbed a given stud. | 01-28-2016 |
| 20160083068 | High Altitude Balloon - A high altitude balloon comprised of three parts: a body and two end caps. The high altitude balloon includes a substantially cylindrical body formed with a single rectangular sheet of thin membrane material. The end caps can be made of the same thin membrane material, or they may be made from a different material. The end caps may have a substantially hemispherical (dished) shape or flat (disc) shape, though the end caps may have different shapes. Load restraints may be used on the inside or outside of the balloon body to form a plurality of lobes on the balloon body. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160096612 | SUPER-PRESSURE BALLOON - A payload delivery and recovery system, having a payload including a data collection device arranged to collect data, and a controllable ascent vehicle comprising a controllable lighter than air (LTA) mechanism detachably coupled to the payload and used during an ascent phase to deliver the payload to a pre-determined altitude. The LTA mechanism includes low cost super-pressure balloons. | 04-07-2016 |
| 20160159451 | BALLOON DESCENT DECELERATOR - A balloon having a descent decelerator includes an atmospheric balloon and a descent decelerator coupled with the atmospheric balloon. The descent decelerator includes a canopy spread along the upper portion of the atmospheric balloon. The canopy coupled to the atmospheric balloon with a plurality of canopy tethers at a canopy perimeter of the canopy and at a balloon perimeter of the balloon body. In a deflation configuration the canopy fills as the balloon descends and the canopy tethers suspend the atmospheric balloon from the canopy. | 06-09-2016 |
| 20160167761 | Superpressure Polyethylene Balloon With Load Tapes | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160185435 | MULTIFUNCTIONAL BALLOON MEMBRANE - Disclosed herein is a lighter-than-air (LTA) device and method of making the same. In an embodiment, the LTA device may include a membrane having a flexible substrate and an active material disposed thereon, wherein the active material is configured to controllably change the surface area of at least a portion of the substrate when an electrical stimulus is applied to the active material. | 06-30-2016 |
| 20170233054 | HIGH ALTITUDE BALLOON SYSTEMS AND METHODS | 08-17-2017 |
| 244033000 | Captive | 20 |
| 20080223982 | Method and device for wind generated electricity - An airborne electricity producing generator powered by wind at high altitude. A gas filled balloon keeps the turbines and other apparatus afloat. Connection with the ground is with tethers that also prevent the apparatus from floating freely and conduct electricity, thereby bringing the electricity produced to ground based transformers. Computer controls the position, direction, tilt and height of the apparatus depending on wind direction and speed. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20090065633 | Floating Bearing Structure with Static Buoyancy - Disclosed is a suspended load-bearing structure that is formed by pneumatic structural load-bearing elements ( | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090184196 | WIDE AREA AERIAL CRANE SYSTEM - A tether-based system for utilizing the aerostatic lift of a light-than-air balloon for the transport of payload across a wide area without having to translate the balloon along with the payload. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20100264259 | Long mission tethered aerostat and method of accomplishing - Apparatus and method for a continuous replenishing of the lift gas and maintaining the proper pressure and lift of a tethered medium altitude aerostat utilizing a novel feed tube running the entire length of the tether. A first end of the feed tube is connected to the aerostat while a second end is connected through a novel slip ring means to a pressure controlled helium ballast chamber and scrubber on the ground to maintain pressure and lift by a reversible compressing pump. A plurality of pressure and temperature sensors and tension gauges strategically placed inside and around the airship continuously monitor the temperature and pressure changes in the aerostat. A data retrieval and communication unit mounted on the aerostat collects measurement data from the pressure, temperature and tension sensors which is relayed to the ground station and the data is used to regulate lifting gas pressure inside the aerostat. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100270425 | APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING SURVEILLANCE OF AN AREA OR A SPACE - The present invention is an apparatus and system for providing surveillance of an area or a space. According to some embodiments of the present invention there may be provided a housing containing a deployable and inflatable surveillance balloon, which balloon may elevate and/or support a surveillance payload including one or more sensor assemblies. Data collected by the sensors may be transmitted to a user interface which may display the data to a user. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100288872 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AERIAL CABLED TRANSPORTATION - The technology described herein provides for the creation of an atmospherically-lifted multi-tethered structure in a semi-stationary position in the atmosphere, which supports cabled cargo handling operations within the three-dimensional space beneath the structure, allowing cargo loads to move directly from source to destination in that same space (between the ground and the atmospherically-suspended structure itself). The design combines a highly configurable aerial platform with the usefulness of complex cargo transportation systems to enable transit both at high speeds over long distances, and at low speeds on the localized level. Constant atmospheric lift from buoyancy and wind effects allows for a flexible transportation infrastructure over a broad three-dimensional area. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20110133023 | COLLAPSIBLE AERIAL PAYLOAD DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - The present invention provides mobile aerial platform system, comprising: an aerial platform having an outer shell; a gas containment system disposed within the outer shell; a tether system for attachment of the aerial platform to a means for transporting the system; and a payload configured to be lifted by the aerial platform when the aerial platform is inflated; wherein the aerial platform is configured such that it may be completely collapsed when deployed. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110147513 | AERIAL PAYLOAD DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM - A mobile aerial platform system is provided. The aerial platform system may lift a payload, such as a surveillance system or a communications repeater, into the lower atmosphere to assist in applications such as crowd control or disaster relief. The aerial platform system may be contained in a portable configuration and transported to the deployment site using a vehicle. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20120056032 | Airborne elevator apparatus - An Airborne Elevator Apparatus capable of deploying at the same time multiple service loads at different altitudes in the Earth's atmosphere by physically separating tether weight carrier function from the service load weight carrier function of a common aerostat. The tether weight carrier function is performed by at least one airborne canopy assembly ( | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120091261 | Long mission tethered aerostat and method of accomplishing - Apparatus and method for a continuous replenishing of the lift gas and maintaining the proper pressure and lift of a tethered medium altitude aerostat utilizing a novel feed tube running the entire length of the tether. A first end of the feed tube is connected to the aerostat while a second end is connected through a novel slip ring means to a pressure controlled helium ballast chamber and scrubber on the ground to maintain pressure and lift by a reversible compressing pump. A plurality of pressure and temperature sensors and tension gauges strategically placed inside and around the airship continuously monitor the temperature and pressure changes in the aerostat. A data retrieval and communication unit mounted on the aerostat collects measurement data from the pressure, temperature and tension sensors which is relayed to the ground station and the data is used to regulate lifting gas pressure inside the aerostat. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120181380 | SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING A RAPIDLY ELEVATED AEROSTAT PLATFORM - A system and method for deploying a payload with an aerostat uses a mobile transporter for moving the system to a deployment site. Structurally, the system includes a base unit with a rotation head mounted thereon. An envelope container for holding a deflated aerostat is mounted on the rotation head and a rotation of the container on the rotation head positions the aerostat for optimal compliance with the existing wind condition. Also included in the system is an inflator that is mounted on the base unit to inflate the aerostat with a Helium gas. And, the system includes a tether control unit for maintaining a connection with the aerostat during its deployment, in-flight use, and recovery. Preferably, a deployment computer is used for a coordinated control of the rotation head, inflator and tether. | 07-19-2012 |
| 20120286089 | Strain reduction on a balloon system in extreme weather conditions - The subject matter described herein relates to strain reduction on a balloon system in extreme weather conditions. The strain reduction is achieved by using an elastic bungee between a balloon and the tether attached to the balloon. As wind pushes on the balloon, immediate pressure caused by the wind is cushioned on the elastic bungee rather than on the balloon or the tether, thereby reducing immediate force and tension on either the balloon or the tether. Thus, the balloon system that includes the balloon and the tether is protected from damage that can possibly be caused by tension due to pressure. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20130119189 | Location Signaling Device - A location signaling device comprising a wing balloon for signaling a location. The wing balloon is fixed to a tether line that itself is fixed to the location to be signaled. The wing balloon has an inflatable aerodynamically shaped hollow body to be at least partly be filled with a lighter-than-air gas and having a wing attack surface for air flowing relative to said wing balloon. The floating aloft of said wing balloon is supported by said air flow. When the wing balloon is inflated, a flexible wing portion is passively variable. The stronger the wind, the less attack is given. Thus, the dragging force on the tether line is generally static. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130264413 | STRATOSPHERIC STAY FACILITY - There is provided a stratospheric stay facility that allows humans to stay in the stratosphere in the altitude range of 15 to 25 kilometers. The stratospheric stay facility includes a structure for stay | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130299629 | LONG MISSION TETHERED AEROSTAT AND METHOD OF ACCOMPLISHING - Apparatus and method for a continuous replenishing of the lift gas and maintaining the proper pressure and lift of a tethered medium altitude aerostat utilizing a novel feed tube running the entire length of the tether. A first end of the feed tube is connected to the aerostat while a second end is connected through a novel slip ring means to a pressure controlled helium ballast chamber and scrubber on the ground to maintain pressure and lift by a reversible compressing pump. A plurality of pressure and temperature sensors and tension gauges strategically placed inside and around the airship continuously monitor the temperature and pressure changes in the aerostat. A data retrieval and communication unit mounted on the aerostat collects measurement data from the pressure, temperature and tension sensors which is relayed to the ground station and the data is used to regulate lifting gas pressure inside the aerostat. | 11-14-2013 |
| 20140034780 | AERIAL TOY AND METHOD OF USE - An aerial toy including an aerial flying toy object that at least one of floats, flies, and soars in air for an extended period of time; an aerial flying toy string tethered to the aerial flying toy object; an aerial flying toy raising and lowering assembly including: a handle; a housing including a top, a front, and a rear; an aerial flying toy string reel rotatably carried within the housing and carrying the aerial flying toy string; an electric motor carried within the housing and operably coupled to the balloon string reel for driving rotation of the balloon string reel; a power source carried within the housing for powering the electric motor; an aerial flying toy string snag prevention mechanism that helps prevent snagging of the aerial flying toy string. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140054412 | BALLOON-BORNE PLATFORM STABILIZATION - An aerial balloon system comprising a payload platform suspended from an inflated balloon by means of a balloon cable, and an anchoring cable attaching the platform to an anchor point beneath it. The balloon cable and anchoring cable are attached to the payload platform by means of a connecting element pivotally attached to the platform. The platform may include a servo controlled pitch stabilizing system using the input from a pitch sensor mounted on the platform to control an angular actuator to change the angle which the platform makes with the pivoted connection element. Additionally, the platform may include a servo controlled orientation stabilizing system using the input from an orientation sensor mounted thereon to control the departure of the orientation of the platform from a predetermined orientation. This may be readily accomplished using a variable pitch rotor, the pitch being controlled by the orientation sensor signal. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140306057 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USING A HYBRID STYLE AIRSHIP - Systems and methods are provided for a communication system configured to be used in land geophysical operations. The system includes: a balloon configured to lift one or more antennas; at least one cable connected to the balloon and configured for transmission of at least one of power and data, configured as a tether connected to the balloon and configured to be deployed such that an altitude of the balloon is between 50 and 100 meters; one or more antennas mounted internally or externally to the balloon and configured to extend a communication range between a base station, a command and control truck, and one or more seismic shooting devices for communicating information associated with seismic acquisition activities; and an electronics suite configured to trigger a controlled descent of the balloon and configured to deflate the balloon. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20150083849 | AEROSTAT SYSTEM - The invention provides an improved aerostat system including an aerostat, multiple tether groups and a base station. Spatially distinct tether groups allow for improved stability and controllability over a wide range of wind conditions. Independent actuation of the tether groups allows for control of the aerostat pitch and roll angle. A rotating platform including rails to rest the aerostat allows docking without auxiliary tethers, minimizing or eliminating the ground crew required to dock traditional aerostat systems. An optional controller allows remote or autonomous operation of the aerostat system. The invention is intended to extend the flight envelope in which aerostat systems can safely operate. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20160121991 | ANTI-COILING WIRE STRUCTURES AND MOORED BALLOONS WITH THE SAME - A moored balloon includes a balloon, a wire coupled to the balloon, an antenna, a cable coupled to the balloon, a rotating device hung below the balloon, and a fixing device. The rotating device comprises a rotating unit and a bracket. The rotating unit comprises a bearing seat mounted on the bracket, a bearing unit mounted on the bearing seat, and a shaft passing through the bearing unit and coupled to the balloon. The fixing device comprises a receiving tube for receiving the antenna. The receiving tube is located on the bracket. The shaft moves with the balloon to generate a twisting force, the bearing unit counterbalances the twisting force to prevent the cable being twisted with the wires. | 05-05-2016 |
