公开(公告)号：US10035576B1

公开(公告)日：2018-07-31

申请号：US14886762

申请日：2015-10-19

Applicant: X Development LLC

Inventor： Kyle Brookes ,  John Cromie ,  Raymond Louis Gradwohl

IPC: B64B1/40

CPC classification number: B64B1/40

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a flex connection for high altitude balloon applications. During operation flex connection allows a payload of a high-altitude balloon to remain level when an envelope of the balloon is tilted, in order to change the direction of the balloon. As an example, a system may include a balloon envelope, a payload, a cable between the balloon envelope and the payload, and a flex connection on the cable. The flex connection enables the payload to remain level relative to the ground when the balloon is in flight and the balloon envelope is tilted relative to the payload. The flex connection includes a top portion, a plurality of discs, and a bottom portion.

公开(公告)号：US09902480B1

公开(公告)日：2018-02-27

申请号：US14960789

申请日：2015-12-07

Applicant: X Development LLC

Inventor： John Cromie ,  Gopal Ravi

IPC: B64B1/40

CPC classification number: B64B1/40

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide anti-tilt assemblies for reducing the strain of an air ballast when used to change the direction of a high altitude balloon. For instance, in one example, a balloon includes a balloon envelope having an air ballast and a plurality of support tendons and a payload assembly. The balloon also includes an anti-tilt assembly arranged between the balloon envelope and the payload assembly. The anti-tilt assembly includes a support structure having a plurality of line connections arranged at a top end of the support structure and a connection member at a bottom end of the support structure. The connection member is attached to the payload assembly. The anti-tilt assembly also includes a plurality of support lines connected at to one of the support tendons and to the connection member. In addition, each support line is arranged to pass through a corresponding one of the line connections.