公开(公告)号：US10800506B1

公开(公告)日：2020-10-13

申请号：US16197999

申请日：2019-02-15

Applicant: LOON LLC

Inventor： Michael Hall-Snyder ,  Sandeep Kumar Giri ,  Shane Washburn ,  Joseph Charles Benedetto ,  Keegan Gartner

IPC: B64B1/40 ,  B64B1/66 ,  B64F1/12 ,  B64B1/58

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to techniques for launching high-altitude balloons. In one aspect, a balloon launching system is provided. The balloon has a balloon envelope, a payload attached to the balloon envelope and a launching projection. The launching system includes a releasable restraint attached to the balloon between an apex and bottom of the balloon envelope. The releasable restraint is arranged to temporarily hold the balloon envelope. The launching system also includes a payload positioning assembly. The payload positioning assembly is configured to position the payload during launch of the balloon and includes a member configured to attach to the launching projection. When attached, the member is also configured to maintain the position of the payload relative to the balloon while the releasable restraint is temporarily holding the balloon envelope.

公开(公告)号：US20190217969A1

公开(公告)日：2019-07-18

申请号：US16256465

申请日：2019-01-24

Applicant: LOON LLC

Inventor： Joseph Charles Benedetto ,  Olivia Hatalsky ,  John Frederick Udall ,  Liang-Shian Chen ,  Chase R. Haegele ,  Daniel Patrick Bowen ,  C. O. Lee Boyce, JR. ,  Shane Washburn ,  Keegan Gartner

IPC: B64F1/04 ,  B64B1/58 ,  B64F1/36 ,  B64B1/00 ,  B64F1/14 ,  B64B1/40

CPC classification number: B64F1/04 ,  B64B1/005 ,  B64B1/40 ,  B64B1/58 ,  B64C2201/022 ,  B64C2201/088 ,  B64C2201/122 ,  B64F1/14 ,  B64F1/36

Abstract: A portable launch rig (PLR) may include a support structure including two side supports defining an interior space for lifting and filling a balloon envelope of a balloon. Wheels on each of the side supports enable the PLR to be moved in various directions in order to prepare the PLR for launching the balloon. The side supports are connected by a lateral support beam having a pair of cranes arranged thereon. Each crane has an arm arranged over the interior space that is connected to a spreader beam. The spreader beam includes a lift assembly configured to lift and inflate the balloon envelope within the interior space. The PLR includes a platform and perch for supporting and moving the balloon envelope. A door assembly of the PLR includes a plurality of hangar doors configured to block wind from a respective direction of each hangar door entering the interior space.

公开(公告)号：US20220177157A1

公开(公告)日：2022-06-09

申请号：US17114859

申请日：2020-12-08

Applicant: LOON LLC

Inventor： Joseph Charles Benedetto ,  Keegan Gartner ,  John Udall ,  Shane Washburn

IPC: B64F1/14 ,  B64F1/24 ,  B64B1/62

Abstract: The technology provides a launch rig structure capable of filling a very large balloon envelope while the balloon is arranged vertically. The filled balloon is capable of staying aloft in the stratosphere with its payload for months or longer. The launch rig structure is configured to rotate up to 360° in response to current wind conditions. It includes an integrated lifting boom and gas handling system to fill the envelope. A payload release assembly is configured to couple with a rigid connection member of the balloon, enabling the envelope to be filled while in a vertical orientation. The payload release assembly is part of a launch cart that is positioned within the interior space of the launch rig. A gripper assembly engages with the rigid connection member. Once the envelope is filled, the gripper assembly disengages from the connection member so that the balloon floats away from the launch rig.

公开(公告)号：US10232955B2

公开(公告)日：2019-03-19

申请号：US15165616

申请日：2016-05-26

Applicant: LOON LLC

Inventor： Joseph Charles Benedetto ,  Olivia Hatalsky ,  John Frederick Udall ,  Liang-Shian Chen ,  Chase R. Haegele ,  Daniel Patrick Bowen ,  C. O. Lee Boyce, Jr. ,  Shane Washburn ,  Keegan Gartner

IPC: B64B1/40 ,  B64F1/04 ,  B64F1/14 ,  B64B1/58 ,  B64F1/36 ,  B64B1/00

Abstract: A portable launch rig (PLR) may include a support structure including two side supports defining an interior space for lifting and filling a balloon envelope of a balloon. Wheels on each of the side supports enable the PLR to be moved in various directions in order to prepare the PLR for launching the balloon. The side supports are connected by a lateral support beam having a pair of cranes arranged thereon. Each crane has an arm arranged over the interior space that is connected to a spreader beam. The spreader beam includes a lift assembly configured to lift and inflate the balloon envelope within the interior space. The PLR includes a platform and perch for supporting and moving the balloon envelope. A door assembly of the PLR includes a plurality of hangar doors configured to block wind from a respective direction of each hangar door entering the interior space.

公开(公告)号：US10173763B1

公开(公告)日：2019-01-08

申请号：US15878618

申请日：2018-01-24

Applicant: LOON LLC

Inventor： Michael Hall-Snyder ,  Sandeep Kumar Giri ,  Shane Washburn ,  Joseph Charles Benedetto ,  Keegan Gartner

IPC: B64B1/40 ,  B64B1/58 ,  B64F1/12

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to techniques for launching high-altitude balloons. In one aspect, a balloon launching system is provided. The balloon has a balloon envelope, a payload attached to the balloon envelope and a launching projection. The launching system includes a releasable restraint attached to the balloon between an apex and bottom of the balloon envelope. The releasable restraint is arranged to temporarily hold the balloon envelope. The launching system also includes a payload positioning assembly. The payload positioning assembly is configured to position the payload during launch of the balloon and includes a member configured to attach to the launching projection. When attached, the member is also configured to maintain the position of the payload relative to the balloon while the releasable restraint is temporarily holding the balloon envelope.