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公开(公告)号：US10059420B1
公开(公告)日：2018-08-28
申请号：US14960739
申请日：2015-12-07
Applicant: X Development LLC
Inventor： Michael Hall-Snyder , Kyle Brookes
CPC classification number: B64B1/46
Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to terminating flight of a balloon that may include separating a connection between a balloon envelope and a payload of the balloon. In one example, a payload separation apparatus includes a first shaft configured to attach to the envelope, a second shaft configured to attach to the payload, a pair of arms, and a bracket arranged to secure the pair of arms to the first shaft. In another example, a system includes a flight termination assembly having a cutting edge configured to cut an opening in the envelope and a payload separation apparatus. The apparatus includes a first shaft configured to attach to the envelope, a second shaft configured to attach to the payload, a pair of arms, and a bracket configured to secure the pair of arms to the first shaft. The system also includes a controller configured to activate the cutting edge.
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公开(公告)号：US09834297B2
公开(公告)日：2017-12-05
申请号：US14937594
申请日：2015-11-10
Applicant: X Development LLC
Inventor： Kyle Brookes
IPC: B64B1/62
CPC classification number: B64B1/62
Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for an apex fitting for securing to a high altitude balloon. An example apparatus involves: (a) a base plate defining an opening, where the base plate is configured to be securable to an exterior of a balloon envelope, (b) at least one stud coupled to the base plate and configured to be securable to a tendon, (c) a retention ring defining at least one opening configured to receive the at least one stud, (d) a fill-port body defining a cavity, wherein a flange is coupled to the fill-port body, wherein the fill-port body is arranged coaxially with and extends through the opening of the base plate such that the flange lies adjacent to the bottom surface of the base plate, and (e) a locking body coupled to the fill-port body, wherein the locking body defines an opening arranged coaxially with the fill-port body.
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公开(公告)号：US10059422B1
公开(公告)日：2018-08-28
申请号：US15883653
申请日：2018-01-30
Applicant: X Development LLC
Inventor： Daniel Henry Fourie , Kyle Brookes
CPC classification number: B64B1/58 , B29C65/08 , B29C66/1122 , B29C66/30223 , B29C66/4312 , B29C66/439 , B29C66/61 , B29C66/71 , B29C66/83221 , B29C2793/009 , B29K2023/06 , B29K2067/003 , B29L2022/022 , B29L2031/3076 , B64B1/40
Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a fill port apparatus for filling high altitude balloons, such as those used in communications networks, with lighter than air lift gasses. For instance, the fill port apparatus includes a tubular body portion having a passageway extending between a first end and a second end of the tubular body portion. The fill port apparatus also includes an attachment structure arranged at the first end of the tubular body portion. This structure is configured to attach to a top plate of a balloon envelope. The fill port apparatus also includes a plurality of energy directing structures arranged on an interior surface of the tubular body portion. These energy directing structures extend into the passageway from the interior surface and are each configured to contact at least one other of the plurality of energy directing structures when the tubular body portion is welded to itself.
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Patent Agency Ranking
公开(公告)号：US09963216B1
公开(公告)日：2018-05-08
申请号：US15054598
申请日：2016-02-26
Applicant: X Development LLC
Inventor： Daniel Henry Fourie , Kyle Brookes
CPC classification number: B64B1/58 , B29C65/08 , B29K2023/06 , B29K2067/003 , B29L2031/3076 , B64B1/40
Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a fill port apparatus for filling high altitude balloons, such as those used in communications networks, with lighter than air lift gasses. For instance, the fill port apparatus includes a tubular body portion having a passageway extending between a first end and a second end of the tubular body portion. The fill port apparatus also includes an attachment structure arranged at the first end of the tubular body portion. This structure is configured to attach to a top plate of a balloon envelope. The fill port apparatus also includes a plurality of energy directing structures arranged on an interior surface of the tubular body portion. These energy directing structures extend into the passageway from the interior surface and are each configured to contact at least one other of the plurality of energy directing structures when the tubular body portion is welded to itself.
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公开(公告)号：US20180118321A1
公开(公告)日：2018-05-03
申请号：US15797273
申请日：2017-10-30
Applicant: X Development LLC
Inventor： Kyle Brookes
CPC classification number: B64B1/58 , B64B1/40 , B64F5/00 , Y10T137/3584
Abstract: 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.
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公开(公告)号：US09719731B1
公开(公告)日：2017-08-01
申请号：US14484955
申请日：2014-09-12
Applicant: X Development LLC
Inventor： Richard Chad Bruns , Kyle Brookes
CPC classification number: F28F1/12 , B64B1/40 , F28D15/0275 , F28F19/006
Abstract: The present disclosure provides a thermal control apparatus for controlling temperatures in a payload of a balloon. The thermal control apparatus includes a plurality of heat pipes. A first heat pipe from the plurality of heat pipes has a first end and a second end and contains working fluid. A heat source is in thermal communication with the first heat pipe. The heat source is configured to heat the working fluid in the first heat pipe. A second heat pipe from the plurality of heat pipes contains working fluid and a portion of the second heat pipe is positioned a predetermined distance from the first heat pipe. The predetermined distance allows for a heat exchange from the first heat pipe to the second heat pipe. This heat exchange includes heat drawn away from the heat source.
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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.
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公开(公告)号：US09821900B2
公开(公告)日：2017-11-21
申请号：US15161613
申请日：2016-05-23
Applicant: X Development LLC
Inventor： Kyle Brookes
CPC classification number: B64B1/58 , B64B1/40 , B64F5/00 , Y10T137/3584
Abstract: 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.
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