Abstract:
The technology relates to payload separation during descent of an aerial vehicle. A flight termination system (FTS) for a lighter than air (LTA) vehicle can include a first, a second, and a third mechanical actuation system. The first mechanical actuation system can be triggered in a first stage, causing an envelope and a payload of the LTA vehicle to separate. The second mechanical actuation system can be triggered in a second stage, causing a parachute to deploy from a component coupled to the payload. The third mechanical actuation system can be triggered in a third stage, causing a parachute to deploy from the envelope. In some cases, one or more of the mechanical actuation systems comprises a squib.
Abstract:
A balloon system including a balloon, a payload, and a safety module. A safety module, preferably including a tether and a parachute, and optionally including a cover and/ or a drogue. A method of balloon system operation, preferably including operating the balloon system in flight and descending under a parachute.
Abstract:
A buoyant aerial vehicle includes: a balloon configured to store a gas; a pay load coupled to the balloon; and a propulsion unit coupled to the payload by a tether. The propulsion unit includes: a fuselage having a substantially longitudinal shape, a first end, and a second end; a primary airfoil coupled to the fuselage; a secondary airfoil coupled to the fuselage at one of the first end or the second end; and a thrust generating device disposed at one of the first end or the second end and configured to move the propulsion unit relative to the payload along a propulsion flight path. The movement of the propulsion unit imparts movement of the buoyant aerial vehicle along a vehicle flight path.
Abstract:
A balloon (1) has a gas-filled bag (3), as well as a number of displays (5) which are present on the outside of the bag. The balloon (1) further has a frame (9) which is present on the outside of the bag and which defines a holding volume inside which said bag is housed. The bag and the frame have the same or substantially the same contour. The frame (9) has two parts (9A, 9B) of which an upper frame part (9A) is connected to the bag (3) and a lower frame portion (9B) is connected to anchoring cables (7). The two frame parts are connected to each other via a ball joint (11) having two portions co-operating with each other.
Abstract:
An airborne device for surveillance of an enclosed area, comprising a platform having illuminating imaging devices, and an attached lighter than air balloon. A vertically aligned rotor provides additional lift, a rotor directed along the length of the platform provides forward and backward motion, and additional rotors aligned sideways steer and rotate the device. The rotors are driven by electric motors powered by an on-board battery. A vertically directed distance sensor measures and controls the hovering distance of the device from the roof. A reel of optical fiber is installed at the rear end of the platform, and the optical fiber unwinds from the reel and deploys behind the device as it moves forward. This optical fiber carries image data back to a monitor. The length of fiber deployed, combined with directional and accelerometer readings can be used to determine the absolute position of the device.
Abstract:
Disclosed in a lighter than air vehicle comprising a first envelope (34), a second envelope (36) located inside the first envelope (34), and a tube (40) connecting the first envelope (34) to the second envelope (36). The first envelope (34) and the second envelope (36) are spaced apart so as to define a chamber between the first envelope (34) and the second envelope (36). The chamber is filled with a lighter than air gas (22). A first opening of the tube (40) is located at an external surface of the first envelope (34). A second opening of the tube (40) is located at an internal surface of the second envelope (36), the second opening of the tube (40) being at an opposite end of the tube (40) to the first opening of the tube (40).
Abstract:
A balloon system is provided including a balloon envelope, a payload secured to the balloon envelope, a first parachute positioned within a parachute container, the parachute container secured to the payload, a first bridle line having a first end secured to the balloon system and a second end secured to the parachute container, a controller positioned on the balloon system, wherein when the controller receives a signal to deploy the parachute container, the controller is operable to cause the parachute container to be released downwardly from the payload.
Abstract:
Devices, methods and systems for minimizing the probability of a collision between an aircraft and a floating platform are described. The device may include a processor in communication with a memory. The processor is configured to obtain a flight-path vector of an aircraft; determine a probability related to a plurality of flight-paths of a floating platform over a period of time based on operating parameters for the floating platform and weather data; and determine, based on the flight-path vector and the probability related to the plurality of flight-paths of the floating platform, a time and/or a location for launch or recovery of the floating platform that minimizes a probability of a collision between the aircraft and the floating platform while the floating platform is in flight.
Abstract:
A balloon having a bladder positioned within a balloon envelope, a plate having a port, a housing secured to the plate, an impeller positioned within the housing, the port providing a passageway from an inside of the housing to an inside of the bladder, wherein a passive valve having a periphery is positioned over the port, a control system configured, upon receiving a signal to increase the amount of air within the bladder, to cause the passive valve to move from a first, closed position where a seal is provided by the engagement of the periphery'- of the passive valve and a periphery of the port to a second, open position where the periphery of the passive valve is disengaged from the periphery of the port to open the passageway between the housing and the bladder and to allow air to be forced into the bladder.
Abstract:
Methods and systems involving an incentivized recovery of balloon materials are disclosed herein. An example system may be configured to: (a) determine a landing location of a balloon, where the balloon has been configured to operate as a node in a balloon network; (b) detect a removal event corresponding to the balloon ceasing to operate as a node in the balloon network and descending to the landing location; and (c) in response to detecting the removal event, initiate a transmission of a recovery-assistance signal that is comprised of (i) location data corresponding to the landing location of the balloon and (ii) an indication of an incentive to recover the balloon.