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.


    Access

    Download


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    VERTICAL FILL METHOD


    Contributors:
    KENNAN MIKE (author) / SMITH JAMES (author) / GARTNER KEEGAN (author) / TABOR MATHEW (author)

    Publication date :

    2021-06-17


    Type of media :

    Patent


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English


    Classification :

    IPC:    B64B LIGHTER-THAN-AIR AIRCRAFT , Luftfahrzeuge leichter als Luft



    VERTICAL LAUNCH SYSTEM, PAYLOAD RELEASE SYSTEM, AND VERTICAL FILL METHOD

    TASOVSKI VASIL / KENNAN MIKE / BENEDETTO JOSEPH et al. | European Patent Office | 2021

    Free access

    Plug-and-fill control method for over-fill pile and over-fill pile

    FENG YINGYING / XU JINZHU / WANG PU | European Patent Office | 2023

    Free access

    SPECTRA FILL

    JOHANNESSEN ERIC | European Patent Office | 2021

    Free access

    VORTEX FILL

    SLOAN TODD F / FORSBERG CHRIS / CANNON CHRISTOPHER E | European Patent Office | 2016

    Free access

    CNG TIME FILL SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH SAFE FILL TECHNOLOGY

    DING DENIS | European Patent Office | 2020

    Free access