公开(公告)号：WO2015123500A1

公开(公告)日：2015-08-20

申请号：PCT/US2015/015775

申请日：2015-02-13

Applicant: GOOGLE INC.

Inventor： RATNER, Daniel

IPC: B64B1/40 ,  B64B1/58 ,  B64F5/00

CPC classification number: B64F1/04 ,  B64B1/40 ,  B64B1/58

Abstract: A method for balloon launching may include loading a pre-packaged balloon and payload into a shell structure. The pre-packaged balloon may be pulled out of its packaging in a vertical direction, for instance using a gantry crane. The gantry crane may be configured to inflate the balloon from the top of the envelope. The balloon may be inflated while substantially within the shell structure, which may provide protection from wind gusts. A vehicle, such as a heavy forklift, may provide mobility and support for the balloon and shell. Optionally once the balloon is inflated, the vehicle may move the balloon/shell combination at a rate and direction substantially matching the current wind direction/speed. Furthermore, after reaching a zero-velocity condition relative to the wind, the vehicle may assist and/or initiate the opening of the shell. A tether connecting the balloon to the shell structure may be disconnected, allowing the balloon to launch.

Abstract translation: 用于气球发射的方法可以包括将预包装的气囊和有效载荷装载到壳结构中。 预包装的气囊可以在垂直方向从其包装中拉出，例如使用龙门式起重机。 龙门式起重机可以被配置成从信封的顶部使气囊膨胀。 气囊可以在基本上在壳结构内充气，这可以提供防风阵风的保护。 诸如重型叉车的车辆可以为气球和壳提供移动性和支撑。 可选地，一旦气囊膨胀，车辆可以以基本上与当前风向/速度相匹配的速率和方向移动气囊/壳组合。 此外，在相对于风达到零速度状态之后，车辆可以辅助和/或启动壳体的打开。 将气球连接到壳结构的系绳可能会断开，从而允许气球发射。

公开(公告)号：WO2014193711A1

公开(公告)日：2014-12-04

申请号：PCT/US2014/038949

申请日：2014-05-21

Applicant: GOOGLE INC.

Inventor： RATNER, Daniel

IPC: B64B1/40 ,  B64B1/58 ,  F16K15/14

CPC classification number: B64B1/62 ,  B64B1/64

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 translation: 一种气球，其具有定位在球囊外壳内的气囊，具有端口的板，固定到所述板的壳体，位于所述壳体内的叶轮，所述端口提供从所述壳体的内部到所述囊的内部的通道，其中 具有周边的被动阀定位在端口上方，控制系统被配置为在接收到信号以增加气囊内的空气量时被配置成使得被动阀从第一闭合位置移动，其中通过 被动阀的周边部分与端口的周边部分接合到第二打开位置，其中被动阀的周边与端口的周边分离，以打开外壳和囊之间的通道，并且 允许空气被迫进入膀胱。

公开(公告)号：WO2015102813A1

公开(公告)日：2015-07-09

申请号：PCT/US2014/068990

申请日：2014-12-08

Applicant: GOOGLE INC.

Inventor： RATNER, Daniel ,  BROOKES, Kyle

IPC: B64B1/62

CPC classification number: B64B1/46 ,  B26D1/265 ,  B64B1/62

Abstract: An apparatus including a balloon envelope, a cutting blade secured to a blade block; a cutter guide rail secured above the balloon envelope, and an arm rotatable about a pivot point having an end secured to the blade block, wherein the end of the arm extends past the blade block, wherein the arm is releasably secured by a release member, and wherein release of the arm from the release member allows for a rotation of the arm, wherein the rotation of the end of the arm is guided by the cutter guide rail such that the cutting blade maintains contact with and cuts the balloon envelope during the rotation of the arm.

Abstract translation: 一种装置，包括气囊外壳，固定在叶片块上的切割刀片; 固定在所述气囊外壳上方的切割器导轨，以及能够围绕具有固定到所述叶片块的端部的枢轴点旋转的臂，其中所述臂的端部延伸穿过所述叶片块，其中所述臂可释放地由释放构件固定， 并且其中所述臂从所述释放构件的释放允许所述臂的旋转，其中所述臂的端部的旋转由所述切割器导轨引导，使得所述切割刀片在旋转期间保持与所述球囊封套的接触和切割 的手臂。

公开(公告)号：WO2016081345A1

公开(公告)日：2016-05-26

申请号：PCT/US2015/060819

申请日：2015-11-16

Applicant: GOOGLE, INC.

Inventor： RATNER, Daniel

IPC: B64B1/58 ,  B64B1/40 ,  B64C39/02 ,  H04W84/06

CPC classification number: B64B1/62 ,  B64B1/40 ,  B64B1/58 ,  B64C2201/022 ,  B64C2201/122

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to filling and lifting high altitude balloons. For instance, one example system for lifting and filling a balloon 200 having a balloon envelope 210 includes an apparatus for use with the balloon envelope. The apparatus includes a load line 302, a fill tube 304 having a hollow portion 305 nested within the load line and a termination member attached to the fill tube and load line. The load line is configured to lift the balloon envelope during inflation. The fill tube extends through the load line and is configured to allow lift gas to pass through the hollow portion. The termination member 306 is configured to mate with an opening 307 in the balloon envelope so that lift gas can pass through the hollow portion of the fill tube and into the opening in the balloon envelope.

Abstract translation: 本公开的方面涉及填充和提升高空气球。 例如，用于提升和填充具有气囊外壳210的气球200的一个示例性系统包括用于气球外壳的装置。 该装置包括负载线302，填充管304，其具有嵌套在负载线内的中空部分305和连接到填充管和负载线的端接构件。 负载线被配置为在充气期间抬起气囊外壳。 填充管延伸穿过负载管线并且构造成允许提升气体通过中空部分。 终端构件306被配置成与气囊封套中的开口307配合，使得提升气体可以穿过填充管的中空部分并进入气囊封套中的开口。