CPC B64B 1/62 (2013.01) [B64B 1/40 (2013.01); B64B 1/64 (2013.01); B64D 17/80 (2013.01); G05D 1/105 (2013.01)] | 20 Claims |
1. A reusable balloon system comprising:
a balloon with a first end supporting a payload and a second end opposite the first end, the second end including an aperture with a perimeter including a plurality of pleated folds;
an apex fitting positioned within the aperture of the second end of the balloon;
a clamp that applies a pressure to the pleated folds around the apex fitting to form an air-tight seal against the balloon at perimeter of the aperture; and
control circuitry that controllably releases the apex fitting from the second end of the balloon to initiate a descent sequence.
|