US 12,275,516 B1
Stabilization and reinforcement of balloons during rapid filling
Jonathan T. Slocum, Bow, NH (US); and Alexander H. Slocum, Bow, NH (US)
Assigned to LTAG SYSTEMS LLC, Bow, NH (US)
Filed by LTAG SYSTEMS LLC, Bow, NH (US)
Filed on Feb. 21, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/583,732.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/447,231, filed on Feb. 21, 2023.
Int. Cl. B64B 1/58 (2006.01); B01J 7/00 (2006.01); B64F 1/04 (2006.01)
CPC B64B 1/58 (2013.01) [B01J 7/00 (2013.01); B64F 1/04 (2013.01)] 17 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A system for launching an aerostat, the system comprising:
an inflatable structure including a balloon and a neck collectively defining a volume;
a drain valve including a funnel and a stem coupled to one another, the funnel defining a cavity at least partially disposed in the volume of the inflatable structure, the stem defining a channel and a slot in fluid communication with one another and with the cavity;
a coupling defining a first orifice, a second orifice, and a passage therebetween, the passage in fluid communication with the neck of the inflatable structure via the first orifice; and
a pin releasably positionable in the slot, the pin in the slot controlling position of the funnel relative to the first orifice defined by the coupling.