| CPC B64D 1/18 (2013.01) [B64B 1/40 (2013.01); B64B 1/68 (2013.01)] | 19 Claims |
|
1. A self-contained system configured to disperse particulate matter, the system comprising:
a container configured to hold a pressurized liquid therein, wherein the container is further configured to dispense the pressurized liquid and be refilled with new pressurized liquid;
an elevation subsystem configured to elevate and lower the container between a ground level location and a raised location in the atmosphere above the ground level location, wherein the elevation subsystem includes:
a balloon configured to be filled with a lift gas, wherein the balloon is arranged for travel both in a lateral direction and in a vertical direction between the ground level and raised locations,
a tether coupled to the balloon and configured to control elevation of the balloon, wherein the tether is further configured to facilitate the filling and emptying of lift gas from the balloon,
a lift gas supply subsystem configured to supply lift gas into the balloon,
a steering subsystem configured to control a lateral direction of travel of the balloon, wherein the steering subsystem includes a steering ballast coupled to another system component, one or more steering sensors, and one or more steering thrusters configured to push the steering ballast in a desired lateral direction, and
a ballast coupled to the tether, wherein the ballast includes a cargo tank, is buoyant in water, and is configured to float in water when the balloon is sufficiently lowered; and
a dispersal subsystem coupled to the container, wherein the dispersal subsystem includes:
a first pressure regulator coupled to an outlet of the container, wherein the first pressure regulator is configured to receive the pressurized liquid from the container and provide the pressurized liquid at an outlet at a first controlled pressure and flow rate,
a conversion chamber coupled to the outlet of the first pressure regulator, wherein the conversion chamber is configured to facilitate transforming the pressurized liquid into a pressurized gas, and
a second pressure regulator coupled to an outlet of the conversion chamber, wherein the second pressure regulator is configured to receive the pressurized gas from the conversion chamber and provide the pressurized gas at an outlet at a second controlled pressure and flow rate to disperse the pressurized gas into the atmosphere at the raised location, and wherein the pressurized gas is configured to react with the atmosphere to result in the suspension of particulate matter within the atmosphere.
|