CPC B64B 1/62 (2013.01) [B64B 1/40 (2013.01)] | 18 Claims |
15. A method of using a zero pressure balloon system, the balloon system having a balloon envelope and an ingestion clip removably connected thereto, the method comprising:
providing sufficient lift gas to the balloon envelope to initiate ascent of the balloon system to a float elevation;
wherein:
during ascent of the balloon, the ingestion clip is engaged on the balloon envelope to hold the balloon envelope closed and inhibit air ingestion into the balloon envelope;
in response to obtaining a predetermined set pressure within the balloon envelope during the ascent, a fastener of the ingestion clip breaks and disengages from the balloon envelope to allow lift gas to vent from the balloon envelope;
the ingestion clip does not reengage the balloon envelope during float or descent; and
after disengagement of the ingestion clip, the balloon maintains altitude at the float elevation.
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