Patents Assigned to URBAN SKY THEORY INC.
  • Small zero pressure balloon systems
    Patent number: 11851155
    Abstract: Small volume, zero pressure balloon systems for remote sensing activities in the upper atmosphere. A balloon system includes an air ingestion clip proximate the nadir fitting to inhibit air ingestion during ascent, the clip releasing to allow air expulsion at a predetermined altitude. Another balloon system includes a parachute system having inflation guards that inhibit the parachute from inflating when inverted during ascent and float, the guards releasing to allow parachute inflation during descent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: URBAN SKY THEORY INC.
    Inventors: Jared Leidich, Maxmillion J. W. McLaughlin, Nolan G. Smith, Mitchell W. Sweeney
  • Launch system for lighter-than-air-balloons
    Patent number: 11679854
    Abstract: An example method for launching a high-altitude balloon includes securing a launch collar around a balloon envelope to form a choke point separating an upper portion of the balloon envelope from a lower portion of the balloon envelope. The balloon envelope is structurally secured to a launch platform via a tether that is coupled to the launch collar. The launch collar is configured such that release of the launch collar from the choke point releases the balloon envelope from the launch platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: URBAN SKY THEORY INC.
    Inventors: Jared Leidich, Mitchell W. Sweeney, Nolan G. Smith, Maxmillion J. W. McLaughlin, Andrew F. Antonio
  • Aerial image capture system with single axis camera rotation
    Patent number: 11601599
    Abstract: An example arial image capture system captures a sequence of images from a camera attached to a flight vehicle while the flight vehicle moves in a lateral direction relative to underlying terrain and while concurrently rotating the camera along a circular path about an axis of rotation. The rotation of the camera controllably alters the camera's field-of-view to trace a curved swath of the underlying terrain with each rotation period of the camera around an area external to the camera's field-of-view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: URBAN SKY THEORY INC.
    Inventors: Jared Leidich, Maxmillion J. W. McLaughlin