Patents by Inventor Nolan G. SMITH

Nolan G. SMITH has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • 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
    Publication number: 20230271690
    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: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2023
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Inventors: Jared LEIDICH, Mitchell W. SWEENEY, Nolan G. SMITH, Maxmillion J.W. MCLAUGHLIN, Andrew F. ANTONIO
  • 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
  • LAUNCH SYSTEM FOR LIGHTER-THAN-AIR-BALLOONS
    Publication number: 20220204151
    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: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2021
    Publication date: June 30, 2022
    Inventors: Jared LEIDICH, Mitchell W. SWEENEY, Nolan G. SMITH, Maxmillion J.W. MCLAUGHLIN, Andrew F. ANTONIO