Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a flex connection for high altitude balloon applications. During operation flex connection allows a payload of a high-altitude balloon to remain level when an envelope of the balloon is tilted, in order to change the direction of the balloon. As an example, a system may include a balloon envelope, a payload, a cable between the balloon envelope and the payload, and a flex connection on the cable. The flex connection enables the payload to remain level relative to the ground when the balloon is in flight and the balloon envelope is tilted relative to the payload. The flex connection includes a top portion, a plurality of discs, and a bottom portion.

Abstract: The technology relates to a heat sealing system. For instance, the heat sealing system may include a sealer assembly including a pair of heat sealing bars configured to generate heat seals. The heat sealing system may also include a positioning assembly including a platform and a motor. The sealer assembly may be mounted to the positioning assembly, and the motor may be configured to move the sealer assembly towards and away from an edge of the table.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a flex connection for high altitude balloon applications. During operation flex connection allows a payload of a high-altitude balloon to remain level when an envelope of the balloon is tilted, in order to change the direction of the balloon. As an example, a system may include a balloon envelope, a payload, a cable between the balloon envelope and the payload, and a flex connection on the cable. The flex connection enables the payload to remain level relative to the ground when the balloon is in flight and the balloon envelope is tilted relative to the payload. The flex connection includes a top portion, a plurality of discs, and a bottom portion.

Abstract: The technology relates to systems and methods for creating openings in ground material in order to install ground loops for geothermal heating and cooling applications. As an example, a system for creating an opening in ground material may include a first drill head configured as a pipe pulling drill head and a second drill head configured for attachment with a boring tool. When attached to an end of a pipe, the first drill head is configured to pull the pipe into the opening in ground material. The second drill head may include a drilling portion and an opening opposite of the drilling portion, the opening including a first chamber that tapers towards a second chamber. The first drill head also includes a drilling end configured for a locking fit within the second chamber.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a flex connection for high altitude balloon applications. During operation flex connection allows a payload of a high-altitude balloon to remain level when an envelope of the balloon is tilted, in order to change the direction of the balloon. As an example, a system may include a balloon envelope, a payload, a cable between the balloon envelope and the payload, and a flex connection on the cable. The flex connection enables the payload to remain level relative to the ground when the balloon is in flight and the balloon envelope is tilted relative to the payload. The flex connection includes a top portion, a plurality of discs, and a bottom portion.