Patents Assigned to Spherecore, Inc.
  • Patent number: 6167263
    Abstract: A global communications network comprises a plurality of aerial platforms or vehicles deployed at an altitude in or near the stratosphere and permitted to drift in a controlled manner such that each platform adjusts its position relative to other aerial platforms. Each aerial platform has a propulsion system and control surfaces and preferably includes a lighter-than-air component to maintain lift in an economical manner. Each aerial platform also includes a payload, means for communicating with other aerial platforms and a control system including location-finding equipment and a processor adapted for directing the platform's propulsion system and control surfaces to effectuate changes in the aerial platform's position relative to other aerial platforms based on position information, and optionally on other factors such as terrestrial demand for services provided by the payload of the aerial platforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Spherecore, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Scott Campbell