Abstract: A high altitude, high pressure balloon comprised of a number of gores. The gores are made from a material and have a size, that are the results of an analysis of the anticipated stresses to which the balloon will be subjected. In particular, the gores are made from nylon and have dimensions that have been determined to result in stable creep characteristics. An alternate embodiment of the balloon uses multiple spheres.

Abstract: A high-altitude balloon having prestrained gores made from an asymmetrical gore pattern. The invention includes the balloon, the method of assembling the balloon, and a table specially designed to implement the method. The method can be used to assemble balloons of varying shapes and sizes, within a determinable range of ratios of gore width to gore length. The method involves cutting and sealing edges of a pair of flexible plastic sheets along a straight edge of a table, then inverting the seam so formed until it is aligned with a curved index line on the surface of the table. The curved index line is longer than the seam created along the straight edge so stretching is required during inverting. Successsively cutting, joining and inverting pairs of sheets in this manner produces a balloon with a plurality of symmetrical gores that give the balloon a predetermined shape when inflated.

Abstract: A strain transducer system 10 and process for making same is disclosed wherein a beryllium-copper ring 13 having four strain gages 12, 14, 26 and 28 disposed thereon and electrically connected in Wheatstone bridge fashion to output instrumentation 25. Tabs 16 and 20 are bonded to a balloon or like surface 11 with strain on the surface 11 causing bending of ring 13 and providing an electrical signal through gages 12, 14, 26 and 28 proportional to the surface strain. FIG. 2 illustrates a pattern of a one-half ring segment as placed on a sheet of beryllium-copper for chem-mill etch formation, prior to bending and welding of a pair of the segments to form a ring structure 13.

Abstract: A strain transducer system 10 and process for making same is disclosed wherein a beryllium-copper ring 13 having four strain gages 12, 14, 26 and 28 disposed thereon and electrically connected in Wheatstone bridge fashion to output instrumentation 25. Tabs 16 and 20 are bonded to a balloon or like surface 11 with strain on the surface 11 causing bending of ring 13 and providing an electrical signal through gages 12, 14, 26 and 28 proportional to the surface strain. FIG. 2 illustrates a pattern of a one-half ring segment as placed on a sheet of beryllium-copper for chem-mill etch formation, prior to bending and welding of a pair of the segments to form a ring structure 13.