Abstract: An altitude control system for an unmanned aerial vehicle includes a compressor assembly defining a plenum therein, a passive valve assembly coupled to a first portion of the compressor assembly and in fluid communication with the plenum, and an active valve assembly coupled to a second portion of the compressor assembly and in fluid communication with the plenum. A method of controlling an altitude of an unmanned aerial vehicle and an unmanned aerial vehicle are also provided.

Abstract: An altitude control system for an unmanned aerial vehicle includes a compressor assembly defining a plenum therein, a passive valve assembly coupled to a first portion of the compressor assembly and in fluid communication with the plenum, and an active valve assembly coupled to a second portion of the compressor assembly and in fluid communication with the plenum. A method of controlling an altitude of an unmanned aerial vehicle and an unmanned aerial vehicle are also provided.

Abstract: The technology provides a launch rig structure capable of filling a very large balloon envelope while the balloon is arranged vertically. The filled balloon is capable of staying aloft in the stratosphere with its payload for months or longer. The launch rig structure is configured to rotate up to 360° in response to current wind conditions. It includes an integrated lifting boom and gas handling system to fill the envelope. A payload release assembly is configured to couple with a rigid connection member of the balloon, enabling the envelope to be filled while in a vertical orientation. The payload release assembly is part of a launch cart that is positioned within the interior space of the launch rig. A gripper assembly engages with the rigid connection member. Once the envelope is filled, the gripper assembly disengages from the connection member so that the balloon floats away from the launch rig.

Abstract: A fixed housing that is configured to be coupled to a balloon envelope and an impeller housing disposed within the fixed housing, wherein the impeller housing and the fixed housing form a seal in a closed position, wherein the impeller housing is moveable into the balloon envelope relative to the fixed housing in an open position, and wherein the impeller housing defines an unobstructed airflow passageway between an internal chamber in a balloon envelope and the atmosphere in the open position.

Abstract: The technology provides a launch rig structure capable of filling a very large balloon envelope while the balloon is arranged vertically. The filled balloon is capable of staying aloft in the stratosphere with its payload for months or longer. The launch rig structure is configured to rotate up to 360° in response to current wind conditions. It includes an integrated lifting boom and gas handling system to fill the envelope. A payload release assembly is configured to couple with a rigid connection member of the balloon, enabling the envelope to be filled while in a vertical orientation. The payload release assembly is part of a launch cart that is positioned within the interior space of the launch rig. A gripper assembly engages with the rigid connection member. Once the envelope is filled, the gripper assembly disengages from the connection member so that the balloon floats away from the launch rig.

Abstract: Aspects of the technology include an automated system for launching lighter-than-air high altitude platforms (HAPs), in particular balloon-type HAPs. A launch system and process are employed that use cameras to observe balloon sway and other factors. A control system detects the angle and position of the balloon gas bubble in relation to the payload in real time in view of wind and other environmental factors. This, in turn, enables the control system to automatically actuate the release mechanism and launch the balloon system at a selected point in time. This mitigates issues that can occur with manual operator-controlled launches, and increases the likelihood of a successful HAP deployment in the stratosphere. Models created via machine learning enable the system to determine criteria indicating a likelihood of a successful launch. These models may be sued by the control system in order to select an appropriate point for launching the platform.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a hydraulic amplifier. The hydraulic amplifier may include a piston body having a movable piston that divides an interior of the piston body into a first chamber and a second chamber. The piston may include a shaft, and the piston may include a fluid port for filling the first chamber with a first compressible fluid. The hydraulic amplifier may also include a hydraulic body attached to the piston body. The hydraulic body may include a third chamber having a second compressible fluid therein. The shaft may be arranged at least partially in the third chamber. The shaft is configured to compress the second fluid by amplifying a pressure of the first fluid according to a ratio of a cross-sectional area of the first or second chamber to a cross-sectional area of the third chamber.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to grabbing, holding and releasing an object including a pull stud. For instance, a grabbing mechanism may include a piston chamber having a piston configured to move within the piston chamber when the piston chamber is pressurized. The mechanism may also include a collet attached to the piston such that the collet and piston move together when the piston moves. The collet may include a groove. The mechanism may also include ball cage including a plurality of balls arranged at least partially within respective ball chambers of the ball cage. The ball cage may be arranged at least partially within the collet such that movement of the piston and collet causes the groove to align with the respective ball chambers. The plurality of balls may be configured to move into and out of the groove and to lock the pull stud within the mechanism.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a fluid connector mechanism having an opening therethrough. The mechanism may include a connector having a connector base portion and a piston portion including a piston housing and a piston. The opening may extend from the piston portion, through the piston, and through the connector base portion. The mechanism may also include a base having first and second pairs of O-rings arranged in first and second pairs of grooves, the opening further extending from one end of the base to another. The connector base portion and the base may be configured to engage with one another and create fluid-tight seals with the O-rings while the piston is arranged outside of the base.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a fluid connector mechanism having an opening therethrough. The mechanism may include a connector having a connector base portion and a piston portion including a piston housing and a piston. The opening may extend from the piston portion, through the piston, and through the connector base portion. The mechanism may also include a base having first and second pairs of O-rings arranged in first and second pairs of grooves, the opening further extending from one end of the base to another. The connector base portion and the base may be configured to engage with one another and create fluid-tight seals with the O-rings while the piston is arranged outside of the base.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to grabbing, holding and releasing an object including a pull stud. For instance, a grabbing mechanism may include a piston chamber having a piston configured to move within the piston chamber when the piston chamber is pressurized. The mechanism may also include a collet attached to the piston such that the collet and piston move together when the piston moves. The collet may include a groove. The mechanism may also include ball cage including a plurality of balls arranged at least partially within respective ball chambers of the ball cage. The ball cage may be arranged at least partially within the collet such that movement of the piston and collet causes the groove to align with the respective ball chambers. The plurality of balls may be configured to move into and out of the groove and to lock the pull stud within the mechanism.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to techniques for launching high-altitude balloons. In one aspect, a balloon launching system is provided. The balloon has a balloon envelope, a payload attached to the balloon envelope and a launching projection. The launching system includes a releasable restraint attached to the balloon between an apex and bottom of the balloon envelope. The releasable restraint is arranged to temporarily hold the balloon envelope. The launching system also includes a payload positioning assembly. The payload positioning assembly is configured to position the payload during launch of the balloon and includes a member configured to attach to the launching projection. When attached, the member is also configured to maintain the position of the payload relative to the balloon while the releasable restraint is temporarily holding the balloon envelope.

Abstract: An altitude control system for an unmanned aerial vehicle includes a compressor assembly defining a plenum therein, a passive valve assembly coupled to a first portion of the compressor assembly and in fluid communication with the plenum, and an active valve assembly coupled to a second portion of the compressor assembly and in fluid communication with the plenum. A method of controlling an altitude of an unmanned aerial vehicle and an unmanned aerial vehicle are also provided.

Abstract: A fixed housing that is configured to be coupled to a balloon envelope and an impeller housing disposed within the fixed housing, wherein the impeller housing and the fixed housing form a seal in a closed position, wherein the impeller housing is moveable into the balloon envelope relative to the fixed housing in an open position, and wherein the impeller housing defines an unobstructed airflow passageway between an internal chamber in a balloon envelope and the atmosphere in the open position.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to grabbing, holding and releasing an object including a pull stud. For instance, a grabbing mechanism may include a piston chamber having a piston configured to move within the piston chamber when the piston chamber is pressurized. The mechanism may also include a collet attached to the piston such that the collet and piston move together when the piston moves. The collet may include a groove. The mechanism may also include ball cage including a plurality of balls arranged at least partially within respective ball chambers of the ball cage. The ball cage may be arranged at least partially within the collet such that movement of the piston and collet causes the groove to align with the respective ball chambers. The plurality of balls may be configured to move into and out of the groove and to lock the pull stud within the mechanism.

Abstract: A portable launch rig (PLR) may include a support structure including two side supports defining an interior space for lifting and filling a balloon envelope of a balloon. Wheels on each of the side supports enable the PLR to be moved in various directions in order to prepare the PLR for launching the balloon. The side supports are connected by a lateral support beam having a pair of cranes arranged thereon. Each crane has an arm arranged over the interior space that is connected to a spreader beam. The spreader beam includes a lift assembly configured to lift and inflate the balloon envelope within the interior space. The PLR includes a platform and perch for supporting and moving the balloon envelope. A door assembly of the PLR includes a plurality of hangar doors configured to block wind from a respective direction of each hangar door entering the interior space.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to grabbing, holding and releasing an object including a pull stud. For instance, a grabbing mechanism may include a piston chamber having a piston configured to move within the piston chamber when the piston chamber is pressurized. The mechanism may also include a collet attached to the piston such that the collet and piston move together when the piston moves. The collet may include a groove. The mechanism may also include ball cage including a plurality of balls arranged at least partially within respective ball chambers of the ball cage. The ball cage may be arranged at least partially within the collet such that movement of the piston and collet causes the groove to align with the respective ball chambers. The plurality of balls may be configured to move into and out of the groove and to lock the pull stud within the mechanism.

Abstract: A portable launch rig (PLR) may include a support structure including two side supports defining an interior space for lifting and filling a balloon envelope of a balloon. Wheels on each of the side supports enable the PLR to be moved in various directions in order to prepare the PLR for launching the balloon. The side supports are connected by a lateral support beam having a pair of cranes arranged thereon. Each crane has an arm arranged over the interior space that is connected to a spreader beam. The spreader beam includes a lift assembly configured to lift and inflate the balloon envelope within the interior space. The PLR includes a platform and perch for supporting and moving the balloon envelope. A door assembly of the PLR includes a plurality of hangar doors configured to block wind from a respective direction of each hangar door entering the interior space.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to techniques for launching high-altitude balloons. In one aspect, a balloon launching system is provided. The balloon has a balloon envelope, a payload attached to the balloon envelope and a launching projection. The launching system includes a releasable restraint attached to the balloon between an apex and bottom of the balloon envelope. The releasable restraint is arranged to temporarily hold the balloon envelope. The launching system also includes a payload positioning assembly. The payload positioning assembly is configured to position the payload during launch of the balloon and includes a member configured to attach to the launching projection. When attached, the member is also configured to maintain the position of the payload relative to the balloon while the releasable restraint is temporarily holding the balloon envelope.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to techniques for launching high-altitude balloons. In one aspect, a balloon launching system is provided. The balloon has a balloon envelope, a payload attached to the balloon envelope and a launching projection. The launching system includes a releasable restraint attached to the balloon between an apex and bottom of the balloon envelope. The releasable restraint is arranged to temporarily hold the balloon envelope. The launching system also includes a payload positioning assembly. The payload positioning assembly is configured to position the payload during launch of the balloon and includes a member configured to attach to the launching projection. When attached, the member is also configured to maintain the position of the payload relative to the balloon while the releasable restraint is temporarily holding the balloon envelope.