Tempering Patents (Class 12/59.7)
  • Patent number: 10293913
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus for use on a balloon having a balloon envelope. The apparatus includes a frame body comprising first and second members, an adjustable arm attached to the first member and a circular heating element disposed on a surface of the second member. The adjustable arm may be configured to cause the first member to move in a direction with respect to the surface the second member. The surface of the second member may be arranged to receive a termination plate and a portion of a balloon envelope. By moving the adjustable arm between first and second positions with respect to the surface of the second member, the termination plate and the portion of a balloon envelope are pressed together. In this regard, the circular heating element, when activated, is configured to cause the termination plate to heat bond with the portion of the balloon envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: LOON LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Roach, Daniel Henry Fourie