Balloon envelope adapted to direct sunlight towards payload

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 8833696
SERIAL NO

13631057

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ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

Importance

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Abstract

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A balloon is provided having an envelope, and a payload positioned beneath the envelope, wherein the envelope has an exterior shape adapted for directing sunlight towards the payload. The balloon may further include a control system configured to cause the balloon or payload to rotate to cause a first portion of the balloon envelope or a first portion of the payload to be positioned facing the sun. The first portion of the balloon envelope may be asymmetrical with respect to a second portion of the balloon envelope, with the first portion angled to direct sunlight towards the payload. The balloon envelope may include a transmissive or translucent surface adapted to direct sunlight towards a lower portion of the envelope, which in turn is adapted to direct sunlight onto the payload. The balloon may also be lens-shaped to focus sunlight onto the payload.

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First Claim

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Patent Owner(s)

  • GOOGLE LLC;X DEVELOPMENT LLC

International Classification(s)

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Biffle, Clifford Mountain View, US 15 182
DeVaul, Richard Wayne Mountain View, US 78 1712
Teller, Eric Palo Alto, US 353 23917
Weaver, Joshua Mountain View, US 42 1166

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