Patent ID: 9650123
Date: 2017-05-16
CPC Classifications: B64B,B66C

Claim:
1. A method for lifting a balloon envelope, the method comprising: arranging a lift assembly over a cap portion attached to a balloon envelope of a balloon, the lift assembly including a plate structure having an opening passing through the plate structure and an actuating member attached to the plate structure through the opening, the actuating member having a body portion projecting from the opening, a projection attached to a tube portion and an attachment portion in communication with the projection, the attachment portion being configured for attachment to a portion of the balloon envelope; forcing air into the tube portion in order to actuate the actuating member and cause the projection to project away from the tube portion; using the projected projection to grab and hold a stud attached to the top plate; and when the projection is holding the stud, lifting the lift assembly to lift the balloon envelope.