Patent ID: 9534504
Date: 2017-01-03
CPC Classifications: B64B,F01D

Claim:
1. An apparatus, comprising: a fixed housing that is securable to a balloon envelope; an impeller housing comprising an impeller, wherein the impeller housing is at least partially disposed within the fixed housing, wherein the impeller housing comprises a plurality of vents, wherein an airflow passageway is defined from inside the impeller housing through the plurality of vents, and wherein the impeller housing is moveable between a closed position and an open position; one or more actuators configured to move the impeller housing between the closed position and the open position; and an energy conversion device configured to convert mechanical energy generated by the impeller into electrical energy, wherein the impeller housing and the fixed housing are arranged such that, when the impeller housing is in the closed position, the impeller housing seals an interior volume of a chamber within the balloon envelope that is securable to the fixed housing; and wherein the impeller housing and the fixed housing are further arranged such that when the impeller housing is in the open position the impeller housing extends into and opens the airflow passageway to the interior volume of the chamber within the balloon envelope that is securable to the fixed housing.