Patent ID: 9090323
Filing Date: 2015-07-28
Classification: B64B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for controlling balloon descent, comprising: a solenoid chamber having a plunger configured to create an opening in a first balloon envelope of a balloon system when the solenoid chamber is actuated, the opening enabling gas to evacuate from the first balloon envelope; a mixer valve having a nozzle coupled to the solenoid chamber, the mixer valve configured to create a gas mixture formed from the gas evacuating from the opening in the first balloon envelope and atmospheric gas; a heating device attached to the nozzle, the heating device configured to heat the gas mixture created by the mixer valve; and a second balloon envelope attached to the nozzle, the second balloon envelope arranged to expand in proportion to a quantity of the heated gas mixture passing through the nozzle, wherein the expansion of the second balloon envelope creates an amount of lift for controlling descent of the balloon system.