AU2015202685B2

AU2015202685B2 - Device for sealing buoyant capsules

Info

Publication number: AU2015202685B2
Application number: AU2015202685A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Mark Henry; Tony Henry
Original assignee: ENGERTROL Pty Ltd
Current assignee: ENGERTROL Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2014-05-16
Filing date: 2015-05-18
Publication date: 2016-05-12
Anticipated expiration: 2035-05-18
Also published as: AU2015202685A1

Abstract

The present invention provides a device for sealing a meteorological balloon comprising a body portion having an external surface to abut against an inner surface of a neck of the balloon and at least one raised portion provided on the body portion of the device to grip the an inner surface of a neck of the balloon and effect a seal for the device. The device is positioned within the neck of the balloon such that an open end of the body portion is positioned in alignment with an opening of the balloon and a closed end is positioned within the neck and/or interior of the balloon.

Description

1 TITLE DEVICE FOR SEALING BUOYANT CAPSULES FIELD OF THE INVENTION 5 The present invention relates to equipment for deploying buoyant capsules. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a device for enabling a flaccid capsule, such as a meteorological balloon, to be filled with a buoyant material and sealing the capsule when it is released. However, it will be appreciated that the present invention has 10 broader application and is not limited to that particular use. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION There are three general types of vertical sounding balloons in use by atmospheric scientists throughout the world. "Ceiling balloons" are 15 used for measuring the height of the cloud base using a stopwatch. "Pilot balloons" are used for measuring the upper wind using a Theodolite, Radar or similar tracking method. "Sounding balloons" are used for carrying radio transmitting instruments for upper air observations. Meteorological agencies typically release two sounding balloons daily, 20 simultaneously from a large number of locations, in order to measure important atmospheric data and to provide a baseline check from remote sensing systems such as satellites. There is a very limited body of scientific literature on meteorological balloon sealing techniques. Years of active research discloses three 25 methodologies for sealing balloons that have been adopted by 2 meteorological agencies worldwide. The oldest, simplest and most common method is to fold the neck back against itself and bind it with a soft cord. This is still a suitable method when using Helium as the lifting gas but no longer appropriate when using Hydrogen. Hydrogen is a 5 flammable gas and health and safety regulations require managers to provide safe working conditions, which precludes this method. United States Patent No. 5,335,689 discloses a fastening arrangement comprising a fastening ring, which can be fitted onto the free mouth part of the neck of the sonde balloon. The outer end of the mouth part of the neck 10 can be folded outside and over the fastening ring onto the neck part placed on the cylinder part of a closing or valve piece, the neck thereby becoming two-fold. United States Patent No. 5,628,091 discloses a balloon closure device of the present invention includes an integrally formed flat seal portion and removable tab portion (made of biodegradable 15 material) and a loop of string or other type of line. The loop of string may be wrapped neatly around the tab portion, which eases handling of the device before it is used to seal a balloon. However, this method requires a person to physically tie or fit a clip to a balloon neck. It is difficult to automate this technique thus, remaining a labourious task. 20 There are balloon releasing sites throughout the world where staff have been provided with mechanical or autonomous launching aids which, although they provide the operator a high degree of personal safety, the balloon still needs to be sealed prior to release. One of these methods uses a dense foam rubber plug that self seals after the filling needle is 3 removed. Another uses a rigid plastic device with a built in spring loaded non-return valve. One important deficiency of the prior art is the materials used in their manufacture. Many balloons end up in the natural environment and it 5 would be advantageous to the environment if they degraded quickly without causing biological harm. Materials such as EPDM rubber, used in some common balloon seals are very resistant to breaking down in the environment. The primary purpose of EPDM rubber is weather sealing. Balloon seals fall into the size range of food items for many birds 10 and animals and it would be advantageous if they were edible or at least not harmful to fauna. The term biodegradable requires definition as many materials are labelled as degradable but are still hazardous to microorganisms. One technique fragments the primary object so it is no longer noticeable as litter. However, the fragments may be harmful to 15 microorganisms. Some balloon sealing methods were devised to suit propriety filling systems and contain features that make them more costly and less adaptable for general use. Other general (toy balloon) prior art describes the use of rigid plastic and metal components in close proximity to an easily damaged flaccid meteorological balloon. 20 In this specification, the terms "comprises", "comprising" or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device for sealing buoyant capsules that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

4 OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for sealing a buoyant capsule, such as a meteorological balloon, that 5 addresses or at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art and/or provides consumers with a useful or commercial choice. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 10 Generally, embodiments of the present invention relate to a device for sealing buoyant capsules, such as a meteorological balloon, which enables flaccid capsules to be restrained while being inflated and seals the capsule when it is released. According to one aspect, although not necessarily the broadest 15 aspect, the present invention resides in a device for sealing a meteorological balloon comprising: a body portion having an external surface to abut against an inner surface of a neck of the balloon; and at least one raised portion provided on the body portion of the 20 device to grip the inner surface of the neck of the balloon and effect a seal for the device; wherein the device is positioned within the neck of the balloon such that an open end of the body portion is positioned in alignment with an opening of the balloon and a closed end is positioned within the neck 25 and/or interior of the balloon.

5 Preferably, the device is made of one or more degradable material(s) that is widely recognised to not harm the environment. Suitably, the device is made of a flexible polymer which has no known harmful effects on the environment. 5 Preferably, the device is designed to be used in fully manual, remote manual, autonomous and fully automated balloon launching systems. Preferably, the body portion of the device is substantially cylindrical in shape such that it can be received within, and abut against, the interior 10 of the neck of the balloon. Preferably, the body portion is tapered at the closed end to facilitate insertion of the device into the balloon. Preferably, the device comprises two raised portions separated and spaced apart by a concave portion. 15 Preferably, the device comprises a means for enabling at least one auxiliary component to be attached to the device. Preferably, the means for enabling at least one auxiliary component to be attached to the device is in the form of an aperture. Suitably, an adhesive can be applied to an outer surface of the 20 device to enhance the seal. Further features and forms of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

6 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like 5 reference numbers refer to identical elements. The drawings are provided by way of example only, wherein: FIG 1 shows a side plan view of a device for sealing buoyant capsules according to embodiments of the present invention. FIG 2 shows a side plan view of the device of FIG 1 positioned 10 within a neck of an uninflated buoyant capsule, and in particular, a meteorological balloon. Skilled addressees will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the relative dimensions of some of the 15 elements in the drawings may be distorted to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described with 20 reference to a device for sealing a buoyant capsule, such as a meteorological balloon, enabling it to be launched with or without attachments, into a fluid such as an atmosphere, by remote or manual control. The device enables the balloon to be restrained while being inflated with a fluid such as Hydrogen or Helium Gas. The device also 7 enables the attachment of a large range of auxiliary components to the balloon and seals the balloon neck against gas loss after the balloon is released. For convenience sake, the device will be described herein for use to seal vertical sounding meteorological (weather) balloons, which are 5 flaccid capsules. However, it should be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention can be modified to suit other applications that require the sealing of a flexible filling neck. It will be appreciated that variations may need to be made as required. Referring to Figs 1 and 2, the device for sealing a buoyant 10 capsule100, such as a meteorological balloon, is provided in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The device 100 is made of one or more degradable material(s) that is widely recognised to not harm the environment. Preferably, the device 100 is made of a flexible polymer which has no known harmful effects on the environment. In a further 15 embodiment, it is envisaged that a suitable biodegradable material(s) could be employed which is shown to not harm fauna. In yet another further embodiment, it is envisaged that an edible material(s) could be utilised. The device 100 is made in various sizes to suit any balloon neck dimensions and can be adapted to many legacy balloon launching 20 systems which are already in use. The device 100 is adaptable to suit any balloon size from multiple vendor product ranges. The device 100 is uniquely shaped to facilitate insertion of the device 100 into a neck of a meteorological balloon. The device 100 is designed to be used in fully manual, remote manual, autonomous and fully automated balloon 8 launching systems. The device 100 comprises a body portion 110 having an open end 111 and a closed end 112 wherein the open end 111 is adapted to be positioned in alignment with an opening 201 of a balloon 200 and the 5 closed end 112 is located within a neck 210 and/or interior of the balloon 200, as illustrated in FIG 2. The body portion 110 of the device is substantially cylindrical in shape such that it can be received within, and abut against, the interior of the neck 210 of the balloon 200. An external surface 115 of the body portion 110 of the device is preferably smooth to 10 allow for easy installation into the neck 210 of the balloon 200. However, in an alternative embodiment, such as for use with non-latex balloons or heavy loads, it is envisaged that the external surface 115 of the body portion 110 of the device 100 may be serrated with fish-like scales or other suitable protrusions or forms to improve the pull out resistance. 15 The body portion 110 is tapered at the closed end 112 to facilitate insertion of the device 100 into the balloon. The open end 111 has an opening 113 which provides access to an interior of the device 100. It is envisaged that the thickness of the material and/or size of the opening 113 can be varied as desired in alternative embodiments. Provided on the 20 body portion 110 of the device 100 is at least one raised portion 120 or ridge. As illustrated in FIG 1, the device 100 preferably comprises two raised portions 120 separated and spaced apart by a concave portion 130. The raised portions 120 are designed to grip and enable the balloon 200 to be restrained while it is being inflated and provide additional grip to 9 maintain the seal as the balloon goes higher once it has been launched. The device 100 of the present invention, takes advantage of the limited backpressure generated by the extensible characteristic of latex rubber used for vertical sounding balloons, which allows a two ridge configuration 5 to provide an effective gas seal. In alternative embodiments, it is envisaged that the number of raised portions 120 can be varied to suit different sized devices, balloons and/or different applications. The device 100 comprises a means for enabling at least one auxiliary component to be attached to the device 100. Preferably, the 10 means for enabling at least one auxiliary component to be attached to the device is in the form of an aperture 140, as illustrated in FIG 1. The aperture 140 is adapted to receive at least one balloon train component (not shown) attached thereto via a suitable securing means such as string or any other suitable securing means. It will be acknowledged that the size 15 of the aperture can be varied as desired. In an alternative embodiment, such as one for use with high pressure balloons, it is envisaged that an adhesive (not illustrated) can be utilised to enhance the seal. The adhesive can be liquid adhesive which is applied to the external surface 115 of the device 100 prior to insertion into 20 the balloon. However, it is envisaged that any suitable adhesive could be utilised. In use, a suitable lubricant (not shown) may be applied to the external surface of the body portion 110 of the device 100 to facilitate insertion of the device 100 into the neck of the balloon by hand. The 10 mechanical properties of the device 100 allow it to deform sufficiently to enable a specially shaped balloon inflation nozzle, such as a crescent shaped needle designed to complement the sealing device, to be inserted between the external surface 115 of the body portion 110 of the device 5 100 and an inner surface 212 of the neck 211 of the balloon 200 whilst maintaining a gas tight seal. The material of the balloon wraps around the needle to prevent a gas leak during inflation. The balloon can then be launched in any suitable manner. The device will maintain a gas tight seal for the balloon even as it rises whereby the two ridge configuration will 10 provide additional grip to prevent the seal becoming dislodged. Hence, the device of the present invention provides a solution to the aforementioned problems of the prior art by providing a device for sealing buoyant capsules which enables flaccid capsules to be restrained while being inflated and seals the capsule when it is released. 15 Considerable advantage is gained from the present invention being constructed from materials that are widely recognised to not harm the environment. Another advantage is that it can be easily inserted into the balloon by hand without the need for expensive machines. The device of the present invention has been designed as a universal device which can 20 be used across a range of balloon filling technologies reducing the expense of maintaining separate inventory for each launching machine. In addition, it is capable of being used in a system that uses flammable inflation fluids. The reference to any prior art in this specification is and should not 11 be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form or suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific 5 collection of features. Persons skilled in the relevant art may realize variations from the specific embodiments that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A device for sealing a meteorological balloon comprising: a body portion having an external surface to abut against an inner surface of a neck of the balloon; and 5 at least one raised portion provided on the body portion of the device to grip the inner surface of the neck of the balloon and effect a seal for the device; wherein the device is positioned within the neck of the balloon such that an open end of the body portion is positioned in alignment with an 10 opening of the balloon and a closed end is positioned within the neck and/or interior of the balloon.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is made of one or more degradable materials that does not harm the environment.

3. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the device is made of a 15 flexible polymer which has no known harmful effects on the environment.

4. The device of any one of the above claims, wherein the device is designed to be used in fully manual, remote manual, autonomous and fully automated balloon launching systems.

5. The device of any one of the above claims, wherein the body 20 portion of the device is substantially cylindrical in shape such that it can be received within, and abut against, the interior of the neck of the balloon.

6. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the body portion is tapered at the closed end to facilitate insertion of the device into the neck of the balloon. 13

7. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises two raised portions separated and spaced apart by a concave portion.

8. The device of any one of the above claims, wherein the device comprises a means for enabling at least one auxiliary component to be 5 attached to the device.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the means for enabling at least one auxiliary component to be attached to the device is in the form of an aperture.

10. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein an adhesive 10 can be applied to an outer surface of the device to enhance the seal.