AU2003204345B2

AU2003204345B2 - Balloon Launcher

Info

Publication number: AU2003204345B2
Application number: AU2003204345A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Roland Anthony Henry
Original assignee: ENGERTROL Pty Ltd
Current assignee: ENGERTROL Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2002-05-24
Filing date: 2003-05-22
Publication date: 2009-09-10
Anticipated expiration: 2023-05-22
Also published as: AU2003204345A1

Description

Regulation 3.2(2) AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Application Number: Lodged: Invention Title: BALLOON LAUNCHER The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: 1 BALLOON LAUNCHER FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to equipment for filling and/or launching meteorological balloons. In particular, the invention concerns apparatus 5 and methods for filling and/or launching such balloons together with associated equipment for monitoring atmospheric weather conditions. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the past, and to some extent still in the present, balloons were manhandled and inflated by hand. This involves a person physically holding the gas inlet of 10 the balloon over a filling nozzle attached to a gas bottle. Inflating a balloon in this way is very dangerous as the filling agent (i.e. gas) is normally hydrogen. When hydrogen is ignited by a spark, or any other means, it will result in an explosion and usually a very intense fire. Various attempts have been made over the years to make the handling 15 and inflation of hydrogen-filled meteorological balloons safe for personnel. One such attempt by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology involves a remotely controlled balloon launching system. This system includes a balloon launch table in the field and a very basic launch control unit in a site office, located at a safe distance from the launch table, typically about 40 meters or more away. A typical 20 arrangement is shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings. The launch table includes a filling nozzle (not shown in Figures 1 and 2) which is movable, under the action of a pneumatic cylinder, between a filling position and a release position. Operation of the pneumatic cylinder is controlled via solenoid valves by push buttons located on the launch control unit. 25 In use, a rubber bung is inserted into the mouth of the balloon and the filling nozzle is inserted through the bung. The nozzle and balloon are then installed on the launch table and, once the area is clear, hydrogen from a gas cylinder or other source is allowed to flow into and inflate the balloon. The flow of hydrogen gas is controlled via a solenoid valve by push buttons on the launch 30 control unit. Once the balloon has been inflated to a desired extent, by opening the hydrogen solenoid valve for a predetermined period of time, the pneumatic 2 cylinder is operated so as to extract the filling nozzle from the balloon. This allows the balloon to be released, carrying with it a radar target/reflector to facilitate radar tracking of the balloon and an appropriate weather monitoring and transmitting device (usually referred to as a "radiosonde"). 5 Figure 3 shows a typical "balloon train" containing a balloon 10, radio target 12, and radiosonde 14. The radar target 12 is connected to the balloon 10 by a first string 16 which is kept as short as possible so that, as the balloon 10 rises, the radar target follows within the slip stream of the balloon 10. The radiosonde 14 is tethered to the radar target 12 by a second string 18 which is 10 initially, prior to launching, wound upon a string unwinder 20. The string unwinder 20 is suspended immediately below the radar target 12 and the second string 18 has a length of about 25 to 30 meters so as to reduce the influence of the balloon 10 on the radiosonde 14. In use, the radiosonde 14 sends back information to a base station, by 15 means of a small radio transmitter including an antenna 22, about the atmospheric temperature, pressure and humidity encountered as the balloon rises through the atmosphere. The radio target 12 facilitates tracking of the balloon so as to correlate the measured parameters to the position of the balloon 10. 20 A typical radar target 12 includes a primary reflecting panel 24 and a cross-shaped configuration of secondary reflecting panels 26 projecting at 90* to the primary reflecting panel 24. Each of the panels 24 and 26 would typically be made of polystyrene covered in conductive foil such as aluminium. Throughout this specification, the phrase "primary reflecting panel" is to be 25 taken to mean a panel to which other reflecting panels are attached. The phrase "secondary reflecting panel" is to be taken to mean those panels attached to the primary reflecting panel. Thus, the words "primary" and "secondary" are not intended to convey any importance with respect to the function of the panels, and the secondary reflecting panels may have equal or greater importance than the 30 primary reflecting panel insofar as the reflective properties of the radar target are concerned.

3 The primary reflecting panel 24 may or may not include a plurality of holes therethrough (depending on the size of the radar target) to allow air to pass through the primary reflecting panel 24. The difficulty with this balloon train arrangement is in inflating the balloon 5 10 whilst it is connected to the radar target 12. As explained above, the distance between the balloon 10 and radar target 12 must be kept as short as possible and this makes it awkward to position a filling nozzle at the base of the balloon 10 in the presence of the radar target 12. In prior art remotely controlled balloon launching tables, the radar target 10 would be laid on its side and a filling nozzle would admit gas to the balloon at an oblique angle to the vertical. When the balloon is released, by withdrawing the filling nozzle from the bung in the balloon opening, the radar target is abruptly re orientated and buffeting from the wind often causes the radiosonde to be knocked against some part of the launch table. Radiosonde equipment is generally very 15 fragile and such a knock usually causes instant failure. Alternatively, the radiosonde, the string unwinder and/or the radar target may become caught or entangled on some portion of the balloon launching table. It would therefore be advantageous to provide a balloon launching table in which, just prior to release of the balloon, the radar target and balloon are in an 20 orientation corresponding substantially to their free flight orientation. This would mean that, upon release of the balloon, the radar target would not be abruptly pulled from its sidewards position to a vertical position (primary reflecting panel being horizontal). Prior art remotely controlled balloon launching tables which incorporate a 25 pneumatic cylinder to move the filling nozzle between the filling position and the release position are also complicated and hence expensive to manufacture and operate. This is in part due to the pneumatic circuits and control equipment necessary to remotely operate the launch table. An object of the present invention is therefore to address at least some of 30 the foregoing problems associated with known balloon launching tables and systems.

4 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for launching a meteorological balloon together with a radar target of the type having a primary reflecting panel and a cross-shaped configuration of secondary reflecting panels 5 projecting at right angles thereto, the apparatus including: a launch platform configured to support the radar target such that the primary panel extends substantially horizontally and the secondary panels extend downwardly from the primary panel; and a filling nozzle for admitting gas to the balloon, the nozzle being movable 10 between an upper filling position, in which it projects through a hole in the primary panel of the radar target, and a lower release position, in which it is withdrawn from said hole. Such an apparatus enables the balloon to be positioned above the primary panel of the radar target whilst it is being filled. In this way the release of the 15 balloon, by withdrawing the filling nozzle from the balloon (to the release position), enables the balloon and radar target to move substantially vertically at release without the radar target needing to reorientate itself to the usual "in flight" position in which the primary panel would be substantially horizontal. In a typical launch sequence, a rubber bung is inserted within the mouth of 20 the balloon and the nozzle is inserted through or along side the bung. Preferably, the nozzle is resiliently biased to the upper filling position and, whilst in this position, the bung may be pushed over the filling nozzle. Preferably, the filling nozzle is shaped to facilitate insertion though the bung in the mouth of the balloon. One preferred form of filling nozzle has a pointed free end which can be 25 used to pierce a hole through the bung. Some radar targets have a plurality of holes through the primary reflecting panel so as to reduce the drag caused by the primary reflecting panel as the balloon ascends through the atmosphere. Other radar targets have a solid primary reflecting panel and, in this instance, it is preferred that the nozzle is 30 shaped to facilitate piercing of a hole through the primary panel. Once again, a pointed free end may facilitate piercing of the hole through the panel. In one embodiment the nozzle is positioned relative to the platform such that, in its filling position, the nozzle projects through the primary panel of the 5 radar target at a location adjacent the centre of the cross-shaped secondary panels. In this way the balloon and radar target can be substantially vertically aligned prior to launch. In one embodiment the platform includes a first support surface having a 5 slot therein to allow one of the secondary panels to pass therethrough. In this way, the primary reflecting panel of the target can be supported on either side of the secondary panel such that two quadrants of the primary panel are supported on the first support surface of the platform. Preferably the filling nozzle projects from the first support surface when the nozzle is in the filling position. 10 Advantageously, the platform includes a second support surface at a top end of column for supporting a third quadrant of the primary panel. A third support surface may also be provided at a top end of a second column for supporting a fourth quadrant of the primary panel. In this way, the primary panel of the radar target may be supported in all four quadrants, between the cross-shaped 15 configuration of secondary panels, thereby providing a stable platform for the radar target prior to and during the launch sequence. Another aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for launching a meteorological balloon including: a launch platform; 20 a filling nozzle for admitting gas to the balloon, wherein the nozzle is movable between an upper filling position in which the gas is admitted to the balloon and a lower release position in which the nozzle is withdrawn from the balloon, and wherein the nozzle is resiliently biased towards the upper filling position; and 25 a release mechanism configured to urge the nozzle towards the release position. In one embodiment the nozzle is spring biased to the upper filling position and the release mechanism acts against the spring. Preferably the release mechanism includes a cord and pulley 30 arrangement. A release lever is advantageously located remotely from the launch platform so as to provide remote operation of the apparatus from a safe distance. Preferably, the release lever is mechanically connected to the filling nozzle. A cord and pulley arrangement may be employed.

6 It will be appreciated, however, that other release mechanisms may be used such as an electrically operated solenoid located in connection with movement of the filling nozzle and a corresponding control button at the remote location. Pneumatically controlled mechanisms may alternatively be employed. 5 Operation of the release lever causes the filling nozzle to be withdrawn from the balloon, thereby effecting release/launch of the balloon. The filling nozzle then automatically returns to the upper filling position after release of the balloon. In a further embodiment the apparatus may include means for measuring a lifting force on the balloon as the balloon is inflated with gas. In this way, the lifting 10 force of the gas, usually hydrogen, provides an indication of the volume of gas within the balloon. In a preferred embodiment the measurement means includes a strain gauge mounted in association with the filling nozzle. The strain gauge may be mounted on a shaft extending below the filling nozzle. In alternative embodiments, other means for measuring the amount of gas 15 admitted to the balloon may be employed. In one example, the system described in the present applicant's co-pending Australian patent application 47513/02 may be employed. The specification of Australian patent application 47513/02 is incorporated herein by cross-reference. In that specification there is described a system for launching a meteorological balloon including gas flow measurement 20 and control means which are operable to establish when a predetermined amount of gas has been admitted to the balloon. The calculation of the predetermined amount may be based on any one of a combination of pressure, flow rate and temperature of the gas. The balloon launching apparatus of the present invention may be used in 25 association with the balloon launching system described in co-pending application 47513/02. Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of launching a meteorological balloon using the apparatus described. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 30 To assist the further understanding of the invention, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment. It is to be appreciated, however, that this embodiment is given by way of illustration only and the invention is not to be limited by the illustration.

7 In the drawings: Figure 1 is a system diagram for a prior art remotely controlled balloon launching system; Figure 2 is a site layout map for the prior art system shown in Figure 1; 5 Figure 3 is a side elevation of a typical prior art balloon train including a balloon, radar target and radiosonde; Figures 4A to 4C show front, side and top views of an apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention used for launching two alternative sized balloons together with two alternative sized radar targets; 10 Figure 5 shows an enlarged front view of a portion of the apparatus in Figure 4A; Figure 6 shows an enlarged side view of the apparatus; Figure 7 shows a top view of the apparatus; Figure 8 shows another top view of the apparatus but without the balloons 15 and radio targets in place; Figure 9 shows a more detailed front view of the spring biased filling nozzle of the apparatus; Figure 10 shows a rendered perspective view of the apparatus together with a balloon and radar target; 20 Figure 11 shows a rendered side view of the apparatus shown in Figure 10; Figure 12 shows the apparatus of Figure 10 together with a larger balloon and radar target; and Figure 13 shows a side view of the apparatus, balloon and radar target 25 shown in Figure 12. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For ease of description, like reference numerals have been used throughout the drawings to refer to like or analogous features or components. Different reference numerals are used only where necessary. 30 Referring to the drawings, there is shown an apparatus for launching a meteorological balloon together with an associated balloon train including a radar target and radiosonde. In the drawings there are shown two balloons 10 and 11 of 8 different sizes and corresponding radar targets 12 and 13 of corresponding sizes. A single radiosonde 14 is shown having an antenna 22. Figure 4A shows a front view of the apparatus together with a remotely controlled release mechanism including cords 32, pulleys 34 and release lever 5 36. The release lever 36 is on a stand 38 and is pivotable so as to pull on cord 32. The apparatus includes a launch platform 40 configured to support the radar target 12, 13 such that a primary reflecting panel 24, 25 of the target extends substantially horizontally and cross-shaped secondary panels 26, 27 of 10 the target project downwardly from the primary panel 24, 25. The launch platform 40 includes a first support surface 42, a second support surface 44 and third support surface 46. In the embodiment shown the first support surface is formed by the upper surface of a drum shaped enclosure 48 whereas the second and third support surfaces are formed by the top ends of 15 a pair of columns 50 and 52. The drum shaped enclosure 48 includes a wedge shaped cavity 54 forming a slot 56 in the first support surface 42. The wedge shaped cavity 54 and slot 56 are configured to allow one of the secondary panels 26, 27 to pass through the first support surface 42 such that two quadrants of the primary panel 20 24, 25 are supported on the first support surface 42. The second and third quadrants of the primary panel are supported on the second and third support surfaces 44, 46 of the columns 50, 52. Within and projecting from the upper surface 42 of the drum shaped enclosure 48 is a filling nozzle 58 for admitting gas to the balloon 10, 11. The 25 nozzle 58 is movable between an upper filling position, in which projects through a hole in the primary panel 24, 25 of the radar target 12, 13, and a lower release position, in which it is withdrawn from the hole in the radar target, and from the bung 60 in the mouth of the balloon 10, 11. As is best seen in Figure 9, the filling nozzle 58 is resiliently biased to an 30 upper filling position by a coil spring 62. The release mechanism 30 (Fig. 4A), including cord 32 and pulleys 34, act to pull the nozzle 58 downwards against the action of the spring 62 so as to withdraw the nozzle 58 from the bung 60 and primary panel 24, 25, thereby effecting release of the balloon 10, 11.

9 A flexible gas supply line 64 provides hydrogen gas to the nozzle 58. It can be seen from the drawings that the filling nozzle 58 is positioned at an edge of the drum shaped enclosure 48 and adjacent the wedge shaped cavity 54 and slot 56. This enables the filling nozzle 58 to pass through the primary 5 panel 24, 25 of the radar target 12, 13 at a position adjacent the intersection of the cross-shaped secondary panels 26, 27. In this way, the balloon 10, 11 and radar target 12, 13 are substantially in vertical alignment at the point of release. This means that the radar target is raised vertically by the balloon rather than needing to be first re-orientated as in prior art balloon launching tables. 10 It can be seen that the larger radar target 12 has a plurality of holes in its primary panel 24 whereas the primary panel 25 of the smaller radar target 13 does not have such holes. The filling nozzle 58 of the apparatus may merely pass through one of the holes in the primary panel 24 but must actually pierce the primary panel 25 of the smaller radar target 13. For this purpose the filling nozzle 15 58 may have a pointed upper end. However, a hole could be pierced through the primary panel as a preliminary step and the nozzle 58 could then be inserted through that hole. Although not specifically shown in the drawings, a strain gauge may be provided on the shaft 68 between the filling nozzle 58 and the cord 32 of the 20 release mechanism 30. The strain gauge may be used to measure the lifting force on the filling nozzle 58 created by the balloon 10, 11 as it is being inflated. Finally, a cradle 66 is provided to hold the radiosonde prior to release of the balloon 10, 11. The cradle 66 is shown in Figures 4B, 6 and 8 but has been omitted from Figures 5 and 9 for the sake of clarity in showing the components 25 which would appear behind the cradle. The sequence of launching a balloon involves assembling a balloon train (such as that shown in Figure 3) including a balloon 10 tied to a radar target 12 and string unwinder 20. A string 18 is initially wound on the string unwinder 20 and connected to a radiosonde 14. The radar target is positioned on the launch 30 platform 40 (formed by surfaces 42, 44 and 46) and the radiosonde 14 is placed within the cradle 66. The string unwinder 20 merely hangs below the apex of the radar target 12.

10 Initially, the filling nozzle 58 is in an upper position and the radar target 12 must be pierced with the upper end of the filling nozzle 58 if it is not of the type having holes therethrough. The bung 60 in the neck of the balloon 10 is then also pierced by the filling nozzle 58 in this example. However, any other suitable 5 means may be provided for achieving a fluid communication between the filling nozzle 58 and the interior of the balloon 10. The body of the balloon 10, which at this stage is completely empty, is laid on the upper surface 42 of the drum shaped enclosure 48. The operator then leaves the immediate area of the balloon launcher and 10 goes to the remotely located release lever 36. From that location the operator commences filling of the balloon 10 via the gas line 64. Any suitable means may be employed to regulate and control the flow of gas to the balloon. Once the required amount of gas has been admitted to the balloon, the gas supply is terminated and the release lever 36 (Figure 4A) is pushed downward so as to pull 15 the filling nozzle 58 downwards by means of the cord and pulley system 32/34. This action withdraws the nozzle 58 from the bung 60 of the balloon 10, thereby allowing the balloon, and associated balloon train, to be released. The string 18 starts to unwind only when the radar target 12 and radiosonde 14 have cleared the platform 40 of the launch apparatus. 20 Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described herein in detail, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for launching a meteorological balloon together with a radar target of the type having a primary reflecting panel and a cross-shaped configuration of secondary reflecting panels projecting at right angles thereto, the apparatus including: a launch platform configured to support the radar target such that the primary panel extends substantially horizontally and the secondary panels extend downwardly from the primary panel; and a filling nozzle for admitting gas to the balloon, the nozzle being movable between an upper filling position, in which it projects through a hole in the primary panel of the radar target, and a lower release position, in which it is withdrawn from said hole.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the nozzle is resiliently biased to the filling position.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the nozzle is positioned relative to the platform such that, in its filling position, the nozzle projects through the primary panel of the target at a location adjacent the centre of the cross-shaped secondary panels.

4. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the nozzle is shaped to facilitate piercing of the hole through the primary panel of the radar target.

5. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the nozzle is shaped to facilitate insertion through a bung in the mouth of the balloon.

6. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the launch platform includes a plurality of support surfaces for engaging respective underside regions of the primary panel. 12

7. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the platform includes a first support surface having a slot therein to allow one of the secondary panels to pass therethrough, such that two quadrants of the primary panel are supported on the first support surface.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the platform includes a second support surface at a top end of a column for supporting a third quadrant of the primary panel.

9. An apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the platform includes a third surface at a top end of a second column for supporting a fourth quadrant of the primary panel.

10. An apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein the filling nozzle projects from the first support surface when the nozzle is in the filling position.

11. An apparatus for launching a meteorological balloon including: a launch platform; a filling nozzle for admitting gas to the balloon, wherein the nozzle is movable between an upper filling position in which the gas is admitted to the balloon and a lower release position in which the nozzle is withdrawn from the balloon, and wherein the nozzle is resiliently biased towards the upper filling position; and a release mechanism configured to urge the nozzle towards the release position.

12. An apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the nozzle is spring biased to the upper filling position and the release mechanism acts against the spring bias.

13. An apparatus according to claim 11 or 12 wherein the release mechanism includes a cord and pulley arrangement. 13

14. An apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 13 wherein the release mechanism includes a release lever which is located remotely from the launch platform which is mechanically connected to the filling nozzle.

15. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further 5 including means for measuring a lifting force on the balloon as the balloon is inflated.

16. An apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the measuring means includes a strain gauge mounted in association with the filling nozzle.

17. An apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to 10 Figures 4A to 13 of the accompanying drawings. ENGERTROL PTY LTD 15 WATERMARK PATENT & TRADE MARK ATTORNEYS P21372AU00 20