U.S. patent application number 10/180892 was filed with the patent office on 2003-12-25 for sub-orbital, high altitude communications system.
Invention is credited to Seligsohn, Scott, Seligsohn, Sherwin I..
Application Number | 20030236070 10/180892 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29735104 |
Filed Date | 2003-12-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030236070 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Seligsohn, Sherwin I. ; et
al. |
December 25, 2003 |
Sub-orbital, high altitude communications system
Abstract
A sub-orbital, high altitude communications system that has at
least two ground stations and at least one high altitude relay
station. Each of the ground stations includes apparatus for sending
and receiving telecommunications signals. The relay stations
include apparatus for receiving and sending telecommunications
signals from and to the ground stations and from and to other relay
stations. Apparatus is provided for controlling the lateral and
vertical movement of the relay stations so that a predetermined
altitude and location of each of the relay stations can be achieved
and maintained. Apparatus is provided for retrieving relay stations
so that they can be serviced for reuse.
Inventors: |
Seligsohn, Sherwin I.;
(Narberth, PA) ; Seligsohn, Scott; (Bala Cynwyd,
PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KENYON & KENYON
One Broadway
New York
NY
10004
US
|
Family ID: |
29735104 |
Appl. No.: |
10/180892 |
Filed: |
June 25, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/12.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04B 7/18504 20130101;
H04B 7/18502 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/12.1 |
International
Class: |
H04B 007/185 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for controlling a communications relay station,
comprising the steps of: moving the relay station into a
preselected geographic location above the earth within a portion of
the stratosphere, the moving step including the step of elevating
the relay station into the portion of the stratosphere; and if the
relay station moves from the preselected geographic location,
actively changing a lateral position of the relay station within
the portion of the stratosphere to return the relay station to the
preselected geographic location within the portion of the
stratosphere.
2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of
providing two-way communication between the relay station and at
least one of another relay station within the portion of the
stratosphere and a ground station.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the relay station
includes a free-flying balloon.
4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of
determining a current geographic location of the relay station
within the portion of the stratosphere, and wherein the step of
actively changing the lateral position of the relay station
includes the step of laterally moving the relay station from the
current geographic location within the portion of the stratosphere
to the preselected geographic location within the portion of the
stratosphere if the current geographic location deviates from the
preselected geographic location.
5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps
of: providing at least two ground stations; transmitting a
telecommunications signal from a first one of the ground stations
to the relay station; and receiving the telecommunications signal
at the relay station and transmitting the telecommunications signal
to a second one of the ground stations.
6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of moving the
relay station further includes the step of applying a thrust force
to the relay station in a direction in which it is to move.
7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising the steps
of: enabling the relay station to receive and store energy; and
using the energy to create the thrust force and to enable the relay
station to transmit and receive telecommunications signals.
8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the relay station can
receive and store solar energy.
9. The method according to claim 7, wherein the relay station can
receive and store microwave energy.
10. The method according to claim 7, wherein the relay station can
receive and store wind energy.
11. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of
returning the relay station to the earth.
12. The method according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the
ground stations is mobile.
13. The method according to claim 1, wherein the relay station is
lighter than air.
14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the relay station is
inflatable.
15. A method for operating a long-duration, free-flying balloon
capable of transmitting signals to a point on the earth directly
below the balloon in less than about 140 .mu.sec., comprising the
steps of: directing the balloon into a predetermined geographic
location above the earth within a portion of the stratosphere; and
if the balloon drifts from the predetermined geographic location,
moving the balloon within the portion of the stratosphere back to
the predetermined geographic location within the portion of the
stratosphere, the movement having a horizontal component.
16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the balloon is
located within the portion of the stratosphere at an altitude that
is between about 15 and 25 miles, and a transmission time of the
signals is in the range of about 80 .mu.sec. to about 140
.mu.sec.
17. The method according to claim 15, wherein the movement also has
a vertical component.
18. The method according to claim 15, further comprising the step
of transmitting signals between the balloon within the portion of
the stratosphere and a ground communication device.
19. A telecommunications apparatus comprising: at least two ground
stations, each of the ground stations including means for
transmitting and receiving telecommunications signals; and at least
one relay station, the relay station including means for
transmitting and receiving telecommunications signals from and to
the ground stations and from and to other relay stations, the relay
station being disposed at a predetermined altitude within a portion
of the stratosphere, the relay station being at a fixed
predetermined location over the earth for transmitting and
receiving telecommunications signals from and to the ground
stations and from and to the other relay stations, the relay
station further including means for controlling the vertical and
lateral movement of the relay station so that, if the relay station
moves from the predetermined altitude and fixed predetermined
location, the relay station is moved back to the predetermined
altitude and fixed predetermined location within the portion of the
stratosphere.
20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the predetermined
altitude is between about 15 and 25 miles.
21. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the means for
controlling the vertical and lateral movement of the relay station
includes: first means, the first means being operative to identify
the current altitude and location of the relay station; second
means, the second means being operative to identify the
predetermined altitude and location for the relay station; and
means for moving the relay station from the current altitude and
location to the predetermined altitude and location.
22. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the means for
moving the relay station includes a thrust system and means for
selectively energizing the thrust system.
23. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the thrust system
includes propellers.
24. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the thrust system
includes rockets.
25. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the thrust system
includes jets.
26. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the means for
energizing the thrust system includes means for receiving and
converting solar energy to electric energy.
27. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the means for
energizing the thrust system includes means for receiving and
converting wind energy to electric energy.
28. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the means for
energizing the thrust system includes means for receiving and
converting microwave energy to electric energy.
29. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein at least one of
the ground stations is mobile.
30. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein at least one of
the ground stations is stationary.
31. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the relay station
is lighter than air.
32. The apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the relay station
further includes an inflatable device and means connected to the
inflatable device for deflating it while it is aloft.
33. The apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the means for
deflating the inflatable device is operative in response to a
signal from a remote source.
34. The apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the means for
deflating the inflatable device includes: an opening in the
inflatable device; closing means for closing the opening and being
operative to seal the opening against the escape of gases from the
inflatable device; and an explosive charge connected to the closing
means, the explosive charge being operative when detonated to
remove the closing means from the opening.
35. The apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the means for
deflating the inflatable device includes: an opening in the
inflatable device; closing means for closing the opening against
the escape of gases from the inflatable device; and a plurality of
clamping brackets for releasably retaining the closing means in
sealing relation with the opening; and further comprising: at least
one electrically driven motor supported by the inflatable device,
the electrically driven motor being in engagement with the clamping
brackets and being operative when energized to move the clamping
brackets so that they release the closing means from the
opening.
36. The apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the inflatable
device includes a parachute having control lines for controlling
its descent when it is recovered.
37. The apparatus according to claim 36, further comprising: means
for deploying the parachute; and means for connecting the means for
deploying the parachute to the means for deflating the inflatable
device so that the parachute is deployed when the inflatable device
is deflated.
38. The apparatus according to claim 37, further comprising radio
controlled means supported by the inflatable device and being
connected to the control lines for the parachute, the radio
controlled means being operative to provide directional control to
the parachute as it descends.
39. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the relay station
includes a super pressure balloon.
40. A stratospheric relay station comprising: a navigation system
for directing the relay station into a predetermined geographic
location above the earth within a portion of the stratosphere and,
if the relay station leaves the predetermined geographic location,
for moving the relay station within the portion of the stratosphere
back toward the predetermined geographic location within the
portion of the stratosphere, the movement having a horizontal
component; and a communication system for transmitting signals
between the relay station within the portion of the stratosphere
and a base station, the communication system being adapted to
transmit signals to a point on the earth directly below the balloon
with a time for transmission of between about 80 .mu.sec. and about
140 .mu.sec.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120 the
benefit of the filing date of prior U.S. application Ser. No.
08/929,752, now pending, which in turn claims under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.120 the benefit of the filing date of prior U.S. application
Ser. No. 08/661,836, now abandoned, which in turn claims under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.120 the benefit of the filing date of U.S. application
Ser. No. 08/100,037, now abandoned.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a communication system, and more
particularly to a communications system that is operative at the
sub-orbital level yet well above any system which is connected to
the ground.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Long distance telecommunications systems currently use space
satellite transmission or ground based systems that rely upon
towers, tall buildings, tethered balloons and the like.
[0004] Satellite systems have been used for many years with a high
degree of reliability. They are particularly advantageous since due
to their altitude one satellite can send and receive signals from
an area encompassing hundreds of thousands of square miles.
However, satellites are expensive to manufacture and are expensive
to launch and place in position. Further, because of the costs
associated with their manufacture and launch, and the great
difficulty in servicing them, extraordinary care must be taken to
assure their reliability. Notwithstanding this, when a satellite
fails, as assuredly they all--must do, either electronically, or by
degradation of orbit, substantial expense is incurred in replacing
it and the equipment it carries.
[0005] Ground based systems do not have the high costs that are
associated with satellite systems. However, because they are low, a
particular relay station may only be able to send and receive
signals over a few hundred square miles. Thus, to cover a large
area, many such relay stations must be provided. Further, ground
based systems suffer from line-of-sight problems in that mountains,
tall trees, tall buildings and the like interfere with the
propagation of telecommunications signals. Still further, it may
not be possible to install a telecommunications relay station at a
particular site where one is needed due to geographic or political
factors, or merely because of the inability to obtain permission
from a land owner or government.
[0006] To some extent these problems are alleviated by using
tethered balloons. However, tethered balloons are subject to the
atmospheric conditions that exist at lower altitudes and are likely
to be damaged as they are subject to weather conditions thereby
requiring frequent replacement. Also, if they are flown at
altitudes that enable them to relay telecommunications signals over
a large enough area to make them economically feasible, the tethers
become hazardous to aircraft.
[0007] It would be advantageous to provide a stable, long duration,
telecommunications system which is based on a sub-orbital, high
altitude device which has the ability to receive telecommunication
signals from a ground station and relay them to another similar
device or to a further ground station.
[0008] If the relay stations were made of high altitude, long
duration lighter than air devices whose location could be
controlled so as to be over a particular location on the earth, a
means will have been created for providing relatively low cost
telecommunication service such as a telephone service for remote
areas without incurring the expense associated with satellite based
communication systems, and without the disadvantages of a ground
system or a tethered balloon system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Accordingly, with the foregoing in mind the invention
relates generally to a telecommunications system that comprises at
least two ground stations. Each of the ground stations includes
means for sending and means for receiving telecommunication
signals. At least one relay station is provided. The relay station
includes means for receiving and sending telecommunication signals
from and to the ground stations and from and to other relay
stations.
[0010] The relay stations are at an altitude of about 15 to 25
miles (i.e., within a portion of the stratosphere) and, thus, are
capable of transmitting signals to a point on the earth directly
below a relay station with a transmission time of about 80 .mu.sec.
Means are provided for controlling the lateral movement of the
relay stations so that once a pre-determined altitude is reached, a
predetermined location of each of the relay stations can be
achieved and maintained.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The invention can be further understood by referring to the
accompanying drawing of a presently preferred form thereof, and
wherein
[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic showing a communications system
constructed in accordance with a presently preferred form of the
invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of one of the relay stations
comprising the invention.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a view of a portion of FIG. 2 showing a propulsion
system.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a view of a portion of FIG. 2 showing another form
of propulsion system.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a view of a portion of a relay station.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a view of a second embodiment of the portion of
the relay station shown in FIG. 5.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a view of a relay station being recovered.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Referring now to FIG. 1, the system 10 comprises a ground
based portion 12 and an air based portion 14.
[0020] The ground based portion 12 may comprise conventional
telephone networks 16 with branches that are connected to a ground
station 18 having suitable long distance transmitting and receiving
means such as antenna 20. The ground based portion 12 may also
comprise mobile telephones of well known types such as cellular
telephones that may be carried by individuals 22 or in vehicles 24.
The microwave antennae 20 are operative to transmit and receive a
telecommunication signal to and from a sub-orbital, high altitude
relay station 28 which is located at an altitude of between about
15 to 25 miles.
[0021] Preferably, there are a plurality of relay stations 28; each
one being at a fixed location over the earth.
[0022] Each relay station 28 contains means for receiving a
telecommunication signal from a ground station 20, individual 22 or
vehicle 24 and then transmitting it to another ground station 118,
individual 122 or vehicle 124 either directly or by way of another
relay station 130. Once the signal returns to the ground based
portion 12 of the system 10, the telecommunication call is
completed in a conventional manner.
[0023] The relay station 28 may comprise a lighter than air device
32. A suitable device could be an inflatable device such as a high
altitude super-pressure balloon of the type developed by Winzen
International, Inc. of San Antonio, Tex. The superpressure balloon
32 is configured so that it floats at a predetermined altitude. The
configuring is accomplished by balancing inflation pressure of the
balloon and the weight of its payload against the expected air
pressure and ambient temperatures at the desired density altitude.
It has been observed that devices of this character maintain a high
degree of vertical stability during the diurnal passage
notwithstanding that they are subject to high degrees of
temperature fluctuation.
[0024] A plurality of tracking stations 36 are provided. The
tracking stations include well known means which can identify a
particular relay station 28 and detect its location and
altitude.
[0025] As will be explained, a thrust system is provided for
returning a relay station 28 to its pre-assigned location should a
tracking station 36 detect that it has shifted.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 2, each of the- relay stations 28 includes
a housing 40 which is supported by device 32. The housing 40
contains a telecommunication signal transmitter and receiver 44 and
a ground link antenna 48. Antenna 48 is for receiving and sending
telecommunications signals between ground stations 20 and the relay
station 28. The relay station 28 also includes a plurality of
antennas 52 which are adapted to receive and transmit
telecommunications signals from and to other relay stations. The
housing 40 also contains a guidance module 56 that transmits the
identity and location of the relay station to the tracking stations
36. It receives instructions from the tracking station for
energizing the thrust system. A guidance antenna 58 is provided to
enable communication between the tracking station 36 and the
guidance module 56.
[0027] A suitable re-energizable power supply Go is mounted on
housing 40, the power supply 60 may comprise a plurality of solar
panels 64. In a well known manner the solar panels capture the
sun's light and convert it into electricity which can be used by
the telecommunications equipment as well as for guidance and
propulsion.
[0028] In addition the power supply could also comprise a plurality
of wind vanes 68. The wind vanes may be arranged to face in
different directions so that at least some of them are always
facing the prevailing winds. The wind vanes 68 can be used to
generate electric power in a well known manner which also can be
used by the telecommunication equipment as well as for guidance and
propulsion.
[0029] As seen in FIG. 4, an alternate power supply 66 may be
provided in the form of a microwave energy system of similar to
that which has been developed by Endosat, Inc. of Rockville, Md.
The microwave energy system includes a ground based microwave
generator (not shown) that creates a microwave energy beam of about
35 GHz. This beam is directed to receptors 80 on the relay 28 and
there converted to direct current.
[0030] In a manner similar to the solar energy system, the
microwave energy system could supply power sufficient to operate
the telecommunications system on the relay station as well as
provide power for guidance and propulsion. Further, the relay
stations 28 may be provided with at least one microwave transmitter
and suitable means for aiming the microwave transmitter at a
microwave receiving means on another relay station 28 so that a
source other than the ground based microwave generator is available
to provide microwave energy to the relay stations.
[0031] As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4 the navigation/thrust system for
the relay station 28 may comprise a plurality of rockets or jets 90
or propellers 94. The jets 90 and propellers 94 are arranged in a
horizontal plane along mutually perpendicular axes which are
supported by pods 100 on the housing 40. By selective energization
of various ones of the jets or propellers the relay station 28 can
be directed to and maintained at a pre-determined location over the
earth.
[0032] If desired, additional jets or rockets 108 or propellers 112
could be located on vertical axes to assist in bringing the relay
station to its pre-determined altitude on launch or restoring it
should its drift from that altitude be more than an acceptable
amount.
[0033] The tracking stations 36 and guidance module 56 are
operative to energize selected ones of the jets or propellers for
selected intervals to return the relay stations 28 to their
pre-determined locations.
[0034] When the system 10, is operating the customer will be
unaware of its existence. Thus, when a call is placed, the
telecommunications signal will be conveyed from the caller's
telephone by way of a conventional network to the ground station 18
associated with that location. The microwave antenna 20 will then
beam a telecommunications signal corresponding to that telephone
call to the nearest relay station 28. Switching circuity of a well
known type will direct the signal to another ground station 120
near the recipient. If the recipient is further, the signal will be
sent to a further relay station 130 from which it will be directed
to a mobile telephone carried by an individual 122 or in a vehicle
124 or to a ground station 140 near the recipient. The signal
received by the ground station 120 or 140 will be transmitted to
the recipient's telephone by way of a conventional telephone
network. once a communication link is established between two
telephones by way of the ground stations and relay stations, the
parties can communicate.
[0035] Drifting of the relay stations 28 from their pre-determined
locations will be detected by the tracking stations 36. The
tracking stations 36 will then energize the thrust members on the
relay stations 28 to return them to their predetermined
locations.
[0036] As best seen in FIGS. 2, 5, 6 and 7 a recovery system 150
for the relay stations 28 is provided. As will be more fully
explained, the recovery system includes a deflation device 152 and
a remote controlled recovery parachute 154.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5 one embodiment of the deflation
device 152 includes a housing 160 that is formed integrally with
the suitable lighter than air device 32. The housing 160 includes
an outwardly extending and radially directed flange 164 that is
integrally connected to the device 32 as by welding or by adhesive.
The flange 164 supports a downwardly directed, and generally
cylindrical wall 168 that supports a bottom wall 172. As seen in
FIG. 5, the bottom wall 172 is defined by an open lattice so that
the housing 160 is connected to the interior of the device 32 and
is at the same pressure.
[0038] Near its upper end the cylindrical wall 168 supports an
inwardly directed flange 176. A frangible cover 184 is connected to
the flange in airtight relation. This can be accomplished by
connecting the cover to the flange by an adhesive, or with a
suitable gasket between them, or by fabricating the cover as an
integral part of the housing 160.
[0039] The cylindrical wall 168, bottom wall 172 and cover 184
define a chamber that contains the remote control recovery
parachute 154.
[0040] A small chamber 190 is formed on the underside of the cover
184 by a wall 192. A small explosive pack 194 which is contained
within the chamber 190 is responsive to a signal received by
antenna 196.
[0041] The parachute 154 has its control lines 198 connected to a
radio controlled drive member 200 that is contained within the
housing 160. The drive member 200 may include electric motors that
are driven in response to signals from the ground to vary the
length of the control lines in a well known manner to thereby
provide directional control to the parachute.
[0042] To recover the relay station a coded signal is sent to the
device where it is received by antenna 196. This results in the
explosive charge 194 being detonated and the frangible cover 184
being removed.
[0043] Since the cover 184 is designed to break, the explosive
charge can be relatively light so that it does not damage the
parachute 154.
[0044] In this regard the wall 192 helps to direct the explosive
force upwardly against the cover rather than toward the device
32.
[0045] After the cover has been removed, the gases will begin to
escape from the interior of the device 32 through bottom wall 172
and the opening in the top of the housing. The force of air exiting
from the device 32 when the cover is first removed will be
sufficient to deploy the parachute.
[0046] As seen in FIG. 7, the parachute 154 will support the device
32 by way of its control lines 198. As explained above, the relay
station 28 can be directed to a predetermined location on the
ground.
[0047] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 flange 164 supports cover
204 with an annular airtight gasket between them. The cover 204 is
held against the flange 164 by a plurality of circumferentially
spaced clamping brackets 210. The clamping brackets are retractably
held in engagement with the cover 204 by electrically driven motors
212. The motors are energized in response to signals from the
ground to retract the brackets 210.
[0048] When the brackets 210 are retracted, the pressure of the
gases escaping from the device 32 will dislodge the cover and
permit the parachute to be deployed.
[0049] After the relay station has been serviced, the recovery
system 150 can be replaced and the device 32 can be re-inflated and
returned to the service.
[0050] While the invention has been described with regard to
particular embodiments, it is apparent that other embodiments will
be obvious to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing
description. Thus, the scope of the invention should not be limited
by the description, but rather, by the scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *