GB601919A - Improvements in or relating to meteorological balloons - Google Patents

Abstract

601,919. Meteorological balloons. PAK PARACHUTE CO., Ltd., and CASPAR, F. A. Oct. 11, 1945, No. 26639. [Class 4] [Also in Group XL (c)] In order to render a meteorological balloon reflective to radar pulses, it is provided with a self-retaining cover enclosing it over a little more than half its peripheral surface and composed of a metallic or metallised open mesh material such as nylon coated with silver or other good electrical conductor. The cover is. constructed so as to adapt itself to variations in the diameter of the balloon due to changes in altitude and permit of a more or less free expansion of the balloon with increase in altitude. As shown, the cover 1 is of partspherical form built up from six gores 2 connected by seams covered by tapes 4 of woven net material, Fig. 2 (not shown). The seams extend to a binding vent 5 through which is passed the inflating neck of the balloon, the vent being enclosed by a fabric ring 6. The mouth of the cover incorporates elastic cords 7, Fig. 6, which exert a frictional grip on the balloon's surface, and the expansion of the mouth is limited by an inextensible binding tape 8 which encloses the cords 7 and is stitched to the edge of the cover. The diameter of this mouth when fully extended is slightly less than the maximum diameter attained by the balloon when in use so that at high altitudes the mouth bites into the surface of the balloon to form a peripheral channel or recess. Alternatively, the tension of the cords 7 may be such that, when the balloon is fully expanded, it is sufficient to form the peripheral channel or recess, in which case the diameter of the mouth of the cover may be made equal to the maximum diameter of the part of the balloon with which it contacts.