The invention concerns a device for seeding a cloud cell, comprising means for conveying an active substance and means for delivering said active substance. In order to comply with standard and safety requirements, said device comprises aerostatic means that cooperate with the means for conveying said active substance. The invention further concerns a system for seeding a cloud cell, comprising a seeding device according to the invention and a remote electronic entity capable of communicating with said device via communication means over a wired or wireless link.

The invention concerns a device for seeding a cloud cell, comprising means for conveying an active substance and means for delivering said active substance. In order to comply with standard and safety requirements, said device comprises aerostatic means that cooperate with the means for conveying said active substance. The invention further concerns a system for seeding a cloud cell, comprising a seeding device according to the invention and a remote electronic entity capable of communicating with said device via communication means over a wired or wireless link.

The airborne vehicle recovery method and apparatus enables radiosonde users to reliably recover launched radiosondes and provides new and unique opportunities for research and data acquisition with balloon launched radiosondes. Airborne vehicles such as radiosondes are disposed in a flight body adapted for propulsionless, gliding navigation for returning to one of several designated landing sites for recovery. Onboard electronics including a navigation computer, flight computer, and lightweight battery are employed for selecting a landing site, computing a heading and direction, and actuating flaps for pursuing a propulsionless, gliding path to the landing site. Gliding is directed only by right and left flaps responsive to respective actuators, such that the inclusion of only the actuators, navigation and flight electronics, and without active propulsion, enables sufficient gliding range from the lightweight construction and arrangement to reach one of several landing sites for effecting substantial recovery rates of the radiosondes.

The airborne vehicle recovery method and apparatus enables radiosonde users to reliably recover launched radiosondes and provides new and unique opportunities for research and data acquisition with balloon launched radiosondes. Airborne vehicles such as radiosondes are disposed in a flight body adapted for propulsionless, gliding navigation for returning to one of several designated landing sites for recovery. Onboard electronics including a navigation computer, flight computer, and lightweight battery are employed for selecting a landing site, computing a heading and direction, and actuating flaps for pursuing a propulsionless, gliding path to the landing site. Gliding is directed only by right and left flaps responsive to respective actuators, such that the inclusion of only the actuators, navigation and flight electronics, and without active propulsion, enables sufficient gliding range from the lightweight construction and arrangement to reach one of several landing sites for effecting substantial recovery rates of the radiosondes.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to flight termination systems for tethered aerial vehicles having envelopes. For instance, a flight termination system may include a wire heating element arranged in a loop around the balloon envelope and connected to a strain relief connector, the strain relief connector, and an electrical cable connected to the strain relief connector. The electrical cable is configured to provide current to the wire in order to melt envelope material of the envelope and terminate a flight of the aerial vehicle.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to flight termination systems for tethered aerial vehicles having envelopes. For instance, a flight termination system may include a wire heating element arranged in a loop around the balloon envelope and connected to a strain relief connector, the strain relief connector, and an electrical cable connected to the strain relief connector. The electrical cable is configured to provide current to the wire in order to melt envelope material of the envelope and terminate a flight of the aerial vehicle.

An example reusable high-altitude balloon system includes a balloon with a first end supporting a payload and a second end with an aperture and an apex fitting that is positioned within the aperture. A clamp applies a pressure to a plurality of pleated folds formed in the perimeter of the aperture around the apex fitting to form an air-tight seal against the balloon at the perimeter of the aperture. The reusable high-altitude balloon system further includes control circuitry that controllably releases the apex fitting from the balloon to initiate a descent sequence.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to flight termination systems for tethered aerial vehicles. For instance, a flight termination system for a tethered aerial vehicle including an envelope may include a tool and a tether. The tool may include a first piece configured for attachment to an interior surface of the envelope and including a cutting blade. The tool may also include a second piece configured for attachment to an exterior surface of the envelope. The tether may be attached to the first piece such that when in use, a force on the tether causes the tool to cut an opening into the envelope.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to flight termination systems for tethered aerial vehicles. For instance, a flight termination system for a tethered aerial vehicle including an envelope may include a tool and a tether. The tool may include a first piece configured for attachment to an interior surface of the envelope and including a cutting blade. The tool may also include a second piece configured for attachment to an exterior surface of the envelope. The tether may be attached to the first piece such that when in use, a force on the tether causes the tool to cut an opening into the envelope.

An example reusable high-altitude balloon system includes a balloon with a first end supporting a payload and a second end with an aperture and an apex fitting that is positioned within the aperture. A clamp applies a pressure to a plurality of pleated folds formed in the perimeter of the aperture around the apex fitting to form an air-tight seal against the balloon at the perimeter of the aperture. The reusable high-altitude balloon system further includes control circuitry that controllably releases the apex fitting from the balloon to initiate a descent sequence.