Apparatus, method and system for balloon altitude control by in-situ characterization and active energy management

Abstract

To provide an apparatus, method and system for balloon altitude control by in-situ characterization and active energy management.SOLUTION: The invention enables transportation, autonomous operation and use of a balloon beyond the limits of conventional high-altitude ballooning to the edge of the atmosphere, or about 100 km above the surface of the Earth. The apparatus comprises at least: an envelope containing lift-gas; an envelope and lift-gas characterizer; an altitude control system operated using active energy addition and lift-gas transfer or ambient air introduction into the system; and an external payload component. The invention is capable of operating in ascent, descent, or stationary mode. The altitudinal movement of the balloon is caused by measuring in-site envelope and lift-gas characteristics, by identifying the change in the lift-gas energy needed, and by facilitating the required energy change for altitude control.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1B

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of the earlier filing date under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 201,021, filed April 8, 2021.

[0002] (Statement regarding federally sponsored research / development) Not applicable.

[0003] (Reference to Sequence Listing, Table, or Computer Listing Compact Disc Appendix) Not applicable.

[0004] This non-provisional patent application relates to the field of ultra-high altitude balloon flight. More specifically, it discloses an apparatus, methodology, and system for balloon altitude control through in-situ characterization and active energy management to transport balloons beyond the limits of conventional high-altitude balloon flight. Conventional apparatus and methodologies encompass flights up to approximately 40 km above the Earth's surface. The present invention is designed for balloon transport and control to the edge of the known atmosphere, up to approximately 100 km above the Earth's surface. [Background technology]

[0005] Balloons and balloon systems (hereafter "balloons" or "balloons"), including a variety of configurations, components, and capabilities, have been used for centuries for travel, exploration, and data gathering. Balloons have been the subject of innovation due to their practical applications, ranging from early transportation services through weather data collection and mapping to satellite observation and beyond, particularly propulsion-based balloon systems such as airships and blimps. Today, systems deploying complex atmospheric sensing and global positioning (GPS) instrumentation are described and in use. Innovations in balloon logistics control include inventions for positioning systems relative to the sun, various envelope-within-an-envelope configurations, and lighter-than-air (LTA) multi-chamber gas exchange systems. Recent technological advances have significantly improved maneuverability, altitude control, and payload capacity, and the field of balloon technology is poised to reach new heights.

[0006] Current ballooning technology is primarily limited to operations within Earth's troposphere and stratosphere due to atmospheric conditions and communication limitations. Current inventions are typically limited to atmospheric environments less than 40 km from Earth where they can safely and reliably operate. Above these altitudes, extreme environmental and meteorological conditions exist, including temperatures down to -60°C, thermal and zonal winds, atmospheric gravity waves, and tides. These extreme conditions limit the operation of currently emerging satellite and related very-high-altitude technology applications depending on their distance from Earth. The devices, methods, and systems disclosed herein are capable of functioning in standard balloon environments and are further designed and targeted for operation in the extreme environmental and meteorological conditions of very-high-altitude environments, including the mesosphere, ranging from about 50 km to about 90 km and beyond. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention relates to a balloon device, a methodology for operating the device, and a system for operating the device using the methodology for various applications. The device of the present invention includes a balloon used for balloon altitude control and capable of withstanding extreme environmental and weather conditions at altitudes of at least 80 km above the Earth's surface. The device is autonomously controlled and operated, i.e., it functions on its own using pre-programmed information and does not require remote operation or control. The system has the ability to operate in either a default mode, where information for operation is pre-programmed into the system, or a remote mode, which allows the system to detect, acquire, and use data remotely transmitted from a source external to the device.

[0008] The present invention is distinguished from typical ballooning devices and systems in that the system does not add or remove gas from the balloon, but instead adds or removes energy, thereby changing the properties of the gas contained within the balloon's expandable envelope. In a preferred embodiment, the device has at least: a lift gas-containing envelope; an advanced control system including an envelope and lift gas characterizer that facilitates the active addition of energy and the movement of lift gas or the introduction of ambient air into the system; and an extension for an external payload. The lift gas contained in the envelope can generally be lighter than the ambient fluid (air outside the system) in the environment in which the device operates. A distinct advantage of the present invention is that it is equally applicable and operates as intended in applications in which the lift gas is heavier or equivalent to the ambient fluid in the environment in which the device operates. The advanced control system is configured to operate the balloon in ascending, descending, or stationary modes, with altitude movement of the balloon being induced by measuring in-situ envelope and lift gas properties, identifying the required lift gas energy change, and facilitating the required energy change by adjusting active heat addition to the system and lift gas movement from the envelope, or by introducing ambient fluid (typically atmospheric air) into the system. In one embodiment, the advanced control system includes digital or electronically integrated processors and controllers that cooperate to actively monitor and control the advanced control system components. The advanced control system may also include a communications system for transferring data and information to and from a remote station. The remote station may be a ground station, a communications hub, or another advanced control system, either individually or networked. The advanced control system may also include a recordable medium for accessing, executing, and storing data. In one embodiment of the present invention, the advanced control system includes a power hub for providing power to the system components.The advanced control system may also include an extension to provide external attachment for the payload to be carried.The systems disclosed herein include apparatus that operate according to methodologies and processes for in situ characterization integrated advanced control.

[0009] The features and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the devices and combinations described herein. These and additional features, aspects, advantages and alternatives of the invention will be set forth in the description that follows or may be learned by practice of the invention.

[0010] This summary broadly describes some features of balloon altitude control by in situ characterization and active energy management devices, methods, and systems so that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and so that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. The invention has additional features, as described below, which form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. It is understood that the invention described herein is not limited in its application to the details of construction or the specific arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Balloon altitude control by in situ characterization and active energy management devices, methods, and systems is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, method and system for transporting a balloon from approximately 40 km above the Earth's surface to the edge of the atmosphere, and up to approximately 100 km above the Earth's surface, going beyond the limitations of conventional high-altitude ballooning.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, method and system that can be utilized as a platform for transporting payloads.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, method and system that can be utilized as a payload delivery system for surveillance, monitoring, communication and / or reconnaissance, atmospheric measurement and / or monitoring, mesosphere research and / or monitoring, and weather forecasting and / or monitoring.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a platform for technology testing, maturation and / or demonstration.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide controlled access to the mesosphere, including altitudes up to at least 80 km, which can enable or support payload and / or balloon recovery, eliminating or minimizing the need for chutes or parachutes for recovery of data, equipment or payload.

[0016] Yet another object of the present invention is to enable the delivery of balloons and / or payloads into the mesosphere above the stratospheric altitude limit of 40 km, including altitudes up to 80 km for extended periods of time (over time), which are not possible using existing rocket launchers and conventional high-altitude balloons.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a platform for educational and scientific discovery purposes.

[0018] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a platform for ground and air traffic detection, monitoring and / or management.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a platform for launching a rocket or spacecraft.

[0020] It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus, method and system as described herein that can be utilized in the atmosphere of any planet in any solar system.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a platform for improving the understanding of today's unknowns such as mesosphere auroras or noctilucent clouds.

[0022] Another purpose is to provide a platform for the observation and / or study of meteorites.

[0023] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus, method and system as an alternative and environmentally friendly platform for suborbital transportation that eliminates the need to utilize combustible fuels for suborbital transportation.

[0024] Other objects and advantages of the various embodiments of the invention will become apparent to the reader and are intended to be within the scope of the invention. To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, however, attention is drawn to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only and that changes may be made in the specific configurations shown and described within the scope of this application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0025] 20: Balloon 21: Envelope 22: Neck 23: Lift Gas 30: External payload 31: Payload Component 32: Payload connection extension 40: External antenna 41: Antenna element 100: Advanced Control Systems 110: External Fluid Isolator 111: Outer fluid isolator sidewall 112: Locking mechanism 113: Environmental opening 114: Antenna opening 115: Payload opening 116: Color surface 120: Surface Enclosure 130: Control system housing 131: Control system housing side wall 132: Power switch 132a: Power switch opening 133: Payload Hook 133a: Payload hook passage opening 134: Cap Hook 134a: Cap hook passage opening 135: Antenna connection 135a: Antenna passage 136: Cap 136a: Control system housing central passageway 137: Ambient air passage opening 140: Body 141: Central housing 141a: Central passageway of the body 141b: Wiring path 141c: Central housing tapping 141d: Passage for environmental flow control devices 142: Gas Transmission Systems 142a: Channel 142b: Flow elements 142c: Inflow control devices 142d: Flow Element Tapping 142e: Ambient Tapping 143: Active energy addition system 143a: Motor 143b: Slider housing 143c: Isolator 143d: Active Energy Addition Element 144: Flow Sensing Device 145: Flow regulator 146: Environmental Flow Control Device 147: Processor 150: Power supply 160: Characteristic Evaluator 161: Sensor foundation wall 162: IR Device 162a: IR device housing 163: Direct contact sensor 163a: Direct Contact Sensor Housing 164: Pressure sensor 164a: Pressure sensor housing 165: Central Passage of the Characteristic Evaluator 166: Passage opening 170: Exposure Control Department 171: Large opening in exposure control section 172: Small opening in exposure control section 173: Slide knob 174: Central passageway of the exposure control section 180: Internal fluid isolator 181: Fluid isolator large opening 182: Fluid isolator small opening 183: Groove 184: Internal fluid isolator central passage [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] Exemplary embodiments will be more fully understood from the detailed description set forth herein below and the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are designated by like reference characters and which are shown by way of example only and are therefore not limiting of the examples herein.

[0027] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a front view of the inventive device disclosed herein.

[0028] [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a front view of the present invention illustrating the volume change of the system shown in FIG. 1A.

[0029] [Figure 1C] FIG. 1B is an exploded view of the advanced control system in the device shown in FIG. 1A.

[0030] [Figure 1D] 1D is a perspective view of the advanced control system shown in FIG. 1C, where (A) the exposure control is in a closed position and (B) the exposure control is in an open position with active lift gas control element deployment.

[0031] [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a subassembly of the advanced control system.

[0032] [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment that provides an enclosure for an advanced control system from the external environment.

[0033] [Figure 3B] 3B shows a top view and a cross-sectional view of the view shown in FIG. 3A.

[0034] [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a control system housing for an advanced control system.

[0035] [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is an exploded view of the embodiment of the control system housing shown in FIG. 4A.

[0036] [Figure 4C] FIG. 4B is a simplified diagram illustrating an embodiment of the control system housing of FIG. 4A.

[0037] [Figure 4D] FIG. 4B is a bottom view of the embodiment of the control system housing shown in FIG. 4A.

[0038] [Figure 5A] 1A and 1B are perspective and exploded views of an embodiment of an advanced control system housing.

[0039] [Figure 5B] 5B and 5C are top and cross-sectional views of an embodiment of the advanced control system housing shown in FIG. 5A.

[0040] [Figure 5C] 1A and 1B illustrate an embodiment of a lift gas delivery system showing an exploded perspective view (A), a top view (B), and a cross-sectional view of the top view showing cross sections CC, DD, and EE depicted in the top view.

[0041] [Figure 5D] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of an active energy addition system.

[0042] [Figure 6A] 1A and 1B are simplified diagrams illustrating one embodiment of a characterizer housing, where (A) is a perspective view and (B) is an exploded view of (A).

[0043] [Figure 6B] 6B are a top view and a cross-sectional view taken along lines AA, BB, and CC shown in the top view and cross-sectional view of FIG. 6A.

[0044] [Figure 7] 1A and 1B are top and cross-sectional views of one embodiment of the exposure control component of the advanced control system, with cross-sections AA, BB, and CC shown as top and separate cross-sections.

[0045] [Figure 8] 1A and 1B are simplified diagrams illustrating one embodiment of an internal fluid isolator, where (A) is a perspective view and (B) is a bottom view.

[0046] [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of using the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements throughout the several views, the drawings illustrate an example of a preferred embodiment.

[0048] 1A-1D generally illustrate one embodiment of the device of the present invention. A balloon 20 having an envelope 21 encloses a lift gas 23 and is in releasable contact with a neck 22. The altitude of the device can be increased by decreasing the density of the lift gas 23. This is accomplished by adding energy to the lift gas 23, which increases its volume, thereby making it lighter and therefore decreasing its density. The required energy change is achieved by an active heat load on the system and by regulating the movement of the lift gas from the envelope, or by introducing an ambient fluid, typically consisting of outside air, into the system. This results in the expansion of the envelope 21, thus facilitating the ascent of the balloon 20. The system facilitates descent by mass transfer and the release of the lift gas 23 from the system through the neck 22 of the balloon 20, decreasing its volume and thus causing the envelope 21 to contract. Adding a controlled amount of cooler ambient air to the envelope 21 filled with lift gas 23 through the neck 22 of the balloon 20 reduces the temperature of the lift gas 23 and changes its density by the amount of added ambient air. This promotes a volume reduction due to the cooling of the lift gas 23. Adding a specific amount of fresh air heavier than the original lift gas 23 to the envelope 21 through the balloon neck 22 not only increases the overall mass of the mixture, but also reduces the lift of the system. This facilitates the descent or transition of the balloon 20 to a stationary mode, depending on the rate at which the ambient air is added to the system and the total amount of ambient air added. The volume fluctuation of the envelope 21 can be visualized by comparing it with the centerline in Figure 1B. The descent of the device following the ascent is also facilitated without mass transfer of the lift gas 23 and by simply dissipating the additional energy of the lift gas 23 into the ambient environment through the envelope 21 in the form of passive energy exchange between the ambient environment and the envelope 21.

[0049] FIG. 1A is a front view of the device of the present invention. In this illustration, balloon 20 has an envelope 21 filled with lift gas 23. In contact with and connected to neck 22, balloon 20 further includes an altitude control system 100, an external fluid isolator 110, and an external antenna 40. Altitude control system 100 communicates with and executes its operations using one or more onboard processors 147 and integrated (digitally or electronically linked, coordinated, or connected) controllers with a remote station, either independently or via the external antenna 40 connected to altitude control system 100. Payload component 31 is detachable and connects to neck 22 via a payload connection extension 32, which supports and removably attaches an external payload 30. Mission-specific atmospheric altitude variation requirements for the payload can be met by varying the altitude of balloon 20 in desired modes of operation, including at least ascent, descent, and stationary mode options. Payloads can be of any form, type, shape, and size. Specific examples of payloads include, but are not limited to, tools and devices for scientific and academic research, military-specific devices and components, cargo, or even rockets.

[0050] FIG. 1B is a front view of the device of the present invention shown in FIG. 1A, illustrating volumetric changes. The envelope 21 is in releasable, airtight contact with the neck 22, allowing for mechanical and electronic or digital interaction with an advanced control system. In this illustration, the original envelope 21 is shown expanding. The dotted lines indicate the envelope 21 in various expanded configurations. Active, controlled energy addition of altitude changes can be achieved using an envelope 21 that is inherently flexible or that can expand and contract in size to accommodate volumetric changes in the lift gas 23. The envelope 21 can be fabricated from a single, continuous, or multiple connected sheets or films of gas-impermeable material, any shape and size capable of fully containing the gas, with some flexibility, and including recursive properties such as stretching to a previous configuration. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, rubber, polyethylene, latex, or Mylar. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other gas-impermeable, flexible materials capable of forming films and sheets can be used to manufacture the envelope and are within the scope of this disclosure. Additionally, in one or more embodiments, the system can utilize passive solar energy to power the system. The envelope 21 can be made of or coated with a highly absorbing material that increases the amount of solar energy absorbed by the lift gas 23, thus reducing the amount of load or active energy addition to the lift gas 23 used for advanced control. For example, the envelope 21 can be made of or be made of a material capable of absorbing solar radiation, or can be coated with or otherwise functionally connected to an absorbing layer on its exterior surface, increasing the amount of solar energy absorbed by the lift gas 23, thus reducing the amount of active energy addition to the lift gas 23.

[0051] The envelope 21 surrounds the lift gas 23. The lift gas contained within the envelope can be lighter, heavier, or equal to the ambient fluid in the environment in which the device operates. Typically, helium or hydrogen can be used, but those skilled in the art will understand that other gases capable of responding to the addition or removal of energy can be used and still remain within the scope of the present invention. Adding energy to the lift gas 23 increases the volume of the lift gas 23 and therefore decreases its density. Meanwhile, mass transfer of the lift gas or removal of energy from the system decreases its volume. Adding cooler ambient air into the envelope 21 surrounding the lift gas 23 reduces the lift gas temperature, allowing the lift gas to cool with the mass addition, thereby changing the newly composed lift gas 23 mixture from the original amount of lift gas due to the added ambient air. This change in lift gas temperature facilitates a decrease in lift gas volume. Adding a certain amount of external gas, or air, that is heavier and / or cooler than the original lift gas to the envelope 21 reduces the lift force of the system due to the higher density of air than the original lift gas 23, in addition to increasing the overall mass of the mixture. This results in a descending or stationary mode of balloon transport.

[0052] 1B also shows neck 22 and the payload components, including payload component 31 of external payload 30 and its connection to advanced control system 100 via payload connection extension 32. An external fluid isolator 110 interfaces with external antenna 40, which facilitates data and information transfer between advanced control system 100 and a remote station (airborne or ground).

[0053] FIG. 1C shows an exploded view of the advanced control system 100 within the embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 1A. The advanced control system, configured to operate the balloon in ascending, descending, or stationary modes using an active energy addition process, provides lift gas movement from or ambient air introduction into the envelope. Sensors in the advanced control system can determine, record, and respond to in-situ envelope properties, including, but not limited to, surface temperature, structural stress, and envelope volume, as well as lift gas properties such as pressure, temperature, and volume, and then modify the energy of the lift gas to alter the lift gas density. In this illustration, balloon 20, including envelope 21 enclosing lift gas 23, is connected to neck 22, which is also in releasable airtight contact with the advanced control system. In one embodiment, envelope 21 can be connected to advanced control system 100 via a clamp that attaches it to neck 22. The attachment mechanism can be as simple as using zip ties or similar removable attachment means or a more stable or permanent clamping mechanism. In another embodiment, the envelope 21 includes only an opening without a neck 22 .

[0054] 1C also shows an external antenna 40 located at the bottom of the advanced control system 100 and a payload connection extension 32 that connects the payload components 31 including the external payload 30. The external antenna 40 can be of various types, including but not limited to a whip antenna, a bipolar antenna, a 70 cm antenna, a helical antenna, or other antenna types that can be attached to the device.

[0055] FIG. 1D is a perspective view of the advanced control system 100 shown in FIG. 1C, including (A) a slide knob 173 that activates the exposure control and varies the volume of the lift gas 23. When the exposure control slide knob 173 shown in (A) is in the closed position, no additional energy is introduced into the lift gas. When the slide knob 173 is slid or placed in the open position, as shown in (B), the advanced control system 100 is activated. This open position allows for the deployment of the active energy control element. Those skilled in the art will understand that other types of actuation, such as a button, switch, or electronic actuation component or drive, can be used in place of the simple slide knob 173 mechanism.

[0056] The altitude control system 100 is configured to operate the balloon 20 in an ascending, descending, or stationary mode, where altitude movement of the balloon 20 is caused by in situ measuring envelope 21 and lift gas 23 properties, identifying the required change in lift gas energy, and facilitating the required energy change by adjusting active heat addition to the system and lift gas movement from the envelope 21, or by introducing ambient fluid into the system, or simply allowing the lift gas 23 to passively dissipate energy into the surrounding environment. The altitude control system 100 may include externally visible light emitting diode (LED) lights or similar indicators to indicate the operating status of the system.

[0057] The altitude of the balloon 20 can be varied by changing the temperature of the lift gas 23 surrounded by the envelope 21 or by changing the amount and concentration of the lift gas 23 within the balloon's envelope 21. The variable altitude is controlled by causing a volume expansion, compression or reduction of the lift gas 23 within the envelope 21. Thus, by controlling the amount of energy absorbed or released by the lift gas 23 and the amount of lift gas present within the balloon 20, the altitude of the balloon 20 can be controlled. The envelope 21 of the balloon 20 needs to be elastic or plastic with a volume large enough to accommodate the varying volume changes of the lift gas 23 without bursting or rupturing.

[0058] In operation, typical high-altitude balloons are deployed in the stratosphere, which includes altitudes between approximately 8 kilometers (km) and 50 km above the Earth's surface. The present invention enables the use of ultra-high altitude balloons for altitudes from the Earth's surface up to the edge of the atmosphere at 100 km (known as the Von Kármán line), which includes the stratosphere and troposphere as well as portions of the mesosphere and thermosphere. The present invention is generally applicable to the full range of altitude variations between 0 km and 100 km. In preferred embodiments, ultra-high altitude balloons may be configured to operate at altitudes generally between the stratosphere and the mesosphere. More specifically, the present invention may be configured to operate at altitudes generally between 18 km and 80 km, although other altitudes are possible. This altitude range may be advantageous for several reasons. In particular, balloons deployed at altitudes above 18 km typically exceed the maximum flight levels specified for civil air traffic and therefore do not interfere with commercial aviation. Furthermore, the higher the balloon's altitude, the greater the ground coverage that can be achieved for ground-based payloads, such as, but not limited to, ground observation, surveillance, communications, data, and information exchange.

[0059] 2 shows an exploded perspective view of advanced control system 100, including external fluid isolator 110, surface enclosure 120, control system housing 130, body 140, power supply 150, characterizer 160, exposure control section 170, and internal fluid isolator 180. In the preferred embodiment, surface enclosure 120 is the external component of advanced control system 100 and provides an enclosure to protect and support the remaining components and subassemblies. The components and subassemblies of the preferred and various alternative embodiments are described in the figures and discussion that follow.

[0060] 3A and 3B illustrate an external fluid isolator 110 that separates the advanced control system 100 from the ambient atmosphere. In a preferred embodiment, the external fluid isolator 110 allows for connection of an external payload 30 to the system via a payload opening 115 and also allows for connection of an external antenna 40 via an antenna opening 114. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3B, the external fluid isolator 110 may include an environmental opening 113 to facilitate transfer of lift gas 23 to the outside or ambient air to the advanced control system 100. A collar surface 116 at a first end of the external fluid isolator 110 is in contact with or formed contiguous with an external fluid isolator sidewall 111, which may further include a locking mechanism 112 that can interact with the surface enclosure 120 to secure the surface enclosure 120 to the external fluid isolator 110. The external fluid isolator sidewall 111 of the external fluid isolator 110 is in contact with the surface enclosure 120 of the advanced control system 100. Openings in collar face 116, including but not limited to antenna opening 114 and payload opening 115, may be present to allow collar face 116 to position and support an antenna, payload, or other component. Those skilled in the art will understand that external fluid isolator 110 can operate without antenna 40 and associated openings without communication with a remote station or altitude control operating without a payload and associated openings and still be included in the disclosure herein.

[0061] 4A through 4D illustrate the control system housing 130, which supports and positions the system components of the advanced control system 100, and show the components of a preferred embodiment of the advanced control system 100. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the control system housing 130 uses a power switch 132 to activate the device and engage the exposure control 170. Power to the system is turned on when the switch is in the closed position and turned off when the switch is in the open position. In an alternative embodiment, the control system housing 130 may use an on-off relay in place of the power switch 132.

[0062] FIG. 4B illustrates various components of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. A payload hook 133 is disposed within the control system housing 130 and functions to attach the payload to the rest of the apparatus. The external payload 30 and external antenna 40 are in mechanical contact and removably attached to the payload hook 133 and antenna connection 135 of the control system housing 130 through the payload opening 115 and antenna opening 114, respectively, of the external fluid isolator 110. Operation of the advanced control system 100 is accessible from the exterior of the control system housing 130 through an opening, power switch opening 132a. The control system housing 130 may include a cap 136 for sealing a control system housing central pass-through passage 136a, which facilitates transport of the lift gas 23 into the envelope 21. As shown in FIG. 4C, the control system housing 130 may include configurations or structural features, such as, but not limited to, cap hook pass-through openings 134a, that provide additional structural support for and position the payload hook 133 and cap hook 134. This allows these hooks to cross or pass through openings, payload hook pass-through opening 133a and cap hook pass-through opening 134a, respectively, for external payload connection. The control system housing 130 may provide access to the external antenna 40 via an antenna connection 135 passing through antenna passage 135a. An opening, ambient air pass-through opening 137, facilitates passage for connection elements such as tubing or pipes (not shown) connecting to the environmental opening 113 of the external fluid isolator 110 of the advanced control system 100 to allow transfer of lift gas 23 to the outside or ambient air to the advanced control system 100. The control system housing 130 may provide access to the external payload 30 via a payload hook 133 passing through payload hook pass-through opening 133a. A cap hook 134 passing through cap hook pass-through opening 134a may be incorporated to securely fasten a cap 136 to provide an airtight seal for the lift gas 23 exiting the control system housing central pass-through passage 136a during operation.In one embodiment, the external fluid isolator 110 may magnetically contact the control system housing 130 to form a tight connection between these components. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the control system housing 130 may or may not include various hooks and associated openings and support features as needed for antenna transmission and desired payload functionality. Additionally, alternative embodiments provide that the control system housing 130 may include simple built-in connection ports in place of the payload hooks 133 and cap hooks 134. Additionally, the cap 136 and cap hooks 134 of the control system housing 130 may be replaced by magnets and magnetic attachments to provide leak-proof contact with the gas delivery system 142 of the body 140.

[0063] 5A-5D illustrate an advanced control system 100. FIG. 5A shows an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the advanced control system. This view shows a body 140 of the advanced control system 100 having a central housing 141, further described in FIG. 5B, which supports, structurally accommodates, and provides a foundation for the components of the body 140. A central body passageway 141a (shown in FIG. 5B) of the central housing 141 houses a gas delivery system 142 for delivering the lift gas 23. A wire passageway 141b (shown in FIG. 5B) facilitates routing of electrical wires connecting the processor 147 and components of the characterizer 160 (shown in FIG. 6A) for power and data transmission. Central housing tappings 141c are electrical connections (shown in FIG. 5B) that facilitate passage for transfer of connections between flow element tappings 142d (shown in FIG. 5B) of gas delivery system 142 and flow sensing device 144 for delivery of lift gas 23 or ambient air. In a preferred embodiment, body 140 houses gas delivery system 142, allowing either fluid, lift gas 23, or ambient air to pass through and be adjusted in any direction. Alternatively, gas delivery system 142 may not be concentrically contiguous with central housing 141.

[0064] Figure 5C shows a gas delivery system 142 having a flow conduit 142a forming a passage for gas delivery; a flow element 142b, such as an orifice plate or venture plate, for generating measurements and data of the lift gas 23 during delivery to or from the envelope 21; an inlet control device 142c, such as a directional flow control valve or check valve, for regulating the flow or delivery into or out of the system; a flow element tapping 142d facilitating a connection for detecting fluctuations in the flow of the lift gas 23 generated by the flow element 142b and an ambient tapping 142e providing a flow bypass for either regulated delivery of the lift gas 23 out of the system or regulated delivery of ambient air into the system via an ambient flow control device 146 in the body 140; and a passage for an ambient flow control device 141d in the central housing 141. Alternatively, flow control devices 142c and 146 may be electromechanical, electrically operated and controlled, and in electrical contact with processor 147 of body 140.

[0065] FIG. 5D details the active energy addition system 143. The central housing 141 provides a structural foundation for the active energy addition system 143, which can add energy to the lift gas 23 using heat, increasing the size of the envelope 21 and facilitating an increase in the altitude of the balloon 20. In a preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 5D, the active energy addition system 143 further includes an active energy addition element 143d, which supplies energy to the lift gas 23 by electrothermal heat transfer. Based on electrical resistance heating, the active energy addition element 143d converts energy provided in the form of electricity via the power supply 150 of the altitude control system 100 into thermal energy in the form of heat addition to the lift gas 23 via radiative and convective modes of heat transfer. In the radiative mode of heat transfer, the active energy addition element 143d radiates heat to its surroundings, which is primarily absorbed by the interior surface of the envelope 21, resulting in an increase in the surface temperature of the envelope 21. In the convective mode of heat transfer, the lift gas 23 in surface contact with the active energy addition element 143d and the interior surface of the envelope 21 exchanges heat with the contacting surfaces via surface convection, attempting to reach an equilibrium heat transfer condition, resulting in an increase in the temperature of the lift gas 23. This increase in temperature promotes the expansion of the lift gas 23, and therefore the expansion of the envelope 21, ultimately increasing the altitude of the balloon 20.

[0066] The deployment of the active energy addition element 143d is isolated from the rest of the active energy addition system 143 via an isolator 143c. The active energy addition system 143 may include a heating system using natural gas, propane gas, or ethanol, or other similar combustion-based heating systems. However, several alternative heating systems can be used to provide heat to the lift gas 23. These may include, but are not limited to: lift gas 23 heating systems using UV (ultraviolet) light; infrared (IR) radiation; ultrasonic heating; heat pipe mechanisms; or boiling heat transfer mechanisms. The active energy addition system 143 optionally includes a motor 143a and a slider housing 143b, which are slidably associated to facilitate motorized control. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the system may be fixed without sliding movement between the motor 143a and the slider housing 143b. Motor 143a enables translation of active energy addition element 143d via slider housing 143b by sliding along the axis of rotation of motor 143a. A motor drive control may be provided to secure active energy addition element 143d within advanced control system 100 when not in use and extend from advanced control system 100 to expose active energy addition element 143d to lift gas 23 enclosed in envelope 21. In another embodiment, the motor drive control of active energy addition system 143 may be replaced by a magnet with a magnetic connection, where the slider and slider housing 143b are slidable along the axis of rotation of motor 143a, and electromagnetic control is used to facilitate electromagnetic control.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the body 140 houses a flow sensing device 144 for detecting fluctuations in the flow rate of the lift gas 23 or ambient air through the flow conduit 142a and fluctuations generated by the flow element 142b. The body 140 may include a flow regulator 145, such as a pump or motor 143a, to control either the flow of lift gas 23 out of the system or the flow of ambient air into the system via a mechanical environmental flow control device 146, such as a directional control valve or check valve, which manages the amount and / or concentration of lift gas within the envelope 21. This facilitates reducing the size of the envelope 21, resulting in the balloon's descent, or stopping either the inflation or compression of the envelope 21, corresponding to a quiescent mode of the balloon 20. In one embodiment, the environmental flow control device 146 has electromechanical components in electrical contact with a processor 147.

[0068] Also in a preferred embodiment, body 140 includes a processor 147 for performing on-board data and signal processing operations, including, but not limited to, lift gas 23 conditioning; lift gas 23 characterization; envelope 21 characterization; ambient air conditioning and characterization; adjustment, control, and characterization of active energy addition system 143; management and regulation of power supply 150; and monitoring and control of sensing devices and controllers, along with data and information transfer with a remote station via external antenna 40. Processor 147 may also include wireless capabilities, such as Bluetooth®, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi®, or Near Field Communication (NFC), for communicating with nearby and / or peripheral devices for data and information transfer. Body 140 may also optionally include a GPS system electrically connected to processor 147 for data and power transfer.

[0069] FIG. 6A shows a perspective view and an exploded view of one exemplary embodiment of a characterizer 160 containing an infrared (IR) device 162 housed within an IR device housing 162a to detect characteristics of the envelope 21. FIG. 6B shows a top view and a cross-sectional view of the characterizer 160 of FIG. 6A. The system detects in-situ characteristics of the envelope 21, including but not limited to surface temperature, structural stress, and envelope volume, as well as properties of the lift gas 23, such as pressure, temperature, and volume, from multiple sensors, and modifies the energy of the lift gas to alter the lift gas density. One or more processors (hereinafter, "processor" or "processors") 147 capture and convert information from the sensors, including the direct-contact sensor 163 and the pressure sensor 164. The processor 147 may include or be connected to multiple processing or storage components that can capture, store, and integrate data received from connected sensors, actuators, and other system components. The envelope 21 reaches an equilibrium temperature that is influenced by the temperature of the external ambient fluid, typically air, and the temperature of the internal lift gas 23. An IR device 162, controlled and operated by the processor 147 of the body 140, continuously detects temperature changes in the envelope 21 due to changing internal and external thermal conditions across the envelope 21 boundary resulting from the balloon 20's ascent, descent, or stationary mode movement. The characterizer 160 may include a direct contact sensor 163, such as a thermistor housed in 163a and controlled by the processor 147 of the body 140, to detect and measure temperature changes of the lift gas 23 within the envelope 21. The characterizer 160 may include a pressure sensor 164, housed in a pressure sensor housing 164a and controlled by the processor 147 of the body 140, to detect and measure pressure changes of the lift gas 23 within the envelope 21. Characterizer 160 may also optionally include a range finder (not shown) controlled by processor 147 of body 140 to measure and capture information regarding the distance of the polar edge of envelope 21 .The distance measurement allows direct measurement of variations in the volumetric expansion or compression of the lift gas 23 and therefore provides quantitative information of the variations in the size of the envelope 21, which in turn provides quantitative information regarding the operation of the system in the up, down and stationary modes.

[0070] The characterizer 160 detects and quantifies physical data such as temperature, pressure, diameter, and therefore the state of the envelope 21 and lift gas 23. This information, along with flow transfer information from the gas delivery system 142 and flow regulator 145 of the body 140, is utilized by the processor 147 to generate a control signal. This signal is sent to generate a regulated and controlled output from the active energy addition system 143 of the body 140 to provide the desired operational mode of transport of the balloon 20: either ascending, descending, or stationary. The characterizer central passageway 165 facilitates passage for the flow conduit 142a of the body 140.

[0071] The processor 147 receives and processes temperature data from the IR device 162 and diameter data from the range finder and converts it into key indicators related to the state of the envelope 21 at any given time in the form of temperature, volume, and stress of the envelope 21. During the initial inflation or filling of the balloon 20, the processor 147 uses data received from the flow sensing device 144 to record the total volume of lift gas 23 charged to the envelope 21. The processor 147 also converts temperature data received from the direct contact sensor 163 and pressure data from the pressure sensor 164 into key indicators of the state of the lift gas 23 at any given time in the form of temperature, pressure, and volume data specific to the lift gas 23. The processor 147 can be pre-programmed to operate in a default setting where altitude variations of the balloon 20 are achieved using preset desired altitude information, or in a remote setting where altitude variations of the balloon 20 are achieved using preset desired altitude information that is updated during operation and calculated with new altitude information received from a remote station.

[0072] The processor 147 can operate in multiple modes. Two different modes are contemplated in the preferred embodiment, including at least a simple mode and a precise mode, which may be preprogrammed or set by an externally connected device, either wired or wirelessly. In the simple mode of operation, the processor 147 is programmed to maintain the temperature of the envelope 21 within set limits throughout the balloon's transit, which may vary by up to 5°. In the precise mode of operation, the processor 147 is programmed to detect the balloon's current altitude and status, compare it to the balloon's desired altitude and status, and then generate control signals to achieve the desired change in balloon altitude. For the precise mode of operation, the processor 147 may be equipped with a GPS or similar device that generates real-time altitude information. For balloon ascent, the processor 147 determines the required volume change within the envelope 21 and therefore estimates the amount of energy needed to add to the lift gas 23, which is provided by activating the active energy addition element 143d for the estimated operating period. For the balloon's transition to descent mode, processor 147 determines the required volume change within envelope 21 and therefore estimates the amount of energy to remove from lift gas 23, which, depending on the state of envelope 21 and lift gas 23, may be removed by removing the estimated mass of lift gas 23 from envelope 21, by adding ambient air to envelope 21 via operation of flow regulator 145, or by simply passively removing the desired energy through natural convection interaction between envelope 21 and the surrounding environment, or a combination of these methods. In balloon stationary mode, processor 147 executes the operations for transitioning between balloon ascent and / or descent modes as needed to achieve and maintain balloon stationary state. Processor 147 is powered using power supply 150 and activated using power switch 132. The electronic components of advanced control system 100 are powered and operated via processor 147.In an alternative embodiment, a set including an IR device 162, a direct contact sensor 163 and a pressure sensor 164 may be added within the flow conduit 142a to characterize the lift gas conditions within the flow conduit 142a at any given time.

[0073] 7 is a top view and associated cross-sectional views of one embodiment of the exposure control 170 component of the advanced control system 100, with cross-sections AA, BB, and CC shown in the top view and individual cross-sections. In a preferred embodiment, the exposure control 170 is included to control the exposure of the sensors and devices of the characterizer 160 to the lift gas 23 within the envelope 21. The exposure control 170 is actuated by sliding a knob 173 along a groove 183 in the internal fluidic isolator 180 shown in FIG. The knob 173 matingly conforms to a groove 183 such that sliding the knob 173 aligns or misaligns the large exposure control opening 171 and the small exposure control opening 172 with the internal fluid isolator 180 and the IR device housing 162a, the direct contact sensor housing 163a, the pressure sensor housing 164a, and the pass-through opening 166 of the active energy addition element 143d, thereby exposing the sensor and controller of the IR device 162, the direct contact sensor 163, the pressure sensor 164, and the active energy addition element 143d to the lift gas 23 within the envelope 21. The exposure control central pass-through passage 174 surrounds the passage for the flow conduit 142a of the body 140. Sliding of the exposure control 170 can be automated using a motor-driven system. Alternatively, an electromagnetic system controlled by the processor 147 can be utilized to slide the exposure control 170. In another embodiment, the exposure control section 170 is completely removed and the internal fluid isolator 180 is twisted relative to the characterizer 160 to facilitate exposure of the sensors and devices of the characterizer 160 to the lift gas 23.

[0074] 8A and 8B show an internal fluidic isolator 180, which functions to encapsulate and isolate the components of the advanced control system 100 from exposure to the lift gas 23 and prevent energy leakage from the envelope 21. The internal fluidic isolator 180 allows the lift gas 23 or ambient air to pass through the flow conduit 142a of the body 140 via an internal fluidic isolator central passageway 184. The surfaces of the internal fluidic isolator 180 exposed to the lift gas 23 may be coated with a reflective coating, such as aluminum, to reflect incident thermal radiation emitted from the active energy addition element 143d toward the surface of the envelope 21.

[0075] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating a preferred method of use of the device and system of the present invention. System operation and control are autonomous; the device functions on its own using preprogrammed information, either in a default mode, where information for operation is preprogrammed into the system, or in a remote mode, where the system can detect, acquire, and use data remotely transmitted from a source external to the device. This can be accomplished via the antenna 40 or other data receiving / transmitting components. The user first activates the processor 147 by operating the power switch 132 to an on or closed state, preparing the device for the addition of lift gas 23. The processor 147 then sequentially proceeds through a fill mode, followed by a default or remote setting, and in either the default or remote setting, the system operates in a simple or accurate mode. Each of these modes of operation is further described below. Those skilled in the art will understand that these modes are exemplary in nature, and that other modes can be described and are within the scope of this disclosure, and that the method can operate in a different sequence or order and remain consistent with this disclosure.

[0076] Filling mode: The user inflates the envelope 21 to facilitate transport of lift gas 23 into the balloon 20 through the flow conduit 142a via the directional inflow control device 142c and flow element 142b. During this lift gas transport, the flow element 142b generates a flow measurement of the lift gas 23 that is transferred to the flow sensing device 144 via the tapping 142d, and this data is then recorded by the processor 147. The user places the cap 136 in a position that seals the control system housing central pass-through passage 136a with a compressive force applied by the cap hook 134. The inflow control device 142c and cap 136 ensure that there is no leakage of lift gas outside the system. The processor 147 then estimates the total amount of lift gas 23 in the envelope 21 and the status of the lift gas 23 and the envelope 21 upon completion of the fill mode by receiving temperature, pressure, and diameter data from the IR device 162, direct contact sensor 163, pressure sensor 164, and distance meter (not shown). The user then places the external fluid isolator 110 in place. At this point, the user may attach the external antenna 40 to the antenna connection 135 of the control system housing 130 and attach the external payload 30 to the hook of the payload 133 of the control system housing 130. At this point, the balloon 20 is launched.

[0077] Default Settings: In the default settings, the processor 147 detects the pre-programmed desired altitude information and facilitates the transport of the balloon to the pre-programmed altitude in either simple or accurate mode.

[0078] Simple Mode with Default Settings: In this mode of balloon transport, the processor 147 records the conditions of the envelope 21 and lift gas 23, compares them to pre-programmed conditions at any given time, identifies the temperature emanation of the envelope 21, and facilitates the desired power supply to the active energy addition element 143d, which then radiates heat to the lift gas 23 and the interior surfaces of the envelope 21 to achieve the desired conditions of the envelope 21, as well as maintain the temperature of the envelope 21 within set limits, for example, but not limited to, + / - 5°C or + / - 10°C of temperature variation. Maintaining the envelope 21 temperature within these set limits adds heat to the lift gas 23, causing its volumetric expansion, thus transporting or ascent of the balloon to the pre-programmed altitude.

[0079] Accurate Mode with Default Settings: In this mode of balloon transport, processor 147 records the state of envelope 21 and lift gas 23, records real-time altitude detected from an onboard positioning system such as GPS, evaluates the desired state based on the real-time altitude information, compares them at any point in time, identifies the temperature divergence of envelope 21, and facilitates the desired power supply to active energy addition element 143d, which then radiates heat to lift gas 23 and the interior surface of envelope 21 to achieve the desired state of envelope 21. This heat addition to lift gas 23 facilitates volume expansion and thus facilitates the ascent of the balloon transport.

[0080] Remote Configuration: In a remote configuration, the processor 147 detects the desired altitude or other relevant operational information from a remote airborne or ground station during transport and facilitates balloon transport to the desired altitude in either a simple or precise mode.

[0081] Simple Mode with Remote Settings: In this mode of balloon transport, the processor 147 records the conditions of the envelope 21 and the lift gas 23, compares them with the desired conditions received from the remote station at any given time, determines the temperature variance of the envelope 21, and facilitates the desired power supply to the active energy addition element 143d, which then radiates heat to the lift gas 23 and the interior surfaces of the envelope 21 to maintain the temperature of the envelope 21 within set limits of temperature fluctuation, e.g., + / - 5°C or + / - 10°C, so that the temperature of the envelope 21 is within set limits of the ambient environment temperature, in order to achieve balloon ascent. In this way, maintaining the envelope temperature within set limits while mitigating variance adds heat to the lift gas 23, causing its volume expansion, and thus transporting or ascent of the balloon 20 to the desired altitude. To achieve balloon descent, processor 147 facilitates the desired power supply to flow regulator 145 to either transfer mass of lift gas 23 from envelope 21 to the external environment, or mass of ambient air to envelope 21, or simply passively dissipate lift gas 23 into the ambient environment, depending on the state of envelope 21, the state of lift gas 23, the time of day, and environmental conditions predetermined prior to execution of descent mode. To maintain the balloon's position in stationary mode, processor 147 executes transitions between balloon ascent and / or descent modes as needed to achieve balloon stationary state.

[0082] Accurate Mode with Remote Settings: In this mode of balloon transport, the processor 147 records the conditions of the envelope 21 and lift gas 23, records the real-time altitude detected from an onboard positioning system such as GPS, compares them with the desired conditions received from the remote station at any given time, determines the temperature divergence of the envelope 21, and facilitates the desired power supply to the active energy addition element 143d, which then radiates heat to the lift gas 23 and the interior surfaces of the envelope 21 to achieve the desired condition of the envelope 21 and thus the balloon ascent. The mitigation of this divergence adds heat to the lift gas 23, causing its volume expansion, thus transporting or ascent of the balloon to the desired altitude. To achieve balloon descent, depending on the state of the envelope 21, the state of the lift gas 23, the time of day, and environmental conditions predetermined prior to execution of the descent mode, the processor 147 then facilitates the desired power supply to the flow regulator 145 to transfer the mass of the lift gas 23 from the envelope 21 to the external environment, thereby reducing the volume of the balloon, or to transfer the mass of the ambient air into the envelope 21, thereby reducing the lift gas temperature and volume of the envelope 21, or simply to passively dissipate the lift gas energy into the ambient environment, thereby reducing the volume of the balloon. To maintain the balloon's position in stationary mode, the processor 147 executes transitions between balloon ascent and / or descent modes as needed to achieve balloon stationary state.

[0083] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used to practice or test balloon altitude control by in situ characterization and active energy management, and suitable methods and materials are described above. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations. Balloon altitude control by in situ characterization and active energy management may be embodied in other specific forms, and methodologies may be performed in different relative orders, without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof; therefore, the present embodiments should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings used within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.

[0084] The following additional note is added: (Supplementary Note 1) Apparatus for balloon altitude control including an autonomously controlled and operating balloon capable of withstanding extreme environmental and weather conditions from the Earth's surface to an altitude of at least 80 km, said apparatus further comprising: a. A flexible, inflatable envelope capable of surrounding and containing lift gas, said envelope being in releasable gas-tight contact with the neck and capable of mechanical and electronic or digital interaction with an advanced control system; b. a lift gas releasably contained within said envelope, said lift gas being a gas that is lighter than, heavier than, or equal to the ambient fluid of the environment in which said device operates, said lift gas responding to the addition or removal of energy by expanding or contracting, thereby expanding or contracting said envelope; c. a neck in removable airtight contact with said envelope, said neck removably enclosing at least a portion of an advanced control system; d. a body having a central housing supporting and structurally conforming to said body, said body being in contact with an advanced control system and a gas delivery system; e. an advanced control system contained within and supported by said body, said advanced control system further comprising a characterizer including one or more processors capable of powering and quantifying and transmitting data; said advanced control system configured to operate said balloon in an ascending, descending, or stationary mode using an active energy management process that provides for adding energy to said lift gas, passively removing energy from said lift gas, moving lift gas out of said envelope, or introducing ambient fluid (air) into said envelope; f. a gas delivery system contained within and supported by said body, said gas delivery system facilitating passage for lift gas delivery to and from said envelope, facilitating a basis for generating an electrical signal during said lift gas delivery, and capable of facilitating housing support for quantifying the amount of said lift gas entering and leaving said system; g. An active energy management system further comprising an active energy addition system comprising a plurality of sensors capable of detecting and measuring variations in in-situ characteristics, said plurality of sensors coupled to said one or more processors of said advanced control system, said one or more processors capable of capturing and processing data received from said coupled sensors; said one or more processors integrated with one or more controllers capable of receiving, storing and processing qualitative and quantitative data from said plurality of sensors and further capable of forwarding said data to a remote station or receiver; h. Power supply; i. Antenna components; and k. Payload components; An apparatus having: (Appendix 2) The envelope comprises one or more sheets of durable, flexible, and gas-impermeable material consisting essentially of rubber, polyethylene, latex, or Mylar; 10. The apparatus described in Appendix 1. (Supplementary Note 3) The envelope is further made of or coated with a material capable of passively absorbing solar energy, and the absorbed solar energy can be used by the device to reduce the amount of active energy addition used for altitude control. 1. The apparatus described in Appendix 2. (Supplementary Note 4) The advanced control system further comprises: a. one or more controllers integrated with the one or more processors of the active energy addition system that cooperate to actively monitor and control the components of the advanced control system; b. an external fluid isolator separating said advanced control system from the ambient atmosphere and in contact with or formed contiguous with an external fluid isolator sidewall, said external fluid isolator further comprising: i. a locking mechanism on said side wall capable of interacting with and locking to a surface enclosure; ii. Environmental openings, and iii. Ambient air passage openings; External fluid isolator; c. a surface enclosure for protecting and supporting said advanced control system; said surface enclosure further comprising a collar having a collar surface including a plurality of openings, including at least an antenna opening and a payload opening; d. a control system housing including one or more openings, a central passageway, a cap sealing said central passageway, and a power switch or relay for activating said device and thereby actuating exposure control components; e. an internal fluid isolator further having a small opening, a large opening, a groove, and a central through passage; f. the power source; and g. Exposure control components; having 10. The apparatus described in Appendix 1. (Supplementary Note 5) The volume of the lift gas present in the envelope is quantified by the characterizer, which further comprises: a. an infrared device capable of capturing and transmitting to the one or more processors qualitative and quantitative data from the plurality of sensors regarding in-situ characteristics of the envelope and the lift gas and environmental conditions within and surrounding the apparatus; b. the one or more processors and controllers are integrated with each other and with the characteristic evaluator; and the integrated one or more processors, the controller, and the characteristic evaluator cooperate to actively monitor and control the device. 10. The apparatus described in Appendix 1. (Supplementary Note 6) The external fluid isolator is enclosed within a surface enclosure that is in mechanical contact with, and thereby connected to, the control system housing and that is releasably connected to the antenna component and the payload component. 10. The apparatus described in Appendix 4. (Supplementary Note 7) Further comprising a processor-controlled distance meter that measures and captures information regarding the distance of the polar ends of the envelope, the captured measurements enabling a direct measurement of the variation in volumetric expansion or compression of the lift gas. 10. The apparatus described in Appendix 1. (Supplementary Note 8) The active energy management system further comprises a central housing providing a structural foundation for the active energy addition system, an active energy addition element electronically connected to the power source and capable of performing radiative and convective heat transfer modes, a heat source, and an isolator separating the active energy addition element from the rest of the active energy addition system, wherein the active energy addition system uses the heat generated by the system to add energy to the lift gas, increasing the size of the envelope and facilitating an increase in the altitude of the balloon. 10. The apparatus described in Appendix 1. (Supplementary Note 9) The active energy management system includes a motor to facilitate motor drive control. 10. The apparatus described in Appendix 8. (Supplementary Note 10) The active energy addition system includes a slider that slides along the rotation axis of the motor and can facilitate electromagnetic control, and a magnet and a magnetic connection part with the housing. 10. The apparatus described in Appendix 8. (Supplementary Note 11) The gas delivery system further comprises a flow conduit forming a passageway for gas to be delivered therethrough; a flow element for generating data regarding the lift gas during delivery to or from the envelope; an inflow control device for regulating delivery to or from the system; one or more flow element tappings for facilitating connection to detect variations in the flow rate of the lift gas; an environmental flow control device; and a passageway connecting the environmental flow control device to the central housing. 10. The apparatus described in Appendix 1. (Supplementary Note 12) The environmental flow control device is electromechanical, electrically operated and controlled, and electrically connected to a processor capable of characterizing and adjusting the lift gas, ambient air, envelope, and active energy systems. 12. The apparatus of claim 11. (Supplementary Note 13) The antenna component further has an antenna opening, the antenna component being in mechanical contact with an antenna connection to a control system housing and being removably attached to the antenna connection. 10. The apparatus described in Appendix 1. Clause 14: The payload component further comprises a payload-passage hook opening, a payload hook positioned within the payload-passage hook opening, and a payload connection extension connecting an external payload to the apparatus. 10. The apparatus described in Appendix 1. (Supplementary Note 15) The exposure control component further comprises a slidable knob, a groove for supporting and fitting with the slidable knob, a large exposure control opening and a small exposure control opening in which an internal fluid isolator can be positioned, and an active energy addition system control, wherein the exposure control component is motor-driven or electronically or electromagnetically powered. 10. The apparatus described in Appendix 4. (Supplementary Note 16) The internal fluid isolator is coated with a reflective coating that reflects incident thermal radiation emitted from the active energy-adding element. 10. The apparatus described in Appendix 4. (Supplementary Note 17) A method of using the device of Supplementary Note 1, comprising: i. starting the power supply by setting the power switch to the on position; ii. booting up using said one or more processors in a default mode; iii. using a fill mode, thereby initiating lift gas delivery to said envelope; iv. activating the sensor to capture and record transport flow measurement data; v. capturing and recording sensor data identifying and measuring the conditions of the lift gas, including at least mass flow rate, temperature, pressure, and volume data; vi. detecting pre-programmed desired altitude information; vii. Using default pre-programmed information and applying it in simple mode or accurate mode; a. In the simple mode, the device 1. detecting qualitative and quantitative state characteristic data of the lift gas and the envelope; 2. comparing said qualitative and quantitative condition characteristic data with said preprogrammed condition data; 3. Identifying energy requirements by comparing the detected characteristic data with the preprogrammed condition data; 4. Meeting the necessary energy requirements by activating the active energy management process to facilitate energy addition for ascent, or by activating the lift gas mass removal process or ambient fluid addition or passive energy removal from the lift gas for descent, or various combinations of ascent and descent for stationary mode; or b. In the accurate mode, the device 1. detecting qualitative and quantitative state characteristic data of the lift gas and the envelope; 2. Detect real-time altitude and identify desired conditions; 3. Identifying energy requirements by comparison between detected lift gas, envelope and altitude characteristic data; 4. Meeting the required energy requirements by active energy addition for ascent and lift gas mass removal for descent or ambient air addition or passive energy removal from said lift gas or various combinations of ascent and descent for stationary mode; Steps and; A method comprising: (Supplementary Note 18) A. Detecting and acquiring information remotely transmitted from a source external to the device; and B. processing the remotely acquired information using the one or more processors, comparing the remotely acquired information with on-site measured or quantified information or the pre-programmed information, and applying pre-programmed, on-site quantified, remotely acquired comparison data in the simplified mode or the accurate mode; further comprising: The method described in Appendix 17. (Supplementary Note 19) A system for balloon altitude control by in-situ characterization and active energy management, comprising the apparatus of Supplementary Note 1 and a method of using the apparatus of Supplementary Note 17. (Appendix 20) A system for balloon altitude control by in situ characterization and active energy management as described in Appendix 19, further comprising a method of using the apparatus as described in Appendix 18.

Claims

[Claim 1] 1. An apparatus for balloon altitude control comprising an autonomously controlled and operating balloon capable of withstanding extreme environmental and weather conditions from the Earth's surface to an altitude of at least 80 km, said apparatus further comprising: a. a flexible, inflatable envelope capable of surrounding and containing lift gas, said envelope being in releasable gas-tight contact with the neck and capable of mechanical and electronic or digital interaction with an advanced control system; b. a lift gas releasably contained within said envelope, said lift gas being lighter than, heavier than, or equal to, the ambient fluid of the environment in which said apparatus operates, said lift gas responsive to the addition or removal of energy using said advanced control system by expanding or contracting, thereby expanding or contracting said envelope; c. a neck in removable airtight contact with said envelope, said neck removably enclosing at least a portion of said advanced control system; d. a body having a central housing supporting and structurally conforming to said body, said body being in contact with said advanced control system and gas delivery system; e. an advanced control system housed within and supported by said body, said advanced control system further including one or more processors capable of power supply and data quantification and transmission, and further including a characterizer for measuring temperature and pressure fluctuations of said lift gas; said advanced control system configured to operate said balloon in an ascent, descent or stationary mode using an active energy management process controlled by said one or more processors that provides heat to said lift gas; f. a gas delivery system contained within and supported by said body, said gas delivery system facilitating passage for lift gas delivery to and from said envelope, facilitating a basis for generating an electrical signal during said lift gas delivery, and capable of facilitating housing support for quantifying the amount of said lift gas entering and exiting said gas delivery system; g. An active energy management system further comprising an active energy addition system comprising a plurality of sensors capable of detecting and measuring variations in temperature and pressure of the lift gas, the plurality of sensors coupled to the one or more processors of the advanced control system, the one or more processors capable of capturing and processing data received from the coupled sensors; the one or more processors integrated with one or more controllers capable of receiving, storing and processing qualitative and quantitative data from the plurality of sensors and further capable of forwarding the data to a remote station or receiver; h. Power supply; i. Antenna components; and k. Payload components; An apparatus having:

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