Method and Device for Free-Standing Support of Objects in Space

Abstract

An object is supported freely in space without requiring an anchoring point connected to ground, by attaching the object to a support structure adapted to float in air when filed with a gas having lower specific gravity than air at a controlled pressure that provides sufficient buoyancy for different weight objects. The support structure is released together with the attached object so as to reach an equilibrium position where a buoyancy force of the support structure counteracts a combined weight of the enclosure and attached object. The object may be integral with the support structure and may be a self-powered electrical device operating on a battery or solar energy. The enclosure may be a floating platform or may be part of an object.

1 - 53 . (canceled) 
   
   
       54 . An object adapted to float in air when filled with a gas having lower specific gravity than air, said object including a hollow enclosure having an inlet coupled to a pressure adjustment means for regulating pressure of said gas within the enclosure so as to ensure that a buoyancy force alone of the enclosure counteracts a weight of the object. 
   
   
       55 . The object according to  claim 54 , being an electrical device. 
   
   
       56 . The object according to  claim 55 , being self-powered by a battery contained therein. 
   
   
       57 . The object according to  claim 56 , being powered by radiation conveyed to the electrical device. 
   
   
       58 . The object according to  claim 57 , being solar-powered. 
   
   
       59 . The object according to  claim 54 , being a support structure for buoyantly supporting an attached article. 
   
   
       60 . The object according to  claim 59 , wherein the support structure has a hollow wall section adapted to be filled with gas. 
   
   
       61 . The object according to  claim 54 , wherein the inlet is adapted for coupling to an external source of gas. 
   
   
       62 . The object according to  claim 54 , wherein the inlet is adapted for coupling to a sealed unit containing a quantity of gas, which is released by breaking a gas seal accessible from an outer surface of the object. 
   
   
       63 . The object according to  claim 54 , wherein the pressure adjustment means is an adjustable pressure valve. 
   
   
       64 . The object according to  claim 63 , being a support structure for buoyantly supporting an attached article wherein the adjustable pressure valve has a dial bearing a scale that is calibrated as a function of weight of the attached article. 
   
   
       65 . The object according to  claim 54 , wherein the pressure adjustment means is responsive to ambient conditions, such as ambient temperature and humidity of the air. 
   
   
       66 . The object according to  claim 54 , further including:
 a temperature sensor for measuring the ambient temperature, and   a compensation unit coupled to the temperature sensor for adjusting the pressure of the gas so as to adjust a mass of gas inside the enclosure.   
   
   
       67 . The object according to  claim 54 , wherein the pressure adjustment means includes a volume adjustment means for adjusting the effective volume of the hollow support structure. 
   
   
       68 . The object according to  claim 67 , wherein the volume adjustment means includes:
 a flexible diaphragm within the hollow enclosure, and   means for displacing the flexible diaphragm within the hollow enclosure so as to adjust the effective gas volume of the hollow enclosure support structure by displacement of the flexible diaphragm.   
   
   
       69 . A method for supporting an object freely in space without requiring an anchoring point connected to ground, said method comprising:
 attaching the object to a support structure that has a hollow enclosure filled with a gas having lower specific gravity than air;   regulating pressure of said gas within the enclosure so as to ensure that a buoyancy force alone of the enclosure counteracts a weight of the support structure and attached object.   
   
   
       70 . The method according to  claim 69 , wherein regulating pressure of said gas within the enclosure includes setting a pressure gauge that is calibrated as a function of weight of the attached object according to a known weight of the attached object in order to supply gas at an appropriate pressure to produce said buoyancy force. 
   
   
       71 . The method according to  claim 69 , wherein regulating pressure of said gas within the enclosure includes:
 measuring the ambient temperature, and   adjusting the pressure of the gas responsive to the measured ambient temperature so as to adjust a mass of gas inside the enclosure.   
   
   
       72 . The method according to  claim 69 , wherein regulating pressure of said gas within the enclosure includes adjusting an effective volume of the hollow support structure.