MARK LEE WEST
Pilots at Pne Lk Dr, Sioux Falls, SD
License number
South Dakota A2032842
Category
Airmen
Type
Authorized Aircraft Instructor
Address
Address
6908 E Pine Lake Dr, Sioux Falls, SD 57110
Professional information
Cto At Raven Industries
Position:
CTO at Raven Industries
Location:
Sioux Falls, South Dakota Area
Industry:
Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing
Work:
Raven Industries
-
CTO
President At Aerostar
Position:
President at Aerostar
Location:
Sioux Falls, South Dakota Area
Industry:
Defense & Space
Work:
Aerostar
-
President
Deflation And Control System For Hot Air Balloons
US Patent:
4651956, Mar 24, 1987
Filed:
Jan 17, 1986
Appl. No.:
6/819620
Inventors:
James A. Winker - Sioux Falls SD
Patrick J. Cannon - Sioux Falls SD
Mark L. West - Sioux Falls SD
Richard A. Andrews - Sioux Falls SD
Patrick J. Cannon - Sioux Falls SD
Mark L. West - Sioux Falls SD
Richard A. Andrews - Sioux Falls SD
Assignee:
Raven Industries, Inc. - Sioux Falls SD
International Classification:
B64B 162
US Classification:
244 99
Abstract:
There is disclosed herein a hot air type balloon which includes a balloon envelope having a generally circular top opening and a top cap adjacent the top opening for opening and closing the balloon. The top cap forms both a deflation panel and maneuvering port for the balloon. A closure assembly is provided for use with the envelope and top cap for closing the deflation port and for permitting controlled opening thereof. The assembly has a fixed member secured to the balloon envelope and a releasable member releasably secured to the fixed member. A securement cord is secured to the releasable member and is connected to the top cap and a release line extends from the releasable member to a gondola where the operator is riding. The operator by pulling on the release line can open the closure assembly by separating the releasable member from the fixed member and can cause the deflation panel to separate from the envelope so as to spill air from the balloon and rapidly deflate the balloon.