Tower/Crane Operations                                                         

                                                                                                                            

 

       Routine travel over a jungle canopy using single tethered helium balloons is both possible and practical. The basic system allows flexible access to the canopy for research scientists and/or tourists. 

 

       Compared to existing means of access, this method allows access to a much larger area of a jungle. It can also be used as a shuttle for people or supplies over inhospitable regions. The balloons are always attached to rigging -- there is no free flight. 

 

       The rigging is formed by loft lines which are cables or ropes and which are held above the canopy by flexible vertical poles. The poles are attached to the upper branches of the trees. Lines from a balloon are attached to the loft lines by snatch blocks. These are nautical pulleys that are easily attached or removed from a loft line. The balloon moves along the loft lines using an electric "puller" motor. The puller motor is powered by photovoltaic sheets which cover the top of the balloon and which convert sunlight directly into electricity. 

 

       The rate of travel along the rigging is 4 to 8 miles per hour depending on wind conditions. Puller motors can be used to good advantage when used in pairs. By placing them on adjacent loft lines, a balloon can be positioned over any part of the rigged area. 

 

       Radial loft lines extend outward in all directions from a central area or from a tower/crane site. Lateral loft lines then span the open areas at a distance from the center in concentric lines forming a pattern much like that of a spider web. 

 

       The lines radiate outward several hundred yards to suit a given site and can easily cover a square mile. Alternately, a loft line can run for miles from point to point or in a great circle for use with tourists. 

 

       A standard balloon is 30 feet in diameter and has a gross lift of about 800 pounds. A bag of distilled water for ballast is located inside the balloon. 

 

       A cage is slung under the balloon and carries two or three people plus equipment. An electric winch on the cage allows a person or supplies to be raised or lowered from the ground. 

 

      To assist in vertical movement of personnel and/or equipment, down lines can also be rigged using poles as offsets from tree branches and tree trunks. If desired, special stations for study of an area can be attached to tree trunks. 

 

       The photovoltaic sheets produce about 2.5 Kw of power at noon in the tropics. This provides power for onboard and portable equipment. When not in use, a balloon is lowered down into an open area in the canopy to avoid the wind. 

 

       The system has been designed but has not been built. Inquiries regarding the cost of the system and available options are welcome. 

 

 

 

 

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