Patent GB-191307478-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in Airships.
Inventor: WULFFING JOHN WILLIAM
IPC: B64B1/00
Filed: 1913-03-29
Granted: 1914-03-30
Abstract: 7478. Wulffing, J. March 29. Aerial machines with aerostats; aerostats.-An air-ship comprises a torpedo-shaped compartmented aerostat and a car of oval cross-section. The frame of the aerostat is made of longitudinal t u b e s a detachably secured by distance-pieces E to transverse rings b, c, the rings c being spoked to partition the aerostat. The rings are covered with a networkf, and the whole frame is covered with an envelope i ; thus an air jacket g due to the distance-pieces E is provided. The envelope i may serve as the suspension canvas i<1> of the car j, leaving an enlarged air space, open at each end, above the car. Vents in the envelope i at the top of the aerostat allow air to escape, which enters at the front opening L of the air space and cools the gas in the gas-chambers. The front and rear openings L, M may be fitted with sliding panels to regulate the influx and efflux of air. Porous sheets may be stretched across the air space or the suspension canvas may be made porous and the entering air be kept cool by water sprinkled on the canvas. The gas may be heated by the exhaust gases of the motor passed either through the air space or through pipes I, Fig. XII, therein. The gas-chambers x are held between spoked rings c and are divided by partitions d into two parts. The partitions may be of aluminium or fabric, and may be secured to rings hinged in four places so as to be collapsible. Telescopic valves c, Fig. XVI, are connected by cords D to the lower parts of the gas-chambers so that the sections are opened successively as the gas expands and the gas escapes into a tube open at the rear and placed above the aerostat. Spring hinges z draw the parts of the valve together. The gaschambers x are connected together by a pipe A, Fig. XII, which enables the pressures in the various compartments to be equalized. A valve in the pipe A enables gas to escape when the pressure becomes excessive. The pipe A communicates with a pipe B below the car which receives gas on further expansion taking place. A vertical shaft fitted with a ladder or lift communicates with a gangway on the top of the aerostat. Small gas-chambers may be arranged at the top of the aerostat so as to be deflated when a projectile is released. The sides i<1> of the suspension canvas may have transparent advertisements displayed thereon. Cars; lighting and heating.-The car j is oval in cross-section and is enlarged at the middle part. It is fitted with seats and with tables m adapted to be lowered in supports n to convert the table and seats into a sleeping-berth. The car is heated by the exhaust gases of the motor passed through pipes p. Steering and balancing; tanks and like containers, arrangement of.-A pipe K, Fig. XI, connects fore and att gas containers, and gas can be transferred by a pump from one end to the other for balancing. The fuel-containers or ballast tanks h, Fig. IX, are connected by pipes so that fluid may be pumped from one to another for balancing. The fuel containers may be placed in the air space g or below the floor of the car.