New-York tribune., 1870-12-01

The engraving gives practical idea OF the Sphere
Pneumatic apparatus of the method We see a
sphere Of eight feet diameter entering tho mouth Of the
tube preparatory to taking its flight.
With these remarks the reader will be able to under
stand the details which follow. Before entering upon
them We will point out the principal ends to be attained
by the new method.
THE FOUR ENDS TO BE ATTAINED.
The first Is the creation of a Vehicle Of motion,
differing entirely from the wheeedyehcle now In use
vehicle that is simple in form and construction, capable
Of great velocity, propelled with very little power easily
managed and safe and economical in its working.
The second is the substitution of single Plate or Rail-
laid the bottom Of pneumatic tube whereNt Is free
from dirt, dust and other obstructons in the place Of
the double line Of rails Of the present railroad track
which laid the EARTH Is or less uneven, exposed
to external obstrucons of numerous kinds ana affected
by the frost and rains.
The third is the OF Atmospheric pressure obtained
at triAng cost and requiring tlo supervision; in the
place Of steam power which, obtained through the loco
motive, IS expensive, and requires mremitng atten-
ton Steam will be used only TO exhaust the air In the
tubes rather to destroy its equilibrium and produce
current which will need but few stationary engines
The fourth is Propulsion by direct action Of the cur
rent Of air the Sphere in the place Of Traeon which
is obtained by pressure, and requires locomotive Of 25
TO 30 tuns weight to produce 1t 10 the necessary extent
The grip the rails of GOOOO pounds will be
placed by rihng atmospheric pressure OF hundred OF
two pounds.
THE TRACK OR RoADBKD OF THE SPHERES.
metallic plate six to eight inches wde aud one-half
inch Thick slightly cOncaye TO adapt it to the cOnyey
of the sphere will be laid the bottom Of the tube
furnishing She rail track which the spheres will
1t will be little open than the convexity OF the
sphere to avoid any contact of surface
If from any Sphere should irregularly OF
wabbes at points the rising sides OF the curved plate
will act gentle tenders and keep on its by the
| effect Of It's own gravity
Tho best and cheapest material with which TO con.
struct the tube is wood Narrow plank. matched like
flooring is the proper form for the material Thoroughly
saturated by hours boiling in coaltar other
similar substance, 1t will shrink and swell less than iron
contracts and expands, AS there will be but little
pressure on the tubesfOr partial only will be
required Or rather current Of air through the tubes
| propel the spheres-woOd will be abundantly strong
The tubes will be held by iron hoops with clamp the
top Of each by which to it up, and tighten the
tube at will In countries II may be cheaper to
| strong sheet irOn in which tho hoops should be
| placed inside.
Both for the sake Of economy and convenience, the
tubes will be constructed above ground, and raised in
the air twelve fifteen feet supported posts
PIERS BY this more level and straight line can
be secured roads cleared, streams easily crossed grad
ing rendered unnecessary and little land required for
! line.
The tubes will be q trlfe larger than the spheres-two
or three inchessO as to allow them free passage with
out touching the sides 1t may be thought that this
will permit the air to escape them, and thus neura
lie its propeng force. This will not be the case the
small loss win exercise perceptble effect The press
ure sphere eight feet In diameter s under complete
vacuum about 10000 pounds Now as hundred or two
pounds pressure will than sufice TO ropel the
Sphere when In notion the triAng loss around the
sides will be Of importance In fact, the only diG
Guilty will be TO moderate the pressure, and maintain
|
will form areushiOns between them, and furnish of
the means OF keeping them apart and IN their respective
| positions.
FRAMEWORK FOR THE sUProRr or THE TUBE AND A
| SPHERE / MOUTH.