Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1888-08-22

and downward. Throughout the length Of
the cord d, and provision is made for
holding 1t firmly at any desired point on
the cord; carries no ballast, and but
one man to operate ii.
The combined buoyancv Of A. 3. G
IS such as to sustain the entire plant at,
any determined altitude, for the pur-
pose of this explanation. say three miles.
but the buoyancy of B and q Respectively
should be a trife short of SUSTAINING
their loads, so that, say normal alti.
tude is reached by A. and the cord ID is
entirely unwound from the reels in a and
c. B being stopped to the cord close
above G; then the parts B and G would
hang suspended from A at the extreme
end of the cord which would be extended
downward its entire length.
"a
These conditions being established.
suppose an ascension from a military
camp for the purpose of observing the
movements Of the enemy. The cord is
wound on the reels-equal portions on
each-and the plant ascends with the
three balloons close together. At an
altitude of two miles a desirable current
of air is reached, and If the normal buoy
ancy equaled the altitude Of two miles
away in the desired direction; bus the
buoyancy has been arranged TO attain an
altitude of three miles, consequently A
nnwindsothe cord from her reel and scars
Rloft TO the extent of her portion Of the
cord-one mile-and attains the limit of
buoyancy-three miles-leRving B and G
travelling along with the current.
Presently 1t Is discovered that. in spite
OF the removal Of A from the action of
the current, the plant Is travelling too
fast for purposes Of careful observation.
10 correct this, b is moved upward in
the direction of A until she is beyond the
influence Of the current, and now both A
and y act rs drag. while is left to the
full influence of the current.
Should it be found necessary to an
proach more closely towards the earth. @
unwinds the cord from her reel and drops
TO the desired point, while b also drops
and takes the place Of c in the air
current.
should 1t be necessary to halt for pc
ROD over certain spot, b is either raised
above or dropped below the current.
Should the enemy become troublesome,
and the observers be in danger from shot
or shell. both B and c can. if necessary.
pull themselves upward toward A until a
poilil VI surety Is ftHtneQ-
Should desired air current be at a
greater attitude than two miles, but
within the limit of the three miles ar
ranged for, A acts as the tug Should
such current be beyond the three mile
limit. ballast is discharged until A reaches
it, while, should it be reached at an al
titude of less than mile sufficient gas
is released from A to allow B and C TO
drop into it,
When it IS desired to return, a conven-
lent current must be sought for in the
same way, and in any event. if no desira-
bic current be found within an altitude
OF five miles, the plant Is located in still
air, and waits until the proper current
makes its appearance or. by means of the
drag rope +, anchorage may be taken and
the entire arrangement hauled to earth.
1t will be observed that while this de.
vice comprehends all the capabilities Of
the ordinary balloon. its special features
enable it
First-To be placed, as a whole, in a
convenient air current
Second-To be placed so that one Dor
ton shall be- in o convenient air current,
while another portion is in still air, acting
as a drag
Third-To be placed. as a whole. in stil
air
Fourth-To Be placed with the upper
and lower portions in still air, two miles
or so apart. while the central portion may
be moved upward or downward. on the
cord. in search Of a convenient current; and
Fifth-To reach an extreme altitude.
travel in desired directions, approach
the earth for purposes Of observation,
and. finally, to be hauled down to earth
all with minimum loss Of gas or ballast.
LUCIUs T. STANLEY.