Improvements in Navigable Balloons.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 8th Oct.. 1895
Complete Specification Left, 10th Apr., 1896-Accepted, 6th June, 1896
Improvements in Navigable Balloons.
I, THOMAS DIXON COOк of Glendon, Torquay in the County of Devon,
Surgeon, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
My invention relates to improvements in navigable balloons.
To perform this, I make the balloon in shape similar to that of a fish. In the
front of the balloon I fix a rudder so as to enable it to be steered, and at the end
I have two screws, one on either side of the balloon, for the purpose of leverage
power, these said screws are in connection with the rudder, and are made of
a light material, and are set at any required angle, when one screw revolves the
rudder is turned to one side and the balloon is driven in a curve. When this screw
ceases to work the other one revolves, the rudder being then turned to that side.
A suitable framework is made either to form a backbone through the centre of the
balloon running from end to end or I may have an outside framework forming
a band round the middle of the said balloon, this may be so constructed as to
form a parachute which would be of great advantage in the event of accident.
Dated this 20th day of August 1805
LE FEVRE & Co.,
26 Budge Row, Cannon Street, E.C., Agents.
Improvements in Navigable Balloons.
I, THOMAS DIXON COOK, of Glendon, Torquay in the County of Devon,
Surgeon, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the
same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement :-
My invention relates to improvements in navigable balloons.
To perform this I make the balloon in shape similar to that of a fish.
In the front of the balloon I fix a rudder so as to enable it to be steered, and at
the end I have two screws or fans-one on either side of the balloon for the
purpose of leverage power.
These said screws or fans are in connection with the rudder and are made of
light material, and set at any required angle. When one screw revolves the
rudder is turned to one side, and the balloon is driven in a curve. When this
screw ceases to work, the other one revolves, the rudder being turned to that side.
A suitable framework is made, either to form a backbone through the centre of the
balloon, running from end to end, or I may have an outside framework, forming
a band round the middle of the said balloon; this may be constructed so as to form
a parachute which would be of great advantage in the event of accidents.
This is made of wood, cane, or any other material suitable for the purpose.
This framework gives great rigidity and strength to the balloon and to this
horizontal band round the middle of the balloon I attach the envelope and netting,
which it is intended, shall act as a parachute in case of the balloon bursting or
being torn.

page_text: The before mentioned screws or fans being placed at any convenient angle so as
to drive the balloon in a curve, when either fan is revolving. The angle at which
the screws or fans are placed depending on the curve required.
The method of progression is as follows:-One fan revolves, and by suitable
gearing the rudder is turned to the same side as the revolving fan, thus driving
and directing the balloon in a curved course or direction: the curve depending on
the extent to which the rudder is turned, and the angle at which the propelling
screws or fans are set. The fans or screws may revolve alternately or together,
the rudder being turned when desired towards either of the revolving screws
or fans.
The screws or fans being placed at one end of the balloon gain leverage power,
and the resistance of the air is lessened by the balloon presenting a sloping surface.
I use any suitable or convenient motor power and gearing for putting the screws
in and out of motion. In order that my said invention may be more readily
understood and carried into effect, I will proceed to describe the same with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
Fig. 1 is an elevation of the balloon.
Fig. 2 is a plan of the same.
Fig. 3 is an enlarged end view.
A, Figs. 1, 2, and 3 is the body of the balloon.
B, Figs. 1 and 3 is the above mentioned open framework, made of wood, cane, or
other material suitable for the purpose, which has the same open arrangement on
plan as at bb, and shown by the dotted lines on plan, Fig. 2. The whole of this
framework, with the upper portion, I designate the permanent back-bone which is
designed to keep the netting and balloon material distended for parachute purposes.
Its position will always be relatively the same.
C. Figs. 1, 2, and 3 is the horizontal band round the middle of the balloon, made
of a pliable and flexible material best suited to the purpose.
D. Figs. 1, 2, and 3, are the screws or fans for the purpose of propelling the
said balloon.
E Figs. 1, 2 and 3 is the rudder for the purpose of steering the balloon.
F, Figs. 1, 2 and 3 is the netting under which is the upper portion of the
envelope of the balloon.
G, Fig. 1 and 3 is the car.
H, Fig. 1 and 3 is an enclosed part above the car in which is placed and
produced the gearing and the motive power.
Having now described and ascertained the nature of my said invention, and in
what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is :-
I. A balloon which may preferably be made more or less fish-shaped in form.
II. A framework made and constructed of wood cane, or other material suitable
for the purpose.
III. A horizontal band made of a pliable and flexible material to which the
envelope and netting are attached.
IV. Screws or fans capable of being set at any angle or pitch suitable for my
purpose.
V. A rudder at the front or fore end of the balloon, suitable for the purpose of
steering.
VI. The whole combination as hereinbefore described.
Dated this 9th day of April 1896.
LE FEVRE & Co.,
26, Budge Row, Cannon Street, E.C., Agents,