Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 19th Mar., 1889.
Complete Specification Left, 18th Apr., 1889
Complete Specification Accepted, 18th May, 1889
We, HERMAN AUGUST JULIUS RIECKERT, and ALBERT EMIL KARL RIECKERT,
both Mechanics, and both residing at 134, Rivington Street, in the City, County,
and State of New York, United States of America, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention to be as follows:-
The object of this invention is to provide a new and improved air-ship which is com-
pletely under the control of the operator and can be easily propelled and steered in
any direction whatever, with, on, or against, the wind.
The invention consists of a balloon which adjusts itself automatically, according to
the direction of the wind, so as to present the least resistance, and of a basket held on.
the under side of the balloon and supporting a motive power which operates flapping
side wings, central wings, propeller wheels, and the steering device. The invention
also consists of certain parts and details and combinations of the same, as will be fully
described hereinafter.
Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings forming part of this specifica-
tion, in which figure 1 is a sectional side elevation of the improvement. Figure 2 is
an inverted plan view of the improvement, with the basket removed. Figure 3 is a.
front end elevation of the same, with the basket in section. Figure 4 is an enlarged
plan view of the filling device for introducing gas into the several compartments of
the balloon. Figure 5 is a like view of the same, with the top casing removed.
Figure 6 is a transverse section of the same, on line a- figure 4. Figure 7 is a
longitudinal sectional elevation of the same, on line y-y figure 4. Figure 8 is an I
inverted plan view of the same. Figure 9 is an enlarged sectional side elevation of
the basket, its contents, and connections. Figure 10 is an enlarged face view of the
brake mechanism for the suction wheel. Figure 11 is a transverse section of the basket
and the propeller wheel, on line -z figure 9. Figure 12 is a transverse sectional
view of the basket and the wings, on line ww figure 9. Figure 13 is an enlarged
transverse section of part of the basket and the suction wheel, on line 2-2 figure 9.
Figure 14 is an enlarged side view, with parts in section, of the main driving wheel
and its connections and part of the steering device. Figure 14 is a plan view of the

page_text: ropes and pulleys for operating the vertical steering wing. Figure-15 is an enlarged
side elevation of the motive power. Figure 16 is a transverse section of the same, on
line v figure 15. Figure 17 is an enlarged rear side elevation of the steering device,
with parts of the frame in section. Figure 18 in an end view of the same. Figure 19
is an enlarged plan view of the wings. Figure 20 is a transverse sectional elevation
of the same, on line u-u figure 19; and figure 21 is an enlarged sectional side
elevation of one of the wings, on line t-t figure 19.
Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the figures.
The improved air-ship consists principally of a balloon A supporting on its under side
a closed basket B in which is located the motive power operating the suction wheel C
and the propeller wheel C both being located above the basket at its rear and
mounted in the supports connecting the basket with the balloon.
The motive power
located in the basket operates side wings 1 located above and at the sides of the basket
and also operates the central wings E held directly above the basket and between the
latter and the balloon, A. In front of the, hasket, B, and extending to within a short
distance of the underside of the balloon A is held the steering device F operated from
within the closed basket B.
The balloon A is provided with three compartments A' A and A³, of which the com-
partment A is the lowermost and supporis, by suitable downwardly extending beams,
the basket B before mentioned. The compartment A' is provided with a strong wooden
framework covered on its exterior with a fabric-preferably of silk or other suitable
material and said compartment A¹ is formed on its periphery like an egg having the
point A, as is plainly shewn in figures 1 and 2, and its opposite end A is slightly
curved but almost straight, as illustrated in figure 2. The sides A³ are sharp V-shaped
in cross-section, as illustrated in figure 3, terminating in the point A before mentioned.
The central cross-section of the compartment A is segmental on top and similar on
the bottom with a curved upwardly extending part A' which runs out into the sharp
V-shaped projections A as is plainly illustrated in figure 3. This compartment is stiff
and not changed in shape by the force of the wind. The compartment A2 of the balloon A
has its bottom resting on the top segment of the compartment A¹ and the upper half
of the said compartment A is almost semi-circular in its central cross-section and
almond-shaped in its longitudinal section, as is seen in figure 1. The top of this com-
partment A is formed of the usual fabric preferably silk and it forms the bottom for
the compartment A3 also made of silk and having its longitudinal top line formed in
the shape of a parabola and its central cross-section almost semi-circular, as shewn in
figure 3. This top compartment A³ shifts according to the direction of the wind and
assumes different positions according to the direction and strength of the wind, as
illustrated in dotted lines in figures I and 3. At the normal pressure of the wind or
at a normal velocity of the air-ship, the top compartment A³ assumes the position shown
in full lines in figure 1. When the wind increases and the air-ship travels in the direc-
tion of the arrow a and the wind blows in the inverse direction of the arrow a', the
top, compartment A³ shifts the top covering, so that the point of the said compartment
is at the front; and when the wind, blows in the opposite direction and the air-ship
backs up, then the top compartment assumes such a position that its point is at the
rear end of the balloon A. A sidewise pressure of the wind causes the top compart
ment A³ to shift to the right or left, as is plainly illustrated. in dotted lines in figure 3.
The central compartment A2 is almost stationary, shifting very little. On the under
side of the lowest compartment. A is formed a transverse offset A8 directly above, the
propeller, wheel C before mentioned.. This offset causes the air thrown out by the
propeller, wheel C to exert a pressure against the front part of the lower compart-
ment A so that the balloon will rise more easily.
"
The basket B is provided on its bottom,with four, more or less, boats B₁ which serve
to, sustain the entire device above water in case it descends on a lake or ocean. At
the rear end of the basket B is formed a door 13 which leads to the interior provided
with two rows of longitudinal seats B³ and with horizontal windows B in some of
which are mounted, on a universal joint, the telescopes B³ for examining the ground
below. In the front of the basket is also arranged a, curved double window Bº (see:

page_text: Figures 3 and 17) and directly under this window is located a compass B' mounted on
a universal joint in the usual manner. Other suitable instruments are located in the
basket B and trap doors lead into the hoats B¹ which can be utilized for storage or for
other purposes. In the basket B near the front and rear are located, and mounted to
rotate in suitable bearings, the wheels G G each provided on its sides with crank
arms G and G2 pivotally connected, by the pitmans G³, with the cross-heads G*
mounted to slide vertically in suitable bearings formed in the interior of the basket B.
The cross-heads G are connected with treadles G against which press the feet of
an operator seated in a seat G located directly above the set of treadles G. The crank
arms G and G extend in opposite directions from each other, so that when one set of
treadles G moves up the other set of treadles G³ moves down and a continuous rotary
motion is thus imparted to the wheel G. On the crank arm G2 of the wheels G.is
pivotally connected a pitman G' which connects with the crank arm H secured on a
shaft H carrying a fly-wheel H2 and mounted to rotate in suitable bearings on a
framework in the basket B, said shaft H being located midway between the two
wheels G G and preferably in the longitudinal centre line of the basket B. The
rotary motion of both wheels G G is thus transmitted to the shaft H, whereby the said
fly-wheel His rotated. The seats 133, before mentioned, are on either side of the said
wheel H2 and their backs form a cover for the said shaft H and its wheel H. On the
shaft H is secured an eccentric H³ (see figure 14) having its eccentric rod H*
extending upward and pivotally connected with a rod H having a vertical hearing in
the frame-work in the top of the basket B. The rod H³ is connected with a lever He
pivoted at H on brackets secured to the framework of the basket B and the other end
of the said lever H engages a cross-head H8 mounted to slide vertically in suitable
bearings on the frame of the basket.
The cross-head H is pivotally connected by a pitman H with a crank-arm C
secured on the shaft C3 carrying the suction wheel before mentioned. The latter
is provided with an inner hub C secured on the said shaft with a middle rim C³
and with an outer rim 08. Between the middle rim C and the outer rim are
located the blades C7 set at an angle in the usual manner, so that when the said
wheel C is rotated it causes, by means of the blades C, a suction of air from tlie
front to the rear or from the rear to the front according to the direction in which the
said wheel is running. Between the middle rim and the periphery of the hub.C
is located a friction wheel I secured on the inner end of a shaft l' mounted to rotate
in the bearings 12 (see figures 10 and 14) and carrying the propeller wheel (which
is somewhat larger in diameter than the snction wheel C and serves to propel the
air ship forward or backward. The blades of the propeller wheel are made in
the usual manner and of any approved construction. The bearing of the shaft I'
is pivoted at one end and is pivotally connected at its other end with a lever "I³
extending downward and connected with the ends of the ropes I passing over idlers I³
and on to a drum secured on the shaft located in the interior of the basket Band
provided with a hand wheel I' for turning the said shaft I so that the ropes It are
wound up or unwound and cause the lever 1³ to swing so as to cause a similar
movement of the bearing 12 on its fixed pivot whereby the friction wheel I is
thrown either in contact with the middle rim 05 or with the hub of the suction
wheel C. This movement of the friction wheel I imparts a forward or backward
movement to the wheel C according to the contact of the said wheel with the
middle rim C or with the hub C. The lever 13 is connected with the bearing 12
by a pin which projects into a slot of the said bearing I so that when the lever 13
receives a swinging motion it also imparts a swinging notion to the bearing 12 as
above described. On the outer end of the bearing is pivoted a link extending
upward and inward and pivotally connected with a brake shoe I adapted to engage
the rim of the friction wheel I. The brake shoe is. fulcrumed at its lower end on
a fixed point so that when the said lever imparts a swinging movement to the
bearing 13 and the friction wheel assumes a midway position between the hub (*
and the rim C, the link I causes an inward Swinging movement of the brake shoe
whereby the latter is thrown in contact with the rim of the wheel I so as to hráké
f
50

page_text: the same, whereby the propeller wheel ( ceases to rotate. The rod,H* extends above
the lever H and is provided on its outer end with a socket H into which project
from opposite directions the ends J of the levers J pivoted in the blocks J2 inounted
to slide longitudinally on a cross-beam J³ secured to the beams supporting tlie basket B.
In this beam J³ is also formed a bearing for the vertical rod H³, before mentioned,
see figure 14; In the lower end of each of the blocks J2 screws the rod J* provided
with right and left hand screw threads screwing respectively into the said two blocks J2
so that the latter move simultaneously toward or from each other when the screw-
rod Jis turned. The latter is mounted to rotate in suitable bearings and carries at
one end a pulley J5 over which passes a rope J which also passes over an idler J.
and then on to and around the drum J³ provided with a hand-wheel Jo, so that when
the latter is turned it rotates the screw by the action of the rope J and the
pulley J. According to the direction in which the wheel J is turned, the blocks J2.
move toward or from each other and consequently shift the pivot points of the levers J
so that their throw is increased or diminished. The hand wheel J is located at one.
side, in the basket, of the front seats G thus being within convenient reach of the
operator working the treadles G³.
On the outer end of each lever J is formed a pocket 10 into which project the
ends D2 of the beams D' supporting the outer wings D and the inner or central
wings E, see figures 19 and 20. The beams D' of the set of wings are fulcrumed
at D³ and are of any approved construction; preferably, however, they are made in
the shape of a truss, as is plainly illustrated in figure 20. The wings E are rect-
angular in shape and are located between the inner end D2 and the fulcrum D³
while the outer wings D are placed in an inclined position and provided with an
outer frame D and a central partition D. Between the latter and the sides of the
frame D are secured the slats 10 on which are secured strips of canvas D' which are
also fastened by their sides to the said central partition D³ and the sides of the
frame D, as is plainly illustrated in figures 19, 20, and 21. The canvas strips are
bag-shaped and their outer ends extend under the next following slat Do, as is plainly
shewn in figure 21, so that, when the wings move upward, the bag parts D³ of the
canvas strips D are opened downward, as shewn in the figure above mentioned,
whereby the wind from above can pass through the said canvas bags DB and hence
they do not offer much resistance to the wind. When the latter moves downward the
bag D extends across with its end under the next following slat D is pressed up
against the said slat, so as to close all openings in the several slats and thereby the
wings operate with their full power on the air. The wings E are also provided with
slats and canvas strips in the same manner as 'above described in reference to the
wings D. As the wings D, and E are located on opposite sides of the fulcrum D³ and
the beams D¹ receive a swinging motion, it will be seen that when the wings D
move upward the other wings E move downward and vice-versa.
The steering device F consists of two principal wings F and F2 of which the
wing is placed vertically and mounted to swing having its front edge formed by
its axis, as is plainly shewn in figure 1 reference being also had to figures 2, 9, 14, 17,
and 18. The other wing F is placed horizontally, being hinged at F to the axis
of the wing F. The wing F2 is circular, the centre being the axis of the wing F1,
and is provided with a slot F through which said wing F extends, see figure 2.
The wing F serves to steer sidewise while the wing F serves to steer up and
down. The wing F is connected with the ends of the rope K at its rear end,
said rope passing over the pulleys K and K², see Figure 14ª, and down into the
basket B and around a drum K³ provided with a hand wheel K located on one
side of the basket B next to one of the front seats so as to be within convenient
reach of the operator on the said seat G. When the operator turns the wheel K*,
he causes the wing F to swing on its vertical axis so that the wing assumes an
inclined position to the longitudinal central line of the air-ship whereby the latter
is steered sidewise either to the right or left, according to the direction in which
the operator turns the hand wheel K. The other wing F is connected by its
outer. ends to ropes L, each of which passes over the pulleys L' and L located

page_text: vertically one above the other so that the ends of the wing F move between the
said two pulleys I and when the rope is moved. The latter passes downward
from the pulley 12 over another pulley L on the rear end of the wing Fand
then to a pulley L located near the lower pivot of the said wing F and then the
rope passes under a pulley L mounted on a framework of the basket and then
the rope passes to a drum secured on a staff L extending vertically and provided
on its upper end with the usual hand wheel I located within easy reach of one of the
operators seated on one of the front seats G. Thus, when the operator turns the
hand wheel L he causes the rope L to move so that the wing F2 is turned on its
hinge and assumes an inclined. position to the vertical axis of the wing F. The
front end of the wing F is thus moved either up or down, consequently steering the
ship up or down, according to the direction of the said wing and the direction in
which the ship is travelling.
In order to start the fly-wheel H2 easily, we provide a starting device N located
inside of the basket B directly above the said wheel H2, as is plainly shewn in
Figures 9 and 14. The starling device N is provided with a friction wheel N
adapted to be thrown into contact with the periphery of the fly wheel H*. The friction
wheel N is mounted to rotate on the lower end of an arm N fulcrumed on a shaft N³
mounted to rotate on a suitable bracket secured to the framework of the basket B.
A pulley is located beside the friction wheel N₁ and over it passes an endless
belt N also passing over a pulley Nº secured to the shaft, N., The latter also carries
a small fly-wheel N and a crank arm N' pivotally connnected with a rod No extending
downward and provided at its lower end with a handle so that when the operator takes
hold of this handle and pulls or pushes with this rod N8, he imparts a rotary motion
to the shaft N3 which, by its pulley N and the belt N4, imparts a similar motion to the
friction wheel N which, when held in contact with the periphery of the flywheel H³,
causes the latter to revolve. An arm N secured to the arm N serves to press the
5 said friction wheel N against the periphery of the said wheel H2 with more or less
force. It will be seen that the operator can bring the shaft. N³ to rotate at a higher
rate of speed, by operating on the rod No so as to impart to the friction wheel N¹.a
fixed rotary motion, and then the operator by taking hold of the handle No presses the
friction wheel N¹ against the periphery of the wheel H2. The latter is thus slowly
I revolved and starts the wheels G and the treadles G so that the operator, operating
the treadles G³, can work without great strain so as to bring the main fly-wheel H
.to its normal or desired rate of speed.
The air ship is provided with a filling receptacle O secured in the bottom of the
lower compartment A of the balloon A, as is plainly shewn in figures 1, 3, and. 12.
The detail construction of the filling receptacle O is shewn in figures 4, 5, 6, .7;
and 8. In the bottom of the receptacle O∙is a flexible inlet pipe O', connected in
any suitable manner with the source of gas supply from which the several compart-
.ments A1, A2, and A3, of the balloon are to be filled. From the upper end of the
receptacle leads a short pipe O* which opens directly into the lower coinpart-
ment A and a pipe 03 extends from the receptacle 0 through the compartment. A¹
into the compartment A2 of the balloon while a third pipe O leads from the top of
the receptacle O and passes through the compartments A' and A2 and opens into
the third compartment A³ of the balloon A, as is plainly shewn in figure 3. The
three compartments can be filled simultaneously or independently if desired. The
means for accomplishing this are shewn in the detail figures 4 to 8, and they consist
principally of the slides P and P located in the top of the receptacle O directly under
each pipe 0, 03, and 0. The slides P and P₁ are provided with apertures P²
and P3, of which the aperture P³ registers with a similar aperture formed in the
receptacle Oso as to connect the interior of the latter with one part of the respective
pipe 02, 03, or 0. The opening P2 in the slide P is adapted to register with a
pipe P extending inward in the receptacle O and leading into the upper closed
end of the inlet pipe O¹ so that the gas from the latter passes to the closed
end O and then through the pipes P into the respective pipe 02 03 or O* provided
that the, aperture Pin the slide P registers with the respective pipe P. The slides::P

page_text: '
nánd P are moved forward and backward by ropes P³ and P so that their openings
will register, said ropes P³ and P6 passing over pulleys P7 located in the interior of
i the receptacle O then the ropes Po pass downward and over pulleys P8 located in the
open ring O held in the bottom of the receptacle 0 and through the centre of which
passes the central pipe O'. The ropes then extend outward and can be manipulated
by the operator in any desired manner so as to open or close the respective slides P
and P with their respective pipes 03, 0³, and O. When one of the compartments
is to be filled with gas, the slide P is operated by the ropes P and P until its
opening Pregisters with the pipe P1. The gas entering through the pipe O¹ passes
through the pipe P into the respective pipe 02, 0³, or 0%, and the air in the said
: compartment of the balloon passes down the respective pipe and through the
opening P³ into the receptacle O and then out through the ring 0. For this purpose
we prefer to provide each of the outlet pipes 02, 05, and 0, with a central partition
extending throughout its length, so that the gas passes up on one side of the partition
nwhile the outgoing air passes down on the other side of the partition and through
the corresponding opening P3 in the slide P¹ to the receptacle 0. It is understood
that the incoming gases travel up one side of the respective pipe 02, 0³, or 0%, and
leave sufficient space for the escaping air. When the latter has escaped then the
slide P¹ is closed so that only gas passes into the respective compariament of the
a balloon, until the desired amount of gas has accumulated in the respective compart-
ment. When the several compartments have been filled, all the slides P and Pi are
yclosed.
The operation is as follows: When the several compartments A', A², and A³, of
the balloon A are filled and the slides P and P' are closed, the operators seat them-
selves on the seats Go and the passengers arrange themselves on the seats B³ in the
basket B. The air-ship is then ready to ascend and it moves upward by the action
of the gas in the balloon A. The upward movement is assisted by the flapping side
sand central wings D and E which are set in motion by the operators on the seats G
7 working the treadles G³ so as to cause the wheels G to rotate which latter transmit
stheir rotary motion to the main fly wheel H2 which, by the eccentric H³ the 'rod H
cand the levers J, imparts an up and down swinging motion to the said wings D
and E.. The main fly wheel H2 had been previously started by one of the operators
yoperating the starting device N, as above described. A slow forward movement is
obtained at the same time by the rotation of the suction wheel C which is set 'in
motion by the rod H³ operating the lever H which by its pitman H³, connected
swith the crank arm 0, rotates the shaft C3 carrying the said suction wheel C. When
.it is desirable to have a rapid forward movement, one of the operators turns the hand
.wheel I' at the rear in the basket B so that the lever I imparts a swinging motion
to the pivoted bearing I until the friction wheel I is thrown into contact with the
-central rim C of the suction wheel C. The friction wheel I on coming in contact'
swith the rotating rim ( receives a rotary motion which is transmitted to the shaft I'
carrying the large propeller wheel which on being rotated causes a rapid forward
'movement of the air ship. When it is desirable to travel backward, the operator
tturns the hand wheel I' in the opposite direction so that the friction pulley I comes
in contact with the hub C4 of the suction wheel C and consequently the propeller
wheel Cis rotated in an opposite direction at a lower rate of speed. The steering
to the right or left is accomplished by one of the operators on the front seat_G
turning the hand wheel K so that the vertical wing F1 of the steering device Fis
thrown at an angle and consequently turns the ship to the right or left according
'to the direction in which the vertical wing F has been moved. When it is desirable
to start up or down the operator turns the hand wheel L of the staff L, so that the
circular wing F of the steering device F is thrown into an inclined position with
its front end up or down, so that the air ship travels upward or downward according
Ito the position of the said wing disc F2.
It will be seen that the peculiar shape of the bottom of the lowest compartiment A¹
lof the balloon A permits of an easy riding on the air and also facilitates an upward
movement in an inclined direction as 'the said lower compartment A is provided
1

page_text: with a point A and a peculiarly curved bottom. The top compartment A³ adjusts
itself according to the direction of the wind as above described so that the entire
balloon offers very little resistance to the wind in whatever direction the ship may be
travelling. The balloon is also provided with the usual device for letting out gas
in case a rapid descent is advisable. The balloon, with its gas filling, counterbalances
the weight of the basket and the several devices supported by the latter. It will
also be seen that the several devices can operate in such a manner as to bring the
entire air ship under the control of the operators.
We do not limit ourselves to the special construction of the particular means
employed for obtaining the motive power and the connections between the motive
power and the several operating devices, that is the wings and the propeller wheels.
H. A J. RIECKERT.
A. E. K. RIECKERT..
By.A. M. & Win. Clark,
53, Chancery Lane, London,
Patent Agents.

page_text: Improvements in Navigable Aerial Vessels.
We, HERMAN AUGUST JULIUS RIECKERT, and ALBERT EMIL KARL RIECKERT,
both Mechanics, and both residing at 134, Rivington Street, in the City, County, and
State of New York, United States of America, 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 :-.
The object of this invention is to provide a new and improved air ship which is
completely under the control of the operator and can be easily propelled and steered
in any direction whatever, with, on, or against, the wind.
The Invention consists of a balloon which adjusts itself automatically, according to
the direction of the wind, so as to present the least resistance, and of a basket held
on the under side of the balloon and supporting a motive power which operates flap-
ping side wings, central wings, propeller wheels, and the steering device.
The Invention also consists of certain parts and details and combinations of the
same, as will be fully described hereinafter and then pointed out in the claims.
Reference is to be had to the drawings left with the provisional specification, in
which figure 1 is a sectional side elevation of the improvement. Figure 2 is an
inverted plan view of the improvement, with the basket removed. Figure 3 is a
front end elevation of the same, with the basket in section. Figure 4 is an enlarged
plan view of the filling device for introducing gas into the several compartments of
the balloon. Figure 5 is a like view of the same, with the top casing removed.
Figure 6 is a transverse section of the same, on line a-a figure 4. Figure 7 is
a longitudinal sectional elevation of the same, on line y-y figure 4. Figure 8 is an
inverted plan view of the same. Figure 9 is an enlarged sectional side elevation of
the basket, its contents, and connections. Figure 10 is an enlarged face view of the
brake mechanism for the suction wheel. Figure 11 is a transverse section of the
basket and the propeller wheel, on line - figure 9. Figure 12 is a transverse
sectional view of the basket and the wings, on line w-w figure 9. Figure 13 is an
enlarged transverse section of part of the basket and the suction wheel, on line
figure 9. Figure 14 is an enlarged side view, with parts in section of the main
driving wheel and its connections and part of the steering device. Figure 14ª is a
plan view of the ropes and pulleys for operating the vertical steering wing. Figure 15
is an enlarged side elevation of the motive power. Figure 16 is a transverse
section of the same, on line v-v figure 15. Figure 17 is an enlarged rear side
elevation of the steering device, with parts of the frame in section. Figure 18 is
an end view of the same. Figure 19 is an enlarged plan view of the wings.
Figure 20 is a transverse sectional elevation of the same, on line u-u figure 19;
and figure 21 is an enlarged sectional side elevation of one of the wings, on line t-t
figure 19.
Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the figures.
The improved air-ship consists principally of a balloon A supporting on its under
side a closed basket B in which is located the motive power operating the suction
wheel C and the propeller wheel C both being located above the basket at its rear

page_text: and mounted in the supports connecting the basket with the balloon. The motive
power located in the basket operates side wings D located above and at the sides of
the basket and also operates the central wings E held directly above the basket and
between the latter and the balloon, A. In front of the basket B and extending to
within a short distance of the underside of the balloon A is held the steering device F
operated from within the closed basket B.
The balloon A is provided with three compartments A1 A2 and A³ of which the
compartment A is the lowermost and supports, by suitable downwardly extending
beams, the basket B before mentionel. The compartment A is provided with a
strong wooden framework covered on its exterior with a fabric preferably of silk or
other suitable material and said compartment A¹ is formed on its periphery like an
egg having the point A, as is plainly shewn in figures 1 and 2, and its opposite
end A is slightly curved but almost straight, as illustrated in figure 2. The sides A
are sharp V-shaped in cross-section, as illustrated in figure 3, terminating in the
point A before mentioned. The central cross-section of the compartment A' is
segmental on top and similar on the bottom with a curved upwardly extending
part A which runs out into the sharp V shaped projections A³ as is plainly illustrated
in figure 3. This compartment is stiff and not changed in shape by the force of the
wind. The compartment A2 of the balloon A has its bottom resting on the top
segment of the compartment A' and the upper half of the said compartment A³ is
almost semi-circular in its central cross-section and almond-shaped in its longitudinal
section, as is seen in figure 1. The top of this compartment A is formed of the
usual fabric preferably silk and it forms the bottom for the compartment A³ also
made of silk and having its longitudinal top line formed in the shape of a
parabola and its central cross-section almost semi-circular, as shewn in figure 3.
This top compartment A³ shifts according to the direction of the wind and assumes
different positions according to the direction and strength of the wind, as illustrated
in dotted lines in figures 1 and 3. At the normal pressure of the wind or at a
normal velocity of the air-ship, the top compartment A³ assumes the position shewn
in full lines in figure 1. When the wind increases and the air-ship travels in the
direction of the arrow a¹ and the wind blows in the inverse direction of the arrow a¹,
the top compartment A³ shifts the top covering, so that the point of the said com-
partment is at the front; and when the wind blows in the opposite direction and the
air-ship backs up, then the top compartment assumes such a position that its point is
at the rear end of the balloon A. A sidewise pressure of the wind causes the top com-
partment A³ to shift to the right or left, as is plainly illustrated in dotted lines in
figure The central compartment A is almost stationary, shifting very little. On
the under side of the lowest compartment. A' is formed a transverse offset. A directly
above the propeller wheel before mentioned. This offset causes the air thrown out
by the propeller wheel (to exert a pressure against the front part of the lower com-
partment A so that the balloon will rise more easily.
The basket B is provided on its bottom with four, more or less, boats B' which
serve to sustain the entire device above water in case it descends on a lake or ocean.
At the rear end of the basket B is formed a door B2 which leads to the interior
provided with two rows of longitudinal seats B3 and with horizontal windows B in
some of which are mounted, on a universal joint, the telescopes B5 for examining the
ground below. In the front of the basket B is also arranged a curved double
window B (see Figures 9 and 17) and directly under this window is located a
compass B mounted on a universal joint in the usual manner. Other suitable instru-
ments are located in the basket B and trap doors lead into the boats B' which can be
utilized for storage or for other purposes. In the basket B near the front and rear are
located, and mounted to rotate in suitable bearings, the wheels G G each provided on
its sides with crank arms G¹ and G² pivotally connected, by the pitmans G³, with the
cross-heads mounted to slide vertically in suitable bearings formed in the interior
of the basket B. The cross-heads G are connected with treadles G' against which
press the feet of an operator seated in a seat G located directly above the set of
treadles G. The crank arms G¹ and G extend in opposite directions from. each.
B

page_text: other, so that when one set of treadles G moves up the other set of treadies G³ moves
down and a continuous rotary motion is thus imparted to the wheel G. On the
crank arm G2 of the wheels G is pivotally connected a pitman G7 which connects
with the crank arm H₁ secured on a shaft H carrying a fly-wheel H and mounted
to rotate in suitable bearings on a framework in the basket B, said shaft H being
located midway between the two wheels G G and preferably in the longitudinal
centre line of the basket B. The rotary motion of both wheels G G is thus trans-
mitted to the shaft H. whereby the said flyweel H2 is rotated. The seats B³, before
mentioned, are on either side of the said wheel H and their backs form a cover for
the said shaft H and its wheel H. On the shaft H is secured an eccentric H³ (see
figure 14) having its eccentric rod H' extending upward and pivotally connected with
a rod H having a vertical hearing in the frame-work in the top of the basket B.
The rod His connected with a lever H pivoted at H7 on brackets secured to the
framework of the basket B and the other end of the said lever H engages a
cross-head H mounted to slide vertically in suitable bearings on the frame of the
basket.
The cross-head H is pivotally connected by a pitman H with a crank-arm C²
The
secured on the shaft C3 carrying the suction wheel C before mentioned.
latter is provided with an inner hub C secured on the said shaft. C³ with a middle
rim and with an outer rim C. Between the middle rim C and the outer rim C
are located the blades set at an angle in the usual manner, so that when the said
wheel C is rotated it causes, by means of the blades C, a suction of air from the front
to the rear or from the rear to the front according to the direction in which the said
wheel is running. Between the middle rim and the periphery of the hub C₁ is
located a friction wheel I secured on the inner end of a shaft I mounted to rotate
in the bearings I (see figures 10 and 14) and carrying the propeller wheel (which
is somewhat larger in diameter than the suction wheel and serves to propel the
air ship forward or backward. The blades of the propeller wheel are made in
the usual manner and of any approved construction. The bearing 12 of the shaft l
is pivoted at one end and is pivotally connected at its other end with a lover [³
extending downward and connected with the ends of the ropes I passing over
idlers 1 and on to a drum secured on the shaft I located in the interior of the
basket B and provided with a hand wheel 1' for turning the said shaft 1° so that the
ropes are wound up or unwound and cause the lever I to swing so as to cause a
similar movement of the bearing I on its fixed pivot whereby the friction wheel I is
thrown either in contact with the middle rim C or with the hub C+ of the suction
wheel C. This movement of the friction wheel I imparts a forward or backward
movement to the wheel C₁ according to the contact of the said wheel with the
middle rim C or with the hub . The lever 13 is connected with the bearing 12 by
a pin I which projects into a slot of the said bearing 1 so that when the lever 1³.
receives a swinging motion it also imparts a swinging motion to the bearing 12 as
above described. On the outer end of the bearing 1 is pivoted a link 1º extending
upward and inward and pivotally connected with a brake shoe 10 adapted to engage
the rim of the friction wheel I. The brake shoo I10 is fulcrumed at its lower end on
a fixed point so that when the said lever I³ imparts a swinging movement to the
bearing and the friction wheel I assumes a midway position between the hub C
and the rim C³, the link I causes an inward swinging movement of the brake
shoe 10 whereby the latter is thrown in contact with the rim of the wheel I so
as to brake the same, whereby the propeller wheel ceases to rotate. The rod H³
extends above the lever H and is, provided on its outer end with a socket H
into which project from opposite directions the ends J of the levers J pivoted in
the blocks J mounted to slide longitudinally on a cross-beam J³ secured to the
beams supporting the basket B. In this beam J³ is also formed a bearing for the
vertical rod H³, before mentioned, see figure 14; In the lower end of each of
the blocks J screws the rod J* provided with right and left hand screw threads
screwing respectively into the said two blocks J so that the latter move simul-
taneously toward or from each other when the screw-rod 34 is turned. The latter

page_text: is mounted to rotate in suitable bearings and carries at one end a pulley J' over
which passes a rope J which also passes over an idler J7 and then on to and around
the drum Js provided with a hand-wheel J, so that when the latter is turned it
rotates the screw J by the action of the rope J and the pulley J. According to the
direction in which the wheel J is turned, the blocks J move toward or from each
other and consequently shift the pivot points of the levers J so that their throw is
increased or diminished. The hand wheel J is located at one side, in the basket, of
the front seats G thus being within convenient reach of the operator working the
treadles G³.
On the outer end of each lever J is formed a pocket J into which project the
ends of the beams D' supporting the onter wings D and the inner or central
wings E, see figures 19 and 20. The beams D' of ilfe set of wings are fulcrumed
at 3 and are of any approved construction; preferably, however, they are made
in the shape of a truss, as is plainly illustrated in Figure 20.. The wings E are
rectangular in shape and are located between the inner end D2 and the fulcrum D³
while the outer wings D are placed in an inclined position and provided with an
outer frame D and a central partition D³. Between the latter and the sides of
the frame D are secured the slats D on which are secured strips of canvas D'
which are also fastened by their sides to the said central partition D³ and the sides
of the frame D, as is plainly illustrated in figures 19, 20, and 21. The canvas
strips are bag-shaped and their outer ends extend under the next following slat D°,
as is plainly shewn in figure 21, so that, when the wings move upward, the bag
parts Ds of the canvas strips D' are opened downward, as shewn in the figure
above mentioned, whereby the wind from above can pass through the said canvas
bags D and hence they do not offer much resistance to the wind. When the latter
moves downward the bag D extends across with its end under the next following
slat D is pressed up against the said slat, so as to close all openings in the several
slats and thereby the wings operate with their full power on the air. The wings E
are also provided with slats and canvas strips in the same manner as above described
in reference to the wings D. As the wings D and E are located on opposide sides
of the fulcrum D³ and the beams D receive a swinging motion, it will be seen
that when the wings D move upward the other wings E move downward and vice-
versa.
The steering device E consists of two principal wings F1 and F2 of which the
wing is placed vertically and mounted to swing having its front edge formed by
its axis, as is plainly shewn in figure 1 reference being also had to figures 2, 9, 14, 17,
and 18. The other wing. F2 is placed horizontally, being hinged at F3 to the axis of
the wing The wing F is circular, the centre being the axis of the wing F¹, and
is provided with a slot ¨F through which said wing F extends, see figure 2. The
wing F serves to steer sidewise while the wing F2 serves to steer up and down. The
wing is connected with the ends of the rope at its rear end, said rope passing
over the pulleys K and K², see Figure 14", and down into the basket B, and around
a drum K³ provided with a hand wheel K located on one side of the basket B next
to one of the front seats Go so as to be within convenient reach of the operator on the
said seat G. When the operator turns the wheel K4, he causes the wing F¹ to swing
on its vertical axis so that the wing assumes an inclined position to the longitudinal
central line of the air-ship whereby the latter is steered sidewise either to the right or
left, according to the direction in which the operator turns the hand wheel K. The
other wing F is connected by its outer ends to ropes L, each of which passes over the
pulleys L and 12 located vertically one above the other so that the ends of the
wing move between the said two pulleys L' and L2 when the rope is moved.
The latter passes downward from the pulley L over another pulley L² on the rear end
of the wing and then to a pulley La located near the lower pivot of the said
wing F and then the rope passes under a pulley L' mounted on a framework of the
basket and then the rope passes to a drum Ĺ³ secured on a staff L' extending
vertically and provided on its upper end with the usual hand wheel L' located within
easy reach of one of the operators seated on one of the front seats G. Thus, when

page_text: the operator turns the hand wheel L' he causes the rope L to move so that the
wing F is turned on its hinge F3 and assumes an inclined position to the vertical
axis of the wing F. The front end of the wing F is thus moved either up or down,
consequently steering the ship up or down, according to the direction of the said
wing and the direction in which the ship is travelling.
In order to start the fly-wheel H2 easily, we provide a starting device N located
inside of the basket B, directly above the said wheel H², as is plainly shewn in
Figures 9 and 14. The starting device N is provided with a friction wheel N1
adapted to be thrown into contact with the periphery of the fly wheel H. The
friction wheel. N¹ is mounted to rotate on the lower end of an arm N fulcrumed
on a shaft N³ mounted to rotate on a suitable bracket secured to the framework of the
basket B. A pulley is located beside the friction wheel N and over it passes an
endless belt N also passing over a pulley N° secured to the shaft N³. The latter
also carries a small fly-wheel N and a crank arm N7 pivotally connected with a
rod N extending downward and provided at its lower end with a handle so that
when the operator takes hold of this handle and pulls or pushes with this rod N8, he
imparts a rotary motion to the shaft N³ which, by its pulley N and the belt N',
imparts a similar motion to the friction wheel N which, when held in contact with
the periphery of the fly-wheel H, causes the latter to revolve. An arm N° secured
to the arm N serves to press the said friction wheel N¹ against the periphery of the
said wheel H2 with more or less force. It will be seen that the operator can bring
the shaft. N³ to rotate at a higher rate of speed, by operating on the rod N so as to
impart to the friction wheel N¹ a fixed rotary motion, and then the operator by
taking hold of the handle N° presses the friction wheel N against the periphery of
the wheel H. The latter is thus slowly revolved and starts the wheels G and the
treadles G so that the operator, operating the treadles G³, can work without great
strain so as to bring the main fly-wheel II to its normal or desired rate of speed.
The air ship is provided with a filling receptacle O secured in the bottom of the
lower compartment A' of the balloon A, as is plainly shewn in figures 1, 3, and 12.
The detail construction of the filling receptacle O is shewn in figures 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.
In the bottom of the receptacle O is a flexible inlet pipe O', connected in any suitable
manner with the source of gas supply from which the several compartments A1, A2,
and A3, of the balloon are to be filled. From the upper end of the receptacle O
leads a short pipe 02 which opens directly into the lower compartment A¹ and a
pipe 0 extends from the receptacle O through the compartment A' into the compart-
ment A2 of the balloon while a third pipe leads from the top of the receptacle O
and passes through the compartments A1 and A2 and opens into the third com-
partment A³ of the balloon A, as is plainly shewn in figure 3. The three
compartments can be filled simultaneously or independently if desired. The means
for accomplishing this are shown in the detail figures 4 to 8, and they consist
principally of the slides P and P¹ located in the top of the receptacle O directly under
each pipe 0, 0, and 0. The slides P and P are provided with apertures P2 and P3,
of which the aperture P³ registers with a similar aperture formed in the receptacle O
so as to connect the interior of the latter with one part of the respective pipe 02, 0³,
or 0%
The opening P2 in the slide P is adapted to register with a pipe P
extending inward in the receptacle O and leading into the upper closed end 0% of
the inlet pipe O so that the gas from the latter passes to the closed end 0 and then
through the pipes P into the respective pipe 02 03 or 0 provided that the
aperture P in the slide P registers with the respective pipe P. The slides P
and are moved forward and backward by ropes P and so that their openings
will register, said ropes P and P passing over pulleys P7 located in the interior of
the receptacle then the ropes Po pass downward and over pulleys P8 located in the
open ring held in the bottom of the receptacle O and through the centre of which
passes the central pipe O. The ropes then extend outward and can be manipulated
by the operator in any desired manner so as to open or close the respective slides P
and P with their respective pipes 0%, 0³, and 04. When one of the compartments is
to be filled with gas, the slide P is operated by the ropes P and P until its

page_text: opening Pregisters with the pipe P4. The gas entering through the pipe O¹
passes through the pipe P4 into the respective pipe 02, 0³, or 0, and the air in the
said compartment of the balloon passes down the respective pipe and through the
opening P3 into the receptacle O and then out through the ring 0. For this
purpose we prefer to provide each of the outlet pipes 02, 03, and 0%, with a central
partition extending throughout its length, so that the gas passes up on one side of
the partition while the outgoing air passes down on the other sile of the partition and
through the corresponding opening 13 in the slide P¹ to the receptacle O. It is
understood that the incoming gases travel up one side of the respective pipe 0², 0³,
or O, and leave sufficient space for the escaping air. When the latter has escaped
then the slide P is closed so that only gas passes into the respective compartiment of
the balloon, until the desired amount of gas has accumulated in the respective comi-
partment. When the several compartments have been filled, all the slides P and Paro
closed.
The operation is as follows: When the several compartiments A1, A2, and A³, of the
balloon A are filled and the slides P and Pare closeil, the operators seat themselves
on the seats G" and the passengers arrange themselves on the seats B³ in the basket B.
The air ship is then ready to ascend and it moves upward by the action of the gas in
the balloon A. The upward movement is assisted by the flapping side and central
wings and E which are set in motion by the operators on the seats G working the
treadles G so as to cause the wheels G to rotate which latter transmit their rotary
motion to the main fly wheel H2 which, by the eccentric H³ the rod H and the lovers J,
imparts an up and down swinging motion to the said wings D and E. The main fly
wheel H2 had been previously started by one of the operators operating the starting
device N, as above described. A slow forward movement is obtained at the same
time by the rotation of the suction wheel C which is set in motion by the rod H
operating the lever H which by its pitman H, connected with the crank arm C2,
rotates the shaft (3 carrying the said suction wheel C. When it is desirable to have
a rapid forward movement, one of the operators turns the hand wheel I' at the rear
in the basket B so that the lever 13 imparts a swinging motion to the pivoted
bearing until the friction wheel 1 is thrown into contact with the central rim C³ of
the suction wheel C. The friction wheel I on coming in contact with the rotating
rim C³ receives a rotary motion which is transmitted to the shaft. I carrying the large
propeller wheel which on being rotated causes a rapid forward movement of the
air ship. When it is desirable to travel backward, the operator turns the hand
wheel in the opposite direction so that the friction pulley 1 comes in contact with
the hub of the suction wheel C and consequently the propeller wheel C is rotated
in an opposite direction at a lower rate of speed. The steering to the right or left is
accomplished by one of the operators on the front seat Go turning the hand wheel K
so that the vertical wing F of the steering device F is thrown at an angle and
consequently turns the ship to the right or left according to the direction in which
the vertical wing F¹ has been moved. When it is desirable to start up or down the
operator turns the hand wheel 17 of the staff L, so that the circular wing F' of the
steering device F is thrown into an inclined position with its front end up or down,
so that the air ship travels upward or downward according to the position of the
said wing disc F³.
It will be seen that the peculiar shape of the bottom of the lowest compartment A¹
of the balloon A permits of an easy riding on the air and also facilitates an upward
movement in an inclined direction as the said lower compartment A¹ is provided
with a point A* and a peculiarly curved bottom. The top compartment A³ adjusts
itself according to the direction of the wind as above described so that the entire
balloon offers very little resistance to the wind in whatever direction the ship may be
travelling. The balloon is also provided with the usual device for letting out gas in
case a rapid descent is advisable. The ball on, with its gas filling, counterbalances
the weight of the basket and the several devices supported by the latter. It will also
be seen that the several devices can operate in such a manner as to bring the entire
air ship under the control of the operators.

page_text: We do not limit ourselves to the special construction of the particular means
employed for obtaining the motive power and the connections between the motive
power and the several operating devices, that is the wings and the propeller wheels.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature, of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is
-
1. In an air ship, a balloon comprising three compartments located one above the
other and of which the top one shifts according to the direction and force of the wind,
substantially as shewn and described.
2. In an air ship a balloon having three compartiments, of which the top one adjusts
itself to the direction of the wind and the lower one is stiffened by a framework,
and a closed basket supported by beams from the said lower compartment, substantially
as shewn and described.
3. In an air-ship, a balloon having three compartments, of which the top one
adjust itself to the direction of the wind and the lower one is stiffened by a framework,
and a closed basket supported by beams from the said lower compartiment, and
boats formed on the underside of the said basket, substantially as shewn and
described.
4. In an air ship, the combination with a balloon having three compartments located
one above the other, of which the top one adjusts itself automatically to the direction
of the wind and the lower one is stiffened by a framework, of a closed basket
provided with a door and windows and supported from the bottom of the said lower
compartment, and flapping wings held above the said basket between the latter
and the bottom of the said lower compartment, substantially as shewn and describedl.
5. In an air ship, a balloon consisting of three compartments, of which the lower-
most, is stiffened by a framework and supports at its top the second compartment,
the third compartment being formed on top of the second compartment and secured
with its edges to the said framework and being exposed to the action of the wind,
substantially as shewn and described.
6. An air ship, consisting of a balloon. substantially as described, a closed
basket supported from the said halloon and containing motive power, propelling
wheels operated by the said motive power and located above and in the rear of the
said basket, sets of double flapping wings operated by the said motive power and
located at each side above the said basket, and a steering device, substantially as
described, located in front of the basket and serving to steer the air ship up or down
or sidewise, substantially as shewn and described.
7. In an air ship, the combination with a balloon, as described, of a closed basket
provided with doors and windows and supported from the bottom of the said balloon,
a set of double flapping wings held at each side and above the said basket between
the latter and the bottom of the balloon, and a motive power located in the said
basket for operating the said wings, substantially as shewn and described.
8. In an air ship, the combination with the balloon, as described, of a closed
basket supported from the bottom of the said balloon, doors and windows formed in
the said closed basket, a double set of flapping wings secured to beams having a
swinging movement each set of wings being located at each side and above the
basket, and a suction wheel located above the said basket and at its rear, said wheel
and sets of wings being operated from a motive power located within the said basket,
substantially as shewn and described.
9. In an air ship, the combination with a balloon, as described; of a closed basket
supported from the bottom of the said balloon, double sets of wings secured to beauis
having a swinging movement said wings being located above, and at both sides of,
the said basket, a suction wheel located above the said basket and at its rear, said
wheel and sets of wings being operated from a motive power located within the
said basket, and a propeller wheel located directly behind the said suction wheel and
adapted to be thrown into, and out of, contact with the said suction wheel, substantially
as shewn and described.

page_text: 10. In an air ship, the combination with a balloon, as described, of a closed basket
supported on the under side of the said balloon, a suction wheel mounted to rotate
above the said basket at its rear, the said suction wheel being provided with a central
rim and a hub and operated from the motive power located within the said basket, a
friction wheel secured on a shaft mounted to rotate in a swinging bearing under the
control of the operator in the basket, said friction wheel being adapted to be thrown
alternately into, and out of, contact with the said central rim and hub of the suction
wheel, and a propeller wheel secured on the said shaft of the friction wheel.and
rotating with the same, substantially as shewn and described.
11. In an air ship, the combination with a closed basket supported from a balloon
and containing a motive power, of sets of double wings located at each side and
above the said basket, beams mounted to swing on top of the said basket and
carrying the said seis of wings, said beams being operated from the said motive power,
and a suction wheel mounted to rotate above the said basket in the rear of the said
sets of wings and operated from the said motive power simultaneously with the said
sets of wings, substantially as shewn and described.
12. In an air ship, the combination with a closed basket supported on the under side
of a balloon, of a steering device located in front of the said basket and consisting of
a vertical wing mounted to swing and a disc-wing pivoted on the said vertical wing
and mounted to swing, substantially as shewn and described.
13. In an air ship, the combination with a closed basket supported on the upper
side of a balloon, of a stering device located in front of the said basket and consisting
of a vertical wing mounted to swing and a disc-wing pivoted on the said vortical
wing and mounted to swing, and ropes extending into the said basket for operating
the said wings of the steering device, substantially as shewn and described.
14. In an air ship, the combination with a balloon, as described, of a closed basket
supported on the under side of the balloon, a steering device located in front of the
said basket and extending on the underside of the said balloon, the said steering
device being provided with a vertical wing mounted to swing and a horizontal dise
wing pivoted on the said vertical wing and mounted to swing, substantially as shewn
and described.
15. In an air ship, the combination with a closed basket supported from a balloon
and containing a motive power, of wings located above the said basket and extending
at the sides of the same, beams mounted to swing and carrying the said wings, said
beams being operated from the said motive power, a suction wheel mounted to rotate
above the said basket at the rear of the said wings and operated from the said motive
power simultaneously with the said wings, and a propeller wheel located behind the
said suction wheel and adapted to be operated from the same so as to rotate forward
or backward substantially as shewn and described.
16. In an air ship, a steering device consisting of a vertical wing mounted to
swing around its front edge which forms the axis, and a disc wing pivoted at the front
edge of the said vertical wing and adapted to swing, substantially as shewn and
described.
:
17. In an air ship, a steering device consisting of a vertical wing mounted to
swing around its front edge which forms the axis, a disc wing pivote: on the front
edge of the said vertical wing and adapted to swing, and ropes, pulleys, and hand
wheels, for manipulating the said wings, substantially as shown and described.
18. In an air ship, the combination with a closed basket, of wheels mounted to
rotate in the said basket, crank arms connected with the said wheels, treadles connected
with the said crank arms, a central fly-wheel located between the said wheels and
connected with the said crank arms so that a rotary motion is imparted to the said
main fly wheel when the treadles are operated, an eccentric secured on the shaft of
the said main fly wheel, an eccentric rod extending upward from the said eccentric,
a lever connected with the said rod, a suction wheel operated from the said lever, and
flapping wings operated from the said rod, substantially as shewn and described.
19. In an air ship, the combination with a balloon having three compartments
located one above the other, of a filling receptacle provided with an inlet pipe and,

page_text: three outlet pipes formed on the said filling receptacle and leading to the said three
compartments of the balloon, substantially as shewn and described.
20. In an air ship, the combination with a balloon having three compartments
located one above the other, of a filling receptacle secured in the bottom of the
lowermost compartment, an inlet pipe held on the said receptacle and adapted to be
connected with the source of gas-supply, and outlet pipes extending from the top of
the said receptacle on station only, and leading respectively to the said three
compartments, substantially as shewn and described.
21. In an air ship, the combination with a balloon having three compartments
located one above the other, of a filling receptacle secured in the bottom of the
lowermost compartment, an inlet pipe held on the said receptacle and adapted to be
connected with the source of gas-supply on station, outlet pipes extending from the
top of the said receptacle, and leading respectively to the said three compartments,
and apertured slides held in the said receptacle to control the inlet of the gas to the
sáid outlet pipes and the outlet of the air from the said three compartments,
substantially as shewn and described.
22. In an air ship, the combination with the main fly wheel, of a starting device
operating on the said main fly wheel and consisting of a friction wheel adapted to
engage the periphery of the said fly-wheel, a swinging arm in which the said friction
wheel is mounted, a crank arm operated by a rod, and a shaft carrying the said crank
arm and provided with a pulley connected by a belt with a pulley on the said friction
wheel, substantially as shewn and described.
23. In an air ship, the combination with the main fly-wheel, of a starting device
operating on the said main fly wheel and consisting of a friction wheel adapted to
engage the periphery of the said fly wheel, a swinging arm in which said friction
wheel is mounted, a crank arm operated by a rod, a shaft carrying the said crank arm
and provided with a pulley connected by a belt with a pulley on the said friction
wheel, and a handle for pressing the said swinging arm towards, or from, the said fly
wheel so as to connect the said fly wheel with the friction wheel or disconnect it from
the same, substantially as shewn and described.
24. In an air ship, the combination with sets of double wings, of beams carrying
the said sets of wings and mounted to swing, levers each provided on one end with a
pocket said pockets engaging the inner ends of the said beams, and a rod having an
up and down movement and connected with the inner ends of the said levers, substan-
tially as shewn and described.
25. In an air ship, the combination with sets of double wings, of beams carrying
the said wings and mounted to swing, levers each provided on one end with a pocket,
said pockets engaging the inner ends of the said beams, a rod having an up and down
movement and connected with the inner ends of the said levers, blocks adapted to
slide longitudinally and forming pivots for the said levers, and a fixed frame carrying
the said blocks and the said beams, substantially as shewn and described.
26. In an air ship, the combination with wings, of beams carrying the said wings
and mounted to swing, levers each provided on one end with a pocket, said pockets
engaging the inner ends of the said beams, a rod having an up and down movement
and connected with the inner ends of the said levers, blocks adapted to slide longi-
tudinally and formning the pivots for the said levers, a screw rod adapted to be turned
and screwing in the said blocks, said screw rod being provided with right and left
hand threads so that it moves the said blocks simultaneously towards, or from, each
other, and a fixed frame carrying the said blocks, substantially as shown and
described.
27. In an air ship, the combination with wings, of beams carrying the said
wings and mounted to swing, levers each provided on one end with a pocket, said
pockets engaging the inner ends of the said beams, a rod having an up and down
movement and connected with the inner ends of the said levers, blocks adapted to
slide longitudinally and forming the pivots for the said levers, a screw rod adapted to
be turned and screwing into the said blocks, said screw-rod being provided with right
and left hand threads so that it moves the said blocks simultaneously towards, or

page_text: from, each other, a pulley secured on the said screw-rod, a rope passing over the said
pulley, a drum provided with a hand wheel on which the said rope winds, and a fixed
frame carrying the said blocks, substantially as shewn and described.
.
28. In an air ship, the combination with a suction wheel mounted to rotate and
provided with a central hub and a middle rim, of a friction wheel held between the
said central hub and the middle rim, a shaft on which the said friction wheel is secured
and carrying a propeller wheel, a pivoted bearing carrying the said shaft, and a lever
pivotally connected with the free end of the said pivoted bearing so as to throw the
latter up or down to alternately engage the said friction wheel with the said central
hub and the said middle rim or disengage it from the same, substantially as shewn and
described.
29. In an air ship, the combination with a suction wheel mounted to rotate and
provided with a central hub and a middle rim, of a friction wheel held between the
said central hub and the middle rim, a shaft on which the said friction wheel is secured
and carrying a propeller wheel, a pivoted bearing carrying the said shaft, a lever
pivotally connected with the free end of the said pivoted hearing so as to throw the
latter up and down to alternately engage the said friction wheel with the said central
hub and the said middle rim or disengage it from the same, and a rope mounted
on pulleys and passing over a drum operated by a hand wheel, said rope being
connected with the lower end of the said lever, substantially as shewn and
described.
30. In an air ship, the combination with a suction wheel mounted to rotate and
provided with a central hub and a middle rim, of a friction wheel held between the
said central hub and the middle rim, a shaft on which the said friction wheel is secured
and carrying a propeller wheel, a pivoted bearing carrying the said shaft, a lever
pivotally connected with the free end of the said pivoted bearing so as to throw the
latter up and down to alternately engage the said friction wheel with the said central
hub and the said middle rim and disengage it from the same, a link pivotally con-
nected with the said bearing, and a pivoted brake shoe pivotally connected with the
said link and adapted to engage the periphery of the said friction wheel, substantially
as shewn and described.
a
31. In an air ship, a wing having an up and down movement and comprising
frame having a central partition, slats secured to the said frame and central partition,
and a canvas strip secured by one end to one of the said slats and by its sides to the
said framework and the said central partition the other end of the said canvas strip
being bagged directly under the next following slat, substantially as shown and
described.
32. In an air ship, a wing provided with transverse slats and a canvas strip secured
by one end to one of the said slats and by its sides to the framework of the wing the
other end of the said canvas strip being bagged directly under the next following
slat so that when the wing moves upwards the bag is opened, but when the wing
moves downwards the bag closes on to the next following slat, substantially as shewn
and described.