Improvements connected with Balloons.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 4th Jan., 1893-Accepted, 18th Mar., 1893
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements connected with Balloons.
I, JOACHIM SOUMOVSKI, of Kursk, in the Russian Empire, Engineer of Ways
and Communications, 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 certain improvements in balloons and consists
of a flat shaped envelope provided with partitions forming compartments or cham-
bers, cach of which may be separately filled with gas or receive a bag or casing
charged with gas.
In the accompanying drawings,
Figures 1 and 2 are a plan and a vertical longitudinal section respectively of
this improved balloon.
Figures 3 and 4 are diagrams showing how 'the balloon should be set or arranged
when it is required to ascend or descend obliquely. The other figures show
various methods of forming the envelope of the balloon and of the gas bags.
The simplest mode of forming the balloon is as follows:-Two pieces of material of
equal size a and b, Figures 5 and 6, are connected together by longitudinal or
transverse partitions cor d, and are joined at their edges by strips of material e, e',
in such a manner as to form a flat cushion like casing closed on all sides and sub-
sequently divided by the partitions c and d into gas tight chambers separately filled
with gas. Instead of filling the said chambers with gas, each chamber may be
provided in the course of the manufacture of the envelope with a hollow bulb f
filled with gas, Figures 7 and 8, the sides of which are formed of flexible material.
The hollow bulbs may also be inserted in a collapsed condition in the chambers
and subsequently inflated with gas when the envelope is completed through openings
which can be readily closed.
By dispensing in the envelope shown in Figures 5 and 6 with the longitudinal
partitions e and the edge strips marked el, an envelope is produced, the two end
chambers of which are left open. In each of these open chambers is inserted a
bolster like bag g closed at its two circular or spherical ends (Figure 9) and made
of flexible material which is inflated with gas after it has been placed in position.
Each bag is somewhat longer than the corresponding chamber or compartment, so
that the spherical ends project slightly beyond the envelope. To prevent these
tubes or bags slipping out of the envelope, flaps or bands fixed to the envelope
and to its partition walls or forming extensions of the envelope and of its partitions,
are attached crosswise over these tubes or bags.
In Figure 9, the three bags on the right hand side are shown fully closed, while
the end of the fourth bag on the left hand side is shown uncovered, the flaps h
being thrown back.
The tubes g may be likewise divided into compartments by transverse partitions i,
Figure 10. And moreover, instead of filling each one of these compartments with
gas, they may be supplied with a hollow case or bulb k, Figure 11, filled with gas
in the course of the manufacture of this tube or bag.
The balloon manufactured according to one of the methods above described is
preferably made to assume the shape shown in Figures 1 and 2, and is attached
by a frame n to the car in such a manner as to be capable of turning, relatively
to the car, upon its transverse axis m, or upon an axis parallel to the former but
placed somewhat lower as shown in the drawings and firmly connected to the
balloon, the car being suspended to the same.
The adjustment of the balloon in an oblique position (see Figures 3 and 4) is
effected by means of a chain o passing in the middle over
a chain wheel p,

page_text: Figure 2, arranged on or in the car, while its ends are connected to the balloon
at g and r.
3, Figures 2, 3, and 4 shows a screw of the form ordinarily used for balloons
This
propelled by screws, and which is driven by a motor placed in the car.
crew is adjustable, according to requirements, either horizontally, vertically, or
slantwise.
When the balloon is constructed of bags in the manner shown in Figure 9, two,
three, or more tubes or bags can be inserted telescopically one within the other for
the purpose of making them resistant and thoroughly impermeable, the coverings of
these tubes or bags being connected together by india rubber solution, or cement,
or in any other suitable manner, so that the wall of each bag may consist of two or
more layers of material connected together.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is:-
1. A balloon consisting of a flat envelope preferably of oval shape and divided
by partitions into compartments filled separately with gas supplied, or with bags
filled with gas, as set forth and substantially as shown.
2. A balloon of the kind above set forth, in which, when bags are used, each
bag consists of two or more bags inserted telescopically one within the other, and
connected together for the purpose of rendering these bags resistant and thoroughly
impermeable, as described.
Dated this 4th day of January 1893.
H. GARDNER,
Patent Agent, 166, Fleet Street, London,
Agent for the said Joachim Soumovski.