Improvements in Aërial Conveyances.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 28th Jan., 1891
Complete Specification Left. 3rd Apr. 1891-Accepted. 1st Aug., 1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Aërial Conveyances.
I WILLIAM HOUSTON SINCLAIR, Gentleman, Morton Manor, Brading, Isle of
Wight, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
For personal movement a canoe made of wicker, or other light material, covered
with air proof fabric, and filled with gas, or other rarefied air. Propelled by a
pair of large paddles, fitted with self feathering blades of light construction and
different device; one for use as in water, the other as a rudder. The voyager
being underneath.
For a number of passengers. A ship of similar material and buoyancy with
small light sails to enable her to sail close to the wind. The motive power steam
or electricity on wide self feathering paddle wheels. A rudder of large proportions
on each side of the stern. A very light deck for travellers is suspended below the
ship her whole length.
Dated this 27th day of January 1891.
WILLIAM HOUSTON SINCLAIR.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Aërial Conveyances.
I WILLIAM HOUSTON SINCLAIR, Gentleman, Morton Manor, Brading, Isle of
Wight, 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 :—
For personal movement, an aërial canoe made of bamboo canes, wicker, or other
light material covered with air proof fabric, and filled with gas or rarefied air.
Propelled by a pair of large paddles; fitted with self-feathering blades, of light
construction, and different device; one for use as in water, the other as a rudder
The weight of voyager may be made to assist motion. For a number of passengers.
An aerial ship of similar material, and buoyancy. The motive power may be
pedal, manual, springs, weight of the passengers, steam, or electricity, on four
wide self-feathering paddle-wheels. A rudder of large proportions on each side of
the stern, and a very light deck for travellers is below.
The lightness of the materials of which the said aërial conveyances are con-
structed increases the carrying power, corresponding to the displacement of the air
by the lighter gas, or rarefied air. Two valves one on each side V. within reach
and control of the voyager, allow of ascent or descent at pleasure, gas or rarefied
air being always generating on board, to be conveyed into the envelope above to
replace the said gas or rarefied air, allowed to escape for the purpose of descent, or
dissipated if not required for ascent. The frames shall or may be made of the
lightest substances, combining strength, namely, the lowest deck 96 feet more or
less in length, of bamboo canes or tubular steel bent to the shapes of the bottoms
of Fig. 1. Fig. 2. and Fig. 3 on which are lashed' transversely slabs of cork-wood
The centres
that will support and float the structure above, if immersed in water.
of paddles Fig. 1 may be of cork-wood or tubular-steel throughout its length
96 feet more or less.
The feathering blades may be on light tubular-steel frames acting as venetians

page_text: covered with strong silk varnished, or other light material 16 feet more or less at
the widest parts, capable in case of accident over water of preventing the con-
veyance from turning bottom upwards, and capable of propulsion in the water as in
the air.
The propellers may be made as in Fig. 1. the shape of a beet-root, or as in
Fig. 2. the shape of a fan or fin, or as in Fig. 3. the shape of wings, the central W
raised upwards by two india rubber bands R on both sides, moving on two hinges H
on both sides, by the weight or weights of one or more persons on the saddle or
seat S that stretch the rubber-bands fixed at B on the wings W and at R on the
body of the conveyance. When the wings W have descended as far as wished,
aided by hand stirrups U from a line near V. the stirrups for the feet are risen
upon, which allows the wings W. both sides to feather while rising to the original
position. While that is being accomplished the weight.or weights transfered from
the wings W to the wings X both sides opens the four lateral wings X by cords C
on both sides, with the weight on the stirrups for the feet, assisted by pulling the
said cords C with the hand or hands at the centre M, thus giving a forward motion
to the eight said wings X four of which may be made more powerful by lengthening
2. X. to lap over 1. X. and by lengthening 4. X. to lap over 5. X. All the afore-
said wings X. have two strong rubber bands, but as 4. X. and 5. X. must feather
reversely from 1. X. and 2. X. to enable 4. X. and 5. X. to close and shut with
greater speed if permitted by lessening the pressure on the stirrups or board for the
feet S, and on the cord C. with the hands greater velocity may be obtained with
3 rubber-bands each, on both sides 4. X & 5. X.
The upper gas envelope may be made to expand or reef by using string netting
above, in lieu of double wire netting, and placing pins through the flattened ends of
3 ribs D. on one side only, to rise and fall like the hood of a carriage. The
feathering blades may be made as in W. Fig. 3. or horizontal. In both the motion
will be upwards. Two closely fitting trap-doors or windows, in halves, large
enough when open upwards, to admit the oil stoves, or the stove pipes when shut,
tale or toughened glass, glazed in the trap doors, give light underneath through
the bottoms of the stoves, which are of plate or toughened glass. The fans or
fins P. of Fig. 2. shut by pressure into S. and easily withdrawn shut, & secured by
the catch spring G. till released for another stroke, by the reflex action of the two
rubber-bands in which the said fan fin or paddle is suspended, when ready, pressure
by the hands or fingers on two protruding knobs from the handle opens the fan,
fin, or paddle 32 feet more or less on each side, and acting in unison, without
dipping one side only as in water, gives great speed and may at the pleasure of the
voyager be used to alter or direct the course, the rudder being used only when the
fans fins, or paddles, are at rest, and the jib J. with the side of the conveyance
presented to the air current (96 × 48 feet in Fig. 3.-5. X. both sides act as
rudders).
Figs. 1. and 2. 88 ft. x 28 feet more or less, require stern guidance to keep her
head close to the wind. The jib J. can be set, and reefed from the seats under
the paddle, by means of cords, (rings and blocks) passing along the lowest deck
and bowsprit which is hinged at H. Fig. 1. or at H. Fig. 2. to haul up when not
wanted.
In case of rupture or other accident to the gas envelope the jib J. may be let
fly 10 feet; the fans, or fins, or feathering paddles, secured spread parallel with
the deck, and the rudder which is suspended in an elastic band b, revolves in an
iron ring attached to d and turns upon a swivel thus forming four parachutes for
an easy descent to Fig. 1. or by unshipping the top hook of the rudder, which is
shorter than the lower hook, and jointed at d in Fig. 2. the same effect is produced.
The voyager has not the weight of the fans, fins, or paddles to bear as on the water,
because the said paddles are supported by one or two broad elastic rubber-bands,
that may be worked by the hand or hands, and with the aid of a leathern strap L
with or without a treadle, by the foot or feet at the same time. The said fans, fins,
or paddles may also be used as sails by securing the larboard or starboard, as low

page_text: as they will go, making two sails, one below and the other above the voyager
according to the wind. The bow with flag and sail staff; the stern with flag staff,
and frame for rudder, the rails between the flag staff over valves V. the rails
between bow and stern over paddles; the rails forming lowest deck; the two
entrances, with movable seats, and supports, the frame of the rudder and its
handle.
The exterior of the fans, fins, or paddles, with their shafts are constructed of
bamboo canes, or the lightest tubular steel, from which the oxygen has been
extracted. No ballast will be required. No great altitude meant to be obtained,
but for protection from cold, snow or rain.
The whole extent of the lowest deck may be shut in by 6 light tubular steel
frames, covered with varnished silk or thin india rubber or other light transparent
fabric, hinging on the tubes T. both sides, but only opening outwards singly or
together by cords, as far as to be at right-angles with the said sides at T, that
they also may be used as parachutes in case of danger.
To enable the whole space above the lowest deck, when shut in by the said
blinds, to be occupied with heated air, tubular steel frame doors in halves covered
with air proof fabric, and capable either of shutting or opening across the ends of
the side entrances, or on the front thereof. The great envelope may be inflated
with gas or heated atmosphere produced by two powerful oil or coke stoves, that
can be used for either, by lifting out the lamps and transparent bottoms, and
placing iron gratings instead.
When the blinds on the lowest deck are shut, by rubber or other springs, and
the entrances thereof closed, the said stoves may be pulled up within the great
Fenvelope by four strong thin chains that hook on four rings Q at the centres of the
four sides at the tops of the said stoves, which are 24 inches square by 18 inches in
height, more or less.
The said four chains are joined one foot above the stove pipes, which are eight
feet in height, but may be telescoped to four feet, the top joint being the shape of
the letter doubled at the top sic through which holes are provided for the four
chains to pass, for the purpose of steadying the whole.
Both the stoves and their appliances shall be of the lightest materials, and raised
by the light chains passing over two wheels, secured to tubular steel ribs arching
transversely near W. To prevent swinging while hoisting or lowering a thin chain
is attached to the centre of the bottom side Q the length required, and made fast
below when hoisted. In Fig. 3. the whole space below the wing W. 32 ft. both
sides, is shut in by wire netting covered with varnished silk, talc, or toughened
glass in the following manner. N. The 1st 6 ft. by 12 ft. is a frame of light
material permanently fixed, and covered with light wire netting inside, also
"varnished silk outside. The 2nd 6 feet of the same structure and materials as the
1st 6 ft. by 12 ft. slides from before the 1st making 12 ft. by 12 ft. enclosed. To the
outside of the sliding shutter is hinged a frame 4 ft. by 12 ft. covered with light
wire netting inside and tale or toughened glass outside, making with the rabbet when
closed and fastened 16 ft. by 6 ft. Another 4 ft. by 12 ft. of the same structure, and
materials as the foregoing, is hinged outside of a second sliding shutter of the same
structure, and materials, as the first sliding shutter, and the last 6 ft. by 12 ft. of the
same structure and materials as the first. Fixed permanently in the same manner
making 32 ft. by 12 ft. enclosed under W.
The length of the saddle-board is 10 feet which may be hung across, as in Fig. 3.
or lengthways with the sides, half the length of the said saddle may be fitted with
double pommels and crutches for ladies. Both ends have backs leaning outwards
at the top 3 inches, and a foot board the whole length of the said saddles, may be
suspended from the cords C instead of stirrups on both sides, and instead of hand-
stirrups a horizontal bar 12 feet in length may be suspended from C and used for
opening one.side or both of the wings X. 2 wheels sloping inwards 1 each side are
provided for the ropes, spliced over the two rings near B on both sides, (knotted
before and after passing through both ends of the said saddle-board) to save from

page_text: friction, and prevent the contact with the aforesaid side shutters. The stoves have
plate glass bottoms and square tanks to hold two or more gallons of oil cach, with
a vacant circular centers to allow the emission of light, the said bottoms, and tanks,
may be removed and an iron grating introduced instead for burning coke.
When the stoves are first lighted, I open both valves V. to permit the cold air
to be driven out above; instead of below then both the said valves V are shut by
cords, and the said stoves hoisted inside the envelope, the traps shut, and
preparation made to use the wings W. for ascent, as soon as sufficient buoyancy is
obtained. Grooved wheels two inches in diameter with shields on the uppermost
parts, to prevent cords from being misplaced, are attached to the lamps inside the
stoves, to increase or decrease the flames of the said lamps. The ends of the afore-
said cords to be joined, and marked ascent, and descent, on each side respectively
of the parts joined, and long enough to be always within reach. Slits, two inches
in length, to admit air, and the free play of the said cords, are made on the sides
near bottoms, below the said grooved wheels, and on the trap doors, at a convenient
place in line, which shall not interfere with the opening or closing of the said trap
doors, and enable the said flames to be heightened, lowered, or extinguished from
below.
Fig. 1. may have two extra wings X. 1. and X. 2. 16 feet by 10 feet each more
or less hinging on tubes T. Feathered for forward motion, and folding upwards
on tubes t. both sides, by 3 india-rubber, or other springs. Two extra wings W. 3.
8 feet by 10 feet each, feathered for ascent, hinging on tubes T. and folding
upwards on tubes t. both sides, by 2 india-rubber or other springs each, and two
extra wings X. 4. and X. 5. 16 feet by 10 feet cach, more or less, hinging on
tubes T. and feathered for forward motion; folding upwards on tubes both sides,
by 3 india-rubber or other springs, and drawn downwards by manual, pedal or
other power.
I may make Fig. 2. with six extra wings each side, hinging on tubes T. folding
upwards on tubes t. by 3 or 2 india-rubber or other springs each, giving an extra
power of eight wings 16 feet by 12 feet for forward motion, and four wings, & feet
by 12 feet, more or less for upward motion by manual, pedal or other power.
may unship the paddles, fans or fins, of Figs. 1. and 2. if not likely to be wanted
with the side wings X. and W..
I
I may substitute Bussey's patent door closing springs, for all or any of the
purposes for which india-rubber-bands are used on the aforesaid Figs. 1. 2. 3.
The great envelope may rest on very light wire netting in the interior, on which
it may be sewn at equal intervals, especially on the supports, before the fabric is
varnished.
All the wings X and W..may be used as parachutes, and the great envelope by
opening the trap-doors underneath.
The valves V. are reached by hand ladders if necessary, but may be opened from
the deck by cords.
For arresting the advance of Figs. 1, and 2. The paddles, fans, or fins, may be
backed, and of Fig. 3. the wings X. spread to rest, while a light anchor is cast, with
sufficient line or rope.
I may cover the blades of the paddles, fans, or fins, with one piece of fabric,
instead of feathering venetians, as in Fig. 1. or to open and shut as in Fig. 2. and
cause the whole to turn or feather like ordinary oars, feathering on the water.
Fig. 4 is for a number of passengers, 116 feet in length by 32 feet in breadth,
without the paddle wheels, which are 4 feet wide cach, making 41 feet more or
less, the greatest width.
The said Fig. 4. is divided into three air proof compartments, the first a 36 feet
by 32 feet heightening to 42 feet, the second commencing at the steel tube in line
with the centres of paddle wheels 40 feet by 28 feet at the highest part and the
third compartment c 40 feet by 42 at the highest part.
Three steel tubes may extend the whole length of the lowest deck, 116 feet,
covered with wire netting, throughout, and on which slabs of cork-wood may be

page_text: lashed transversely only on the lowest deck between the paddle wheels, an extra
coating of varnish to make compartments a and c waterproof on and near the
lowest deck, will float them in case of accident on water.
Three trap doors, closely fitting, and opening inwards, eight feet by six feet, in
halves, each admit three heating stoves, or may act as parachutes when opened.
The paddle wheels may be 32 feet in diameter, 4 feet each in width, and divided
into eight compartments by tubular steel or other light material covered and
enclosed with air proof fabric, n the narrowest of the enclosed sides, opposite the
uncovered air entrances e is hinged on the right hand side, and slightly weighted
on the left hand side, to insure complete closure, the aforesaid weighting likewise
insures n. opening when 90° have been accomplished and n has ceased to be at right
angles with the lowest deck. The outer rim of paddle wheels may be made of
steel hooping perforated with receptacles for the cogs of the central wheels d which
may be made to revolve from right to left by the whole weight of riders being
transfered from the saddle S to the foot and hand stirrups with or without as
much strength as the riders care to give, when the cranks indicate the circles to be.
completed at d. By the time the said cranks point to the riders are in the
saddle S and the motion of the four paddle wheels P continued from the right hand.
upwards towards the left, by the weight of the riders transmitted from the saddle S
through the girth lines G to the cranks K which are twelve inches from the inner-
sides of the paddle wheels P. Three steel tubes rivetted on the lowest deck
outer tubes, and separating the envelopes a, b, c. passes round them, and may be
rivetted on the lowest outer tubes on the other side. Three steel tubes t rivetted
on tlie prow, on the upright tubes, and on the stern, may pass horizontally on both
sides to brace the whole. The rudders R present but little resistance to the air
when allowed to open by the rubber bands B their whole length, but as soon
as the cord I is pulled the venetians close, resistance sets in, and when the two
rudders R are made fast at right angles to the stern, a surface of 64 feet
by 48 fect, quickly stops advance, or by using the rudder R on one side only 32 feet
by 24 feet, her head may turn or answer port or starboard.
I may cover the aforesaid rudders R with one piece of any light fabric instead of
feathering venetians or 1 may unship the said venetians, screw the holdfasts F up-
side-down and reship the said venetians to feather reversely by changing down side
up and the inside, outside, for use as wings.
Three square valves, fastened (for strength) on the steel tubes, keep shut with
springs, and open with cords always within reach. The cranks of the two cog
wheels with the stirrup lines, the cranks of the four paddle wheels, with the saddle
girth lines are 12 inches inside, and on the inside of the cog wheels smaller smooth
wheels are fixed to act as windlasses on the rudder ropes, or if the rudders be used
as wings, the ropes may be fastened, and worked by the cranks of the said cog
wheels.
In Fig. 5. the cog-wheels, stirrups, saddles, girths, cranks and venetians, are
omitted to show the accomodation for travellers and the appearance of the con-
veyance if any other motor is employed instead of man power.
By enlarging the central envelope b to t additional lifting power may be obtained,
and the deck for travellers would be 40 feet in length between the steel tubes that
carry the centres of the paddle wheels, on one side, by eight feet in height, which
may be divided into three cabins, crossing to starboard; the 1st division, L,
12 feet by 20, and a wood-ash cabinet, about 4 feet wide on each side, nearest D
with sliding windows; designed throughout for ladies and furnished with hammocks
and manilla-matting.
The 2nd division D. 16 feet by 28 feet, at the middle, is for general use as
saloon, furnished with wicker ottomans that may be used as lockers for the
necessaries of a dining-room.
a
The 3rd division M. 12 feet by 20 feet, and a lavatory about 4 feet wide, on each
side nearest D, with sliding windows; designed throughout for gentlemen, and fitted
with hammocks, and the lightest of requisites.

page_text: The entrances to L and M'are midway in the saloon D. and may be curtained.
•
The space of 40 feet by 8 feet each side: may be shut in or safely enclosed by
strong wire netting inside, and covered with varnished silk, talc, or toughened glass
outside; secured by and sliding in the same manner as in Fig 3 the space of 32 feet
by 12 feet under W. is enclosed..
No one of the said conveyances is meant to be packed up to be taken home,
therefore mending materials will be carried for repairs in case of accidents, and a
portable telephone that can leave cards or messages where desired.
I may fill any, or all of the aforesaid envelopes with hydrogen gas, coal, or
illuminating gas, or any other gas, instead of heated or rarefied air, and I may
decrease or increase the capacity of any or all of the envelopes for gas, or
rarefied air, and the size of any or all of the conveyances, as well as change or
alter the materials of which the said conveyances are constructed.
I may use steel springs as motors on each paddle-wheel Fig. 6. or as auxiliaries.
to any other motive power, and to strengthen the said paddle-wheels P when in
motion, by any other means. Steel hoops of an inch in thickness, 2 inches wide,
fluted inside the circles, 37 feet in diameter and fixed to the tubular frame where
possible, have 9 steel springs uniform in size and strength, and rivetted to the inner
fluted sides of the said steel hoops on each, at equal distances in the two fixed.
circles foref, and in the two fixed circles aft, A.
The aforesaid 9 steel springs are intended to act on 9 steel pyramidical frames,.
fastened on the paddle wheels P at equal distances, so that 5 of the 9 steel
springs may have power on one of the sides of each of the 5 pyramidicals,
(measuring each about four feet) at one time 3. out of the four remaining steel
springs will give active resistance to the 1st 5 steel springs, at pyramidicals 7
and 8 and 9, which may be lessened by grooved wheels, let into the apex of each.
pyramidical frame W, that is likewise grooved or fluted on both sides, to receive
the said steel springs. The remaining spring at the base of pyramid 6 will be
inactive while travelling from the base of 6 to the base of 7 which is likewise
grooved, as well as all intervening spaces, between the pyramidical frames, on the
paddle-wheels, that the steel springs may not touch there. I may increase, or
diminish the thickness and strength of the fixed steel circles fore and aft a, and
the strength or power of any or all of the steel springs rivetted inside the said
circles. So large a surface, and so light a structure presents serious' difficulties in.
violent storms of wind, rain, snow, or hail, and must be prepared for, by carrying a
good barometer, that shelter may be found in time under the lee of some hill or
forest, and there made fast fore and aft with head to the wind, paddles, and rudder,
released by unhooking one side of the rubber bands that the said paddles and
rudder may lie flat on the ground, the hooded envelope reefed, or all of the hinged
sides n of the eight compartments of each paddle-wheel secured open by means of
hooks on each tubular spoke, and eyes on each hinged side n Fig. 6.
In the event of shelter being unattainable, the storm may be weathered by
keeping her head to the wind, with the wings W meant for ascent, spread open or
partially open to allow a wind which might be destructive to pass through with just
sufficient opposition to give buoyancy. All other wings X.must be kept shut, as
well as fans or fins P Fig. 2. that would offer resistance.
Paddles and paddles-wheels must be open, and moved very gently while laying
to, till the velocity of the wind will permit any or all of the means for advance and
ascent, to be used at fuller power with hands H. and feet F. Fig. 7.
Having now particularly 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 :-
First. The application and use in aërial navigation of self feathering paddles,
fans and wings-borne on, or acting by elastic rubber or other bands.
Second. The application and use of self feathering wings for forward motion and
ascent at once,

page_text: Third. The application and use of blinds, wings and other means of motion as
parachutes.
Fourth. The application and use of improved steering gear for small and large
conveyances, with or without assistance by jib, wings and paddles.
Fifth. The application and use of light wire netting inside the gas envelope, and
on the sides and bottom.
Sixth. The application and use of the weight, and the strength, both manual and
pedal, of any or all of the occupants, for motive power.
Seventh. The application and use of cog-wheels on paddle-wheels.
Eighth. The application and use of steel springs to the paddle-wheels as auxiliary
power, or otherwise.
Ninth. The application and use of compartments with hinged bottoms in paddle
wheels.
Tenth. The application and use of oil or coke stoves, shut within the great
envelopes for heat.
Eleventh. The division into 3 parts, of the envelope.
Twelfth. The apparatus for aërial navigation constructed as described with
reference to the drawings.
Dated this 27th day of January 1891.
WILLIAM HOUSTON SINCLAIR.