AN IMPROVED AERO-HYDROSTATIC MOTIVE-POWER ENGINE
Year: 1876

page_text: ་
LETTERS PATENT to Thomas Charles Boutet, of Boulevard Saint Denis, No. 1,
at Paris, Engineer, for the Invention of "AN IMPROVED AERO-HYDROSTATIC
MOTIVE-POWER ENGINE."
Sealed the 1st June 1877, and dated the 5th December 1876.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Thomas Charles Boutet at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 5th December 1870.
"
THOMAS CHARLES BOUTET, of Boulevard Saint Denis, No. 1, at Paris, Engineer.
AN IMPROVED AERO-HYDROSTATIC MOTIVE-POWER ENGINE."
In describing my said Invention I will premise that all bodies plunged or im-
mersed in a liquid is subject to certain pressures which may be analysed as
follows:-
:-
(1). Vertical pressure from above acting on the upper side and tending to force it
to the bottom.
(2). Vertical pressure from below, called resistance, which acts under the lower.
side and tends to return it to the surface.
(3). Pressure exercised on the sides, which being equal and opposite, produces an
equilibrium of force.
From this it results that if the immersed body is lighter than the volume of
liquid which it displaces, the resistance being greater than the downward pressure,
from the entire thickness of the immersed body, it rises to the surface with a force
equal to its specific lightness. Thus, for example, water being taken as a unit' at
the weight of one kilogramme (2.2055 lbs. avoirdupois) per litre (1.7608 pints) if there
is plunged into a basin of water a décimètre cube (3.937 inches cube) of cork, the
weight of which is about 240 grammes (8.472 ozs. avoirdupois), it rises to the
surface with a force of 760 grammes (26.828 ozs. avoirdupois). This phenomenon,
which is called Archimedes's principle, is due to the pressure exercised, by the
weight of liquids within themselves. These pressures are subject to the following
general laws:-
1st. The pressure is proportional to the density of the liquid.
2nd. It is proportional to its denth

page_text: 3rd. It is the same at all points of the same horizontal plane.
4th. It is equal and proportional to the depth at all points on the sides of the
receptacle which contains it, and also on the body plunged below its surface.
5th. It is transmitted with the same force on all superfices equal to that which
receives it (Pascal's principle), in other words it is proportional to the surface on
which it is transmitted.
6th. It is independant of the quantity of liquid and of the form of the receptacle.
The aëriform liquids, air, and gas, are subject to the same laws, but the comprés-
sibility of liquids is very slight, while the aëriform liquids are extremely com-
pressible, and their elasticity is absolute, that is to say, the pressure ceases to act
and they reassume their exact and original volume with a force equal to the
pressure to which they are subjected.
According to the law of Mariotte, the temperature remaining the same, the
volume of a mass of gas is in inverse ratio to the pressure which it supports, so that
the volume of a body of gas decreases proportionally to the pressure.
It is upon the laws, as above enumerated, that I have founded the elements of the
engine which forms the subject of this Invention, and these laws are well known
and recognised by scientists of all nations.
It is demonstrated that the lateral pressure exercised by liquids being equal and
opposite produces an equilibrium of force, the opposite pressures neutralising each
other; that is to say, they maintain the submerged body in its position, and
prevents any horizontal movement thereof, but the body. is not the less subject
to the pressure which tends to compress it with a force proportional to the depth
which it occupies in the mass of liquid. If then, instead of a solid and rigid body,
a balloon of flexible material and full of air is immersed in the liquid, it, is evident
that the entire vertical and lateral pressures act in concert to compress the air
contained in the balloon with increasing power, according to the greater depth, and
consequently to decrease its volume by the pressure which it sustains.
By experiment I have ascertained that at a depth of five mètres (16-405 ft.) of water,
the volume of a balloon full of air diminishes one-third (according to the law of
Mariotte, to reduce a volume of air one-third it requires a pressure of one atmosphere
and a half, being the weight of a colume of water of 15m 5, 50-8555 in height. But
as I have explained if a balloon filled with gas is plunged in a mass of liquid, the
whole of the vertical and lateral pressure acting in concert on all points of the
surface, it will consequently be compressed by a force four times greater (which
proves my deduction) and that on leaving the water it resumes its primitive volume,
from which it results that if, for example, a balloon containing 60 litres (13-206
gallons of air) is immersed, it requires after subtracting its own weight a power or
weight of 60 kilogrammes (1 cwt. 20.3 lbs.) to force it below the water, but the
volume diminishes proportionately to the pressure, the power employed diminishing
in the same proportion the lower it is forced, so that at the depth of 5 metres
(16-405 ft.) it will not require a force of more than 40 kilogrammes (88.2 lbs.) to
make it descend lower. Consequently to immerse a balloon containing 60 centimètres
cube (3.66 cubic inches) of air to the depth of 5 metres (16.405 ft.) will require a
mean force or weight of 50 kilogrammes (110-25 lbs.), and if the pressure of the water
suddenly ceases to act the balloon will reassume its original volume with a force
equal to the entire pressure by which it has been compressed. This is explained
and illustrated by means of the annexed Sheet of Drawings. A and B are two
balloons of sheet india-rubber, each fixed at the opposite extremity of the tube C;
a tap D regulates the communication between the air from one balloon to the other;
E, a tap for admission of air; F, receptacle full of water; G, plates or bars of sheet
iron arranged between and on the sides of the receptacle and serving to support the
apparatus; Hare plates for the purpose of receiving the weights 1, the balloon A
alone being inflated if the apparatus be immersed vertically, as shown in the
Drawing, so that the balloon B rests on and between the plates H, and the tap D
is opened the air will instantly pass from A to B, and will in inflating this latter
raise a charge equal to the weight of a mass of water having for its base the surface

page_text: of the upper side of B and of the height of the colume from the lowest point of A.
For example, and shown by Figures, suppose two balloons of Om-80 diameter, each
fixed at the extremity of a tube of sufficient length to immerse A to a depth of 5
metres. The general equation for calculating a sphere is V=7 which gives for a
= Om-267-9, or in round numbers 268
4 x 3 14 x 0.40*
R³
3
4 x 3 14 x 0.402
3
diameter of 0m-80 V ==
décimètres cube, and for surface S = 4T R² being
0267-9, or in
round numbers 201 décimètres square, consequently A being immersed to a depth of
5 mètres will be subject to a total pressure of 201 x 50 = 10.05 kilogrammes. On
opening the tap D this pressure is transferred to the balloon B with the following
results:-
According to Pascal's principle it is shown that all pressure exercised on a gas or
a liquid transmits itself with a force proportional to the surface on which it is
transmitted. Now the balloon B being empty, and its two horizontal sides being
folded the one on the other, its lateral sides are reduced to their least possible
dimensions, but their surface goes to augment the horizontal sides which gives to
these latter a diameter of 1.256, and for surface 123-8de being in round numbers
124 décimètres for each. Again as the lower side lies on the plate which supports
it, the pressure which it receives produces no effect, and there remains no other
acting force than the pressure transmitted on the upper side, and again this force
will not be constant, for its action will decrease, as on the said side being raised by
the air the lateral sides become developed in the same proportion in such wise that
when the upper horizontal side has risen to its full height its plane surface will not
be more than about 3.5 décimètres. Consequently the whole pressure exercised by the
mass of water on the surface of A is brought to bear on the surface of the upper
horizontal side of B which is equal to
= 63d 7 or in round numbers 64
décimètres, which multiplied by 50 centimètres of depth gives 64 × 50=3.200
kilogrammes raised instantaneously to 0.80 metres high. Allowing that the air
took a second to pass from one balloon to the other, the force exercised will be
3200 x 080 = 2560 kilogrammetres, and the transmission of this force to a driving
shaft will be easily affected. Now to calculate the resistance, if it is necessary to
drive the air from B to A for the recommencement of the movement, this will
require exactly the force already obtained, and no benefit will be obtained; but if
by mechanical means, whether vertical or rotary, B is immersed to take the place of
A whilst the latter rises to the surface, and, vice versa, the resistance will be
calculated on Archimedes's principle.
124 x 3.5
2
The volume of air contained in the inflated balloon being equal to 264 décimètres
it will require a force of 264 kilogrammes to immerse the balloon to a depth of
5 metres in the same time that it will take to raise 3200 kilogs. to 0m 80, and this
gives 264 x 5 = 1320 kilogrammetres. But this resistance has been calculated
without taking into account the compressibility of the air which under a pressure
of 5 metres of water is reduced about one-third, and from the application of this
fact a means is provided. Now, if the diameter of the tube C employed be of
sufficient size, that the volume contained therein is twice that contained in the
balloon the reduction will be calculated on the whole mass, that is to say, the tube
above contains 528 décemètres and the balloon 264, and on the communication
being opened the reduction of one-third will be equal to the volume contained in
the balloon, which will be reduced to zero when it arrives at the depth of 5 metres,
all the air having been forced into the tube. Consequently the resistance obtained
will be × 5 = 660 kilogrammetres, and deducting R and P the result is
2560 – 660 = 1900 kilogrammetres, that is to say, allowing only one movement
per second there will remain a force of more than twenty-five horse power to be
utilised. But the force realised will be much greater, for if the opening of the
communication is readily operated the effect will be instantaneous and the power
will increase with the square of the speed.
264
2

page_text: To carry the calculation further, if my deductions as to the effect produced are
correct the working power obtained will be greater in the sense that the resistance
will be compensated by the elastic force resulting from the compressibility of
the air.
I will now demonstrate that a balloon of 0m-80 in diameter immersed to a depth
of 5 metres undergoes a pressure of 10.050 kilogrammés, under which the total
volume of the mass of air contained in the tube is reduced one-third; suppose the
water is suddenly removed, it is evident that by virtue of its absolute elasticity the
mass of air will reassume its original volume with a force equal to the pressure to
which it has been subjected, but as the pressure does not cease to act it seems
certain that at the moment the communication is opened between the two balloons
it will have for components (a), the elastic force of the air beyond the effort exerted
for immersing the balloon when the volume of air will diminish proportionally as
it is forced lower; and (b) the entire pressure of the water, which does not cease to
act, added to the elasticity, and of which I have given the calculation. From this
it will be seen that the working power will at least be augmented by one-third,
which will give for the apparatus above described a force of at least thirty-three
horse power, and following these results a new motive-power engine of unlimited
power and universal application may be constructed.
I will now describe a stationary engine for driving useful machines of any
desired construction; it is of double construction, the two sections working the
same shaft, and it consists of two tanks or receptacles of metal or wood lined
with zinc and with strong outside ribs or supports for strengthening the sides.
Balloons are employed, made of a sheet of vulcanized india-rubber, covered, if
desired, with an envelope of leather, strong cloth, or a net, said balloons being of a
double cone shape, that is, with the bases of the cones together which allows of the
lateral sides lying flat and regularly, and also to furnish when uninflated and flat
the greatest possible surface. A tube or hollow cylinder of rigid galvanized metal
joins the balloons, and these are secured by means of two metal discs, one fixed to
the extremity of the tube and the other to the interior of the balloon, so as to hold
the tissue of the balloons between the two discs by means of pins and nuts.
large opening formed at the bottom of each balloon communicates with the interior
of the tube, and to facilitate the securing of the joint one or more discs or washers
of leather, felt, fabric, paper, or india-rubber may be placed between the discs.
A
The balloons are carried on octagonal wheels formed of band iron and bound
together by other iron bands forming tie pieces, and on which are fixed large discs
of cloth serving to assist and support the balloons when empty, and extending
across the wheels is the tube or cylinder forming the communication between the
balloons. These wheels are mounted on an arbor turning in bearings lined wit
bronze or gun metal fixed at the centre of the sides of each receptacle, and on the
same arbor is fixed a ratchet wheel with a catch working in connection therewith
to maintain the apparatus in a state of rest, and a driving pulley is also secured to
said shaft over which a driving band passes from another pulley, to be herein-after
described. A plate or disc of wood with a metal cross bar, having at each end a
shoe piece, which shoe pieces slide in grooves in vertical guides in the framing.
This plate is connected by a joint to a crank rod, jointed to one arm of a double
crank shaft common to both sections of the engine, said double crank shaft being
mounted in proper blocks fixed on supports in the framing, and said shaft carries
a fly wheel and two partially toothed or segment wheels.
Above the crank shaft and mounted in the framing are two other shafts, one for
each section of the engine, and free to turn, and each carrying a gear wheel and a
pulley, over which pulley is carried the band from the pulley on the balloon wheel
shaft so as to transmit motion to the apparatus mounted in the receptacle, which
receptacle is filled or nearly so with water.
The action of the machine is as follows:-The balloon on the lowest part of the
wheel immersed in the water in the first of the two receptacles is inflated, and the
opposite balloon, that is, the one perpendicularly above it and out of the liquid, is

page_text: empty and lies flat beneath the wooden plate or disc connected to the first crank
arm of the crank shaft; if now the communication is opened by means of a valve
rod or otherwise between the balloons, the air pressed by the mass of liquid will
immediately pass from the immersed balloon to the upper empty one, which in
becoming inflated will raise the plate and the crank rod and give rotary motion to
the crank shaft, the force of which will be stored in and the action regulated by the
fly wheel, while the segment wheel gearing with the gear wheel will transmit, by
means of the driving band and pullies, the motion to the balloon wheel in the
second receptacle, and so on alternately.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Thomas Charles Boutet in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
5th June 1877.
THOMAS CHARLES BOUTET, of Boulevard Saint Denis, No. 1, at Paris, Engineer.
"AN IMPROVED AERO-HYDROSTATIC MOTIVE-POWER ENGINE."
In describing my said Invention I will premise that all bodies plunged in a
liquid are subject to certain pressures which may be analysed as follows:-
(1). Vertical pressure from above acting on the upper side and tending to force it
to the bottom.
(2). Vertical pressure from below, called resistance, which acts under the lower
side and tends to return it to the surface.
(3). Pressure exercised on the sides, which being equal and opposite, produces an
equilibrium of force.
From this it results that if the immersed body is lighter than the volume of
liquid which it displaces the resistance from the entire thickness of the immersed
body being greater than the downward pressure it rises to the surface with a force
equal to its specific lightness. Thus, for example, water being taken as a unit at
the weight of one kilogramme (2·2055 lbs. avoirdupois) per litre (1-7608 pints) if
there is plunged into a basin of water a decimetre cube (3.937 inches cube) of cork,
the weight of which is about 240 grammes (8.4720 ozs. avoirdupois) it rises to the
surface with a force of 760 grammes (26-8280 ozs. avoirdupois). This phenomenon,
which is called Archimedes's principle, is due to the pressure exercised by the weight
of liquids within themselves. These pressures are subject to the following general
laws
(1). The pressure is proportional to the density of the liquid.
(2). It is proportional to its depth.
(3). It is the same at all points of the same horizontal plane.
(4). It is equal and proportional to the depth at all points on the sides of the
receptacle which contains it, and also on the body plunged below its surface.
(5). It is transmitted with the same force on all superfices equal to that which
receives it (Pascal's principle); in other words it is proportional to the surface on
which it is transmitted.
(6). It is independent of the quantity of liquid and of the form of the receptacle.
The aeriform liquids, air and gas, are subject to the same laws, but the com-
pressibility of liquids is very slight, while aeriform liquids are extremely com-
pressible and their elasticity is absolute; that is to say, the pressure ceases to act
and they reassume their exact and original volume with a force equal to the
pressure to which they are subjected.
According to the "law of Mariotte" the temperature remaining the same the
volume of a mass of gas is in inverse ratio to the pressure which it supports, so that
the volume of a body of gas decreases proportionally to the pressure.
It is upon the laws above ennunciated that I have founded the elements of the
engine which forms the subject of this Invention, and these laws are well known
and recognised by scientists of all nations.

page_text: It is demonstrated that the lateral pressure exercised by liquids being equal and
opposite produces an equilibrium of force, the opposite pressures neutralizing each
other, that is to say, they maintain the submerged body in its position and prevents
any horizontal movement thereof, but the body is not the less subject to the
pressure which tends to compress it with a force proportional to the depth which it
occupies in the mass of liquid. If then instead of a solid and rigid body a balloon
of flexible material and full of air.is immersed in the liquid it is evident that the
entire vertical and lateral pressures act in concert to compress the air contained in
the balloon with increasing power, according to the greater depth, and consequently
to decrease its volume by the pressure which it sustains.
By experiment I have ascertained that at a depth of five metres (16-405 ft.) of
water the volume of a balloon full of air diminishes about one-third. (According
to the law of Mariotte to reduce a volume of air one-third it requires a pressure of
one atmosphere and a half, being the weight of a columne of water of 15.50 metres
(50-8555 ft.) in height. But as I have explained, if a balloon filled with gas is
plunged in a mass of liquid the whole of the vertical and lateral pressure acting in
concert on all points of the surface it will consequently be compressed by a force
four times greater, which proves my deduction), and that on leaving the water it
resumes its primitive volume, from which it results that if, for example, a balloon
containing 60 litres (13-206 gallons) of air is immersed, it requires, after subtracting
its own weight, a power or weight of 60 kilogrammes (1 cwt. 20.3 lbs.) to force it
below the water, but the volume diminishes proportionally to the pressure, the
power employed diminishing in the same proportion the lower it is forced, so that
at the depth of 5 metres (16.405 ft.) it will not require a force of more than 40
kilogrammes (88.2 lbs.) to make it descend lower. Consequently, to immerse a
balloon containing 60 centimetres cube (3.66 cubic inches) of air to the depth of
5 metres (16-405 ft.) will require a mean force or weight of 50 kilogrammes
(110-26 lbs.), and if the pressure of the water suddenly ceases to act the balloon will
reassume its original volume with a force equal to the entire pressure by which it
has been compressed. This will be readily comprehended, and is illustrated by
means of the apparatus represented in Fig. 1 of the Drawings, whereby the principle
of transmission of pressure is explained and shown. A and B are two balloons of
sheet india-rubber, each fixed at the opposite extremity of a tube C; a tap D
regulates the communication between the air from one balloon to the other; E, a
tap for admission of air; F, receptacle full of water; G, plates or bars of sheet iron,
arranged between and on the sides of the receptacle and serving to support the
apparatus; H are plates for the purpose of receiving the weights I. The balloon A
alone being inflated if the apparatus is immersed vertically, as shown in the Figure,
so that the balloon B rests on and between the plates H, and the tap D is opened,
the air will instantly pass from A into B, and will in inflating this latter raise a
charge equal to the weight of a mass of water, having for its base the surface of the
upper side of B, and of the height of the column from the lowest point of A. For
example, and shown by Figures, suppose two balloons of 0.80 metres diameter each,
fixed at the extremity of a tube of sufficient length to immerse A to a depth of 5 metres,
the general equation for calculation of a sphere is V
which gives for a
4 x 314 x 0.40*
3
=
4 Ra
3
diameter of 0.80, - V: =
= = 0.267-9, or in round numbers 268
decimetres cube and for surface S = 4π R, being 4 x 314 x 0.402 = 200.96, or
in round numbers 201 decimètres square. Consequently, A being immersed to a
depth of 5 mètres will be subject to a total pressure of 201 × 50 = 10.05 kilo-
grammes. On opening the tap D this pressure is transferred to the balloon B with
the following results:-
According to Pascal's principle it is shown that all pressure exercised on a gas
or a liquid transmits itself with a force proportional to the surface on which it is
transmitted. Now the balloon B being empty, and its two horizontal sides being
folded the one on the other, its lateral sides are reduced to their least possible
dimensions, but their surface goes to augment the horizontal sides, which gives

page_text: to these latter a diameter of 1256, and for surface 123-8do, being in round
numbers 124 decimètres for each. Again, as the lower side lics on the plate which
supports it the pressure which it receives produces no effect, and there remains no
other acting force than the pressure transmitted on the upper side; and again,
this force will not be constant, for its action will decrease, as on the said side being
raised by the air the lateral sides become developed in the same proportion in such
wise that when the upper horizontal side has risen to its full height its plane
surface will not be more than about 35 decimètres. Consequently, the whole
pressure exercised by the mass of water on the surface of A is brought to bear on
the surface of the upper horizontal side of B, which is equal to 124 x 3.5
2
63d-7,
or in round numbers 04 décimètres, which multiplied by 50 centimetres of depth
gives 64 x 50 = 3.2 kilogrammes, raised instantaneously to 0.80 metres high.
Allowing that the air took a second to pass from one balloon to the other the force
exercised will be 3200 x 0.80 =2560 kilogrammètres, and the transmission of
this force to a driving shaft will be easily effected. Now to calculate the resistance,
if it is necessary to drive the air from B to A for the recommencement of the move-
ment this will require exactly the force already obtained, and no benefit will be
obtained; but if by mechanical means, whether vertical or rotary, B is immersed
to take the place of A whilst the latter rises to the surface, and vice versa, the
resistance will be calculated on Archimedes's principle.
The volume of air contained in the inflated balloon being equal to 264 décimètres
it will require a force of 264 kilogrammes to immerse the balloon to a depth of
5 mètres in the same time that it will take to raise 3200 kilogs. to 0.80, and
this gives 264 × 5 = 1320 kilogramınètres. But this resistance has been calculated
without taking into account the compressibility of the air, which under a pressure
of 5 mètres of water is reduced about one-third, and from the application of this
fact power will be obtained. Now if the diameter of the tube C employed is of
sufficient size that the volume contained therein is twice that contained in the
balloon the reduction will be calculated on the whole mass, that is to say, the tubo
alone contains 528 décimètres and the balloon 264, and on the communication being
opened the reduction of one-third will be equal to the volume contained in the
balloon, which will be reduced to zero when it arrives at the depth of 5 mètres, all
the air having been forced into the tube. Consequently the resistance obtained
will be × 5 = 660 kilogrammètres, and deducting R from P the result is 2560
- 660 1900 kilogrammètres, that is to say, allowing only one movement per
second there will remain a force of more than twenty-five horse power to be
utilised. But the force realised will be much greater, for if the opening of com-
munication is readily operated the effect will be instantaneous, and the power
will increase with the square of the speed.
26.4
2
To carry the calculation further, if my deductions as to the effect produced are
correct the working power obtained will be greater in the sense that the resistance
will be compensated by the elastic force resulting from the compressibility of
the air.
I will now demonstrate that a balloon 0.80 in diameter immersed to a depth
of 5 mètres undergoes a pressure of 10.05 kilogrammes, under which the total
volume of the mass of air contained in the tube and in the balloon is reduced one-
third; suppose the water be suddenly removed it is evident that by virtue of its
absolute elasticity the mass of air will reassume its original volume with a force
equal to the pressure to which it has been subjected, but as the pressure does not
cease to act it seems certain that at the moment the communication is opened
between the two balloons it will have for components (a) the elastic force of the
air beyond the effort exerted for immersing the balloon when the volume of air
will diminish proportionally as it is forced lower; and (b) the entire pressure of
the water, which does not cease to act, added to the elasticity, and of which I have
given the calculation. From this it will be seen that the working power will at

page_text: least be augmented by one-third, which will give for the apparatus above described
a force of at least thirty-three horse power, and following these results a new
motive-power engine of unlimited power and universal application may be
constructed.
I will now describe, by reference to Figs. 2 and 3 of the annexed Drawings, a
stationary engine for driving useful machines of any desired construction; it is
double acting, the two sections working the same shaft, and it consists of two tanks
or receptacles A, A', of metal or wood lined with zinc, with strong outside ribs or
supports for strengthening the sides. Balloons B and b are employed, made of
sheet vulcanized india-rubber, and covered if desired with an envelope of leather,
of strong cloth, or a net; said balloons being of a double cone shape, that is, with
the bases of the cones together, which allows of the lateral side lying flat and
regularly, and also to furnish when uninflated and flat the greatest possible surface.
A tube or hollow cylinder C of rigid galvanised metal joins the balloons, and these
are secured by means of two metal discs, one fixed to the extremity of the tube
and the other to the interior of the balloon, so as to hold the tissue of the balloons
between the two discs by means of pins and nuts. A large opening formed at the
bottom of each balloon communicates with the interior of the tube, and to facilitate
the securing of the joint one or more discs or washers of leather, felt, fabric, paper,
or india-rubber may be placed between the discs.
•
The balloons are carrried on octagonal wheels D formed of band iron, and bound
together by other iron bands forming tie pieces, and on which are fixed large discs
of cloth, serving to assist and support the balloons when empty; and extending
across the wheels is the tube or cylinder forming the communication between the
balloons. These wheels D are mounted on an arbor E turning in bearings F lined
with bronze or gun metal fixed at the centre of the sides of each receptacle; and
on the same arbor is fixed a ratchet wheel G, with a catch H working in con-
nection therewith to maintain the apparatus in a state of rest; and driving pullies I
are also secured to said shaft, over which driving bands J pass from another pulley,
to be herein-after described. A plate or disc K of wood or metal, with a metal
cross bar L, having at each end a shoe piece, which said shoe pieces slide in grooves
in vertical guides M in the framing. These plates are connected by a joint to a
crank rod N jointed to one crank arm of a double crank shaft O, common to both
sections of the engine; said double crank shaft being mounted in proper blocks P
fixed on supports q in the framing, and said shaft carries a fly wheel R and two
partially toothed or segment wheels S, S'.
Above the crank shaft and mounted in the framing are two other shafts T, one
for each section of the engine and free to turn, and each carrying a gear wheel U
and a pulley V, over which pulley is carried the driving band J from the pulley on
the balloon wheel shaft, so as to transmit motion to the apparatus mounted in the
receptacles, which receptacles are filled or charged with liquid.
The action of the machine is as follows:-The balloon b on the lowest part of
the wheel, immersed in the water in the right-hand receptacle, is inflated, and the
opposite balloon, that is, the one perpendicularly above it and out of the water, is
empty and lies flat beneath the wooden plate or disc K connected to the first crank
arm of the crank shaft O; if now the communication is opened by means of a valve
rod or otherwise, not shown on the Drawings, between the balloons the air pressed
by the mass or liquid will immediately pass from the immersed balloon b to the
upper empty one B, which in becoming inflated will raise the plate and the crank
rod and give rotary motion to the crank shaft O, the force of which will be stored
in and the action be regulated by the fly wheel R, while the partially toothed
wheel S gearing with the gear wheel U will transmit by means of the driving
band and pulleys. V¹ the motion to the balloon wheel in the second receptacle A¹,
which will carry the inflated balloon B₁ into the water and the balloon b¹ to the
surface. The communication of these last on being opened in their turn will give
fresh power and put in motion by the same action the wheel and balloons B and b

page_text: of the receptacle A, and so on alternately, so as to give continuous rotary motion
to the crank rod O, which motion will be communicated by means of pullies and
bands to the machinery to be driven.
Having now described the nature and particulars of the said Invention, and
shown by the Drawings the manner in which the same is to be or may be carried
into practical effect, I claim, the new or improved aero-hydrostatic motive-power
engine, constructed and working substantially as herein set forth and as shown on
the Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said Thomas Charles Boutet, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Fifteenth day of May, One thousand eight hundred and
Witness,
ALBERT COHEN,
Civil Engineer,
of Boulevard St. Denis, 1,
at Paris.
TH. CH. BOUTET. (L.S.)