Improvements in and relating to Navigable Balloons.
Year: 1898

page_text: Improvements in and relating to Navigable Balloons.
I, EDWARD ZARSKI, of 68, Boulevard de la Liberté, Lille, Nord, in the Republic
of France, Photographer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows;-
Heretofore the motors employed for the propulsion of balloons have been placed
outside the latter, either on the car or on an independent platform.
My invention relates to improved propelling-mechanism for navigable balloons,
and has for its object to provide a novel arrangement which enables the motor to
be placed directly on the balloon and which is chiefly characterized by the com-
bination of vanes having a double motion, so as to hover when descending and
to occupy a vertical position when they reascend, so as not to offer any resistance
to the air. Moreover a rudder placed in the rear of the balloon, and the con-
trolling devices of which pass through the body of the balloon, permits the steering
of the latter, this rudder preferably acting in conjunction with the motors which
operate the vanes.
In order that my invention may be clearly understood I have shown in the
accompanying drawing, but by way of example only, one form or arrangement of
my improved apparatus. In this drawing;
Figure 1 is a side elevation of a navigable balloon constructed according to
my said invention.
Figure 2 is a plan thereof.
Figure 3 shows a modification of my apparatus in side elevation.
Figure 4 is a front view of one of the brackets which carry the toothed wheel for
operating the planet-wheels or pinions arranged around the said toothed wheel,
to communicate motion to the vanes.
Figure 5 is a vertical transverse section on the line 1-2, Figure 4.
Figure 6 is a detail view showing one of the cams which transmit motion to
the vanes.
Figure 7 shows the developement of the cam.
Figure 8 shows a front view of a series of vanes.
Figure 9 is a detail view of a bracket.
Figure 10 is a front view of one of the guides for the cable operating the rudder.
Figure 11 is a vertical transverse section thereof on the line 3-4, Figure 10.
Figure 12 is a detail view showing the rudder-frame as well as the folding pocket
for permitting the operation of the rudder.
Figure 13 is a plan view of the rudder-arm or cross-bar, shown separately.
In these figures, like letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.
As shown in the drawings, the motor is arranged in a box or casing a placed
directly on the body of the balloon b.
The vanes c, of which there can be any suitable number (there being six in the
example shown), are mounted on each side of the motor-casing. These vanes

page_text: receive a rotary motion about the shaft d of the motor and a rotary motion about
their own axes.
In order to drive the two vane-wheels independently, each wheel is driven by
a separate motor. This arrangement has, moreover, the advantage that the
steering of the balloon can be effected by varying the speed of these motors.
On each side of the box a is fixed, by brackets or supports e, a toothed wheel f
which engages with and turns six planet-wheels g. These wheels g have their
respective shafts h pivotally mounted on the drum i and their diameter is equal
to half of that of the wheel f; they will thus make two revolutions about their own
axis during one revolution of the drum.
On each of the shafts h is mounted a cam k, Figures 5, 6 and 7, with a groove
cut in its circumference a sixth of which forms two screw-threads of the same
pitch as the wheel f.
With each of these cams k, is geared a pinion 7, the teeth of which are made in
the form of balls. Each pinion carries eight teeth and is fixed on the shaft m
of a vane c.
During five-sixths of the rotation of the cam k, the pinion I will not turn, since
one of the teeth will move along the circular groove in the cam and, during the
sixth of the rotation corresponding to the two threads in the cam, the pinion will
turn through an angle corresponding to two teeth on the pinion 7, that is to say,
through a quarter of a revolution.
The vane, which is rigidly secured to the pinion 1, will thus have turned through
a quarter of a revolution during the rotation of the cam k or of the wheel g through
one-sixth of a revolution, and consequently, during the rotation of the drum i
through one-twelfth of a revolution, since the wheel makes two revolutions for
one revolution of the drum.
This rotation of a quarter of a revolution, during one-twelfth of a revolution of
the drum, will be reproduced in each half-revolution of the said drum.
The shafts m of the vanes care each provided with a centre at one end bearing
against screws n secured in the rim of a wheel o keyed on the shaft d of the
motor, and bear at the other end against a series of similar screws fixed in the
circumference of the drum i.
In the rear of the balloon b is arranged a rudder 2 jointed or hinged to a
frame r.
The rod or stem g of the rudder carries a bar s which is operated from the motor-
chamber a by means of ropes t passing longitudinally through the interior of
the balloon.
For this purpose, the said ropes are arranged in conical folding pockets u capable
of being extended or contracted longitudinally accordingly as one or the other rope
is actuated to move the rudder so as to steer the balloon in the required direction.
During the motion of the rope and in order to guide it, it passes through four
anti-friction rollers mounted in a support a fixed to the franie r.
From what has been mentioned above, it will be understood that the propelling
force is transmitted to the balloon by means of vanes set in motion by the motor
placed directly on the balloon and that the steering is effected, on the one hand,
by means of the rudder, the ropes of which pass through the interior of the
balloon, and, on the other hand, by varying the speed of the motors which actuate
the vane-wheels. The steering can also be effected by mounting the motors in
such a manner that the driving-shafts can be inclined relatively to the longitudinal
axis of the balloon so as to vary the direction of motion whilst maintaining the
same speed for the two vane-wheels.
In the modification shown in Figure 3, the balloon is provided in front with a
second motor a¹ operating two series of vanes c to effect the ascending motion of
the balloon. In this case, the number of vanes is less than that of the first motor,
that is to say, if the propulsion is effected by two groups of six vanes each, the
ascent will be effected, for example, by two groups of four vanes each.
It is obvious that the forms, dimensions, details and materials employed in the

page_text: construction of my apparatus, can be varied without departing from the nature
of my said invention."
Dated the 25th day of May 1808
D. YOUNG & Co.,
11 and 12, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.
improvements in and relating to Navigable Balloons.
I, EDWARD ZARSKI, of 68, Boulevard de la Liberté, Lille Nord, in the Republic
of France, Photographer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in
what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascer-
tained in and by the following statement:-
Heretofore the motors employed for the propulsion of balloons have been placed
outside the latter, either on the car or on an independent platform.
My invention relates to improved propelling-mechanism for navigable balloons,
and has for its object to provide a novel arrangement which enables the motor
to be placed directly on the balloon and which is chiefly characterized by the
combination of propelling vanes having a double motion, so that while they are
revolved about a common axis, they will be turned about their own axes so as to
hover when moving downward and to occupy a vertical position when moving
upward about the common axis, and thus not offer any resistance to the air.
Moreover a rudder placed in the rear of the balloon, and the controlling devices
of which pass through the body of the balloon, permits the steering of the latter,
this rudder preferably acting in conjunction with the motors which operate the
vanes.
In the drawings accompanying my Provisional Specification and in the draw-
ings filed herewith, I have shown, by way of example only, how my said invention.
may be conveniently and advantageously carried into practice. In these
drawings:-
Figure 1 is a side elevation of a navigable balloon constructed according to
my said invention.
Figure 2 is a plan thereof.
Figure 3 shows a modification of my apparatus in side elevation.
Figure 4 is a front view of one of the brackets which carry the toothed wheel for
operating the planet-wheels or pinions arranged around the said toothed wheel,
to communicate motion to the vanes.
Figure 5 is a vertical transverse section on the line 1-2, Figure 4.
Figure 6 is a detail view showing one of the cams which transmit motion to
the vanes.
Figure 7 shows the development of the cam.
Figure 8 shows a front view of a series of vanes.
Figure 9 is a detail view of a bracket.
Figure 10 is a front view of one of the guides for the cable operating the rudder.
Figure 11 is a vertical transverse section thereof on the line 3-4, Figure 10.
Figure 12 is a detail view showing the rudder-frame as well as the folding pocket
for permitting the operation of the rudder.
Figure 13 is a plan view of the rudder-arm or cross-bar, shown separately.
Figure 14 is a front elevation partly in section showing a modification of one
of the brackets which carry the toothed wheel for operating the planet-wheels to
communicate motion to the vanes.

page_text: Figure 15 is a vertical transverse section on the line 5-6, Figure 14.
Figure 16 is a longitudinal section of one shaft of the cams and planet-wheels..
Figure 17 shows the development of the said cam.
Figure 18 shows a plan of one of the pinions the teeth of which, made in the
form of balls, gear with the corresponding cam.
Figure 19 shows a plan of one of the cross-ties connecting the brackets and
forming the drum upon which the vanes are mounted.
In these figures, like letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.
As shown in the drawings, the motor is arranged in a box or casing a placed
directly on the body of the balloon b.
The vanes c, of which there can be any suitable number (there being six in the
example shown), are mounted on each side of the motor-casing. These vanes
receive a rotary motion about the shaft d of the motor and a rotary motion about
their own axes. Thus they exercise on the air a combined ascending and pro-
pelling force.
In order to drive the two vane-wheels independently, each wheel is driven by
a separhte motor. This arrangement has, moreover, the advantage that the
steering of the balloon can be effected by varying the speed of these motors.
On each side of the box a is fixed, by brackets or supports e, a toothed wheel f
which engages with and turns six planet-wheels g. These wheels y have their
respective shafts h pivotally mounted on the drum i and their diameter is equal
to half of that of the wheel f; they will thus make two revolutions about their own
axis during one revolution of the drum.
On each of the shafts h is mounted a cam k, Figures 5, 6 and 7, with a groove
cut in its circumference a sixth of which forms two screw-threads.
With each of these cams k, is geared a pinion 7, the teeth of which are made in
the form of balls. Each pinion carries eight teeth and is fixed on the shaft m
of a vane c.
.
During five-sixths of the rotation of the cam k, the pinion will not turn, since
one of the teeth will move along the circular groove in the cam and, during the
sixth of the rotation corresponding to the two threads in the cam, the pinion will
turn through an angle corresponding to two teeth on a pinion, that is to say,
through a quarter of a revolution.
The vane, which is rigidly secured to the pinion 7, will thus have turned through
a quarter of a revolution during the rotation of the cam k or of the wheel g through
one-sixth of a revolution, and consequently, during the rotation of the drum i
through one-twelfth of a revolution, since the wheel g makes two revolutions for
one revolution of the drum.
This rotation of a quarter of a revolution, during one-twelfth of a revolution of
the drum, will be reproduced in each half-revolution of the said drum.
The shafts m of the vanes c are each provided with a centre at one end bearing
against screws n secured in the rim of a wheel o keyed on the shaft d of the
motor, and bear at the other end against a series of similar screws fixed in the
circumference of the drum i.
In the rear of the balloon 6 is arranged a rudder p jointed or hinged to a
frame r.
The rod or stem 7 of the rudder carries a bars which is operated from the motor-
chamber a by means of ropes t passing longitudinally through the interior of
the balloon.
For this purpose, the said ropes are arranged in conical folding pockets u capable
of being extended or contracted longitudinally accordingly as one or the other rope
is actuated to move the rudder so as to steer the balloon in the required direction.
During the motion of the rope and in order to guide it, it passes through four
anti-friction rollers mounted in a support a fixed to the frame r.
From what has been mentioned above, it will be understood that the propelling
force is transmitted to the balloon by means of vanes set in motion by the motor
placed directly on the balloon and that the steering is effected, on the one hand,

page_text: by means of the rudder, the ropes of which pass through the interior of the
balloon, and, on the other hand, by varying the speed of the motors which actuate
the vane-wheels.
The steering can also be effected by mounting the motors on a platform pivotally
connected with the car and provided with rollers running on a circular roller track
carried by the car. A pinion, actuated by means of a crank or in any other
convenient manner, gears with a toothed wheel fixed below the platform. By
these means the motor axles may be set in an oblique direction relatively to the
longitudinal axis of the aerostat so as to vary the direction of its motion either to
the right hand or the left hand as required whilst maintaining the same speed of
the two vane wheels.
When the platform is inclined in such a manner that the aerostat moves to the
right-hand, for example, the motor which drives the right-hand paddles may be
caused to revolve less quickly than the motor which drives the left-hand paddles in
order that the aerostat pivots in some degree around the right hand paddles.
The direction of the aerostat is thus governed without the aid of a rudder by
means of the moving platform moving to the right or left hand of the longitudinal
axis of the aerostat and by varying the speed of the two independent motors.
In the modification shown in Figure 3, the balloon is provided in front with a
second motor a¹ operating two series of vanes c to effect the ascending motion of
the balloon. In this case, the number of vanes is less than that of the first motor,
that is to say, if the propulsion is effected by two groups of six vanes each, the
ascent will be effected, for example, by two groups of four vanes each.
In the modification shown in Figures 14 to 19, the vanes have their ends free
and operate entirely outside the frame which is, in this modification, of smaller
size, whereby a greater stability and a greater facility for operating can be obtained,
by virtue of the weight being less.
Furthermore the shaft of each vane turns in ball-bearings as well as the shaft
bearing the cam and planet-wheels.
For this purpose, the shaft m of each vane c is carried by a socket o keyed upon
the shaft d'of the motor and turns in ball bearings y.
The pinion carried by the shaft m gears with a cam & the grooves of which
have circular or curved connecting parts, as shown in Figure 17.
Each cam k is mounted upon a shaft h turning in ball-bearings z.
It is obvious that the forms, dimensions, details and materials employed in the
construction of my apparatus can be varied without departing from the nature
of my said invention.
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;-
1. The improved propelling-mechanism for navigable balloons, so constructed
that the motor can be placed directly on the body of the balloon and will com-
inunicate a double motion to vanes by means of planet-wheels arranged around a
toothed wheel, and cams with which are geared pinions mounted upon the shafts
of the said vanes, substantially as, and for the purposes, herein before described.
2. The improved means of operating the rudder of a navigable balloon, com-
prising ropes guided by anti-friction rollers and passing through folding pockets
inside the balloon, substantially as hereinbefore described and for the purposes
specified.
3. A navigable balloon such as is hereinbefore described, the steering whereof is
effected on the one hand by means of the rudder hereinbefore described and on
the other hand by varying the speed of the motors which actuate the vane-wheels,
substantially as, and for the purposes, hereinbefore described.
4. The modification of my invention wherein the steering is provided for by
mounting the motors in such a manner that the driving-shafts can be inclined
relatively to the longitudinal axis of the balloon, so as to vary the direction of

page_text: motion whilst maintaining the same speed for the two vane-wheels, substantially
as herein before described and for the purposes specified.
5. The improved driving-mechanism for navigable balloons constructed sub-
stantially as described with reference to Figures 1 to 9 or Figures 14 to 19 of the
drawings, and operating as, and for the purposes, above specified.
Dated this 3rd day of December 1898
D. YOUNG & Co.,
11 and 12, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.