Improvements in Aerial Locomotion.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 7th Oct., 1890-Accepted, 14th Mar., 1891
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Aerial Locomotion.
I, Miss CLARA LOUISA WELLS, residing at Pompei, Italy, to be addressed to
the care of the English Vice Consul, Mr. Frederick Turner, No. 4, Monte di Dio,
Naples, Italy, of no calling or profession, 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:-
My invention consists in the establishment of regular lines, for aerial locomotion,
with stations, for the entrance and exit of passengers, or for the placing and removal
of baggage, with a similar system to that used on the funicular railroads; the
aerial vehicles or balloons being attached by cable cords to rings, very much larger
than the lines over which they are to run, and these rings to be protected, and the
whole maintained in place, by an iron tube, grooved and open at the top, sufficiently
to allow the balloon-cords free course to run, with the rings, over the enclosed
cable-line. The iron tube will have iron supports, from time to time, integrally
inserted on each side of the tube, and firmly attached to the ground, or to the
bottom of the river, lake, sea or ocean, the aerial vehicle, for passengers, or for
goods, is to pass, or along the country-roads, or through the streets of cities, or
over the desert-sands, in which, or similar cases, there must be additional weights,
attached to the iron-supports.
Another system may be thus the balloon-holding cable passes through a hole
(or holes, if more than one cable is used), in the upper, shorter side of an iron
parallelogram, in the interior of which, below the hole through which the attaching
cord passes, is a small wheel, (its axle fastened into the sides of the parallelogram),
that runs over a round iron-rail, passing through the parallelogram, being fixed at
the stations. Attached to the same parallelogram, below this rail, is a cord-wheel,
the axle of which is also fixed into the sides of the parallelogram, and over which
passes the cord of the stationary machine. When the central wheel of the
parallelogram advances over the iron-rail, it bears with it the balloon, attached to
the upper side of the parallelogram, as well as the cord-wheel, draws along with
it the cord from the stationary engine to the other station, whence it may be
redrawn easily by the same cord, or, by a just balance. Return-balloons may be
managed, on a corresponding line, between the two stations, all being enclosed in
iron-casing, for protection.
Another system of motion, is that of an electric propeller or weight, running
on the same principle, as electric roads, that is, wired, in the tube enclosure, over
grooves, bearing with it, the cable attached to the balloon, or serving as accessory
to the wheel- or ring-system.
The object of these improvements being, to make aerial locomotion safe, agreable
and feasible for all. its first application may be, as city cars, or an aerial tramway.
passing on each side of the streets, in one direction, on one side and in the contrary
direction on the other side, or both these, in wide streets, placed together, and
iled off, for safety; the cars may pass at a low elevation above the ground level,
and there may be lines for passengers, in the fashionable streets, and lines for
baggage and inerchandise in the business-streets, thus freeing out-of-door movement
from all that is disagreable to encounter.
In the same way, diligence or stage balloons may bear their cars along the
railroad-tracks, at a safe distance on either, or both sides, and at a proportionate
height, to avoid possible collisions; as, also, along the national, provincial and city
roads, doing easily and gracefully the work, now performed, often with atrocious
suffering, from over-weight, and the ever-scourging whip,-by draught animals.

page_text: More saving still of animal-labor, can be obtained by the desert balloon, as well
as by the mountain or funicular balloon. In the former case, such aerial lines will
replace the incessant, tremendous caravan-labor of the camel, and by the facility
with which the holding cord can be lengthened or shortened, the destructive wind
of the desert, may be avoided, by rising above it; water-carrying balloons can
easily supply arid sites, and the inhabitants will quickly see the superiority of
science and knowledge, to war and physical force. To mountain-regions, the
balloon-funicular will give new life, rendering habitable the most isolated heights,
and saving the all enduring mule and horse, its heavy-weighted and dangerous
journeying, up and down, from remote hills and mountain-ranges.
Nor would it be difficult for private or individual balloons to add a joining
branch to the more public lines, so that, a nobleman may enter his velvet-lined,
balloon-car, at his very door; or the tradesman, from his shop, can conveniently
send his goods, in his own, modest but commodious balloon-cart to the residences
of the purchasers. For this conjoining and complication of lines, there must be
side-stations and junctions, as at railroad depôts, details to be adjusted according
to circumstances and places. When heights are to be ascended, the holding cord
can be at once lengthened to nearly the mountain's elevation, or the balloon can
pass up the slope, near the ground, offering, in either case, a great advantage
over the funicular railroad, too often obliged to pass through tunnels, where
accidents may occur or which certainly mar the pleasure and fine outlook of
the trip.
By enclosing the base of the attached balloon-cable in an iron, self-supporting
tube, held down also by weights and cross-beams when necessary, the aerial
vehicle becomes of inestimable service for passing bodies of water, all being firmly
established on the bottom of the water to be passed. The cable, within the sub-
merged iron-tube, like that used for the submarine telegraph, will hold well against
the water's weight, and with the traction aid, of either of the systems above
described, besides its own movement, the balloon can defy whatever opposing air-
currents, and cross safely a river or branch of water, as a ferry-balloon, or, as a
steamer-balloon, pass around a lake, from town to town, or across, taking advantage
of islands and projecting points for its stations, choosing even a zigzag course, and
when, in mid ocean, or sea, no near land can be found, for such purpose, artificial
stations must be erected, as extended and strong as possible, furnished with light-
houses, inns, &c.
But, should the resistance of the waver, in large bodies of water, combined
with the opposing force of cyclone-hurricanes, make the balloon's progress
doubtful, on account of the holding cord, though of iron passing through the
water, this difficulty may be obviated, by another system. Several tubed-lines
may be submerged, on certain intervals of which, captive (or attached) balloons
may be placed, combined, horizontally, with transverse iron-cables, having a semi-
circular holding-place, in the centre, for the cable of the traveling balloon, enclosed
in a lighter tube and held firmly, at both extremities, at the approximate stations;
thus forming a bridge like conjunction, illuminated by night and furnished with
fog-bells, so that mariners may avoid the balloon-lines, although the traveling
balloon will pass, in its suspended course, at sufficient height, as not to impede
navigation, and the supporting balloons, being moveable on the submerged lines,
have their position changed, in case of necessity, being also, of sufficient number,
to maintain, always the main cable above.
Can
Several storeys, as it were, of this system, can be made, the traveling balloons,
as above described, changing to supporting balloons to other superior lines, and
so on, until the upper air-regions may be attained, the more easily, since the holding
cables of the upper, traveling balloon can be also lengthened, and thus, scientific
observations can be made with more safety. Each balloon shall be furnished with
air or oxygen and hydrogen manufactories, and, in case of accident, with lasso-
cables, to be projected, to attach to the nearest stations lines.

page_text: Thus, little by little, more exact knowledge can be obtained, of the wind and
meteorological phenomena; with much less liability, then, to mistake, can the self-
directing, free balloons be put in motion.
Of course, under favorable winds, a well-managed balloon has no need of aid, so
far as velocity goes, but the problem has always been, how to conduct it safely, in
a given course, during a violent hurricane, for instance, ever liable to occur, and
especially when such violent winds are in a direction contrary to the course to
be taken.
I compare the balloon to a steam-engine, which, run loose over any road or field,
is sure to injure, either the life it bears, or that which it encounters, whereas,
restricted to rails, it becomes a trustworthy means of transport (and of civilization).
Thus, the balloon, heretofore allowed to wander in the air, almost at the mercy of
the winds, to the great risk of brave aeronauts, becomes a safe means of locomotion,
when it is confined to certain lines and routes, as well as a far more extended one,
naturally, than that possible to a balloon, attached to a staple, or even moveable
point, as that used in military mantenvres,
It does not seem possible that any of the means heretofore used, or recently
invented, for the self-direction of balloons, can be as safe as those held by cable-
lines, with frequent stations and having the traction or wheel or electric motion to
aid, and make certain, or oppose, the wind-currents.
Nor do I believe that the intense rapidity, a balloon may attain, with a favoring
gale, could be safely borne by many, of delicate organization; therefore I propose
adding restraining, or break-mechanism, to prevent too great velocity and stop the
aerial vehicle, at any point. These can be added at the traction-stations, as well
as by stopping cords reaching from the balloon down to the rings or wheel or
propeller, within the tube.
Also, in order to resist the opposing winds, a defence is necessary, which
propose, in the form of a kite-sail, moveable, so as to be easily extended, furled,
or partially so, and quickly drawn around the balloon and car, according to the
wind-variations.
Another improvement of my invention, is, the use of several smaller balloons,
instead of one large one, so that certainty can be obtained, as to the number of
passengers, or quantity of goods transportable, adding to the number, according
to the weight each balloon shall be able to carry, with extra balloons, in case of
any accident.
The form of the balloons should resemble the bird-type, as closely as possible,
the conductor's car, made with air-compartments and inflated sides, being the
elongated body of a large bird, while the tail should be the helm, easily worked
by a cord or wheel passing from the conductor's enclosure, and moving to and fro,
or up and down, like that of a bird.
As for the motion, another improvement of my invention, is that of a light
furnace, or of gas, or electricity, creating hot air sufficient to rotate a series of
conjoined fans, which, in their turn, will move other outside fans, so placed as to
represent the flapping of wings, being adorned with feathers and made of light
framework, covered with the usual balloon-texture. The same air-furnace may
move, when necessary, also, a set of windmill-sails, adjustable to the exigencies of the
situation, like those used at sea on ships &c.
When several conductors are necessary, there shall be other smaller bird-balloons
added, in surrounding flock, the body of each, similarly constructed, like that now
described, and having all the necessary apparatus and appliances. Nor do I believe
that it would be impossible to train birds, to aid in balloon-movement. In that
case, the class of bird, could indicate the scope of the balloon; as owls, for
scientific excursions, eagles, for those that cross the ocean, falcons for hunters,
ostriches for desert balloons, cranes for those on family-visits and the swan, for
private-calling balloons, as well as the peacock on shopping vehicles, &c. &c.
Another improvement I offer, is,-the placing of a half-balloon with circular, level

page_text: top, below the car, which can rest upon it, with cordage or other attachment, as on
a round table, the base being of the usual balloon-termination, and rope ladders
annexed to it, for the conductors' use and in case of accident. (Ingress to the
cars, is made, at the stations, from commodious stairs, while others fold into the car
itself, ready for use, if necessary.)
This half-balloon, will aid in the car's suspension, and make immersion
impossible, thus doing away with the usual boat-equipments, attached to balloons.
It will also be easy for the same balloon-group to carry several cars and half-
balloons, on account of the lightness of the latter, the upper ones, serving, at need,
for baggage, or goods, and the lower ones for passengers, all held in suspension
by the necessary number of birdlike balloons, furnished with fan wings and helm-
tails, aided, also by windmill-sails and kite-protectors against contrary winds.
FIRST SHEET.
Figure 1. represents regular lines for balloons, with stations for passengers and
merchandise or baggage. The double tubes are marked a a and b b
Figure 2. represents a transverse section and diagonal view of the tube-line,
according to one system. Here, a is an iron-bar, around which passes a ring, h,
and is the holding cord, fastened to the balloon and to the ring, while c-e are
the traction cords, drawing the ring, (and with it the balloon) to and from the
stations, by means of a stationary engine. The enclosing tube, d-d, has a longi-
tudinal opening above, to allow free passage to the holding cord, and has integral
supports, held down also by weights, g—y, when required by a light soil or
desert-sands.
d'
Figure 3. A is a transverse section of the wheel system, B, a longitudinal section
and the plan, of a parallelogram of metal, a, in which a wheel, bb, runs in a
suitable groove of the protecting enclosure, (metal or iron). Two cables
fastened to the sides of the parallelogram and uniting in one in front and behind,
connect the stationary engines, while d, d, d, are the holding cords of the balloon,
fastened into the upper part of the parallelogram.
Figure 4. transverse section of a third system in which a weight, a, impelled by
electricity, brought by a wire passing through the tube, bears with it,, the holding
cord of the balloon, passing through a grooved metal-tube, b, held down in the
ground, or water, by the integral supports,
Figure 5. transverse and longitudinal sections of the system of double wheel
traction. ,, is a parallelogram, with two wheels, b, and c, moving in two suitable
grooves of a bar, d, fastened to the supports e, e. The parallelogram has an opening
for free passage at the encounter with the bar's support, and carries a ring, at base
for hanging a box or car of merchandise &c. The drawing, traction cords are
fastened on each side of the wheels axle.
Figure 6. Here, the two wheels, b, and c, instead of passing in a groove, are
themselves grooved, while the bar, d, is oval and suspended, like the preceding, with
occasional supports e, e, encountered safely, by means of a lateral opening in the
parallelogram, a, a.
SECOND SHEET.
Figure 7. is a balloon tramway, on a wide city-street; the lines are enclosed by
iron-fences, with gateways, c, and b, for crossing the lines; on the left, is a
station.
Figure 8. is a stage or diligence balloon passing along by a national, provincial or
local road, with kiosk-stations at the termini and stopping places, c and d, are the
enclosing tubes of one of the above described systems.
Figure 9. a desert-tramway, with the stations (A and B) at the extremities, c,
and are the analizing tubas and on the right A shown the buried supports

page_text: a, and, are the regular lines, ending at the stations.
.
THIRD SHEET.
Figure 11. view of a private car with luxurious or comfortable style.
Figure 12. a balloon-station that may be erected in the midst of the ocean, or
other water-tracts, where there is no island or projection, suitable, upon iron-
foundations, previously fitted together. G. with hotel, a, conjoined to the station, d;
b, is the tower for the balloon's suspended line, and c the light-house, furnished also
with fog-bells.
Fig. 13. is a mountain-balloon-line, c,, on the gravity system; that is, the
balloon, d, (with car supported by a half-balloon) descending by its own weight,
draws up the balloon, e, without need of traction force, by just balance. a, and,
are two stations.
Figure 14. suspended balloon-lines, by means of which, balloons may pass from
height to height, and thus traverse valleys, gulleys and extensive tracts of water.
a; and, are two iron-stations, of the Eiffel-tower-construction, b, is one of solid
construction, d, and e, are two balloons. The system used is that of the rings first
described, without the enclo-rings, or of the parallelogram, with a wheel running
over a cable, suspended from point to point.
Figure 15. a multiple system of lines, enabling exploration, with safety of the
higher spheres of the atmosphere, especially as the holding cords of the upper
balloons can be lengthened at will. a-a, a—a, a—a, are three lines of enclosing
tubes, placed either on the ground, or at the bottom of a river or other water-
extent. When the distance is short, a ferry balloon, with the traction systems can
resist the pressure of the water, with its iron holding cord and pass safely from side
to side, or the stationary balloons seen in this view on the bottom lines, can uphold
transverse cables so made as to support other lines b-b, bb, upon which other
stationary balloons can uphold the line upon which the traveling balloon may pass,
or from which, by lengthening its holding cord, it may rise to any height desired.
Figure 16. represents a safety line, bb, passing from the stations to the balloon,
besides the line a-, upon which the balloon is running. Also a freed balloon has
thrown down its lasso, grappling cord, to fasten upon the first line it may secure, to
escape unknown wanderings.
FOURTH SHEET.
Figure 18. is a balloon-car, attached to a balloon in the form of a bird, and
having sail-protectors,, against adverse winds, which rolling on the cylinders a, a, a,
placed high up, can be drawn down as well as around the car, with awning-rotation.
is a half-balloon placed below the car, so as not to be obliged to add to the
upper balloon's capacity, and to prevent danger of immersion in water in case of
accident.
"'.
Figure 19. is a group of balloons in the form of birds, a number of smaller
balloons being preferable to one large one.
Figure 20. is a section of the conductor's car, placed in the chief balloon. The
bar, gives the movement to the helm, (the bird's tail); b, is a hot-air generator,
moving a fan-mechanism, that, in its turn moves an external set of fans, or inclined
planes, covered with feathers, representing wings, and the rotator d, d, d, moves
also, when necessary, the windmill, above, e, e, e
Figure 21. represents the Gulf of Naples, with an artificial island in the midst,
and with a series of lines, passing from headland to point and across, uniting the
various cities and places in the environs.
Figure 22. a combination of balloon lines, simple, suspended, and of compound
suspension, (see Third Sheet, Figs. 12, 14, 15 and 16,) for placing in balloon-
communication, Europe and N. America, with their various capitals.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim
is, novelty for these improvements, above described :-
1. The establishment of regular lines, with stations, forming the tramway-
balloon for cities,--the stage or diligence balloon for road-travel, (or near railways)
the desert-balloon for oriental and southern countries,--the funicular or mountain-
balloon, for the transport of passengers, goods, building materials, etc. up and down
mountain-ranges and hills,-the ferry-balloon, for crossing rivers and branches of
water, the steamer-balloon, for traversing rivers, lakes, seas and oceans, as well as
the private, individual balloon, for family use, either on land or sea, corresponding
to the carriage or yacht.
2. The application of the traction wheel and electric-propellor systems all enclosed
in iron-tubing, with holding cords, to the balloons, and immersion of these,
when water-districts are to be passed.
3. Break-mechanism to limit the velocity, or stop the balloon in its course.
4. A number of small balloons, instead of one large one, and these to have the
bird-type, the helm, being the tail &c.
5. A furnace, with rotating fans, to move winglike fans, at the sides of the bird's
body, as wings, made light and feathered.
6. A half-balloon, placed below the ear, to prevent immersion and maintain
lightness. Also a series of these.
7. Suspended lines, for crossing extensive tracts of water, illuminated at night.
Also a series of these.
8. Lasso-lines for fixing again to stations or lines, balloons freed by accident.
9. A kite-sail, or defence against contrary winds, revolving and furlable.
10. Windmill-sails, for a similar purpose, furlable like ship's sails.
11. The body of the bird to be the conductor's car, furnished with all the
necessary appliances and machines, and made light with air and gas-compartments.
12. The training of birds to aid the balloon, choosing the species, according to
the use of the balloon.
Dated this Tenth day of September A.D. 1890.
Miss CLARA LOUISA WELLS.