CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN AERIAL MACHINES AND MACHINERY IN CONNECTION WITH THE BUOYANT POWER PRODUCED BY GASEOUS MATTER
Year: 1848

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, HUGH
BELL, of London, in the County of Middlesex, Esquire, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, bearing date at Westminster, the Twenty-third day of
November, in the twelfth year of Her reign, did give and grant unto me, the
said Hugh Bell, my exors, adñiors, and assigns, Her special licence, full
power, sole privilege and authority, that I, the said Hugh Bell, my exors,
adiors, and assigns, and such others as I, the said Hugh Bell, my exors,
adiñors, and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time
to time and at all times thereafter during the term of years therein mentioned,
should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within that part of the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, called England, Her Dominion
of Wales, and Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, and also in the Islands of Jersey,
Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, and Man, and in all Her Colonies and Plan-
tations abroad, my Invention of "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN AERIAL MACHINES
AND MACHINERY IN CONNECTION WITH THE BUOYANT POWER PRODUCED BY GASEOUS
MATTER," in which said Letters Patent there is contained a proviso requiring
that I, the said Hugh Bell, shall particularly describe and ascertain the
nature of iny said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed,
by an instrument in writing under my hand and seal, to be enrolled in Her

page_text: said Majesty's High Court of Chancery within six calendar months next and
immediately after the date of the in part recited Letters Patent, as reference
being thereunto had, will more fully and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso,. I, the said
Hugh Bell, do hereby declare the nature of my Invention, and the manner
in which the same is to be performed, is particularly described and ascertained
in and by this present instrument. in writing, as follows, reference being had
to the several Sheets of Drawings hereunto annexed (that is to say):-—
My Invention relates to improvements in aerial machines and in apparatus
to be used in connection with the buoyant power produced by gaseous matter;
and also in aerial machines which do not require any such sustaining power.
My aerial motor machines are of two kinds :-In the first, the suspending
power is upon the principle of the balloon; it is combined with motive power
for the purpose of propelling, the form of the balloon or buoyant part being
modified for passage through the air, and may be termed the "balloon motor
machine." In the second, the suspending power is upon the principle of the
parachute, combined with motive power, which acts upon it when in an oblique
direction, so that the motive power is in part the supporting power. The form
of the parachute is modified or not for passage through the air; this may
be named the "parachute motor machine," under which terms' I will herein-
after distinguish the different apparatus.
1. Balloon Motor Machine.-This in its complete form is composed in the
first place of a buoyant apparatus; secondly, of a framework and car, to one
of which is attached an apparatus capable of producing motive power; thirdly,
of a guiding or steering apparatus; and, fourthly, of apparatus for arresting
the progress of the machine either over water or land.
I will now proceed to describe the first part of my Invention, which has
reference to the balloon motor machine, and is represented in the Figures
(Sheet 1.)
The balloon or bag containing the buoyant gas I construct of an elongated
form, having its greatest length placed in a more or less horizontal direction
fore and aft, (I use these terms to distinguish the advance from the rear end
of the balloon in its passage through the air, as in the ordinary acceptation of
those terms on ship-board), no matter whether the form be pear, like that of
two cones placed base to base, a cylinder with cones at the extremities, or any
of these forms flattened laterally or vertically. Any one of these forms present
being pro-
very considerable diminution of resistance to the atmosphere on
pelled through it in the direction of its length as compared to the usual form
of the ordinary balloon. I believe the best form to be somewhat like that

page_text: This
shewn in the Drawing, having less length in the cylinder in proportion
to the somewhat cone-like formis at the extremities. There are one or
more membranes contained within the balloon. If a single one be used,
which I believe to be the most simple and most efficient, it is to be
placed across the cavity of the balloon, and attached all round in a horizontal
line to about where the upper and lower halves of the balloon membrane
meet, or somewhat below this; it should be sufficiently loose to admit
of the balloon being distended with buoyant gas above that membrane
without interfering with its capacity further than by its own thickness, which,
of course, would be very trifling. This partition membrane is shewn in
Figures 2 and 4, Sheet 1, which are longitudinal and transverse sections of
the machine; a, a, representing the membrane of the balloon, and b, b, the
septum membrane; it is seen to be close to the lower half of the balloon, the
situation it would occupy when the cavity above it is distended with gas,
having little or no atmospheric air beneath it or between it and the lower half
of the balloon. The only other attachment it would have is at the bottom
part of the balloon where the rope from the top "emptying valve" (c) passes
through the "safety gas valve" (d), to be within reach of the aeronaut.
should be a cylindrical passage supported by hoops, so as to prevent any possi-
bility of the membrane becoming jambed and fouling the valve rope. The
"emptying valve" might be situated elsewhere, as at the after extremity of
the balloon above the septum membrane b, b, to be acted upon by a rope from
the outside; in this case the hooped part of the partition membrane would be
unnecessary, and it would be left attached by its margin only. The septum
membrane b, b, should prevent as much as possible all communication of
atmospheric air (if any were beneath it) with the buoyant gas above it.
If a balloon with this partition membrane be filled with gas above the
"septum", b, to about three-fourths of its contents, and the remaining
quarter beneath the septum with common air so as to distend it, the balloon
may at moderate and at the same time variable deviations always be kept
tense without any escape of gas being necessary, for on the expansion of the
whole contents of the apparatus while ascending in the atmosphere, it is so
arranged that all the atmospheric air beneath the septum b, b, would escape
before any of the buoyant gas could do so from the balloon above. This
is effected by means of a valve e, constructed so as to open at a much
less pressure than the safety gas valve d. On approaching the earth the
buoyant gas would again become condensed, causing the balloon membrane
to become lax, to counteract which atmospheric air should be injected by the
blowing machine f, or other suitable apparatus into the space beneath the

page_text: septum b, b, from which it has been sufferéd to escape, and thus obviate the
otherwise flaccid state into which it would fall. And if this septum 6 be
nearly equal in extent of surface to one horizontal half of the balloon, it may
be kept tense longer than there could possibly be sufficient buoyant power to
support. the machine in air. The object-of-this-arrangement-is to facilitate the
rapid motion of a large machine of this kind through the air, and without
which it would be impracticable, as will be evident to any one who has seen a
half-filled balloon bag with the wind, under which circumstance any propelling
power would, if attempted, be attended with considerable danger to the balloon.
The air injecting or filling apparatus f may be either a large light syringe with
valves, or an apparatus similar to the patent bellows fitted with a single valve
to be worked by the hand or by other driving power employed for propelling by
the shaft f1. The septum b, b, having no tension, to resist, but merely to pre-
vent the buoyant gas and atmospheric air becoming diffused or intermingling
with each other, may be so thin as to weigh but a few pounds, and the air
It
injecting machine may be very small if worked by effective motive power.
may be here stated that if the propelling power be efficiently applied to one of
the forms of buoyant machines above mentioned in its distended state, it would
easily compensate for several pounds above the weight of the arrangement of
apparatus just described, by the increased ease with which it would pass
through the air on being propelled obliquely upwards. It would never be
requisite to take up any atmospheric air in the space between the septum and
the lower half of the balloon, it is only to be forced in when the balloon has
collapsed from a deficient quantity of gas. The buoyant gas gradually escaping
from this machine while ascending in the air may be made use of to beat the
water to produce steam, should such be used as the propelling power. The
membranes used in the construction of the buoyant apparatus should be of
such material or preparation of material as may be most fitted to prevent
exosmose and endosmose combined with the greatest possible lightness, such as
silk or preparations thereof.
In place of the netting in common use for strengthening the balloon and
affording an attachment to the framework or car, I use flat bands g,g, g, those
made of silk I believe will be found to give the greatest strength combined
with the the least weight. These bands g, g, g, are placed longitudinally and
transversely round the balloon a, a, and also diagonally if great strength be
required, as shewn in part at Figure 1, and stitched where they cross one
another, or they may be so woven. By this arrangement the advantages
gained are greater strength, more equal strain, less resistance to motion
through the air, and less chaffing to the silk or membrane a, a; containing the

page_text: buoyant gas, that being very considerable from the knots of the netting in
common use. And I also apply a single strong band attached all around at
the central horizontal line of the balloon, fore and aft, and also to the corres-
ponding inside part of the flattened bands. This is shewn in the transverse
section Figure 4, Sheet 4, where the balloon membrane a is bulged inwards
in order to shew the connecting band 6, where it will be seen to be attached
by both margins, one to the balloon membrane a, and the other to the band-
work or netting g. There should be a lacing in the centre of this band all the
way round, so that when the "flat band netting" is separated from the balloon
it may take one-half of the band 6, and the balloon the other. half. "This
separating band" should be so broad as not to interfere with the ordinary
relations of the balloon and its netting. The great advantage of this arrange-
ment is as follows:-Suppose while in the air all the gas was suddenly let out
by the bursting of the balloon, with or without rupture of netting above, the
impulse towards the earth would cause the lower half membranes to rise and
fill or bulge like a parachute, and would give the occupants of the car a
chance of being brought safe to the ground.
Instead of the band 6 being continuous throughout the horizontal circum-
ference, it may consist of a series of bands or straps, one at each vertical band
of the net work g, J.
The construction of my improved valve apparatus used in ballooning, which
I believe will supersede all that have been hitherto used for preventing the
escape of gas, and for the ease with which it may be opened and closed at
the will of the aeranaut. If its surfaces are reversed and fitted to any part of
the balloon where it is wished that the gas should escape on the tension
reaching a certain point, and the springs or vulcanized indian-rubber be
regulated to that pitch, it forms a certain safety valve, admitting of the escape
gas when it has exceeded that pitch.
of
Figure 1, Sheet 3, represents a vertical section of one of these valves shut,
and Figure 2 a side view of the same. In these representations it is supposed
to be in the situation of that in which the valves are placed in the ordinary
balloon, and to be acted on by the aeronaut by means of a rope attached to the
lower plate (the ring) 1. Figure 1, is used in place of the common one, to
which the netting and silk are attached; it is composed of two rings screwed
together, and at the same time that it bites the fixed plate or ring (2,) it is
intended to bite the silk or membrane (a) of the balloon. Between the
surface of the plate (2) which forms one face of the valve and that opposed
to it (3) is a ring of vulcanized indian-rubber or leather, attached to one. of
the valve surfaces; 9, 9, being the moveable plate or valve. (4, 4,) represent

page_text: the bridges, three in number, (secured to the ring 2, to which the loops of
vulcanized indian-rubber or springs (6, 6,) are attached; these, as seen in
the section, connect the bridges (4, 4) with the moveable valve plate (9) to
which they are fixed, their action-drawing-the plate upwards so as to close the
opening completely.
In Figures 3 and 4, a much more simple arrangement is observed. The
ring 1, 1, plate (2), and bridges (4, 4,) are all in one. The valve plate 9
is larger, and the part against which it would press is the beading (7, 7.)
on the under surface of the ring 1, which should be as thin as is con-
sistent with the strength required, and sufficiently deep to allow the
springs (6, 6,) to act freely. Through the collar (8, 8,) which is bored
through with the face of the valve, is a sliding rod or tube (5,) fixed
to the moveable valve plate (9), the motion that is permitted being evident
from a comparison of the relative positions of the two valve plates (9, 9,)
in the Figures 3 and 4; the head at the top of the rod preventing its
slipping through the collar. If the sliding piece be of tubing with most
minute holes in its surface and a little oil be kept in it, the sliding motion
will be effected in the most perfect manner. The valve apparatus may
be made of brass or iron, and the ring piece or pieces of the same material,
or wood may be used for this purpose if preferred. Two valves of the
above kind may be used in combination more or less modified, so that the
one acts as a safety valvo at the same time that the other may be used as an
emptying valve.
Instead of employing three springs for the purpose of
closing these valves as shewn in the Figures, one central spring only may be
substituted, as represented in red lines in Figure 2, Sheet (3), between the
head of the bolt and the collar in which it slides, which will have a like effect.
Figure 5 represents a plan of one of these valves shewing the balloon
membrane a, a, and bands g, g, the breadth of which should be increased so as
to add considerably to the strength of the network, and should in all cases be
furnished with the diagonals h, h, at this point.
The "framework" i, i, of the balloon motor machine is composed of metal
tubes placed in a longitudinal direction, more or less parallel to the under
surface of the buoyant machine, at such distances from one another, and
having diagonal pieces of the same so placed between them that the greatest
possible strength and stiffness may be combined with the greatest possible
lightness. This frame should be of the greatest strength where it corresponds
to the body of the buoyant apparatus, so as to sustain the force of the
impinging or propelling machines; it should taper at the same time that it
curves towards the ends, and as it approaches either apex of the cone, and at

page_text: the extreme ends, a single tube may suffice. In the end view, Figure 5, the
framework is dispensed with, as it is not absolutely necessary, for the car (1).
in the form of a boat, may as there shewn be made to fulfil its purposes
although less completely. The transverse section of the frame is shewn in
Figure 4; although a frame adds somewhat to the weight, it very considerably
increases the safety and convenience of the whole machine by giving attach-
ment to all machinery which would otherwise encumber the car or boat 1
when in the water, by rendering the strain more equal, by supporting more
effectually the relative positions of balloon, membrane, and netting, and in case
of a rend, by assisting to form a much more effectual support by keeping the
temporary parachute extended; it also renders the detaching of the car or boat
in case of accident over the sea, much less difficult by having more rigid
points for the tackles to lower the boat from. I form the car 1 so as to fulfil
the purposes of a canoc or boat, such as is represented in the different views
in Sheet 1; it is placed parallel to and fastened beneath the buoyant apparatus
by the bands g, g, before mentioned; if there be no framework (as at Figure 5),
or if there be a framework beneath, as shewn in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, it is
attached thereto by tackles 2, 2, from which it is readily cut away when
required. The boat 1 should be composed of the lightest and strongest material
in combination, as sheet iron or other metal, or of a frame of tubing or
basket work covered with gutta percha or any other material impervious to
water, or made only of gutta percha. It should have air-tight cavities 3, 3,
at each extremity, with openings in them above, to be closed only when in.
water, so as to be used should there be occasion as a life boat, and fitted with
mast, sail, oars, or sculls, and a screw propeller may be of advantage if fitted
with suitable appliances for working the same. In constructing this frame-
work the tubing is curved to the proper shape, the diagonal and other stays
being connected to the main framing by knee or angle pieces in the ordinary
manner of connecting gas tubing, each knee piece being formed of the proper
angle to effect the requisite connection.
In the construction of impinging machines for propelling, one of the best
forms is that made on the principle of the common screw propeller used in
steam vessels, one or more of which may be used. The axis or axes should
be more or less parallel to the axis of the buoyant apparatus. The materials
used in the construction of a screw may be various as the frame of metal
tubing, wire and rods covered with silk, metal sheet, or papier maché. If
two propellers are used, they may be placed one on each side, and acted on
from the car or framework by an endless cord. If but one screw be used, it
may be situated either beneath, as seen at Fig. 5, or behind the car, boat, or

page_text: framework, to be worked by any convenient power with or without the
intervention of a fly wheel.
Fig. 3, represents an end view of the Calloon motor machine, in which the red
lines shew a different position of the propellers, which would perhaps be better
adapted for propelling than that shewn in the other Figures, as being closer to
the resisting area of the machine and equally within the command of the
aeronaut.
In Sheets 2 and 3, I have shewn other forms of propeller or impinging
machines. The two first, hereafter described, may be used in place-of the
double screw propellers, and the last in place either of one or two screw
propellers.
1 The wing propeller consists in the application of a backward and
forward motion in conjunction with rotatory motion to resemble as much as
possible the wing of a bird, and which is represented in Fig. 1, Sheet 2,
as on the right side of the car, looking forwards, and in connection with
some of the motor machinery in plan, but shewing only the edge of the wing,
being at about half of the propeller's backward stroke. It is composed
of a wing like appendage (a), as light as possible, in connection with the long
end of the lever (6), which is formed of tubing, and strengthened by (a stay c,
seen at Fig. 5, which is a plan of the wing. The expanded surface of the
wing in its stroke is raised above the lever, as shewn in the Drawing. There
is a contrivance in the ball and socket joint at the fulcrum (d), situated on the
edge of the car, or framework, or gunwale of the boat, by which only a
limited circular motion is permitted to the lever, so as to allow of the largest
possible surface being presented on the stroke of the wing in the backward
direction, and of the smallest possible surface, viz., its thin edge, on its being
carried forwards previous to another stroke being made, the different positions
being clearly indicated in Fig. 2. A disc e, on the short end of the lever, is
furnished with a crank pin, by which it is connected to the crank for driving
shaft, and by means of which both the oscillatory and semi-rotary motion is
effected, the inner end of the lever working in the guide maintaining the
horizontal position of the lever. Fig. 2, represents an elevation of this
apparatus, looking from the centre of the car; in which the extent of the rotary
motion of the disc e is marked by the dotted circles, and is equal to a quarter
revolution of the disc e, the surplus motion of the crank f effecting the stroke
of the wing. The rotary motion is restricted by a contrivance in the fulcrum d,
shewn separately in Figs. 3 and 4; Fig 3 being a transverse section through
the shaft, and Fig. 4, a plan with the cover removed. The upper part of the
ball is fitted with a semi-spherical cup 9, which revolves freely on its vertical

page_text: axis within the cover h, and the ball of the lever b (having a stud i projecting
into a slot in the cup g) restricts the rotary motion to the limits of the slot,
while at the same time a perfect freedom is allowed to the oscillatory motion,
which will result on the circle being completed in either direction. The
amount of the oscillatory motion of the wing may be varied by increasing or
decreasing the distance of the crank pin in the disc from its centre; should
any ill effects arise from the sudden transition of the motion, the connecting
rod should have some contrivance at or about its centre, perhaps by being
formed of tubing, one piece sliding within the other and united by a spring,
so that at the same time its resistance to bending is not interfered with, it may
admit of slight shortening and lengthening. By this contrivance the danger
arising from the suddenness of change of motion from the backward to the
forward stroke, or vice versâ, is in a great measure prevented. 2ndly-The
double shutter propeller, consisting of the application of a hinge motion to two
expanded surfaces on a lever, which lever has a simple backward and forward
motion. This is represented at Figs. 6, 7, and 8, Sheet 2; Fig. 6, shewing it
in plan attached to the bar; Fig. 7, a back view, and Fig. 8, an end view of
the propeller. This is composed of two large, light, and strong frames
covered with some light texture, so as expose two expanded surfaces a, a,
situated one above and the other below the long end of the lever b, and moving
on it upon binges formed of pieces of tubing embracing the larger tubing or
lever. Radial bars c, c, arc affixed to the lever b, which support the semi-
circular hoops d, d, which, at the same time that they afford support to the
shutters in their opening and closing, also afford support to the stays and
the stops e, e, e, e¹, upon it before and behind the shutters, to prevent their
opening too much on striking the air, or closing too much upon collapsing. At
the fulcrum (), instead of there being a ball and socket joint, there is simply
a vertical pin, on which the lever has a backward and forward or hinge motion.
The spring or connecting rod (9) does not act by means of a circle in different
directions upon the power end of the lever, as in the last-mentioned impinging
machine, but directly upon it. All the other parts of the machine are much
the same as in the wing propeller before described. On the double shutter
propeller making the back stroke, the surfaces become expanded and separated
to the greatest degree, being prevented from falling forwards by stops e¹, e¹, on
the semicircles situated before the expanded surfaces (a, a,) and by braces
h, h, seen in Fig. 8, fastened to the stays; on its being carried forwards pre-
paratory to another stroke, they close upon the stops e, e, seen on the circle
situated behind the surfaces, which keep them at a sufficient distance apart so
as to prevent the hazarding their not opening again.

page_text: The 3rd propelling apparatus is what I call the "umbrella propeller," which
is an application of the principle of the unbrelia as an impinging machine;
it very much resembles an umbrella, having all its parts modified for the pur-
pose of making it a-convenient propelling machine. This is composed of an
expanded surface 1, (see Fig. 6, Sheet-3,) strengthened by ribs 2, 2, of tubing,
which are limited in their motion as in an umbrella, by braces attached around
the centre rod 6, on a ring (3); this ring also prevents the expanded surface
from being quite collapsed upon the rod. The ferule and handle ends of the
umbrella rod are lengthened and work easily in the collars 4, 4, supported on
outriggers 7, 7, from the side of the car or framework. On giving the stroke
the umbrella propeller opens to the extent permitted by the braces, and on
being brought forwards previous to another stroke, it collapses upon the
ring (3). This machine may occupy the position of the foregoing machines,
in which case it works in the collars (4, 4,) backwards and forwards; a simple
lever, having a hinge motion at the fulcrum 5 on the gunwale of the boat or
side of the framework, may transmit the power to it from the engine. A
more simple arrangement may be made, as represented at Fig. 7; here the
rod (6, 6,) is fixed at the collars 4, 4, to the outriggers: a tube of the whole
length of the umbrella expansion, and to which the latter is affixed, encircles
the rod upon which it is worked by the lever (8). Unlike the 'two other
impinging machines the umbrella propeller may be employed singly; it is
then to be placed either behind or beneath the car, boat, or framework, in
which positions the motive power may be transmitted to it through a lever or
by the alternating motion of a wheel.
I believe, however, that the most generally useful propelling machines will
be found to be those made upon the principle of the screw, for these reasons,
they may be made lighter, their motions are continuous and not alternating, and
there is little comparative loss of power, they are less likely to get out of
order, and if so, they may be much more easily repaired, and greater rapidity
is, I believe, also to be obtained with them.
In propelling aerial machines through the atmosphere, it is necessary to
employ some apparatus for guiding their movements, which I term the
steering or tail apparatus (from its similarity to the tail of the bird), which
has imparted to it two motions, the one a hinge motion and the other a
rotating motion, combined for the purpose of obtaining the necessary move-
ments of an extended surface or fan, more or less approaching to those of the
tail of the bird, so that the guiding or directing the whole machine when in
motion in every direction may be at the command of the aeronaut.
The tail apparatus, which is represented in Figs. 1, 2, and 5, Sheet 1,

page_text: is composed of a frame more or less in the form of a bird's tail, over
which some membrane may be stretched, or it may be made wholly of
metal; this is moved upon a hinge joint 7, by means of a running cord or
chain y, y, passing from either surface of the tail fine m, over pulleys on the
ends of the branches, of tubing n, n, passing down into the axis tubing o,
through which it is conveyed and fixed to the periphery of the wheel p;
situated at the extremity of this tubing, as represented in the framework; or it
may be in the car or boat;) by these means a complete hinge motion is ob
tained. By turning the wheel p on its axis by the handle s in either direction,
the one cord will be taken up on the periphery, while the other will be
slackened out, causing the extremity of the tail to depart from the straight
line, the wheel apparatus being represented on a large scale at Fig. 3, Sheet 4.
The partial rotation of the whole tail apparatus just mentioned is effected by
the motion of a small lever (9) attached to the arms on each side of the
wheel in which its pivot works, the arms being firmly attached to the tubing
o, on which the hinge of the tail fan m works. This tube is rotated by moving
the lever to either side, and hence it is called the axis tube. The tube in
which it has the rotary motion is marked ().
In Fig. 3, Sheet 4, it will be seen that two ratchets or fixing wheels are
represented, for the purpose of securing the tail m in its different positions.
x is attached to the wheel, which is held at any required point by the
click a', which adjusts the position of the tail on its hinge motion, as before
explained, by the cords y, y, while the ratchet wheel z, with its tube r,
is affixed to the framework, secures the whole apparatus in any position
obtained by its rotation with the tube o, by means of the click '. Where
the rotary movement has to be produced out of the straight line, as when
the tail is situated much above or below the level of the boat, as would
be the case were it situated at the after extremity of the balloon, or behind
a single screw placed beneath the boat, a line may be made to act over
a wheel, fixed upon a short axis tube immediately before the hinge, by
means of another similar wheel iu reach of the aeronaut, through a suc-
cession of pulleys. The hinge wheel would act in the same way, although
it might be placed transversely, and its line would not pass through a straight
tube (admitting of a rotary motion. The first mode of producing a hinge
motion and slight rotation of that hinge being the most simple, is that
which I prefer. The results from the above combinations of the "hinge "
motion and "rotary motion' are, that the fan may be made to bend on its
hinge in any direction of a circle, viz', up or down, or laterally, or in any
"

page_text: diagonal of these motions, consequently, the direction of the whole machine,
when moving sufficiently for steerage through the atmosphere, may be changed
upwards or downwards, to either side, or to any diagonal of any of these, on
the same principle as the bird directs its course by the motions of its tail,
which will be readily understood by reference to Fig. 2 and 5, Sheet 1, where
the dotted lines shew the different positions.
My improvements in apparatus for arresting motion in aerial machines
over the surface of water or land consist of, first, an apparatus which I term a
"water grapnel," represented in (Figs. 8 and 9, Sheet 3,) in the expanded
and collapsed states. Its general form is seen to be that of an umbrella.
The ribs (2, 2, 2,) are. made of iron, brass, or metal tubing, and the covering
(3, 3, 3,) which is fastened firmly to the ribs, of very strong cloth prepared so
as to be impervious to water. The ribs 2, 2 are hinged at one end, and
.connected at intervals by stout cords 4, 4, 4, to the collar 5 at the neck of the
centre rod (1, 1,) so as to prevent the ribs opening more than to a certain
extent. To the short end of the rod above the collar a strong rope 6 is attached
by which the balloon is moored. The ferule end (7) is lengthened and of solid
metal while the rod 1 is of tubing, and another small rope 8 is attached to it
at its extremity. When it is intended to arrest the progress of a balloon as
much as possible while at sea, this machine is to be collapsed and tied up
like an umbrella, but with a thread or slight cord that will easily break. The
apparatus is now to be let down rapidly by the larger rope, the smaller one
being slack, the heavy end descends first and is carried deeply into the water
before the aerial machine can ascend much from the diminution of weight
produced, the moment that the rope becomes tight the thread round the umbrella
will give way, when it opens and immense resistance to its passage through the
water is produced by the body of water it contains. The aerial machine may
now in fact be said to be moored to the water. When it is wished to haul
the "grapnel" up again and to proceed, the great rope 6 is to be slackened
and the small rope to be hauled upon, by this the "water grapnel" has its
ends reversed, when it collapses, as seen at Figure 9, and the only resistance
to its being hauled up is its own weight and the friction arising from its
passage through the water. It may be observed that a grapnel, either for
water or the common one used for land, should be dropped, if possible, while
the aerial machine is kept as nearly as possible over the same spot of surface.
Again, the grapnel rope, whether for land or water, should have a long piece or
pieces of vulcanized caoutchouc of its whole breadth or one or more springs
proportionably strong in its rope, or the rope should be of an elastic material,

page_text: by these means the sudden jerk occasioned by "bringing to" which is felt in
using the common rope from the ordinary balloon, when the wind is fresh will
be in a great measure prevented.
When steam power is used, the generation of steam from water may be pro-
duced by the ignition of coal, spirit, æther, oil, or gas, or other hydrocarbons;
the gas may be brought by a tube from the balloon to beneath the boiler.
The laxity which would arise from the escape of gas being counteracted by
forcing atmospheric air into its proper receptacle by the apparatus already
mentioned. Now, suppose, that there is a large quantity of ballast in the
shape of coal or any inflammable fluid for the production of heat applied
to water to produce steam, by the consumption of the coal and water the
balloon becoming specifically lighter would rise in the air; the consumption of
coal or inflammable fluid should now cease and the gas be allowed to pass
through the tube to be ignited beneath the boiler. As the balloon becomes
lax, air must be pumped or injected into its proper receptacle; after a time,
the balloon would gradually diminish in buoyant power, until, if allowed,
it would sink to the ground. If at this time water be required, a small
quantity, so as not to increase much the specific gravity of the machine, may
be caught up by a bucket, the machine being made to oppose the wind so as
to keep it for the time over the water as stationary as possible. The coal or
fluid ballast is now to be made use of; if the machine has a tendency to
descend, it may be kept up by being propelled in an oblique direction upwards
until, by the use of the ballast, the specific gravity has become equal to the air
it is moving in. The discharging only a portion of ballast or gas alternately,
by using it to produce heat for the generation of steam, carried to a very
slight extent, would be sufficient, in most cases, to get into any current of air,
or even to pass to the trade winds, to be carried a considerable part of the way
towards its destination, without incapacitating the machine from returning to
the same means again and again in case of adverse winds until it could arrive
at its destination or obtain a supply of fuel and gas from a station. It must
be recollected that taking two or three miles of atmosphere upwards from the
surface of the earth, that there are various currents in different directions; this
is not necessarily the case, but I believe most frequently found to be so ; under
the circumstances it would be necessary only to pass from one current to another
until one was found more or less fair, and to keep in this current without pro-
pelling if it were of the same specific gravity as the machine, or if not to use
such propelling power as by steerage would keep the machine in this favorable
stratum; often would the current be sufficiently fair to carry along the machine
for a considerable time without any propelling power until another current was

page_text: met with on the same level, or one passed into either above or below, which
would counteract any previous deviation of course. Short flights and towards
the close of long flights only would require great nicety in the direction of its
course.
It is not absolutely necessary that the buoyant power should in all cases
be sufficient of itself to support the machine in air without the propelling
power, but that it should be sufficient to prevent concussion on alighting
on the ground to cause injury to passengers or machine. The propelling
power when in action would be sufficient to keep the machine up. when the
latter is steered in an oblique direction upwards by the helm or tail, even if
there should be considerable deficiency of buoyant power, so that were the
propelling power to cease the machine must at once descend to the ground.
There would certainly be considerable difficulty in stopping at different
places when the wind was high; the same amount of wind which admits of
a common balloon being retained on the ground previous to starting, also
admits of the balloon motor machines being retained by the grapnel, especially
as its form is better adapted for admitting of its passing more easily through
the atmosphere; the propellers also would assist much, and would when in
action, according to the resistance from the wind, in most cases be quite
sufficient to enable the balloon motor machine to remain over the same spot
of ground. The detaching of the boat from the framework is to be effected
at sea by using the water grapnel, lowering away the boat by means of the
tackles 2, 2, and then on a favorable opportunity offering when the boat has just
arrived at the surface of the water in the descent of the balloon, suddenly to
detach both tackles, (the use of one only, if possible, is much to be preferred);
the balloon should be retained, if it will assist in the direction of course required,
provided it be sufficiently sound to retain gas, by means of a rope at the head
of the boat; or, if not, all the gas should be let out of the balloon, which should be
stowed away inboard. Recourse should be had to detaching the boat only when
some accident had happened so as to render it not sufficiently buoyant or safe.
The second part of my Invention relates to what I term the parachute motor
machine, which in its complete form is composed of,-
Firstly, a large expanded surface which, although not a buoyant machine,
presents a great surface for resistance to the air in its downward motion through
it; this may be called the "parachute expansion."
Secondly, of a framework, boat, or car, to one of which is attached a
locomotive or motor machine by which motive power may be produced.
Thirdly, of a guiding or steering machine, as described with reference to the
balloon motor machine.

page_text: And, fourthly, of machines for arresting motion over sea and land, also
described under balloon motor machine.
The improved parachute "expansion" is shown in Figs. 1 and 2, Sheet 4,
which is modified in its form from the ordinary parachute so as to adapt it
better for passing through the air, (although in its old form it is capable of
being propelled with considerable velocity); this modification is effecting by
making all the lines of its surface fore and aft horizontally straight; (if at all
out of the straight line, they should approach more or less to the arched form
of those in the common parachute. This arched form in the longitudinal direc-
tion will be found to be the best adapted for great strength and great resistance
to downward motion through the air; but the objection to it is that in rapid
motion it has considerable tendency to turn downwards in front, but I believe
that this may be overcome by the action of the tail and by proper ballasting.
The form of the "expansion" shewn in the Drawing is such that it may
offer as little obstruction as possible to motion forwards or backwards through
the air. The arched form with its concave surface downwards is still retained
in the lateral direction, for this gives the greatest strength at the same time
that it affords considerable resistance to downward motion in the air. The
expansion may differ from that of the ordinary parachute only in this, or it may
be broader than it is long, or longer than it is broad. For progression I
prefer its being considerably longer than it is broad, for as pitching is more
likely to occur before or behind, the resistance should be more in these direc-
tions. Another advantage is, that it will obey the motions of the tail more
regularly. (Fig. 1), Sheet 4, represents a side elevation, shewing the straight
line of surface in the fore and aft direction, and (Fig. 2) represents an end
elevation, which, however, is slightly modified for the purpose of shewing the
application of two propellers, one on either side. The position of the propeller
seen in Fig. 1, being represented by the dotted circle in the centre, while the
increased size of the expansion b, b, of Fig. 2, is represented by the red line in
Fig. 1. The expansion b, b, of this form, when propelled through the air in
an oblique direction upwards, guided by the tail, is able to overcome the slow
motion downwards, which would take place as in the common parachute. The
weight should be situated about what may be called the "ballast point" (c),
at the centre of the circle or thereabouts of which the arch of the expansion
forms a segment, so that if the parachute motor machine were passive, the
parachute expansion b, b, would be horizontal, (if out of the horizontal it
should droop behind), and it would be so ballanced by ballast at the point c,
and that it could never be thrown much out of its position by rapid motion
through the air. The expansion is best formed of a framework of metal tubing,

page_text: "
as described with reference to the balloon motor machine. The transverse
arched pieces e, e, should be connected at their extremities by cross tubes f, f.
connected to the arches of transverse tubes by upright pieces g, 9; longitudinal
pieces are connected at their extremities to tubes passing round the whole
extent of the expansion-b,-b, which also connect the several arch or transverse
connecting pieces, which are attached firmly to them as they cross each other,
and the whole suitably stiffened by longitudinal stays i, i, i, connected with the
different transverse bars at their points of suspension from the "expansion
b, b; the spaces between the net work of tubing on the surface of the " expan-
sion" may be filled in with metal sheets, as thin as is consistent with a proper
strength, or with silk, or any other kind of membrane. The tubes (a, a, a,)
should be in sufficient number to support the "expansion" when the machine
is upon the ground, and to form a firm resisting support to the frame (d, d.)
for the machinery to act from. Cords may also be applied with advantage
to connect the framework of the "expansion" with the framework at the
ballast point c.
I apply all the apparatus and machinery used in the balloon motor machine
to the parachute motor machine, excepting those parts composing the buoyant
apparatus. Some parts require remarks, which will therefore be described,
seriatim, from the text of the balloon motor machine.
The small framework (d, d,) is formed of tubing; it is situated at the
ballast point, and should be very strong for the fixing of machinery; above, it
is firmly connected with the "expansion" by the tubes (a, a, a,) and below, it
gives attachment to the car or boat.
The car should be of the form of a boat, and fitted, as that of the balloon
motor machine, with everything that would make it perfectly adapted to the
purposes of a life boat when detached from the frame.
I also apply the principle of the archimedian screw, or of any of the other
impinging machines before mentioned, to the well known principle of the
parachute.
The principal feature in this machine, as compared with other aeriel machines
that have been proposed without a buoyant power derived from gaseous matter,
is, that the safety of the machine does not depend upon the integrity of
the propelling apparatus, for if any accident were to happen to this a perfect
parachute would still remain by which the aeronaut would be enabled to make
a safe descent to the surface of the land or water. The position of the screw
or screws may be various; but the best positions, whether for single or double
screws, are at such points that when in action the resistance to the air from the.
expansion above them be as nearly equal as possible to the resistance to the

page_text: air from the machinery, &c. at the ballast point beneath them. When using
a single screw the best position for it is in the perpendicular central line,
between the " expansion" b, b, and ballast point, as shewn in the Drawings.
The advantages of a single screw over the double screws are that it is more
simple, lighter, and more easily repaired, without interfering with the equipoise
of the machine. For two screws the best positions are either on each side of
the perpendicular line, between the "expansion" b, b, and ballast point, or with
their axes in a line with the "expansion," when this describes an arc (as
represented at Fig. 2, Sheet 4,) sufficient to admit of their being so placed in
it as to have about the same amount of resistance above as below them.
(Fig. 2) represents them with their axes on a line with the surface of the
expansion b, b, and situated above the middle of its length, an opening being
cut in the "expansion" to admit of their rotation; all other positions in which
the screw or screws may be placed are not so favourable as those just named,
but whatever their positions, the axes should be placed fore and aft, parallel to
the surface of the "expansion," or somewhat drooping behind.
The steering, guiding, or tail apparatus resembles that described under the
head of the balloon motor machine, but having, in addition, a stop h, so fixed
to the tube o as to prevent the tail fan from falling much below the horizontal
line, for in rapid motion of the parachute motor machine close to the earth,
if the tail fan were to be moved suddenly downwards, either from accident or
mistake, the whole machine obeying the tail might change its course so as to
plunge upon the ground before its course could be altered or the machine.
stopped. The different situations in which it may be placed are shewn at
(5, 5, 5, Sheet 4); that situation in which it takes its fixed point from the
frame d, d, is the most convenient, and I believe will be found quite as effective
as in any other.
The grapnel machines as applied to this machine are the same as those
used in my balloon motor machine. They should act from the frame princi-
pally, so that the strain may be distributed as cqually as possible over the
"expansion" b, b. The preponderance of weight should be situated at or
below the centre of the circle of which the "expansion" forms a segment in
the lateral direction. The motive power may be hand power, or a high-
pressure steam engine may be used, as in the balloon motor machine, but of
which I have not thought it necessary to give any representation in the
Drawings, merely shewing the driving wheel from which the power is com-
municated to the propellers, which will be readily understood, as there ex-
hibited in the different apparatus.

page_text: Three vertical tubes ¹, k, k', are connected with the framework of the
parachute, each containing a long spiral spring, for the purpose of projecting
the rods or tubes 1, 1, 1, at the lower ends of which are wheels m', m³, m',
for the purpose of acquiring the necessary velocity in the machine on the
ground, in order to make the ascent. The rods 1, 7, should at all times
remain at sufficient distances within the tubes k, k, to give the necessary
stiffness to the rods. The purpose of the springs is to act as buffers when the
machine first comes in contact with the ground in making the descent, which
will cause it, by aid also of the propelling power, to alight gently on the
ground. Instead of internal springs which will act by compression, they may
be placed outside the tube , to the bottom of which the one end must be
fixed, the other end being attached to a slide connected with the upper ends of
the rods,, by pins passing through slots in the tubes k, k, in which they
will act by extension, and in lieu of metal spiral springs straight slips of
vulcanized india-rubber or other elastic materials may be employed. In
raising the parachute motor machine from the ground, it is preferable to
have it on a slight declivity, to acquire the more easily the velocity necessary
to enable the action of the "expansion" to overcome the effects of gravity.
By proper arrangement of these buffer springs the expansion may always
present an inclination upwards at the front while on the ground, which may
be readily adjusted to suit the level on which it may be standing, and would
materially assist the ascent. This buffer apparatus may be applied more or
less modified to the balloon motor machine.
If any woven material should be used in forming the "expansion," it should
le laced, so that it can be taken off or furled, by which the machine might be
kept upon the ground without the wind having much effect on it, and only
just before starting would it be necessary to lace on the membrane.
Having described the nature of my Invention and the manner of carrying the
same into effect I would have it understood that I do not confine myself to the
precise details herein set forth, but what I claim as my Invention and desire
to be protected under the Letters Patent herein-before in part recited, is,-
First, the application of metal tubing or tubes in the construction of a frame-
work for balloons or balloon motor machines, and also the use of framework
in such machines as described.
Secondly, I claim forming the balloon or buoyant part of balloon motor
machines of an elongated form, which elongation is in the direction in which it
is propelled through the atmosphere, such direction being more or less inclined
to the horizon, for the purposes and in the manner herein-before described.

page_text: Thirdly, I claim the application of one or more flexible partitions, which I
have termed the septum membrane, to balloons, for the purpose herein-before
described.
Fourthly, I claim the use of the horizontal band in its office of forming a
parachute of the balloon, as described and represented in Fig. 4, Sheet 4.
Fifthly, I claim the use of flat bands, as a network for enclosing the balloon
by which the car or other framework is attached, or for the purpose of
strengthening the balloon membrane.
Sixthly, I claim the use of a boat in balloons or balloon motor or parachute
machines when such boat is constructed so as to answer the purpose of a boat
when in the water, and also the use of a boat constructed on the principle of
the life boat.
Seventhly, I claim the application of the archimedian screw or other
impinging machines as a propeller to the form of balloon expressed in the
second claim.
Eighthly, I claim the application of a backward and forward motion in
conjunction with a rotary motion in what I have termed the wing propeller.
Ninthly, the application of a hinge motion to two expanding surfaces on a
simple lever having a backward and forward motion, and which I have herein
denominated the double shutter propeller.
Tenthly, I claim the application of a propeller or impinging machine on the
principle of the common umbrella, as herein-before described.
Eleventhly, I claim the application of a rotary motion in conjunction with
à hinge motion for the purpose of producing motion in the fan or blade
forming the tail, which motion is more or less assimilated to that of a bird's
tail, in order to effect the steerage of the different machines.
Twelfthly, I claim the use of the water grapnel for the purpose of arresting
the motion of balloon or other aeriel machines; and also the application of
elastic ropes to grapnels either for land or water, and which elastic ropes may
be formed entirely of elastic material, or by introducing some clastic material
or metal spring in its length.
Thirteenthly, I claim the application and use of metal tubes in the
construction of machines made upon the principle of the parachute.
Fourteenthly, I claim the application of the valves shewn in the Figs. 1, 2,
3, 4, and 5, Sheet 3, as applied to balloons or buoyant apparatus, as herein-
before described.
Fifteenthly, I claim the application of the archimedian screw or other
impinging machine or propeller to the propelling of a machine through the
atmosphere, which machine will act as a parachute or having the effect of an

page_text: AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the Twenty-second day of May,
in the year of our Lord 1849, the aforesaid Hugh Bell, came before our
said Lady the Queen in Her Chancery, and acknowledged the Specification
aforesaid, and all and every thing therein contained and specified, in form
above written. And also the Specification aforesaid was stamped according
to the tenor of the Statute made for that purpose.
Enrolled the Twenty-third day of May, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and forty-nine.