Improvements in Aerial Machines, in Projectiles to be Discharged therefrom, and in the Method of Discharging the same.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 26th Nov., 1889
Complete Specification Left, 15th Apr., 1890)-Accepted, 30th Aug.. 1890
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Aerial Machines, in Projectiles to be Discharged
therefrom, and in the Method of Discharging the same.
I, WILLIAM Howson of 277 Bramhall Lane, Sheffield in the County of York,
Joiner and Photographer do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
This invention is for improvements in or connected with aeronautic apparatus for
conveying, automatically adjusting, and discharging shells of either illuminating
asphyxiating, or explosive and destructive capacity, quality or powers, either singly or
in repeating or magazine batteries and in the construction of shells for such
apparatus.
The first part of my invention relates to the construction of the escape valve applied
to a balloon inflated with gas; it is composed of three tubes fitted together
telescopically, the smallest one (for example) say fourteen inches long and of a
suitable diameter open at both ends, the top end being threaded to receive two broad
flanges, between which the fabric of the balloon, at the centre of its highest part is
held, the open tube thus forming a passage of communication between the interior
of the balloon and the atmosphere.
The middle tube is made (for example) twelve inches long or thereabouts, is also
open at both ends and fits upon the first or smallest tube.
The outer tube is made of the same length as, the middle one upon which it fits
tightly, and both this and the middle tube are pierced with corresponding holes say
for example half an inch in diameter, and about three quarters of an inch apart in
parallel longitudinal lines. The outer tube is closed at its bottom end, and thus the
inside tube forms the outlet or means of escape, the middle one may be called the
regulator, and the outer tube the valve slide.
To the top of the inner tube and the bottom plate of the outer tube in the interior
of the balloon I fix a spiral spring, and to the outside of the bottom plate of the outer
tube is attached a fine wire cord which passes down and is secured to a clockwork
apparatus that is capable of a variety of speeds, and which is fixed on the top of what
I call the magazine, and is worked by a flat circular spring fixed on the first and
second axles of the clockwork mechanism.
The magazine consists of a circular openwork spiral tramway, the lines or rails
being made of thin spring steel or of other suitable material, the pitch of the spiral
being such that the shells will pass freely over and under one another as they travel
down the convolutions or coils of the spiral-way to the point of exit, and the position
of the electrical discharge.
A tube containing a light and bull's eye is fixed to the magazine, so that it can be
seen in the direction of the operator, but is otherwise concealed.
The next part refers to the shells and their carriages the shells are preferably
spherical and are provided with trunaions or supports, one on each side, each trunnion
rests upon a small carriage so as to enable the shell to travel easily down the spiral
incline when permitted to do so.
One of the trunnions is fixed to the shell case, but the other is constructed in a
special manner.
A hole is formed in the side of the shell case, and a cartridge case is made to
correspond and to fit into this hole, a portion of the cartridge case projecting
sufficient to act as a trunnion.
A round forked grappling ring is attached to the top of each repeating shell.
I fix to the first motion of the clockwork mechanism a small flexible wire cord
which passes from the top of the clockwork mechanism down the inside of the

page_text: magazine in such a manner that all the shells that are provided with a grappling ring
will engage with the said cord in rotation, and by means of an oblong globular spring
and vacuum or hydraulic appliance which will not pass through this grappling ring
until the shell has been detained a sufficient length of time to have automatically
wound up the clockwork mechanism, and have also opened the tubular or telescopic
gas valve in the balloon before described, and so permitted its equivalent in gas to
escape therefrom.
The shell having escaped (by the contraction of the globular vacuum or hydraulic
appliance permitting it to slip through the grappling ring) the relieved clockwork
winds up the cord and allows the telescopic valve to be closed by the action of the
spiral spring.
The balloon is held captive by an electric cable, the ground end of which is in
connection with a suitable battery or batteries and under the control of the operator.
When a shell is at the point of exit, the charged cartridge which forms one of the
trunnions is in position to be discharged by the operator completing the circuit, when
this is done the cartridge trunnion is blownout of the shell and beingthus unsupported
it drops from the magazine to a certain distance carrying with it the compressible
globular obstructive appliance before mentioned.
When the cartridge is discharged it ignites the shell which may for example be a
magnesium illuminating shell for the purpose of discovering the position of any
desired object such as a fort, vessel, body of troops, or the like.
Shells for discovering ships and indicating their position are to be charged with
sodium or potassium or compounds of same, so that on bursting they will illuminate
the water.
Another part of my invention consists in sending auxiliary travelling balloons
carrying explosives along the captive balloon cable, and discharging the said explosive
at some determined point on the cable.
The auxiliary balloons will be of smaller size and are intended to carry a shell or
like explosive, the two being connected by a telescopical cartridge which also connects
them to the cable along which they travel when released by the operator on the
ground.
A stop is placed on the electric cable at a given distance from the captive balloon,
which determines the extent of the travel, and prevents further progress; the
telescopical cartridge passes through the top of what I call a dejector, which is
carried by the balloon and held against the cable by anti-friction rollers; the top of
the dejector is put on and the parts are held together by the telescopical cartridge
passed through them and upon which the shell is also supported.
The method of discharging or dejecting explosives "automatically" from balloons
when operating in conjunction with aerostatic balloons is as follows:-I provide a
chemically prepared telescopical cartridge connecting the auxiliary balloon and the
shell as before described which passes through the bottom side of the dejector and
under the cable, and at a short distance from the large balloon is fixed a self-acting
tubular valve, the cable passing right through it, thus when the travelling dejector
comes in contact with it, the valve opens, the cartridge is exploded, and the balloon
and shell are separated and liberated from the cable.
The cartridge case may be composed of brass, or other metal or substance, and
may be charged with any suitable explosive material or compound.
The tubular valve is enclosed in a cylinder which is charged with water, or other
liquid or powder, that is capable of causing an explosion when it comes in contact
with the cartridge carried by the dejector as it travels along the balloon cable.
Bottle necked bags containing sand or water are attached to the sides of the
dejector, the necks hanging below the explosives; these are for the purpose of
facilitating and regulating the movement of the auxiliary balloon in following the
curved form of the cable on which it is travelling.
The indicating or illuminating shell consists of an oblong globular glass shell,
having a corked bottle neck on the top side and on the opposite side a recess to
receive a cork so that the corks will act as cushions, to rest against the internal

page_text: surface of the next or outer shell case, which is therefore made of suitable diameter
and has a hole bored and tapped in it at the top.
The outer shell to be crossed at the top and bottom centres with magnesium
ribbon secured at the top and bottom centres, and to have a horizontal belt of fuse
placed round it about two thirds from the bottom.
The fuse is to be lighted from the trunnion cartridge, and as this fuse burns the
magnesium star is formed.
This shell is to be enclosed in a trunnion case.
This trunnion case is stamped out of thin metal in two parts, and hook hinged
together, the joint being at the bottom; on the side of one of these parts about two
thirds from the top a small trunnion is secured, and in a corresponding position on the
other part, the case is bushed to receive a trunnion cartridge. The oblong globular
glass shell must be charged with sodium or potassium, and between this glass shell
and the outer shell there will be a vacant space round the sides, and part of the top,
and this space is to be charged with powder and fused at the sides, and then placed in
the trunnion shell.
The aerostatic valve and the globular spring compressible stop or retainer herein-
before described must be regulated and set for the time required.
In a magazine or shell conveyor for large shells, instead of using the double spiral
rails before mentioned, I may use an outside rail and a central gravitating screw,
which would thus take the place of an inside rail, the centre trunnions of the shells
fitting, in suitable holes made in the screw which is turned round in its screwed
bearings and descends by the gravitation or movement of the shells when passing
down the incline to the exit.
Dated the 25th day of November.
ROBT. F. DRURY, Fel. Inst. P.A.,
Bank Buildings, George Street, Sheffield, Agent for Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Aerial Machines, in Projectiles to be Discharged
therefrom, and in the Method of Discharging the same.
I WILLIAM Howsox of 277 Bramall Lane Sheffield in the County of York Joiner
and Photographer, 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:-
This invention is for improvements in or connected with aeronautic apparatus for
conveying, automatically adjusting and discharging shells of either illuminating
asphyxiating, or explosive and destructive capacity, quality or power, either singly
or in repeating or magazine batteries and in the construction of shells for such
apparatus.
The first part of my invention relates to the construction of the escape valve
applied to a balloon inflated with gas; it is composed of three tubes fitted together
telescopically. The smallest one (for example) say fourteen inches long and of a
suitable diameter open at both ends, the top end being threaded to receive two broad
flanges. between which the fabric of the balloon at the centre of its highest part is
held; the open tube thus forming a passage of communication between the interior
of the balloon and the atmosphere marked with the letter M, as shown on sheet No. 1.
Fig. 1. side elevation when closed.
Fig. 2 section of side elevation.
Fig. 3. plan.

page_text: Fig. 10. Side elevation of the uminating indicating she and forked grapping
ring.
.
Fig. 10 half section of a flange lock nut.
Fig. 10 plan.
Fig. 11. side section of a magazine for large explosive shells and small indicating
shells.
Fig. 12. plan of same.
Fig. 13. side section of an explosive shell.
Fig. 14. side elevation section of the automatic valve.
Fig. 15. side elevation of the central tube.
Fig. 16. side view of an electrical or automatic dejector.
Fig. 17. end view.
Fig. 18. side view of the dejector without the cartridge.
Fig. 21. end view.
Fig. 19. view of cartridge closed.
Fig. 20. view of half the cartridge.
Fig. 21. view of the other half.
The middle tube marked M'is also open at both ends and fits upon the first orsmallest
tube, marked M, and underneath the flanges marked F. The outer tube as shown,
marked E. is made of the same length as the middle one marked M¹ upon which it
fits tightly. The outer tube marked E. and the middle tube marked M¹ are pierced
with corresponding holes in parallel longitudinal lines as shown on Fig. 1. The
outer tube as shown marked at the bottom end b¹ is a fast end, and thus the inside
tube forms the outlet or means of escape, the middle one may be called the regulator,
and the outer tube the valve slide. At the top of the tube marked M. I fix a cross
bearing as shown on Figs. 1. and 2. marked b. the spiral spring marked s. is fastened to
the part marked c. in the centre of the part marked b. and to the part marked b¹, This
spring is for the purpose of closing the valve after it has been opened by the fall of a
shell.
2. To the coupling marked c. as shown at the bottom of the valve, I fix a fine wire
cord which passes down the inside of the balloon, and is secured to a grooved wheel
or pulley at the top of the machinery marked P., as shown in Figs. 4. and 5. The part
marked a. is the main spring axle. The parts marked s. represent the springs and are
secured to the cross supports marked s¹. The drivingwheel marked W.is geared with the
pinion wheel marked P¹ upon the axle of the wheel marked Wwhich is geared with the
pinion wheel marked P2 which is upon the axle of the wheel marked W2 and is geared
with the pinion wheel marked P3 which is upon the axle of the winding drum
marked D. This axle I pass through the outside of the frame so as to receive the
combined parts marked K and W³. The part marked A² represents the axle of wheel
marked W5 and grooved pulley marked P. The part marked S2 represents a circular
spring which is fastened on the axle marked A2 and secured to the side of the frame
at the end of the spring marked St.
The wheel marked W is fast upon the axle marked A2 and is supported by a hanger
marked Z as shewn on Figs. 4 and 5.
The worm as shewn marked Q is fast upon the axle of a wheel marked W and the
pinion wheel marked P2. The wheel as shewn marked W5 to have some teeth taken
clean out so as to be deficient of one tooth more than there are threads on the worm,
so that the wheel is out of gear when it has gone once round by the opposite action
of the two springs. The circular spring as shewn marked S2 keeps the wheel always
in gear on one side so as to be set in motion by the discharge of a shell.
It then opens the valve of the balloon as shewn on Fig. 2, and in so doing it
creates an opposite action which overpowers the circular spring marked S2 and
remains so until the apparatus as shewn in Figs. 4 5 and 6 will allow it to close
again.

page_text: The valve cord must be a little slack when closed, so as not to have any action on
the wheel marked W.
The parts marked D as shown on Fig. 5 represent a flanged drum upon the axle
marked D¹ of pinion wheel P³.
The parts marked F represent the sides and the middle part of the frame secured
together by the cross supports as shewn marked S¹. The central part of the frame
marked KI insert in a slot which is formed in the central tube of the spiral
magazine as shewn marked b on Fig. 4.
The part marked J represents the top rim of the magazine secured to the frame of
the machine marked F. The parts marked O represent the outside spiral shell line.
The line marked I is the inside spiral line. The parts marked R represent upright
supports secured to the parts marked J and M.
The circular line as shewn marked H represents the central part of the frame of
the machine hollowed out so that it is clear of the drum marked D. This drum to
have secured to it one end of a wire or hempen cord of a sufficient length, the whole
of it must be wound on the drum.
Fig. 4. explanatory section of Figs. 4. 5. 6 and 10. I then take the end of the
cord marked E and pass it down the inside of the magazine and through the parts or
pulleys as shewn on Fig. 4½ marked P. which are secured to the cross rod marked R
as shewn on Figs. 4 and 5. The parts as shewn marked W. H. on Figs. 4 and 5
represent an appliance which is formed as follows:-The part marked N represents a
stud or arm support secured to the cross rod marked R and to have a slot formed in
it as shewn marked A so as to receive the axles of the pulleys marked P and to have
a slot formed from the top to the bottom side so as to allow the two pulleys to move
to the dotted lines as shewn marked Y.
The part marked S represents a bow spring and to have a hole formed in the
centre suitable to receive the slotted arm marked N; this spring to be provided with
two flat strips of brass or other metal to have two holes formed in each of them
suitable to receive the axles of the pulleys marked P, P, so as to couple them together
on the outside of the slotted arm to the spring marked S. This spring to be formed
at the ends in a concave; or to the form of the cross rod so as to act and slide on it.
The cord I pass through the hole formed by the pulleys marked P. P. and secured
to the cone marked E' of the hydraulic detainer as shewn on Fig. 6 sheet 4 marked E.
The part as shewn marked G represents the grappling ring as having previously
received the cord, and that the cone marked E¹ as having entered the grappling ring
and being stopped by the parts marked P. P.
The part marked F represents the forks or prongs of the grappling rings, which
are also shewn on Fig. 10 marked F.
The part marked X represents a shell case with trunnions as shewn marked T and
carrying an inclosed shell in a horizontal position so that when the cartridge trunnion
is discharged the trunnion is blown out and the case being unsupported it falls in
two halves.
The shell being connected with the grappling ring the parts marked F. change from
the horizontal to the perpendicular line as shewn marked J which also compresses the
part marked S. to the cross rod marked R which prevents the cord entering the
grappling ring of the next shell.
The grappling ring as shewn on Fig. 10 passes over the springs as shewn on Figs. 6
and 7 and is guided clear of the cylinder top marked T on Fig. 6 so that it rests on
the hydraulic jibs as shewn marked U, so that it is held on the jibs until it has
forced the water from under the piston through a very small hole as shewn
marked N, so that as the jibs descend they gradually graduate nearer to the cylinder
so that they pass through the grappling ring. The part marked 0¹ represents a small
hole in the piston tube which charges the top part of the cylinder as the piston
descends, so that when the detainer has let the shell fall the water runs back again
through the open valve as shewn marked Y. By the action of the spiral spring as
shewn marked S the valve closes when the piston descends.
The train of wheels as before described is for the purpose of utilizing the power of

page_text: a discharged shell so that after it leaves the magazine it commences to open the valve
of the balloon and wind up the main springs of the machinery. It also engages with
what I call a compound self acting spring lever notch coupling, as shewn on Fig. 5
marked K which is fast upon the axle marked D₁ of the winding drum marked D.
The part marked K2 is a fac-simile half of the coupling; but this one to be provided
with a bush and bushed into the wheel as shewn marked W³ and to have a hole
formed in it suitable to receive the end of the axle marked D¹.
At the end of the bust I provide a centre point suitable to be fixed in the end of
the bush so that its centre point will act against the circular spring as shewn
marked S³.
The part marked U represents a box for the part markedS³and secured to an upright
bearing which is fixed on the magazine.
The coupling marked K and K to have a notch formed on the face of one side of its
centre, and to be about one sixteenth of an inch in depth and to have a V formed in the
notch. This notch to graduallydiminish from the bottom of the notch to nothing at the
top of the notch. The wheel marked W³ to have sufficient play for action, so that
when the winding drum receives the weight of a shell, the couplings become locked in
the. V notch and drive the wheel marked W3 which is geared with the pinion wheel
marked P which is upon the axle of pulley P5 which drives an electric motor as
shown marked N by a belt as shewn marked B. The motor to supply one current to
the magnet. The two coils as shown marked M represent an electric magnet fixed
over the end of the lever of the brake as shown marked J; but it may be fixed
between the pinion wheel marked P and the side of the frame marked F which has
some holes formed in it suitable to receive a stud which is secured to the frame, the
part projecting from the side, to form the axle of the lever which is also to be provided
with a number of holes, say, for example, one in the middle and two on each side.
These holes are for the purpose of changing the stud so as to alter the leverage of
the brake.
The lever to have the two ends of a thin belt of steel attached to it at one end and
the belt placed on the flanged pulley which is at the side of pulley marked P5, or the
magnet may be fixed under the pulley marked P5 so as to act directly on the flanged
pulley without a lever.
The part as shown marked Po represents a bush in two halves to receive the axle of
pinion! wheel P. The top half to be fast to the frame marked F; the bottom one to
work in a slide formed in the side of the part marked F,and to be providedwith a spiral
spring of sufficient strength to hold the bottom bush and the axle of pinion wheel
marked P up to the top bush.
The slide to be formed so that it throws the pinion wheel P¹ a little more into gear.
The flange of the drum as shewn marked D2 I provide with three or four bow
springs, or three or four spiral springs to act on a convex oblong button. The edge
of the flange marked D2 to have suitable slots formed in them to receive the tubular
spring buttons and to be fixed so as to just clear the axle of pinion wheel P4.
The lines as shewn marked C represent the cable.
The part marked Y represents a bull's eye placed in the recess of a tube, and to
contain a light, and fixed in the direction of the operator but is otherwise concealed.
The parts marked E represent a stop, fixed at the bottom of the spiral lines, and
shows the shell lines to have graduated from underneath the others in the bottom last
lap of the coils.
The parts marked C represent shell carriers.
The lines marked T represent two electrical wires. The currents to meet just
underneath the cartridge trunnion in a suitable tube with an upcast formed in the
middle of it.
The part marked X as shewn in Figs. 4 and 5 represents a shell case with a grappling
appliance on its back marked G.
The part marked V of the grappling ring as shewn at Fig. 5 is the entrance of the
detaining cord as shewn on Fig. 4 marked E.
The magazine may be charged with all magnesium shells or it may be charged at

page_text: will with various kinds of shells, such as explosive, indicators, or explosive destructive
shells.
These shells to haveno carriagesbut to travel down the spiral lines on their trunnions
which are fixed in the centre of their diameter. The shells to be formed so that when
put in the magazine they will travel down with a flat side at the front and back of the
shell, as they revolve in the segment of their diameter to the centre of the magazine,
and to be provided with a cartridge trunnion fused at the end. The cartridge strunnion
to just clear the upcast of the electrical tube.
4. Fig. 6 view of side section of what I call an oblong globular spring hydraulic
detainer.
The part marked D represents the detaining cord and is connected with the drum as
shown on Fig. 4. marked E and to the cone of the detainer marked E. on Fig. 6.
The parts marked W. are connecting wire rods of the cylinder top marked T: and to
the cone bottom marked E. to the part marked M.
The part marked S represents a spiral spring which is for the purpose of recharging
the hydraulic part of the cylinder.
The part marked G. is a flange, and O. is a tube, an outside tube which slides on the
cylinder H.
The flanges G and O are connected together with wire rods marked R, and at the
bottom end of the tube marked 0 I fix a flange marked A which is slotted out so as to
slide up and down the cantilever rods marked C of the cylinder marked H and secured
to the parts marked T and L.
The Hange marked A. has four cantilever jibs attached to it marked U, these jibs
slide up and down the rods marked c. so as when they receive the weight of a shell,
they descend, and the grappling ring falls along with the shell.
The parts marked F represent springs, and fastened to the parts marked M and to a
loose belt of tube marked b.
The part marked P is the piston tube fastened to the flange marked G. The part
marked P. V. represents piston and valve. The part marked N. is a very small hole
in the piston.
'
i
J
The part marked 01 represents a small hole in the piston tube marked P.
The part marked H is the hydraulic part of the cylinder which. I charge with
water.
5. Fig. 8. side view of a shell carriage. The part marked b. is a bed to receive the
trunnion of the shell. The parts marked R are rollers which travel down the spiral
line. The parts W are guide wheels adjusted to the inside of the lines. One of these
carriages I fix on each line of the spiral magazine with the trunnions of a shell on the
parts marked b.
6. The construction of shells.
The lines marked G as shewn on Fig. 10 represent a glass shell with two cork
cushions as shewn marked C¹ to rest against the internal surface of the next or outer
shell case.
This case to have a hole formed in it and threaded to receive the part
marked H of the grappling ring.
F
The part marked H. I provide with a thin flanged lock nut, about one inch and a
half in diameter; and to be stamped all round its diameter on one side so as to have a
small convexed on one side, and a concaved V on the other side. The shell" may
be formed at the top and bottom centres with a convexed n suitable or there must be
two flanges applied both at the top and bottom of the shell. One of these flanges to
have a small screw in the centre and a hole formed in the bottom of the shell to
receive it.
The line marked S represents the shell..
The line marked P, cavity space to be charged with powder.
The part marked A represents a belt of fuse, this I fix on the shell about two thirds
from the bottom; the ends of this fuse to be fixed together so as to project a little from
the side of the shell. I then take and fix, say for example, twenty five laps of
magnesium ribbon, these I place all round the shell by cutting them in two halves and

page_text: inserting each end between the convexed and the concaved appliances hereinbefore
described for the top and bottom centres of the shell.
The shell as shown marked S to have a hole formed in it suitable to receive a fuse
at the part marked P on the opposite side of the two ends of the belt of fuse marked A
and to be ignited by the fuse marked A.
The two ends of the fuse marked A, I fix at the end of the cartridge trunnion
marked T¹ so as to be ignited by the discharge of the cartridge trunnion; so that as
the fuse burns, the magnesium ribbon is divided all round the side of the shell, thus
giving one hundred magnesium illuminations from the twenty five laps. To lengthen
these search lights the belt of fuse must be fixed nearer to the top of the shell.
The part marked b. represents a shell carrier.
The part marked T and T represents shell trunnions. The glass shell marked G
to be charged with sodium or potassium.
The shell marked $ I enclose in a trunnion shell case stamped out of thin metal in
two halves and hook-hinged together. This case is shown marked d. and to have a
hole formed when closed four inches behind the top centre to receive the part marked H
of the grappling ring. The trunnion marked T to be fast to the case.
The cartridge trunnion as shewn marked T¹ to fit in a suitable bush in the other
half of the case so that the fuse marked A will be in contact with the explosives in the
cartridge trunnion. The grappling ring as shewn on Fig. 10 is a side view of the
elevation of the forks or prongs marked F. The part marked E. represents the
grappling ring in a horizontal position to the parts marked F.
The parts marked V represent a he V on the ring marked G; and a she V on the
parts marked F. In the central part of the V on the ring is a pin which I pass through
the V in the parts marked F and is riveted or so formed on the outside so as to allow
the ring to change its position when receiving the engagement of a shell. At the
bottom end of the forks marked F is a central part marked H. This is made pliable
in the middle so that the ring is carried in advance of the shell by the parts marked F
resting on the back of the shell. The bottom end of the part marked H to be threaded
to receive a convexed flanged nut and then screwed into the top of the shell marked S
and to be fixed in the shell case marked D.
The balloon is held captive by an electrical cable which is specially made so that
there is no strain on the electrical wires. These two wires to convey the current in
opposite directions as shewn on Fig. 5 in a suitable upcast tube just clear of the bottom
carriage on the outside, and just under the fuse of the cartridge trunnion at the part
marked C. One of the cable wires I attach to the electric magnet marked M which is
attached to the brake of the falling shell motion as shewn on Fig. 5 marked P5 of the
mechanism, the ground end of which is in connection with a suitable battery or
batteries, and under the control of the operator.
When a shell is at the point of exit the charged cartridge which forms one of the
trunnions is in position to be discharged by the operator completing the circuit.
When this is done the cartridge trunnion is blown out of the shell case and being
thus unsupported it drops from the magazine in two halves.
The magnesium shell then engages with the hydraulic compressible globular
obstructive appliance before mentioned which breaks the fall of the shell and starts the
machinery which opens the valve of the balloon for its equivalent in weight of gas to
escape from the balloon.
The wire of the cable which is connected to the electric magnet is for the purpose
of putting on the brake as shewn on Fig. 5 marked 1 of the shell wheel compound
notch motion. It is also for stopping and holding the shell at any part of its fall
which is under the power of the machinery by the operator. To lower the balloon I stop
the machinery from winding up the detainer, after it has let the shell fall. This is
done by applying the brake to the drum marked d.
Shells may be discharged in repetition with a closed valve, by the operator applying
'the one current in a few seconds so as to stop the falling shell, by the compound
notch coupling wheel motion before its weight has had time to open the valve by its

page_text: action on the drum, as shewn marked at d. on Fig. 5, and the drums connection with
the wheel marked W which drives the worm as shown marked Q which is geared with'
the wheel as shewn marked W³ which winds down the valve cord on pulley as shewn
marked P.
Fig. 10 shows the half of a lock nut flange.
Fig. 10 plan of same, to secure magnesium ribbon to the top of a shell or
between other fac-simile washers.
The methods of arranging the magnesium ribbon on a shell for greater illuminating
powers and of longer duration Fig. 10 on the threaded part marked H of the forks
marked F of the grappling ring. I screw on the lock nut flange as before described
and as many washers as there are sets of ribbons required, that is, after the first set of
ribbons one washer is to be added to the top and bottom of the shell. At the bottom
of the shell I provide a screw of a suitable length to receive the same number of
flanges and all to intersect one with another so as to grasp the ends of the ribbon of
one set of laps between two flanges at the top of the shell and two at the bottom
of the shell.
The belt of fuse as before described must be underneath the first set of laps of the
magnesium ribbons.
I then take some narrow strips of a non-combustible material and place them on
the magnesium laps of ribbon so as they will be underneath the next lap of fuse.
The two ends of the fuse I take and wrap round the shell the required number of
laps, and each lap to have some non-combustible strips underneath it and a set of.
magnesium ribbons outside of it. The ends of the fuse to be fastened together
as before described and secured with the nut, and enclosed in a shell trunnion case.
Shells of this description are for the purpose of discovering ships and indicating the
position of any desired object such as a fort, vessel, body of troops or the like; and
are to be charged with sodium or potassium or compound of same so that on bursting
they will illuminate the water.
The power of the aerostatic balloon which is on the cable, I apply to floating and
sub-marine bodies. These bodies I provide with a rudder so as to constrain the balloon
in a different direction.
7. Magazine for both large explosive shells and indicating or illuminating shells.
The part marked as shewn on Fig. 11. with the letter G. is a threaded tube which
gravitates on its screwed bearings as shewn marked S. The screw to have suitable
holes formed in it to receive one of the trunnions of a shell. The cartridge trunnion
to rest on the outside spiral line as shewn marked O which is fastened to the uprights
marked U to the parts marked N. The parts marked d shew the position of the shells
as they gravitate down the magazine with indicating shells in advance marked E.
The bottom part marked S to have three triangular cross bars secured to the upright
supports marked N. The top part which is marked S to have three triangular
bridged arm supports and fastened to the parts marked N Fig. 12.
The part
marked E represents a shell, this to be fixed on the trunnion just clear of the part
marked d.
Fig. 13 is a section view of an explosive shell or shells which is to be ignited with a
fuse attached to the central E and to the cartridge trunnion marked C. The trunnion
marked T to have a bearing at the bottom on the part marked G and to only have the
bearing of the screwed tube on the top side of the trunnion so that it will be drawn
out of the part G by the fall of the shell. The indicating shell marked E to have a
half joint on the underside of the trunnion close to the screw marked G or a projecting
lever to draw it out of the screw.
8. Sending auxiliary travelling balloons carrying explosive along the captive
balloon cable. The auxiliary balloons will be of smaller size and are intended to carry
a shell or like explosive, the two being connected by a telescopical cartridge which
also connects them to the cable along which they travel when released by the operator.
A stop is placed on the electrical cable at a safe distance from the balloon which
determines the extent of the travel and prevents further progress. Two currents to

page_text: meet about two inches from the stop so as to be underneath the cartridge and inside
the dejector.
9. Fig. 16 is a side view of an automatic dejector. The part marked H repre-
sents the hanger which is secured to the auxiliary balloon. The part so marked H¹
represents the bottom hanger which holds the explosives. The part marked T represents
the top part of the dejector, 6 the bottom part. The parts marked R are antifriction
rollers which is under the cable as shown marked C. The telescopical cartridge as
shown marked C is underneath the cable in an automatic dejector and in an electrical
one on the top as shown on Fig. 18 marked d and a. Fig. 17 shows an end view as
it travels the cable.
Fig. 21 is an end view of the case of the dejector.
Fig. 19 represents a view of the telescopical cartridge closed with a protecting shield
as shown marked S.
Fig. 20 is a sectional view of the inside part of the telescopical case. The part as
shown marked c is an inserted cartridge with a projecting fuse marked F. The shield
as shown marked S is a continuation of the top part of the inserted cartridge tube
marked c. I then insert another as shown marked with a fuse marked F but
without a shield. At the bottom marked E I insert suitable chemicals say for example
sodium or potassium.
Fig. 22 as shown is a view of the other part of the telescopical cartridge case.
The methods of discharging or dejecting explosives automatically from balloons
when operating in conjunction with aerostatic balloons or kites is as follows:-I
provide a chemically prepared telescopical cartridge connecting the auxiliary balloon
and the shells as before described which passes through the bottom side or sides of the
dejector and underneath the cable. And at a safe distance from the captive balloon I
fix a self-acting tubular valve, the cable passing right through the central tube as
shown on Fig. 15 marked c which is secured to the cable. The parts marked S
represent a swell on the tube and' to have a small groove cut on one side in each of
This is for the
them. The part marked Si is a coned swell on the tube marked c.
purpose of receiving the weight of the cylinder as shown on Fig. 14. The part as
shown marked T is a tube inside the cylinder with a small hole at the part marked a.
The part marked W represents a spunge with a vulcanite round washer on the part
marked W and i. The bottom of this tube which rests on the part marked i I
countersink to a feather edge and at the top end of the tube marked T I fix another
vulcanite washer as shown marked i. The part as shown marked N on Fig. 15 is
threaded for to receive a nut as shown on Fig. 16 marked N. The part marked F is
a screwed inlet for to fill or charge the cylinder as shown marked with the letter O.
Thus when the travelling dejector comes in contact with the valve it opens and the
cartridge is exploded and the balloon and shell are separated and liberated from the
cable. The cartridge case may be composed of brass or other metal or substances
and may be charged with any suitable material or compound such as sodium or
potassium. The tubular valve is enclosed in a cylinder which is charged with water
or other liquids or powders which are capable of causing an explosion when it comes
in contact with the cartridge carried by the dejector as it travels along the balloon
cable. Bottle necked bags containing sand or water are to be attached to the bottom
hanger of the dejector.
The necks hanging just below the explosives are for the purpose of facilitating and
regulating the movement of the auxiliary balloon in following and taking up the
curved form of the cable on which it is travelling. The aerostatic valve and the
oblong globular spring hydraulic stop or detainer herein before described must be
regulated and set for the time required for the largest shell, and if by any miscalcula-
tion the auxiliary balloon has been overloaded or under charged so as not to
rise to the stop before mentioned a shell must be discharged from the aerostatic
magazine and then in a few seconds one single current must be sent to put on
the brake in order to lower the balloon till the stop comes in contact with the
dejector.
Y.

page_text: 10. The methods of sending and controlling squadrons of torpedoes from a vessel.
This vessel I steer to the weather side of the object for destruction if it is possible,
if not I wait opportunity. I then send the aerostatic balloon from the vessel either
with all illuminating indicating shells or some destructive shells, and if the object is
at a great distance I let out the cable till the balloon is a sufficient height. I then
fix another cable to the main cable, this cable to have a torpedo fastened to the end of
it and to be of a sufficient length so that the main cable will be clear out of the water
and of the explosion. Other torpedoes are to be secured as before described or there
may be two or three fixed to the cable at one place or part of the cable so that they will
go in abreast of each other according to the fixing of a rudder. The first torpedo is for
the purpose of destroying the guard fencings of ironclads, so as to clear the obstructions
away for the next. The cable in long distances after the last torpedo has been secured
to it must be buoyed with split cork at floating distances as the cable is given out.
When the distance is not too great I would send an auxiliary balloon with a charge of
dynamite along the cable as before, but this one to have a cable attached to it and at
the required distance a torpedo may be attached to the cable or there may be a
grappling appliance attached to this cable so that in passing over a vessel the balloon
would become anchored to the vessel. The charge of dynamite would follow the cable
of the auxiliary balloon and fall on the deck of the vessel. This cable I attach to the
auxiliary balloon not to the dejector.
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. Improvements in aerial machines in projectiles to be discharged therefrom and
in the method of discharging the same.
2. Improvements in or connected with aeronautic apparatus for conveying, auto-
matically adjusting and discharging shells of either illuminating, asphyxiating, or
explosive and destructive capacity, quality or power, either singly or in repeating
or illaqueating magazine batteries.
3. And for the purposes substantially as herein before described and illustrated.
Dated this 14th day of April 1800
WILLIAM HOWSON,