IMPROVEMENTS IN A communication from abroad by Count
Year: 1881

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to George Edward Vaughan, of 67, Chancery Lane, in the
County of Middlesex, Patent Agent, for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
A communication from abroad by Count Antoine
AERIAL BALLOONS."
1.1
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said George Edward Vaughan at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 20th April 1881.
GEORGE EDWARD VAUGHAN, of 67, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex,
Patent Agent.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN AERIAL BALLOONS." A communication from
abroad by Count Antoine Apraxine, of Paris, in the Republic of France.
This Invention relates to improvements introduced into the construction and
arrangement of aerial balloons with a view to facilitate the working and control
of the same, and to permit of dispensing either wholly or partially with the
discharge of ballast or gas during the ascensions and descents.
These improvements constitute an extension of the system of captive and semi-
captive aerostation, for which British Letters Patent were granted to Edward
Primerose Howard Vaughan, on 22nd May, 1878, No. 2039, and in which the
expenditure of ballast or gas for controlling the vertical movement is replaced by
the mechanical power at the disposal of the aeronaut, the dimensions of the
different parts of the apparatus being in proportion to this power.
Figure 1 of the accompanying Drawing represents one of the forms of my
improved aerostat.
In this Figure, a is the main balloon with its car b, and encircled at its greatest
diameter by a wooden belt b¹, fitted with two eyelets e, e; d, d¹, are two cords
passing freely through these eyelets, their upper ends secured to the auxiliary
balloons c, c', which are provided with reversed parachutes f. fl. The remainder
of each of these cords d, d, is coiled in the car b within reach of the aeronaut who
can check its run at any point of its length.
c¹, are
On the ascent of the aerostat arranged as above the auxiliary balloons
on or about the same horizontal plane and at the shortest possible vertical distance

page_text: from the main balloon a with which they are connected, and the whole rises in the
air with a velocity proportioned to its ascensional power and to the resistance of the
parachutes, plus that of the surface of the main balloon. When, on attaining
the desired elevation, it becomes necessary to arrest the upward movement, the
aeronaut allows the cord d to run through the eyelets e, e. The balloon c being
thus freed commences to rise alone, and the remaining two, being rendered heavier
than the air, begin to descend along the cord which is being run out. The
balloons a, c¹, having descended by a distance equal to half the length of the
cord d, and the balloon c having on the other hand ascended by an equal distance,
the aeronaut begins to haul in this cord d to bring back the balloon c towards the
main balloon a, and at same time lets the cord d' run out to set free the
second auxiliary balloon c¹. In its downward movement the parachute f closes as
shewn for f by the dotted lines, and notwithstanding the speed at which it has
to move, the pressure of the air on this parachute does not exercise any retarding
influence on the descent of the main balloon a.
By thus alternately working or immobilising the auxiliary balloons c, c¹, the
aeronaut is enabled to control the vertical movement, that is to say, to ascend
or descend at will or to remain more or less stationary at any required elevation.
The following formula may be used in the calculation of the principal parts of
the apparatus:-
(1.) RD2. 0,029-451. V³,
in which (R) is the resistance (expressed in kilogrammes) which the air opposes
to the movement of a spherical body of the diameter (D) (in métres) moving at a
uniform speed (V) in métres per second. Therefore if the ascensional force of the
balloon be (R) and its diameter (D) it will rise at a uniform velocity (V), that is s
to say, the balloon will rise per second to a height ev métres.
For the dimensions of the parachutes the following formula may be used :—
(2.) R= D. (0,054-976 +0,12801. V³),
In which, as in formula 1, (R) is the resistance, (D) the diameter, and (V) the
velocity.
In the arrangement shewn in Figure 1 the mechanical force developed by the
aeronaut is employed to bring back the auxiliary balloon to its starting point.
If we call the force thus developed per second (p. e.) kilogrammètres, the ascensional
power of this balloon (r), the resistance opposed to the movement (r₁), and the
distance travelled (i.e. the length of the cord) (v) we will have
(3.) (r + r₁) v =
= p. e.
The diameters of the auxiliary balloons will be deduced from
K=
2
From these formula it will be seen that it is advantageous to reduce to a
minimum the horizontal diameters of the balloons, that is to say, instead of making
them spherical to give them the most elongated shape possible, and to increase 5
the diameter of the parachutes by reducing the weight as far as practicable.

page_text: =2R N,
in which (n) is the weight of the parachute.
The diameter of the balloon should be calculated by the formula 1.
The diameter of the parachutes should be at least equal to the diameter of the
balloon; the length of the cord drawn in per second equal to (v).
In this modification the power of the aeronaut is applied to the ascension of
the apparatus, the entire arrangement being heavier than air by (R) kilogrammes.
Figure 4 represents a third modification of the Invention composed of one main
and two auxiliary balloons, as in Figure 1, the latter surmounting two non-reversed
parachutes, and the whole being operated, as in the first arrangement, with the
exception that the ascension is determined by the power of the aeronaut, the
apparatus being heavier than air.
The ascensional force (r) of each auxiliary balloon should be as small as possible,
but sufficient to carry the weight (n) of its parachute with the velocity (2 V), the
diameter of the parachute being equal to that of the main balloon. The apparatus
being heavier than air by (R) kilogrammes the power applied to the ascension
will be
Rv pe
=
The length of cord drawn in per second (2 V) and the overplus charge of the
entire arrangement
Rr.
-
Figures 5 and 6 represent in side view and plan an arrangement heavier than
air, in which a is the balloon; b, the car provided with two beams c, c, oscillating
freely on a horizontal shaft d. At each end of these beams are set the frames f, f,
in light wood, provided with valves g, g, opening downwards. The beams are
operated by means of the connecting rods i, i, and cranks k, k, which latter are so
set on the horizontal shaft / as to work the beams in opposite directions, that is
to say, that when the end of one beam with its frame descends, the corresponding
end of the other beam rises. The shaft is rotated by the aeronaut by means of
the crank m. When the frames f, f, are brought down their valves g, g, close, and
the entire surface is exposed to the resistance of the air, which produces a pressure
sufficient to determine the ascension of the apparatus at a speed equal to half the
distance travelled by the frames in their descent.
In supposing the apparatus to be made heavier than air by (R) kilogrammes

page_text: and the surface of each frame to be equal to half the horizontal section of the
balloon through its largest diameter the quantity (R) will be
R
pe
Figures 7 and 8 represents in elevation and plan a final modification of this
Invention. In these Figures, a is the balloon; b, the car provided with two
stationary parallel bars c, c, which sustain two archimedian screws f, f, set on
vertical shafts g, g. These shafts are provided with pulleys or drums h, h, and
by means of endless cords i, i, also coiled on the pulley kc, the screws revolve
in the air, when the latter pulley (k) is rotated by the aeronaut by means of the
winch handle l. The horizontal projection of the surface of each screw should be
equal to half the surface of the horizontal section of the balloon through its greatest
diameter. With these dimensions of the screws in supposing the aerostat to be
weighted by (R) kilogrammes and the power of the aeronaut to be (pe), it will
ascend with a velocity (v) per second
ย =
pc
2 R'

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said George Edward Vaughan in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
27th July 1881.
GEORGE EDWARD VAUGHAN, of 67, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex,
Patent Agent. "IMPROVEMENTS IN AERIAL BALLOONS." A communication from
abroad by Count Antoine Apraxine, of Paris, in the Republic of France.
This Invention relates to improvements introduced into the construction and
arrangement of aerial balloons with a view to facilitate the working and control
of the same, and to permit of dispensing either wholly or partially with the
discharge of ballast or gas during the ascensions and descents.
These improvements constitute an extension of the system of captive and semi-
captive aerostation for which British Letters Patent were granted to Edward
Primerose Howard Vaughan on 22nd May 1878, No. 2039, and in which the
expenditure of ballast or gas for controlling the vertical movement is replaced by
the mechanical power at the disposal of the aeronaut, the dimensions of the different
parts of the apparatus being in proportion to this power.
Figure 1 of the accompanying Drawings represents one of the forms of my
improved aerostat.
In this Figure, a is the main balloon with its car b, and encircled at its greatest
diameter by a wooden belt b' fitted with two eyelets e, e; d, d², are two cords
passing freely through these eyelets, their upper ends secured to the auxiliary
balloons c, c', which are provided with reversed parachutes f, f¹. The remainder of
each of these cords d, d¹, is coiled. in the car b within reach of the aeronaut, who
can check its run at any point of its length.
On the ascent of the aerostat, arranged as above, the auxiliary balloons c, c', are
on or about the same horizontal plane, and at the shortest possible vertical distance
from the main balloon a with which they are connected, and the whole rises in the
air with a velocity proportioned to its ascensional power and to the resistance of the
parachutes, plus that of the surface of the main balloon. When, on attaining the
desired elevation, it becomes necessary to arrest the upward movement, the
The balloon c being
aeronaut allows the cord d to run through the eyelets e, e.
thus freed commences to rise alone, and the remaining two, being rendered heavier
than the air, begin to descend along the cord which is being run out. The
balloons a, c¹, having descended by a distance equal to half the length of the cord d,
and the balloon c having on the other hand ascended by an equal distance, the
aeronaut begins to haul in this cord d to bring back the balloon c towards the main
balloon a, and at same time lets the cord d¹ run out to set free the second
auxiliary balloon c¹. In its downward movement the parachute f closes, as shewn
for f¹ by the dotted lines, and notwithstanding the speed at which it has to move,
the pressure of the air on this parachute does not exercise any retarding influence
on the descent of the main balloon a.
By thus alternately working or immobilising the auxiliary balloons c c¹, the
aeronaut is enabled to control the vertical movement, that is to say, to ascend or
descend at will, or to remain more or less stationary at any required elevation.
The following formula may be used in the calculation of the principal parts of
the apparatus:-
(1.) RD. 0,029.451. V².
In which (R) is the resistance (expressed in kilogrammes) which the air opposes
to the movement of a spherical body of the diameter (D) (in métres), moving at a
uniform speed (V) in métres per second.
Therefore, if the ascensional force of the balloon be (R), and its diameter (D), it

page_text: The diameter of the parachutes should be at least equal to the diameter of the
balloon; the length of the cord drawn in per second equal to (v).
In this modification the power of the aeronaut is applied to the ascension of the
apparatus, the entire arrangement being heavier than air by (R) kilogrammes.
Figure 4 represents a third modification of the Invention, composed of one main
and two auxiliary balloons, as in Figure 1, the latter surmounting two non-reversed
parachutes, and the whole being operated as in the first arrangement, with the
exception that the ascension is determined by the power of the aeronaut, the
apparatus being heavier than air.
The ascensional force (r) of each auxiliary balloon should be as small as possible,
but sufficient to carry the weight (n) of its parachute with the velocity (2 V), the
diameter of the parachute being equal to that of the main balloon. The apparatus
being heavier than air by (R) kilogrammes the power applied to the ascension
will be :-
Rv = Re
The length of cord drawn in per second (2 V) and the overplus charge of the
entire arrangement
R-T.
Figures 5 and
represent in side view and plan an arrangement heavier than
air, in which a is the balloon; b, the car provided with two beams c, c, oscillating
freely on a horizontal shaft d. At each end of these beams are set the frames f, f,
in light wood, provided with valves g, g, opening downwards. The beams are
operated by means of the connecting rods i, i, and cranks k, k, which latter are so
set in the horizontal shaft l as to work the beams in opposite directions, that is to
say, that when the end of one beam with its frame descends, the corresponding end
of the other beam rises. The shaft is rotated by the aeronaut by means of the
crank m.
When the frames f, f, are brought down their valves g, g, close and the
entire surface is exposed to the resistance of the air, which produces a pressure
sufficient to determine the ascension of the apparatus at a speed equal to half the
distance travelled by the frames in their descent.
In supposing the apparatus to be made heavier than air by (R) kilogrammes,
and the surface of each frame to be equal to half the horizontal section of the
balloon through its largest diameter, the quantity (R) will be
pe
R = v.
Figures 7 and 8 represent in elevation and plan a final modification of this
Invention. In these Figures, a is the balloon; b, the car provided with two
stationary parallel bars c, c, which sustain two archimedean screws f,f, set on
vertical shafts g,g. These shafts are provided with pullies or drums h, h, and by
means of endless cords i, also coiled on the pulley k, the screws revolve in the
air, when the latter pulley (k) is rotated by the aeronaut by means of the winch
handle. The horizontal projection of the surface of each screw should be equal
to half the surface of the horizontal section of the balloon through its greatest
diameter. With these dimensions of the screws, in supposing the aerostat to be
weighted by (R) kilogrammes and the power of the aeronaut to be (pe), it will
ascend with a velocity (v) per second
pe
v = R
The two last named arrangements may, if required, be applied to apparatus
lighter than air.
In this case the valves of the system shewn in Figures 5 and 6, should be made
to open upwards instead of downwards, and the screws of the system shewn in
Figures 7 and 8 should be made to rotate in the reverse direction.
Having now described the nature of the said Invention, and the manner in
which it may be carried into effect, I declare that what I claim is,―
Firstly. An aerostat composed of a main balloon and two auxiliary balloons in

page_text: combination with two reversed parachutes, constructed, arranged, and operated,
substantially as herein set forth and shewn in Figure 1 of the accompanying
Drawings.
Secondly. An aerostat composed of a balloon in combination with two suspended
reversed parachutes, constructed, arranged, and operated, substantially as berein
set forth and shewn in Figure 2 of the accompanying Drawings.
Thirdly. An acrostat composed of a balloon in combination with two suspended
non-reversed parachutes provided with counterpoises, constructed, arranged, and
operated, substantially as herein set forth and shewn in Figure 3 of the accom-
panying Drawings.
Fourthly. An aerostat composed of a main balloon and of two auxiliary balloons
surmounting and in combination with two non-reversed parachutes, constructed,
arranged, and operated, substantially as herein set forth and shewn in Figure 4 of
the accompanying Drawings.
Fifthly. An aerostat composed of a balloon in combination with horizontal
frames provided with valves, constructed, arranged, and operated, substantially as
herein set forth and shewn in Figures 5 and 6 of the accompanying Drawings.
Sixthly. An aerostat composed of a balloon in combination with two archimedean
screws, constructed, arranged, and operated, substantially as herein set forth and
shewn in Figures 7 and 8 of the accompanying Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said George Edward Vaughan, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Twenty seventh day of July, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and eighty one.
GEO. E. VAUGHAN. (L.S.)