GB191419A - A device for taking in ballast for airships - Google Patents

Abstract

191,419. Luftschiffbau Zeppelin Ges., D³rr, L., and Jaray, P. Aug. 11, 1921. Regulating altitude.-A device for taking in water ballast for airships comprises a streamlined or hydroplane receptacle trailed over the surface of water, or just above or below it, and fitted with directive fins and a forwardly directed scooping-tube which terminates in the upper part of the receptacle. Fig. 1 shows a body a trailed over the water surface by a cable c. Water is collected in a chamber e by means of a pipe f having a forwardly directed end h, and the air displaced escapes through a pipe g. Fins k and adjustable planes l are provided at the rear end. A modified device for trailing beneath the water is symmetrical in form, and the collecting-pipe, which is wholly enclosed, leads from a funnelshaped opening at the extreme front of the body. Fig. 3 shows a modification in which a body o is suspended by two cords r, s from the cable t and has a tube w of lenticular cross-section projecting downwardly into the water. Fins 1, 2 are provided on the body o, as before, and a plane 4 on the tube w limits the extent of immersion. A non-return valve 3 may be fitted in the tube w. A modification is described in which the collecting-tube extends rearwardly from the body and curves forwardly where it dips into the water. Instead of having a water-space partitioned off from the body, the whole body may act as the container. Pumps driven electrically, by water or by air may assist the scooping action.