GB667560A - Signal buoy balloon - Google Patents

Abstract

667,560. Visible-signalling apparatus. MARTIN, H. M. Sept. 5, 1950. No. 31834/50. Class 118 (ii). [Also in Group XL (c)] A marker balloon suitable for indicating the whereabouts of persons or craft in distress comprises an inflatable envelope 14 having an inflation neck 15, a base member 13 insertable in the neck to act as a closure therefor, means securing the base member to the balloon, for example the clamping ring 36 drawn tight by bolts passed through a pair of projecting end lugs 37, and means for illuminating the interior of the balloon removably mounted on the base member. The base member may be made in two parts, an outer annular ring 16 in direct contact with the balloon neck and an inner portion 19 that may be readily screwed into ring 16. Member 19 has an inflation tube 22 provided with a valve 24 passing through it so that the balloon may be filled with lighter than air gas when required for use. It also carries a lamp 34 in a reflector 32 for illuminating the inside of the balloon, an energizing dry cell 29 and a switch 35 mounted on the outside of plug. 28 sealing the lamp compartment. The balloon may be tethered by a cable 12 attached to it by loop 39 and secured at its lower end to a box 11. The balloon, and a cylinder of gas for filling, may be stored in this box prior to use and the box may be filled with stones or the like to act as an anchor when the balloon is inflated. The envelope 14 is formed of rubber or plastic material, translucent when inflated and may be impregnated with metallic material, for instance aluminium or iron powder, so that the balloon may be detected by radar. It is stated that the portion of the metal impregnate lying on the surface of the balloon provides light reflecting surfaces enhancing the balloon's visibility.