A Method of and Apparatus for Dispersing and Precipitating Fog in the Atmosphere.

摘要

9580. Archenhold, F. S. April 24,1913, [Convention date]. Aerostats; captive balloons.-Balloons are provided with incandescent or ion-emitting bodies so as to form an apparatus for dispersing or precipitating atmospheric fog. A frame 2 across which are stretched resistance wires 1, Fig. 1, is supported by means of balloons 10, and raised to the upper limit of the fog zone by paying out a cable 12. The wires 1 are then rendered incandescent by the passage of electric current from a battery 8. In another form, the frame 2 carries bodies 15, Fig. 2, rendered radio-active by spraying with radium bromide solution, and these bodies may be formed as truncated cones with hollow walls filled with balloon gas, or as hollow cylinders or plates. Or the ion-emitting bodies may take the form of pulverous matter which has been rendered radio-active by spraying with radium bromide solution. This powder may be arranged inisde a balloon provided with a discharge valve that is opened when the balloon expands after passing out of the fog ; or the powder may be carried in a receptacle formed by hinged parts 28, 29, Fig. 5, connected to a parachute 25 attached to a balloon and arranged so that as the parachute opens owing to its descent after the expansion has burst the balloon, the parts 28, 29 are opened and the powder distributed ; or the container for the powder may be suspended from the balloon, and fitted with a charge of gunpowder which is exploded when the desired height is reached, so as to distribute the material.