The result was a machine-varnished and, as nearly as such a thing
was possible, hydrogen gas-proof bag. In the construction of this
the experienced manufacturer and engineer, who was no other than
Professor Carl E. Meyers, the hero of hundreds of ascents, had used
a new machine which applied simultaneously to both sides of the bag
fabric several thin films of elastic varnish. The bag itself
consisted of two layers of Japan silk between which was a layer of
rubber, all being sewed together and then vulcanized.
But the balloon trunk was not opened at once. The pipe to convey
the gas from the cooler and purifying tank had been brought in
four-foot lengths of light wood, cemented and shellacked. Eight
lengths of these were laid to the center of the cleared place and
then the joints were wound with binding cement tape. When these
things had been satisfactorily adjusted it was mid-afternoon.
Everything now seemed ready for the filling up of the generating
tanks, the inflation, the flight, and "good-bye."
Therefore, a final consultation was held. Wind tests conducted each
day had shown the prevailing breezes favorable, or at least not
against the aeronauts.
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