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French Meteorological Pilot Balloons.

The French are using a simple device which is not only accurate but which saves considerable time in the inflation of their pilot balloons. This is merely a loaded brass spring valve constructed so that one end of the valve fits into the throat of the pilot balloon and the other end into the hose of the hydrogen cylinder. The valve is so constructed that it can be weighted with sand or shot to the exact degree of buoyancy that the pilot balloon should have. The balloon is slightly over inflated and then the string placed on the valve. Gas is released until the balloon is in equilibrium and then the balloon is tied and the valve withdrawn. This simple device saves time. 

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