Patent GB-169966-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in flying machines
IPC: B64C27/04
Filed: 1921-09-19
Abstract: 169,966. Haupt, W. Oct. 8, 1920, [Convention date]. Helicopters; propelling; steering and balancing. -A helicopter has oppositely rotating propellers beneath which are arranged planes adjustable in inclination to give a lateral propelling thrust, other planes being arranged below these planes and angularly adjustable relatively to them for balancing purposes. Additional planes for preserving the lateral balance, planes for retarding the descent, and means for preventing reverse movement of the propellers should the engines fail, are provided. Figs. 1 and 3 show a machine having two oppositely rotating propellers 18 driven by the bevel gear shown from one or more engines 16. When two engines are used they are arranged on opposite sides of the pilot's seat. Two pairs of planes 25 mounted on common shafts 26, 26<1> are arranged beneath the propellers at the front and rear of the machine. These planes may be equal in length to the diameter of the propellers, or they may be one half that width, in which case the planes are arranged beneath the inner adjacent portions of the two propellers. The planes are adjusted by means of bands 37. Fig. 3, shafts 38 and bevel gear 39 to give a forward reaction to the machine, and by giving a greater or lesser inclination to the forward plane the machine may be given a forward or backward inclination in the direction of flight. Additional balancing-planes 27, mounted on the same shaft or on separate shafts, are pivoted beneath the planes 25 and are adjusted by gearing 40 to correct any fore and aft tilting of the machine or to steer it in the horizontal plane. A pair of planes 29 slidable on rods 30 are normally pressed outwards by springs 31 so as to be clear of the propeller blast. One or other of these planes can be drawn beneath the corresponding propeller to correct the lateral balance of the machine by means of cords 29<1>. These planes may also effect the steering of the machine by reducing the forward reaction on the side when the plane is drawn inwards. A similar effect may be obtained by unequal adjustment of the planes 25 if made independently adjustable on the two sides of the machine. Ordinary rudders may also be provided. The planes 27 may be pivoted about central axes instead of their upper edges as shown, or a balancing plane may be arranged vertically beneath the planes 25 on the front only of the machine. Instead of having the planes 25 under each propeller, a single plane may be arranged at the front of the machine or one centrally arranged plane pivoted at its lower edge may be used, the balancing-plane being pivoted beneath it about the same axis or forming a lower flexible extension of the plane. In other modifications horizontal or inclined rows of adjustable planes are arranged beneath each propeller. Each propeller shaft has a disc 20 provided with diametrically arranged notches engaged by spring- actuated pawls 21 connected together by links 22 and acting to prevent reverse rotation of the propellers should the engine fail. Normally the pawls are held inoperative by cords 23, Fig. 3, connected to a pedal near the pilot's seat. Parachutes.-To retard descent should the engines fail, planes 32 are pivoted to the upper ends of stanchions 33 and are connected by links 35 to a beam 34, sliding on the stanchions, which is thrust upwards to extend the planes into a horizontal position by springs 36. Normally the planes 32 are held folded in a vertical position by cords 36<1> connected to a pilot's control. The planes 25 also may be turned into a horizontal position. Land wheels are arranged as shown on the lower central part of the frame.