Patent GB-190301031-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in and in Means for Propelling and Steering Aerial Machines.
Inventor: BLUNT ARTHUR HENRY PHILIP
Filed: 1903-01-15
Granted: 1904-01-07
Abstract: 1031. Blunt, A. H. P. Jan. 15. AÙrial machines with aÙrostats.-An aÙrial machine is constructed with two somewhat cigar-shaped balloons A, Fig. 1, connected together at the ends in such a manner as to leave a space A<1> for the framework A<17>. The propelling-motor B, Fig. 2, and a car for the aeronaut are placed above the balloons, and a car C' for passengers is suspended below and connected to the upper car by a ladder. The machine is lifted partly by vertical screws B<7>, and is propelled by screws B<18> in front and in rear of the balloons. Steering is effected by means of a screw B<12> or two screws B<13>, the shafts of which are mounted in a frame B<15> which can be turned at any angle to the main frame and can also be adjusted nearer to or further away from the balloon. The screws are all driven from a main shaft A<34>. The shafts of the propelling-screws B<18> are in line with this shaft, and can be connected to it by means of clutches B<4>. The steering-screws B<12> or B<13> are driven by rope gearing from the shaft of the leading propelling-screw. The lifting-screws are driven by reversing bevel gearing from the main shaft. At the rear of the machine is fitted a double vertical aeroplane D which can be opened out as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1 so as to retard the motion of the machine. Horizontal aÙroplanes D<5>, D<6> are hinged to the top of the machine and are connected to springs which allow their forward edges to move upwards, and also to cords by means of which their inclination can be controlled. The balloons may be made of thin sheet rubber so that they expand with increased pressure, or may be of canvas or other inextensible material lined with airproof material and strengthened by embedded steel wires running both longitudinally and transversely. If made of inextensible material they are arranged so that they can change their shape. Each half of the balloon is covered by netting A<14>, Fig. 4, attached to arched ribs A<13>, which are fixed to the central framework and stayed longitudinally and transversely. Under each rib A<13> the balloon is fitted with a vertical tube A<2> passing right through it, and through this tube is passed a rod A<3> which supports the bottom of the balloon and is supported by a spring A<7>, the tension of which is adjusted by a nut A<6> actuated by a belt and pulley. When the pressure in the balloon is lowered, the envelope assumes the form shown in dotted lines. The balloon may be expanded by injecting steam into it when it is desired to rise, and may be made to contract again by admitting cold water or pumping gas out of it and compressing it into reservoirs A<45>, Fig. 5. The steam admitted to the balloon may be the exhaust from the motor. It is conveyed to the centres of the two halves of the balloon by pipes A<24>, and is distributed by roses A<25>. The water of condensation collects in tubular reservoirs A<26>. Cold water is injected through pipes 27 and the roses A<25> by a pump A<29>, provided with bye-passes for putting it out of action. Gas is exhausted from the balloon through pipes A<55>, and is compressed by another pump. The gas can be re-admitted through pipes A<60>. At the points where the pipes pass through the envelope they are connected to it by elastic tubes to prevent leakage. The forward end of the balloon is formed into a separate compartment A<21>, Fig. 1, which is inflated to a higher pressure than the balloon. Each propeller consists of a number of vanes E, Fig. 11, hinged to radial rods E<1> which are pivoted to a central boss E<3>. The ends of the rods E<1> are connected together by stays fitted with adjustable connections, and are also connected by stays E<4> to collars E<5> which can be adjusted along the shaft E<6> of the propeller to vary the angle the vanes make with the shaft. The outer angles of the vanes are also connected by stays E<7> to a sliding collar E<9> under the control of a spring E<11>, which allows the vanes to vary their pitch according to the pressure upon them. The Provisional Specification states that the compartment at the forward end of the balloon may be filled partly with hydrogen and partly with air, the inlet pipe being at the lower side to prevent escape of hydrogen ; also that an aÙroplane is placed below the balloon.