Patent GB-191027610-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in and relating to Aerial and other Vessels.
Inventor: MONTGOLFIER PAUL DE
IPC: B64C39/00
Filed: 1910-11-28
Granted: 1911-12-28
Abstract: 27,610. Montgolfier, P. de. Nov. 26, 1909, [Convention date]. Paddle-wheels and endless-band propellers; reciprocating plates; driving-arrangements for paddle-wheels; stopping way.-An apparatus for elevating and propelling aerial vessels, applicable also for the propulsion of vessels in or upon water, and of the kind comprising a blade which is reciprocated bodily in a straight - line or curved path, is constructed so as to allow of adjustment both of the line of action of the propeller and of the angle which the blade makes with its path. Fig. 4 shows diagrammatically a pair of blades a', a<2> reciprocated over straightline paths A<1>, A<2>, to which they are inclined at angles a<1>, a<2>, the inclination being reversed at the end of each stroke. The magnitude of the resultant thrust is varied by altering the angles a<1>, a<2>, and the line of action is varied by altering the angle # which exists between the paths A', A<2> and a line joining their middle points. A second pair of blades arranged symmetrically with the first may be used, and the blades may be of elastic material so as to assume a curved form when in motion. Fig. 3 shows diagrammatically a form in which the blades a move in a circular path, the blades being pivoted to arms b rotated about a centre c. The blades are further mounted on rods d which always pass through an eccentric point e and control the positions of the blades. The line of action is varied by moving the point e in a circle about the centre c, and the angles between the blades and path are varied by moving the point e along the radius ce. Figs. 7, 8, and 9 show propelling-apparatus comprising blades 10<1>, 10<2> reciprocated over straight-line paths. These blades are fixed on axes 7<1>, 7<2> mounted in levers 8', 8<2>, which are connected at opposite ends by arms 9<1>, 9<2> to upper and lower side pieces of reciprocating frames 5<1>, 5<2>. Levers 11<1>, 11<2> are also fixed on the axes 7<1>, 7<2> and are connected together by rods 12<1>, 12<2> forming parallelogram link-work. The frames 5<1>, 5<2> are guided in their reciprocation by the engagement of slides 4', 4<2>, connected to the frames by arms 6<1>, 6<2>, with blocks 3<1>, 3<2>, which are keyed upon a pair of shafts 2 mounted in bearings 1 on the machine. The reciprocating movement is obtained by means of a rotary shaft 14 having cranks 15<1>, 15<2>, which are connected by rods 16<1>, 16<2> to cross-pieces 17', 17<2> sliding in guides 19<1>, 19<2> formed in a frame 20 mounted loosely on the shaft 14. The cross-pieces 17', 17<2> are. formed with extensions 22<1>, 22<2> which are secured to rods 24<1>, 24<2> sliding through guides 26<1>, 26<2>, which are connected by arms 27<1>, 27<2> with the frames 5', 5<2>. The rods 24', 24<2> are fitted with adjustable stops 29<1>, 29<2> which engage on opposite sides of cross-pieces 28<1>, 28<2> formed on the guides 26', 26<2>. The rods 24<1>, 24<2> are also provided with interposed curved portions 32<1> which engage levers 30<1>, 30<2> connected to parallel rods 12<1>, 12<2>. As the rods 24<1>, 24<2> are reciprocated by the crank mechanism, the lost motion provided between the stops 29<1>, 29<2> and the cross-pieces 28', 28<2> allows the rods to slide freely through the guides 26<1>, 26<2> during the first part of the stroke, and thereby to reverse the inclination of the blades 10', 10<2> through the parts 32<1>, levers 30<1>, 30<2> rods 12<1>, 12<2>, and levers 11<1>, 11<2>. Afterwards the stops 29<1>, 29<2> engage the cross-pieces 28<1>, 28<2> and move the guides 26<1>, 26<2> and thereby also the frames 5<1>, 5<2> and blades 10<1>, 10<2>, the direction of the path of reciprocation corresponding to the inclination of the blocks 3<1>, 3<2> and guides 4<1>, 42. The inclination which the blades are given to the path of reciprocation is varied by adjusting the stops 29<1>, 29<2> by means of opposite screwthreads formed on the rods 24', 24<2>, which are for this purpose rotated by means of bevel-gear 34<1>, 34<2>, 36<1>, 36<2>, 33, and a lever 38. The direction of the path is varied by adjusting the inclination of the frame 20 and consequently of the guides 26<1>, 26<2> and 4<1>, 4<2> by means of a second lever 37 keyed to the frame 20. The Specification as open to inspection under Section 91 (3) (a) comprises also the following subject-matter: The propeller shaft 14 is driven from the motor shaft 14<0>, Fig. 9 (cancelled), through the medium of gear-wheels 39, 39<1>, variable-speed gear 40, 41, 43, and a fly-wheel 44 which is connected to the motor shaft by freewheel mechanism, allowing the fly-wheel to overrun when the motor stops. Mechanism may be provided which, as the speed of the fly-wheel decreases, moves the wheel 41 along the cones 40, 43 to increase the velocity ratio, and decreases the angle which the propeller blades 10<1>, 10<2> make with the path of reciprocation. Lateral steering of the vessel is effected by series of rudders 80, Figs. 9 and 10, connected together like Venetian shutters and arranged at the sides of the vessel. These rudders may also be used as a brake by adjusting both sets so that they incline inwardly and rearwardly. Lateral series of superposed planes 81, also arranged like Venetian shutters, serve as elevators. This subject-matter does not appear in the Specification as accepted.