Patent GB-191004791-A (GB)
Title: A New or Improved Apparatus for Imparting Stability and Steadiness to Flying Machines.
Inventor: LEVI EDMOND
IPC: B64C1/00
Filed: 1910-02-25
Granted: 1911-04-25
Abstract: 4791. Levi, E., Fenyvesi, J., and Biro, A. Feb. 25. Steering and balancing. - In an automatic balancing-device for flying-machines, a balanced mass having considerable inertia is freely mounted on a shaft parallel to the axis about which balance is to be obtained, so that, when the machine inclines, the relative movement between the machine and the mass operates to control the balancing - members, either directly or through a relay. Means are also provided whereby the movement of the balancing- member serves to cut out the actuating-motor, so that a step-by-step adjustment of the balancing - member is obtained. The mass for controlling the longitudinal inclination of the machine comprises a part 1 mounted on the hub 2 of a second part 14 which is mounted on axles 5 transverse of the machine. The part 14 carries electric motors 15, 16 adapted to rotate in opposite directions a shaft 17 having a pinion 18 gearing with the toothed rim of the part 1. Mounted on the hub 2 is an arm carrying an electric contact 33 engaging with contacts 30, 31 separated by an insulator 32 on which the contact 33 normally rests. The contacts 30, 31 are carried by an arm 29 secured to a bevel-wheel 28 which is adjusted through the wheels 27, 26 by a lever 40 to set the normal inclination of the machine. The wheel 27 is carried by a pivoted arm 42 normally held in a central position by spring arms 43, 44, Fig. 5. The axles 5 on which the hub 2 is mounted are kept continuously oscillating in opposite directions by cranks 7, 8, and the friction may be decreased by electro-magnets which counteract the weight of the masses on the axles. In operation, when the machine tilts about a transverse axis, the masses 1, 14 keep their position in space and one of the contacts 30, 31 moves under the contact 33. This closes the circuit of one of two electromagnets 35, 36, Fig. 4, which operate a fluidpressure or mechanical relay for actuating through a rod 48, Fig. 5, the longitudinal balancing-plane 45. The controlling-valve of the fluid-pressure motors 60, Fig. 6, of the relay is actuated by a pin 61, which is operated by a lever 58 when the electro-magnet 35 or 36 is energized. The electro - magnet attracts the pivoted armature 58 carried by a lever 55 oscillated by an eccentric 54 on a continuously rotating shaft 53. The mechanical relay comprises an oscillating arm 62, Fig. 7, carrying pivoted pawls 63, 64 controlled by electromagnets 35, 36 and adapted to engage with a toothed wheel 65. The rod 47, Fig. 5, operating the plane 45 is connected to the cylinder 50 of a cataract, the piston of which is connected to the lever 42. The movement of the rod 47 displaces the lever 42 and also through the pinions 27, 28 the contacts 30, 31 so as to bring the insulator 32 under the contact 33. The electro-magnet 35 or 36 is then de-energized and stops the relay motor. The spring 43 or 44, which has been displaced by the movement of the lever 42, returns it to a central position by moving the piston 51 in the cataract. The contact 30 or 31 then again moves under the contact 33 and a further movement of the plane takes place. This step-by-step adjustment of the plane continues until the balance of the machine is restored. If the masses 1, 14 become displaced from their normal position during flight, such displacement moves the contact 33 on the contact 30 or 31 and operates the balancing - planes as if an inclination of the machine had occurred. In order to maintain the contact 33 in its normal position, the plate 14 carrying it can be adjusted relatively to the mass 1 by means of the electric motors 15, 16 which are included in a circuit governed by a pendulum 20. When the masses 1, 14 are displaced, a contact 25 carried by the pendulum engages one of a pair of contacts 21, 22 insulated on the hub 2 and closes the circuit of one of the motors 15, 16. The shaft 17 of the motor turns the pinion 18 and displaces the plate 14 relatively to the mass 1 so as to bring it back to its normal position. The contacts 30, 31, Fig. 1, instead of being adjusted by a hand-lever 40 may be adjusted automatically so that the machine is directed downwards when its speed decreases by reason of the stopping of the motor, or otherwise. A wind-pressure indicator may close the electric circuit of a motor when the speed falls below a minimum value, and the motor turns the wheel 26 and displaces the contacts 30, 31 to ensure gliding flight. In another form, the wind, acting on a vane 70, Fig. 8, moves a lever 68 against the action of a spring 71 and serves to lock, by means of a pawl 69, a hand-lever 67 secured to the wheel 26, Fig. 1. When the speed of the machine decreases, the spring 71 overcomes the wind pressure on the vane 70 and releases the handlever 67, which is moved into a position to ensure gliding flight by the springs 72, 73.