An Improved Propeller for Aerial Machines, and for Ships, Boats, and other purposes.DIRIGIBLEHI
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 21st July, 1893
Complete Specification Left, 21st May, 1894-Accepted, 21st July, 1894
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Propeller for Aerial Machines, and for Ships, Boats,
and other purposes.
STEPHEN KELLIHER, Castle Bellingham County Louth, Ireland Teacher, and
Clerk of Petty Sessions, do hereby declare the nature of his invention for
AN IMPROVED PROPELLER AND STEERER (COMBINED) FOR DIRIGIBLE
BALLOONS, AND FOR LAND VEHICLES to be as follows:-
The propeller and steerer consists of an axle (A B in annexed diagram) to
which are attached four arms (C D, CE, L F, L G) arranged in pairs. The
axle and arms are in the same plane, and are represented in the diagram as being
horizontal. The arms are curved and joined to the axle, so that each pair forms
about half an ellipse. It is intended by this arrangement and the remaining parts
to be described that when the machine is rapidly rotated it is forced forwards in
the direction indicated by the arrows (r). The point A would thus be the head,
and B the hinder part. To each arm is affixed a series of reflectants tilted at a
sharp angle from the plane of the arms. Only two reflectants are shown on each
arm but it is intended that there would be more according to the size of the
machine. These reflectants are concave, the front portion of each being the section
of a hollow sphere continued backwards in the half of a hollow cylinder of equal
diameter. The semi-cylindrical portion is ribbed so that when the machine is
rotated and the concave side of the reflector strikes against the atmosphere the
air which it engulfs does not escape in a full volume along the cylindrical portion
but through the hollows or ribs as represented in the diagram between the dark
lines in x.
When the machine is stationary and the arms and axle horizontal, the
reflectants on C E to the right hand are tilted upwards, the concave surfaces being
underneath, but as the machine rotates these reflectants are brought underneath
the arm and when it arrives at the horizontal position on the left hand side, the
concave surfaces are turned upwards. Thus in every position of the machine when
rotating the concave surfaces of the reflectants strike against the atmosphere in
such a manner that the whole machine is propelled forwards with great power in
the direction indicated by the arrows (r). M represents a longitudinal section of a
reflectant.
On the inner side of each arm is a movable rod to which is attached a number
of spokes by means of which and a small screw (d) the angle between the arm and
the reflectants can be increased or diminished as in the opening or closing of an
umbrella.
The motive power is applied to the axle at N. where is shown a small wheel
connected to and moved by a larger one by means of a band. The axle rests on
supports at A and B, or at C and L, and it may be either hung from the ropes of
the balloon, or placed on stands in the car. Two sets of the propeller may be
used parallel to each other, and by keeping one set stationary or by reversing its
action the balloon and car can be turned round and faced in any required direction.
It can in this way be used as an effective steerer. The coverings of reflectants to
be folds of oiled silk, and frame work of best steel.
Doted this 18th day of Jul 1802

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Propeller for Aerial Machines, and for Ships, Boats,
and other purposes.
STEPHEN KELLIHER of Castle Bellingham in the County Louth, Ireland,
Teacher and Clerk of Petty Sessions, do hereby declare the nature of my inven-
tion for AN IMPROVED PROPELLER FOR AERIAL MACHINES, SHIPS, BOATS
AND OTHER PURPOSES and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
The propeller consists of an axle A B (in the drawings filed with my Provisional
Specification) made of steel. To this axle are fixed two arms CD, CE, which
are made to rotate in the direction shown by the arrows o. To the arms CD, CE
are fixed a number of concave discs of the shape shown by the figures a, a. These
discs or reflectors consist of a steel framework covered over with some strong
material impenetrable to air when used for aerial machines, and of steel plates
when used for propelling ships or boats. When the axle and arms are at rest, and
in a horizontal position the discs or reflectors are tilted upwards from the arm C E,
and tilted downwards from the arm CD. The concave surfaces of the discs while
the frame work remains horizontal are facing downwards on the right hand
arm CE, but upwards on C D. When the machine is turned half way round, the
directions of these concave surfaces is reversed-those of CE being now upwards,
and those on CD being downwards. In every position of the propeller (while in
motion) the air or water in which it works is forced against these concave discs,
as against so many inclined planes, and the whole machine is thus pressed forward
in the direction shown by the arrows r. r. The pressure against the dises is
increased by their being not smooth but ribbed as shown by the dark lines on a, x,
and by the vertical section of them shown by M. A second pair of arms L G, L F.
may be attached according to the power of the motor.
These are in all respects
similar to C D, CE both in construction and mode of action. Increased speed is
obtained by means of a small wheel or crank n attached to the axle, and connected
with a larger wheel n by means of a strap or toothed wheel to which the motor is
applied. When used for propelling boats or ships the axle A B is placed in the
same position as the "axis" of the screw in a steam boat, and it may be rotated
by means of a steam engine, but when used for propelling balloons, it is either
attached to ropes connected with the network of the balloon, or it is placed in a
frame work in the car. The discs are inclined to the arms at an angle of about 45°,
but this angle can be increased or diminished by being also connected with slides
which move along the arms. The slides are kept close to the arms by means of
clasps, and they are moved backwards or forwards by means of screws d, d, attached
to the ends of the arms.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what way the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is
The formation and arrangement of the discs and arms upon an axle, forming the
propeller, (apart from the motor), as hereinbefore described.
Dated at Castle Bellingham, Co. Louth, Ireland, this 16th day of July 1894.
STEPHEN KELLIHER, C.P.S.