Improvements in Flying Machines.
Year: 1890

page_text: Improvements in Flying Machines.
I, ROSS FRANKLIN MOORE, Major R.E., of 39 Brigstock Road, Thornton Heath,
in the County of Surrey, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement:-
The object of this invention is to obtain a means of conveying human beings and
materials through the air from one place on the earth's surface to another as may be
desired.
The invention consists in a machine made in imitation of a bat with a frame below
it for carrying the driving power and load (sheets Nos. 1 and 2).
The wings are made to oscillate and are given a rocking motion as may be necessary
by mechanical means driven by electricity or other power.
•
The shape and proportions for the wings are shown in sheet No. 2. They are
made of light and strong materials such as bamboos, steel hollow drawn or ribbed, or
aluminium for the frame and ribs; gold-beater's skin, silk or light cloth for the
covering. They hinge about the rods a a (sheet 1 Figure 1) where they are attached
to the body of the machine.
The head H body and tail T are similarly made except that the head and tail have
a covering of india rubber sheeting.
For lightness and on account of their size for a full sized machine the wings are
made of stiffened frames; they may however be made to fold up like a bat's.
Two bow string girders or trusses Figures 2 and 3 sheet No. 1 are made to cross
each other; these at their inner ends abut on to the body of the machine and hinge
about the rods a a sheet No. 2-a bow string stiffener S forms the front edge of the
wing. This stiffener also hinges at its inner end on the rod a. The fingers C(sheets 1
and 2) of the wings are secured in their correct position on to the frame formed of
the trusses or girders (A and B) and the front stiffener S. Ties keep the wings in
shape and rigid.
The proportions of the lengths of the main arm A (sheet 2), fore arm B, fingers C
and legs
are taken from those of a bat.
The material for covering the wings can be spread and furled as required.
Ropes and pullies are fixed for this purpose with cleats.
To balance the weight of the wings against each other a spring can be fixed as
shewn Figure 2 sheet No. 1.
The frame F (sheet 3) is made of bamboos or light steel or aluminium rods (ribbed
or hollow drawn) securely braced together.
The driving power is carried on the platforms of the framework F also the current
generator and load (Figure 1 sheet 4).
The rocking and flapping motion is imparted to the wings by eccentrics driven on
the shaft.
The rocking motion can be done away with altogether, if found desirable, and a
direct pull given to the wings downwards only. The rods a can then form the top
sides of the frame F (vide Figure 1 sheet No. 4).
The power is imparted from an electro-motor M or light steam engine.
A special motor has been designed for giving a direct pull vide Patent No. 13187 in
the present year.
If an electro-motor is used the weight of the current generator can be saved by
connecting to generating stations by a double line of wires and travellers vide Figure 2
sheet No. 4; or specially light primary batteries have been made, these latter can
be carried on the bottom platform of the frame F (Figure 1 sheet No. 4).
The machine can be guided by the tail for direction to the right or left. Ropes are
attached to the legs to work the tail.

page_text: In coming down or ascending the head and tail can both be inclined to catch the
air also the centre of gravity can be altered to change the inclination of the machine
to the earth.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is
1. The method of constructing an improved flying machine in imitation of a bat
substantially as herein described.
2. The method for driving flying machines through the air by electricity
substantially as herein described.
3. The method for driving flying machines through the air by electricity supplied
to them from a station or stations on the earth by means of a conducting circuit
substantially as herein described.
Dated the 92-1 10nn
CARPMAEL & Co.,
Agents for the Applicant.