Improvements in and relating to Aeronautic Apparatus.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 25th Oct., 1889
Complete Specification Left, 23rd Aug., 1890-Accepted, 18th Oct., 1890
Improvements in and relating to Aeronautic Apparatus.
I, HIRAM STEVENS MAXIM, of Crayford Works, Crayford, in the County of Kent,
and Victoria Mansions, Victoria Street, in the City of Westminster, Mechanical
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:
: -
My invention relates to apparatus for aërial navigation and comprises various
improvements which are partly applicable for other purposes.
Numerous attempts have heretofore been made in various countries to produce a
machine for navigating the air. All these attempts have failed, generally by reason
of the great weight of the generator and motor in proportion to their power. In some
of the aerial-machines heretofore devised, there is an inclined plane or kite designed
to be driven forward, by means of screw-propellers, with such velocity that the
machine will, while moving forward, be raised from the ground by the air acting
upon the said inclined plane. But in all the machines of this kind heretofore con-
structed, with the exception of those in which the motor consists of compressed air or
of a twisted string of india-rubber, which can only operate for a comparatively very
short time, the power of the generate and motor in proportion to their weight has
been such that the apparatus has trailed, or had a tendency to travel in a direction
the reverse of that intended by the i entor.
Now my invention is chiefly derned to overcome the difficulties heretofore
experienced and to provide for the construction of an aeronautic machine which
can, while moving forward in the air. be caused to rise or descend at any desired
velocity or to travel at any predetermined height above the ground.
:
1 accomplish this result as follows, riz.-I provide an adjustable covered framework
or kite of very large dimensions which is pivoted to the main-frame or car of the
machine so that it can be set and secured at any desired angle or inclination, thus
affording an inclined plane against which the air will act to raise the machine when
moving forward. For convenience of description I will hereinafter term this covered
framework or kite an "aeroplane." I combine with this aeroplane,a generator and motor
the weight of which is very small in proportion to their power, and suitable propellers
to be driven by the said motor.
-
I find it advantageous to use for this purpose a generator and an engine or motor
such as are described in the Provisional Specification lodged with my application for
Letters Patent dated 25 June. A.D. 1889, No. 10,359, that is to say: A generator
which consists essentially of tubes of comparatively large diameter connected by tubes
of very small diameter so that the water is divided and subdivided into very fine or
thread-like streams and will be very rapidly converted into steam by the heat applied
to the exterior of the said tubes; and a motor having all the parts where practicable
made hollow or tubular and very light. The generator is heated by means of liquid
hydrocarbon which is vaporized and fed as required to suitable burners arranged
beneath and enclosed by the tubes of the said generator. In each revolution of the
engine a quantity of water is forced into the generator equal to that used in the
engine in the form of steam. Moreover provision is made for regulating the supply
of fuel to the burners in proportion to the water forced into the boiler.
By reason of the above mentioned construction of the generator the weight of
water contained therein will be very small and only a small quantity of water need
he carried in the supply tank or reservoir, the water being circulated very rapidly
through the generator motor and condenser. Moreover, the weight of liquid-fuel
that has to be carried in the apparatus is very small compared with that of coal. The
weight of the load to be carried by my aerial-machine is therefore greatly reduced as
compared with other machines for a like purpose heretofore devised,

page_text: In the said engine or motor (which is preferably a compound engine) the frame,
the crank-shaft, the connecting and excentric rods and other parts are made hollow
or tubular and as light as is practicable consistent with the requisite strength;
provision is made for the circulation of cooling liquid through the crank-shaft, or
the said shaft is filled with liquid to obviate overheating of the bearings; and the
connecting and excentric rods are so constructed that they may be filled with oil
or other lubricant and serve as lubricators. In this manner I am enabled to con-
struct an engine or motor of great power and of comparatively light weight.
motor is, moreover, provided with a thermo-static regulator such as is described in
my said former Provisional Specification, that is to say, a regulator comprising
valve which is held away from its seat by a spring, against which bears a diaphragm
acted upon by fluid pressure from a pipe containing liquid and arranged in a part of
the generator in the immediate vicinity of the burners.
The
al
The main frame of my apparatus is composed of hollow rods or tubes rigidly
united in any convenient manner. It is provided with wheels whereby it may be
caused to run upon or between rails before rising from the ground. The bottom of
the said frame is preferably filled in with wire-netting, and the boiler or generator
is supported upon this netting, which forms an elastic support therefor. From this
frame extend upward hollow rods or tubes, to the upper ends of which is pivoted the
kite or aeroplane. This aeroplane may consist of a frame formed of hollow rods or
tubes rigidly united in any convenient manner, the said frame being covered with silk
or other suitable material. The said kite or aeroplane is connected with one or more
winches by ropes or chains passed over suitable pulleys in such a manner that, by
turning the winch or winches in one or the other direction, I can simultaneously
draw in the ropes at one end of the said aëroplane and slacken those at the other end
thereof, and thus set or adjust the said aeroplane to any desired angle or inclination.
Or I provide other suitable means for adjusting the said aeroplane. To each side of
the kite or aeroplane are pivoted suitable wings. These wings and the aeroplane
are provided with stays or ropes for strengthening them and maintaining them in the
desired position.
The engines or motors (of which I prefer to employ two) are carried by supports
extending upward from the main frame, and a screw-propeller is fixed on the shaft of
each engine or motor. The said propellers are provided with any suitable number
of blades each consisting of a frame or spokes of metal, wood or other suitable material
covered with silk or the like. The machine is so constructed that the exhaust-steam
from the engines will pass through one of the supports and through the lower part
of the main frame, and will then ascend into and pass through the frame of the
aeroplane and then through a suitable condenser (or through the aeroplane itself when
this is used as a condenser as hereinafter mentioned) and back to the feed-pump.
The aeroplane must be pivotted to main frame in such a manner as to permit the
passage of fluid into the aeroplane whilst preventing escape of the fluid at the joint.
I find it advantageous to make each screw propeller of a steel or other metal tube or
hollow shaft having fixed therein other tubes which extend transversely through the
said hollow shaft alternately in directions at right angles to each other. These
transverse tubes are so arranged as to correspond to the desired pitch of the screw.
Rods of wood or other suitable material of much greater length than the tubes are
passed through and secured in the said transverse tubes, and the whole is covered with
silk or other material, which is stretched in the proper direction to assist in resisting
the centrifugal force which, in the rotation of the propeller, tends to destroy or
injure the blades: the said tubes and rods form the spokes or frame of the propeller-
blades. The blades thus constructed are very strong and are not liable to injury by
the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the propeller.
The condenser is, in some instances, formed partly of some of the hollow rods or
tubes which constitute the frame of the aeroplane. These tubes are connected by
of her tubes so formed that steam will pass through them in thin films of considerable
width, and are so arranged that the atmosphere will very effectually cool them, thus
condensing the steam, which will descend in the form of water into the lower tube of

page_text: the condenser and flow thence to the feed-pump. These flat or film tubes are preferably
arranged vertically, with a small space between them. They may, however, be
otherwise arranged if desired.
In order to condense the steam by the cooling effect of the atmosphere, it is
necessary to have a very large condenser. It is therefore desirable that the said
condenser should serve some other purpose besides that of merely condensing the
steam. In some instances, I utilize the kite or aeroplane as a condenser, making the
same of sheet metal secured upon a suitable framing so that it encloses a large space
the depth of which is very small. For example, I make the aeroplane like a large
flexible bag or chamber, and I connect the forward end thereof with the exhaust-pipe
and the rear end thereof with the hotwell or directly with the suction of the feed-
pump. The pressure in this condenser should be the same as that of the air outside
thereof, so as to keep the bag distended and utilize the buoyancy or lifting power of
the steam to counteract the weight of the apparatus. Or I utilize only the forward
part of the said aeroplane as a condenser.
The engine-frames are also made hollow and each engine is connected by a belt
with a pulley for working the feed and fuel pumps, preferably in such a manner that
whichever engine is moving with the higher velocity will drive the said pumps.
The outer end of one pair of cylinders is secured to the outer end of the other pair
of cylinders by one or more hollow rods or tubes forming braces which strengthen the
frame-work, and bearings which support the pulley for driving the pumps.
Moreover I provide means whereby, when the apparatus descends, it may be caused
to alight upon the ground without excessive shock or concussion; for instance I
mount the wheels upon an axle or axles carried by levers or arms pivoted to the
main frame. Suitable rack-bars are pivoted to the said axle or axles and are
geared with pinions on a shaft provided with a drum or pulley for winding up
a rope or cord attached to the wings of the apparatus, for the purpose hereinafter
specified. Suitable rollers carried by brackets are provided for retaining the racks
in gear with the pinions. The axles of the wheels are preferably made of bamboo
to ensure elasticity of the said axles. When the wheels come in contact with the
ground, the main frame continues to descend so that the rack-bars act upon the
pinions and wind up the rope or cord, thus suddenly and rapidly depressing
the wings and checking or counteracting the downward movement of the apparatus.
It is obvious that I can, if desired, vary the means used for obviating excessive
shock or concussion of the apparatus on reaching the ground.
I find it advantageous for the purpose of starting the apparatus to employ rails
suitably arranged one above another so that the wheels of the apparatus can roll
freely between the said rails. I am thus enabled to ascertain, before the apparatus
rises into the air, the exact inclination of the aeroplane requisite to ensure the
rising of the apparatus when driven at any given velocity.
For this purpose I
adjust the said aeroplane from time to time and observe whether the wheels run in
contact with the lower rail or with the upper rail. I can, therefore, adjust the
aeroplane to the required inclination before allowing the apparatus to rise in
the air.
Th
I provide for steering or maneuvring the machine as hereinafter described.
is obvious that a machine for navigating the air has to be steered vertically as well
as horizontally that is to say, it has to be steered in such a manner that it will move
horizontally or ascend or descend as required, and also in such a manner that it will
move forward in the desired direction.
It is desirable, in some cases, that the steam pressure in the generator should be
maintained constant notwithstanding variations in the speed of the engine. For this
purpose. I provide a steam-regulator which will act upon the combined feed and fuel
pumps in such a manner that, when the steam rises above or falls below the required
pressure, it will shorten or lengthen the stroke of the said pumps. thus increasing or
diminishing the quantity of water introduced into the boiler and the quantity of fuel
fed to the burners for the purpose of evaporating the water. In this manner I provide

page_text: for ensuring that the pressure in the boiler shall remain constant whatever may be the
quantity of steam used in the engine.
To provide for causing the machine to travel horizontally, that is to say, to move
forward at any predetermined distance above the ground, I employ a barometric
regulator. For example I attach a barometer to gearing for changing the length of
stroke of the feed and fuel pumps, so that, if the aeroplane is set at the required angle
to maintain the machine in equilibrium, that is to say. neither falling nor rising, then.
should the machine, by reason of any change of conditions, approach the earth, the
pressure on the barometric regulator becoming increased, the length of stroke of the
pumps will be correspondingly increased, thus raising the pressure in the boiler by
augmenting thegeneration of steam therein. When the pressure is increased sufficiently
to drive the machine forward at a higher velocity, the machine will rise slowly until
it reaches the height for which the regulator is adjusted. If, on the other hand, the
machine should rise above this height, the regulator will act in the contrary direction.
and cause a reduction of pressure in the boiler, which will again bring the machine
back to the predetermined distance above the ground.
I sometimes construct my barometric regulator as follows, riz.:-I employ a
lever for operating the combined feed and fuel pumps. The short arm of this lever
is connected to the pump-rods, and on the long arm of the said lever is mounted a
sliding block or sleeve. This block or sleeve is connected by means of a rod or
link to a crank operated by the engine. I provide for automatically adjusting the
said sliding block towards or away from the fulcrum of the lever according to the
variations of barometric pressure. For example, I arrange in the said lever a serew
which engages with the said sliding block or sleeve. and I connect this screw by
suitable gearing with a toothed wheel, to which motion is imparted alternately in
either direction by the movement of the said lever. In combination with this toothed
wheel. I provide a double or two-armed pawl mounted on a shaft or stud and having
secured to it a lever, one end of which is acted upon by a spring and the other end
of which is connected with an aneroid barometer. Any increase of barometric pressure
will turn the said lever and pawl in one direction about their pivot and thus cause one
arm of the pawl to engage with the toothed wheel, so that, in the operation of the
pump-lever, the said pawl will prevent the turning of the wheel in one direction and
thus cause the operation of the screw in such a manner as to move the sliding block
or sleeve along the pump-lever towards the fulcrum thereof, thus increasing the stroke
of the pumps and consequently augmenting the quantity of steam generated in the
boiler. When the barometric pressure diminishes, the spring will cause the other
arm of the pawl to engage with the opposite side of the toothed wheel, so that, in the
movement of the pump-lever, the screw will turn in the reverse direction, thus
diminishing the stroke of the pumps. I prefer to arrange suitable springs at each end
of the said screw and to make the said screw of such length that. should the turning
of the screw in either direction be continued so as to bring the sliding block to either
end of its stroke or movement, the said block will compress the corresponding spring
and move out of engagement with the said screw; and the said spring will ensure
the re-engagement of the block with the said screw, when the direction of rotation of
the latter is reversed.
In another form or modification of my barometric regulator, the lever connected
with the pumps is curved and the sliding block thereon is attached to an arm coupled
to a disc-crank on the driving shaft. The said arm is also coupled to a toothed wheel
fixed upon another shaft. A vibrating lever is provided at one end with a slot in
which works a pin or stud fixed in the aforesaid disc-crank. Two rack-bars are
coupled to this lever, on opposite sides of the fulerum of the said lever, and are adapted
to engage with opposite sides of the said toothed wheel. These rack-bars are coupled
to a rod arranged to be moved by the barometer so as to bring one of the said rack-
bars into engagement with, andsimultaneouslydisengage the other rack-bar from thesaid
toothed wheel. Suitable means are provided for adjusting the regulator for any
predetermined height.

page_text: The load of fuel and water will necessarily diminish while the machine is in use,
and if it is determined to fly always at the same height, the pressure in the boiler must
diminish as the load becomes less. My improved barometric regulator accomplishes
this result very effectually.
It is not desirable that the exhaust-steam from the engine should be used for
blowing the fire, because the water would, under such circumstances, very soon he
all evaporated. It is therefore necessary to provide other means for promoting the
combustion of the fuel, and to condeuse the steam. I so construct the generator that
the forward motion of the machine will cause air to enter below the burners and be
forced upward between the tubes of the generator, the heated air and products of
combustion escaping at the top of the generator.
The condenser hereinbefore described is very advantageous for my improved
aerial machine and can also be used for other machines designed to travel through
the air.
I sometimes provide a rudder or rudders in rear of the propellers.
In place of the generator and motor herein before described. I can, if desired, employ
any other generator and engine or motor suitable for my purpose.
Dated this 25th day of October 1889
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co..
45. Southampton Buildings, London, Agents for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Aeronautic Apparatus.
J. HIRAM STEVENS MAXIM, of Crayford Works, Crayford, in the County of Kent,
and Victoria Mansions, Victoria Street, in the City of Westminster, Mechanical
Engineer, 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:-
My invention relates to apparatus for aërial navigation.
Numerous attempts have heretofore been made in various countries to produce a
machine for navigating the air. All these attempts have failed, generally by reason
of the great weight of the machine and its load in proportion to the power of the
generator and motor. In some of the aërial machines heretofore devised, there is
an inclined plane or kite which is intended to be driven forward by means of screw-
propellers, with such velocity that the machine will while moving forward, be raised
from the ground by the action of the air upon the said inclined plane. But, in all the
machines of this kind heretofore constructed (with the exception of those in which
the motor consists of compressed air or of a twisted string or cord of india-rubber),
the weight of the entire machine and its load in proportion to the power of the
generator and motor has been such that the apparatus has travelled, or had a tendency
to travel in a direction the reverse of that intended by the inventor, that is to say,
downward instead of upward.
In machines of this kind driven by compressed air or by a twisted string or cord
of india-rubber all the energy to be used for driving the machine must be stored in
the same before starting it, and as soon as this energy is expended, the machine will
descend. It is evident, therefore, that such machines can only operate for a com-
paratively very short time.
Now my invention is chiefly designed to overcome the difficulties heretofore
experienced and to provide an aerial machine in which power for driving the same
can be generated while it is moving through the air, and which can be driven forward
with sufficient velocity to overcome the action of gravity when the inclined plane or
kite (or what I term the aeroplane ") is at a suitable angle or inclination to the
horizontal plane, so that the machine can be caused to rise in the air without the aid of
a balloon, or can be caused to descend in the air with greater or less velocity as
desired, or to travel forward at any predetermined distance above the ground.

page_text: For this purpose I construct the generator and motor and other parts of the machine
in such a manner as to obtain great lightness thereof combined with the requisite
strength, and I make the generator and motor very powerful in proportion to the
weight of the entire machine and its load and to the dimensions of the inclined plane
or kite. Moreover I provide suitable means whereby the speed of the engine or
motor and the angle or inclination of the kite relatively to the horizontal plane
can be easily varied for the purpose of regulating the movement of the machine
through the air. And I so construct the kite as to ensure stability or steadiness
of the machine while moving through the air, and thus obviate any liability to
pitching which might otherwise be caused by the unequal action of the air upon
the forward and rear portions of the kite. I also provide suitable means for ensuring
the safe descent of the machine in case of accident or injury to the generator and
motor.
I find it advantageous to use, for the purpose of my invention, a steam
generator and motor such as I have described in the Specification of former Letters
Patent granted to me and dated 25th June A.D. 1889, No. 10359.
To provide for regulating the height at which the machine shall travel through the
air, and for causing it, when desired, to travel horizontally, that is to say, to move
forward at any predetermined distance above the ground, I employ a barometric
regulator which effects the desired result by varying the speed of the engine or motor
according to any increase or diminution in the pressure of the air acting upon the
barometer. For instance, I combine a suitable barometer with mechanism for
changing the length of stroke of the fuel-pump or of the feed-water and fuel-pamps.
so that, if the kite or aeroplane is set at the required angle to maintain the machine
in equilibrium, that is to say, neither falling nor rising, then, should the machine,
by reason of any change in the conditions under which it is working (such as
diminution of its weight by reason of the consumption of fuel and water) approach
the earth, the pressure on the said barometer being increased, the length of stroke
of the said pump or pumps and consequently the amount of water and fuel
supplied to the generator or boiler will be correspondingly increased, thus raising
the pressure in the boiler by augmenting the generation of steam therein. When
the pressure is increased sufficiently to drive the machine forward at a higher
velocity, the machine will rise slowly until it reaches the height for which the
barometric regulator is adjusted. If, on the other hand, the machine should rise
above this height, the regulator will act in the contrary direction and cause a
reduction of pressure in the boiler, thus diminishing the speed of the engine or
motor and bringing the machine down to the predetermined distance above the
ground.
In manoeuvring the machine (for example causing the same to turn rapidly to the
right or left or to ascend or descend), varying quantities of steam will be used in
the engine or motor. In order that certain manipulations of the controlling valves
shall always produce the same effect in respect of variation of the speed of one or
both of the engines, it is advantageous that the steam-pressure in the generator shall
be maintained constant, notwithstanding variations in the speed of the engine and
consequently in the amount of steam used therein. For this purpose. I provide a
steam-regulator which acts upon the fuel-pump or upon the combined feed and
fuel pump in such a manner that, when the steam rises above or falls below the
required pressure, it will shorten or lengthen the stroke of the said pump, thus
increasing or diminishing the quantity of water introduced into the boiler and the
quantity of fuel fed to the burners for the purpose of evaporating the water. In this
manner I provide for ensuring that the pressure in the boiler shall remain constant
whatever may be the quantity of steam used in the engine.
My said invention, moreover, comprises other improvements hereinafter set forth.
In the accompanying drawings, I have shown how my said invention may be con-
veniently and advantageously carried into practice.
Figure 1 is a front elevation of one form of my improved aërial machine, some of
the parts being removed.

page_text: Figure 2 is a vertical longitudinal section on the liner, æ, Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a front elevation of one half of the said machine, showing one of the
lateral extensions or wings hereinafter described.
Figure is a plan of a portion of the machine, drawn to on enlarged scale.
Figure is an underside view, partly in longitudinally central section, drawn to a
further enlarged scale, showing an improved condenser hereinafter described.
Figure 6 is a section on the line y, y, Figure 5, drawn to a still further enlarged
scale.
Figures 7, 8 and 9 are different views, also drawn to an enlarged scale, showing
details of construction hereinafter described.
Figure 10 is a side elevation, and
Figure 1 a front elevation of one of the screw-propellers, drawn to an enlarged
scale, some of the parts being removed.
Figure 12 is a vertical longitudinal central section, drawn to an enlarged scale,
showing an improved device hereinafter described for imparting motion to the
mechanism for working the feed-water and fuel pumps.
Figure 1 is a front elevation partly in vertical section, and
Figure 14 a central transverse section, showing a part of the device illustrated in
Figure 12.
Figure 15 is a side elevation of another part of the said device.
Figure 16 is a side elevation, partly in vertical section, and
Figure 17 a front elevation, also partly in vertical section. showing a device
hereinafter described for diminishing the shock or concussion when the apparatus
alights upon the ground.
Figure 18 is a plan, partly in horizontal section, and
Figure 19 a side elevation, partly in vertical section, showing one form of my
improved barometric regulator hereinafter described.
Figure 20 is a transverse section on the line . ., Figures 18 and 19.
Figure 21 is a side elevation, partly in vertical section, showing one form of my
improved steam-regulator hereinafter described.
Figure 22 is a plan, some of the parts being removed, and
Figure 21 a side elevation, some of the parts being removed, illustrating another
form or modification of my aërial machine, and
Figure 24 is a side elevation showing a rudder applied to the aërial machine, for
effecting, or assisting to effect the horizontal steering of the same.
Like letters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.
"
A is the main frame or car, which is composed of hollow rods or tubes of steel or
other suitable metal rigidly united in any convenient manner. B is an adjustable
frame-work. kite or aeroplane." (is the steam generator or boiler. D. Dare the
engines or motors. E. E are the serew propellers. F. Fare wheels which are
mounted upon axles Fattached to the frame or car A in the manner hereinafter
described, and which are adapted to run between upper and lower rails whereby the
machine, while moving forward, will be held down, to permit the trial of the machine
and the proper adjustment of the same as hereinafter specified, before it is allowed to
rise from the ground. The bottom of the main frame or car A is preferably filled in
with wire-netting, and the boiler or generator (may be supported upon this netting
which forms an elastic support therefor. A* is a hand-rail which is also formed of
hollow rods or tubes, and which serves to still further strengthen the said main frame
or car A. ( is an uptake or chimney for the escape of the waste products of
combustion from the boiler or generator ('.
"
2
The kite or aeroplane "B consists of a frame which is formed of hollow rods or
tubes of steel or other suitable metal rigidly united in any convenient manner, and
which is covered with silk or other suitable material. The said kite or "aeroplane"
is pivoted at B (as more clearly shown in Figures 1. 8, 5, 7 and 8) to the ends of a
cross-piece or stay firmly secured to the upper ends of hollow rods or tubes A
the lower ends of which are secured to the main frame or ear A. The cross-piece B
is connected to the kite or aeroplane B (as more clearly shown at Figures and 8) in

page_text: such a manner as to permit the passage of the exhaust-steam from the engine through
the said cross-piece into the kite or aeroplane (part of which serves as the condenser as
hereinafter described), whilst preventing escape of the fluid at the joints. Figure 9
shows an advantageous method of securing the extensions or supports A to the main
frame or car A. Other joints in the said main frame or car A and in the kite or
aeroplane B may be advantageously formed in a similar manner.
The said kite or aeroplane is connected at its ends with one or more winches by
ropes or chains passed over suitable pulleys, in such a manner that, by turning the
winch or winches in one or the other direction, the ropes at one end of the aërial
machine can be simultaneously drawn in and those at the other end thereof slackened
or paid out, or rice versa, and the kite or aeroplane thus set or adjusted to the desired
angle or inclination relatively to the horizontal plane. The above mentioned winches
and ropes or chains are omitted from the drawings for the sake of clearness; the said
winches may be of any
well-known or other suitable construction. Adjustable counter-
weights or other convenient devices may, if desired. be employed either in lieu of, or
in combination with the said winches for the purpose of varying the angle of the said
kite or aeroplane relatively to the horizontal plane. Or the kite or aeroplane may be
rigidly connected to the main frame or car and a suitable counterweight he provided
for varying the position of the centre of gravity of the machine and thus adjusting
the angle of the kite to the horizontal plane. Suitable guy-ropes or stays 13 and struts
or supports Bare, moreover, provided for strengthening and stiffening the said kite
or aeroplane and maintaining it in its proper form.
The kite or aeroplane is provided on each side with lateral extensions or wings, as
at G Figure 3, each of which is formed of a framework of hollow rods or tubes
covered with silk or other suitable material, and which are hinged or pivoted at G¹, G¹,
to the sides of the kite or aeroplane B.
For convenience of illustration, the silk or other covering is removed from the kife
or aeroplane B and from the wings G shown in the drawings. If desired, the said
wings may be pivoted to the main frame or car A instead of to the kite or
aeroplane B.
The engines or motors D are supported partly by hollow rods or tubes A2 and partly
by the steam and exhaust pipes A, A, which rods or tubes and pipes form part of the
frame of the machine. The rods or supports A2 and the exhaust-pipe A extend
upward from the main frame or car A, and the steam-pipe A3 extends from the stop-
valve on the boiler to the engine or motor. A, A are hollow rods or supports also
extending upward from the main frame or car A, and having at their upper ends
suitable bearings A for supporting the crank-shafts D', the said shafts being also
supported in the frames of the engines or motors D. A is a cross-piece or stay for
further stiffening and strengthening the rods or supports A5.
C² is a thermostatic regulator such as that described in my said former Specification,
for governing the supply of hydrocarbon or other liquid fuel to the delivery-nozzle or
injector C. C is a tank or reservoir situated in the forward part of the apparatus.
for containing a supply of hydrocarbon or other liquid fuel. The tank is connected
with the fuel-pump C by means of a pipe C6, and the said pump is connected with
the delivery-nozzle or injector (3 by means of a pipe C7. This pipe C is preferably
passed through the upper part of the generator C', and is arranged therein in the form
of a coil for vaporizing the liquid hydrocarbon on its way to the nozzle or injertor (
C is the pipe by means of which the pressure from the generator C is communicated
to the diaphragm and valve of the thermostatic regulator, as described in my said
former specification.
A screw-propeller E is fixed upon each of the crank-shafts D'. The said propellers
are provided with any suitable number of blades, each consisting of a frame or series
of spokes E (Figures 10 and 11) of metal, wood or other suitable material, covered
with silk or the like. The said covering extends to within a suitable distance of the
central portion or boss of the propeller.
I prefer to construct the propellers as shown more clearly in Figures 10 and 11,
that is to say-The spokes E¹ are secured in steel or other tubes or sockets E which

page_text: are firmly secured, by means of a serew-bolt (or in any other convenient manner)
in a hollow boss or tube D2 having a flange D whereby it is firmly attached, by bolts
or otherwise, to the hollow crank-shaft D; or the said tubes or sockets E2 may, if
desired, be secured in the end of the hollow crank-shaft D in any convenient
manner.
I sometimes make the sockets E taper from the centre, or near the centre to both
ends thereof, and I provide upon the said ends suitable beadings or flanges of smaller
diameter than the said central portions. Upon the said central or enlarged portions I
provide screw-threads adapted to fit into correspondingly screw-threaded holes in the
hollow boss or tube D, and I cut away a portion of the said enlarged or central
portions so as to allow of the tubes or sockets being passed through the said holes in
The hollow boss or tube and screwed therein.
The tubes or sockets E extend transversely through the said hollow boss or tube D³
alternately in directions approximately at right angles to each other. These transverse
tubes or sockets are so arranged as to correspond to the desired pitch of the screw.
The spokes E are of much greater length than the tubes or sockets and are passed
through, and firmly secured in any convenient manner in the said sockets, the whole
being covered, as above mentioned, to within a suitable distance of the hollow boss or
tube D, with silk of other suitable material; this material should be stretched in such
a direction that it will assist in resisting the centrifugal force set up by the rotation of
the propeller, which tends to destroy or injure the blades thereof. The blades thus
constructed are very strong and are not liable to injury by the centrifugal force
generated by the rotation of the propeller.
Each of the said propellers E is provided, moreover, with a strut E (Figure 2) and
with stays, ropes, cords or wires for further stiffening and strengthening the said
propeller and assisting to resist the strains to which it is subjected when working.
His the engine-condenser, which forms a part of the kite or aeroplane B and which
is constructed in the manner hereinafter described.
The aerial machine is so constructed that the exhaust-steam from the engines will
pass through the hollow supports or exhaust-pipes A and through the lower part of
the main frame or car A, and will then ascend through the hollow rods, supports or
tubes A and pass through the cross-piece 132 and through the frame of the kite or
aeroplane B and the condenser H, or through the entire body of the kite or aeroplane
when this is used as a condenser as hereinafter mentioned.
The condenser H comprises a large number of wide flat or film tubes, that is to
say, tubes of thin metal having a flat bore through which the steam will pass in thin
films of considerable width. These tubes are shown more clearly in Figures 5 and 6:
they are combined with hollow rods or tubes B* constituting part of the frame of the
kite or aeroplane B. The said hollow rods or tubes B* are connected by means of
short tubes or nipples H¹ with the said flat or film tubes H. These film tubes are so
arranged that, in the forward movement of the machine, the air will impinge upon
them, thus very effectually cooling them, and condensing the steam therein. It is
evident that the said condenser I will, at the same time, by its action upon the air.
raise or sustain, or assist in raising or sustaining the machine in the air during its
forward movement. Moreover the said condenser being arranged above the feed-
water pump, the water of condensation will flow by gravity to the said pump, that is
to say, the water of condensation from the tubes H will descend into the lower tube B*
of the condenser, and flow thence through pipes H² to small reservoirs or water-
tanks I connected with the suction side of feed-water pump I' by means of pipes 1.
13 is the delivery or feed pipe to the boiler or generator C. The flat or film tubes H
may be arranged vertically with a small space between them; or they may be placed
at the same angle as the kite or aeroplane B, as shown in the drawing so as to utilize
the action of the air upon them for raising or sustaining the machine, or they may be
otherwise arranged if desired.
In the forward movement of the kite or aeroplane, the air acted upon thereby will
he drawn forward, and the air thus set in motion will be acted upon by the screw-
propellers: the positive slip of the said propellers will thus be considerably diminished.

page_text: It will be seen, therefore, that the condenser I also assists in imparting forward
motion to the air to be acted upon by the propellers.
B5, B, Figures 5 and 8, are division-plates for regulating or directing the flow of
the steam through the frame of the kite or aeroplane to the condenser, and that
of the condensed steam or water therefrom. To permit the condenser to participate
in the movements of the kite or aeroplane about its pivots, I make a portion of the
pipes or tubes H2 of suitable flexible material.
The shafts D' of the engines are provided with pulleys D' connected by belts J, J
(shown in dotted lines in Figures 1 and 4) with pulleys K, K', for working the feed-
water pump I and the fuel-pump (5. The belt is crossed so that the said pulleys
will be rotated in the same direction, although the engines are running in opposite
directions. The pulleys K, K' are fitted to rotate upon a shaft or spindle L supported
in suitable bearings D³ carried by rods or tubes D. These rods or tubes connect the
outer end of one pair of cylinders to the outer end of the other pair of cylinders, and
form braces for strengthening the framework, and they are connected with the main-
frame or car A by hollow rods or supports D. The pulleys K, K are mounted
freely upon the shaft or spindle L and are connected therewith by a device such as I
have described in the said former Specification, so that, when the engines are running
at equal velocities, the pumps will be driven by both engines, but when the said engines
are running at unequal velocities, the said pumps will be driven by whichever engine
is running at the higher speed.
In Figures 12, 13, 14 and 15, I have shown improved apparatus of this kind, so
constructed as to ensure lightness of the paris combined with the requisite strength.
N is the double ratchet-wheel, which is firmly secured in any suitable manner upon
the shaft or spindle L between the pulleys K, K¹. The teeth N¹ of this ratchet-wheel
are geared with corresponding teeth K on the bosses K of the said pulleys K, Kas
described in my said former Specification. N, N are the spiral springs which
maintain the teeth K of the bosses K in engagement with the teeth N of the
ratchet-wheel N. For the sake of lightness, the shaft L is made hollow or tubular:
the bosses K³ of the pulleys are, moreover, recessed internally as shown more clearly
in Figures 12 and 14, and the spokes K of the said pulleys are made hollow or
tubular, and are screwed or otherwise firmly secured in the bosses K³, the said bosses
being made with hollow projections or sockets to receive the spokes; and the said
spokes are brazed or otherwise firmly secured to the rim of the pulley. L is a
crank-arm which is firmly secured upon the shaft L, and the crank-pin L3 whereof is
coupled by means of a suitable connecting-rod L* (Figure 2) with an arm or lever 0
secured upon a rock-shaft (as bereinafter described, for operating the feed-water
and fuel pumps I¹ and C³.
To avoid or diminish the shock or concussion when the apparatus descends or
alights upon the ground, I provide the mechanism hereinafter described, that is to
say I support the axles F1 in suitable bearings P at the free end of levers or
arms P, which are pivoted at P2 to the main frame or car A. Rack-bars are pivoted
at Q upon the said axles F' and are geared with pinions R fixed upon hollow shafts
or spindles S, on which are also fixed drums or pulleys S (more clearly shown in
Figures 16 and 17) for winding up ropes or cords T attached at one end to the
drums St and at the other end to the wings G of the apparatus (as shown in Figure 3).
Suitable anti-friction rollers carried by arms or brackets (Figure 16) are pro-
vided for retaining the rack-bars Q in gear with the pinions R. The axles F' may be
formed of hollow or tubular rods of steel or other suitable metal as shown in
Figures 16 and 17. I prefer, however, to make them of bamboo as shown in
Figures 1, 3 and 4, so that they shall have lightness and elasticity combined with the
requisite strength. U. U are idle rollers supported in brackets 13 attached to the
main frame A, for guiding or directing the ropes or cords T.
When in the descent of the machine, the wheels I come in contact with the ground.
the main frame A continues to descend, so that the rack-bars Q act upon and rotate
the pinions R and consequently the shafts or spindles S and drums or pulleys S¹, thus
winding the ropes or cords T upon the said drums and suddenly and rapidly

page_text: depressing the wings G and checking or counteracting the downward movement of
the apparatus.
I cau, if desired, use other suitable means for avoiding or diminishing the shock
or concussion imparted to the apparatus on reaching the ground.
It is evident that a machine for navigating the air must be steered vertically as
well as horizontally, that is to say, it must be steered in such a manner that it will
move in a horizontal plane, or will ascend or descend as required in a more or less
inclined plane, and also in such a manner that, while travelling in such horizontal or
inclined plane, it will proceed in the desired direction, that is to say, in the direction
of any desired point of the compass. The vertical steering of the machine is effected
by varying the speed of the propellers and thus increasing or diminishing the velocity
at which the machine moves through the air; the action of the kite or aeroplane
upon the air is thus varied so as to cause the machine to ascend or descend as
required. Or the vertical steering is effected by varying the angle or inclination of
the kite or aeroplane or of a rudder or tail pivoted to the body thereof. For steering
or maneuvring the machine horizontally, that is to say, for causing it to travel in the
required direction in the said horizontal or inclined plane, I provide for varying the
relative speed of the two propellers as required.
To facilitate the steering or maneuvring of the machine, I employ stop cocks or
valves A constructed substantially as described in my said former Specification, for
regulating or controlling the supply of steam to the engines and thus varying the
speed of either or both of the propellers as required.
I sometimes provide a suitable seat or platform for the operator or engine-driver, or
I so arrange the main frame or car A that the operator or engine-driver can stand in
such a position that he is able to conveniently operate either of the said stop cocks or
valves and thereby admit more or less steam to either of the engines or motor D and
increase or diminish the speed thereof, and consequently that of the propellers E. I
thus provide for very efficiently steering or maneuvring the machine in a horizontal
or inclined plane by varying the relative speed of the engines or motors D. If
necessary or desirable, I also provide a rudder or rudders between or in rear of the
propellers, as shown, for example, at A Figure 24.
Figures 18, 19 and 20 illustrate one form of my barometric regulator for auto-
matically regulating or adjusting the stroke or throw of the feed-water pump I and
fuel-pump C according to the distance of the apparatus from the ground, so as to
ensure its moving forward at any predetermined height above the ground when
driven at the desired velocity. The said pumps are worked by means of the lever ()
fixed upon a rock-shaft ( on which is also fixed a short arm 02 (Figure 18) which is
connected to the pump-rods in a manner substantially similar to that described in the
said former Specification. On the long arm of the lever is mounted a sliding block
or sleeve V, which is connected by means of the rod or link L to the crank-pin L³ of
the crank L. as indicated in Figure 2.
I provide for the automatic adjustment of the said sliding block V towards and away
from the fulcrum of the arm or lever 0 according to any variations of the atmospheric
pressure due to the rising or falling of the apparatus in the air. For instance I
arrange, in the said arm or lever O, which is made hollow or tubular for the purpose,
a screw-threaded spindle W. This spindle is supported in suitable bearings (³ in the
ends of the arm or lever 0, and the said spindle works in a correspondingly screw-
threaded nut V1 which is connected with the said sliding block or sleeve V by means
of a screw V arranged to work in a horizontal slot 0 in the said arm or lever, so that
the said nut, while restrained from rotation about its axis, is free to move longitudinally.
Wis a bevel or mitre wheel formed or fixed on one end of the screw-spindle W and
geared with another level or mitre wheel X, which is formed or fixed on a spindle X'
supported in a suitable bearing in a plug (secured in one end of the hollow rock-
shaft 0 in the interior of which the said bevel or mitre wheels are situated. X is a
toothed wheel which is firmly fixed on the spindle X and to which intermittent
rotary motion is imparted in one or the other direction, during the oscillating movement
of the arm or lever O, through the medium of a lever Y pivoted upon a pin or stud_Y³,

page_text: One arm of the lever Y is provided with a double or two-armed pawl Y, which is
adapted to engage with the toothed wheel X². The other arm of the said lever Y is
acted upon by a spiral spring Y. The arm of the said lever X which carries the
pawl is connected by means of a rod or link Y with one end of a circular metal
box or chamber Z having corrugated ends like that of an aneroid barometer. Y is a
thumb-screw for regulating the tension of the spiral spring Y.
The operation of this regulator is as follows, riz: If the machine, after it has
been moving in a horizontal direction, commences to move downward, by reason of
any change in the conditions under which it is working, the increased barometric
pressure will, by acting upon the said box or chamber Z, turn the said lever X about
its pivot in the direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 19, and thus cause the upper
arm of the pawl Ye to engage with the toothed wheel X as shown. In the oscillation
of the arm or lever 0, the said pawl will then prevent movement of the wheel X³
about its axis in one direction, whilst permitting such movement in the other direction,
the pawl engaging with the teeth of the wheel X2 when the latter is moved in one
direction and being disengaged therefrom when the said wheel is moved in the other
direction. It is obvious that, while the wheel X2 and consequently the wheel X are
thus held from rotation about their axis, the wheel W and screw-spindle W, while
moving upward with the arm or lever 0, will, by reason of the engagement of the said
wheel W with the wheel X, be turned about their axis, in the proper direction to
move the sliding-block or sleeve V along the arm or lever towards the fulcrum
thereof. thus increasing the stroke of the pumps and consequently augmenting the
quantity of steam generated in the boiler and increasing the speed of the engines so
that the machine will rise. Should the machine rise above the desired height, the
decrease of barometric pressure will permit the movement of the lever Y by the
spring so as to cause the lower arm of the pawl Y to engage with the toothed
wheel X2; then, in the oscillating movement of the arm or lever 0, the screw-spindle W
will be turned in the reverse direction, so as to move the sliding block or sleeve V
along the said arm or lever 0 away from the fulcrum thereof, thus diminishing the
stroke of the pumps and consequently the speed of the engines and causing the machine
to descend as required.
The screw-threaded portion of the spindle W is preferably made of such length that,
should the turning of the screw in either direction be continued so as to bring the
sliding block or sleeve V to either end of its desired stroke or movement, the nut V
will be moved out of engagement with the said screw-threaded portion of the spindle.
but its re-engagement therewith will be automatically effected when the spindle is
rotated in the reverse direction. W2, We are suitable springs which are arranged within
the arm or lever 0 and around each end of the screw-threaded spindle W. When the
nut moves out of engagement with the screw at either end thereof, the corresponding
spring W will be compressed and will, by its reaction, automatically effect the
re-engagement of the said nut with the screw when the direction of movement of the
latter is reversed. I thus provide for limiting the movement of the block V on
the lever 0.
In another form or modification of my barometric regulator, the lever connected
with the pumps is curved and the sliding block thereon is attached to an arm coupled
to a disc-crank on the driving-shaft. The said arm is also coupled to a toothed wheel
fixed upon another shaft. A vibrating lever is provided at one end with a slot in
which works a pin or stud fixed in the aforesaid disc-crank. Two rack-bars are coupled
to this lever, on opposite sides of the fulcrum of the said lever, and are adapted to
engage with opposite sides of the said toothed wheel. These rack-bars are coupled to
a rod arranged to be moved by the barometer so as to bring one of the said rack-bars
into engagement with, and simultaneously disengage the other rack-bar from the said
toothed wheel. Suitable means are provided for adjusting the regulator for any
predetermined height.
The load of fuel and water will necessarily diminish while the machine is in use, and,
if it is desired that the machine should travel along at any predetermined height above
the ground, the pressure in the boiler must be diminished as the load becomes less.

page_text: My improved barometrie regulator above described will accomplish this result very
effectually.
The
In Figure 21, I have shown one form of my improved steam-regulator.
mechanism for varying the length of stroke of the pumps is substantially similar to
that of the barometric regulator above described with reference to Figures 18 to 20.
Instead of the elastic box or barometer, however, I employ a dise or piston which
works in a cylinder or casing and is arranged in combination with a flexible
diaphragm 7, and to which is coupled the connecting-rod or link Y. It will be seen,
however, that this connecting-rod is coupled to the arm of the lever Y to which the
spring is connected instead of to the other arm or double pawl. The space beneath
the said diaphragm is in communication with the steam-space of the boiler or generator,
through a suitable pipe Z', so that any increase of the steam-pressure will raise the
said diaphragm 73 and consequently also the disc or piston Z, and thus move the
lever Y so as to bring the upper arm of the pawl Y into engagement with the toothed
wheel X Any decrease of the steam-pressure will permit the movement of the
diaphragm 73 and lever Y under the action of the spring Y³ so as to bring the lower
arm of the pawl Y2 into engagement with the said toothed wheel X. The said wheel
is so connected with the sliding block or sleeve V that the latter will be moved along
the arm or lever towards or away from the fulcrum thereof substantially as above
described, according to variations in the steam-pressure in the boiler, so that, when the
pressure in the boiler increases or decreases, the stroke of the pumps will be shortened
or lengthened as required.
It is not desirable that the exhaust-steam from the engine should be used for
blowing the fire, because the water would, under such circumstances, be very soon
evaporated. It is, consequently, necessary to provide other means for promoting the
combustion of the fuel, and to condense the steam without permitting its escape into
the atmosphere. I. therefore, construct the generator with an air-receiver so arranged
that the forward motion of the machine will cause air to enter below the burners and
be forced upward between the tubes of the generator, the heated air and products
of combustion escaping at the top of the generator through the uptake or
chimney C
I find it advantageous, for the purpose of starting the machine, to employ rails as
hereinbefore mentioned, whereby the machine may be held down while moving forward.
For this purpose, two pairs of rails are suitably arranged one above another so that
thewheels F on both sides of the machine can run freely against either the upper or the
lower rails. I am thus enabled to ascertain, before the apparatus rises into the air,
the exact inclination of the kite or aeroplane B requisite to ensure the rising of the
apparatus when driven forward at the desired velocity by the propellers. For this
purpose, I start the machine and observe whether the wheels Frun in contact with
the lower rails or with the upper rails, and, if necessary, I adjust the said kite or
aeroplane from time to time until the said wheels run in contact with the upper rails.
I can thus accurately adjust the aeroplane to the required inclination before allowing
the apparatus to rise in the air.
In order to condense the steam by the cooling effect of the atmosphere, it is necessary
to have a very large condenser. It is, therefore, desirable that the said condenser
should, as above described, serve some other purpose besides that of merely condensing
the steam. In some instances. I utilize the entire kite or aeroplane as a condenser,
making the same of sheet metal secured upon a suitable framing, so that it encloses a
large space the depth of which is very small. For example I make the aeroplane
like a large flexible bag or chamber, and I connect the forward end thereof with the
exhaust-pipe and the rear end thereof with the hot-well or directly with the suction
of the feed-pump. The pressure in this condenser should be the same as that of the
air outside thereof, so as to keep the bag distended and utilize the buoyancy or lifting
power of the steam to counteract the weight of the apparatus. In some instances, I
utilize only the forward part of the said kite or aeroplane as a condenser.
It will be seen that the machine or apparatus is so arranged that the weight of the
engine-driver or person operating the said apparatus, and of the passengers upo

page_text: the car, forms part of the necessary counterbalance or weight suspended below
the plane of resistance, which maintains the said apparatus in the proper position.
I prefer to arrange the engines or motors D) in such a manner that their cranks
are 1800 apart, that is to say, so that while one or the other of the pistons of one engine
is making its forward movement, the corresponding piston of the other engine will
be making its backward movement, and the said engines will thus counterbalance
each other whilst at work, one motion and weight being opposed to a similar motion
and weight.
Great steadiness in the movement of the machine results from this
arrangement.
The kite or aeroplane may be made with either pivoted or fixed lateral extensions
or wings.
I find it advantageous, in some instances, to provide the kite or aeroplane with
a tail which can be set or adjusted to any desired angle or inclination relatively to
the main portion of the said kite or aeroplane, and which will assist in controlling the
movements of or guiding the machine through the air.
In the modification of my invention shown in Figures 22 and 23, the kite or
aëroplane is provided at its forward end with what I term a bowsprit rudder #, and at
its rear end with an adjustable tail b. The said rudder a is pivoted at a and is
adjustable by means of cords c for the purpose of effecting the vertical steering of the
machine. The tail is pivoted at 1 and is adjustable for the same purpose by means
of the cords d.
The forward portion of a kite or aeroplane acts with much greater efficiency, that is
to say, it has much greater lifting power in proportion to its area, than the rear portion
thereof, because, in the forward movement of the machine, the forward edge of the
said kite enters air which has not been disturbed, whilst the rear portion of the said
kite comes in contact with air to which downward motion has been imparted by the
action of the forward edge of the kite. Therefore if the kite be of rectangular form
and the centre of gravity of the entire machine be midway between the ends of the
kite, the machine will be apt to rise unduly at its forward end and to have such an
inclination given to it as will greatly impede or prevent its forward movement. The
machine would, therefore, require to be very carefully manœuvred to prevent its rearing
up on end, or pitching forward and backing down.
To overcome this difficulty and to ensure the maintenance of the machine in its
proper position while flying through the air, I so distribute the weight in the machine
that the centre of gravity is nearer to the forward than to the rear end of the kite,
being situated say about two thirds of the length of the kite from the rear end thereof.
I can also obtain the desired result by making the rear portion of the kite of larger
area than the forward portion thereof. For instance I make the kite of triangular
form, the apex of the triangle being the forward end of the kite. Or I accomplish the
desired result by arranging the lateral extensions or wings at or near the rear
end of the kite, as indicated by dotted lines in Figure 22. If two such wings are
used, each projecting far enough on either side of the kite and of sufficient area to
have a lifting power equal, or nearly equal to that of the body of the kite, it follows
that any tendency to pitching in such a manner as to raise the forward end of the kite.
will be prevented by the action of the air upon the wings, the forward edges of which
will enter air which is practically undisturbed.
It is important to so construct the machine that if, from any cause, such as injury
to the parts of the generator or motor, the action of the propellers should be suddenly
arrested, the machine will fall steadily and without rocking or pitching, and not too
rapidly. For this purpose, when the centre of gravity of the machine is in front
of the centre of the kite, I provide for the adjustment of one or more portions of the
kite in rear of the centre thereof, so that they are inclined in the opposite direction to
the inclination of the main portion or body of the kite.
I find it advantageous for this purpose to so arrange the tail that it can be
furned into the position indicated by dotted lines in Figure 23, and to so arrange the
lateral extensions or wings G that they also can be inclined upwards from the main
portion or body of tlie kite.

page_text: In some instances, I make other parts of the kite with suitable hinges or
pivots so that they can be suitably inclined for the purpose of steadying the machine
during its descent in the air. When these parts and the wings G, bowsprit rudder a
and tail 6, or such of them as are used, are properly inclined relatively to the body of
the kite, the machine will, should the rotation of the propellers be arrested, descend in
the air as steadily as an ordinary parachute.
It is obvious that I can somewhat further modify the construction of my improved
aeronautic apparatus without departing from the nature of my said invention. For
instance I can, if desired, make the kite or aeroplane with two or more lateral
extensions or wings (either fixed or adjustable) on each side thereof. Any or all of the
said wings may be provided with means for rapidly moving the same downward, for
the purpose above specified, when the machine alights upon the ground. Other forms
of propellers may be used if desired, and a single propeller may, in some cases, be
sufficient for driving the machine. Moreover I can use, in my improved machine,
any other convenient form of generator and motor providing the power thereof is
suitably proportioned to the weight of the entire machine and its load and to the
dimensions of the kite or aeroplane for the purposes of my invention. And it is
evident that some of the devices above described, such as the steam-regulator, are
applicable for similar purposes.
By employing liquid or gaseous fuel for heating the generator or boiler, I reduce as
far as practicable the load of fuel required to be carried by the machine, and I
provide for readily controlling the supply of fuel to the said generator or boiler.
Moreover by providing the machine with an engine having all of its parts where
practicable made hollow or tubular, I am enabled to make the machine very light in
proportion to its power.
The generator and motor should be of such power in proportion to the weight of
the entire machine and its load and the dimensions of the kite or aeroplane that, even
when the latter is at a considerable angle or inclination relatively to the horizontal
plane, the said motor can drive the machine forward with sufficient velocity to over-
come the action of gravity and cause the said machine to rise in the air. The machine
can then be readily controlled so as to cause it to ascend or descend either slowly or
rapidly, or to travel in a horizontal plane at any desired height above the ground, as
may be required.
The aërial machines hitherto constructed have been very heavy in proportion to their
power, having a weight of from five hundred to one thousand pounds for each horse-
power of the motor. Consequently they have failed to rise in the air.
I find it advantageous to adopt the following proportions between the power of the
generator and motor, the weight of the entire apparatus and the dimensions of the kite
or aeroplane, riz.-The underside or operative surface of the kite or aeroplane, with
the wings. tail and other extensions, has an area of about four thousand square feet:
the approximate weight of the entire machine and its usual load is say four thousand
pounds; and the horse-power of the generator and motor is about from two-hundred
to four-hundred. It will be seen, therefore, that my aërial machine is very powerful
in proportion to its weight. I do not, however, limit myself to any special proportions
provided the generator and motor are, as above mentioned, sufficiently powerful to
drive the machine forward with such velocity as to cause it to rise in the air when the
kite is properly inclined to the horizontal plane. The inclination of the kite should
be from one in thirty to one in sixty, and the machine should be driven through the
air with a velocity of say upwards of sixty miles an hour, a high speed, within certain
limits, being more favourable than a low speed.
It will be seen, moreover, that my improved machine is driven by power derived
from a generator and motor forming parts of such machine. Therefore the power
required to drive the machine can be developed so long as the supply of fuel lasts and
while the machine is flying through the air. Whereas, in machines driven by com-
pressed air or by a twisted cord of india-rubber, the energy required for driving the
machine must be developed from a separate source and stored up in the machine before
it is started,

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I wish it understood that
I claim:-
First. A machine for aërial navigation constructed with a suitable kite or aäroplane
and one or more suitable propellers, and with a generator and motor of such power in
proportion to the weight of the entire machine and its load that the said machine can
be driven forward with sufficient velocity to overcome the action of gravity and cause
the said machine to rise in the air without the aid of a balloon, when the said kite or
aeroplane is properly inclined to the horizontal plane, substantially as hereinbefore
described.
Second. A machine for aërial navigation, comprising a kite or aeroplane and one or
more propellers, and provided with a steam generator and engines such as those
described in my said former Specification No. 10,359, substantially as, and for the
purposes, above specified.
Third. A machine for aërial navigation, comprising a steam generator of great
power in proportion to its weight and heated by means of liquid or gaseous fuel, and
one or more engines having all of the parts thereof where practicable made hollow or
tubular, for the purposes above specified.
Fourth. A machine for aërial navigation, which is constructed with a kite or
aeroplane, twin screw-propellers and a generator and motor adapted for driving the
machine forward with sufficient velocity to cause it to rise in the air without the aid
of a balloon, and which is provided with suitable means for varying the speed of the
propellers, as above specified, to effect the steering of the machine.
Fifth. The combination of a kite or aeroplane having fixed or adjustable lateral
extensions or wings, means for setting or adjusting the said kite to any desired angle
or inclination, one or more propellers, and a suitable generator and motor, substantially
as hereinbefore described and for the purposes above specified.
Sixth. The combination of the kite or aeroplane, one or more propellers, a suitable
generator and motor for driving the said propellers, and a seat or platform for the
driver and passenger or passengers, so arranged that the driver and passenger or
passengers will form a counterbalance weight (or a part of such weight) suspended
below the plane of resistance and tending to maintain the apparatus in its proper
position, substantially as above specified.
Seventh. The combination of a kite or aeroplane having lateral extensions or wings
and a rearward extension or tail, and means for varying the inclination of the said
kite or aeroplane relatively to the horizontal plane and the inclination of the said tail
relatively to the body of the kite, substantially as, and for the purposes, above
specified.
Eighth. The combination, in a machine for aërial navigation. of a kite or aeroplane
provided with movable wings, and suitable means whereby, when the machine alights
upon the ground, the said wings will be rapidly moved downward, for the purpose
specified.
Ninth. The improved device comprising the wheels, the levers or arms, the rack-
bars, the pinions, the drums or pulleys and the wings connected by suitable ropes.
cords or chains with the said drums or pulleys, substantially as described, whereby I
provide for diminishing the shock or concussion imparted to the apparatus when the
same alights upon the ground.
Tenth. In an aerial machine such as I have hereinabove described, a kite or
aeroplane so constructed and arranged that it is wider at its rear end than at its
forward end, or so that the area of that portion of the said kite or aeroplane in rear
of the centre of gravity of the machine is much greater than that of the portion in
front thereof, substantially as. and for the purposes, above specified.
Eleventh. A machine for aërial navigation, comprising a kite or aeroplane provided
with lateral extensions or wings arranged at or near its rear end so as to equalize the
lifting power or efficiency of the said kite or aeroplane throughout its length, as, and
for the purposes, above specified,

page_text: Twelfth. The combination, with the kite or aëroplane and means for propelling it
through the air, of a counter-weight which is capable of adjustment to vary the
position of the centre of gravity, substantially as, and for the purposes, set forth.
Thirteenth. The improved apparatus, comprising the pulleys having the recessed
bosses and the hollow spokes. for transmitting motion to the pumps from both
engines or from the engine which for the time being is running at a higher speed,
as, and for the purposes. above specified.
Fourteenth. A serew-propeller for an aerial machine, comprising metal tubes or
sockets, in which are firmly secured wood or other spokes provided with a covering
of silk or other suitable material, and which extend transversely through a hollow
shaft or boss alternately in directions at right angles or approximately at right angles
to each other, and are so arranged that they correspond to the desired pitch of the
screw, substantially as herein before described.
Fifteenth. In a machine for aërial navigation driven by means of a steam-engine.
a condenser so constructed and arranged that, in the forward movement of the said
machine. the action of the air upon the said condenser will effect the condensation of
the steam and will, at the same time, raise or sustain, or assist in raising or sustaining
the said machine in the air.
Sixteenth. In a machine for aërial navigation driven by means of a steam-engine,
a condenser formed of thin metal and arranged above the feed-water pump so that
the steam will be condensed by the air coming in contact with the said condenser
and the water of condensation will flow from the said condenser to the pump by
gravity.
Seventeenth. In a machine for aërial navigation driven by means of a steam-engine,
and one or more screw-propellers, a condenser so constructed and arranged that the
action of the air thereon will effect the condensation of the steam, and, in the
forward movement of the machine, the air to be subsequently acted upon by
the propeller or propellers will be drawn forward by the said condenser, for the
purpose above specified.
Eighteenth. The kite or aeroplane constructed with hollow rods or tubes and so
arranged in combination with the engine or motor that the said rods or tubes, or
some of them, serve as the condenser, substantially as described.
Ninteenth. A condenser consisting essentially of hollow rods or tubes connected
together by wide flat or film tubes, substantially as, and for the purposes, above
specified.
Twentieth. The kite or aeroplane connected with the supports or extension of the
main frame or car, substantially as described, in such a manner as to form fluid-
tight joints whilst permitting the angular adjustment of the said kite or aëroplane, for
the purposes above specified.
Twenty-first. The main frame or car of the machine constructed of hollow rods or
tubes so arranged that the said tubes, or any desired ummber thereof, serve as the
steam and exhaust pipes of the engine or motor, substantially as described.
Twenty-second. A barometric regulator so constructed that it will control the
movement of an aërial machine by varying the supply of fuel or of water and fuel
to the steam generator or boiler of the said machine, for the
specified.
purpose
above
Twenty-third. The improved barometric regulator constructed substantially as
described with reference to Figures 18, 19 and 20 of the drawings and operating as,
and for the purposes. above specified.
Twenty-fourth. A steam-regulator so constructed that it will vary the stroke of the
fuel-pump or of the feed-water and fuel pumps of a boiler according to variations
in the pressure of the steam in the said boiler. for the purpose above specified.
Twenty-fifth. The improved steam-regulator, comprising the dise or piston and the
flexible diaphragm connected with the mechanism for varying the stroke of the pump
or pumps, substantially as described with reference to Figure 21 of the drawings, for
the purpose specified.
Twenty-sixth. A regulator for the purposes above specified, comprising a rocking

page_text: arm or lever connected with an engine or motor by means of a rod or link coupled
to the said arm or lever by a joint which is movable to and fro upon the said arm
or lever, and suitable means whereby, in the oscillating movement of the said arm or
lever, the said joint may be automatically moved in one or the other direction thereon
to vary the stroke or movement thereof, substantially as set forth.
Twenty-seventh. The modification of my regulator wherein I employ the toothed
wheel, the vibrating lever and the rack-bars adapted to engage with either side of
the said toothed wheel, substantially as, and for the purposes, above specified.
Twenty-eighth. A machine for aerial navigation, comprising a generator or boiler
so constructed and arranged that the supply of air to the furnace thereof will be
augmented by the motion of the said machine in flying through the air.
Twenty-ninth. The improved method of providing for the adjustment of an aërial
machine before its ascent into the air, by the use of rails whereby the machine.
while moving forward. is held down, substantially as, and for the
forth.
purposes. set
Thirtieth. A kite or aeroplane constructed in the form of a bag or chamber so that
it will serve also as a condenser substantially as, and for the purposes, above
specified.
N
I have hereinabove
Thirty-first. A machine for aërial navigation such
described, wherein suitable provision is made for steadying the machine during its
descent in the air should the action of the propellers cease, substantially as herein-
before described.
Thirty-second. The combination, with the body of the kite or aeroplane, of a
rearward extension or tail which can be set or adjusted for the purpose of steadying
the machine while descending, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference
to Figures 22 and 23 of the drawings.
Thirty-third. The modification of my improved machine for aërial navigation.
wherein employ an adjustable forward extension or bowsprit rudder, with or without
an adjustable rearward extension or fail, substantially as described with reference to
Figures 22 and 23 of the drawings for the purposes above specified.
Thirty-fourth. The modification of my improved machine for aerial navigation.
wherein I employ a rudder arranged in rear of the propellers, substantially as described
with reference to Figure 24 of the drawings.
Thirty-fifth. The improved machine constructed substantially as described with
reference to Figures 1 to 17 of the accompanying drawings and operating as, and for
the purposes, above specified.
1000