IMPROVE- MENTS IN AND RELATING TO APPARATUS FOR AERIAL NAVIGATION, WHICH ADDITCARLE TO OTHER PURPOSES" TIENDAVANTO ADE DADEL V
Year: 1883

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Benjamin Waddy Maughan of Cheapside, in the City of
London Gas and Water Engineer, and Samuel Danks Waddy of Finsbury
Park in the County of Middlesex Gentleman for an Invention of "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN AND RELATING TO APPARATUS FOR AERIAL NAVIGATION, WHICH
ADDITCARLE TO OTHER PURPOSES"
TIENDAVANTO ADE DADEL V
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Benjamin Waddy Maughan
and Samuel Danks Waddy at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on
the 27th March 1883.
i
BENJAMIN WADDY MAUGHAN of Cheapside, in the City of London; Gas and
Water Engineer, and SAMUEL DANks Waddy, of Finsbury Park, in the County
of Middlesex, Gentleman "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO APPARATUS FOR
AERIAL NAVIGATION, WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE PARTLY APPLICABLE TO OTHER
PURPOSES."
Our invention relates to aerial machines and to an improved, motor or engine
for driving the same, which motor is also applicable for other purposes."
Aerial machines constructed on our system are not limited to the two motions
of ascending and descending but their course can be directed or varied at the will
of the aeronaut and irrespective of the motions of the air. For the purpose of
raising our said machine we use in combination with the said motor fans or
propellers which are preferably such as described in the specification of former
Letters Patent granted to us No 4585 dated September 27. A.D. 1882.
The said machines are so constructed that their weight carrying power can be
increased or diminished according to their size, and according to the number and
size of their propellers or fans, but without interfering with the power of the
aeronaut to direct or control the machine
The fans may be driven and the aerial or other machines may be worked by an
appropriate force. In many cases steam will be found the most convenient. In
others electricity may be profitably employed or other well known methods of

page_text: producing power. For the purpose of aerostation we prefer to employ a motive
power capable of being produced instantaneously and of being developed con-
tinuously at a definite rate capable of regulation, and of being produced from
materials of light weight and by machinery which shall not be so heavy and
cumbrous as to prevent the machine ascending. We employ a mode of producing
power which meets these requirements and is specially fitted for aerostation; but
it is also adapted for the creation of a rapid and continuous force in other machines
for either locomotive or stationary purposes and can be used by a proper arrange-
ment of the machinery instead of steam atmospheric or hydraulic pressure or any
other motive power at present applied to machinery.
The force we select is that produced from explosive materials. There are
several explosives in common use and any materials in a solid, liquid or gaseous
condition which though non-explosive separately may become explosive by
combination, may be employed if suitable modifications be made in the machinery
in accordance with their respective rapidity of ignition and expansive force. The
explosive which we prefer to use. is gunpowder. The ease with which by altering
the proportions of its constituents, or by pressing it into a solid form or by the
admixture of various, ingredients it can be caused either to explode slowly or
suddenly renders it particularly suitable for our purpose.
The force of gunpowder is non-existent until the moment of ignition then
simultaneously with its coming into existence the force operates with full effect
directly upon the air, through the medium of the mechanical arrangements
hereinafter described. This force is exerted in every direction according to the law
of fluids under pressure.. We make it act or drive in two opposite directions
simultaneously, and we resolve. these contrary motions into equal effectiveness
upon the air or water for the purpose of flight or motion as hereinafter described.
We effect or build a mechanical arrangement upon an axis or shaft which is
composed of metal or other suitable material or materials and may be either a solid
rod or tube; if a metal tube be used it may be packed with. a light rigid material
which will not wrinkle or bend.
It is desirable to study lightness of construction as much as possible, but the
force we employ is such as to render too close an observance of lightness of con-
struction. unnecessary, consequently a sufficient margin to secure safety can be
every where allowed.
'
We sometimes remove from the aforesaid axis or shaft, which for future
convenience we will designate the central shaft, any superfluous weight by
forming it in holes or slots, or in any other suitable manner. This central shaft,
whatever may be its relative. position to other natural objects, maintains always
the same relative position to all parts of the machine. It is not intended to
revolve but as it is liable to do so we may provide means by which we can control
and render relatively motionless this central shaft, so that we may for the purpose
of this description consider it to be, relatively to the other principal portions of the
machine, at rest. Our next object is to produce a 'circular or circumferential
motion having the said central shaft as its centre or axis, and to do this directly
and not indirectly and thus to avoid all unnecessary intermediate parts. To effect
this result we employ two toothed rings or ring wheels so arranged with regard
to the central shaft as to revolve around it in opposite directions, the transverse
sections of these wheels when placed together in their proper position in the
machine have the form of a channel which may be entirely in either wheel or
partly in both. To one of these ring wheels we attach a movable valve fitted to
the aforesaid channel, and arranged and operated so as to alternately close and
open the channel.
The said valve is attached to either one of the said ring wheels; in the other
wheel is a projection or abutment so formed and arranged as to fill or fit the afore-
said channel and allow the said valve to be lifted and pass over it when the two
ring wheels are moving in opposite directions, and after passing from one side to
the other side of the abutment, to drop immediately and close the channel, so as to

page_text: form temporarily an enclosed space of the smallest possible size for the operation
of the force generated by the explosion simultaneously with its generation.
The said projection or abutment is secured in its proper position in the lower
ring wheel or it may be part of the said ring wheel. For convenience in manu-
facture and to enable the channel to be.accurately turned we prefer to make the
said abutment separately and to afterwards fit and secure it in the aforesaid
channel.
The aforesaid two ring wheels we term the power wheels.
Assuming the machine to be arranged for aerial navigation and to be at rest
with the central shaft in a vertical position, we prefer to place the movable valve
above referred to in the upper power wheel, and the abutment in the lower wheel.
But if desirable we put the valve in the lower power wheel and the abutment in
the upper power wheel.
'
We will however in the following description assume that the valve is in the
upper wheel. It is practicable to arrange the valve and abutment in such manner
relatively to the other parts of the apparatus, that the motion of the two power
wheels shall be reversible, but we do not consider this arrangement to be desirable,
in the case of an aerial machine, as the reversing gear and arrangement would only
entail extra weight. But in large aerial machines and in combinations of the said
aerial machines hereinafter to be described it may in some cases be desirable
to provide such reversing gear.
We will in the following description which refers more especially to an aerial
machine assume the central shaft to be vertical, and will term the upper end of the
centre shaft, that is to say, the end furthermost from the earth, the upper end of
the said shaft, and we will assume that the upper power wheel moves from right
to left, and that the lower power wheel moves from left to right, the aforesaid
abutment being in the lower power wheel and moving with it from left to right
and the aforesaid valve being in the upper power wheel and moving with it from
right to left. As before stated this abutinent and valve are so arranged that the
one can pass the other. On the right hand side of the abutment and just at its
foot is a perforation or vent of convenient shape and size. As the two wheels
move in opposite directions the abutment will meet the valve and in passing it
will raise the same into a recess provided for the purpose. The valve then either
by its own weight or by the force of the explosion which occurs, or by the aid of a
spring or any combination of these forces, is caused to descend and enclose part of
the channel between it and the said abutment. The explosion taking place at the
moment of time when both valve and abutment first enclose between them a space;
and, as it is arranged that the expansive gases shall have no other vent or escape,
they necessarily simultaneously act on the abutment and valve driving the two ring
or power wheels in opposite directions, the residue of the explosion escapes out of
the aforesaid vent or perforation at the foot of the right hand side of the abutment..
Each time the valve and abutinent come into proper position an explosion takes
place. But it is obvious that the employment of one valve and abutment would
not produce a uniform or regular motion of the two power-wheels, and if two
valves and two abutments are so placed that the explosions occur at two points in
the diameter of the circle at the same time, this will not remove the difficulty,
neither will the provision of three pairs or four pairs of any equal number of valves
and abutments so arranged that the explosions occur simultaneously, without the
use of a fly wheel to equalize the motion. But we overcome this difficulty by
using such numbers of valves and abutments that the successive explosions take
place at such intervals and with such regular force, as to maintain a practically
uniform motion throughout the revolution of the wheels. For instance, if we have
three abutments and two valves and suppose the power-wheel having the abutments
to be stationary, each valve during the complete revolution of the other wheel
passes three abutments, and as there is an explosion every time a valve passes an
abutment there will consequently be six explosions, but as the upper and lower
power-wheels rotate simultaneously in opposite directions, we obtain six explosions
.

page_text: •
.
by the complete revolution of one wheel and six explosions by the complete
revolution of the other wheel. So that during the complete revolution of
either wheel there are twelve explosions, but on account of the unequal number
of valves and abutments, no two explosions can take place at one time. In
this and the following cases the effective power of any explosion is not exhausted
before another takes place. If we have four abutments and three valves we
obtain twenty four successive explosions, and if we have five abutments and
four valves we obtain forty successive explosions during the complete revolution of
either wheel, and so on.. One of the results of such numbers of successive explosions
is, that a force resides in the wheels many times superior to the force generated by
any one explosion; moreover as the power residing in the two power-wheels is
exerted upon the air as directly as possible, a regulating effect equal to that of a
fly wheel without its unnecessary weight is obtained.
But the above is not the only mode of producing regularity of motion in the
power wheels. We have hitherto assumed that only one discharge occurs between
each valve and abutment, but assuming that, instead of causing one discharge in
each temporary space enclosed between the valve and abutment, we provide for
two successive discharges between the said valve and abutment as they move
away from each other. It is clear that at the moment of the second discharge
there is a larger enclosed space than at the first discharge; assuming again that
the two discharges are equal in quantity the second explosion taking place in a
larger space does not exercise a force equal to that produced by the first explosion,
although nominally the forces are the same, and what is true in the case of the
second explosion applies to a third or more successive explosions. We may also
vary the constituents of the explosive materials for the purpose of either
lengthening or shortening the time occupied in the ignition of explosion, and
thereby obtain regularity of motion and prevent undue wear and tear of the
machine, while obtaining the greatest. effect from the explosive material.
Moreover the abutments may exceed by any number the number of the valves,
let it be assumed for instance that we have four abutments and two valves, if the
abutments are equidistant from each other in the lower power-wheel and the valves
are equidistant in the upper power-wheel, the explosions must occur simultaneously.
in pairs, but this arrangement is not conductive to regularity of motion. Or
assuming that two valves and five abutments are employed (an arrangement which
would be practicable and better than that last described), the mechanism for
supplying the successive portions of explosive material must have its relative speed
of operation proportionately increased.
It is obvious that if desired we may have two or more channels and series of
valves and abutments in each pair of power-wheels.
'
We will now proceed to explain the means we employ for introducing and
exploding the gunpowder or other material at the proper time, that is to say, at
the moment the valve has passed the abutment. For this purpose we use a device
which we term the exploding or firing machine. The charges enclosed in &
casing as hereinafter described are carried by a suitable chain for the purpose of
being regularly and successively supplied to the exploding machine. There are
other modes by which the exploding machine may be fed but we prefer a chain.
The importance and reliability in all parts of our machine can scarcely be
exaggerated, but there is a mode of preventing an accident of a sudden character in
mid air. That is to say by dividing as may be desirable the entire force employed,
so that an accident shall effect one part of a machine only leaving the remaining
part or parts free to continue working. This principle can be indefinitely extended
so that security can be relied upon for the aeronaut or engineer and passengers,
even while crossing the ocean.
There are several modes by which a charge of gunpowder may be exploded, for
instance by the ordinary percussion cap, or by such devices as are used in breech
loading fire arms, but we prefer the device we will now proceed to describe. Each
portion of gunpowder intended to be used as a charge is compressed into the form

page_text: of a small cylinder. If it is desired to render the gunpowder very hard, the
addition of isinglass or gelatine or the like before submitting it to pressure will
accomplish this object. The said cylinders of gunpowder should be of equal dryness.
For the purpose of readily exploding these cylinders we adopt a contrivance
similar to that of a match, to which one composition is applied and which will
ignite only on a surface covered or prepared with another composition. It is well
understood that neither of these compositions will fire separately, but that. when
they are brought into frictional contact their ignition is the instant result. Having
selected the pair of compositions we intend to employ we dip the end of the
cylinder of gunpowder into one of the compositions, in the same manner as if it
were intended to be a match, or we paint the composition round the end of the.
said cylinder, and we place the other composition in a tube of suitable size and
material. The cylinder of gunpowder is then placed in the tube with the match
end upward, so that the two compositions are not in contact. Inside the said
tube above and below the gunpowder we fit a flat circular cake or disc of black
lead or other suitable material, which serves the double purpose of a lubricant and
a non-conductor of heat, for preserving the gunpowder from accidental explosion
by sparks or otherwise. As a preservative against damp à coating of wax or
other suitable material is applied. The said tube is composed of paper, papier
maché, ebonite, vulcanized fibre, wood, or any other suitable material.
divided longitudinally so that when the plunger of the exploding or firing machine
drives the explosive cylinder through and out of it the tube may slightly open, to
permit this action, it is obvious that the striking or driving of the gunpowder
tipped with the composition as aforesaid through the cylinder having the other
composition as aforesaid must ignite the gunpowder. We may however adopt
other modes of accomplishing this object.
It is
The said exploding machine is constructed to draw the chain forward, so that
each cylinder may be brought successively exactly under the plunger; after the
plunger has struck out the cylinder it rises; before the plunger has risen sufficiently
to permit the escape of the gas or gases through the vent, a slide passes across the
lower portion of the perforation from which the plunger is rising, thus preventing
the escape in that direction of the gas and force generated. Just before the
plunger is about to strike the next charge the slide moves out of the way. This
operation will be repeated until the machine is stopped or the feed chain is
exhausted. Our exploding or firing machine is worked through the medium of
toothed wheels driven by teeth upon the inner periphery of the lower power-wheel,
the said wheels having such relative diameters as to fire a cartridge immediately
each valve has passed an abutinent: the exploding or firing machine itself is
fixed upon the upper power-wheel. As the use of a single firing machine would
of necessity cause irregularity in the movements of the two power-wheels, two or
more of these machines are evidently requisite.
It will be obvious from the above description that the power-wheels are attached
to the central shaft, and are so arranged as to afford space for the drums holding
the feed chain, and for the drums used to wind up the empty or discharged chain,
to revolve around the centre shaft with the upper power-wheel. We provide one
pair of drums to each firing machine and each pair will work independently of the
other drums. The drums are readily removable from the machine and replaced
by others. The upper or feeding drum is filled with the charged chain which is
led over suitable pulleys to the exploding machine, which pulls the chain through
it automatically; this drum has a light brake or other arrangement to keep the
chain taut. The feeding drum gives motion to the lower or winding up drum; an
automatic apparatus winds the discharged chain in a regular manter upon it... The
whole of this mechanism revolves round the central shaft, as herein before described,
with the upper power wheel.
We will now proceed to describe the general construction of our aerial machine;
upon the central shaft we place three or more frames (which we hereinafter term
steadying frames), by preference principally of wood, for carrying bearings in

page_text: which the propeller shafts revolve. These frames are fixed firmly to the centre
shaft, not being intended to revolve upon it, and are united one to the other by
pieces preferably of wood which I hereinafter term uprights, so that the strength
of each steadying frame may be increased by its connections with the others.
These uprights not only strengthen the steadying frames, but afford means for
fixing firmly another piece formed by preference chiefly of wood which I term a ring
frame. This ring frame contains the toothed wheels and other parts necessary for
supporting and driving the propeller shafts, and is therefore so placed, that the
power wheels can run within it and gear into the said toothed wheels. In a small
aerial machine constructed according to our invention, it is necessary in order to
obtain the required speed, and to prevent excessive leverage by the air against the
power, to arrange intermediate mechanism between the power wheels and the
propeller shafts, but in large machines we prefer to construct the power wheels of
sufficient size to drive the propeller shafts at the requisite speed without
intermediate gearing.
We provide for starting the machine by a simple arrangement of toothed wheels
gearing into the power wheels and connected by an intermediate wheel provided
with a handle, the turning of which intermediate wheel readily starts the machine,
a brake supplies means for reducing the speed of or stopping the machine; or we
may effect this object by feathering or adjusting the propellers so as to bring them
broadside to the air. For facilitating the stopping of the machine we provide in
one of the power wheels a series of ports or apertures furnished with slides or
covers, which can be readily opened to allow the gases of the explosions to escape
into the atmosphere.
To the lower end of the said central shaft is affixed by a strong india-rubber or
other universal joint, a car which may be .constructed and arranged according to
convenience to carry passengers and the engineer or engineers; the latter must be
within easy reach of the handles or hand wheel for controlling the feathering
mechanism, the starting and brake apparatus, and other controlling devices.
To counteract any tendency which may exist for the central shaft to turn with
either of the power wheels we sometimes provide screws or other devices whereby
we may regulate the friction of the shaft with either of the bosses or bearings
of the said wheels as required, or we provide other simple devices for this purpose.
To enable the machine to stand conveniently upon the ground three or more
rods preferably of wood are fitted to the aforesaid uprights, but sufficiently far
from the car to prevent their interference with its movements.
These supports
are adjustable to shorten or lengthen themselves automatically, so that the machine
if necessary may alight upon the side of a hill and yet inaintain its vertical
position. Springs or equivalent means are sometimes used to prevent jarring or
concussion in alighting.
The aforesaid brake gear is sometimes so arranged that it can be applied
instead of the devices above described to either of the power wheels in such manner
as to regulate or prevent the revolution of the centre shaft.
Assuming that there are eight propeller shafts we prefer to drive four in one
direction by the upper power-wheel and the other four in the opposite direction
by the lower power-wheel so that the current of air produced by any propeller
is driven against the propellers on either side thus greatly increasing their power.
The propellers nearest one another move in opposite directions.
It is obvious that such a number of these machines may be attached to a suitable
platform or deck that one or more of them might be stopped to receive a fresh
charge of ammunition without descending thus enabling a considerable distance to
be traversed without resource to a base of supplies.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Benjamin Waddy Maughan and Samuel Danks Waddy in the
Great Seal Patent Office on the 27th September 1883.
BENJAMIN WADDY MAUGHAN, of Cheapside, in the City of London, Gas and
Water Engineer, and SAMUEL DANKS WADDY, of Finsbury Park, in the County of
Middlesex, Gentleman "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO APPARATUS FOR
AËRIAL NAVIGATION, WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE PARTLY APPLICABLE TO OTHER
PURPOSES"
Our invention relates chiefly to apparatus for aërial navigation and comprises a
motor or engine for driving the fans or propellers of an aërial machine, which motor
or engine is also applicable for other purposes.
The main object of our said invention is to provide a motor which will be of
comparatively light weight and small bulk in proportion to its power, and will,
therefore, be especially adapted for aërial navigation.
We incorporate with, or embody in the construction of, an aërial machine our
improved motor, and we provide the said machine with fans or propellers, preferably
similar to those described in the specification of our former Letters Patent dated
September 27th A.D. 1882, N° 4585. These fans or propellers are so arranged in
combination with the said motor that one half, or nearly one half, of the said fans
or propellers, and the machinery for operating them, will be caused to rotate in one.
direction and the remainder in the opposite direction, so as to provide against the
entire machine rotating and to afford by the reaction of the forces one against the
other, a fulcrum or base otherwise unattainable.
We employ in our apparatus a motive power which can be produced instan-
taneously and be developed continuously at a definite rate capable of regulation,
and which can be produced from materials of light weight and will enable us to
employ machinery that will not be so heavy and cumbrous as to prevent the ascent
of the aërial machine. The mode herein described of producing power is especially
adapted for aerostation, but can also be employed, instead of steam, atmospheric,
or hydraulic pressure, for other purposes where a rapid and continuous development
of force is required.
The motive power which we employ is that obtained from explosive materials.
There are numerous explosives in common use, and any materials (in a solid; liquid,
or gaseous condition) which though non-explosive separately may become explosive
by combination, may be employed, if suitable modifications be made in the
machinery in accordance with their respective rapidity of ignition and expansive
force. The explosive which we prefer to use is gunpowder. The ease with which,
by altering the proportions of its constituents, or by pressing it into a solid form,
or by the admixture of various ingredients, this material can be caused to explode
either slowly or suddenly, renders it particularly suitable for our purpose.
The force of gunpowder is not developed until the moment of ignition; then,
simultaneously with its development, the said force operates with full effect. We
utilize this force through the medium of the mechanism hereinafter described.
This force is exerted in every direction according to the law of fluids under
pressure, but we preferably so construct the mechanism that the said force will
act to produce motion in two opposite directions simultaneously, and we resolve
these contrary motions into equal effectiveness for flight or for other purposes as
hereinafter described.
In making an aërial machine it is desirable to study lightness of construction as
much as possible, but the motive power we employ is such as to render too close

page_text: an observance of this condition unnecessary, consequently a sumcient margin
ensure safety can be allowed.
Our said invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which
Figure 1 is a plan of our improved motor.
Figure 2 is an elevation of the same drawn to a smaller scale, some of the parts
being removed.
Figure 3 is a plan showing a cartridge-firing. machine attached to the upper
annular wheel of the said motor.
Figure 4, is a front elevation of the same, showing in vertical section parts of the
upper and lower annular wheels.
Figure 5 is an end elevation of the said machine, showing in vertical transverse
section a portion of the two wheels and a socket to which one arm of the frame
supporting them. is attached.
i
Figure 6 is a plan of parts of the said wheels, showing a valve and also the
means for preventing the said wheels from being separated by the force of an
explosion.
Figures 7, 8, 9 and 10 each show in plan and elevation one form of chain for
holding the cartridges.
Figure 11 is an elevation of the mechanism for starting the motor and for
applying the brake to the same, also showing a wheel, gearing with one of the said
annular wheels, whereby power may be transmitted to a shaft.
Figure 12 is a plan of the same.
Figure 13 is a section of parts of the annular wheels, showing a slide for
permitting the escape into the air of the gases generated by the explosion, when
it is desired to stop the motor.
Figure 14 is a transverse section through the said slide.
Figure 15 is a plan showing the said slide and a catch by means of which it can
be operated, and
Figure 16 is a plan of our improved aërial machine.
Figures 3 to 15 inclusive are all drawn to an enlarged scale
Like letters indicate the same parts throughout the drawings.
A is a central shaft which is composed of metal or other suitable material or
materials, and which may be either solid or tubular; if. a metal tube is used
it may be packed or filled with a light rigid material which will not wrinkle
or bend.
We sometimes remove from the said shaft any superfluous weight by forming
holes or slots therein, or we accomplish this result in some other suitable manner.
This central shaft is supported. in a suitable frame and always maintains the same
position relatively to the other parts of the machine. It is not intended to revolve,
but as it is liable to do so, we sometimes provide means whereby we can control it
and render it relatively motionless..
In order to obtain a circular or circumferential motion around the said shaft as
a centre, and at the same time to avoid all unnecessary intermediate parts, we
employ two annular gear-wheels B, C, so arranged as to revolve around the said
central shaft in opposite directions.
The wheel B is carried by the frame b and is arranged to rotate therewith in one
direction upon the central shaft A. The wheel C rests upon the wheel B and is
arranged to rotate thereon in the opposite direction.
The frame b¹ is carried by the wheel C and is provided with a number of arms 6ª
which extend radially for a short distance from a hub 63 surrounding the shaft A,
and which are then bifurcated as shown in Figure I and carry bearings b* for the
axles of the drums 65 hereinafter described. A number of bars be are attached to
the arms b2 and extend downwards and carry other drums 67 also hereinafter
described. The drums b' therefore revolve with the frame 1 and wheel C, in an
opposite direction to the frame b and the wheel B as hereinafter explained.
The wheels B, C are made in the form of rings, that is to say, without spokes.
The wheel C.is provided with teeth on its outer periphery and the wheel B is

page_text: provided with teeth g' on its outer periphery and with bevel teeth g² on its inner
periphery, the wheel C revolves in a-channel or groove in the wheel B as shown.
These wheels, when placed together in their proper position in the machine, should
have a channel between them. This channel may be formed entirely in either
wheel or partly in both.
In the apparatus shown in the drawings, the wheel B is made with the channel g³
in which are fixed the abutments g' as shown in Figure 4. To the under side of
the channel g³ are fixed the sockets go to receive. the arms of the frame b, which
revolves with the wheel B.
In the wheel C are arranged a number of valves gf corresponding with the
number of the firing machines, hereinafter described; the said valves are of such
shape that they exactly fit the channel 93. Each valve g6 is carried by a pin g² to
which is attached one end of a spiral spring gs. This spring surrounds the said pin,
and the other end of it is secured to the valve, so, that when the latter, in its
rotation, strikes against the abutment g' and passes over it, the said valve will
immediately be caused, by its own weight assisted by the said spring, to assume the
position shown in Figure 4.
The said projection or abutment 9' may either be secured in its proper position
in the wheel B or it may form part of the said wheel. For convenience in manu-
facture, and to enable, the channel to be accurately turned, we prefer to make the
said abutment separately and to afterwards fit and secure it in the said channel.
It is practicable to so arrange the said valve and abutment relatively to the
other parts of the apparatus that the motion of the two annular wheels shall be
reversible, but we do not consider this arrangement to be generally desirable in the
case of an aerial machine, as the reversing gear would entail extra weight. But in
large aërial machines it may, in some instances, be desirable to provide such
reversing gear.
The explosion is arranged to take place at the moment when the said valve and'
abutment first enclose a space between them, and as the expansive gases have no
vent or escape, they simultaneously act on the abutment and valve, thereby driving
the two wheels B. C. in opposite directions. But it is obvious that the employment
of one valve and abutment would not produce a uniform or regular motion of the
two wheels, and this difficulty will not be overcome by the employment of two
valves and two abutments so placed that the explosions occur simultaneously at
two opposite points, nor by the provision of three, or four pairs or any equal
number of valves and abutments, so arranged that the explosions occur simul-
taneously, without the use of a fly-wheel to equalize the motion. But we overcome
this difficulty by using such numbers of, and so arranging, the valves and abut-
ments, that the explosions take place successively or consecutively at suitable
intervals, and with regular force, so as to maintain a practically uniform motion
throughout the revolution of the wheels. For instance, assuming that we employ
three abutments and two valves and that the wheel having the abutments is
stationary, each valve during the complete revolution of the other wheel will pass
three abutments, and as there is an explosion every time a valve passes an abutment
there will consequently be six explosions, but as the upper and lower annular
wheels rotate simultaneously in opposite directions, we obtain six explosions by
the complete revolution of one wheel and six explosions by the complete revolution
of the other wheel, so that during the complete revolution of the said wheel there
are twelve explosions; but, by reason of the unequal number of valves and
abutments, no two explosions can take place simultaneously. In this and the
following cases the effective power of one explosion is not exhausted before another
explosion takes place. If we have four abutments and three valves we obtain
twenty four successive explosions, and if we have five abutments and four valves
we obtain forty successive explosions, during the complete revolution of either
wheel, and so on. One of the results of employing, such numbers of successive
explosions is, that a force resides in the wheels many times superior to the force
generated by any one explosion; moreover as the power residing in the two wheels
•

page_text: is exerted as directly as possible, a regulating effect equal to that of a fly-wheel,
without its unnecessary weight, is obtained.
But regularity of motion of the wheels can be produced otherwise than above
described. We have hitherto assumed that only one discharge occurs between each
valve and abutment, but in some cases, instead of causing one discharge in each
temporary space enclosed between the valve and abutment, we provide for two or
more successive but weaker discharges between the said valve and abutment as
they move away from each other. It is clear that the larger the space in which a
specified amount of the gunpowder or other material is exploded, the less will be
its effect, and we take advantage of this fact if necessary in providing additional
assistance to the production of uniformity of motion. We also in some instances
vary the constituents of the explosive material for the purpose of either lengthening
or shortening the time occupied in the explosion, and thereby obtain regularity of
motion and prevent undue wear and tear of the machine while obtaining the
greatest effect froin the said explosive material.
Moreover the abutments may exceed by any number the number of the valves,
let it be assumed for instance that we have four abutments and two valves, if the.
abutments are equidistant from each other in the lower wheel and the valves are.
equidistant in the upper wheel the explosions must occur simultaneously in pairs,
but this arrangement is not conducive to regularity of motion. Or assuming that
two valves and five abutments are employed (an arrangement which would be
practicable and better than that last described) the mechanism for supplying the
successive portions of the explosive material must have its relative speed of
operation proportionately increased.
:
It is obvious that, if desired, we may have two or more channels and series of
valves and abutments in each pair of wheels B, C.
There
We will now proceed to explain the means we employ for introducing and
exploding the gunpowder or other material at the proper time, that is to say, at the
moment the valve has passed the abutment. For this purpose we use a device
which we term the exploding or firing machine. The charges are carried by a
suitable chain for the purpose of being regularly and successively supplied to the
exploding machine and are enclosed in a casing as hereinafter described.
are other modes by which the exploding machine may be fed, but we prefer to use
a chain as the importance of reliability in our machine can scarcely be exaggerated.
To provide against accidents to the entire machine we divide, as may be desirable,
the force employed, so that an accident shall affect only one part of the machine,
leaving the remaining part or parts free to continue working. "We refer here more
especially to the arrangement, by which each firing machine and its supply of
explosive material is kept separate from and independent of the other firing
machines, so that should it cease firing the others are in no way affected.
principle can be indefinitely extended so that the security of our apparatus can be
relied upon for the aeronaut or engineer and passengers, even while crossing the
ocean.
This
A charge of gunpowder may be exploded in various manners, for instance by
the ordinary percussion cap or by such devices as are used in breech-loading fire-
arms, but we prefer to employ the device which we will now proceed to describe.
The quantity of gun-powder intended to be used as a charge is, according to our
invention, compressed into the form of a small cylinder. If it is desired to
render the gunpowder very hard, isinglass, gelatine or the like is added thereto,
before subjecting it to pressure. The said cylinders of gunpowder should be of
equal dryness.
For the purpose of readily exploding these cylinders, we adopt means similar to
those employed for effecting the ignition of a lucifer match of that kind in which
a composition is applied to one end of the wood, which composition will ignite ouly
when rubbed on a surface covered or prepared with another composition. It is well
understood that neither of these compositions will ignite separately, but that when
they are brought into frictional contact the ignition of the substance on the match

page_text: is the instant result. Having selected the pair of compositions which we intend to
employ, we dip one end of the cylinder of gunpowder into one of the said compo-
sitions or we paint the end of the cylinder with the said composition; and wo
place in a tube of suitable size and material a layer of the other composition. The
cylinder of gunpowder is then so placed in the said tube that the two compositions
are not in contact. Inside the said tube, above and below the gunpowder, we fit
a flat circular cake or disc of black-lead or other suitable material which serves the
purposes of a lubricant and a non conductor of heat and also for preserving the
gunpowder from accidental explosion by sparks or otherwise. As a preservative
against damp, a coating of wax or other suitable material is applied. The said
tube is composed of paper, papier naché, ebonite, vulcanized fibre, wood or any
other suitable material. It is divided longitudinally so that, when the plunger of
the exploding or firing machine hereinafter described drives the explosive cylinder
through and out of it, the tube may slightly open to permit this action. It is
obvious that the striking or driving of the cylinder of gunpowder (tipped with the
composition as aforesaid) through the tube having the other composition within it
must ignite the gunpowder. We may, however, adopt other modes of accomplishing
this result.
The said exploding or firing machine is constructed in such a manner as to draw
the chain of cartridges forward, so that the said cartridges may be brought
successively exactly under the plunger.
As the use of a single firing machine would of necessity cause irregularity in the
movements of the two wheels, two or more of these machines are evidently
requisite.
Each firing machine is constructed as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5 and has a
frame h which carries the bevel wheel mounted upon a short shaft; this wheel
gears with the wheel 2 which is mounted on a shaft carrying the wheel ³ and
supported in the bracket * secured to the wheel C. The wheel h³ gears with the
bevel teeth g of the wheel B, and transmits motion to the wheel through the
wheel h²
The wheel is fixed on a shaft and carries a cam h*; a roller bears upon
the outer surface and a roller ³ bears upon the inner surface of this cam. The
rollers h, are attached to a slide hand the roller is made adjustable
relatively to the roller * by the screw 7. To this slide he is fixed the rod h
sliding in guides h and connected to the lever h10 which is pivotted at h" to the
frame h. The free end 12 of the said lever enters a slot in the upper end of the
plunger 13 When the roller h¹ begins to rise on the cam *, the plunger 13
begins to descend in order to force a cylinder of gunpowder out of one of the tubes.
forming the links of the chain hereinafter described, into the space h¹ between the
abutment and the valve g. As the cam * moves forward in the direction of
the arrow Figure 5, the plunger 3 is withdrawn by the roller 5 which is acted
upon by the inner surface of the said cam. When the plunger h¹³, is at its lowest
point, after the firing of a cartridge, its end enters the aperture 1 and prevents
the gases from escaping through the latter. When the plunger begins to rise, a
can ho having a groove h7 acts upon a roller 18 which runs in the said groove,
and draws forward the slide 10 and thereby closes the aperture h¹³ and prevents
the escape of gases as the plunger continues to rise. Just before the said plunger
strikes the next cartridge, the said slide is moved back to open the said aperture.
Attached to the outer end of the slide he is a bar 20 which actuates a slide h!.
The end of the said slide enters the channel-way through which the chain
passes and which has a rectangular form as shewn, so as to bring each link of the
chain exactly beneath the plunger.
To move the chain forward, the hook is used. The said hook is actuated as
follows, that is to say, upon the cam 10 is screwed, or otherwise secured, the
projecting piece h25; as the cam 10 revolves, the said projection bears against the
lever which is made adjustable to alter its throw if necessary, and which is
pivotted at one end to an arm 27 attached to the frame h, and at the other end

page_text: 1
engages with the shank of the hook: As the lever 2 is pushed forward, the hook
'travels with it. Just before the projection 25 pushes forward the lever ha
'spiral cain-face 28, arranged within the cam 10 as shewn in Figure 5, comes into
contact with a projection 2 and pushes the hook into the channel-way 23 and
between two links of the chain, and holds it there until the cam 25 has pulled the
chain one link forward, the cams and levers being suitably arranged for that
purpose. Immediately the chain has been thus moved, the gripper 22 is brought
to bear upon it, to hold it in position while the plunger descends. While this
is taking place and during the further rotation of the cam 16, another cam 30 also
arranged spirally within the cam 10 engages at the rear with the projection 29
and brings the hook from between the links of the chain and draws it back
from the position shewn in dotted lines in Figure 3 to its normal position.
As the cylinder of gunpowder is forced into the chamber by the-plunger 13
it is fired by reason of the substance or composition with, which it is provided
coming into frictional contact with the substance or composition in the tube. A
pressure is thus suddenly created in the space h in the channel g³, which pressure,
acting equally upon the abutment g' and the valve g, causes the wheel B to move
to the right and the wheel C to move to the left. The pressure continues to act
but with a constantly decreasing force as the space between the valve and abutment
increases, until the valve g comes into contact with the side 10 of the next
abutment in the channel, when it begins to rise and continues to do so until it
has passed the said abutment, it is then immediately brought back into position
by the spring gs. When the valve rises upon the abutment g', it exposes the
opening in the bottom of the channel, thereby permitting the escape of any
gases that may remain in the said channel. The said openings g₁ also allow the
succeeding valve to clear the channel of the products of combustion resulting from
the last explosion therein; and to prevent any back pressure from retarding the
movements of the wheels.
To prevent the annular wheels from being separated by the force of the
explosions, the plates g12, Figures 3 and 5, are fixed, by means of screws upon the
wheel B and project over a flange or similar part of the wheel C.
Various forms of the chain in which the cartridges are contained are shown in
Figures 7, 8, and 10. In the form shewn in Figure 7, the small metal tubes e
are cut or slit at one side to allow them to expand as the cylinders of gunpowder
are forced out of them; these tubes are fastened together by strips e¹ of linen
or similar material; which strips are rendered fire proof and are sewn together
between the tubes as shown.
In the form shewn in Figure 8, the tubes e are made in a similar manner to
those shewn in Figure 7, but are surrounded by strips e² of wire braid, which
strips are fastened together by eyelets or rivets . In the chain shewn in
Figure 9, which is the form
we prefer to employ, each link is made in two
picces i, i which when placed together form a tube. The two ends of one link
are placed between the two adjacent ends of the next link and the said links
are connected by'a pin or rivet e*.
In the form of chain shewn in Figure 10, the tube e is enlarged near the
centre and upon each side of the enlargement e are placed rings provided
with holes through which other rings are passed to connect the tubes to each
other.
A chain of cartridges is wound upon each of the drums 65 (Figures 1 and 2)
one of which drums is provided for each firing machine. To the axle of each
of the druins 65 is attached a pulley be and to the axle of the lower drum 67 is
attached a smaller pulley 69; the said pulleys are connected by a hand 610 just
tight enough to keep the chain taut without putting any undue strain upon it.
As the chain leaves the drum 65 it passes over the pulley b supported upon
the outer extremity of the frame b₁, thence it passes down and around the
pulley 61 then horizontally through the firing machine and over the pulley b¹³,
thence on to the drum b. The chain, is wound upon the drum b7 with the

page_text: links in an upright position. The drums 6, 67 must be made to run very easily
as they are entirely dependent for their motion upon the hooks h² and the
cams of the firing machines.
In order to start the motor, the apparatus shewn in Figures 11 and 12 is
employed, that is to say, a pinion j is geared with the wheel B and a pinion j¹
is geared with the wheel C; the shafts j¹ of the said pinions have suitable
bearings in the frame, and extend downwards below a lower frame. To the
lower ends of the said shafts are secured the pinions j³ ³, with which gears
the intermediate wheel j provided with a handle which can be removed at
pleasure. By turning the wheel j*, motion is imparted to the wheels B, C in
opposite directions, and this motion is continued until the said wheels have
been moved far enough to cause one or two explosions to take place; the
wheel serves to equalize the speed of the wheels B, C, any tendency to race
on the part of one of the said wheels being communicated to the other wheel.
To the wheel j a spring brake can be applied when necessary.
In this case, the brake is made with a spring jo having somewhat the form of a
bell and split to allow it to expand; this spring bears upon the upper surface of
the wheel which is free to slide up and down upon its shaft 7, the teeth of the
said wheel being made longer than those of the pinions ja to permit this movement.
The shaft is screw-threaded at its lower end and is provided with a hand wheel
or nut by tightening which the wheel j' may be forced against the spring jo, and
the motion of the motor be thereby retarded. Motion may be imparted to the
shaft for driving the fans or propellers of the aërial machine or for other purposes
by means of the wheel to which gears with the wheel C; and a similar shaft and
gear wheel may be driven by the wheel B.
For the purpose of stopping the motor we use an arrangement shewn in
Figures 13, 14 and 15, that is to say, at the bottom of the channel g³ and adjacent
to each abutment a hole or slit k is formed, beneath which is placed a slide k¹
working in guides 3. This slide is provided with a groove k³ on its upper side,
which groove can be placed beneath the said hole when it is required to stop the
motor. To each slide is affixed a projection *, and a catch is suitably arranged
upon the frame which catch can be adjusted to engage with the projection / on
the slide, so that the latter will be drawn forward until the groove k³ is brought
beneath the hole, and the escape of the gases from the said channel will thus be
permitted.
In the arrangement above described the wheels B C are moved simultaneously in
opposite directions, but it is obvious that, if desired, one of the said wheels might
be held stationary and the other wheel be caused to revolve, the power being
transmitted to suitable gearing or the like by means of the teeth on its outer
periphery. This would, however, not be suitable for aërial navigation.
In Figure 16, we have shown an aërial machine so constructed that one half of
the propelling mechanism will be moved in one direction while the other half
thereof is moved in the opposite direction. A represents the shaft of our improved
motor, C the upper annular wheel thereof. The wheel B of the said motor is
situated below the wheel C. c, c' are intermediate gear-wheels; the wheels c gear
with the annular wheel B of the motor and with pinions on the shafts c²; the
wheels c gear with the annular wheel C of the notor and with pinions on the
shafts c. The shafts c², c³ carry the pulleys c, c, which are connected by belts co
with the pulleys c³, c on the shafts c³, c. These shafts carry the propellers c¹, c¹²,
as shown in dotted lines. It will therefore be seen that the wheel B, the inter-
mediate wheels c, the shafts c², the pulleys c, c', the shafts c³ and the propellers cl
will.each be rotated in one direction, whilst the remaining corresponding parts will
be rotated in the opposite direction.
It is obvious that as an additional means of security a number of our improved
motors might be attached to a suitable platform, deck or framework, so that one or
nore of them might be stopped to receive a fresh charge of ammunition without

page_text: descending; this arrangement would also enable a considerable distance to be.
traversed without resource to a base 'of supplies.
Having thus fully described our said invention and the manner of performing
the same we wish it understood that we claim :-
First. An engine or motor constructed with two annular parts or wheels fitted
together and enclosing between them a channel containing valves and abutments,
and arranged substantially as described to be operated by gunpowder or other
explosive material, as, and for the purposes, specified.
Second. In an engine or motor constructed substantially as above described, the
arrangement of valves and abutments in such a manner that no two explosions can
take place simultaneously, substantially as, and for the purpose, set forth.
Third. The exploding or firing machine constructed and operating substantially
as, and for the purpose, set forth.
Fourth. The combination, with the said annular parts or wheels, of any required
number of the said exploding machines, substantially as, and for the purpose,
specified.
Fifth. The method of holding the explosive material and conveying the same to
the firing machine by means of a chain constructed substantially as described and
adapted to hold cylinders or pieces of the said material, as set forth.
Sixth. The method of preparing the cartridges whereby as the pieces of explosive
material are forced from the cases, two substances will be brought into frictional
contact thereby firing the said cartridges, substantially as, and for the purpose, set
forth.
Seventh. In an aërial machine, the arrangement of the propellers and their
operating mechanism in such a manner that one half, or as nearly as practicable
one half, thereof will revolve in the opposite direction to the remainder thereof, for
the purposes above specified.
In witness whereof I the said Benjamin Waddy Maughan for myself and on
behalf of the said Samuel Danks Waddy have hereunto set my hand and seal
this twenty-seventh day of September in the year of Our Lord One thousand eight
hundred and eighty three.
BENJAMIN WADDY MAUGHAN (L.S.)