IMPROVEMENTS IN, AND RELATING TO, APPARATUS FOR AERIAL AND MARINE NAVIGATION, WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE PARTLY APPLICABLE TO OTHER PURPOSES
Year: 1882

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-
:
PROVISIONÁL SPECIFICATION left by the said Benjamin Waddy Maughan;
and Samuel Danks Waddy at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on
the 27th September 1882.
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 AND MARINE NAVIGATION, WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE PARTLY APPLICABLE
TO OTHER PURPOSES"
J
:
1. Y.)
Our invention is applicable to a great number of purposes for which it is required
to act upon, or utilize, atmospheric air, or water, as meaus for obtaining power or.
motion. Amongst other purposes for which it may be used we mention, by way:
of illustration, and not as a complete or exhaustive catalogue, the following
} :
It may be utilized for locomotive machines for travelling in or through the air,
and on, or by, land or water, or it may be used for stationary machines obtaining
their propelling power from the air or from water such as windmills, or water-wheels,'
or turbines.
One purpose to which our invention may be applied is that of travelling with:
rapidity and safety through the air with perfect control and directing power over
the aerial machine.
The numerous and varied attempts at aerostation which have hitherto been made
have all failed in one or more of the following respects
Some have depended on their power to rise from the earth by availing themselves:
of differences in spécific gravity, as in the case of balloons and machines of that
class. The aeronaut here exerts no active influence; he has practically only two!

page_text: motions at his command, he can rise or fall according to the adjustment of the total
specific gravity of his machine, but he is otherwise at the mercy of the wind
without directing or controlling power.
Some flying machines have been constructed from an imperfect study of the
wings of birds and insects, and from mistaken analogies to the modes by which, in
nature, they are worked. In these cases, sails, wings, or flappers of different shapes,
sizes, and arrangements have been used. But no method has been discovered of
applying the motive power requisite to overcome the leverage needed for any
construction like a natural wing, nor has any source of motion been applied
sufficiently light, compact, and powerful. The muscles of man are far too weak to
sustain even his own single weight in the air for any length of time, and the
machinery needed for a steam or other engine is so heavy and must carry such
weight of fuel &c as to make its use practically impossible.
In order to effect the various purposes which we have mentioned in the air on
land, and by water, we have invented the improvements and arrangements which
we shall now describe.
We use a new form of fan, sail, or propeller which in some of the cases above
mentioned exerts a greater power on the air or water through which it is moved,
or in others receives a greater impulse from the currents of air or water which
impinge upon it than any that has been hitherto employed.
We apply the motive power to the propellers without the intervention of such
serious leverage as has hitherto been found fatal to practical utility.
We employ a motive power which can be carried in a form compact and light,
but which can exert immense force both instantaneously and continuously.
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.
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 their motions.
The above inventions and improvements can be used in combination, or separately,
according to the purpose to be effected, the substance on which it is desired to
operate (air or water) or the local circumstances which may affect their application.
We will now proceed to describe in detail our invention which consists of several
distinct parts.
We employ a new form of paddle, sail, propeller or fan for acting upon the
atmospheric air or water, or for being acted upon by the air or water according to
circumstances. For the sake of brevity we hereinafter use the word fan to
describe the improved propeller as herein described, whether it is used for the
purpose of acting on, or being moved by, either water, or atmospheric air.
The fan consists of blades, the number of which varies according to circumstances.
Each blade of the fan is so formed that its surface consists of two planes at an
angle to each other of about 150 degrees, and the fan should be so fixed that if
moving sideways in a horizontal plane from left to right, one of the planes shall
be at a slight angle above the said horizontal plane.
The precise angle at which the two planes of the fan stand relatively to each
other, as also the angle at which the fan is fixed relatively to the said horizontal
plane in which it is hereinbefore supposed to work, may be varied according to the
medium (air or water) in which it is used, and according to the force of the currents
of air which operate upon it.
The principle of bending the fan as herein before described at an angle, and thereby
increasing its power may be applied to the blades of an ordinary screw, or to fans,
paddles, and propellers of various shapes. While we prefer to employ the improved
fans above described, other suitable forms of fans and propellers may be used.
Whether the improved fan as above described be used, or any other fan or propeller
now known, we increase the effect of such fan by roughening the surface acting on

page_text: the air or water, or by providing the same with ridges, ribs, points, grooves, spikes,
rods, or other projections.
Each fan is arranged to work on an axis or shaft to which it is affixed, and which
is hereinafter more specifically described. It is so arranged that the position of the
fan, or of any of the blades, or of either or both of the planes composing the blades,
can be altered at will so as to offer more or less resistance to the air or water or
to alter the incidence of the air or water on the fan and thus to diminish or increase
speed, or obtain a reversed action by a change of the angle of the fan or its blades
or planes to the said horizontal plane.
The fans may be driven, and the aerial or other machines may be worked, by any
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
creating power. For the purpose of aerostation it is indispensible that the motive
power should be capable of being produced instantaneously, of being developed
continuously at a definite rate and a rate capable of regulation, and of being pro-
duced from materials of light weight, and by inachinery which shall not be so heavy
and cumbrous as to overweight the machine.
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 therein by a proper arrangement 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 explosive materials in a
solid or gaseous condition, which though non-explosive separately, may become
explosive by combination, may be used suitable, modifications being made in the
machinery according to the rapidity of ignition and expansive force of the explosive
material used.
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, gunpowder 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 time when
simultaneously with its coming into existence it operates with its full effect directly
upon the air through the medium of the mechanical arrangements hereinafter
described. This force operates 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
We propose
water for the purposes of flight or motion, as hereinafter described.
to build a purely mechanical arrangement upon the foundation of a straight line.
This straight line must have its representative in suitable material or materials,
and may be represented by a solid rod or a tube. We sometimes use a thin tube
of phosphor-bronze, steel, gun metal, or brass, and pack the same 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 construction unnecessary, consequently a sufficient
margin to secure safety can be everywhere allowed.
Returning now to the representative of our foundation straight line which for
future convenience we will designate the central shaft, we remove from it all
unnecessary weight by forming in it 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, though it may turn slowly upon its axis, but we provide an
apparatus by which we can control, and render relatively motionless, this central
shaft so that we may for the purposes of this description consider it to be, relatively

page_text: to the other principal portions of the machine, at rest. Our next object is to
produce a circular or circumferential motion having the said shaft as its centre or
axis, and to do this directly and not indirectly, and thus to avoid 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 is
placed a projection or abutment so formed and arranged as to fit the aforesaid
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 form
temporarily an enclosed space of the smallest practicable 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 and may be regarded as part of the said ring-wheel.. For convenience
in manufacture 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 or motor 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 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 arrangements 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 instances 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 abutment and valve are so arranged that the one
can pass clear of 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 now occurs, or by the aid of
a spring, or any combination of these forces, is caused to descend and close the
channel; the abutment also as before stated closes the channel. The explosion
taking place at the moment of time when both valve and abutment first enclose
between them a space and the gases having no other vent or escape act on the
abutment and valve and simultaneously drive the two wheels in opposite directions,
the air or gas and the residue of the explosion being driven out of the aforesaid vent
or perforation to be at the foot of the right hand side of the abutment. Each time
the valve and abutment come into the proper position. the discharge takes place.

page_text: As, however, the employment of one valve and abutment would not produce a
uniform or regular motion of the two power-wheels, we provide the following
arrangements. We will first assume that 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. These explosions necessarily, increase the irregularity of motion and
the same difficulty would remain if three pairs or four pairs or any number of pairs
of valves and abutments were so arranged. To overcome this difficulty we provide
one abutment in excess of the number of valves, say for instance, we have two
abutments and one valve, which valve is caused to operate twice in a revolution at
the proper times, causing two successive explosions in each revolution of the wheels
and thereby tending to equalise the motion, If we have three abutments, and two
valves, each valve in the revolution of the wheel passes three abutments and there
will be six explosions, but no two explosions can take place at one time, If we
have four abutments and three valves we obtain twelve successive explosions, if we
have five abutments and four valves we obtain twenty successive explosions, and so
on. One of the consequences of the successive explosions is that a force resides in
the wheels many times superior to the force generated by any one explosion;
moreover the whole power residing in the two power-wheels is exerted directly
upon the air or water with a regulating effect equal to that of a fly-wheel without
its unnecessary weight.
- "But the above is not the only mode of producing regularity of motion in the
power-wheels We have hitherto assumed that between the moment of onė
discharge and the moment when the valve reaches the next abutment there is no
further discharge. But assuming that in place of making one discharge in each
temporary space enclosed between the valve and abutment, we provide for two
successive discharges between the said valve and abutments. 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 explosion. We may also vary the constituents of the explosive materials
for the purpose of either lengthening or shortening the time occupied in the ignition
or explosion and thereby obtain regularity of motion and prevent undue wear
and tear in the machine, while obtaining the greatest effect from said explosive
material.
Moreover if we employ more abutments than valves 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 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
explosive material must have its speed of operation proportionately increased.
It is obvious that if desired we may have two or more channels and series of
valves and abutinents 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 viz at the
moment the valve has passed the abutment For this purpose we use a device
which we term the exploding machine. The charges enclosed in the 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 as being
the most reliable.
The importance of reliability in all parts of our machine can scarcely be
exaggerated but there is a mode of preventing an accident of a sudden character

page_text: :
occuring dangerously in mid air that is to say, by dividing the force employed so
that an accident shall affect one part of the machine only leaving the remaining
part or parts free to continue working. This principle can be indefinitely extended
so that perfect 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
leading firearms 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
of a small cylinder. If it is desired to render the gunpowder very hard, the
addition of isinglass or gelatine before submitting it to pressure will accomplish
this object. The said cylinders of gunpowder must be well dried.
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
ignité 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.
We then place the other composition in a tube of suitable size and material
The cylinder of powder 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 as a non
conductor of heat 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 maché ebonite
vulcanized fibre wood or any other suitable material. It is divided longitudinally
so that when the plunger of the exploding 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 other modes of accomplishing this object may be adopted
without departing from the idea.
The said exploding machine is constructed to effect the following objects viz.
first to draw the chain forwards so that each cylinder may be brought successively
under the plunger. The plunger strikes out the exploding cylinder and then rises
before the plunger as 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 machine is worked through the medium of toothed wheels driven
by teeth upon the inside perimeter of the lower power wheel the exploding machine
itself being fixed upon the upper power wheel. As the use of a single exploding
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 exploding 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

page_text: 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 manner
upon it. The whole of this mechanism revolves round the centre. shaft as
hereinbefore described with the upper power wheel:
We will now proceed to describe the general construction of our aerial machine;
at or near the top of the central shaft and also at a point above or close to the
bearing or collar upon which the upper power wheel revolves we place two frames
by preference of wood for carrying bearings in which the propeller shafts revolve:
A similar frame is placed at the lower end of the centre shaft below the collar or
bearings of the lower power wheel, also containing bearings for the propeller shafts.
We term these three frames respectively the upper the middle and the lower steady
frames; each of these is fixed firmly to the centre shaft not being intended to
revolve upon it. These three steady frames are united one to the other by pieces
(preferably of wood, which we hereinafter term battens so that the strength of
each steady frame may be increased by its connections with the others. These
battens not only strengthen the steady frames but afford means for fixing firmly
another piece (formed by preference chiefly of wood) which we 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 gear into them. In a small aerial machine constructed according to our
invention it is necessary in order to obtain the required space 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 the
power wheels should be constructed 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 a rod and wheel with a handle
the turning of which readily starts the engine, a brake wheel upon the rod
supplies means for reducing speed or stopping the machine; or we may effect this
object by feathering or adjusting the propellers so as to bring them broadsidė 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 explosion 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
have within easy reach the handles or hand wheels for controlling the feathering
wheels 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 provide screws or other devices whereby we may
regulate the friction of the shaft with either of the boxes 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 batteus 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 maintain its vertical position.
Springs or equivalent means are 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 four are driven in one direction
by the upper power wheel and the other four are driven in the opposite direction,
so that the current of air or water produced by any propeller is driven against the
:

page_text: propellers on either side thus greatly increasing their power. The propellers
nearest one another move in opposite directions.
A sufficient number of these machines can be attached to a suitable platform or
deck so that one or more of the said machines may be stopped for the purpose of
receiving a fresh charge of fuel or for repairs without descending, thus enabling &
considerable distance to be traversed without reference to a base of supplies.
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 March 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
AERIAL AND MARINE NAVIGATION, WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE PARTLY APPLICABLE
TO OTHER PURPOSES,"
. Our invention is applicable to a great number of purposes for which it is
required to act upon or utilize atmospheric air or water as means for obtaining
power or motion. Amongst other purposes for which it may be used we mention
by way of illustration and not as a complete or exhaustive catalogue the following,
that is to say for locomotive machines for travelling in or through the air, and on
or by land or water, or, for stationary machines obtaining their motive power from
the air or from water, such as windmills, water wheels or turbines.
For these purposes we use a new form of fan or propeller (with blades or vanes
whose surfaces consist of two or more planes inclined to each other), which, in some
of the cases above mentioned, exerts a greater power on the air or water through
which it is moved; or in others receives a greater impulse from the currents of air
or water which impinge upon it, than any other hitherto employed.
Our invention may be best understood by first considering a blade or wing
constructed as proposed by us with only two planes and made to rotate in water.
The blade or wing seen in any part of its transverse section will have an obtuse
V-shape, the inner or concave surfaces are those which act on the fluid. We term
the leading surface, or that which first enters the water the gathering surface, and
the other surface the driving surface; the propeller is so arranged that the
gathering surface is at a slight angle to the plane of the propeller's rotation, and the
driving surface is at a greater angle thereto; the ordinary angle of inclination of
the surfaces to each other is about 150 degrees, but this angle, and also the angle
at which the fan or propeller is fixed relatively to the shaft and to the plane of the
propellers rotation, may be varied according to the medium in which it is used;
the speed at which the propeller is caused to rotate; the power of traction which
it is sought to obtain when the vessel propelled is used as a tug or for similar
purposes; the rapidity of motion which it is sought to obtain for the vessel pro-
pelled, the driving power employed, or the force of the current of air or water
which operates upon it, and which it is proposed to utilize.
These circumstances may also affect the peripheral form and shape of the blade
which may be of any of the forms shown in the drawings or of other forins; the
:

page_text: peripheral shape of the blade being entirely independent of, and unconected with,
the principles of our invention
This principle of construction is also embodied in blades whose surfaces consist
of more than two planes, inclined to each other, and also in blades wherein the two
inclined planes are replaced by a curved surface, so that the transverse section of
the blade taken in any part of its length will be concave on its side which acts on
the fluid, or the blade may have the form of a segment of a hollow sphere or an
approximately similar form.
1
The planes forming the blade may in some cases be replaced by surfaces slightly
curved and inclined to each other in the manner described. We also in some cases
make the propellers or vanes, by combining plane or curved surfaces with inclined
projections. While, as we believe, the most advantageous forms in which our
invention can be applied are those in which the blades of the propeller are not of
a helical or screw form, we have ascertained that an essential feature of our
invention, consisting of the application of the angle or bend in the manner
described, if applied to blades of the ordinary screw or helical form will improve
their efficiency.
We consider it advantageous for many purposes to construct each blade of a
propeller in two parts, and to combine therewith suitable mechanism, whereby the
said blades can be feathered or adjusted, so as, in the case of ships' propellers, to
drive the ship ahead" or "astern" without reversing the engines; or they may be
set in an intermediate or neutral position, so that they will not obstruct the progres;
of the ship or vessel when under sail. If desired each blade is made in one integral
piece and moved bodily when feathered.
It is obvious that a modification of our propeller may be made by adding another
angle and plane to each blade of the same, as hereinafter described.
This form also will be found very useful where it is desired to provide for a ship
being easily driven astern by a reversed motion of the propeller.
It is also obvious that the surfaces acting upon the air or water, or being acted
upon thereby, may be similarly multiplied, if desired, and the blade will then consist
of a number of planes and angles, the original form being repeated as often as
required.
Whether the improved fan as above described, or any other fan or propeller be
used, we sometimes increase the effect of such fan by roughening in the peculiar
manner hereinafter described, the surface acting on the air or water, or by
providing the same with ridges, ribs, points, grooves, spikes, rods, or other
projections.
Each propeller is arranged to work on an axis or shaft, to which it is affixed as
hereinafter more specifically described. It may be so arranged that the position of the
fan or of any of the blades, or of either or both of the planes composing the blades,
can be altered at will, so as to offer more or less resistance to the air or water, or
to alter the incidence of the air or water on the fan or propeller, and thus to
diminish or increase speed, or obtain a reversed action by a change of the angle of
the fan or its blades or planes to the said horizontal plane.
In the accompanying drawings
Figure 1 is a plan of a propeller constructed according to our invention, that is to
say, with blades consisting of two inclined planes fixed to the boss.
Figure 2 shows one of the said blades in transverse section.
Figure 2 shows a similar section of a blade which is curved or crescent
shaped.
Figures 3 and 4 are sectional views at right angles to each other, of a propeller,
which has each blade made in two parts, and provided with mechanism for feathering
the same.
Figures 5 and 6 are front and end views of a propeller provided with feathering
mechanism adapted for aerial navigation..
Figures 7 and 8 show in plan and elevation different forms of blades provided
with a central joint for feathering
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page_text: Figures 9. 10. 11 and 12 are similar views showing different forms of blades
which are adapted to be feathered bodily.
Figure 13 shows in elevation and section a blade made hollow or .concave on its
acting surface.
Figure 14 shows in similar views a blade whose surface consists of four inclined
planes converging and meeting at the centre.
Figure 15 illustrates in elevation and section the construction of a propeller
blade with a series of small inclined planes or projections on its surface, the said
blade being roughened after the manner of
rasp.
Figure 16 shows in similar views a blade with small inclined surfaces of different
form.
Figure 17 shows an elevation and section of a blade whose surface is provided
with inclined planes in the form of angular cavities or indentations instead of
projections.
Figures 18. 19 and 20 are a plan, elevation, and partial section respectively of a
propeller each blade of which has three inclined planes and is adapted to rotate in
either direction without being feathered.
Figures 21 and 22 each show in plan and side elevation different forms of
projections drawn to a large scale.
In carrying into practice one part of our said invention, the blades of the pro-
pellers may have the peripheral form or configuration shown in Figure 1, or other
forms as shown, or other peripheral forms, so long as the said blades embody the
principle of the inclined planes or equivalent surfaces, so arranged that, when
rotating in a fluid, the one part or plane of the blade strikes the fluid and the latter
will be acted on by the other part or plane of the blade with increased velocity and
effect.
In carrying into practice another part of our said invention, we embody the
above described principles in a series of small inclined planes, arranged upon the
surface or surfaces of the propeller blade. We prefer that the said small inclined
planes should be projections in the form as seen at m in Figures 21 and 22, wherein
the said projections have a broad base and are formed with radial grooves or
channels extending therefrom to the point or edge, so that the water will have a
tendency to run along the surface of the said projections
The size of these projections may be varied according to the size of the blade on
which they are fixed, or the purpose for which they are required. (But as an
example we may say they may be an inch in vertical height on a propeller of
large size as for instance a propeller of the diameter of 20 feet). One modification
of this part of our invention consists in roughening the blade after the manner of
a rasp, as shewn in Figure 15, care being taken that the teeth have their inclination
in the proper direction to give effect to the principle of construction above
explained. When these blades are properly adjusted for action the blade is set at
an angle say of 30 degrees to its plane of rotation upon the propeller shaft. As
the water strikes or impinges upon each part of the surface of the blade, it is
immediately driven with an increased velocity against the adjacent projections, and
exerts its force thereon in the manner above explained.
The projections m may be fixed or formed upon blades of any contour or
peripheral configuration, and upon both sides of blades provided with a central
joint, arranged in combination with the feathering mechanism shewn (or other
-suitable feathering or adjusting mechanism); and either of the said forms of blades
may be made in one piece and provided with the feathering mechanism.
The modification of our invention wherein we form cavities, depressions,
apertures, or grooves, so arranged as to present inclined planes or surfaces to the
fluid, may be very advantageously applied to existing screw propellers of any
.form
Referring to Figures 3 and 4, we have shewn an arrangement of mechanism,
whereby the blades may be feathered or adjusted so that the direction of a vessel
can be altered without reversing the engines. The two parts n and n¹ of each

page_text: blade are hinged together so that they can be turned to form an angle of about
150 degrees in either direction, that is to say, as shewn in either full or in dotted
lines in Figure 3.
The said blades are attached to a hollow boss N and the
central parts of the joint of each blade extend to the interior of the said boss, that is
to say, the part n of the blade is provided with an extension n" and the part n¹ with
an extension 12. To the extension n" of the part n of the blade is attached
inside of the boss of the propeller a short lever n², and to the extension n¹ of the
part n' is attached a lever n³. A rod n moving in guides and provided with a
bar 13 having slots no, no, is so arranged, that it can be operated or adjusted from
the interior of the deck of the ship or vessel by any suitable mechanism. Upon
the inner side of the lever n' is a pin n', and upon the inner side of the lever n³
is a pin ns, the slots in the bar n¹³ on the sliding rod embrace the said pins, so that
when the said rod is moved it will move the parts of the blade of the propeller a
corresponding distance, when the vessel is arranged to travel in one direction, the
blades will be in the position shewn in full lines in Figure 3, by moving the rod n*
the levers of the blades will be moved and the latter will assume the position
shewn in dotted lines in Figure 3, the vessel will then travel in an opposite
direction. As both blades of the propeller have to be moved or adjusted two sets
of levers and rods are provided, one for each blade, but as they are both alike we
have not deemed it necessary to describe them separately as the same description
serves for both.
To facilitate the feathering of the propeller from the interior or from the deck
of a ship, we can use the arrangement of mechanism as follows, although any other
suitable means may be used for the purpose, that is to say, between the propeller
and the stern-post is placed a collar no which has a sliding movement only upon
the propeller shaft N'. Within a groove on the said collar is arranged another
loose collar nº, within which the collar 10 turns freely, rods n¹, which extend
through the stern of the vessel or are otherwise properly arranged to be accessible
from the interior or from the deck, are suitably connected to the collar n³, which is
thereby prevented from turning. Attached to the collar nº are the rods n', n*,
which are connected to the levers n², n³, by means of the slotted bars, it will thus
be seen that although the collar n³° and rods n turn with the propeller, shaft they
can at any time be set or adjusted by the engineer or other person on board the
ship by means of a lever or other suitable mechanism.
We sometimes use an arrangement of mechanism for turning the blade. bodily
round. In this case one end of the axis of each blade of the propeller is carried
within the hollow boss N and upon each of the said ends is placed a lever. To each
lever is attached a rod provided with a slotted arm, by moving the rods in the
manner herein before described the slotted arm is moved and the propeller will be
moved a corresponding distance.
Other suitable and convenient devices or arrangements may as is obvious be
employed for feathering or adjusting the blades of our propellers.
The above description has reference more particularly to the adaptation of our
invention to marine propulsion, and it may be applied to all classes or kinds of
ships, boats, or vessels for ocean or other navigation. But the said invention is
also very advantageously applicable to the construction of propellers for aerial
navigation as the peculiar features of construction above set forth afford the means
for obtaining very great and efficient lifting and propelling power with com-
paratively little weight of material. The propeller shewn in Figure 1 may be
taken as an example of our invention suitable for aerial navigation when used in
combination with the feathering arrangement shewn in Figures 5 and 6.
The spindle of each of the blades of the said propeller is provided with a lever d³,
the propeller shafts care tubular, within the lower part of each of the said tubes is a
rod d which is attached to a sliding collar d³ on the exterior of the shaft c by
pins d', which work in a slot d³. Attached to the pins d' are short levers do
which are also attached to the levers d' on each of the propeller blade spindles by
pins d'. As the two blades of a propeller face in opposite directions the rods

page_text: which feather them are on opposite sides of the axis. When the rod d² within the
shaft is pushed upwards the levers attached to the blade spindles assume the
position shewn in dotted lines in Figure 6.
Figures 18, 19 and 20 shew an obvious modification of our propeller, wherein by
the simple addition of another angle and plane (as herein before mentioned) to each
blade, the propeller is made suitable for propelling the ship astern by the simple
reversal of the motion of the propeller. In this case each blade is provided with
three inclined planes' so arranged with relation to each other, that in whichever
direction the propeller moves it will act upon the water to move a ship or vessel
forward or backwards without requiring the feathering of the propeller. The said
blade when rotating in one direction presenting the angle o to the water, and when
rotating in the opposite direction the angle o' to the water.
We wish it understood that we do not confine ourselves to any specified number
of blades. Whether we use the arrangement. of two inclined planes only; or of
the additional plane (as lastly hereinbefore described) for increasing the power of
going astern by the simple reversal of the motion of the propeller; or of the
projections or grooves upon or in the blades as hereinbefore described; we can
use two or three or a larger or smaller number of blades according to circumstances
We also wish it to be understood that although we have stated that in some
cases we adopt in the formation of our propeller. blades, curved surfaces as a
substitute for or equivalent of the inclined plane surfaces, yet we do not claim any
spiral or screw like formation of these blades, or any curved formation thereof
other than that which would give to the blade the form of a segment of a
cylindrical shell with or without concave ends, or the form of a segment of a
spherical shell, or an approximation to such forms as hereinabove described.
The provisional specification left by us at the Office of the Commissioners of
Patents with our petition for Letters Patent on the 27th day of September 1882
contained matters which are not referred to in this final specification but a further
provisional specification N° 1552 which embodies these matters has this day been
left at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents
Having thus fully described our said invention and the manner of performing
the same we wish it understood that we Claim.
First. Propeller blades vanes or wings so constructed, that their surfaces consist
of two or more planes inclined relatively to each other (or of curved concave or
segmental surfaces), as, and for the purposes, specified.
Sécond. The propeller blades or vanes consisting of inclined planes or curved
surfaces jointed or hinged together with or without provision for feathering or
adjusting them, as, and for the purposes, specified.
Third. The propeller blades provided with a series of projections, cavities, apertures
or grooves which are so arranged on the blade as to present inclined. surfaces or
planes to the action of the fluid, as, and for the purposes, specified
Fourth. The modification of our invention wherein we apply the small inclined
planes to an ordinary or existing screw propeller substantially as set forth
In witness whereof we the said Benjamin Waddy Maughan and Samuel
Danks Waddy have hereunto set our hands and seals this Twenty seventh
day of March in the year of Our Lord One thousand eight hundred and