Improved Apparatus for Raising or Propelling Aerial Machines and other Vehicles.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, '12th Nov., 1897-Accepted, 5th Mar., 1898
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improved Apparatus for Raising or Propelling Aerial Machines and
other Vehicles.
I, CARL BARON VON WOLFF, Dresden, Dornblüthstr., No. 1B, without calling,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to
be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
Until now all experiments for moving vessels in the free space of the air were
based on the principle of the lifting-power of air and for this one employed wings,
screws, sail-wheels and the like. Opposite to this principle the present invention
makes use of centrifugal power, in two ways, allowing it on the one side to be
effective on only one portion of the peripherie of the circle described by the revolv-
ing parts of the apparatus, respresenting the invention and, on the other side,
availing itself of the surplus power taken in from out the peripherie against the
centre of the revolving parts, that is to say, the axle-tiee, in order to press on and
to lift it and in consequence the apparatus with it.
The drawings show under
Fig. 1 the principal construction of the apparatus in front-view;
Fig. 2 a wheel (e) between the arms of the cross, of the same apparatus, (b), in
cross-section;
Fig. 3 the peripherical-view of the wheel (c) with arm (o);
Fig. 4 front-view of the 3d form of construction ;
Fig. 5 front-view of another form of construction of the bearer of the guide-
pulley;
Fig. 6 front-view of the vessel (19) with the cross (13) and arms (16) of the second
form of construction;
Fig. 7 side-view and cross section of the vessel (19) of the second form of con-
struction.
Fig. 8 a view of the cutting out of vessel (19).
The result of this method of using the centrifugal power is that the axle-tree
and the whole body or apparatus attached on it, whatever name it may bear, is
pulled in the direction in which the centrifugal power produces its principal effect,
while, at the same time, that portion of power still remaining to the revolving
parts which are changing direction and taking it to the axle of the apparatus, is
working in this moment by pressure against the axle and helps its lifting. At
an axle-tree (a) put into rotation by whatsoever motion-power and by means of
chains, ropes or similar things, and serving (the axle) as bearer of the objects to
be moved or lifted, crosses of two or more pair corresponding double arms, are fixed
in order to be able to partake in the rotation of the axle. Between the double-arm
(b) a wheel (c) with pivot (d) is arranged, the uttermost end of the arm (6) being the
same level with the pheripherie of the wheel (c). Each two of these wheels-
directly opposite one to the other-that is to say situated on the same horizontal
or vertical line, the axle (a) taken as centre-are connected by means of cross-
chains, wire, rope or similar things running in a groove in the wheel in such a
manner that the rotation of one wheel is followed by the rotation in opposite direc-
Die R71

page_text: •
tion of the other wheel. As the movement of the wheel must only consist of half
a turn and must be exactly kept up, the means of transmission (chain, rope, wire
etc. (e) are attached to each wheel (c) in the necessary length at point (f). The
wheel (c) which is made in openwork has on one side a plain surface, while on
the other the shaft-cushion (g) projects as far as it is allowed to by the space
between the arms (6). Besides this a stop-piece (h) is fixed on this side, which is
somewhat distant from the peripherie of the wheel (c), then a bulge (2) is also fixed
upon the peripherical surface and finally the arm (1) carrying a weight (k); the
length of this arm is adapted to the calculation, that the centre of gravity of this
weight (k) meets the axle (a). Weight (k) of U shape and size is provided with
spring-buffer (m). That part of the buffer (m) pushed forward by the spring is
made in shape of a half-moon and its concavity fits the shape of the axle (a).
On the wheel (c) is further arranged the lever (o) pivoting around the shaft-
cushion (g), provided with an arm-shaped piece (n) which is adapted to the
peripheric of wheel (c). The end of this piece (n) is slanting. The height of the
stop-piece (h) on the wheel (c), of the bulge (2), of the arm (6) and of the lever (o)
is somewhat less than the length of shaft-cushion (9), so that the wheel (c) may run
easily between the arms (b), which play is facilitated by the help of conical
truckles (p). At the arm (b), which is opposite to that surface of the wheel (c),
which (is provided with the stop-piece (h) a piece (g) with hinges (r)-at the part
projecting over the bolt (d)-is pressed by the spring (s) against the surface of
wheel (c). The uttermost end of that side of the moveable piece (9), which faces
the lever (o), is also slanting and fitting the other slanting plane. The same arm
carries upon the other side, below the bolt (d), facing the axle (a), an adjoined
piece (t), which is intended to prevent,-during the working of the apparatus,-
the wheel (c) or the end of arm (6) from shrinking in the opposite direction, to the
swinging parts, by this way, wheel (c) is forced to meet with stop-piece (h) the
adjoined piece (t) of the arm (b).
To the supporting-bar (u), between the axle (a) and the object to be moved is
connected a curved rail (v), projecting in the direction of the circuit of the swinging
parts, provided with a slit (w) concentrically arranged to the axle (a). Slit (w)
serves as guide for shaft (y), which is the pivot of two pulleys (a) side by side and
destined each for those two pairs of arms (b), which are situated in this line of
circuit. The shaft (y) is moved in the slit (w) by means of a chain, wire or similar
things (2), which is attached on both sides of the shaft (y) and runs on two
pulleys (a) the one of which is fixed to the supporting-bar (u) and the other to the
rail (). By turning the pulley (a¹) of the supporting-bar (u) the chain is put in
motion and controls the place to be occupied by the upper-pulley (a) in the
slit (w) of rail (v). The apparatus works in this way:
The lever (o), following the rotation of axle (a), moved by any motor,-reaches
under the upper-pulley (a) in rails (v) and turn the pulleys sliding along them until
the peripheries of both, of the wheel (c) and pulley (a), meet one another by which
play the arm (l) is taken off the axle (a). By the further rotation of axle (a) the
lever (o) slides over pulley (2) and is turned back by this resistance, whilst arm
(1) as lengthening-piece of cross (b) is stretched and occupies its working position,
in which the weight (k) displays its pulling power.
In consequence of the described process, between the lever (o) and pulley (x), the
corresponding wheel (c) is in the same time, by means of transmission (by the chain
or rope (e)) put in rotation and the weight (k) brought nearer to axle (a).
In order to hinder a voluntary swinging of arms (l) and keep them in their
positions are disposed (as already mentioned) the stop-piece (h) the adjoined
piece (i) on the surface of wheel (c), the circular adjoined-piece (n) on the lever (o)
the moveable piece (7) with spring (s) and the adjoined piece (t) of arm (b).
When arm () is in rest with weight (k), that is to say, when they are touching
the axle (a), it is resting (Fig. 3) upon the flat surface of wheel (c) and touches by
its lateral surface (Fig. 2) the stop-piece (h) so that a turning of the wheel becomes
impossible, as on one side the meeting together of both surfaces and on the other

page_text: side the axle (a), in the proximity of which weight (k) is resting, prevents any
movement.
When lever (o) by the rotation of axle (a) reaches under the roller (a), it alone
is first pushed back as it is pivoting around the shaft (d).
The lever is by this action placed backwards so far that its inclined plane meets
that of stop-piece (h), whilst in the same time the inclined plane of adjoined"
piece (n) reaches under that of spring-piece (9) and under the roller (p) and by
this means lifts the spring-piece (q). Wheel (c) follows now the pressure of
lever (o) and can perform its half turn, as the spring-piece (9) is prevented by
bulge () from springing back. By this half turn the stop-piece (h) reaches the
adjoined-piece (t) (Fig. 2) of arm (b), and wheel (c) ceases moving.
The
The same movement is repeated by the corresponding wheel, but vice versa.
change of direction in the vertical plane is performed by displacement of shaft (y)
by means of pulley (a), whilst a change in the horizontal plane must be per-
formed by the common steering-apparatus, in case that only one (new) vertical
steering-apparatus (w, x, a¹) is provided. In case the lifting-apparatus is able to
carry two steering-apparatus' one of them may be arranged for the change of
direction in vertical, and the other in a horizontal sense. By this, the lifting-
apparatus reaches the same capability of steering as any common vehicle. If
the apparatus is employed in connection with common vehicles-the wheels of the
vehicle producing the necessary motion-it would facilitate their work and move-
ment.
Fig. 6 & 7 shows a second construction upon the same principle.
Axle (1) carries a cross (13) with two, four or more pairs of armes.
Each cross-arm is at its
The cross (13) follows the rotation of the axle (1).
end, cut out (14) in order that it shall be connected, at this place, with a lengthen-
ing-piece (16) turning around the bolt (15) in the vertical plane. The outer end
of the lengthening piece (16) is provided with a weight, (17) and at that point of
it, which touches the rim of the vessel (19), surrounding the cross, with an anti-
friction-roller (18). The cross (13) is placed, inside the vessel (19), the bottom (20)
of which is made of openwork and the side of which is cut out in the shape of
Fig. 8.
The supporting-bar (22) carries a ring (21) which serves as a cushion to the
vessel (19).
The position of the vessel is controlled by lever (25), connected to the vessel (19)
that is to say, the displacement of the cutting-out is performed by lever (25)-
the direction taken by the apparatus depends upon the position of this cutting-
out. (23). The vessel turns upon the cushion (21) of the supporting-bar (22) and is
kept in a desired position by a ratchet (26) and a segment (27) which are con-
nected to the supporting-bar (22.) The apparatus works in that way:-
The axle (1) being put in motion the lengthening-pieces or arms (16) strive to
the full extent under the influence of the centrifugal power on them.
or
But the rim (19) prevents them from stretching and keeps them in a nearly
rectangular position to vessel (19). As already mentioned, these arms
lengthening-pieces (16) are provided with antifriction-rollers (18) in order to
facilitate the sliding upon the rim of vessel (19). The construction of cross (13)
is performed strong, in order to give good hold to arms (16) in the cutting-out (14)
As soon as one arm (16), following the rotation of the axle (1), reaches the cutting-
out (234) in the vessel (19) it is turned outwards, because it is pivoting on bolt (15)
and now exercising its pulling power upon axle (1) in the direction of its given
position. Arm (16) occupies its horizontal position as long as it remains in the
cutting-out but changes it, when it touches the inclined plane at point (24). The
arm sliding by means of the roller along the rim is lifted by the inclined plane and
replaced in its first position upon the rim, that is in a position nearly rectangular
to the bottom of the vessel or the cross.
By this, a pressing power unites to the first pulling power because the arms (16)
follow only reluctantly into the downward position and move, by their resistance

page_text: to this play firstly the rim (19) and with it the axle (1) in 'that direction, in which
they exercise their pressure upon the former.
Fig. 4 shows a third construction upon the same principle.
Axle (1) carries two, three or more patr of double arms arranged in cross- or star-
shape, which partake in the rotation of the axle (1).
The ends of these arms (2), which must be equally distant from the axle, are
cleft and bent outwards, as shown in the drawing, so that they terminate in
horns (3). Between these double horns (3) guide-pulleys (4) are pivoting on a
bolt and provided on their peripherie with a groove. As there are two double
horns there must be four guide-pulleys, one pulley on each. Between these
pulleys a bar (5) is put in, provided at both ends with a wheel (6), pivoting on its
bolt or axle, representing the weight of the first form of construction, and necessary
to produce the desired power. Those sides of the bar (5), which face the pulleys
are provided with a bulge (7), which enters the grooves of the pulleys, which serve
as guide-pulleys, in order to prevent the bar from being thrown sideways.
A guide-rail (8) describing a semicircle and shaped excentrically to the axle is
connected by means of its own spokes (9) to the end-ring of the bar (10) and can
pivot around the axle.
This guide-rail can be displaced by toothed segments (11 & 12) or a ratchet-
device in order to change the direction of moving.
In case that bars (5) begin swinging by the rotation of the axle (1), they cannot
produce any effect as long as they keep up their position of equilibrity.
But as wheels (6) in consequence of the rotation of the bars reach the path of
guide-rail (8) and slide along it, the bar (5) changes position this part of the bar
becomes shorter and that of the opposite side longer, forced by the guide rail, so
that pulleys (6) are pushed, at the narrowest space between the guide rail and the
axle (1), against pulley (4) and produce a certain pressure on the axle (1), whilst the
opposite wheel with this now lengthened part of the bar is now enabled to take up
its full play and to display an overshot of power, which effects that the axle (1)
is pulled in the radial progressing direction.
The median direction of moving is to be controlled by the displacement of the
excentric guide-rail (8) by means of their toothed segments (11 & 12).
To construction 1, Fig. 5. If the swinging objects should gain their respective
positions quicker, the lever may be provided, at its furthermost side, taken in the
direction of the rotation, with a bow shaped piece (w). It shall be reached by
this construction that weight (k) can terminate its necessary movement to the
extreme outside, in the time that lever (o) is remaining under pulley (¹).
In consequence of which a pivoting arm (¹), connected to the axle (a) by means
of its own eye or ring, may take the place of the curved rail (v) to which arm a
pulley at the necessary distance from the axle (a) is arranged and the controlling
chain, cord or wire is attached. The controlling of the vertical direction is effected
only by lengthening or shortening the controlling chain or cord, as the pulley now
strives to avoid the pressure of the lever in the direction of the rotation from this
side.—
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is:
1, In a machine for lifting and moving air-vessels and other vehicles the com-
bination of an axle-tree which can be put in rotation, with arms able to turn round
this axle-tree, weights fixed at the ends of the said arms and means in order to move
the said arms at certain times in a predeterminated direction, substantially as and
for the purpose set forth.
2, In a machine for lifting and moving air-vessels and other vehicles the com-
bination of a supporting-bar with an axle-tree, which can be put in rotation, with
crosses, which are fixed on the said axle-tree, wheels pivoting at the outer-ends of
the said crosses of which two in the same line, opposite one another, are connected

page_text: together by a crossed cord, chain, or wire, arms resting upon the pivots of the said
wheels, weights fixed to the outer ends of the said arms, levers resting likewise
upon the pivots of the said wheels and controlling pulleys, which are arranged in
such a manner in the circuit of the said wheels that the peripheries of both touch
one another, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
3, In a machine for lifting and moving air-vessels and other vehicles the com-
bination of a supporting-bar, with an axle, which are fixed to the said axle-trees,
wheels pivoting at the outer ends of the said crosses of which each two lying in the
same line, opposite one another, are connected together by a crossed cord, chain
or wire, arms resting upon the pivots of the said wheels, weights fixed at the outer-
ends of the said arms, levers resting likewise upon the pivots of the said wheels,
curved adjoined-pieces which are arranged at the outer-ends of the last levers,
controlling-pulleys which are arranged in the circuit of the said wheels in such a
manner, that the peripheries of both touch one another, substantially as and for
the purpose set forth.
4, In a machine for lifting and moving air-vessels and other vehicles the com-
bination of a supporting-bar with an axle-tree, which can be put in rotation, crosses
which are fixed to the said axle-tree, of which crosses one end is slanting & move-
able under the influence of a spring, wheels pivoting at the outer-ends of the said
crosses of which two, lying in the same line, opposite one another, are connected
together by a crossed cord, chain or wire, arms resting upon the pivots of the said
wheel, weights. fixed at the outer-ends of the said arms, levers resting likewise
the pivots of the said wheels and provided with curved and slanting adjoined-
pieces, adjoined pieces, which are arranged below the pivots of the said wheels,
but on the inner surface of the crosses, stop-pieces which are fixed on one surface of
the said wheels and somewhat distanced of their peripherie, bulges arranged on
the peripherie of the said wheels, a curved guide-rail which is fixed on the said
supporting-bar and provided with a slit, pulley the axle of which is arranged in the
slit, and a pulley which is connected to the axle of the said pulleys by means of
an endless chain substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
upon
5, In a machine for lifting and moving air-vessels and other vehicles the
combination of a supporting-bar with an axle-tree, which can be put in rotation,
moveable arms which are arranged on the axle-tree, weights which are fixed at
the ends of the said moveable arms, a vessel which is provided with a guide-rim
and is attached to the supporting-bar being capable to be displaced there, inside of
which the said moveable arms are going, and a cut-out with one inclined plane in
the guide-rim of the said vessel, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
6, In a machine for lifting and moving air-vessels and other vehicles the com-
bination of a supporting-bar, with an axle-tree, which can be put in rotation, a
cross with some pairs arms arranged on the axle-tree, arms which are moveable
in the arms of the crosses and provided with antifriction-rollers at their lower-ends,
weights which are fixed at the ends of the said moveable arms, a vessel which is
provided with a guide-rim and is privoting at the supporting-bar and surrounds
the said cross with its arms, (a cut-out with one inclined plane in the guide-rim of
the said vessel, a lever fixed on the said vessel and a ratchet device in order to
fasten the vessel, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
7, In a machine for lifting and moving air-vessels and other vehicles the
combination of an axle-tree which can be put in rotation, with crosses which are.
attached to the axle-tree and provided with guide-pulleys, arms which are arranged
moveable between the guide-pulleys of the said crosses, weights which are fixed at
the ends of the moveable arms and means in order to remove the arms, at a certain
time, in a predeterminated direction, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
8, In a machine for lifting and moving air-vessels and other vehicles the
combination of a supporting-bar with an axle-tree, which can be put in rotation,
5 moveable crosses which are attached on the said axle-tree and provided with guide
pulleys, arms which are arranged moveable between the guide-pulleys of the
crosses, weights which are fixed at the ends of the moveable arms and a guide-rail

page_text: which is arranged excentrically to the axle-tree of the said supporting-bar and can
influence the weights of the moveable arms, substantially as and for the purpose set
forth.
FELIX F. LOEPER,
Dresden, Seestr., 5, Agent for Applicant.