APPARATUS TO BE USED FOR TRAVELLING THROUGH THE ATMOSPHERE, AND ON LAND AND WATER
Year: 1867

page_text: APPARATUS TO BE USED FOR TRAVELLING THROUGH THE ATMOSPHERE, AND ON
LAND AND WATER."
Sealed the 13th August 1867, and dated the 21st February 1867.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Joseph Meyers Kaufmann
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
21st February 1867.
I, JOSEPH MEYERS KAUFMANN, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North
Britain, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention of "AN IMPROVED
MEANS OR APPARATUS TO BE USED FOR TRAVELLING THROUGH THE ATMOSPHERE, AND
ON LAND AND WATER," to be as follows, that is to say:
This Invention relates to certain apparatus or mechanical means which is to
be employed for the purpose of propelling passengers as well as merchandise
or goods from one place to another. The apparatus employed for the propul-
sion consists of a boat or car in which a steam engine and boiler or any other
suitable kind of motive-power engine is or are placed; the boiler being fired
with and the steam therefore generated by the combustion of mineral or other
oils as fuel, thereby doing away with the necessity of carrying the weight and
[Price 8d.1
Price

page_text: bulk of coal which would otherwise be required. The cylinder of the engine
is situated at or near to the middle part of the boat, and the cross head of the
piston rod working in the cylinder is coupled by links or connecting rods
to two arms or levers extending across the boat; these arms or levers being
movable on joints, on which they oscillate by the upward and downward
motion of the piston in the cylinder being imparted to them; the outer
ends of these arms or levers extend to a considerable length beyond the sides
of the boat or car, and are continued in a form of very light frame-
work, preferably formed of steel tubing, the interspaces of the outer frame
being formed by light bars, over and under which silk or other material of
a light and strong nature is folded and drawn tight, thus constituting a very
powerful wing. The propelling boat or car is attached to a second boat or car
which acts as a tender to the first carrying the fuel and stores required for a
journey; behind this one or more cars are coupled, in which the passengers or
merchandise are carried. The tender boat or car as well as passenger or
merchandise cars are provided with two or more wings firmly secured to their
sides, and situated at an angle, so that a portion of the propelling force acts as
an upward pressure supporting the apparatus; whilst another portion of the
motive force of the propelling car acts upon it as the force tending to carry
it forward. The propelling boat or car, as well as any other desired number of
cars in the train, may be fitted with sails and guides, or sails so that the
apparatus may be steered through the atmosphere in any direction required.
One or more of the boats may be fitted with buffers on the under side to allow
the apparatus to stand upon the ground, at the same time by letting steam pass
into their cylinders the buffer pistons are forced out, thereby lifting the
apparatus to a certain height from the ground, at the same time the wings
descend, thereby imparting a continued motion to the apparatus starting it on
its aerial journey. In place of or in combination with the buffers above
referred to wheels may be employed on which the apparatus may be started
on land, being actuated by the engine, and which also act as fly wheels on
travelling through the atmosphere. The apparatus is balanced by means of a
weight or weights or other device situated at the end of a moveable pole or to
telescope iubes below the body of the propelling boat or car. The cars are
made in such shape and proportions that they may travel through the
atmosphere with the smallest amount of resistance, and are also capable of
floating on water.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Joseph Meyers Kaufmann in the Great Seal Patent Office on
The 20th August 1867.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I. JOSEPH
MEYERS KAUFMANN, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North Britain,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-first day of February, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven, in the thirtieth year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the
said Joseph Meyers Kaufmann, er special license that T. the said Joseph
Meyers Kaufmann, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others
as I, the said Joseph Meyers Kaufmann, my executors, administrators, or
assigns, should at any time agree with. and no others, from time to time
and at all times thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and
lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention
for "AN IMPROVED MEANS OR APPARATUS TO BE USED FOR TRAVELLING THROUGH
THE ATMOSPHERE, AND ON LAND AND WATER," upon the condition (amongst
others) that I, the said Joseph Meyers Kaufmann, by an instrument in writing
under my hand and seal, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature
of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed,
and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six
calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters
Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Joseph Meyers Kaufmann, do hereby
declare the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement, reference being had to the accompanying Drawings, and to tho
letters and figures marked thereon, that is to say:
My said Invention relates to certain apparatus or mechanical means which
is to be employed for the purpose of propelling passengers as well as mer-
chandise or goods from one place to another. The apparatus employed for
the propulsion consists of a boat or car in which a steam engine and boiler or
any other suitable kind of motive-power engine are placed; the boiler being
fired with and the steam therefore generated by the combustion of mineral
or other oils as fuel, thereby doing away with the necessity of carrying the
weight and bulk of coal which would otherwise be required. The cylinder of

page_text: me, engine is situated at or near to the middle part of the boat, and the cross
head of the piston rod working in. the cylinder is coupled by links or con-
necting rods to two arms or levers exiending across the boat, these arms or
levers being moveable on joints, on which they oscillate by the upward and
downward motion of the piston in the cylinder being imparted to them; the
outer ends of these arms or levers extend to a considerable length beyond the
sides of the boat or car, and are continued in a form of very light framework.
preferably formed of steel tubing, the interspaces of the outer frame being
formed of light bars, over and under which silk or other material of a light
and strong nature is folded and drawn tight, thus constituting a very powerful
wing. The propelling boat or car is attached to a second boat or car which
acts as a tender to the first, carrying the fuel and stores required for a journey;
behind this one or more cars are coupled in which the passengers or mer-
chandise are carried. The tender boat or car as well as passenger or mer-
chandise cars are provided with two or more wings firmly secured to their
sides and situated at an angle so that a portion of the propelling force acis as
an upward pressure supporting the apparatus, whilst another portion of the
motive force of the propelling car acts upon it as the force tending to carry it
forward. The propelling boat or car as well as any other desired number of
cars in the train may be fitted' with tails and guides or sails, so that the appa-
ratus may be steered through the atmosphere in any direction required. One
or more of the boats may be fitted with buffers on the under side to allow the
apparatus to stand upon the ground, at the same time by letting steam pass
into their cylinders the buffer pistons, are forced out, thereby lifting the appa-
ratus to a certain height from the ground, at the same time the wings descend,
thereby imparting a continued motion to the apparatus, and so starting it on
its aerial journey. In place of or in combination with the buffers above
referred. to, wheels may be employed, on which the apparatus may be started on
land, being actuated by the engine, and which also act as fly wheels on travelling
through the atmosphere. The apparatus is balanced by means of a weight or
weights or other device situated at the end of a moveable pole or telescope
tubes below the body of the propelling boat or car. The cars are made in such
shape and proportions that they may travel through the atmosphere with the
smallest amount of resistance, and are also capable of floating on water.
And in order that my said Invention may be properly understood I now
proceed to more particularly set forth the system, mode, or manner in or
under which the same is or may be used or practically carried into effect,
reference being had for the sake of more complete elucidation to the several
Figures upon the explanatory Sheets of Drawings which I have hereunto

page_text: appended. I will, however, and before proceeding to describe the Drawings
that I construct a machine to travel through the atmosphere by means of
the flapping of wings made in proper proportions to the body which is urged
on its acrial journey by the power of steam or the explosion of gases. The
travelling apparatus is assisted by outstretched planes and sails, which acting
as levers on the wind, assist in sustaining and propelling the body.
The objects I have in view. and the benefits to be derived from my Invention,
are as follows:-
1st, to be able to travel over land or water, mountains, or cities, without
diverging from one straight course: 2nd, to arrive at a destination quicker
than can be done at present; 3rd. to perform long journeys regardless of wind
and weather; 4th, to combine comfort and pleasure with speed; 5th, to convey
passengers and transport goods or merchandise.
The benefits or advantages are.
1st, the small cost of construction; 2nd, the low rate of conveyance: 3rd,
the saving of fuel and labour; 4th, the capability of going or coming in any
direction without any particular station being necessary; 5th, the adaptability
of the apparatus to air, land, or water.
The. aero-motive engine, Figures 3 and 4 of the Drawings, is a body or
partially covered car, being a shell made of metal, wood, or both combined,
strengthened longitudinally and laterally by means of a strong keel, ribs, and
stays; the body turns up at the bow and stern, and is made as round
throughout as the internal work will permit; it is moreover made very strong
and rigid to bear the internal weight and withstand its vibrations. The internal
machinery consists of a steam engine or a gas engine (which I here mention
as the other suitable kind of motive-power engine); the boiler, if any, is
placed. either in the front or after part of the body, but as the after part.
should be kept down rather than kept up it is most essential to place the
greatest weight there, and allow the tail to perform the duty of regulating its
horizontal position.
As shown in the Diagrams Figures 1 and 2, the piston by means of the
connecting rod a causes the shaft b to revolve, which shaft projects out of
the body, running in pillow blocks and driving the wheels c, which, though not
heavy enough to act as fly wheels yet help the cranks over the centre, and
serve to keep the body off the ground; they support its weight and run on
the ground in order to give the machine a start. To the other crank d is
attached the beam connections e which, as the crank revolves, work the beams
f, f, in an upward and downward direction alternately; each beam is fixed to
a winged shaft g, which shafts g are firmly secured in the pillow blocks h, h;

page_text: these shafts are made to oscillate with each motion of the wings i, j, yy
having their bearings in the pillow blocks to a certain amount of the centre.
so as to work as eccentrics on the wing shaft; these eccentrics k, k, according
to the amount of throw given them by the person in attendance vary the
position of the wings accordingly, and insure a lesser or greater angle to the
horizon. From my experiments I am led to believe that it is owing to the
varying position in which these eccentrics move that the wings do strike the
wind at an angle, thus giving at each stroke a thrust forward to the machine;
the up stroke thus becomes as effective as the down stroke in propulsion, and
the machine is wedged, or as some persons say, screwed through the air.
The Drawings, Figures 3 and 4, represent another mode of obtaining the
oscillating movements by allowing the wing shaft to sit steady in its posi
tion, and causing the wingi, j. to oscillate by themselves from external means.
To the wing shaft at 1, Figures 3 and 4, is attached a connecting rod, which
actuates a pin working in a groove m attached to the side of the body, which
from the sweep it takes inwardly and sideways compels the wing at each
stroke to change its angle, as will be seen on referring to Figure 1. The
Figures 3 and 4 show a vertical cylinder which from its piston rod cross head
actuates the beams that drive the wing shafts; this cross head running in
upright guides works from its extremities the connecting rods that drive the
. wheels c, c; from each wing shaft run three connections n, n, n, that secure
the wing to the body, which besides lifting it adjust themselves to the varying
motion of the wing. The wing consists of an edge rod o, proceeding from a
baser to the tip, as shown at Figures 5 and 10, other rods as p and q proceed
in like manner as well as ribbons or wires of steel. From the edge rod o as
a base a number of stays run crosswise to p and q for sustaining them in their
places and maintaining the shape of the wing: over and under this wing
framework a covering of silk or canvas is run, which can be let out or drawn
in at pleasure, and yet presenting a smooth stiff surface to the wind in flying.
A framework consisting of thin steel tubes or T-steel tapered is preferable.
The front part of the wing at the edge rod o is made rigid and unyielding to
the wind, the after part at s is made to yield freely to the pressure, the wings
moving simultaneously with the motion of the piston and oscillating gear.
To the bottom of the aero-motive engine several buffers t, t, t, 1, Figures 1 and 2,
are attached; a buffer is shown in section in Figure 6. The nature and
functions of these buffers are to give the machine a sudden rising power
from off the ground when a good breeze is blowing, as there will then be no
necessity for the machine to run on the ground in order to gain a first start
or momentum. The aero-locomotive is supplied with two or more of

page_text: these buffers; each consists of a cylinder u, u, in which the piston
moves
up or down. In the piston is fitted a rod e, passing through the stuffing
box and the cover ; at the end of this piston rod the buffer z is fixed. The
cylinder is perforated near the bottom with a number of air holes; between
these and the cover a spring is inserted. The piston upon being forced down
by the admission of steam descends until it passes these holes, which permit
the steam to escape into the atmosphere, but it cannot strike the cover because
of the intervening compressed air and the spring. On the steam being shut
off and the piston returns a partial vacuum is formed above those air holes
which draws up the piston into its position above the level of the wheels.
The steam pipe a is connected in such a manner with the exhaust of the
engine that the moment the wings begin their first down stroke the buffers
are forced out to give the machine a start upwards before the wings have
completed their down stroke. The steam can afterwards be shut off from the
buffers and retained to perform its other duties. When once the apparatus
is in the air I balance it by means of an apparatus I call a "pendule" b', b', in
Figures and 8. The "pendule" consists of a number of thin tubes b², b²,
sliding one within the other after the manner of a long telescope; to the last
and smallest tube a ball of suitable weight is attached, which ball when let
out to a considerable distance will have the effect of maintaining the body in
a horizontal position; this also rights the body on its being struck by a con-
trary wind. This pendule may be worked either by means of the engine or
by a winding apparatus attached to it. The aero-motive engine has a
tail c, c', Figures 1 and 2, fitted to its after part, as well as two guides, or as
] call them "gies" d', d'. The tail which only moves up and down gives by
its movements an upward or downward direction to the body. The "gies" d, d,
are situated one on each side of the machine, and may be worked either sepa-
rately or together; these with the tail are managed by the person in attendance
through their connections, which are brought to one common centre within
his reach. The gies by being turned or feathered separately to the wind send
the machine to the right or left without disturbing its horizontal position.
By having one blade of each "gie" broader than the other as shown at e¹, e',
Figure 4, a tail may be dispensed with, and added to the rear car as shown
in Figures 8 and 9.
Next to the car containing the engine a tender K is applied, as shown in
Figures 5 and 9, for carrying the stores. fuel and water. This tender is firmly
secured to the engine car by means of wire ropes; a tube connects the water
in the tender with the boiler, and another tube connects the fuel, by preference
hydrocarbon oil, with the furnace..

page_text: In employing the steam engine I prefer the use of oil, it being a good
steam generator of small weight, it is more easily stowed away than coal or
wood. The tender is somewhat similarly constructed to the body of the aero-
motive engine, but has no movable parts except the wings, which by gearing
can be made to assume any angle between 0° and 45°; these wings consist
of a strong steel framework secured by girders to prevent breakage, and
covered by silk or canvas. According to the weight of the body of the car or
tender is the number of the wings increased from three and upwards on each
side, as shown by Figures 5, 9, and 10. To the tender one or more similar
cars are attached for the conveyance of passengers or merchandise as marked
J at Figure 5 and 9. Instead of being made with only two compartments
for oil and water as the tender is, it is provided with seats and accomodation
similar to a railway carriage or omnibus with sufficient means of egress,
ingress, light, air, and communication. The sides of these cars being furnished
with the requisite number of wings which are firmly secured to the sides, are
turned to certain angles on starting, and their surfaces as they are drawn
along by inpinging upon the wind act as sails on the one hand and levers on
the other the pressure of wind in passing through them acts as the sustaining
power of the whole when coupled with the rate at which the body is moving.
On starting all the cars run on wheels until they obtain the requisite accelera-
tion of motion; these cars having left the ground, the aero-motive engine at
once rises, and the whole train begins its aerial journey. The tails are made
of light ribbed steel covered with silk or canvas; the gies are made of the same
material both tapered from their bases. The wings are tapered from the base
r to the tip /, and from o to 8, as at Figures 4, 5, and 10. The wings
perform the same duties as are performed by those of a bird. The engine or
engines, as the case may be, are worked at a very high pressure, say from
120 lbs. per square inch upwards. The body of the aero-motive engine may
contain three or more men to manage the machinery and direct its course.
The boiler, Figure 10, is made to evaporate the water at a high pressure by the
combustion of mineral oils or hydrocarbons; the oil is taken to the boiler
through a tube from the tank or holder in the car; this tube is joined to the
boiler by an injector g', which is supplied with steam superheated in a coil
that passes round the interior of the furnace. The oil on being met by the
steam in the injector is forced into the compartment, where the oil is
vaporized and passes through the tubes h, k, into the furnace. The steam
in its passage through the injector draws with it a current of superheated
air that passes through the coil P, P, in the furnace to meet this steam in the
injector; the gases entering the compartment m rush through the small tubes

page_text: into the furnace. On the passage of the gases through the tubes k', k', they
take up and mix with the vapours from the oil, which, forming a perfect com-
bustible matter, produce a powerful bluish white fire which is entirely free from
smoke. The respective quantities of oil, steam, and air that are to be admitted
into the furnace are regulated by the attendant. A water space n', n', n', in
open communication with the boiler prevents the oil from becoming overheated
to prevent it from boiling over into the furnace. The firo is easily regulated
by cocks which permit of its being extinguished at a moments notice. The
exhaust steam from the engines may be utilized to create a draught in the
chimney, and to liquefy the oil if it should be thick before it enters the fire-
box, which is effected by passing the steam through a coil surrounded by the
oil compartment, thus heating both. The whole train may be rigidly secured
together into one piece, the boiler may also be taken from the aero-motive
engine car and placed in the tender; but I believe the best arrangement is
made by placing it and the engine in one machine.
On Sheet 2 of the Drawings, Figure 1 represents two half plans, one on
either side of the centre line of those arrangements in which the wings A are
moved by means of an engine as in the preceding modification, but instead of
using detached cars to be dragged behind the aero-motive engine, the car B is
in this case made larger so as to contain besides the engine and boiler a gas
engine and receiver, and the passengers, merchandise, or goods which are to be
conveyed, and to give sustaining power. The aero planes C, C, are fixed to
the body of the apparatus, as shown at Figures 1, 2, and 3, the wings being
midway between the aero planes as shewn on one side of the centre line at
Figure 1, or the wings may be behind the aero planes as shown at the opposite
side of Figure 1, or in front of them. The view Figure 2 shows the wing D
on one side of the centre line in its extreme uppermost position, and the
wing E on the opposite side in its extreme lowest position. Figure 4 being
a side elevation of the apparatus according to this second modification.
Additional sustaining power is obtained by means of the front plane G, when
the apparatus is travelling, and to direct its course the "gies" H and H', arc
applied to the tail or rear end of the apparatus which may be of either of
the shapes shown at Figure 1, Sheet 2, the action of which has been herein-
before described.
In Figure 2, Sheet 2, the two positions of the wings illustrate the oscillating
movements before referred to.
Having now described the nature of my said Invention, and the manner
in or under which the same is or may be used or practically carried into effect
I would observe in conclusion that what I consider novel and original and

page_text: therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the herein-before in part
recited Letters Patent is,-
First, moving through the air by means of a motive power within the body,
as herein-before described.
Second, the employment of movable artificial wings, as herein-before
described.
Third, the employment of fixed wings or sails with a detached external
motive power, as herein-before described.
Fourth, its adaptability to sail on water as herein-before described.
Fifth, the capability of the aero-motive engine of running on land, as
herein-before described.
Sixth, under any of these circumstances its power to draw heavy bodies
behind it, as herein-before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Joseph Meyers Kaufmann, have hereunto
set ny hand and seal, this Nineteenth day of August, One thousand
eight hundred and sixty-seven.
JOSEPH MEYERS KAUFMANN. (L.S.)