Improvements in Propellers for Aerial Navigation.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 25th Feb., 1895-Accepted, 30th Mar., 1895
CUNT LEIE SE MUTE IUATION.
Improvements in Propellers for Aerial Navigation.
I, Dr. LUDWIG MARTIN, of Klausenburg, in the Empire of Hungary,
University Professor, 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:-
This invention relates to an apparatus which when combined with a number of
apparatus of similar construction and arrangement, will serve to raise and propel
an air ship or the like.
The fundamental principle of this apparatus has been deduced from the
experience gained by observing and calculating the flight of birds. These
experiences may be summed up to the following effect, viz., that as the reaction of
the air produced by the downward stroke of the wings is the sole lifting force, it
is important that the greatest possible number of effective downstrokes of the
wings should follow upon one another, without however producing a negative
reaction during the upstroke of the wings.
Assuming and it can be proved by calculation-that the power capable of
being exerted continuously by a man is equal to 11th of a horse-power the use of
fying wheels constructed as hereinafter described will enable a inan to fly by the
sole aid of his innate power.
The Hying wheel consists of three main parts, viz. the body of the wheel, the
vanes pivoted in wheel rim and the device for guiding the vanes.
In the accompanying drawings which illustrate my invention by way of example
only:-
Figure 1 Sheet No. 1 is a view in front end elevation of my improved wheel
having 12 vanes, though a greater or less number may be employed.
Figures 2 and Sheet No. 1 show the geometrical construction of the vane-
guiding device in vertical and in horizontal projection.
Figures 4 and 5 Sheet No. I are views in front and side elevation respectively
of the vane-guiding device.
Figure 6 Sheet No. 1 is a broken view in section through the wheel and the
vane-guiding device.
Figures 7, 8 and 9 Sheet No. 2 are views showing the arrangement of the vanes
and also of the vane-guiding device to a slightly larger scale.
Figures 10 and 11 Sheet No. 2 show the armature of the head of a vane in cross
section, and
Figures 12 and 13 Sheet No. 2 show detail of the construction of the vane-
guiding device.
Throughout the views similar parts are marked with like letters of reference.
On the wheel shaft a which is to be actuated by any suitable propelling power
is keyed the hub of the wheel, the said hub forming one piece with the disc c.
This disc c is surrounded by a wheel rim in which the vanes I-XII are pivoted
by means of journal or pin bearings or supports d or the like, in such a manner
that said vanes rotate with the shaft a, but are at the same time also capable of
varying their positions with respect to the said shaft.
In Figure 1 the vanes are shown in their effective or operative positions, that is,
at right angles to the shaft, which is imparted to them by means of.a vane-guiding
device arranged in front of the end of the wheel. This vane-guiding device keeps
the vanes at right angles to the shaft a so long as they act effectively, that is to

page_text: say, so long as they produce a lifting reaction of the air during their downstroke;
but immediately that ceases it lays them along the said shaft to prevent any negative
reaction of the air, and in due course re-erects them again for renewed operation.
Referring to Figure 2, the form of the guide is composed of the combination of
a semi-circle L, K, N, with the centre O, and of a semi-ellipse L, M, N, aud
consists of a bottom parte and a border f. Each vane has a guiding fork
consisting cach of two pins 9 and h situated at right angles to each other, which
take over the border of the guide, and thereby cause the vanes to execute the
prescribed movement.
In order to give the guide sufficient strength, it is advisable to reinforce the
border with a bead such as l.
The vane-guiding device is shown in the drawing in the form of a dish-shaped
part facing towards the vane-wheel, but it may be variously modified. It may also
be made in the form of a cylinder enclosing the axis of the wheel, the bead for
guiding the vane-pins or journals running round the said cylinder.
I wish it to be particularly understood that I do not limit myself to the precise
details of construction hereinbefore described and illustrated by the accompanying
drawings, but that I hold myself at liberty to make such changes and alterations
as fairly fall within the spirit and scope of my invention.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inver-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
claim is :―
(1) The improved propeller for air ships, flying machines or the like,
substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated by the accompanying
drawing.
(2) The combination hereinbefore described and illustrated by the accompanying
drawings forming my improved flying wheel.
(3) A vane-wheel for air ships, flying machines or the like, in which every vane
after it has completed its downstroke is turned about an axis at right angles to the
axis of the wheel to lay against the axle of the wheel, and is before the
commencement of the next downstroke erected again, the arrangement being such
that the centre of pressure of the surface of the vane is alternately brought nearer
to and away from the axis of the wheel, as and for the purpose set forth.
Dated this 25th day of February 1895.
ROBERT E. PHILLIPS, M.I. Mech. E.,
Consulting Engineer and Patent Agent,
70, Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Associate Agent.