Improved Apparatus for NavigATING THE ATMOSPHERE
Year: 1875

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John O'Connell Cave at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
14th January 1875.
I, JOHN O'CONNELL CAVE, of Weston-super-Mare, in the County of
Somerset, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
“Improved Apparatus for NavigATING THE ATMOSPHERE,” to be as follows :-
-
This Invention relates to certain arrangements of mechanism whereby
the apparatus can be propelled and guided in the atmosphere by the
aëronaut in an effectual manner. Two shafts of different length and
diameter are respectively filled at or about their upper extremities with
a set of four or of a greater or lesser number of blades, fans, or wings
fixed to the shafts at a suitable angle, and of any desired diameter and
pitch, the same being caused to revolve at a suitable distance one above;
the other. The two shafts are respectively caused to revolve around
a common centre, the one carrying the upper set of blades, fans, or
wings revolving within the other, but in an opposite direction, in order
to counteract the rotary movement which would otherwise be conveyed
or communicated to the body of the apparatus (which is of any suitable
form), the weight of which rests equally upon suitable collars or enlarged
portions of the respective shafts.

page_text: The motive power employed is derived from compressed air, or air
expanded by heat, or a combination thereof, and when heat is required
oils, spirits, or any light burning material, such as wood, charcoal, or
coke, may be used.
The engine by which the motive power is communicated to the shafts
may be of any known type, but by preference a double cylinder oscillating
engine is employed..
The engine and the other parts of the apparatus may be constructed
of metal, or of any material or combination of materials that will ensure
lightness consistent with sufficient strength.
The apparatus can be steered by means of a rudder which is made
to project some distance from the frame, but by preference an equipoised
rudder, which can also be used as a drag, is employed.
The apparatus can be caused to move in any desired direction, and to
travel at any desired speed, according to the greater or lesser angle of 1
inclination of the pair of shafts from the vertical or perpendicular line,-
the shafts being so balanced that by means of a lever or any well-known
contrivance the degree of inclination can easily be regulated by the
driver, whilst the frame or body of the apparatus, which can be situated
at any convenient distance beneath the revolving blades, fans, or wings, i
always retains its tendency to preserve a vertical position.
The lower set of blades, fans, or wings is, by preference, of a greater
diameter and pitch than the upper set, in order to overcome the down-
ward current of air caused by the revolution of the latter; or the lower
set may be so geared as to revolve at a faster rate of speed than the
upper set.
For military and other purposes, when so desired, the engine of the
apparatus may bo supplied with compressed air through a suitable tube
of any desired length, and communicating with an air condenser or
reservoir on the land, and gas or hot air may be used as an auxiliary {
lifting power in any convenient manner.