Improvements in and relating to Flying Machines.
Year: 1892

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Flying Machines.
I, FEDERICO CAPONE, of Miniere di Zolfa Altavilla Irpina, in the Kingdom of
Italy, Proprietor of Sulphur Mines, 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 :—
My invention relates to flying machines.
The useful effect of a force applied to the movement of a body in the air is in
inverse ratio to the action of the gravity to which the body itself is subjected, that
is to say in direct proportion to the mobility of the body. From this principle
follows: firstly that the force must be employed principally for the forward move-
ment and not for sustaining the body in the air; and secondly that the maximum
force must be applied to the motive parts when the action of gravity upon the body
in motion is at its minimum.
In the accompanying drawing I have represented a machine which embodies an
application of these two principles to aerial motion.
Figure 1 is a general view of the machine shown in plan.
Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5 represent the various positions of the wings in four
successive phases. In these figures the arrows indicate the direction of rotation of
the arms which carry the wings.
Figure 6 is a detail of a wing.
Figure 7 represents the arrangement of the motive parts.
In these figures corresponding parts are designated by similar letters of
reference.
The improved flying machine comprises a frame a, a, a, a carrying a suitable
motor which is not represented in the drawing. This motor actuates arms bb
and 66 provided on crank shafts which are united by a connecting rod c.
Each arm bis of a length equal to that of the arm bb, and has a second crank
as shown in Figure 1. The arms bb and 6' 6' are also united with each other by
connecting rods d d.
Wings p p are articulated to the extremities of the arms bb from which they are
freely suspended, whilst the arms 66, which are independent of the said wings,
serve to regulate the position of the latter relatively to the horizontal plane while
they strike the air.
As shown in Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5, the various inclinations of the wing are the
result of the pressure of the air in conjunction with the action of the second crank
of the arm band with the action of the link f of the wing made with an elbow
which causes an inclination to the horizontal plane, this inclination being smaller
during the first balf of the downward movement of the wing (Figure 2), and greater
during the second half of the same movement (Figure 3). The wings are made of
two pieces forming a cross and an arc m, upon which is stretched a light and strong
fabric. As shown in Figure 6, the wing has at its free rear part an articulated
section p¹ which is at a greater inclination than the wing itself at the commencement
of the upward movement, when the inclination of the wing would be insufficient to
ensure a favourable result (Figure 4).
As will be seen from the drawing, the second crank of the arm 61 6¹ is of great
importance also for the turning motion of the section p' of the wing, for this crank
keeps the wing stretched in the positions indicated in Figures 2 and 3 and allows it
to fold up in the position indicated in Figure 4.
Besides the hinge for the turning motion of the section p¹ of the wing there is a
stop n and a string o. The stop n serves to prevent the motion of the turning
motion taking place in the opposite direction to that desired, whilst the string o
D
1

page_text: 9.
serves to limit angle to be given to the fold of the wing. The tail 9 fixed to the
frame a a serves to prevent the body in motion from equilibrating its centre of
gravity with regard to the centre of figure of the wings.
In Figure 7 is represented a suitable arrangement for transmitting the movement
to the arms of the wings. A drum r is actuated by the motor or by a spring in
constant tension; in its rotation in the direction indicated by the arrow it pulls the
cords which is wound from the elliptic drum t. In this manner, I can, by the
effect of the longer or shorter lever arm resulting therefrom, exert a greater or
smaller power according as the position of the wings requires it.
The elliptical arrangement of the drums corresponds to the condition required for
the development of the maximum of force at the opportune moment.
It will be observed that in the most perfect flight it should be possible to reduce
the length of the arms and the inclinations of the wings during the flight according
to the larger or smaller amount of force at disposal and according to the velocity
and importance of the flight to be performed. For shortening the arms it is
sufficient for their extremities (Figure 1) to be adapted to slide by means of a rack
and pinion, and for the inclination of the wings it is sufficient for the section f
(Figure 6) of the ring joining it to the arm to be arranged to slide.
For obtaining this movement I may use the electric current or any other suitable
force or mechanism.
The operation of the flying machine represented in the accompanying drawing is
as follows:
By the effect of the rotation of the arms bb and the wings assume an inclined
position to the horizontal plane from the front to the rear during nearly the last
quarter of the upward movement and the first half of the downward movement
(Figure 2); it occupies an inverse position that is to say it remains inclined to the
horizontal plane from the rear to the front during the second half of the same
downward movement and the commencement of the upward movement (Figures 3
and 4); finally it remains free during the following part of the upward movement
(Figure 5) taking a definite and resultant inclination from the resistance of the air
encountered in two different directions, one by the effect of the movement of the
body and the other by the effect of the rotation of the arms.
The essential conditions for the flight are want of equilibrium and inclination of
the wings, and these conditions are fulfilled by the machine above described.
By the effect of the movement of the wings in the circular direction and parallel
to the longitudinal axis of the machine is produced in each of the rotations of the
wing a want of equilibrium between their centre of figure, which is the point of
support of the body in the air, and the centre of gravity of the body itself. As the
centre of gravity tends to come in a vertical line with the point of support
the result is that in each flapping movement of the wings the body will advance and
descend, at the same time preventing a violent fall. The tail then constantly
renews the want of equilibrium at the moment of the upward movement of the
wings. This condition is the only one, owing to which certain winged animals
effect their flight and young birds commence to fly when they leave their nest; this
I will call elementary flying. It is also by the effect of the want of equilibrium
that every winged animal begins to fly; this I will call initial flight. As by these
flights the principal object of the winged animal is simply to avoid the fall by
lessening the effects of the gravity, even neglecting the velocity of the body in the
air the result is that solely by the want of equilibrium any winged animal can
perform the elementary and initial flight independently of the force and skill which
it may be able to use.
The wings in the elementary flight at the commencement of their action, that is
to say when they are nearly at the end of their upward movement and in the first
half of their downward movement, are at an inclination to the horizontal plane
from the front to the rear. Supposing that at the same time the body is animated
with an impulsive force, either by an initial impetus or by a velocity acquired in the
downward movement or in the preceding movements, the resultant of the inclination

page_text: of the wing and the velocity of the body will be an inclined line ascending from the
rear to the front parallel to the inclination of the wing; this however takes place
at the exp
xpense
of the velocity acquired, which is not the object of this flight. In
the initial flight and in the perfect flight the wing, during the above mentioned
movement, is perfectly horizontal and serves to sustain the body in the air. In the
second half of its downward movement and at the commencement of the upward
movement the wing is inclined to the horizontal plane from the rear to the front;
this inclination serves as much for the elementary and initial flight as for the perfect
flight. As at the same time the wing, by the effect of the rotary movement of the
arms, also changes its movement which becomes inverse to the movement of the
body the result will be an impetus of the body from the arm upwards. In this
condition lies the essential reason of the perfect flight.
The improved machine herein before described is intended for lifting weights and
for the aërial transport of bodies. The motor is not shown in the drawing as any
suitable and well known motor may be used. The load to be lifted as well as the
motor for working the machine are both arranged below the main frame, at or about
the central part thereof.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
First. A flying machine in which the wings, provided with appendices adapted to
turn by the effect of the rotary movement of the arms to which they are articulated,
will automatically occupy various inclinations to the horizontal plane, substantially
as and for the purpose herein described with reference to the drawing.
Second. In flying machines the mechanism for giving definite inclinations to the
wings in the various phases of the rotary movement of the arms to which the said
wings are connected, substantially as and for the purpose herein described with
reference to the drawing.
Third. In flying machines the mechanism for applying the force relatively to the
different movements of the wings, substantially as and for the purpose herein
described with reference to the drawing.
Fourth. In flying machines the mechanism for producing a want of equilibrium
between the centre of gravity of the body and the centre of figure of the wings, and
for enabling this want of equilibrium to be continually renewed in each flapping
movement of the wings, substantially as and for the purpose herein described with
reference to the drawing.
Dated thie 29th dox of notabox 1909
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.

page_text: Date of Application. 28th Oct., 1892-Accepted, 28th Jan., 1893
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Flying Machines.
I, FEDERICO CAPONE, of Miniere di Zolfa Altavilla Irpina, in the Kingdom of
Italy, Proprietor of Sulphur Mines, 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 :-
My invention relates to flying machines.
The useful effect of a force applied to the movement of a body in the air is in
inverse ratio to the action of the gravity to which the body itself is subjected, that
is to say in direct proportion to the mobility of the body. From this principle
follows: firstly that the force must be employed principally for the forward move-
ment and not for sustaining the body in the air; and secondly that the maximum
force must be applied to the motive parts when the action of gravity upon the body
in motion is at its minimum.
In the accompanying drawing I have represented a machine which embodies an
application of these two principles to aerial motion.
Figure 1 is a general view of the machine shown in plan.
Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5-represent the various positions of the wings in four
successive phases. In these figures the arrows indicate the direction of rotation of
the arms which carry the wings.
Figure 6 is a detail of a wing.
Figure 7 represents the arrangement of the motive parts.
In these figures corresponding parts are designated by similar letters of
reference.
The improved flying machine comprises a frame a, a, a, a carrying a suitable
This motor, actuates arms b b
motor which is not represented in the drawing.
and provided on crank shafts which are united by a connecting rod c.
Each arm is of a length equal to that of the arm bb, and has a second crank
as shown in Figure 1. The arms b band bare also united with each other by
connecting rods d d.
Wings p p are articulated to the extremities of the arms b6 from which they are
freely suspended, whilst the arms 6' 6', which are independent of the said wings,
serve to regulate the position of the latter relatively to the horizontal plane while
they strike the air.
As shown in Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5, the various inclinations of the wing are the
result of the pressure of the air in conjunction with the action of the second crank
of the arm band with the action of the link ƒ of the wing made with an elbow
which causes an inclination to the horizontal plane, this inclination being smaller
during the first half of the downward movement of the wing (Figure 2), and greater
during the second half of the same movement (Figure 3). The wings are made of
two pieces forming a cross and an arc m, upon which is stretched a light and strong
O fabric. As shown in Figure 6, the wing has at its free rear part an articulated
section p¹ which is at a greater inclination than the wing itself at the commencement
of the upward movement, when the inclination of the wing would be insufficient to
ensure a favourable result (Figure 4).
As will be seen from the drawing, the second crank of the arm 61 61 is of great
5 importance also for the turning motion of the section pl of the wing, for this crank
keeps the wing stretched in the positions indicated in Figures 2 and 3 and allows it
to fold up in the position indicated in Figure 4.
Besides the hinge for the turning motion of the section p¹ of the wing there is a
stop n and a string o. The stop n serves to prevent the motion of the turning
50 motion taking place in the opposite direction to that desired, whilst the string o

page_text: serves to limit angle to be given to the fold of the wing. The tail 7 fixed to the
frame a serves to prevent the body in motion from equilibrating its centre of
gravity with regard to the centre of figure of the wings.
In Figure 7 is represented a suitable arrangement for transmitting the movement
to the arms of the wings. A drum r is actuated by the motor or by a spring in
constant tension; in its rotation in the direction indicated by the arrow it pulls the
cords which is wound from the elliptic drum t. In this manner, I can, by the
effect of the longer or shorter lever arm resulting therefrom, exert a greater or
smaller power according as the position of the wings requires it.
The elliptical arrangement of the drums corresponds to the condition required for
the development of the maximum of force at the opportune moment.
It will be observed that in the most perfect flight it should be possible to reduce
the length of the arms and the inclinations of the wings during the flight according
to the larger or smaller amount of force at disposal and according to the velocity
and importance of the flight to be performed. For shortening the arms it is
sufficient for their extremities (Figure 1) to be adapted to slide by means of a rack
and pinion, and for the inclination of the wings it is sufficient for the section f
(Figure 6) of the ring joining it to the arm to be arranged to slide.
For obtaining this movement I may use the electric current or any other suitable
force or mechanism.
The operation of the flying machine represented in the accompanying drawing is
as follows:
By the effect of the rotation of the arms bb and the wings assume an inclined
position to the horizontal plane from the front to the rear during nearly the last
quarter of the upward movement and the first half of the downward movement
(Figure 2); it occupies an inverse position that is to say it remains inclined to the
horizontal plane from the rear to the front during the second half of the same
downward movement and the commencement of the upward movement (Figures 3
and 4); finally it remains free during the following part of the upward movement
(Figure 5) taking a definite and resultant inclination from the resistance of the air
encountered in two different directions, one by the effect of the movement of the
body and the other by the effect of the rotation of the arms.
The essential conditions for the flight are want of equilibrium and inclination of
the wings, and these conditions are fulfilled by the machine above described.
By the effect of the movement of the wings in the circular direction and parallel
to the longitudinal axis of the machine is produced in each of the rotations of the
wing a want of equilibrium between their centre of figure, which is the point of
support of the body in the air, and the centre of gravity of the body itself. As the
centre of gravity tends to come in a vertical line with the point of support
the result is that in each flapping movement of the wings the body will advance and
descend, at the same time preventing a violent fall. The tail then constantly
renews the want of equilibrium at the moment of the upward movement of the
wings. This condition is the only one, owing to which certain winged animals
effect their flight and young birds commence to fly when they leave their nest; this
I will call elementary flying. It is also by the effect of the want of equilibrium
that every winged animal begins to fly; this I will call initial flight. As by these
flights the principal object of the winged animal is simply to avoid the fall by
lessening the effects of the gravity, even neglecting the velocity of the body in the
air the result is that solely by the want of equilibrium any winged animal can
perform the elementary and initial flight independently of the force and skill which
it may be able to use.
The wings in the elementary flight at the commencement of their action, that is
to say when they are nearly at the end of their upward movement and in the first
half of their downward movement, are at an inclination to the horizontal plane
from the front to the rear. Supposing that at the same time the body is animated
with an impulsive force, either by an initial impetus or by a velocity acquired in the
downward movement or in the preceding movements, the resultant of the inclination

page_text: of the wing and the velocity of the body will be an inclined line ascending from the
rear to the front parallel to the inclination of the wing; this however takes place
at the exp
expense of the velocity acquired, which is not the object of this flight. In
the initial flight and in the perfect flight the wing, during the above mentioned
movement, is perfectly horizontal and serves to sustain the body in the air. In the
second half of its downward movement and at the commencement of the upward
movement the wing is inclined to the horizontal plane from the rear to the front;
this inclination serves as much for the elementary and initial flight as for the perfect
flight. As at the same time the wing, by the effect of the rotary movement of the
arms, also changes its movement which becomes inverse to the movement of the
body the result will be an impetus of the body from the arm upwards. In this
condition lies the essential reason of the perfect flight.
The improved machine hereinbefore described is intended for lifting weights and
for the aerial transport of bodies. The motor is not shown in the drawing as any
suitable and well known motor may be used. The load to be lifted as well as the
motor for working the machine are both arranged below the main frame, at or about
the central part thereof.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
First. A flying machine in which the wings, provided with appendices adapted to
turn by the effect of the rotary movement of the arms to which they are articulated,
will automatically occupy various inclinations to the horizontal plane, substantially
as and for the purpose herein described with reference to the drawing.
Second. In flying machines the mechanism for giving definite inclinations to the
wings in the various phases of the rotary movement of the arms to which the said
wings are connected, substantially as and for the purpose herein described with
reference to the drawing.
Third. In flying machines the mechanism for applying the force relatively to the
different movements of the wings, substantially as and for the purpose herein
described with reference to the drawing.
Fourth. In flying machines the mechanism for producing a want of equilibrium
between the centre of gravity of the body and the centre of figure of the wings, and
for enabling this want of equilibrium to be continually renewed in each flapping
movement of the wings, substantially as and for the purpose herein described with
reference to the drawing.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.