A Flying Apparatus.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 22nd Nov., 1894
Complete Specification Left, 10th Aug., 1895-4ccepted, 14th Sept.,
1895
A Flying Apparatus.
I, EUGENE JOHANN WILHELM PHILIPP BIRNBAUM, Interpreter, of
238, Chatham Avenue, Hoxton, N., do hereby declare the nature of this invention
to be as follows:-
The principle of this invention is a floating vertical swing, with a special
crossing lever and spring system, the action of which brings about the necessary
state of inertia and at the same time secures, in the distribution of power, a
preponderance in favour of the rising of the swing.
The apparatus is to be actuated by the muscular energy of the flyer, who, guided
by instinct and skill, has at all times absolute control over it.
I construct a pair of wings of suitable light and strong material and of suitable
size and shape, with a slightly flexible framework; (the material for the frame-
work should be resilient, such as steel, split bamboo, thin whalebone etc., etc., or
combination thereof, tapering towards the end).
The frame forms at its central extremities a rigid lever system, as shown in
Fig. I. of drawings.
The wings move round a common axle Fig. II.
A suitable mechanical arrangement provides that the levers cannot pass the
horizontal line in their downward revolving motion, nor can they go beyond (about)
a right angle in their upward motion.
Hinged on to the frame, as shown in Fig. III. are the four respective uprights of
the stand for the flyer.
The rigid lower arms of the levers Fig. IV. form a parallel trapeze, the bars
Fig. V. of which are secured in convenient reach of the hauds, inside the square
formed by the uprights.
The parallel trapeze is connected with the foot stand Fig. VI. by very powerful
springs Fig. VII. so as to secure the most effective reaction by trying to keep
the levers at a right angle; thus securing the preponderance of the rising
power.
The springs are of such calculated power, that they will effectively prevent the
levers from attaining a horizontal position, unless the flyer forces by muscular
power his weight on to the stand in the same manner as he would set in motion any
ordinary swing. The swing motion is kept up through the flyer alternately
transferring his weight by muscular energy from the stand on to the trapeze
and vice versa; the state of inertia rendering this action practicable and
effective.
The foot stand and trapeze may be made adjustable to permit flyers of different
statue to use the same apparatus. It is obvious that instead of the springs
connecting the trapeze with the stand, such springs may, if convenient, be arranged
in various other manners, to obtain the same result. A regulating arrangement
for the springs may also be applied to make the same apparatus suit flyers of
different weight and muscular power.
More preferably the construction of the apparatus may be thus, that the stand
takes the place of the trapeze and the trapeze that of the stand. This may give
more effect to the expenditure of the muscular energy in flapping down the wings.
But this construction necessitates of course also the reversing of the spring
arrangement.
The feet or lower part of the legs may by some suitable appliance be attached

page_text: (secured) to the foot stand, thus contributing to the action of pulling the trapeze
by the hands, and so increasing the effectiveness of the muscular energy; for the
action of the muscular power results in reality in alternately forcing the trapeze
and stand asunder and alternately pulling them together. This alternate action,
while keeping up the state of inertia, constitutes the respective up and down
flapping of the wings; the flapping up corresponding with the dropping and the
flapping down with the rising of the swing. The factor in the downward phase
of inertia is the muscular energy and in the upward phase the weight. The
muscular energy acting at all times in opposing direction to the weight, by reason of
the crossing of the levers.
For horizontal flight the wings are used as an aeroplane on the inclined plane
principle, the bars of the trapeze providing the flyer with the means of
direction.
Ayug Apparatus.
EUGENE JOHANN WILHELM PHILIPP BIRNBAUM of 238, Chatham Avenue,
Hoxton, London, N., Interpreter, 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 the construction of a pair of artificial wings that are
movable by means of a special crossing lever-and spring-system, which places
the flyer in the position to utilize his muscular energy to the best advantage through
the simultaneous exertion of both his arms and legs. Thus rendering the carrying
of his own weight through the air practicable.; in accordance with the principle of
animal locomotion throughout, namely the principle of inertia, or in other words:
through the action of the muscular energy being diametrically opposed to that of
the weight.
The flyer has, guided by instinct and skill, at all times absolute control over the
apparatus.
construct a pair of wings of suitably light and strong material and of suitable
size and shape with a framework tapering and but slightly flexible towards the
outer extremities (the material for the framework should be as resilient as possible,
so that the best steel will probably be most suitable, and thin steel wire, split
bamboo, or such like light material may be distributed over the frame system, to
increase the staying power of the wing covering).
The frame forms at its central extremities a lever system of rigid material (the
lever system may be either of the same kind of material and of one piece with the
respective frame-parts or of independent material securely fastened to the respective
frame-parts).
In the accompanying drawings:
Fig. 1. is a plan of a flying apparatus, according to my invention.
Fig. 2. is an end elevation, and
Fig. 3. is a side elevation of same, with part of the covering material broken
away.
Fig. 4. and
Fig. 5. are detail views.
The wings move on a common axis A.
The ribs X and X' of the framework form with the parts B D and B¹ D¹ the
lever system of rigid material as mentioned.
A suitable mechanical arrangement provides that the levers B and B¹ cannot.
pass the horizontal line in their downward rocking motion, nor can they go beyond.
(about) right angles to each other in their upward motion.

page_text: Hinged on to the frame are the four respective uprights C of the stand F for
the flyer.
The lower arms D and D' or prolongations-beyond the axle-of the levers form
a parallel trapeze or horizontal bars E and E' in convenient reach of the hands,
inside the square formed by the uprights. (Or, if convenient, the lower arms may
have the footstand hinged on to and then the upper arms form the trapeze.)
The apparatus is provided with a system of suitable springs G and G¹
conveniently arranged and of the required power to keep the crossing levers-
when the apparatus is at rest-tightly at about right angles. The power of the
springs is moreover such, that when the apparatus is suspended in the air-a dead
weight equal to that of the flyer would by itself not suffice to force the levers into
a horizontal position, whereas the flyer can, when suspended in the air, force them
by muscular energy to attain such a position.
This result may be obtained, for instance, by connecting the trapeze with the
footstand by means of these springs, as shewn, or by suitably arranging the springs
between the levers; or by combining the two modes of construction.
The feet or lower parts of the flyer's legs should by some suitable appliance
preferably be attached (secured) to the footstand F.
The covering material K, which may pass either below or above the axle, has
openings sufficient to allow for the passage of the levers. These openings have at
the same time the advantage of increasing the steadiness of the apparatus when in
flight. (The size and shape of the wings are naturally subject to considerable
variety and to inventive evolution, according to circumstances and requirements for.
purposes in view. About one square foot to the pound of the combined weight
may prove a practical area for ordinary flying purposes.)
For horizontal fight the wings are used as an aeroplane on the inclined plane
principle; the bars of the trapeze, in conjunction with the foot board, providing
the flyer with the means of direction, by means of balancing swaying or leaning of
the body. (Efficient flying by means of this apparatus is therefore an exercise
depending entirely on the proper training of the muscular system, such as is
required for walking, running, swimming, cycling or such like locomotion.
To facilitate the ascending from and descending upon the ground, the footstand
may underneath be provided with suitable springs.
The (lower) lever arms D and D', forming the trapeze, may be shaped in one of
various manners and, if convenient, be provided with movable knee-joints, according
to the bars thereof being intended to be moved either from the shoulders upwards,
or between the arm-pits and the hips, or from a horizontal position with outstretched
arms towards the hips. (In the latter case it may also be convenient to have two.
joint axles for the wings, instead of a common oue, each wing having its own
axle.)
The frame-parts may,
where they come in contact with the uprights, be divided
forklike (or vice versa) as shewu in Fig. 4 and 5; so that they move (engage) with
the respective uprights between each others; thus contributing to the holding in
proper mutual position of the lever-system, framework and footstand; O being the
forklike divided frame-parts.
Two bars L, parallel with the axle and connecting the respective levers of the
right and left side, may-while serving as axles for the movement of the levers
and uprights respectively-also contribute to the solidity of the lever-system and
at the same time serve as the arrangement required for preventing the levers-as
above mentioned-from passing the horizontal line; and can also be utilized for
receiving the spring arrangement, if convenient.
The wings may advantageously-especially if the apparatus be provided with
a bird's tail imitating appendix-be of curved shape, for the realization of which
suggestion I bave a device, which however-besides numerous other suggestions
for improvements or modifications of details or accessories-I refrain from
mentioning here, not to abnormally increase the length of this Specification..
The flyer sets and keeps the apparatus in motion by alternately forcing the

page_text: trapeze and footstand asunder and alternately pulling them together; thus causing
a swing-like motion, of which the wing-area of the air-resistance is the support, and
which constitutes the up-and-down-flapping of the wings-the springs establishing
a ready connection between the wings and the muscular system of the flyer by
securing the required conservation and transmission of energy.
Whenever the force deriving from the muscular energy exceeds that of the
weight, rising in the air will be the result, aud whenever no (mctive) exertion takes
place, sinking will follow, in exactly the same manner as either (animal) locomotion
or rest is brought about under all circumstances.
The resisting area of the air forms-as everybody is aware-the basis of flying
motion. For the density of the air is relatively opposed to the flying weight; but
the action of the muscular energy is diametrically opposed to both, flying weight
and density of air. The principle of inertia meaning the balance of diametrically
opposing force, it follows that rest is the result of equal (diametrically) opposing
force and motion the result of unequally opposing force. Muscular force is thus
a force-under direction of will-diametrically opposed to the force of gravitation,
by means of a basis of resistance- that is by means of relatively opposed force.
Now the storage of muscular energy, in any animated organism, is necessarily
at all times superior to the storage of energy represented in the bodily weight,
provided that there is sufficient resistance basis for action to keep up the required
state or momentum of inertia. Otherwise no animal locomotion could take place.
All that wings therefore mainly require, is sufficient area and a suitable movement
efficiently connecting them with the muscular system; to enable the flyer to
establish at will the balance between weight and muscular energy.
When starting from the ground the flyer has to force the springs (by as sudden
and violent action as possible) into vibration until the full resistance of air is
reached, and once that obtained, then the amount of exertion necessary will be not
more than that required for ordinary (animal) locomotion.
The only extra-weight, that the flyer has to deal with, is that of the apparatus.
This weight he has however not actually to carry, but he moves it aloug (upwards)
in the same manner as he would move along the weight of, say, a cycle on such
a one over the ground. For the wings stand to the air in the same relation as the
wheel to the flat ground; only that wheels are subject to a rotary and wings to
a swing-like that is a vertical and diametrically alternating motion.
In the case of any ordinary swing the resistance basis remains in fixed position,
whereas in the case of wings the resisting basis follows the area of the wings-that
is it remains at all times in a line or plane with the wing area-no matter whether
the flyer rises or sinks, no matter whether he flaps the wings up or down or not
at all.
It will thus also be understood that the flyer's weight is an essential factor in
the action of flying by means of wings, as it would not matter to what extent wings,
as described, would be caused to flap, if they had no weight to carry; neither rising
nor sinking could result. Such wings would therefore be impracticable, for
instance, with gas filled aerostates (as light or lighter than the air); as the wings
would meet as much up-air resistance when flapping up, as they would of down-air
resistance when flapping down. Whereas, in the case of weight carrying wings,
the flyer uses at all times only the uniform-and over the whole wing area uniformly
distributed-down-air resistance, whether he flaps the wings up or down or not at all.
He cannot possibly ever reach any appreciable up-air resistance, because his weight
prevents him from ever leaving the down-air resistance.
The air resistance remains uniform-subject of course to altitude-that means
the difference of resistance is for flying purposes practically inappreciable within
a few hundred feet. For considerable rising the flyer has of course to apply
greater exertion or provide greater wing area. The covering material of the wings
may moreover, if convenient, be made of a double layer suitably spaced apart and
gas filled to minimise the weight of the apparatus and thus allow reduction of
exertion.

page_text: If such an apparatus, as described in this Specification, was to be put on
a weighing machine and the operator flapped the wings, then each flap-down would
cause the apparatus to rise on account of the down-air resistance, and each flap-up
would, instead of meeting the down-air resistance, meet the resistance offered by
the weighing machine, which resistance the operator would counteract through the
presence of the up-air resistance. The exertion of the operator would therefore
in that case simply keep the weighing machine and apparatus in motion and would
probably merely show that the mean weight would practically remain the same,
no matter to what extent he would flap the wings; for weight is definite in quantity
and remains the same under all circumstances. In other words, the weight of
a flying apparatus in actual flight cannot possibly be ascertained on a weighing
machine, even if the latter was flying at the time, for flying is exactly the reverse
of weighing.
But if the apparatus is suspended in the air, then each flap of the wings, whether
down or up can only meet the down-air resistance and flying will be the result.
Each flap-down-when the apparatus is in full action-will create a rising
momentum, and each flap-up will through the action of the springs in conjunction
with the muscular power prevent the development of a counter (sinking) momentum,
so that each flap-down will renew the rising momentum, without having first to
overcome any opposing momentum of inertia.
For a weight descending suspended from a parachute or aeroplane is an object
that has been allowed to drop until its momentum has become equal to the force of
air-resistance, whence it will uniformly maintain the so acquired momentum until
it reaches the ground. Now a flyer can by active flapping of the wings deprive
the weight of that momentum and then the weight cannot regain it, unless the
flyer allows the weight, through muscular inactivity, to re-develop said momentum.
Thus the flyer is enabled to ascend or descend at will.
The difference in principle between individual and mechanical flight is, that the
individual provided with the necessary locomotive apparatus (wings, natural or
artificial) has at all times, when in normal condition of life, the requisite storage of
energy within itself for the locomotion of its own bodily weight; whereas a flying
machine has to be provided with a motor of sufficient power to transport through
the air the whole of the (dead) weight it is intended to fly. The winged flyer is
moreover endowed with instinct, which enables him by the help of the spring
arrangement, to feel and by skill to control the phases of the wing motion.
It remains therefore of course obvious that, to obtain the best results, the
apparatus should be made as light, and the movements thereof, as frictionless as
possible, to minimise the waste of energy.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. The flying apparatus substantially as herein described and shewn.
2. A flying apparatus consisting of two or more wings pivoted on a common axis,
crossing levers with springs attached to the ends thereof, bars or handles for the
hands of the operator and a foot board or foot hold held up by the springs, and
rods, substantially as described and shewn.
3. In a flying apparatus, the combination of two or more wings, levers crossing
each other, and one or more of each set of which, forms a rib for the said
wings, a footboard spring connected to the levers, and framework, all arranged and
operating substantially in the manner and for the purpose hereinbefore described
and shewn.
4. A flying apparatus, substantially as described and shewn, which enables the
flyer through the simultaneous movement of his legs and arms, to utilize his
muscular energy to the best advantage.
5. A flying apparatus consisting of artificial wings, with crossing levers and
springs, so arranged, that the flyer is enabled to counterbalance, at will, the

page_text: energy of his own weight and of that of the apparatus, by his own muscular
energy, on the resisting area of the air as basis, substantially as described and
shewn.
6. A flying apparatus, by means of which-being constructed in accordance
with the principle of individual flight, substantially as hereinbefore described and
shewn Man can fly.
.
E. BIRNBAUM.