Improvements in and relating to Aerial Navigation.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 18th Sept.,.1889
Complete Specification Left, 18th June, 1890-Accepted, 19th July, 1890
Improvements in and relating to Aerial Navigation.
We, EDWARD CHARLES FREDERICK Orro, Engineers and EDWARD CHARLES
FREDERICK OTro, Junior, son of the above, both of 7. York Grove, Peckhamı
in the County of London, do hereby declare the nature of our invention to be as
follows:-
"
.
Heretofore the attempts in the direction of constructing practical flying machines
and in the direction of the steering and propelling of balloons have not been
successful..
-
The reason is probably this that the laws governing the motion of the air and its
resistance have not been fully understood or taken into account.
Very quickly rotating helical and other fans have been proposed and used for
adrial navigation with the view of drawing in and forcing back large quantities
of air and thus creating resistance for raising and propelling heavy bodies in
the air.
However the results attained have invariably been found to be out of all
proportion to the power expended. The reason is that, firstly the weight of the air
forced back during a moment of time was by far too insignificant to yield sufficient
resistance.and secondly that the by far greater and important and useful power in
fans used for such-raising purposes has not only escaped the attention of inventors,
but has been allowed to form the greatest opposing force to the rotation of
the fans, so that thereby the greater part of steam or other driving power was
wasted.
Steam and air blasts have also been used with the view of creating resistance
t as the weight of the air thus repelled was only insignificant in comparison with
the weight of the balloon, the results attained by this mode of propulsion were found
to be quite inadequate.
Now according in our invention we raise, propel, and steer in the air by suěli
sullen and impulsive actions as will create a sufficient partial vacuum in fronk of the
acting medium or a compression and expulsion of a confined and heavy quantity of
air at its rear..
.
Our invention is applicable to the propelling and steering of flying machines and to
the propelling and steering of balloons, forming then an adjunci thereto.
In one form of the apparatuswe utilize.theverypower possessed byroiarycentrifugal
fans, which has hitherto not been made use of namely: the power which is repre-
sented by the partial vacuum close in the rear surfaces of the acting vanes" to the
lifting and propelling of bodies in the air.
Asacomplete vacuum,vielding a pressureof2,160lbs.persquare footof surface isonly
attained by the speed of the vanes slightly exceeding the motion of air in vacuum, it
will be seen that the resistance of the partial vacuum must increase in the same ratio
as the speed of the moving vanes, provided their surfaces stand at right angles
to the plane of the roiary motion of the fans, while on the other hand the air
expelling and repelling power of the fans is limited by rarefaction of air between
the vanes which air becomes too light to attain sufficient impetus to be thrown out
against the condensed cushion.of the surrounding atmosphere. The expelling power
of fans constitutes therefore but a mere trifle compared with the power attained by
partial vacuum.
In order to avail ourselves of this power, we place say two fans side by side close
together in a frame. Each fan consists of a horizontal spindle upon which are
mounteil 'say four vanes each pivoting in the centre line of its area and either parallel
fô or at right angles in the fan spindles. The frame being mounted in a cur is

page_text: The
capable of shifting slightly its position to allow of changing the inclination of the
fan spindles for forward or upward, or downward movement of the machine.
fan spindles are parallel with each other. The vanes are arranged to feather present-
ing the full broad area for the acting or downstroke during about one fourth of the
revolution; and presenting the edge for a minimum area of resistance or inactivity
during the remainder of a revolution. Thus one vane of the four is always active
while the other three are inactive. In a centrifugal fan in which all four vanes are
constantly acting for throwing out air a partial vacuum is created at their rear. This
power we avail ourselves of and so that one vane always exerts full lifting power
while the others cut the air and form no obstacle and do not counteract the lifting
power of the lifting vane, hence our fan only takes one fourth the power. but that
power which represents the entire driving power is all transformed into lifting power.
centrifugally driven air is in faci not used in our fans for lifting. The feathering of
the vanes may be effected in various ways, for instance by a cam groove at the
hearings at each end of the spindle, a roller or rollers on the end of a lever working
therein this lever is by a roil connected to a lever on the spindle or pivots on
which the vane is pivoted.
Tustead of arranging the fans on separate spindles we may arrange them
on one spindle in the centre line of the car thus taking up less room in the
width.
Sometimes when weighty masses of air are acied upon by large broad vanes we
make the latter with a slightly helical inclination to lead the air fowards the rear
of the car and utilize the air resistance in the vanes. The fans are by preference
driven so as to have their working down strokes towards the outside away from each
other, and rising towards the inside towards each other.
The fans may be driven by man's power, or by steam, electricity, or any other
suitable power without the intervention of belts, and are also applicable for steering.
Sometimes we use more than one pair of fans, or say one fan for propelling and one
pair of fans for lifting.
In another form of apparatus we use a pair or pairs of wings which move
upwards and forwards edgeways cleaving the air and downwards with the full
acting surface with a quick and sudden motion. The accumulation or concentration
of power needed for such quick and strong impulses is effected by man's power or
by any other suitable power. In one form of apparatus it is effected by the legs of
the operator by means of cranks whereby a powerful spring or springs are wound
un, or a vacuum (or air or steam counterpressure) produced in a cylinder, the piston
of which is made to return suddenly, either by the outer atmospheric pressure, or by
the pressure of compressed air or steam thereon. The wings turn on stems or
centres massingthroughsleeves in horizontal bearings. The stemsafterpassingthrough
the hearings are connectedwith each other hypowerful springs and bymovable joints
in which the ends of the springs can move. On the stems are provided tooth
scements which gear with tooth segment sleeves which latter are movable on
vertical spindles and are provided with levers which can move in the same direction
as the wings, and to which rods are jointed. These lafter are connected to a powerful
spring or to a piston in a cylinder in which a vacuum or an air. steam, or gas cushion
is formed constituting the storage of power. The cylinder is about horizontal as long
as the wings are the same and changes therewith. To the end of the piston is con-
nected another rod coupled to a crank which is caused to rotate and which has
rnichets fitted close io its end bearings which permit the latter being moved in one
direction only. To this crank two levers are fitted which in their upward motion have
no action on the crank but which turn it by ratchets in the down stroke. The steam.
was, or air in the cylinderwill be strongly compressed to form a powerful springwhich
is suddenly released when the crank has passed its dead centre and turns the crank
through its outer half circumferential path not being fixed by the ratchet in that
direction. Thus the connecting rods for moving the wings act suddenly on the
tubular tooth segment sleeves and move the wings with a quick powerful impulse
giving them first about one fourth turn and then pulling or pushing them suddenly

page_text: down with their broad or full surfaces impinging upon the air with a powerful action
by the whole force of the spring in the cylinder. The power can be adjusted by,
shortening or lengthening the levers and by storing up the power by two or more up
and down movements of the crank levers. These latter may be operated by man's
treadle power, or by steam engine or any other suitable motor. When applied to
human beings the wings may be placed so as to turn from points close behind the
shoulder blades, the axles descending thence in a forward down direction being
connected in front by light and strong say tubular framing which also connects
the upper parts.
The motion of the wings however may be interrupted by a pause in which the
wings stand half way between the two extreme ends of the up and down strokes, and
in such a slanting position as to yield sustaining power to the body while the latter is
moving forward. In the interval in which the wings thus rest the power of the
legs is stored up and when this process has been completed the wings are first moved
to their forward limit and then suddenly twisted at right angles so as to beat with
their full surfaces flat against the air in a parily downward and partly backward
stroke and then return quickly to their original position of rest while sustaining
the boily.
Vanes or wings may also be constructed in the manner of folding fans which
are allowed to spread their surfaces in the down stroke and fold or close when rising.
They may also he constructed of more than one part of canvas or other suitable fabric
or material, the parts overlapping forming a continuous surface which would open to
allow the air to pass through when rising.
In another form of apparatus we provide a balloon open below or an inverted
cylinder having a domed top of strong light material such as sheet steel. This
cylinder is by preference provided with an air jacket or other nonconductor, Within
this cylinder and terminating in a chamber at the top we provide a pipe jointed by
universal or ball joint to the inside of the dome top and havingits lower end connected
to a steam generator or store of gas. By periodical discharges of steam or exploded
gas which has accumulated in the top chamber ready for sudden release the steam or
gas issuing from openings in the chamber will suddenly compress and force the
column of air in the cylinder downwards in a vertical or slanting, straight or lateral
direction according to the direction that the cylinder is placed. The apparatus can
thus propel and sfeer in any direction.
The various forms of apparatus herein before describedare appliedeither as separate
flying machines or as adjuncts to balloons for propelling and steering them from the
car containing the apparatus. Where we have steam available we may apply it to the
heating of the interior air in the balloon, which is made open below, for rarefaction
of the air and sustaining power. The steam condensed may be collected by a gutter
and conveyed back to the boiler. The balloons may be air jacketed or otherwise
protected against excessive condensation.
JENSEN & SON.
77, Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Patent Agents.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Aerial Navigation.
We. EDWARD CHARLES FREDERICK OTTO Engineer and EDWARD CHARLES
FREDERICK OTO Junior son of the above both of 7 York Grove, Peckham, in the
County of London do hereby declare the nature of this invention and the manner
in which the same is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement:-
Heretofore the attempts in the direction of constructing flying machines and in the
direction of the steering and propelling balloons have not been successful.
The reason is probably this that the laws governing the motion of the air and its
resistance have not been fully understood or taken into account.

page_text: Very quickly rotatinghelical and other fans have been proposed and used for aërial
navigation with the view of drawing in and forcing back large quantities of air and
thus creating resistance for raising and propelling heavy bodies in the air. However
the results attained have invariably been found to be out of all proportion to the power
expended. The reasons are I believe firstly that the weight of the air forced back
during a moment of time wasby far too insignificant toyieldsufficient resistance, and
secondly that the by far greater and important or useful power in fans and for such
raising purposes has not only escaped the attention of inventors but has been allowed
to form the greatest opposing force to the rotation of the fans, so that thereby the
greatest part of the steam or other driving power was wasted.
Stem and air blasts have also been used with the view of creating resistance, but as
the weight of the air thus repelled was only insignificant in comparison with the
weight of the balloon and the area of resisting air was too small the results obtained
by this mode of propulsion were found to be quite inadequate.
Now according to our invention we raise, propel and steer in the air by such sudden
01 impulsive actions as will create a sufficient partial vacuum in front of the acting
medium, or a compression and expulsion of a confined and heavyquantityof air at its
rear against a large area of air. Our invention is applicable to the propelling and
steering of flying machines and to the propellingand steering of balloons forming then
an adjunct thereto.
In one form of the apparatus we utilize the very power possessed by rotary centri-
fugal fans, which has hitherto not been made use of namely the power which is
represented by the partial vacuum close to the rear surfaces of the acting vanes to the
lifting and propelling of bodies in the air and so that one vane out of say four vaues
exerts full power while the other three vanes at the same time cut the air and form no
appreciable obstacle or counteracting resistance, hence our fan only takes about one
fourth the power but that power which represents the whole driving power is all
transformed into lifting power. Centrifugally driven air is in fact of very small
practical value in our fans for lifting. As a complete vacuum yielding a relative
pressure of over 2000 lbs. per square foot of surface is only attained by the speed of
the vanes slightly exceeding the motion of air rushing into a vacuum it will be seen
that the resistance of the partial vacuum must increase in the same ratio as the speed
of the moving vanes provided their surfaces stand at right angles to the plane of the
rotary motion of the fans while on the other hand the air expelling and repelling
power of the fans is limited by the rarefaction of air between the vaues, which air
becomes too light to attain sufficient impetus to be thrown out against the condensed
cushion of the surrounding atmosphere. The expelling power of fans therefore
constitutes but a mere trifle compared with the power attained by a partial vacuum.
We shall now first describe how by the application of rotatory fans with feathering
vanes or by reciprocating feathering wings purchase or momentary effective action
can be obtained upon the air. The mechanism for the feathering of the vanes or
wings may suitably be so arranged as to make the acting or propelling stroke about
one fourth to one half of the circumference the centre of which is in the axis around
which the fans or wings turn. If comparatively large fans are used the sudden action
of the feathering vanes upon the body of the comparatively undisturbed air enables
us io utilize both the partial vacuum produced on one side and the resistance or
pressure produced on the other. Such fans may be placed in a great number of
different positions and aivarious inclinations givingsimilar results, andare applicable
for steering, by different relative positions and speeds. We shall presently describe
some examples with reference to drawings. When used with a balloon of about
egg ended or elongated shape we provide the latter with inclined planes for assisting
in sustaining or raising the weight of the balloon and parts attached thereto when
in motion: and we so connect the car and machine to the balloon that the latter
at assume a more or less inclined position to the horizon so that the planes of the
halloon may assume any desired gradient.
In order to avail ourselves of the aforesaid power we employ say two fans mounted
in a frame. We here point out that we in our Provisional Specification described

page_text: first an arrangement with two fans having their spindles paralel with each orner and
then an arrangement of two fans on one spindle in the centre line of the car, but we
now reverse this order in the description."
Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings is an end view and Figure 2 is a side view
of a machine which in this case is shewn suspended under a balloon; Figure 3 is
a side view to a smaller scale and Figure 3 an end view of the balloon. Figures 4,
5 and 6 are detailed views. It should be noted that the weight of the car and its
propelling machinery should be rather in front of the middle of the length of the
balloon and that the planes on the latter are longer towards the rear of same.
The fans are arranged at each end of a horizontal spindle in the centre lineof the car
thus taking up little room in the width. Upon the inner spindle are mounted two
tubular sleeves or spindles B B each carrying a fan having say four vanes A each
pivoting in the centre line of its area and at right angles to the fan spindles (or it
might be parallel thereto. The fan spindles instead of being mounted in one
axial line might be arranged parallel and close to each other but we prefer the
former. The two fan sleeves 13 and B would preferably be steel tubes and be con-
nected by a Starley balance gear C or any other suitable balance gear provided with
brake pulleys, brake bands and actuating levers C' as used for tricycles and which
will allow both fans to be driven from a central spur wheel or sprocket wheel Cand
permit of increasing the speed of one fan at the expense of the other by simply
applying the brake to one axle sleeve to slow its speed while increasing the speed of
the other. By this means steering of the balloon can be easily effected. The sleeves
have their hearings in a light but strong steel framing D of tubular or other strong
section and which may be stiffened by the introduction of bamboo cane, light wood or
fibre in the tubes or otherwise. This framing is connected to tubular steel or bamboo
bars E that are suspended from the netting which goes over the balloon F. The
latter as more fully shown in Figures 3 and is by preference slanting and slightly
comical of cylindrical section and going to a point at the front end; we prefer to
provide it with planes F which are stayed by guy ropes F. The planes may be
made of canvas on a light tubular sicel or bamboo framing. Byalieringthe inclination
of the balloon relatively to the car we can set the planes F to any desired gradient.
The frame D may be provided with wheels D' to facilitate the starting and landing
of the aerial ship. The vanes A are arranged to feather, presenting the full broad
area for the acting or propelling stroke during about one fourth of the revolution and
presenting the edge for a minimum area of resistance or time of inactivity during the
remainder of a revolution. Thus one vane of the four is always active while the other
three are inactive, as illustrated by Figure 2.
The feathering of the vanes may be effected in various ways for instance by a cam
groove H, see specially now Figures 4, 5 and 6. The cam grooves H are in bosses
which are capable of being shifted round so as to stay in any desired position on the
bearings situated at each end of the spindle, a roller EL on the end of a lever H
working in the cam groove, one lever for each vane A. Each lever H² is by a rod I
connected to a lever K on the spindle or pivot A on which the vane is pivoted.
Each cam groove boss is provided with a worm wheel G having a handle G for
turning it and so adjusting the fan that the feathering may take place in any part of
the rotary course of the ranes and so that the position of feathering may be adjusted
simultaneously in both fans or independently of one another. Thus the vanes may
in any one moment propel forward or backwards or they may cause the aërial ship to
rise or fall or turn partly or wholly round. To simplify the drawing these levers and
rods are not shewn in Figures 1 and 2. The levers I work in guides L shewn in
section at Figure 5 and between guides Las shewn in section at Figure 6 and may be
slightly dovetailed in section as shown in the latter view. The power is transmitted
to the sprocket wheel C2 in the centre of the balance gear C by chain from the
pulley on the double crank which may be driven by means of manual power or
by steam.electricity or any other suitable power without the intervention of belts and
are also applicable for steering wiz. by turning one fan relatively to the other by
means of the handles G, worms G and worm wheels G us already explained. The

page_text: stems of the vanes are by preference steel tubes, and the vanes proper may be thin
sheet steel or a fabric on a light steel framing or a fabric on bamboo or other light
framing with stiffening rods A*.
By reason of the aforesaid position of the car relatively to the balloon and of the
planes thereon the following action takes place. When the car is driven against the
wind the balloon will rise because of the sustaining planes F, so that the straight
propelling power is partly transformed into raising power. When the balloon is
allowed to descend the planes on account of their greater length towards the rear
will reverse their inclination thus causing the balloon to move forward riding on the
planes. By shifting the car to the front or the rear of the balloon any desired
inclination of the planes can also be obtained.
Figure 7 is an end view, figure & a plan and figure 9 a cross section on line XX
of another form of apparatus in which the fan spindles Bare parallel with each other.
Each spindle is mounted in bearings in a fork shaped frame D; these frames are
centred on a pivoi. in two parts, an inner one and an outer tubular one. Upon the
latter is mounted the boss C which carries a sprocket wheel and two hevel wheels N
which by pinions N1 transmit motion to sprocket wheels in one with them. These
latter again by chain transmit motion to sprocket wheels P on the fan spindles B.
The feathering of the vanes which latter in this case as an example are mounted out
of centre, the rear area being the larger, is effected by means of a cam groove H
with levers and rods not shewn but which may be like the arrangement shewn in
figures 4, 5 and 6. The sciting or adjusting the two fans together or relatively to
each other is effected by handle G, worm G and worm wheel G. On the
spindle of the latter is a pinion G3 which gears with a tooth rack sector G on the
pivoted frame D. The sprocket wheel C receives rotating motion by chain from any
suitable motor. These fans are by preference driven so as to have their working
down strokes towards the outside away from each other and rising towards the inside
towards each other.
Figure 10 is a side view and Figure 11 end view of a feathering arrangement of
simpler form. The lever He has a pin with roller working in the groove; this
lever has its fulcrum on a bracket H fixed on the spindle Band is at its other end
by a rod I connected with a lever K having its fulcrum in the centre of the fan and
connected to a spring the other end of which is fixed to the spindle B, and which
assists the action of the parts.
Sometimes when weighty masses of air are acted upon by large broad vanes we
make the latter with a slightly helical inclination to lead the air towards the rear of
the car and utilize the air resistance to the vanes.
The fans may as already stated be driven by man's power or by any other suitable
power and either directly or by chain gear, belis or other gearing. We have described
how they can be made available for steering. Sometimes we use more than one pair
of fans or say one pair of fans for propelling and one pair of fans for lifting. If we
dispense with a balloon altogether we provide the car framing with planes such
as figures 3 and 3A. Or we may in any case provide the car framing with planes.
In another form of apparatus we use a pair or pairs of wings which move upwards
and forwards edgeways cleaving the air and which move downwards with the full
agfing surface with a quick and sudden motion. During the upstroke the wings form
sustaining planes. The accumulation or concentration of power needed for such
quick and strong impulses is effected by man's power or by any other suitable
power.
Such a form of apparatus is illustrated as an example by figure 12 which is a plan
view, figure 13 a sectional end view of a wing stem and figure 14 a perspective view
where the accumulation of power is effected by the legs of the operator (or by other
power) by means of cranks M. sprocket wheels M. Me, M³, and M and chain for
winding up a spring or springs or for forming a vacuum (or air or steam counter
pressure) produced in a cylinder the piston of which is made to return suddenly.
either by the outer atmospheric pressure, or by a pressure of compressed air or steam
thereon. The wings A turn on stems or centres B passing through sleeves B. The

page_text: wings in this and the following example are shewn much too small both in width and
length owing to want of space on the paper. On the sleeves B are provided tooth
segments B, which gear with tooth segment sleeves Q. These latter are movable on
vertical spindles Q. and are provided with levers, which by means of the rods Q³
are connected to the cross head R (working in guides which for clearness sake are
omitted). This cross head is on the piston rod of the piston 2, which works in a
cylinder R wherein a vacuum or an air, steam or gas cushion is formed, constituting
the storage of power. In case of an air, steam or gas cushion being employed the
position of the wings on the stems will naturally be reversed as the driving power
will be in the reverse direction. The cylinders would in that case be longer or he
directly rounerted to the steam boiler or other source of power. The eylinder in its
normal position is about horizontal. The framing Gearrying the wings is fixed on
the shaft E which can be turned in the bearings F my means of the hand wheel I on
the right and left hand screw H, H which is connected to the cross bar Kfixed to the
movable framing G. The end of the screw His fixed to the car frame. We are
thus enabled to shift the position of the wings relatively to the car for ascending or
descending. To the cross-head R is jointed a connecting rod coupled to a crank S,
which is caused to rotate by power applied to the aforesaid cranks M. and the chains
and sprocket wheels M. M. M. and M', and which has ratchets fitted close to its end
bearing for permitting the latter to be moved in one direction only. Instead of
ordinary ratchets use helical springs S1 which permit the crankshaft to move in one
direction only. These springs are at one end fixed to the hearings of the crankshaft S.
The air in the cylinder will be much rarefied to form a powerful spring, which is
suddenly released when the crank $ has passed its dead centre, and turns the crank
through its other half circumferential path not being held by the springs S! in that
direction. Thus the connecting ends for moving the wings, act suddenly on the
Tubular tooth segment sleeves Q, and move the wings with a quick powerful impulse.
giving them first about one fourth turn and then pulling or pushing them suddenly
down with their broad or full surface impinging upon the air with a powerful action
by the whole force of the vacuum spring in the cylinder R. The power can be
adjusted by modifying the proportions of gearing and levers. T is a valve for
allowing the piston to expel any small quantity of air that may have leaked in past
the piston.
The crank levers may be operated by means of treadle power, or by steam engine.
or any other suitable motor. When applied to human beings the wings may be placed
so as to turn from poinis close behind the shoulder blades. the axles descendingthence
in a forward down direction being connected in front by light and strong say tubular
framing, which also connects the upper parts. The motion of the wings may how-
ever he interrupted by a pause in which the wings stand half way between the two
extreme ends of the up and down strokes, and in such a slanting position as to yield
sustaining power to the body while the latter is moving forward. In the interval in
which the wings thus rest the power of the legs is stored up. The wings are then-first
moved to their forward limit, and then suddenly hoisted at right angles so as to beat
with their full surfaces flat against the air in a partlydownward and partlyhackward
stroke, and then return to their original position of rest while sustaining the body.
In another form of apparatus we provide one or more cylinders, made of strong
and light material such for instance as sheet steel or aluminium, open at the rear and
closed in front, which is domed or tapered. These cylinders may be provided with air
jacket or other nonconductor. Figure 15 is a side view and Fig. 16 an end view of
such an apparatus, which could be suspended under a balloon for instance as in our
first described apparius. A A are two such cylinders, arranged one on each side of
the framing and provided with upper planes A*, which are stayed by guy ropes or
rods F and with lower planes A. The purpose of these planes is similar to that
of the planes on the balloon. Each cylinder is mounted on a hollow spindle or
sleeve B. boil these sleeves being mounted on an inner tubular spindle B. with
stuffing boxes B2 and bearings E and E' on the framing D. The cylinders can be
inclined more or less separately or together by means of handles G, worms G¹, and

page_text: worm wheels G2 as in the previous examples so as to sicer and propel in any desired
direction.
Within the cylinders A each tube spindle B3 passing through an outer tubular
sleeve B terminates in a chamber having outlet opening or port H¹ for steam,
which is supplied from a steam generator, which by flexible pipes is connected to the
sockets I fixed on the tubular sleeves B. Each socket I has a hole for admitting
sieam to the interior of the tube sleeve B¹ and the interior of the tubular spindle B.
The chamber H is within an outer box K, which by a tubular stem K is fixed to the
cylinder A, and the box K has a port which stands towards the closed end of the
cylinder A. but when the ports come fair with each other, the steam from the sockets I
can issue into the cylinder A. By periodical discharges of steam which has accu-
mulated in the chambers H ready for sudden release, the steam issuing through the
ports and the corresponding ports in the boxes K, will expand and exert its
pressure and force against the large area of air in the cylinders, which area yielding a
resistance of about 15 lbs. per square inch will move the machine forward or in a
more or less slanting direction according to the direction that the cylinders are placed
in. The sudden periodical charges are effected by means of the handle L, sprocket
wheels M and M and chain whereby the inner tubular spindle B and chambers H
are turned first shutting off the steam supply from the generator and then admitting
the steam from the chambers H through the ports and the corresponding ports on
the opposite side of the chamber K towards the closed end or dome of the cylinder A.
Or the same action may be effecied automatically by a small motor which turns the
sprocket wheel M. Instead of the periodical discharges of gas or steam we may
use a constant stream of steam giving it the opportunity of first expanding in the
cylinders before exerting its force against the enlarged resisting areas or surfaces of
air in the cylinders in such case the handle I would remain stationary, as long as
such constant discharge was desired. The pipes N communicate with the generator
chimney the hot gases from the same serving to reheat the expanding sicam and
prevent condensation in the cylinders. The machine being mounted on wheels as
shewn gives facility for transport and propulsion on the ground.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said Inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is
First. The application and use in aérial navigation of rotatory fans with vaneswhich
are made to feather in such manner that each vane in succession by a sudden move-
ment is turned into a position at right angles or nearly so to the plane of revolution
thus beatingthe airwith its flat surface and creating a sufficient vacuum behind it for
obtaining purchase upon the air in the active or propelling stroke which forms a
small part of the revolution while during the other or larger park of same each vane
is in a position of cutting the air with ifs edge thus causing least resistance, subsian-
fially as set forth.
Serond. The application and use in aerial navigation of stored up or concentrated
power to feathering reciprocating wings while the same during the quick propelling
stroke are in the position of presenting their whole surface to the air at right angles
or nearly so to the plane of motion thus beating the air with their flat surfaces and
creating a sufficient vacuum behind them for obtaining purchase upon the air, the
power being stored up or concentrated in the slow back stroke while the wings are in
the position to cleave the air and to form sustaining planes substantially as set
fortli
Third. The application and use in fans of the description firstly claimed of balance
gear with brakes for the purpose of steering in the air substantially as set forth.
Fourth. The application and use of rotatory fans with feathering vanes in which
the, place of feathering can be shifted circumferentially around the axis of one fan or
of both equally or both unequally or oppositely so as to effect the steering and rising
or falling of the balloon or aerial ship, substantially as set forth.
Fifth. The application and use in fans of the description firstly claimed of means

page_text: for shifting the position of their axes together and also relatively to each other for
the purpose of steering and raising and lowering of a balloon or aerial ship substan-
tially as set forth.
Sixth. The application and use of cylindrical or other vessels closed at one end and
open at the other and capable of receiving periodical or continuous supply of steam
or other expansive fluid which first expands in the cylinder and then having thus
obtained enlarged acting surface exerts its force upon the increased resisting area of
air for the purpose of propelling, lifting or steering, substantially as set forth.
Seventh. The application and use in balloons provided with machinery for forward
propulsion and in motor cylinders such as described of planes so arranged as to
change the forward direction into an upward or partly upward direction when going
against the wind, the said planes also in the descent reversing their position on
account of their greater length at the rear and permitting the aerial ship to ride on
the planes against the wind with increased power, substantially as set forth.
Eighth. The modes for storing up power and suddenly releasing it as applied
to rotatory fans and to wings substantially as described with reference to the
drawings.
Ninth. The machines and apparatus for aërial navigation constructed as described
with reference to the drawings.
101
1
T
1800
JENSEN & SON,
77. Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Patent Agents.