IMPROVEMENTS IN PROPULSION AND IN AERIAL LOCOMOTION AND IN APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH, PARTS OF WHICH ARE APPLICABLE TO PROJECTILES AND TO BOILLES
Year: 1868

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Matthew Piers Watt Boulton, of Tew Park,
in the County of Oxford, Gentleman, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN
PROPULSION AND IN
AERIAL LOCOMOTION AND
IN
APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH, PARTS OF WHICH ARE APPLICABLE TO
PROJECTILES AND TO BOILLES."
Sealed the 4th August 1868, and dated the 5th February 1868.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Matthew Piers Watt
Boulton at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his
Petition, on the 5th February 1868.
1, MATTHEW PIERS WATT BOULTON, of Tew Park, in the County of
Oxford, Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of the said Inven-
tion for "IMPROVEMENTS IN PROPULSION AND IN AERIAL LOCOMOTION AND IN
APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH, PARTS OF WHICH ARE APPLICABLE TO PROJECTILES
AND TO BOILERE," to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to propulsion, more particularly to that of
vessels and bodies moving through the air, to the generation of the
motive force employed, and to the construction of boilers to be used in
aerial locomotion, some of these boilers being applicable to general
purposes.

page_text: It has for its objects to obtain and apply motive power for propulsion
without the weight of engines or heavy moving mechanism, to provide
security, and to obtain lightness of construction.
It would be very advantageous to employ the motive power of
aeriform jets for the propulsion of aerial vessels if this could be done
without excessive loss of power, as in such a mode of propulsion the
weight of engines and heavy moving mechanism is dispensed with;
but if the simple, issue of the jet, as in a rocket, is used for the purpose
the loss of power is excessive.
In order to employ the power more efficiently I adopt the following
construction:-I cause the jet to issue towards the hinder part of the
vessel from an orifice contained in a body so shaped as to offer little
resistance to the passage of air. The hinder part of this body near the
issue of the jet is a solid of revolution hollowed out or of concave
section. The jet issues into a tube or passage communicating freely
with the air, so that the jet causes a current of air to flow through it
from front to stern. This passage is trumpet mouthed in front, and
is a central cavity in a body, which is a solid of revolution tapering
from front to stern, being hollowed out or having a concave section at
the stern. The action of the current of air drawn or caused to move
by the jet through the passage produces reduction of pressure on the
front of the body in which the passage is situated, while this reduction
does not take place behind it, and thus unbalanced pressure is produced
urging the body forwards. This propulsive effect is added to that
of the original jet. Cylindrical guides of successively larger size may be
employed to guide the air to the jet so as to divide it into currents of
different velocities. Instead of employing only one passage and body
as previously described successive bodies and passages of successively
increasing size may be used. In such a case the curvature of the
lateral openings is varied to suit the different velocities of the in-
flowing currents, the amount of this curvature being in each case
greater as the body is nearer to the jet and the velocity of inflow
greater.
Another mode of employing the jet is as follows:-A body and
passage having a form similar to that previously described is provided,
and the jet is caused to issue from an annular orifice within the
passage so as to flow over its interior surface, and to cause a current
of air through it which acts by reduction of pressure in front in

page_text: the manner already described. In this, as in the preceding case,
guides may be employed dividing the air into currents of different
velocities.
Again, an annular jet may be caused to issue, so that air has free
access both to its exterior and interior, and thus the two modes above
described may be combined, the current of air set in motion by the
jet flowing through a passage in a body such as previously described.
Instead of an annular jet a number of separate jets disposed circularly
may be employed.
The following is another mode of employing a jet so as to produce
propulsive effect:-A body is provided having the form of a solid of
revolution tapered at the stern and prow or front. An annular jet of
aeriform fluid is caused to issue at its fore part in front of its convexity,
so as to mix with air and create a mixed stream which flows or sweeps
In this case
over the convex surface, finally quitting it backwards.
the action of the jet causes. reduction of pressure on the front, and
thus produces propulsive effect.
Jets may be employed to act in a similar manner on the curved
surfaces of bodies which are not solids of revolution; such, for instance,
as the sides of marine vessels or portions thereof. Many jets or com-
binations of them may be employed, and they may be so disposed
and regulated as to vary the velocity, direction, and balance of the
vessel.
Liquid jets moving in liquids may be treated in a manner similar
to that above described.
The action of jets employed as above explained may be used for
general purposes of propulsion, but it is peculiarly suited for aerial
locomotion, as in this case the loss of power attending it is com-
pensated by reduction of weight, which for such a purpose is a matter
of primary importance.
Again, jets acting as above explained may be employed for propelling
projectiles.
Apparatus as above described may be employed to propel aerial
vessels supported by balloons or vessels containing light or heated
gases: It may also be employed to propel an inclined plane or
surface, by the motion of which through the air upward pressure is
produced and the vessel supported in the manner which is well

page_text: understood and has often been described. Upward support may also
be obtained by causing a current or currents produced by jets or by
motive power of other kinds generated in the propelled, body to
impinge on a suitably inclined plane or surface or on several such
surfaces suitably disposed. Currents may be employed which have
previously produced propulsive effect. The velocity of the currents
thus employed may greatly exceed the forward velocity of the vessel,
so that the surface on which they impinge is acted on more forcibly.
The same surface may be acted on both by the currents of high
velocity, and also by the pressure caused by the forward movement
of the vessel. The surface or surfaces may also be acted on by
the wind producing propulsive effect, as in the case of birds.
I prefer
to give a curved form to the surface thus acted on, so that the fluid
shall impinge upon it without shock, and be continually deflected
while passing in contact with it. A curved surface may be acted on
by a current or currents, so that both the actions previously described
may be exerted on it simultaneously, that is to say, an upward pressure
producing support and a propulsive action propelling in the direction
required. The inclination and position of the surfaces may be altered
so as to vary the amount and direction of the pressure, and thus to
change the course or balance of the vessel. This mode of obtaining
support for aerial vessels may be used whatever be the motive power
employed to produce the aeriform current caused to impinge on
the plane or surface..
Another mode of obtaining support is to cause the current produced
by the action of the jets or other motive power to pass over the upper
side of a plane or extended surface, so that pressure is reduced on
its upper side. When the aerial vessel is supported by the buoyancy
of gas a similar method may be employed for raising and lowering it.
'Also the different methods of obtaining support or counteracting
gravity may be used in conjunction. When aerial vessels, are thus sup-
ported they may under certain circumstances be guided by attaching to
them a keel or keels moving through the sea so as to resist the action of
a side wind, and enable the vessel to be steered in the course desired.
When it is not desired to use this action the vessel may move at an
altitude above the sea. Such a vessel may carry an apparatus for
regenerating gas to replace loss by leakage. Vapour or products of
combustion discharged after performing work or these mixed with air
may be used for this purpose while the propelling power is in action.

page_text: The jets employed in the apparatus previously described may be
jets of steam or of products of combustion or of these mixed witli
steam, and may be generated in various ways.
The following are methods which may be employed for this purpose;
-Substances which do not require a supply of air for combustion,
such as compounds of nitre with carbonaceous matter are introduced
by a feeding apparatus into a vessel in which combustion is maintained.
They are introduced into a cool part of the vessel, and subsequently
moved to a hot part where the combustion goes on.
Another method of generating the aeriform fluid is as follows:-
Two substances which when mingled are capable of producing com-
bustion without a supply of air, such, for instance, as nitre and
carbonaceous matter are introduced separately by feeding apparatus
into a vessel in which combustion is going on, and by the supply
of ingredients thus furnished the combustion is maintained. Liquids
for this purpose may be fed from a pump. As examples of such
liquids may be mentioned oils to supply carbon and hydrogen and
nitric and chloric acid to supply oxygen and chlorine.
The weight
of water for the generation of steam and the weight of substances
for supplying oxygen are both objectionable for the purpose of aerial
navigation. In these respects there is advantage in using for the motive
power inflammable gas or vapour mixed with air, as in this case the
weight both of the oxygen and of the water is dispensed with.
In using this motive power for the production of jets, one mode
of proceeding is as follows:-Inflammable gas or vapour is produced
at high pressure by heating in a boiler a hydrocarbon or other
suitable substance, and the aeriform fluid produced issues constantly
in a jet from an orifice, this jet acting in an apparatus such as
previously described, and creating a current of inflammable vapour
mixed with air. This mixture is ignited, the expansion of the current
thus caused increasing its energy and propulsive effect. The heated
current may be treated for the production of propulsive or useful effect,
as previously explained. A portion of its heat may be used to generate
the inflammable gas or fluid. I prefer to employ liquids which vaporize
without any solid residue; also, such as are converted into gas or
vapour of high density, as these at a given pressure produce a jet of
lower velocity and consequently of greater propulsive efficiency.
In the methods above described the jet flows continuously, in the

page_text: A jet of
one which I proceed to describe it acts intermittently.
inflammable fluid draws air into a tube or chamber, filling this with
an inflammable aeriform mixture. The tube or chamber is furnished
in front with a valve opening inwards; so that when pressure is created
within the tube the valve closes, while when the pressure is removed
the valve opens and the inflammable fluid and air freely enter and flow
along the tube. The motion of this valve also regulates the issue of
the inflammable fluid from the vessel supplying it, so that the closure
of the valve stops its issue, while its opening allows it to take place
freely. The hinder part of the tube is furnished with a valve which
opens when there is no pressure in the tube, so as to allow the free
passage of a current through it, while when pressure is created in the
tube this valve prevents exit of the fluid, except by a small orifice
through which it issues with high velocity as a jet.
The action of the apparatus is as follows:-The tube or chamber
being filled with non-inflammable fluid, and the valves at both ends
being open, the inflammable fluid and air enter from the front, driving
out the non-inflammable fluid and replacing it with an inflammable
mixture. When the inflammable mixture has reached the hinder end
of the tube, or a point near it, it comes in contact with a flame kept
constantly burning and is ignited by it. The pressure thus produced
inside the tube closes the valves at both ends, and thereby stops the
flow of the air and of the jet, while the small orifice in the hinder
valve remains open, and the products of combustion are forced by the
This jet
pressure to issue through this as a jet with high velocity.
is treated as previously explained, so as to produce propulsive or useful
effect. When by the issue of the products of combustion the pressure
within the tube is removed the valves at both ends of it open, the
inflammable mixture enters at the front, driving out the products of
combustion, and the operation is repeated. Many tubes may be
employed with jets acting simultaneously, and many jets may be
employed acting at different times, so that a continuous propulsive
effect is exerted. The action in this apparatus is not so simple as
when the jets act continuously.. The object aimed at in this method
is that the heat may be applied to the fluid at high pressure and
thus be employed more efficiently. It is also to be observed that in
this plan the inflammable fluid is not generated at high pressure, and
thus the boiler or generator may be light. A portion of the heat pro

page_text: duced by the combustion may be utilized for generating the inflaminable
vapour or fluid.
In order to generate vapour of oils or hydrocarbons at high pressure
for aerial propulsion, I prefer to employ the following construction of
boiler: Two vessels are employed, an
upper and an under one
connected by numerous vertical tubes, round the exterior of which the
flame plays while the vapour is generated within them. Circulation
of the liquid is maintained by means of a pump or forcing apparatus.
By the action of this the liquid is raised into a chamber or passage
in the upper vessel, whence it constantly descends in small streams
on the surface of the tube plate which forms its bottom, or on plates
or surfaces a little above it, and thence flows constantly downwards
over the interior surfaces of the tubes, and keeps these covered by a
thin stream or film of liquid. The liquid thus flowing along the tubes
is exposed to heat and gives off vapour, which rises through the central
parts of the tubes. By such a construction difliculties arising from
the viscidity of the oil or liquid employed are obviated. If steam is
used for aerial propulsion a similar construction of boiler may be used,
being light and compact and charged with a small weight of water.
The following is another form of boiler constructed with a view
of securing lightness:-A cylindrical boiler is fitted with numerous
tubular flues like the barrel of a locomotive engine. Opposite to
the mouth of each of the tubular flues is the orifice of a tube
communicating with a chamber containing inflammable fluid which
issues from each of the orifices in a jet. The chamber is perforated
with numerous tubes or passages, allowing a free flow of air through
them. Each jet draws or forces air along with it into the tubular
flue of the boiler opposite to it. In order to secure a more complete
mixture of air with it, intermediate tubes may be placed between the
jet orifices and the boiler tubes; the action of each creates an
inflammable mixture in the tubular flue opposite to it which is
ignited and passes through that flue, giving out heat to the liquid
in the boiler. The jets which create this effect may be of various
kinds, such as jets of inflammable gas or vapour, or jets of steam, or
of air carrying along with them inflammable liquids in the form of
sprays or solids in the form of dust, as have been used in other
constructions. In this construction the products of combustion act on
the extended surface afforded by the numerous tubular flues at their

page_text: highest temperature, and thus compactness and lightness of boiler
are obtained.
The boilers may be fitted with both longitudinal and
transverse diaphragms to secure more rapid circulation of the liquid.
Part of the heat of the fluid passing through the tubes may be used
to generate the inflammable gas or vapour which may be employed
in the jets. Boilers constructed as thus described may be used for
various purposes, as for instance for marine and locomotive engines.
For the safety of aerial vessels it is important to provide a
controlling power, not only to direct their horizontal and vertical
course, but also to prevent their turning over by rotating on the
longitudinal axis. A certain stability of the kind desired is afforded
by using an extended surface whose sides make an angle from the
axis upwards as has previously been described by others. But it is
desirable to provide a more powerful action preventing rotation of
the body in this direction. For this purpose a rudder of the following
construction may be adopted:-Vanes or moveable surfaces are
attached to arms projecting from the vessel laterally or at right angles
to its length. When these vanes are not required to act they present
their edges to the front, so as to offer little resistance to the vessel's
movement, but if the vessel should begin to rotate on the longitudinal
axis the vanes are moved so as to take inclined positions, those on
the ascending side of the vessel being caused to rotate to such an
inclination that the air impinging upon them exerts al pressure
downwards, while those on the descending side are so inclined that
the air impinging upon them exerts a pressure upwards; thus the
balance of the vessel is redressed and its further rotation prevented.
The vanes may be moved by hand or by self-acting mechanism. For
this purpose a weight or heavy body is connected to the vessel which
carries the vanes, so that the vessel may rotate on the longitudinal
axis without imparting such rotation to the weight or heavy body.
When rotation of the vessel in the direction described begins, the
relative positions of the vessel and the heavy body change, and
consequently by means of cords or other suitable connections between
the heavy body and the vanes the required movement can be
communicated to the vanes. Stability of the kind desired may also
be attained by attaching to the upper side of the aerial vessel
receptacles rendered buoyant by light or heated gases which may be
replenished from time to time; these receptacles may be of small
content, so shaped as to offer little resistance to the air.

page_text: Vanes acted on by self-acting mechanism of a kind similar to that
above described may also be used when desired for keeping the
vessel.in a fixed course, both vertically and horizontally.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the 'Letters Patent,
filed by the said Matthew Piers Watt Boulton in the Great Seal
Patent Office on the 5th August 1868.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, MATTHEW
PIERS WATT BOULTON, of Tew Park, in the County of Oxford,
Gentleman, send greeting.
WHEREAS
Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Fifth day of February, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight, in the
thirty-first year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors,
give and grant unto me, the said Matthew Piers Watt Boulton, Her
special licence that I, the said Matthew Piers Watt Boulton, my
executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said
Matthew Piers Watt Boulton, my executors, administrators, and assigns,
should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and
at all times thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and
lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and
Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN PROPULSION AND IN
AERIAL LOCOMOTION. AND IN APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH, PARTS OF WHICH
ARE APPLICABLE TO PROJECTILES AND TO BOILERS," upon the condition (amongst
others) that I, the said Matthew Piers Watt Boulton, my executors,
or administrators, by an instrument in writing under my, or their, or
one of their hands and seals, should particularly describe and ascertain
the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was
to be performed and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal
Patent Office within six calendar months next and immediately after
the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE that T the caid Matthew Diane Watt Boulton do

page_text: the same is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement:-
This Invention relates to propulsion more particularly to that of
vessels and bodies moving through the air, to the generation of the
motive force employed and to the construction of boilers to be used
in aerial locomotion, some of these boilers being applicable to general
purposes. It has for its objects to obtain and apply motive power for
propulsion without the weight of engines or heavy moving mechanism,
to provide security, and to obtain lightness of construction. It would
be very advantageous to employ the motive power of aeriform jets
for the propulsion of aerial vessels if this could be done without
excessive loss of power, as in such a mode of propulsion the weight
of engines and heavy moving mechanism is dispensed with. But if
the simple issue of the jet, as in a rocket, is used for this purpose,
the loss of power is excessive. In order to employ the power more
efficiently I adopt the following construction:-I cause the jet to issue
towards the hinder part of the vessel from an orifice contained in a
body so shaped as to offer little resistance to the passage of air. The
hinder part of this body near the issue of the jet is a solid of revolution
hollowed out or of concave section. The jet issues into a tube or
passage communicating freely with the air, so that the jet causes રી
current of air to flow through it from front to stern.
This passage
is trumpet mouthed in front and is a central cavity in a body which is
a solid of revolution tapering from front to stern, being hollowed out
or having a concave section at the stern. The action of the current
of air drawn or caused to move by the jet through the passage produces
reduction of pressure on the front of the body in which the passage
is situated, while this reduction does not take place behind it, and
thus unbalanced pressure is produced urging the body forwards. This
propulsive effect is added to that of the original jet. Cylindrical
guides of successively larger size may be employed to guide the air
to the jet so as to divide it into currents of different velocities.. Instead
of employing only one passage and body as previously described
successive bodies and passages of successively increasing size may be
used. In such a case the curvature of the lateral openings is varied
to suit the different velocities of the inflowing currents, the amount
of this curvature being in each case greater as the body is nearer to
the jet and the velocity of inflow greater,

page_text: Another mode of employing the jet is as follows:-A body, and
passage having a form similar to that previously described is provided
and the jet is caused to issue from an annular orifice within the passage
so, as to flow over its interior surface, and to cause a current of air through
it, which acts by reduction of pressure in front in the manner already
described. In this, as in the preceding case, guides may be employed
dividing the air into currents of different velocities. Again, an annular
jet may be caused to issue so that air has free access both to its exterior
and interior, and thus the two modes above described may be combined,
the current of air set in motion by the jet flowing through a passage
in a body such as previously described. Instead of an annular jet or
number of separate jets disposed circularly may be employed.
The following is another mode of employing a jet so as to produce
propulsive effect:-A body is provided having the form of a solid of
revolution tapered at the stern and prow or front. An annular jet of
aeriform fluid is caused to issue at its fore part in front of its convexity
so as to mix with air and create a mixed stream which flows or sweeps
over the convex surface, finally quitting it backwards. In this case
the action of the jet causes reduction of pressure on the front and
thus produces propulsive effect. Jets may be employed to act in a
similar manner on the curved surfaces of bodies which are not solids
of revolution, such for instance as the sides of marine vessels or portions
thereof. Many jets or combinations of them may be employed, and
they may be so disposed and regulated as to vary the velocity, direction,
and balance of the vessel.
Liquid jets moving in liquids may be treated in a manner similar
to that above described.
The action of jets employed as above explained may be used for
general purposes of propulsion, but it is peculiarly suited for aerial
locomotion, as in this case the loss of power attending it is compen-
sated by reduction of weight, which for such a purpose is a matter of
primary importance.
Again, jets acting as above explained may be employed for propelling
projectiles.
Apparatus as above described may be employed to propel aerial
vessels containing light or heated gases. It may also be employed to
propel an inclined plane or surface, by the motion of which through
the air upward pressure is produced and the vessel supported in the

page_text: manner which is well understood and has often been described.
Upward support may also be obtained by causing a current or currents
produced by jets or by motive power of other kinds generated in the
propelled body to impinge on a suitably inclined plane or surface, or on
several such surfaces suitably disposed. Currents may be employed
The velocity of the
which have previously produced propulsive effect.
currents thus employed may greatly exceed the forward velocity of the
vessel, so that the surface on which they impinge is acted on more
forcibly. The same surface may be acted on both by the currents of
high velocity and also by the pressure caused by the forward movement
of the vessel. The surface or surfaces may also be acted on by the
wind producing propulsive effect as in the case of birds. I prefer to
give a curved form to the surface thus acted on so that the fluid shall
impinge upon it without shock, and be continually deflected while
passing in contact with it. A curved surface may be acted on by a
current or currents so that both the actions previously described may
be exerted on it simultaneously, that is to say, an upward pressure
producing support and a propulsive action propelling in the direction
required. The inclination and position of the surfaces may be altered
so as to vary the amount and direction of the pressure and thus to
change the course or balance the vessel. This mode of obtaining
support for aerial vessels may be used whatever be the motive power
employed to produce the aeriform current caused to impinge on the
plane or surface.
Anotlier mode of obtaining support is to cause the current produced
by the action of the jets or other motive power to pass over the upper
side of a plane or extended surface so that pressure is produced on its
upper side.
When the aerial vessel is supported by the buoyancy of
gas a similar method may be employed for raising and lowering it.
Also the different methods of obtaining support or counteracting gravity
may be used in conjunction. When aerial vessels are thus supported
they may under certain circumstances be guided by attaching to them
a keel or keels moving through the sea so as to resist the action of a
side wind and enable the vessel to be steered in the course desired.
When it is not desired to use this action the vessel may move at an
altitude above the sea. Such a vessel may carry an apparatus for
generating gas to replace loss by leakage. Vapour or products of com-
bustion discharged after performing work, or these mixed with air
may be used for this purpose while the propelling power is in action,

page_text: or steam or or products of combustion or of these mixed WILD steam,
and may be generated in various ways. The following are methods
which may be employed for this purpose:-Substances which do not
require a supply of air for combustion, such as compounds of nitre with
carbonaceous matter are introduced by a feeding apparatus into a
vessel in which combustion is maintained. They are introduced into
a cool part of the vessel and subsequently moved to the hot part, where
the combustion goes on.
Another method of generating aeriform fluid is as follows:-Two
substances which when mingled are capable of producing combustion
without a supply of air, such for instance as nitre and carbonaceous
matter, are introduced separately by feeding apparatus into a vessel
in which combustion is going on, and by the supply of ingredients
thus furnished the combustion is maintained. Liquids for this purpose
may be fed from a pump. As examples of such liquids may be
mentioned oils to supply carbon and hydrogen and nitric and chloric
acid to supply oxygen and chlorine. The weight of water for the
generation of steam and the weight of substances for supplying oxygen
are both objectionable for the purpose of aerial navigation. In these
respects there is advantage in using for the motive power inflammable
gas or vapor mixed, with air, as in this case the weight both of the
oxygen and of the water is dispensed with.
In using this motive power for the production of jets one mode of
proceeding is as follows:-Inflammable gas or vapor is produced at
high pressure by heating in a boiler a hydrocarbon or other suitable
substance, and the aeriform fluid produced issues constantly in a jet
from an orifice, this jet acting in an apparatus such as previously
described, and creating a current of inflammable vapor mixed with air.
This mixture is ignited, the expansion of the current thus caused
increasing its energy and propulsive offer. The heated current may
be treated for the production of propulsive or useful effect as previously
explained. A portion of its heat may be used to generate the inflam-
mable gas or fluid. I prefer to employ liquids which vaporize without
any solid residue.
Also such as are converted into gas or vapor of
high density as these at a given pressure produce a jet of lower
velocity and consequently. of greater propulsive efliciency.

page_text: In the methods above described the jet flows continuously, in the one
which I proceed to describe it acts intermittently. A jet of inflammable
fluid draws air into a tube or chamber, filling this with an inflammable
aeriform mixture The tube or chamber is furnished in front with a
valve opening inwards so that when pressure is created within the tube
the valve closes, while when the pressure is removed the valve opens
and the inflammable fluid and air freely enter and flow along the
tube. The motion of this valve also regulates the issue of the inflam-
mable fluid from the vessel supplying it so that the closure of the
valve stops its issue, while its opening allows it to take place freely.
The hinder part of the tube is furnished with a valve which opens when
there is no pressure in the tube so as to allow the free passage of
a current through it, while when pressure is created in the tube this
valve prevents exit of the fluid except by a small orifice through which
it issues with high velocity as a jet.
The pressure thus produced
ends and thereby stops the
orifice in the hinder valve
The action of the apparatus is as follows:-The tube or chamber
being filled with non-inflammable fluid and the valves at both ends
being open, the inflammable fluid and air enter from the front, driving
out the non-inflammable fluid and replacing it with an inflammable
mixture. When the inflammable fluid has reached the end of
the tube on a point near it it comes in contact with a flame kept
constantly burning and is ignited by it.
inside the tube closes the valves at both
flow of the air and of the jet while the
remains open, and the products of combustion are forced by the
pressure to issue through this as a jet with high velocity; this jet is
treated as previously explained so as to produce propulsive or useful
effect. When by the issue of the products of combustion the pressure
within the tube is removed the valves at both ends of it open, the
inflammable mixture enters at the front, driving out the products of
combustion, and the operation is repeated. Many tubes may be
employed with jets acting simultaneously and many jets may be
employed acting at different times, so that a continuous propulsive
effect is exerted. The action in this apparatus is not so simple as when
the jets act continuously. The object aimed at in this method is that
the heat may be applied to the fluid at high pressure and thus be
employed more efficiently. It is also to be observed that in this plan
the inflammable fluid is not generated at high pressure, and thus the

page_text: boiler or generator may be light. A portion of the heat produced by
the combustion may be utilized for generating the inflammable vapor
or fluid.
In order to generate vapor of oils or hydrocarbons at high pressure
for acrial propulsion I prefer to employ the following construction of
boiler Two vessels are employed, an upper and an
under one,
connected by numerous vertical tubes, round the exterior of which the
flame plays while the vapor is generated within them. Circulation of
the liquid is maintained by means of a pump or forcing apparatus. By
the action of this the liquid is raised into a chamber or passage in the
upper vessel, whence it constantly descends in small streams
surface of the tube plate which forms its bottom, or on plates or surfaces
a little above it, and thence flows constantly downwards over the interior
surfaces of the tubes and keeps these covered by a thin stream or film
of liquid.
on the
The liquid thus flowing along the tubes is exposed to heat
and gives off vapor which rises through the central parts of the tubes.
By such a construction difficulties arising from the viscidity of the oil
or liquid employed are obviated.
If steam is used for aerial propulsion a similar construction of boiler
may be used, being light and compact and charged with a small weight
of water.
The following is another form of boiler constructed with the view of
securing lightness:-A cylindrical boiler is fitted with numerous tubular
flues like the barrel of a locomotive engine. Opposite to the mouth of
each of the tubular flues is the orifice of a tube communicating with a
chamber containing inflammable fluid which issues from each of the
orifices in a jet. The chamber is perforated with numerous tubes or
passages allowing a free flow of air through them. Each jet draws or
forces air along with it into the tubular flue of the boiler opposite to it.
In order to secure a more complete mixture of air with it intermediate
The
tubes may be placed between the jet orifices and the boiler tubes.
action of each jet creates an inflammable mixture in the tubular fluc
opposite to it, which is ignited and passes through that flue giving out
heat to the liquid in the boiler. The jets which create this effect may be
of various kinds, such as jets of inflammable gas or vapor, or jets of
steam or of air carrying along with them inflammable liquids in the
form of spray or solids in the form of dust, as have been used in other
constructions. In this construction the products of combustion act on

page_text: Part of
the extended surface afforded by the numerous tubular flues at their
highest temperature and thus compactness and lightness of boiler are
obtained. The boilers may be fitted with diaphragms both longitudinal
and transverse to secure more rapid circulation of the liquid.
the heat of the fluid passing through the tubes may be used to generate
the inflammable gas or vapor which may be employed in the jets.
Boilers constructed as thus described may be used for various purposes,
as for instance, for marine and locomotive engines. For the safety of
aerial vessels it is important to provide a controlling power not only to
direct their horizontal and vertical course, but also to prevent their
turning over by rotating on the longitudinal axis. A certain stability of
the kind desired is afforded by using an extended surface whose sides
make an angle from the axis upwards as has previously been described
by others. But it is desirable to provide a more powerful action
preventing rotation of the body in this direction. For this purpose a
rudder of the following construction may be adopted:-Vanes or move-
able surfaces are attached to arms projecting from the vessel laterally or
at right angles to its length. When these vanes are not required to act
they present their edges to the front, so as to offer little resistance to the
vessel's movement, but if the vessel should begin to rotate on the
longitudinal axis the vanes are moved so as to take inclined positions,
those on the ascending side of the vessel being caused to rotate to such
an inclination that the air impinging upon them exerts a pressure
downwards, while those on the descending side are so inclined that the
air impinging upon them exerts a pressure upwards, thus the balance of
the vessel is redressed and its further rotation prevented. The vanes
may be moved by hand or by self-acting mechanism; for this purpose a
weight or heavy body is connected to the vessel which carries the vanes
so that the vessel may rotate on the longitudinal axis without imparting
such rotation to the weight or heavy body. When rotation of the vessel
in the direction described begins the relative positions of the vessel and
the heavy body change, and consequently by means of cords or other
suitable connections between the heavy body and the vanes the required
movement can be communicated to the vanes.
Stability of the kind desired may also be obtained by attaching to the
upper side of the aerial vessel receptacles rendered buoyant by light or
heated gases which may be replenished from time to time; these
receptacles may be of small content, so shaped as to offer little resistance
to the air,

page_text: Valves acted on by self-acting mechanism of a kind similar to that
above described may also be used when desired for keeping the vessel
in a fixed course both vertically and horizontally..
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of a body or vessel constructed
according to my Invention, propelled by an annular jet issuing at its
front. a is the body or vessel containing fluid under pressure and
shaped .60 as to offer little resistance to longitudinal movement in
the direction of the arrow e; b is a tapering front or prow connected
to a by thin ribs; and c is a cavity so formed with an opening round
its periphery that an annular jet of fluid can issue by it perpendicularly
to the longitudinal axis of a or nearly so. When the jet so issues
it tends to reduce pressure on all sides. By virtue of this reduction
of pressure the air (or other medium in which the body is placed) in
front being free to move flows backwards towards the jet and mingles
with it, while the body a being also free to move, moves forwards
in the direction of the arrow e. The jet instead of issuing from c
perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of a may be made to issue
at any desired angle by suitably forming the passage round the
periphery of c.
Figure 2 is a longitudinal section of an apparatus constructed
according to my Invention, whereby a jet of inflammable aeriform
fluid is mingled with air, and the mixture being ignited a jet of
greater energy, is caused to issue so as to give propulsive effect. a is
a tube conveying the jet of inflammable aeriform fluid from any
vessel in which it may be generated or contained; b is a vessel
attached by ribs to the tube a; c is a valve fixed on a stern fitted
to slide longitudinally in a boss attached to the interior of the vessel b
by means of cross ribs k. This valve has two faces, the one of them
c to fit the interior of the mouth of the vessel b, and the other face d
to fit the mouth of the tube a, so that when the valve is moved
forward, it closes the mouth of a and b simultaneously; e is another
valve formed with a passage or channel through it opening for
the issue of a jet at f. This valve e is mounted on a stem fitted
to slide longitudinally in a boss supported by ribs g, and their stern
is fitted with a spiral springh which keeps the valve e away from
the mouth of the vessel 6 to which it is fitted unless when the fluid
pressure in the interior of b is sufficient to overcome the force of the

page_text: spring in which case the valve e closes the mouth of b; the action
of this apparatus is as follows:-The valves being in the position
represented in the Drawing a jet of inflammable aeriform fluid
issuing from a enters the vessel b drawing air with it through the
passage left open by the valve e and expelling the contents of the
vessel by the channel f and the passage round the valve e as
indicated by the arrows; when the vessel b has been thus charged
with an inflammable aeriform mixture it is ignited and the expansion
produced by the ignition raises the pressure within the vessel b.
This pressure causes the valve e to close, thereby preventing the issue
of any of the fluid at that mouth of the vessel, and also closing the
jet tube a so as to prevent the issue of inflammable fluid from it,
at the same time the valve e is closed and the products of combustion
issue only in a jet by the channel f giving a propulsive effect in the
direction opposite to that of their issue. When so much of these
products of combustion have thus issued as to reduce the pressure
within 6 to nearly that of the atmosphere, the spring h causes the
valve e to open and the pressure in the tube a opens the valve e, the
action is thus repeated and goes on continuously in a similar manner.
Figure 3 represents a section of part of a boiler constructed according
to my Invention for generating vapour of oils or hydrocarbons. a is a
lower chamber or vessel containing the liquid to be vaporized, and z is
an upper chamber or vessel connected with a by numerous tubes c, c.
The flame of the furnace plays round the exterior of the tubes c, c.
d is a pump which draws liquid from the lower chamber a and forces
it through a pipe e which enters the upper chamber z and extends
along it, having numerous holes f, f, along its under side. When
the pump is worked liquid is discharged through its holes f, f, upon
the surface of the tube plate which forms the bottom of the chamber z
and it overflows down the interior surfaces of the tubes e, keeping them
covered by a thin stream or film of liquid, and giving off vapour
during its descent.
The vapour so given off rises through the middle
parts of the tubes into the chamber z, and such of the liquid as may
reach the chamber a without being vaporised in its descent is again
caused to circulate by the action of the pump.
Figure represents a section of part of a tubular boiler constructed
according to my Invention, in which a separate flame is provided for each
tube.
a, a, are the tubes surrounded by liquid, as usual; 6 is a vessel

page_text: supplied with inflammable gas or vapour; c, c, are nozzles through
which the inflammable gas or vapour issues from 6 in jets; d, d, are
trumpet-mouthed air tubes fixed axial. with the nozzles c, c; these
nozzles and the air tubes are fixed axial with the boiler tubes a, a.
When jets
e, e, are tubes for the passage of air through the vessel b.
issue from the nozzles c, c, air being freely supplied to the space round
them from the air outside the vessel b and by the tubes e, e, which
penetrate that vessel, is caused to flow with the jets through the
pipes d, d, and to mingle with the inflammable matter. The mixture
issuing from the pipes d, d, being ignited a flame is thus caused to
pass along each of the tubes a, a. The air pipes d, d, being placed
at a little distance from the mouths of the tubes a, a, an additional
quantity of air such as may be necessary for complete combustion is
drawn in by the current issuing from these pipes and mingles with
them in the tubes.
in one frame can be set at a greater or less distance from the mouths
of the tubes a, and thus the quantity of air entering these tubes along
with the ignited currents can be adjusted as may be desired. The
pipes d, d, instead of having the form represented in the Figure may
be simple cylinders. Also they may be cylinders pierced with holes for
the inflow of the air.
The vessel b and the air pipes d, d, being mounted
Figure 5 represents a transverse section of a plan fitted with rudders
constructed according to my Invention to prevent its turning over on
an axis in its line of motion through the air. a is a section of the
plane which is supposed to have taken a position inclined to the
horizon; b and c are two vanes mounted on axes one at each side of
the plane, so that it can be turned round like a throttle valve; dis
a heavy body suspended by an endless cord, which passing over guide
pullies is wound for several times on barrels on the axes of b and c.
When the plane takes an inclined position, as represented in the Figure,
the weight d tending to hang vertically under the centre of gravity
tightens the cord on one side and slackens it on the other, and thus
causes the vanes b and c to turn into inclined positions upon their
respective axes. The cord is so wound upon the barrels b and c
that while the one is caused by the action of d to rotate in the one
direction the other rotates in the opposite direction.
Figure 6 represents an end view of b and Figure 7 an end view of c
when these vanes are turned to suit the oblique position of a in

page_text: Figure 5.
The plane being moved through the air in the direction of
the arrow e the air presses upon the under surface of the vane e and
on the upper surface of b, and thus tends to restore the plane to its
horizontal attitude.
In witness whereof, I, the said Matthew Piers Watt Boulton,
have hereunto set my hand and seal, this Thirtieth day of July,
in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-
eight.
Witness
H. MILES,
21, Cockspur Street,
Charing Cross.
M. P. W. BOULTON. (L.s.)