GB191509931A - An Improved Flying Machine. - Google Patents

Abstract

9931. Gigot, H., and Freeman, H. F. J. July 8. Aerial machines without aerostats; planes, arrangement and construction of; propelling, - An ornithopter comprises two pairs of superposed louvered planes 14, 15 mounted on a cycle-type frame and vibrated towards and away from one another by pedal or motor-driven mechanism, a fixed supporting and stabilizing plane 29 being mounted between the vibrating planes. The frames of the planes 14, 15 have flexible trailing ailerons 22 of fabric stretched on flexible struts so as to assist in the propulsion of the machine. The vanes 23 are mounted on spindles 24 having crank arms 26, Fig. 9, engaging slots in bearings 25, springs 28 normally holdiug the vanes in their closed position. The wings 14, 15 are moved on the up-stroke by rubber springs 19, and on the down-stroke by cables or rods 17 connected to cranks 18 on the axles of two road wheels, which are driven, preferably each by two chains from pedal-driven sprocket-wheels 11. Safety springs 20 are fitted. Steering, balancing, and regulating altitude.- Two crossed planes 30, 31 are universally jointed to the frame as shown, and are operated for steering and elevating respectively by handle-bars 39 and a lever 40, the latter in opposition to a spring 43 which tends to raise the planes.