US1035396A - Flying-machine. - Google Patents

Description

P. W. STODDER.

FLYING MACHINE.

APPLIoATIoN FILED JULY 7, 1911.

' Patented Aug. 13, 1912.

WLUMBIA PLANOGRAPH C0" WASHINGNN. C.

l1:'. W. STODDER.

FLYING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 7, 1911.

1,035,396, Patented Aug. 13, 1912.

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Qkwmq CDLUMBIA PLANOGRAPH Q0. WASHINONN, D. C.

F. W. STODDER.

FLYING MACHINE.

APPLIUATION FILED JULY 7, 1911.

1,035,396, Patented Aug. 13,1912.

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3% I KQMW WLUMBIA PLANOCIIAPM C0.. WASHINGTON. D. C. i

F. W. STODDER.

FLYING MACHINE.

APPLIoArIoN FILED JULY 7, 1911.

1,035,396. PatentedAug.13,1912.

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244. HUNAU l lbb UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FRANK W. STODDER, 0F WEST SOMERVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS.

FLYING-MACHINE.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FRANK W. S'roDDnR, a citizen of the United States, residing at Vest Somerville, in the county of Suffolk and State of Massachusetts, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Flying-Machines, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to flying machines and has particular reference to that type of machines known as heavier than air iying machines.7

An important object of this invention is to provide a novel form of main planes or gliding structure and novel means to flex the main planes for increasing the lifting power of the machine.

A further object of my invention is to provide means to flex both of the planes to adjust the lifting power of the machine and means for automatically increasing the flexed condition of one of the main planes and decreasing the flexed condition of the other, to preventthe machine from tilting transversely to the line of flight.

A further object of my invention is to so position the propeller that it tends not only to carry the machine along a straight line of flight but also serves to elevate the machine, the elevating ability of the propeller being increased by tilting the machine aft.

A further object of this invention is to provide a plane positioned rearwardly of and above the center of rotation of the propeller, and means to move the plane for varying the lifting power of the propeller.

A further object of my invention is to provide novel means for causing the ascent and descent of the machine.

A further object of my invention is to provide a frame-work for a flying machine, which is strong, compact and light.

A further object of this invention is to provide a flying machine of the above mentioned character, which is positive in operation, easy to control, and comparatively simple in construction.

A further object of this invention is to provide a pendant structure for supporting the operator and automatically flexing the main planes, which is also constructed to lbe moved by the operator shifting his position upon the same.

Other objects and advantages of this 1n- Specication of Letters Patent.

Application filed July 7, 1911.

Patented Aug. 13, 1912. Serial No. 637,307.

vention will be apparent during the course of the following description.

In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same, Figure 1 is a plan view of the machine. Fig. 2 is a front end view of the same, the forward horizontal rudder being removed. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the forward horizontal rudder. Fig. t is a side view of the entire machine, Fig. 5 is a detailed view showing the manner in which the main planes are secured to the frame-work, Fig. 6 is a detail plan view of a portion of the framework, showing the engine attached thereto. Fig. 7 is an enlarged side view of the propeller, engine, and driving connecting means between the same, Fig. 8 is a rear end view of a hand-wheel for controlling the forward and rear rudders. Fig. 9 is a detail elevation of a turn-buckle for connecting the pendant structure and the main planes, and, Fig. 10 is an enlarged plan view of the turn-buckle, the same being shown partly in section.

AIn the drawings wherein is illustrated a preferred embodiment of my invention, a frame-work for the machine is shown, comprising upper longitudinal tubes or pipes 1 and lower longitudinal tubes or pipes 2, having horizontal intermediate portions 3,

vat the forward ends of which the pipes 2 are bent upwardly. At their forward ends the pipes 2 have connection with the forward ends of the pipes 1, a transverse pipe 4 being disposed between the pipes l and 2 and attached to the same by bolts 5. At the rear ends of the intermediate horizontal portions 3 the pipes 2 are bent to extend u,p wardy for connection with the rear ends of the pipes l, a rear transverse pipe 6 being disposed between the pipes l and 2 and attached to the same by bolts 7. At the rear ends of diagonal pipes 9, the pipes 8, 9 8 is disposed a transverse pipe 8, and between the transverse pipe 8 and the intermediate portions 3 are disposed the rear ends of diagonal pipes 9, the pipes 8, 9 and 2 being all rigidly connected by bolts 10. The diagonal pipes 9 converge forwardly and are bolted in spaced relation with a transverse pipe 11, as shown at l2 in Fig. 2 and Fig. 5. The transverse pipe 11 is rigidly connected with the forward ends of the intermediate portions 3.

Disposed directly above the transverse pipe 8 is an upper transverse pipe 13 bolted with the longit-udinal pipes 1, as shown at 14 and extending laterally beyond the pipes 1 for connection with the free ends of the upwardly extending portions of the pipe 8, such connection being effected by bolts 15 which also pass through guide plates 16. These guide plates are provided with longitudinal slots 17 and the guide plates are formed upon t-he outer ends of diagonal pipes 18, having their inner ends rigidly connected with the pipes 1 and an intermediate transverse pipe 19 through the medium of bolts 20. Rigidly connected with the transverse pipe 11 at its connection with the pipes 2 is an inverted V-shaped upright 21, more clearly shown in Figs. 2 and 4. This upright is disposed in an inclined position wit-h relation to the intermediate portions 3 and is preferably disposed at an angle of about 35O from a perpendicular to said intermediate portions 3.

The numeral 22 designates uprights, having their lower ends rigidly attached to the lower ends of the inverted V-shaped upright 21. The uprights 22 are inclined a little more than the upright 21 so that their upper ends are disposed rearwardly of the upright 21. The uprights 22 are rigidly connected intermediate their ends with the pipes 1, as

lshown at 23. The numeral 24 designates spaced inner longitudinal pipes, which are disposed upon the pipe 13 and rigidly connected therewith, as shown at 25. The pipes 24 extend outwardly of the inverted V` shaped upright 21 and are rigidly connected with the same. Forwardly of the upright 21 the pipes 24 converge so that their forward ends overlap and are rigidly connected with the transverse pipe 4 by a common bolt 26.

The frame-work is mounted upon wheels 27, which are suitably secured to the lower horizontal pipes 2.

The gliding structure of the machine com-- prises a pair of oppositely arranged main planes 28, which are preferably triangular in shape and formed of sheet-metal or any other suitably stili' and flexible material. These planes are disposed so that their reduced ends are innermost and the planes are curved transversely and their inner ends engage the diagonal rods 9. The forward or cutting edges of the planes 28 are rigid and are permanently retained in their curved state by pipes or ribs 29, which are bolted to the upper surfaces of the planes 28 and are curved as shown. The lower ends of the curved pipes 29 are pivotally connected with the pipes 9, as shown at 30 in Fig. 5. The numeral 30 designates diagonally disposed brace pipes having their Aplanes 28.

outer upper ends connected with the outer ends of the curved pipes 29 and their lower ends pivot-ally connected with the pipes 9 by the same bolts 30. rlhe outer longitudinal edges of the planes 28 are retained rigid by means of pipes or reinforcing ribs 31, which are bolted or otherwise attached to the upper surface of the planes 28.

From the description of the above referred to parts, it is obvious that the cutting edge and the longitudinal edge of the plane 28 is rigid and inflexible while the rear diagonal edge 32 of t-he plane and the body portion of the plane are flexible.

I provide a pendant structure for supporting the operator and automatically flexing the main planes 28 to ret-ain the stability of the machine during flight. This pendant structure comprises a platform 33 having universal connections at its corners with forward and rear arms or hangers 34 and 35, which diverge or spread apart in an upward direction. At their upper ends the forward and rear hangers have universal connections with the pipes 24.

From the description of the above referred to parts, it is obvious that the pendant structure is free to move in all directions with relation to the frame-work and also that owing to the upwardly diverging normal positions of the hangers 34 and 35, the pendant structure may be moved in any direction by the operator shifting his weight upon the platform in that direction.

The rear hangers 35 are provided intermediate their ends with sockets 36, each of which is formed of two detachable co-acting shells 37, bolted or otherwise held together. Each socket 36 is clamped to the hanger 35 by means of a plate 38 and bolts 39.

The numeral 39 designates a turn-buckle having ball ends 40 which are pivotally mounted within the sockets 36. The turnbuckle 39 is provided with an axial opening having its end portions provided with screw-threads, to receive screw-threaded end portions 41 of rigid operating rods 42. These operating rods have universal connection at their outer ends with rigid rods 43, apertured at their outer ends to receive bolts 44, operating through the slots 16 and rigidly connected with the ribs 31 of the main planes 28.

From the description of the above referred to parts, it is obvious that by rotat-ing the turn-buckle the rods 42 are simultaneously moved longitudinally toward or from each other depending upon the direction of rotation of the turn-buckle. When the rods 42 are both moved outwardly such movement is imparted to the rods 43 and hence to the longitudinal edges of the main Owing to the position of the guide plates 16, the longitudinal edges of the planes 28 will be moved laterally about Ltun HLnUNnU l luv t-hree units of length and forwardly or longitudinally of the frame-work about two units of length. This movement of the plane 28 causes the same to be flexed and hence increases the lifting power of the machine,

Thel forward hangers 34 (see Figs. 4 and 8) have universal connection intermediate their ends with a support 45, which has a boss 46, having a screw-threaded opening formed therethrough to receive a screw 47. This screw is provided near its rear end with a hand-wheel 48, disposed to be t-urned by the operator on the platform 33. At its rear end the screw 47 has universal connection with a rigid rod 48l through the medium of a ball and socket joint 49. The rod 48 ext-ends rearwardly and has pivotal .connection with an upstanding bracket 50,

which is rigidly connected with a rear horizontal rudder 51. This rear horizontal rudder is pivo-tally supported by a transverse shaft 52 attached to the upper face of the rudder 51 near and spaced from the forward edge thereof. The shaft 52 has its ends journaled through the pipes 1. At its forward end the screw 47 has universal connection with a rigid rod 53 through the medium of a ball and socket joint 54.

The numeral 55 designates a shaft which is journaled through the pipes 1 near the forward ends thereof and serves to support the forward horizont-al rudder. This forward horizontal rudder is more clearly shown in Fig, 3, wherein the numeral 56 designates lower planes, which are triangular in shape and taper toward their lower ends These planes are curved in vertical cross-section. The planes 56 are provided with openings formed therethrough to receive the shaft 55, whereby the longitudinal edges of the planes are disposed upon the shaft 55. These longitudinal edges are reinforced as shown at 57 and are bolted to the shaft as shown at 58. Disposed between the lower ends of the planes 56 is a rigid upright 59, and bolts 60 rigidly connect the planes 56 with the upright 59. The upright 59 has its upper end disposed between upturned portions of planes 61 and is bolted to the same as shown at 62. The planes 61 taper toward their upper ends and have their lower ends suitably attached to the planes 56, as shown. The forward or cutting edges of the planes 56 and 61 are reinforced respectively, as shown at 63 and 64. The rod 53 is pivotally connected with the lower ends of the planes 56, as shown at 65.

From the construction of the above referred to parts, it is obvious that the screw 47 may be rotated for moving the forward and rear horizontal rudders in opposite directions to raise or lower the machine. It is also obvious that the fore and aft swing of the framework about t-he pendant structure will automatically effect the above referred to movement of the forward and rear rudders, whereby the stability of the machine is maintained, with relation to its fore and aft tilting,

The numeral 66 designates two rudders adapted to swing in a horizontal plane to guide the machine in a straight line of flight and to turn it from the same when desired. Each of the rudders 66 is mounted upon a shaft. 67 which is vertically disposed and has its ends journaled through the pipes 1 and 2. The rudders 66 are moved together for which reason they are connected near corresponding ends by cables 68 or the like. The forward cable 68 has rigid connection with an arm 69 secured to a cable 70, which is trained about four pulleys 71, suitably mounted upon the upper pipes 1. The forward ends of this cable are oppositely wound about a drum 72 having a handavheel portion 73. This drum is disposed to be turned by the operator on the platform and is supported upon a bracket 74, which is fixed upon the frame-work.

The numeral 75 designates an explosive engine of any well known or preferred type, provided with brackets 76 which engage and are rigidly connected with the pipes 24. The crank-shaft of the engine is rigidly connected with a bevel gear 77, engaging a bevel gear 78 rigidly mounted upon the shaft 79. The shaft 79 carries a bevel gear 80 engaging a bevel gear 81 which is rigidly mounted upon a propeller shaft 82. This propeller shaft 82 is journaled through a head 83 formed at the upper end of the upright 21. The shaft 79 is journaled through two bearings 84. The shaft 82 carries at its forward end a propeller 85, the blades of which extend parallel with the upright 21 whereby the propeller is inclined from the perpendicular. By thus inclining the propeller it not only drives the machine in its longitudinal flight, but will elevate the szme, particularly when the frame is tilted a `t.

A shaft 86 has its ends journaled through the upright-s 22 and is rigidly connected with a triangular shaped plane 87, disposed rearwardly of the propeller and above its center of rotation. The plane 87 is moved in a vertical plane by a rod 88 having pivotal connection with the plane and having swiveled connection at its lower end with a screw 89 operating through a bracket 90 fixed to the framework and carrying a hand-wheel 91 disposed in a position to be easily turned by the operator. The numeral 92 designates a rigid tube or the like which is pivoted to the head 83 and the ends of the curved ribs or pipes 29 by a bolt 92.

In the operation of the machine, the turnbuckle 39 is first rotated, to move the rods 43 outwardly, which results in flexing the planes 28. These planes are liexed longitudinally of themselves by virtue of the fact that their forward edges are rigid and always retain their given curvature. When the rods 43 are moved outwardly (see Fig. 1) the bolts 44 move laterally and forwardly owing to the direction of the slots 16, carrying with them the outer longitudinal edges of the planes 28. I have found that the best results are obtained by moving the bolt 44 three units of lengt-h laterally and two units forwardly, although I do not wish to solely restrict myself to this construction. The rear diagonal edges of the planes 28 are thus straightened out and lowered with relation to the forward rigid curved edges of the same, whereby the planes are curved or flexed longitudinally. The planes 28 having been properly flexed so that they possess the desired lifting power for the load to be carried, the engine is started to set. the propeller in rotation. The propeller being disposed at an incline from the perpendicular, it not only moves the machine longitudinally but tends to elevate the same. Assuming the machine to be in flight, the stability of the same with respect to lateral tilts is automatically controlled by the pendant structure. If the machine should tilt to the right, the pendantstructure remaining always in its vertical position, will hold the rods 48 against movement, whereby the right plane 28 will be further flexed to increase its lifting power while the left plane 28 will lose some of its liexing and accordingly decrease in lifting power. If the machine should tilt to the left just the reverse of this operation will take place. rIhe lifting power of the propeller may be increased by swinging the plane 87 downwardly, which may be effected by proper manipulation of the hand-wheel 91. The machine may be made to tilt fore and aft for descending or rising by proper manipulation of the hand-wheel 48, which together with its associated members moves the forward and rear horizontal rudders. The pendant structure is free to remain perpendicular while the frame-work of the machine tilts longitudinally or fore and aft. By means of the connections between the forward and rear horizontal rudders and the pendant structure, such rudders are automatically operated by the pendant struct-ure. When the machine tilts longitudinally to lower its forward end or nose, the pendant structure remaining perpendicular will act through the connecting means to swing the forward rudder upwardly to raise that end of the machine while the same will swing the rear rudder downwardly to lower the rear end. When the machine tilts longitudinally so that its rear end is lowered a reverse operation will take place. rIhe operator may swing the pendant structure laterally or fore and aft by shifting his weight to the side of the platform to which it is desired to have the same move. In this manner he may effect the flexing of the main planes and may also operate the forward and rear rudders.

I wish it understood that the form of my invention herewith shown and described is to be taken as a preferred example of the same and that certain changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spiritof the invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

I-Iaving thus described my invention, I claim 1. In a flying machine of the character described, a frame-work, a plane connected therewith and having its forward end formed rigid, a plate connected with the frame-work and provided with a slot, a bolt operating in the slot and connected with the outer edge of the plane, a pendant structure, and means connecting said pendant structure and bolt. 2. In a flying machine o-f the character described, a frame-work, a plane connected therewith and having its forward edge formed rigid, a pendant structure connected with the frame-work, extensible connecting means between the pendant structure and the outer portion of the plane, and means to guide said extensible connecting means during its movement, whereby said plane is simultaneously moved forwardly and laterally.

3. In a flying machine of the character described, a frame-work, oppositely arranged main planes having their inner ends tapered and connected with the frame-work, said main planes having their forward edges curved longitudinally and formed rigid, means to move the outer edges of the planes to cause the same to be flexed, a propeller connected with the frame-work and disposed above the main planes, a plane arranged near the propeller and rearwardly thereof, and means to flex the last named plane.

4. In a flying machine of the character described, a frame-work, main planes connected therewith and having their forward edges formed rigid and curved longitudinally, a pendant structure having universal connection with the frame-work, a turnlbuckle having universal connections with the pendant structure, and connecting means between the turn-buckle and the main planes.

5. In a flying machine of the character described, a frame-work comprising plates provided with slots, a gliding structure connected with the frame-work and formed in two sections, bolts connected with the sectially horizontally, including automatic tions and disposed for operation within the stabilizing means. 3 0

slots, a pendant structure connected with the frame-work, and connecting means between t-he pendant structure and said bolts.

6. In a flying machine of the character described, a frame-work, a plane movably mounted upon said framework, a plate connected with the framework and provided with a slot, a bolt operating in the slot and connected with the plane, and means to move the bolt, including an automat-ic stabilizing device.

7. In a flying machine of the character described, a framework, a plane pivotally connected therewith to swing horizontally, an element connected with the plane, a device connected with the framework to positively guide the element in its movement, and a pendant structure to move the element.

8. In a flying machine of the character described, a centrally arranged framework, planes disposed upon opposite sides of the framework and having their forward cutting edges curved longitudinally and piv. otally connected with said framework, and means to bodily swing said planes substan- 9. In a flying machine of the character described, a framework, a main plane, a curved rod forming the forward cut-ting edge of the plane, a diagonal rod connected with the ends of the rst named rod, means pivotally connecting corresponding ends of said rods with the framework, and means to swing said main plane.

l0. In a flying machine of the character described, a central framework, main planes disposed upon opposite sides thereof, said main planes being inclined with respect to the course of flightand connected with the lower portion of said frame-work and extending above the same, elements attached to said main plane to move the same, means to guide said elements in their movement, a pendant structure having connections with said elements, and propelling means connected with the frame-work.

In testimony whereof I aiiix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

FRANK W. STODDER. Witnesses HENRY W. TUGK, PLUMMER C. SPRING.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. C.

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