US1096251A - Means for automatically effecting and maintaining the equilibrium of aerial or other unstable machines. - Google Patents

Description

J. S. LANG. MEANS FOR AUTOMATICALLY EFFECTING AND MAINTAINING THE EQUILIBRIUM OF AERIAL OR OTHER UNSTABLE MACHINES. APPLICATION FILED 11017.16, 1909.

1,096,251, Patented May 12,1914.

5 SHEETE-SHEBT 1.

WT P155555 a f I 16. '6 Hal M1, 422w EM J S. LANG. MEANS FOR AUTOMATICALLY EFEEOTING AND MAINTAINING THE EQUILIBRIUM 0P AERIAL 0R QTHER UNSTABLE MACHINES.

- I I APPLIOATION FILED NOV. 16, 1909. 1,96,25 1 Patented May 12, 1914.

E SHEETS-SHEET Z.

l-r- 555125 Y .\/E TE] I iio li, F: fi w w Patented MaylZ, 1914,

5 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

. J. S. LANG. MEANS FOR AUTOMATICALLY EFFEGTING AND MAINTAINING THE EQUILIBRIUM 0P AERIAL OR OTHER UNSTABLE MACHINES.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 16, 1909.

ah i,

- J. S. LANG. MEANS FOR AUTOMATICALLY EFFEGTING AND MAINTAINING THE EQUILIBRIUM OF AERIAL OR OTHER UNSTABLE MACHINES,

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 16, 1909. 1,096,25 1

Patented May-12, 1914.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

I a :57" I 23m! J 261 3 FIE -5- \X ITHEEEEE wail WWW}? J. S. LANG. MEANS FOR AUTOMATICALLY EFFEOTINC- AND MAINTAINING THE EQUILIBRIUM OF AERIAL OR OTHER UNSTABLE MACHINES.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 16, 1909.

1,096,251.. Patented May 12, 1914,

HEETB-SHEET 5. J

@mwamw 9 UNITED M ra JAMES S. LANG, OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS.

MEANS FOR AUTOMATICALLY EFFECTING AND MAINTAINING THE: E QUILIBRIITM OF AERIAL OR OTHER UN STABLE MACHINES.

provement in Means for Automatically Effecting and Maintaining the Equilibrium of Aerial or other Unstable Machines, of which the following is a specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, in explaining its nature.

'The essentialobject of my invention is to provide a means essentially adapted for effecting the automatic control of aeroplanes or other aerial machines employing planes or wings and-by which means said machines may-be maintained in or restored to a conditlon or state of normal or proper equilibriuni'. l

My invention 'can best be seen and understood by reference to the drawings in which it is shown applied to an aeroplane the construct-ion of which is tentative and shown merely for purposes of illustration.

Figure 1 shows the aeroplane diagrammatically in side elevation. Fig. 2 is a plan ofthe same. Fig. 3 is a front elevation of the mechanism embodying my invention. Fig. 4 is a side elevation of the same. Fig. 5 shows the same in plan. partly in elevation and partly in vertical section a detail of construction to which reference will hereinafter be made. Fig. 7 is a section on the line 7--7 of Fig; 6. Fig. 8 is a section 0n.the line 8-8 of Fig. 3, and Fig. 9 is a section on the line 9 9 of Fig. 5. Fig. 1.0 shows in side elevation a detail of construction to which special reference will hereinafter be made.

I Referring to the drawings :The frame.

of the'machine as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 comprises the parallel, longitudinally-ex tending, main supporting rods 1, 1. These rodsare of equal length and are connected and boundat their respective ends by cross rods 2 and 3, respectively. Arranged above the rods 1, 1, and extending in a direction at right angles thereto is a main. laterallyextending rod 4. This rod is held in place by suitable short braces or rods 5 interposed between it and the rods 1, 1 falso, by the sev-- eral longitudinally-extending rods 6 con- Fig. 6 shows Specification of Letters Patent. Patented May 12 1%}14; Application filed November 16, 1 599. 7 I I Serial No. 528,318.

necting with the ends of'the rods 1, 1, and

by suitable diagonally extending tie .rods :1 or wires 7 acting to bind together the ends of all the rods. Arranged below the rods-1, 1, and connecting with the respective, :ends thereof are longitudinally-extending,isupg porting rods 8, 8. These rods 'are bracedand held by the respective posts oruprights .9 quadrilaterally arranged andwhich extend vertically from the rodsSf-S, t pckolnnct with the several rods 1, 1,-and6, 6. v

Referring to the various planes ofthc 1nachine, 10 represents the main plane which is a normally inclined plane fixed in theframe and extending laterally the," full width of the '1 machine, Above thisplane are the respec tive right and left i ova ble planes ll and 12, respectively. Both these planes are pivoted to the rod 4 of the frame whereby their inclination may be varied as occasion may require. At the front and rear ofthe ma chine are what may be termed the fore and aft movable planes 13, 14:, respectively, The plane 13 is pivoted tothe front cross rod 3 of the frame on which account it also may be turned and its inclination varied. v c,

The machine is impelled, by' means of a propeller 15. This is arranged upon a propeller shaft 16 supportedby the hangers 17 fixedly connecting with the frame of the machine and depending flaerefrom. I T he shaft 16 is turned for operating thcproeller by means of an engine 18 which. is

preferably a gyroscopic engine. T his engine Y e support also the transmissionou mechanism by which the force generatedby the engine is transmitted to the propeller turning itand operating thespropelle Referring now in detail to, the frame or for frames for supporting,v the engine [and transmission, attention is. first directed to a frame 20 (see Figs. 3, 1 and 5), This frame consists of what may be termed two intersecting yckes 21 and 22,respect1vely., Of

' these yokes the yoke 21 embraces the pro peller shaft by hiibs 28 formingbearings in l which the shaft turns and which hubsextend outwardly in the manner of trunnions to turn in and be supported by 11e hange rs .m'ent with the propeller shaft.

axiseither the engine and its connecting? 'mounted. Thus supportedtand arranged the 17. lnfthis connection it will be explained that the propeller shaft lies in what may be termed the longitudinal axis of the machine for about or around this axis either the engine and its connecting frames may turn relatively to the body of the machine or the body of the machine may turn relatively to said engine and frames and independently thereof. Moreover by reason of the disposition of the propeller shaft the axis in which it lies is substantially a horizontal axis, tending, however, to occupy a slightly upwardly inclined position during the operation of the machine, assuming it to be in a state of equilibrium. The yoke 21 is maintained by the weight of the suspended engine and frame in. which it is mounted (to which frame reference will hereinafter be made) to assume a normal vertical position in aline- The yoke 22 intersects the yoke 21 at the center of its head bar and extends at right angles thereto, the plane of the yoke 22 being at right angles to that ofthe yoke 21. At their respective ends the dependent arms of the yoke 22 carry hubs 24. These hubs are in a-lineme'nt with one another, occupying relative positions equidistant from the propeller shaft and are outwardly elongated to form trunnions 25 (see Figs. 3 and 8). The arrangement of these trunnions relatively to themachine is such that a line drawn through the center of the trunnions will intersect the center of the propeller shaft and will extend laterally at right angles thereto and lie with in what may be termed the lateral axis of the machine for about or around this lateral frames may turn relatively to the body of the machine or the body of the machine may turn relatively to said engine and frames 1 and independentlythereof. Moreover, this i lateral axis is also a normally horizontal axis 1 lying in a true horizontal plane when the engine is in a normal dependent position and the machine is in a position. of equilibrium. Arranged on the trunnions 25 so that they may turn thereon are boxes forming bearings 26. Dependent from these respective bearings are hangers 27 which connect with and carry a frame 28 in which the engine is engine and frame or frames supporting and carrying it may turn orswing longitudinally relatively to the body of the machine about a lateral axis or may swing laterally the body of the machine about a longitudinal axis. In this connection it is to be observed that when the engine swings longitudinally of the machine about a lateral axis only the engine and frame 28 carrying it turn pivotally. When, however. the engine turns laterally about a longitudinal axis then both the frames 20 and 2.8'turn with it. It is also to be observed that the arrangement of the be made to the means of applying the force generated by the ens;

gine to the propeller shaft. .lr's said before the ei'igine is preferably a f \l()S(.'0l')lC engine and cotiperates with the frame 28 in which it is mounted for receiving its rotary motion in a manner well knowtrto those skilled in the art. When in its normal pendant. posi' tion (meaning when the engine 18 in its normal position of suspension and the aeroplane is in a position of equilibrium), the engine operates in a horizontal plane around a vertical axis.

wheels or disks 3?) 34, 35. 3'7, 38, all of which disks including the disk 32 engage one another preferably by beveled friction edges or faces and which disks arei'disposcd The rotary force generated by the engine is imparted to a shaft. This shaft extends upwardly through a bearing and arranged as follows, assuming the parts l to be in their normal position z The disk 32 turns in a horizontal plane below and substantially parallel with the horizontal plane of the axes of the machine before men tioned, the shaft or eye 30 of the disk being aflixed to the center normally in substantial vertical. alinement. with the point of inter: section of the said longitudinal and lateral axes. The arrangement of the disk is also such that as the working plane of the di k is changed by the engine and frame earrying it pivoting around the aforesaid lateral axis of the machine, the working or friction edge or face of the disk will turn around said lateral axis as a pivotal center; all parts of the edge or face remaining at all times equidistant from said axis whatever the changed position of the disk maybe. The motion of the disk 32 is imparted directly to the two friction disks 33, 34 which cooperate with the disk 32 on opposite sides thereof in the manner of a couple and "accordingly are turned'in opposite directions as indicated by the arrows. Both the disks 33 and 34 are arranged to turn about or around the lateral axis of themachine as above described. For this purpose each of the disks is mounted upon a short shaft 39. The shafts 39 are s'ocketed to:tm'n-in the hubs 24: of the yoke 22. Attention is also directed to the fact that the respective shafts 39 of thedisks 33 and 34: not only turn in" their respective sockets, but are mounted also to slide endn'ise therein. by which means said disks are capable of being moved laterally in the line of said lateral axis and. so into or. out of engagement with the driving disk 32. The motion of the disks and 3-1 are imparted to the common friction disk 35. working engagement: being made by the disks and contacting with the disk on opposite sides thereof in the manner of a couple. The disk 35 (with the parts in their normal position) turns in a plane parallel or substantially parallel with the nor mal plane of the disk 32 and is ariuuged upon a vcrticalshaft l-O (see. Fig. 5} extending upwardly and turning in a bearing 41 located at the center of the intersecting yokes 91. 22, of the frame Located upon the. same shaft as the disk 35 and turning therewith is the disk 36 which is considerably larger than the disk 35, the friclional edge or face thereof being located some distance beyond the face of the disk Theunotion of this disk 36 is imparted to turn the two disks 3? and 38 which are mounted respectively on the propeller shaft. The two disks 3'? and 38 it Will be observed receive the motion of the disk 36 by engaging this disk on opposite sides thereof in the manner of a couple. Accordingly the disks 37, 38. are turned in opposite directions, assuming thatthey are both in engagement With the disk 36. Of these disks the disk 37 is mounted directly upon the propeller shaft and is securedto the shaft by means of a feather 42 in order that the disk may be slidable longitudinally along the shaft though capable of imparting its rotary motion to it. The disk 38 is not mounted directly upon the propeller shaft (see Fig. but upon a sleeve 43 surroundii this shaft in order that by means of the sl eve and proper geared connection both the disks 3'7 and may jointly impart their motion to turn the propeller shaft in the same direction although primarily the disks themselves are turning in opposite directions. Before referring to this construction. however. it will be further explained that the disk 38 is secured to the sleeve 43 by means of a feather 4.4 in order that the disk may be slidablc lrmgitudianlly thereon though capable of imparting its rotary movement thereto.

Referring now briefly to the differential by which as the sleeve is turned by the disk 33 mounted upon it, a re erse rotary movement may be imparted to the propeller shaft. attention first directed to the gear 45 affixed to the and of the sleeve (see Figs. 3 and 9). T his gear arranged on the sleeve at a point just alongside the hanger 17 which supports the propeller shaft and in thebear- 'ing of which hanger the sleeve turns. Meshing with the gear 45 is a gear 46 mounted on a spindle affixed to the side of said hanger. The gear 16 meshes with a gear 47 also arranged to turn on a spindle affixed: to the hanger. Aflixed to the gear 47 and turning therewith on the same spindle is agear 48 which meshes with a gear 49 afii ed to the propeller-shaft.

Having described the arrangement of the respective disks and the manner'in Wliich the rotar force of the "engine is imparted through these disks acting as a train of transmission to the propeller shaft atten 'tion will now be directed to apeculiar capability residing in. the train of transmission with respect to the engineand frame carrying the same. By reference to Fig. 3 and referring again to the disks 33 and 34: in their relationship to the disk 32, it Will be seen that as the disks and 34 are turned by the disk in opposite directions (as suming that both disks are in engagement with the disk 32), they will set up or create reactions or rather reactive forces against the disk 32. forces being in reverse and oppositedirec tions, neutralize one another and. accordingly have no effect to change the relative suspended position of the engine and frame 28- carryingit with respect to the frame or body of the aeroplane. v

Itavill be assumed now that the engine; is turning in the direction indicated by the arrow (see Figs. 3 and 4) and that one or the other of the disks 34. as for example the disk 34, is not receiying the working stress of the disk 32, but that'only the disk 33 is in working engagement therewith; The resultant effect is that the reaction 0 the disk no longer being neutralized, Iacts through the disk 32 andxshaft of the engine to move or incline the engine and frame 28 carrying it fronrthe'ir normal ertical suspended position and \vilLcause the same to pivotallymove or incline in the direction induced by such reactive force, or in other Words. to pivot around the transverse axis of the machine contrary to the rotary direction of the disk 33 and so in a relatively'lom gitudinal direction toward the rear end of the machine. 011 the other hand, if-thezdisk These reactions or reactive is in solo engagement with the disk 32 then the reaction of the disk 34 acting through the disk 32 and connecting shaftof the engine. will exert a force tondingto pivotall v incline or move the engine and. its

frame in the direction of the forward end the respective disks 3? and 3Savill neutral- 4 ize one anotherand the normal suspended position ofthc engine'and :tmm'esQQ and 28 \\'1ll remain unchanged. assuming now that one or the other of the disks 37, 38. as for example the disk 38, occupies a position of disengagement with respect to the disk 36 and the engine is being turned in the direction indicated by the arrow as aforesaid, in such event the disk 37 will receive the entire working stress of the disk 36 and the reac tion set up by the disk 37 to the disk 36 being unneutralized, will through the disk 36, its shaft and the frame 20 in'which the shaft turns, exert a. force tending to laterally turn the engine and frames 20 and 28 supporting and carrying it on the propeller shaft and accordingly about the longitudinal axis of the machine as aforesaid, causing said engine and frames to move or incline toward the left-hand side of the machine. On the other hand, if the disk 37 occupy a position of disengagement respecting the disk 36 and the disk 38 is doing all the work, then the reaction of the disk 38 to the disk 36 will (through the disk 36, the shaft on which the disk is mounted and frame on which the shaft turns) tend tomove or incline the en gine and frame carrying it laterally in the direction of the right-haml side of the machine. I

VVi'th respect now to the means by which an automatic control may be effected in the working positions of the respective disks 33, 34; 37, 38. Referring first to the disks 33, 31: As was before described, the shafts on which these respective disks are mounted turn in sockets formed in the respective hubs 24 of the yoke These hubs, as was previously explained, are elongated. by extensions forming trunnions 2-5 on which the frame 28 carrying the engine is pivotally mounted. It will be seen byrefercnce to Figs. 3 and Sthat the sockets or openings formed in the respective hub extensions or t'runnions for receiving the shafts of the disks are extended through the hubs, each passage oinopcning so formed being some what lOIlgQI than the shaft located within it. Attached by bolting or otherwise to the boxes or bearings 26,- by which the hangers of the engine frame are secured to their respective axes, are closed casings 50 preferably cylindrical in form (see Fig. 8). \Vithin each one of these casings is a sliding piston 51 having a stem 52, which stems of the respective pistons project forward into the openings formed in the respective hubs to engage or bear against the ends of the shafts turning-within the hubs, the disposition of.

the parts being such that upon the application of pressure to either one of the pistons 51 it, through its piston rod 52, will actto exert a pressure upon the shaft against which it bears and accordingly will act to force the'disk affixed to the shaft forward.

vint o a working position. Inasmuch as the shafts of the respective disks 33, 34, are rotary parts, While the pistons and stems of the pistons do not rotate, provision'is made aca emand means are shown for reducing the friction between these parts. The means con sists in interposing journals 53, 54, between the adjacent ends of each shaft and stem with ball bearings 55 arranged to rotate on and between said respective journals as the shafts of the disks are turned.

The force applied to the respective pistons for holding the disks in their working positions is compressed air. This is admitted into the chambers of the cylinders at the rear of the respective pistons. The air is admitted by way of the pipes 56, 57, of which the pipe 56 connects with that cylinder containing the piston which controls the disk 33, while the pipe 57 connects with the cylinder containing the piston controlling the disk 34. Both the pipes 59 o7, connect with a valve casing 58 containmg the piston valve 59 that acts to control the air admitted to the respective pistons. The casing 58 containing this valve is an elongated casing, the ends thereof being designed to provide air-receiving chambers 00, 61, respec tivcly. Air under pressure from any suitable source of supply is admitted to these respective chambers by way of a pipe 62 and from which it is directed to the chamber 61 by a bypass 63 arranged in the valve casing. Extending inwardly from the respec tive air-receiving chambers 60, 61, the casing forms the respective ports 64, 65, which. connect with an enlarged chamber 66 at about the center of the casing at which point the casing is open to the. atmosphere by an opening (57 in the bottom of the casing. The pipes 56, 5?. connect with the casing at the points of these respective ports;- in other words, the respective pipes have such connection with the casing that the passages through them have direct communication with the respective ports, the passage through the pipe 56 being in conm'mnication with the port (35 and the passage through the pipe 57 being in communication with the port 64.

The piston valve itself consists of the respective head or end portions 68, 60, the contracted neck portions 70, 71, and a central body portion 72. The head or end portions and the body portion of the valve are of sub stantially the same diameter and have a sliding fitfwithin the contracted portions of the casing forming the respective ports by which means the valve is centered in the easing and the longitudinal relationship of the parts changed, will hereinafter be explained; Moreover the head and body portions of the valve, as-the relative positions of valve and easing become changed, are adapted to control the respective ports. In. this connection it will be observed that the length of the valve is such that when in a normal central position as shown in Fig. 6.both head or lend portions 68, 69, of the valve Wlll lie orted and centered within the casin bv the body-portion 72 thereof which is of satiic entlength to fit within the contracted portions of the casing and close the inner ends the casing. When the valve is in this normal position air admitted as aforesaid to theend chambers 60, (31', of the casing will pass around the respective heads or ends of the valve into the respective ports 64, bythe neck portions of the valve and thence to the respective pipes 56, 5 7. lVhen the relative positions of the valve and casing become changed, as for example by moving the valve within the casing, then in such event the supply of air to the one or the other of the pipes 56, 57, will be out 01f depending upon the direction the valve is moved. The rea son for this is that as the valve is moved within the casing one head or the other of the valve will draw into the one or the other of the ports tll, G5, and so will shut off the air normally entering that portend prevent it from passing to the one or the other of the pipes 5G. 57, which connect with the ports and. with the respectlve pistons as aforesaid' Moreover as one head of the valve draws into its adjacent port closing it, the adjacent central hotly portion of the valve entering that portwill'draw out of the port allowing the compressed air in the pipe and piston chamber from which the air is cut off to have outlet to the atmosphere.

In further explanation of the valvular control. attention is directed to the fact that as the air is shut off for controlling one end of the casin continuing to pass through the other port and to the pipe and piston chamber connecting therewith. in fact, the only street when one port is closed 7 y one head of the valve is for the other head thereof to move farther away from the other port, alfording a freer entry for the air to the pipe connecting with this port, the air being prevented from passing out of the casii'ig by the body of the valve which cmit-inu-es to close the inner end of the port through which the air is passing.

The relative position of the valve and ca-=ing 58 is controlled by a weighted lever 73. As will be observed by re erence to 3 and (S, the valve. casing 58 is located upon the side of one of the hangers :27 by which the engine and frame 28 carrying it are maintained in a suspended position. Moreover the disposition of the casing and piston valve is such that when the frame and engine are in their normal pendant position both the casing and valve will occupy a horizontal position at right angles to the vertical pendant position of the hanger to i no ellect is produced in the 1 other port at the other end thereof, the an which it is secured. The lever 73' is pivoted to the side of the hanger at thepoint Tl below the asing and valve. The lever is maintained in a normal upright; vertical position h-ythe weight 7 5 aflixed to its weight arm. The other or working arm of the lever passes upwardly through the opening ofboth ports from the central chamber or 6? of the casing and enters a socket 76 formed in the piston valve, the end of the lever fitting loosely within his socket. Moreover the disposition of the parts is such that as long as the fraine to which the weighted lever is pivoted maintains its nor and vertical position in alinement with the pendant position of the lover. the lever'will act to maintain the valve in a central position within the valve casing, whereby compressed air passing through the casing as aforesaid nav enter both pipes 56, 57. and acting upon the respective pistons. may hold both the disks 33, 3%, in. their working positions on in other Words, both in contact with the disk If now the relative position of the engine and frame 28 carrying it be changed from their normal position rto occupy an inclined position as by the franu turning pivotally at the point of the trans- .verse arms as above defined the valvular parts and weighted lever will move with it but the lever continuing to maintain a vertical position Wlll act to move the 'alve 59 within the valve casing in one direction or the other dependent upon the direction the frame turns. It will bennderstood of course that the lever '73 maintains its normal position and so occupies a changed position relatively to the frame 28 as the frame turns by reason of the weight on the end of the lover. The resultant effect is accordingly obtained that as the valve. is moved in the. casing the air will he cut off from'one or the other of the pipes 5t 57. and the pressure removed from one or the other of the disks 33, 34.. leaving but one disk in frictional. working J fact with the driving disk In this connection it may be seen that the adaptation and arrangement of the parts is such that if the engine and frame 28 carrying it are moved from their normal position in the direction of the forward end of the machine then the movement the frame 2 relatingto the weighted lever 73 (retaining its nor anal gravitated position i will cause the valve to move within the casing and exclude air from the port or and pipe .3? connecting lit) the port (i-t to move the disk 3 into a working position, both disks 33 and ill being then in working contact with the disk 32. An exact reverse action takes place if the en nine and frame 28 be displaced in the direc tion of the rear end of the machine. such event air will be shut olf from the pipe 56 and the disk will assume a passive position. Thereupon the reaction of the In E disk 34 will cause the engine and frame to move toward the front end of the machine 1 until they resume their normal positions when air will be admitted to insure a work ing position of both disks 33 and 3-l in re spect to the disk 32.

By reason of the fact that the respective heads or ends of the valve 59 normally lie very close to the respective ports which they control (see Fig. 6), but a very Slight pivotal movement of the engine and frame relatively to the weighted lever is necessary to I operate the valvular control and shut elf the pressure applied to the disks 33. 34:.

Referring now to the friction disks 3'7, 38, and to the method of controlling the workextensible metallic bellows 7 7 mounted upon the propeller shaft and arranged bet-ween the respective disks 37, 38, and the adjacent hubs 23 of the yoke 21, which hubs provide fiirtures of support for said bellows.

B reference to Fig. 9 it will be seen that the ellows controlling the disk 38 is not mounted directly upon the propeller shaft but upon the sleeve 43 surrounding this shaft, on which sleeve also the disk 38 is mounted as before described. It will also be seen by reference to said figure that i prefer to employ ball bearings 78 between the bearing face of each of the bellows and its adjacent disk to reduce the friction as much as possible between the parts as the disks are turned. Air under pressure is admitted to the respective bellows by way of the pipes 79, 80. Of these pipes the pipe 7 9 connects with the bellows controlling the disk 37 and the pipe with the pipe connecting with the bellows controlling the disk 38. The air entering these pipes is controlled by substantially the same valvn lar control as that heretofore described for effecting the valvular control of the air admitted to the respective pipes 56, 57, for controlling the disks 33, 3a; in other words, a casing 58 andpiston valve 59 within this casing and a weigl'ited lever 73, These parts,

as may be seen by i'eloiriii-e .o l arranged upon the side of 15'. ;v the frame 20 and with such cli l) -lll li il'nn when the yoke is in its normal \...';'1cal position as aforesaid the caniy and within it will lie at right angles to the yoke while the weighted lever 3 cooperating with and crmtrolling the valve will hang in a vertical position in the same plane as the yoke. \Vith this arrangement, if the yoke becomes pivotally turned upon the propeller shaft 21 an axis by the swinging or turning of the engine and frames 20 and 28 Sup porting and carrying it. the weighted lever will still continue to maintain an uprighi Q vertical position and accordingly a changed position relatively to the yoke occupying an inclined position. The result and effect is that a valvular control will be obtained in the same manner as before described; These pipes connect also with the valve casing 3-5 in such manner that air will be admitted through both pipes for influencing both disks when the valvular parts are in their normal positions. WVhen, however, the 'engine and frame 28 carrying the same are.

displaced toward the right hand side of the machine, then the compressed air will become shut off from the pipe 80 connecting with the bellows controlling the disk 38.

The disk 37 will then be in sole contact with q the disk 37 and continue to be admitted to the pipe 80 which connects with the bellows controlling the disk 38. The disk 38 Twill then be doing all the work and the reaction of the disk 38 to the disk 86 will cause the engine and connecting frames to return to their normal positions when air will. be admitted for influencing botlr disks 37 and 38.

For iini'nediately controlling the right and lef planes 11,12, there are attached thereto rods 81, 82. These rods are attached also to the boxes or bearings 26 arranged upon the trunnions 25 of the yoke 22.: The rods make preferably, a ball and socket attaclr ment with the respective bearings and connect respectively with the respective planes 1'1, 12, at points ed the axial centers of saidplanes'in order that the planes may be oppositely tipped'or inclined by the rods when valve s Moreover when the yoke 22 is in its normal position with the body of the machine in a state or position of equilibrium, both the fore and aft planes 13, 14:, there extend from each of these planes at their respective points of turning a lever arm 83. Attached I to the ends of these respective lever arms are rods 84 85, respectively, the inner ends of which rods are both pivotally secured to the end of a hand lever 86. Pivoted to the side of this lever is a link 87 which makes preferably a ball and socket attachment with the under side of the frame 28 carrying the engine. The link 87 bears at the point of its pivotal attachment with the lever 86 a toothed segment 88 engaging which is a lnind-controlled dog 89. The adaptation and arrangement of these parts is such that when the dog 89 is in engagement with any one of the teeth of the segment the lever 86 becomes locked to the link 87 with the effect of tyin the rods 84:, 85, to the under side of the frame 28 when these parts may have a common movement longitudinally of the machine. If, however, the dog be released from the teeth of the segment, the rods 8& and may be moved oppositely in reverse directions independently of the frame 28 simply by operating the hand lever 86 which turns on the end of the link 87 as a point of fulcrumage. In this connection it-Will be explained that the length of the rods 84, 85, is such that the planes 13, 14 controlled by them, through the instrumentality of the hand lever, may-be set at any proper normal inclination, this being preferably as shown a slightly upward inclination for both planes when the body of the machine is operating in a position of equilibrium. The hand lever may then be locked'to the link 87. Attention is also directed to the fact that the lever arms 83 connecting with the respective planes are reversely arranged in reference to said planes. In other words, the arrai'igement is such that any force tending to move the planes fromtheir normal positions either through movement of the rods '84:, 85, or otherwise. will result in effecting a reverse angular inclination in the respective planes 13, 14.

The operation of the mechanism described for effecting the automatic maintenance and control of the machine is as follows: Assuming the machine to be in operation-and the parts occupying their normal positions. the action of the gyroscopic engine,,turning as it does in a normal plane and tending in itself to maintain such plane, will tend also to maintain the other working parts in their proper positions and steady the entire machine. Assuming now that through some atmospheric or other influence the machine. is upwardly inclined at an angle of incli nation greater than its normal angle of inclination when the body of the machine in a state of equilibrium, it being assumed, also, that the power of the displacing force or influence is insufficient to change the normal pendant position of the engine and frame carrying the same. In such event the body of the machine has the efiect of turn- "5 ing at the point of the lateral axis before mentioned, that is, it will turn on said axis relatively to the engine and the frame 28 carrying it. Accordingly with such relative change of position, the forward end of the machine will draw away from and the rear end of the machine approach the bottom end of the frame 28 (carrying the engine). to which are secured the respective rods St, 85. connecting respectively with the planes 8 13, let, pivotally arranged at the. forward and rear ends of the machine. The result:- ant effect will accordingly be obtained that as the forward end of the machine draws away from said. point the draft of the con necting rod 8% will tend to downwardly in cline the plane 13 at the front end of he machine and at the same time the thrust of the rod 85-will tend to upwardly incline the plane l l at the rear end of the machine. The influence of said planes will then tend to restore the body of the machine to a position of equilibrium. As the machine' draws back into its position of equilibrium through the influence of these planes a reverse action upon the planes will be effected.

In other words, as the body of the machine reverses to a position of equilibrium the forward end of the machine will draw nearer to the bottom end of the frame carrying the engine as the rear end thereof draws farther away from said point. Accordingly the re spective rods 84. 85, will tend to gradually change the positions of'the respective planes in an amount commensurate with the relutive inclined position of the body of the machine until the machine has been restored to a position of equilibrimn when the respec tive planes will both be brought back to their normal positions. If the inclination of the machine is changed so that it has an abnormal downwardinclination a reverse action is effected to that just described. In other words. the relative approach of the forward end of the machine to the bottom end of the frame 28 carrying the engine will tend to upwardly incline the forward plane 13 of the machine the. drawing away of the rear end thereof causes a downward inclination of the plane 14 at the rear end of the machine. AS the. machine is restored to a position ofequilibrium the respective reversed inclination of these planes will change until the time when the body of the machine having reached a position of equi- 13c Cit librium both planes will be restored to their upwardly inclined normal positions. Assuming now that an atmosohcric or other influence has laterally tipped the machine to one side or the other, it. being assumed also that the displacing force or influence is insufficient to change the normal iositions of the engine and frames 20, (of which the yoke :22 forms a part supporting and carrying it). In such case the body of the machine has the effect of turning at the point of the longitudinal axis as before defined, and this relatively to the engine and frames 20, 28, maintaining their normal positions as aforesaid. If the body of the machine tip laterally toward the right hand side'of the machine then that portion of the frame of the machine suppogting the right plane 11 will move toward the frame or yoke 22 as that portion of the'frame supporting the left plane 12 of the machine moves farther away from said yoke. The eiect will accordingly be obtained that as the right side of said body of the machine draws relatively nearer the yoke 22 the rod 81 attached thereto and to the right plane will act to upwardly incline said plane as the rod 82 connecting said yoke with the left plane acts to depress or downwardly incline said plane. The, resultant POSitlOl'lS of the planes 11, 12, will then tend to right the machine. its the machine is brought back into a position of equilibrium the rods S1, S2 will'tend to restore the planes 11, 12, to theirnormal inclined positions. Precisely a reverse action takes place if the n'iachine tips laterally toward the left side of the machine. In such case the rod 81 will, as the machine turns, tend to draw down the right plane 11 as the rod pushes up the left plane 12. The machine will then become restored to a position of equilibrium. 1 luring the period of restoration as the body of the machine is reversed the right and left planes will be restored to thcr respective normal positions.

Of cou rse in practice the machine will often tend to become both laterally and longitudinally displaced from its position of equilibrium. Its resultant position in the event of such displacement; will then affect. both the fore and aft planes and the right and left planes there being a combination of the actions or effects above explained inthe adustment and control of the respective planes. It will thus be seen that as long as theengine and frame supporting it maintain their normal positions then the relative change of position between the body of the machine and said engine and frame will through the connecting rods 81, 82; ill, 85, tend to a proper automatic adjustment and control of the planes for keeping the machine in a position of equilibrium. As the relative position of the machine becomes changed, however the restoration.

combined pull or thrust of the respective rods in controlling the planes, incident to the displacement of the body of the machine, will tend also to a displacement of the engine and its connecting frame or frames from their normal positions. Such tendency to displacement is occasioned not only by the displacement of the body of the machine from its normal position of equililn'imn. but also by the restoration of the nuurhinc to its normal position of equilibrium. for whether the planes are moved for correcting an uubalanced position. of the machine by restoring th machine to its position of equilibrium, or moved back to their normal positions during the restoration of the machine to a normal position, in either case a displacing force or stress is exerted upon the engine and frame or frames supporting and carrying the same by the stress of the respective rods which join the engine frame or frames to the respective planes. Yet, whatever or however muchthe disturbing stress or influence maybe to displace the engine and frame or frames supporting and carrying it, the said engine" and frames will at once be restored to their normal positions. The reason for this is that the engine and connecting frames can only be displaced by turning on the respective longitutjlinal and lateral axes before mentioned. Accordingly they can be displaced only in the direction of the front or rear ends of the machine or toward. either side'th-ereof. Explanation has previously been given that if the engine and connecting frame or frames be displaced in any of these directions innneeliate and complete restoration will at once take place, the displaced parts being moved by the reaction of the transmission in a direction con trary to the direction of their displacement, which return moven'ient continues until the parts have been restored to their normal and proper positions.

In connection with the automatic restoration of the engine from its displaced position through the reaction of the transmission it ap 'iarent that the full working force of the engine is applied to effect this In case it is desired to work the fore and aft planes i3. 14-. by hand, for rais; ing or depressing the machine and then bringing the game into a positioniof equilibrium this may be. done simply by releasing the dog 89 from the teeth of the segment 88. The hand lever 86 tlltt Y then be turned by hand, the lever pivoting on the end of the link 87 as a point of fulcrumage. As the lever is turned (in either direction) the rods 84, 85, connecting therewith and with the respective. planes 13, Lt, are moved by the lever for operating the respective planes. After the machine has been brought into a position of equilibrium following the raising or depressing of the machine by the operati'on off'the hand lever-the dog 89 may then be released to engage the teeth of the segment when the automatic control of. the planes 13, '14 will be effected as above described.

Having-thus fully described my invention, I claim and-desireto secure by Letters Patent o'f-the United States -1. f-In' a flying machine, the combination with the body of'the machine, of a member pivotally secured thereto, means whereby said machine may be automatically controlled. from said member as the body of the machine becomes changed with relation thereto, an engine carried by said pivoted member, and means whereby the'forcegenerated by said engine may be applied to said:memberfor-restoring it to its original position upon displacement thereof from such position.

2. Ina-flying machine, the combination with the-body of the machine, of a member pivotally secured thereto, means 'whereby said machine -may be automatically conr trolled from said member as the body of them-achine becomes changed With relation thereto, a gyroscope carried by said pivoted member, and means whereby the force op crating to turn said gyroscopemay be applied'for restoring said pivoted member to its original position in the event of displacement thereof from. such position.

8. In a flying machine, the combination with the body of the machine, of a member pivotally secured thereto, .means whereby said machine may be automatically controlled from said member as the body of the machine becomes changed with relation thereto. a gyroscopie engine carried by said pivoted member, and means whereby the force generated by said engine may be applied to said member for restoring it to its original position in the event of displace ment -from such position.

4E. .The combination in aflying machine having a movable plane, of a member pivotally secured to the body of said machine, means whereby said plane may be automatically controlled from said member as the position of said body of'the machine becomes changed with relation thereto, .an' engine and connecting means operating to maintain said member in its original pivoted position, andmeans whereby the force exerted by said engine may be applied to restoresaid member to its original pivoted positionin the event of its displacement.

5; The combination in a flying machine having movable plane, of an engine, a pivoted support therefor connecting with the=body of the machine,:means for automatically controlling said plane fromsaid support and engine as the position thereof and body of the machine become relatively changed, and means whereby the force exerted by said engine may be applied to maintain said engine and support in their proper pivoted positions.

6. The combination in a flying machine, of an engine, a pivoted support therefor connecting with the body of the machine, means whereby said machine may be automatically controlled from said support and engine as=the position thereof and body of the. machine become relatively changed, and a changeable transmission for transmitting the force exerted by said engine, the same having such adaptation that the forcetransmitte'd'by it .Will either exert no influence to disturb the pivoted position of said engine and its support or an influence to change the pivoted position thereof upon a change induced in saidtransmission.

7. {The combination in a flyingmachine, of an engine, a pivoted support therefor connecting with the body of the machine, means whereby said machine-may be automatically controlled from said support and engine as the position thereof and body of the machine becomerelatively changed, a changeable transmission for transmitting the force exerted by said engine, the same having such adaptation that the force transmitted by it will. either exert no influence to disturb the pivoted position of said engine and its support or an influence to change the pivoted position thereof upon a-change induced in said transmission, and means for controlling said transmission whereby a change may be-induced therein for changing thepivoted position of said engine and support and. restoring them to their original pivoted positions in the event of their displacement from such original positions.

8.'The combination in a flying machine, of an engine, apivoted support therefor connecting with the body of the machine, means whereby said machine may be automatically controlled from said support and engine carried by it as the position thereof and body of the machine become relatively changed, a transmission for transmitting the force generated by the engine, said transmission comprising a series of parts adapted and arranged to the endthat the force transmitted by them. may either exert no influence to change the-pivoted posit-ion of said engine and support or an-influence to change the same dependent upon the said parts of the transmission whereby they working relationship of the parts of said transmission, and means for controlling may occupy either a normal or changed working relationship to one another depending npon the normal or displaced pivoted position of said engine and support.

9. ,The combination in a flying machine, of

;an.-engine, a pivoted support therefor connec tingwith the body of the machine, means whereby said machine may be automatically controlledfrom said support and engine carried by it as the position thereof and body of the machine become relatively changed, a transmission for tral'ismitting the force gene-rated by the engine, said transmission comprising a series of parts adapted and arranged to the end that the force transmitted by them may either exert no influence to change the pivoted position of said engine and support or an influence to change the same dependent upon the working relationship of the parts of said transmission, and means for controlling said transmission whereby a change n'iay automatically be efl'ected in the working relationship of its parts upon displacement of said engine and support from their original pivoted positions and the force of said engine may then exprt an influence through said transmission or portion thereof to change the displaced pivoted position of said engine and support and restore them to their original positions.

10. The combination in a flying machine, of an engine, a pivoted. support therefor (-onnertiug rith the body of the machine, means whereby said machine may be autoii'uuirally cmitrolled from said support and engine carried by it as the position thereof and the body of the machine become relatively changed, a transmission "For transmitting the force generated by the engine, said transmission comprising a seriesof parts adapted and arranged to the end that the force transmitted by them may either exert no influence to change the pivoted position of said engine and support or an influence to change the .ame dependent upon the worlo ing relationship of the parts of said transmission, releasable mechanism for holding the parts. of said transmission in Working engagement with one another, and means for controlling said mechanism to release portions of said transmission into a disengaging position dependent upon the position of said engine and pivoted support bearing the ame.

11. The combination with a main support, of a pivoted support, a gyroscope carried by said pivoted support, and means whereby the force operating to turn said gyroscope may be applied for restoring it and said piv oted support to their original positions in the event of displacement thereof.

12. The combination With a main support, of a pivoted support connecting therewith, an engine carried by said pivoted support, a driven object, and means whereby the force generated by said engine for drivingsaid object may be applied for restoring said pivoted support and engine carried by it to their original positions in the event of displacement thereof.

13. The combination with main support,

of a pivoted support connecting therewith,

an engine carried by said pivoted support,

a driven object, and means for transmitting the force generated by said engine whereby itmay cxert no inll1.1ence to change the position of said pi voted support and engine or an influence to change the same dependent upon the manner of such transmission.

ll. The combination with a main support, of a pivi'ileil support connecting therewith, an or 'ine carried by said pivoted support, a dri ell object, a transmission for receiving and transmitting force generated by the engine, and means whereby the force of said engine through the reactive influence of said transmission may be applied to restore said pivoted support and engine carried by it to their original positions in theevent of. displacement thereof,

15. The combination with a main support, i

of a pivoted support connecting therewith, an engine, carried by said pivoted support,

- a driven object, a transn'iission tor transinib ting the :torce exerted by said engine, and means for controlling said trai'ismissiox'l .i'hcr-eby a change may be induced therein for changing the position of said engine and support and restoring them to their original positions in tl e event of their displacement t'rom surhorigimil positions.

16. The combination with a main support, of a pivoted support connecting therewith,

an engine carried by said pivoted support, a

driven object, a transmission for transmitting the force generated by said engine, the I same comprising aseries oit changeable parts adapted and arranged to the end that the force transmitted by and through them may either exert no influence to ohange'the position of said engine and pivoted support or an influence to change, the same dependent upon the working relationship of the parts of said transmission, and means :l'or controlling said transmission whereby a change may automatically be effected in the warhing relationship of'its parts upon displacement of said engine and support from their original positions and the force generated by said engine then exert an influence through .said transmission or portion thereof to change the displaced position of said engine and pivoted support and restore them to their original. positions.

17. The combination Witha main support,

of a )ivotedsunort connecting therewith an engine carried by said pivoted support, a driven object, a. transmission or transmit ting the force generated by the engine, said transmission connprising a series of parts adapted and arranged to the end that the force transmitted by and through them may either exert no influence to change the position of said engine and pivoted support or an influence to change the same dependent upon the Working relationship ot the parts of said transmission,-releasable mechanism for holding the parts of said transmission in working engagement with one another, and

whereby the force generated by the engine may be transmitted from said driven member through both said other rotary members or through either of them.

l9.- The combination with a main supporting structure, of a frame pivotally connecting therewith, a gyroscopic engine and spindle thereof carried by said frame, a rotary member secured to the spindle of said engine for transmitting the'power developed thereby, and other rotary power transmitting members carried by said main supporting structure and arranged on opposite sides of the rotary member secured to said spindle and means for controlling said other rotary members whereby the force generated by said engine may be transmitted from said rotary member secured to the spindle of said engine through both said other rotary members or through either of them.

20. The combination with a main supporting structure, of a frame pivoted thereto, a gyroscopic engine mounted within said frame, a rotary member carried by said frame and driven by said engine, other rotary members carried by said main supporting structure and engaging said driven membcr on opposite sides thereof, and means for controlling said other rotary members whereby they may be moved into and out of worln ing engagement with said driven member.

21. The combination with a main supporting structure, of a frame pivotally connecting therewith an engine carried by said frame, a t 'ansmission having a rotary member carried by said frame and driven by said engine, other rotary members engaging said driven member on opposite sides thereof, means for mounting said other rotary members to turn in the line of the axis of said pivoted frame and in position to be engaged by said driven rotary member, and means 'for controlling said t'ansmission whereby the force generated by the engine may be transmitted from said driven member through both said. other rotary members or through either of them dependent upon the displaced position of said engine and frame in respect to the original pivoted position thereof. v

22. The combination with a main supporting structure, of. a frame pivotally connecting therewith, an engine carried by said frame, a transmission having a primary ro tary member and secondary rotary members having working engagement with saidprimary rotary member on opposite sides the'reof, and means for controlling said transmission whereby the force generated by the engine may be transmitted through all said members or through said primary member or one-or the other of said secondary members depending upon the relative position of said pivoted frame and engine carried by it.

2-5. The combination with main supporting structure, of a frame 'pivotally connecting therewith, an engine carried by said frame, a transn'iissionhaving a primary rotary member and secondary rotary members having working engagement with said pri mary rotary member on opposite sides thereof, and means for controlling said transmission whereby the force generated by the engine may be transu'iitted through all of said members when said frame and engine carried by it are in their original pivoted positions or through said primary rotary memher and one or the other of said secondary rotary members when said pivoted frame and engine are occupying positions displaced from their original pivoted positions and this depending upon the direction of their (llSjillnCQl'liQlll).

2-4:. The combination with a main support,

of a pivoted support connecting therewith,

an engine carried by said pivoted support, a driven object, a transmission for transmitting the force generated by said'engine, the same comprising a series of changeable parts adapted and arranged to the end that the force transmitted by and through them may either exert no influence to change the POSL tion of said engine and pivoted support or an influence to change the same dependentupon the working relationship of the working parts of saidtransmission, and means for controlling said transmission whereby a change may autmnatically be effected in the working relationship of its parts upon displacement of said engine and support from their original positions and the force generated by said engine then exert an influence through said transmission or portion thereof to change the displaced suspended position of said engine and pivoted support and restore them to their original. positions, said means comprising in part an overweighted lever adapted and arranged to occupy and maintain a gravitated position Whatever the relative position of said engine and frame may be. i

25. The combination with a main support, of a pivoted support connecting therewith, an engine carried by said pivoted support, a driven object, a transmission for transmiterated bysaid engine then exert an influence through said transmission or portion thereof to changethe displaced suspended position of said engine and pivoted support and re store them to their original positions, said means comprising in part a valvular mechanism carried by said frame and an overweighted lever pivotally connected to said frame and cooperating with said valvular mechanism for controlling the samef Qlhln' a flying machine, the combination with the body of the machine, of a member pivotally secured thereto, means whereby said machine may be automatically controlled-from said member as the body of the machine becomes changed with relation thereto, a gyroscope carried by said pivoted member, means whereby theforce operating to turn said gyroscope may be'applied for restoring it and said pivoted member to their original positions in the event of their displacement, the same comprising a changeable transmission through which said force transmitted, and means for controlling saidtransn'iission.

27. In a flying machine, the combination with the body of the machine, of a member pii'otally secured thereto, means whereby said machine may be automatically controlled from said member as the body of the machine becomes changed with relation thereto, an engine operating to maintain said member in its original position, and means whereby the force generated by said engine may be applied to said member for restoring 1 it to its origmal position upon the displace ment thereof from such position, said means con' prisinga changeable transnnssion for transmitting the iorce exerted by said engine, the same having such adaptation that the force transmitted by it will either exer no influence to disturb the pivoted position of said member-or an influence to change the pivoted position thereof upon a change induced in said transmission.

28. in a Flying machine, the combination with the body oi: the machine, of a member pivotall} secured thereto, in 21 118 whereby said machine I may be automatically con trolled from said member as the body of the machine becomes changed with relation thereto, an engine operating to maintain said member in its original position, means whereby the force generated by said engine may be applied to said member ferrestoring it to its original position upon the displacement thereof from such position, said means unnprising a changeable transmission for transmitting the "lorceoexcrted by said engine, the same having such adaptation that the force transmitted by it will either exert no influence to disturb the pivoted position of said member or an influence to change the pivoted position thereof upon a change induced in said transmis n, and means for controlling said transmission whereby a, change may be induced therein for changing the pivoted position of said member and restoring. it to its original position in the event of its displacement from such position.

29. -In a machine of the character specified, the combination with the body of the machine, of aframe pivotally secured therei to, means whereby said machine may be automatically controlled from said frame as the body of the machine becomes changed with relation thereto, a gyroscopic engine carried by said frame, an object driven by said gyroscopic engine, a changeable transmission for transmitting the force exerted by said engine to said object, and means for controlling said transmission whereby a change may be induced therein for changing the position of said engine and frame and restoring them to their original positions in the event of their displacement from such original positions.

' JA'B'IES S. LANG. W'itnesses Jenn E. R. Hares, M. E. l'fiiaai-iiin rr.

Images