US1477338A

US1477338A - Flying machine

Info

Publication number: US1477338A
Application number: US361861A
Authority: US
Inventors: Finley Thomas Milton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1920-02-27
Filing date: 1920-02-27
Publication date: 1923-12-11
Anticipated expiration: 1940-12-11

Description

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T. M. FINLEY FLYING MACHINE Filed Feb. 27, 1920 8 Sheets=$heet 6 finurutur 313 Qitnuuzg 7770/7795D f mm 11,, man nmms T. M. FINLEY FLYING MACHINE Filed Feb. 27, 1920 8 SheetsSheet 8 Patented Der: llll, i923.

entree srnra THOMAS MILTON FINLEY, OF- ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI.

FLYING MACHINE.

l tlimlt s refra n orricao Application filed February 2 7, 1920. Serial No. 361,861.

-' I V T all whom it may concern:

Be it known that THOMAS M. FINLEY, a citizenof the United States, residing at St. Louis, in the county of St. Louis City and State of Missouri, has invented certain new and useful Improvements in Flying Machines, of which the following is a specification.

Theinvention relates to improvements in flying machines of the Zeppelin type.

The object of the present invention is to improve the construction of flying machines of the Zeppelin travel or propulsion by upward movement will have its resistance.

reduced to a minimum; I

Another-object of the invention 'isto providea flying machine equipped with inte rior framework of a strength which will onble it to be constructed much lighter than has heretofore been possible with flying ma chines of this type, thereby reducing the weight without decreasingthe strength.

Another objectof the invention is to provide a supporting framework having a cenat the desired speed.

tral truss or backbone adapted to afford the requisite strength and stability and capable exceedingly light famework supporting the outer skin or covering.

A further object of the invention is to enable the power plants to be rigidly connected with the interior supporting framework-and to permit without injury to the machine the application of the necessary amount ,of

.power to overcome the resistance encountered by the machine and propel the latter A further object of the invention is to enable the machine by reason of the rigid connection of the power plants with the interior framework to derive all of the advantages or benefits resulting fromthe gyro;

'pe'lin type having su cient stren scopic effect of the propellers without lie bility' of injury to the machine.

The invention also has for its object to provide a machine of this character having sufficient strength to enable it to stand up with its gas bags or containers ina deflated condition whereby the flying machine will be able to sustain and maintain itself firmly on the surface of the ground when desired bythe operator.

Furt tion to provide a fiyin ermore it is the object of the invenmachine of the Zeph interiorly and exteriorly toenable lan ing gear to be em loyed and the machine to .efiect a landing in a manner similar to" the landing of machines of the aeroplane type, that is with the machine landing on the ground heavier than air and held on the ground under its own weight, A further object of the invention is to enable the machine to be equipped with gas control mechanism for pumping down""-the gas when the lifting power of the sameis not required or it becomes necessary to take care of the expansion without the loss of gas in the ascent of the machine and for returning the pumped down'gas. to the gas'bags or containers vof.

of this type. r

A further object of the invention is 'to enable all rudder and elevator planes to be so arranged at the rear of the cabin as to leave the body of the-machine clear of any thing that would increase overheadresistance or strain on the framework of body.

Another object of the invention is to en a'ble the gas control mechanism to be arranged so that the operators will be able to pump down the gas from either end of the machine while leaving the opposite end infiated and also from one side or other of the machine whereby the trim or equilibrium of the machine both longitudinally and transversely may be maintained by the gas control and thereby obviate the necessity of can rying the large elevator planes used on othe machines of this type.

Another object of the invention is' to provide a flying machine of the Zeppelin type having a body substantially circular in cross-section and tapered at the ends and provided at the bottom with a shallow longitudinal indentation adapted to afford the machine as required, thereby eliminating the necessity for ballast loads that are required on all other machines a descent resisting bottom surface and at the same time enable the cabin and the power plants to extend or be arranged extteriorly of the body and at the same time occupy positions within the actual radius of the body for reducing the resistanc and overhead drag of the machine and to enable the power to be applied within the radius of the machine and near the center of the resistance encountered by the machine in'the propulsion of the latter.

\Vith these and other objects in view, the invention consists in the construction and novel combination and arrangement of part-s hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings and pointed out in the claims hereto appended, it being understood that various changes in the form, proportion, and minor details of construction within the scope of the claims may be resorted to without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advanta es of the invention.

11 the drawings, in which like characters of reference designate corresponding parts in the several figures:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of a flying machine constructed in accordance with this invention.

Figure 2 is a rear elevation of the same.

Figure 3 .is a central longitudinal sectional view of the front portion of the machine.

Figure 4 is a similar view of the rear portion of the machine.

Figure 5 is a transverse sectional view of the machine illustrating the construction of the approximately circular transverse frames of the interior framework.

Figure 6 is a transverse sectional view through the machine at a point between the transverse frames illustrating the arrangement of the gas bags or containers and the compressed gas sacks or receptacles and their connections with oneanother and with the compressor.

Figure 7 is a diagrammatic longitudinal sectional view of the front portion of the machine illustrating the arrangement of the gas bags or containers and the gas sacks or receptacles in which the hydrogen gas is compressed, parts being omitted for clearness.

Figure 8 is a similar view of the rear portion of the machine.

In the accompanying drawings in which is illustrated one embodiment of the invention the flying machine, which is of the Zeppelin type has a body provided with an outer skin or covering 1 and tapered at its front and rear ends 2 and 3 and substantially v circular in cross-section and closely approximating the conventional shape of the body of machines of the Zeppelin type. The body of the machine is provided at the bottom sisting of a substantially flat central portion 5 and inclined sid portions 6 extending downwardly and outwardly from the substantially flat intermediate or central portion 5 and referably curved as shown to present slight y concave portions. By this construction the lower face of the body is slightly concave transversely of'the body and is adapted to offer resistance to the downward movement of the body in the descent or settling of the same and increas-, ing the resistance in settling over this type of machines having its body continuously curved and presenting a rounded or convex face at the bottom as in Zeppelin machines of the conventional form. The width of the lower face of the body at the shallow indentation is .preferably equal to the length of the radius of the body and the shallow indentation 4 enables power plant casings 7' and a cabin 8 to be arranged exteriorly of the body ofthe machine at the bottom thereof and substantially within an are described by the radius of the body.

The power plants and the cabin by virtue.

of this arrangement are brought closer to the center of the body of the machine than the cabins and power plants of other machines of the Zeppelin type and this arrangement reduces the resistance to the forward movement of the machine and also lessens the overhead drag and at the same time enables the power to be applied nearer to the center of resistance than has heretofore been possible with machines of this type.

The outer skin or covering 1 which may be of any suitable material is sup orted by an interior framework prefera ly constructed .of laminated wood but any suitable material either wood or metal or a combination of the same may be employed in the construction of the interior framework. Laminated wood however has been found to possess the requisite strength and is pre ferred on account of its lightness as compared with metal. The interior framework 13 and 14: and inclined diagonally arranged i the longitudinal taper tapered end portions 11 and 12 of the longitudinal truss or backbone are provided with marginal frame members 17 and 18 defining of the terminal portions of the truss and the extreme ends of the tapered portions are braced by angularly related frame members as indicated at 19 and 20 but the particular construction and arrangement of the frame elements of the longitudinal truss member may of course be varied to suit the requirements and provide a framework of the desired strength. The longitudinal truss has its upper and lower edges or faces located centrally of the body at the top and bottom thereof and interiorly of the same as shown The circular or approximately circular transverse frame 10 is composed of vertical and horizontal frame members 2-1 and and inclined cables 23 provided with tensoning devices 24 and arranged diagonally with relation to the angles formed by the vertical and

horizontal frame members

21 and 22. These cables also extend to the marginal portions of the transverse frame at the sides thereof and to the top of the truss and to the top portions ofthe transverse frame at opposite sides of the truss and are disposed at an angle to each other as shown in Figure 5. The cables are also angularly' related at the bottom of the transverse frame and are perfectly balanced and produce uniform transverse tension throughoutthe frame 10. Frame 10 is also provided with an outer encircling tensioningcable 25 which extends around the substantially circular frame being connected with the vertical and horizontal frame members at the terminals thereof. A transverse frame is also provided with a marginal frame member 26 of circular form extending around the body from one side of the shallow bottom indentation to the opposite side thereof and the terminals of a continuously curved frame member 26 are connected by a. bottom arched frame member 27 which defines the outline of the bottom indentation transversely of the body. The encircling marginal tensioning cable 25 is designed to be provided at suitable intervals with tensioning devices 28 and the tensioning devices of the various cables may be of any desired construction. The lower portion of the marginal tensioning cable 25 extends beneath the cabin 8 and assists in bracing and supporting the same.

The cabin which may be of any desired construction extends longitudinally of the machine from the tapered front end to the tapered rear end of the same and it is connected with the framework of the machine and is rigid with and directly supported by the framework strength thereof. machine is provided at and contributes to the The framework of the suitable intervals with substantially circular ribs 2%) consisting of continuously curved portions and arched bottom portions 30 being similar in contour to the marginal frame member or element of the transverse frame. The intermediate ribs 29 which are arranged at suitable intervals for supporting the outer skin or covering of the body are connected with one another and with the transverse frames 10 at the margins thereof by suitable longitudinal frame elements or members 31 which may be of any desired con struction and owing to the great strength of the framework of the machine centrally of the body by virtue of the longitudinal truss or backbone and the connection with the cabin thereto an exceedingly light outer cover supporting framework may be advantageously employed. The great interior strength 0 the framework permits this outer cover or skin supporting framework to be much lighter than the corresponding structure in other machines of this type.

The frame of the machine is provided centrally of the body at the lower portion there of with a longitudinal passage 32 defined by the side walls 33 parallel throughout the major portion of their length and preferably curved at the top at 34 where they are united with the longitudinal truss or backbone. These walls 33 may be of any suitable laminated wood framework and they preferably coincide with and form continuations of the side walls 35 of the cabin 8 and they provide a structure of increased strength at the lower portion of the central framework of the machine where the power is applied and the greater-resistance and strain transmitted. Thiswill. afford a strong framework where ..the power is applied and will enable the requisite amount of power to be used to overcome the resistance encountered by the machine and to propel the machine at the desired speed. A. proper support for the application of the necessary power is thus provided andthe powergplants may be arranged at any desired point along the machine. The power plant casings whichare preferably tapered rearwardly to provide a streamline efiect are located at opposite sides of the cabin which extends upwardly into the lower portion of the body of the machine so that a portion of the cabin is arranged interiorly and exteriorly of the body and the cabin is thereby enabled to be incorporated firmly and rigidly in the framework of the machine and to constitute a part of a unitary framework or structure. The power plant casings are provided with upwardly extending tubular portions or necks 36 which are secured at their upper ends to the framework of the machine directly above the power plant casings an the said tubular portions 36 communicate with lateral spaces or extensions 53? of the longitudinal passage 32. The laterally extending spaces 37 are defined by top, side and end walls 38 of laminated wood or other suitable material and they afford passageways from the cabin to the power plant casings-and enable access to be readily had to the power plants. The power plants are also connected at the inner sides of the casings with the sides of the cabin by suitable braces 39 and they are also connected by braces 40 and 4.1 with the frameworkof the machine, the-braces 40 being located atthe outer sides of the power plant casings and the braces 41 at the inner sides as clearly shown in Figure 5 of the drawings. The power plant casings will pre fer-ably be located at the front and rear ends of the cabin at opposite sides thereof and will be equipped with

propellers

42 and 43 but they may be arranged at any other desired points as would be readily understood and the propellers will be tractor and pusher propellers where required.

pThe flying machine owing to the rigid character of the interior framework and the rigid connection of the cabin and the power plants with the said framework will be equipped at opposite sidesof the cabin with landing gear 44 which may be of any desired construction and which will be located at the front, back and at one or more intermediate points. The landing gear which will as shown be connected with the cabin and with, the framework of the machine ground under its own weight and without the anchoring or holding means ordinarily required for flying machines of this type.

The mam gas bags or containers which are arrii'iiged in two sets or series and which are disposed within the body at opposite sides of the longitudinal truss or backbone consists of front and rear end sect-ions or

containers

45 and 46 andintermediate sections or containers 47, and the end gas bags or containers are disposed in pairs and are arranged at opposite sides of the longitudinal truss or backbone and within the tapered ends of the body. The intermediate gas bags or containers arelocated between the transverse frames at opposite sides of the longitudinal truss or backbone and they conformto the configuration of the interior framework at the truss and the walls of the longitudinal passage and also fit the interior of the body at the outer skin or covering at the top, sides and bottom of the body. The gas bags or containers when fully inflated entirely fill the spaces provided for them at opposite sides of the body which is provided at the bottom with suitable air inlets 48 which permit air to enter the interior of the body between the gas bags or containers and the covering of the body to fill the latter and supply the necessary volume of aeroform fluid within the body to take the place of the gas pumped from the gas bags or containers by the gas control mechanism.

The gas control mechanism which constitutes the subject matter of a separate copending application comprises a compressor 49 preferably located within the upper portion of the passageway and connected by suitable pipes or tubes with the gas bags or containers and also by suitable pipe connections with sacks or receptacles 50 also located within the passageway and adapted to receive the gas pumped down or out cf the gas bags or containers located 'with-.

in the body between the passageway and the outer covering. As the machine ascends and the pressure of the atmosphere decreases the gas is pumped down to maintain the proper relation of the gas within the machine and the atmosphere exteri orly of the machine. This will obviate the necessity of permitting the gas to escape and will also avoid carrying ballastloads as the gas from the sacks or receptacles may be returned to the gas bags or containers as the machine descends. Also by the pumping of the gas from the ends of the body or from one end or one side-while permitting the other end or side to be inflated the flying machine may be maintained in a trim condition or in equilibrium both longitudinally and transversely and the angle 7 or inclination of the machine may be controlled by means of the gas control as fully set forth in the aforesaid application.

The flying machine is equipped with steering mechanism located in rear of thecabin so as to leave the body of the machine clear of anything that would increase the overhead resistance. The steering mechanism which may be of any clesired construction is shown embodying a fixed vertical longitudinal .plane 51 which has its lower edge substantially in line with the bottom of the cabin and which at its upper edge follows the taper of the rear end of the body. plane 52 is connectedto the rear end of the fixed vertical plane 51 and stabilizing and elevator planes 53 and 54: are located at opposite sides of the fixed vertical plane 51 and in advance of the rudder plane 52. Any suitable. operating means may of course be employed for the hinged or movable planes of the steering mechanism and while the steering mechanism is located in rear of the A hinged vertical rudder cabin for the purpose explained it will be apparent that it will be effectivein controlling the machine as it operates in the air operated on by The rear propellers of depth materially less than that of the radius (if the body, and a car or cabin extending from the body into the indentation and located partially within the body.

2. A flying machine of the class described, including i. body substantially circular in cross section, slightly indented from a circular shape at the bottom to provide a shallow longitudinal bottom indentation of a width approximately equal to the radius of the body and of a depth materially less than the said radius, and a car or cabin extending from the body into the indentation and located partially within the body,

3. A flying machine of the class described, including a body substantially circualr in cross section, tom to provide a shallow longitudinal indentation, and a car or. cabin extending from the body into the said indentation and located partially within'the latter and within the body. l

i. A flying machine of the class desc ribed, including a body substantially circular in cross section and slightly, indented at the bottomfrom a circular shape to provide a shallow longitudinal indentation presenting at the bottom of the body a transversely concave face consisting of a substantially flatcentral portion and curved side portions extending downwardly from slightly indented at the bot-,2

the central portion, such shallow indenta tion being of a width approximately equal to the'radius of the body and having a depth materially less than the; said radius.

5. A flying machine of the class described, including a body substantially circular in cross section and slightly indented at the bottom to provide a'shallow longitudinal indentation, ,and an interior framework comprising a central longitudinal truss or backbone extending from the top to the bottom of the body. i

6. A flying machine of the class described, including a body substantially circular in cross section and tapered at the ends, said body being slightly indented at the bottom from a circular shape to form a shallow longitudinal indentation, and an interior framework extending from the top to the bottom of the body throughout the entire length of the latter and having tapered end portions fitting the tapered ends of the body.

tending from the top to the bottom of i e 7. A flying machine of the class described, including a body substantially circular in cross ection and slightly indented at the bottom from a circular shape to form a shallow longitudinal indentation, an interior framework co prising a central longitudinal truss extending from the top to the bottom of the body throughout the entire length of the same and transverse forms of substantially circular form arranged at intervals and rigid with the truss, and a relatively long car or cabin rigid with the longitudinal truss extending into the said bottom indentation.

8. A flying machineof the class described including a body substantially circular in cross-section, and an interior framework comprising a central longitudinal truss composed of connected vertical and horizontal frame members and diagonal braces and extendingfroni the top to the bottom of the body and transverse frames of substantially circular form rigid with the body and com-' posed of vertical and horizontal members and diagonal cables.

9. in flying machine of the class described including a bod" substantially circular in cross-section, andan interior framewor comprising a central longitudinal truss composed of connected vertical. and horizontal frame members and diagonal braces and extending from the top to the bottom of the body, transverse substantially circular frames rigid With the truss and substantially circular ribs connected with the truss and located at intervals between the transverse frames.

10. A flying machine of the class described including a body substantially circular in cross-section, and an interior framework comprising a central longitudinal truss cont-- posed of connected vertical and horizontal frame members and diagonal braces and ex.-

body, transverse circular frames rigid with the truss, substantially circular ribs connect ed with the truss and located at inter nls between the said frames and iengit members connecting the ribs and the 1 it,

11. A, flying machine of the class den :riioed including a body substantialiy circul: in cross-section, an interiorframeworlr com" prising a. central longitudinal truss con..- posed of connected vertical and horizontal. frame members and. diagonai braces and tending from the top to the bottom. of the body hroughout the length of the same, transverse circular frames rigid w the truss and arranged at intervals and circular n gert conribs connected with the truss 1 between the frames, and gas tainers located at opposite sides of in two longitudinal sets or se 12-. A fiyingmaehine of the c' including a substantially c having a shallow longitudinal indentation at the bottom forming a descent resisting lower face, and an interior framework comprising a central longitudinal truss extending from the top to the bottom of the body and approximately circular frame connected with the truss and having bottom portions conforming to the configuration of the shallow indentation.

13. A flying machine of the class described including a body substantially circular in cross-section and having a shallow longitudinal indentation at the bottom, and an interior framework comprising a longitudinal truss extending from the top to the bottom of the body throughout the length of the same and substantially circular trans verse frames arranged at intervals and having arched bottom frame members located at the said shallow indentation of the body.

14. A flying machine ofthe class described includin a substantially cylindrical body provide at the bottom with a shallow longitudinal indentation a relatively long central longitudinal cabin located within the shallow indentation of the bottom of the body and substantially within the radius of the said body, anda central longitudinal truss extending from the. top to the bottom of the body and rigidly connected with the cabin.

15. A flying machineof the class described I including a body substantially circular in cross-section provided at the bottom with a shallow longitudinal indentation and a cabin extending longitudinally of the body within the said indentation and located partially interiorly and partially exteriorly of the body and arranged substantially within the radius of the body. lfif'A-fiying machine of the class described including a body substantially circular in cross-section provided at the bottom with a shallow longitudinal indentation, an interior framework having a longitudinal truss extending from the top to the bottom of the body, and a cabin located at the bottom of the body and projecting therefrom at the shallow indentation and rigid with the said truss.

17. A flying machine of the class described including a substantially circular body provided at the bottom with a shallow longitudinal indentation, an interior framework having a longitudinal truss extending from the top to the bottom of the body throughout the length of the same and a cabin extending within the body and also projecting exteriorly thereof at the said indentation, said cabin being incorporated in the, truss structure agd located substantially within the radius of the body.

18. A flying machine of the class de-- scribed including a body substantially circular in cross-section, an interior framework having a truss extending from the top to the bottom of the body and throughout the length of thesame, and a power plant casing connected toand rigid with the interior framework and arranged exteriorly of the body and communicating with the interior thereof.

19. A flying machine of the class described including a body substantially cir cular in cross-section, said body having a shallow indentation at the bottom, an interior framework, and a power plant cas ing located within the shallow depression and connected to and rigid with the said framework and communicating with the interior of the body.

20. A flying machine of the class described includmg a body substantially circular 1n Cl'OSS-SGCUOI], an interior framework having a truss extending from the top to the bottom of the body, a cabin projecting at the bottom of the body and rigid with the interior framework, and power plant casings located at opposite sides of the cabin and connected with the same and with the framework and communicating with the in terior of the body.

21. A flyin machine of the class desscribed including a body substantially circular in cross-section, an interior framework supporting the body, a cabin projecting at the bottom of the body and rigid with the framework and power plant casings located at opposite sides of the cabin and connected at their inner sides to the cabin and at their tops and outer sides with the framework and communicating with the interior of the body. I

22. A flying machine of the class described including a body substantiallycin cular in cross-section, said body having a shallow longitudinal indentation at the bottom, an interior framework supporting the body, a cabin rigid with the framework and projecting from the bottom of the body at the shallow indentation, and power plant casings located at the sides of the cabin and connected with the sameand with the framework, said cabin and power plant casings being arranged substantially within the radius of the body.

23. A flying machine of the class described including a body substantially circular in cross-section provided with a shallow longitudinal indentation, an interior framework. a cabin projecting from the bot tom of the body within the shallow indentation and connected with the framework, and steering mechanism located in rear of the cabin and including a fixed vertical plane and a bin ed rudder plane, the rear end of the body Eeing tapered and the said lanes being tapered and fitting the tapere rear end of the body.

24. A flying machine of the class described including a body substantially cirw cular in cross-section, interior framework including a truss extending from the top to the bottom of the body and throughout the length of the same, said body and truss having tapered rear portions, a cabin extending longitudinally of the body at the bottom and connected with the interior framework and steering mechanism including a vertical plane located in rear of the cabin and arranged beneath and connected with the aid truss and tapered to fit the tapered rear end of the body.

25.1-1 flying machine of the class described including a substantially circular body, an interior framework having a central, longitudinal truss and provided with a relatively narrow vertical longitudinal passage defined by the truss and having walls connected therewith and stiffening the body.

26. A flying machine of the class described including a body substantially circular in cross-section, an interior framework having a longitudinal truss extending from the top to the bottom of the body, said framework being also provided with a relatively narrow longitudinal passage and having lateral extensions, a cabin projecting from the bottom of the body and connecting with the interior framework, and power plant casings located at opposite sides of the cabin and having tubular portions connected with the lateral extensions of the said passage.

27. A flying machine of the class described, including a body substantially circular in cross-section and slightly indented at the bottom to form a shallow longitudinal indentation, an interior longitudinal truss, a cabin rigid with the truss and extending therefrom into the indentation, and landing gear connected with the truss and ar ranged exteriorly of the body.

28. A flying machine of the class described, including a body substantially circular in cross-section and indented at the bottom from a circular shape to provide a shallow longitudinal indentation, an interior framework having a longitudinal truss extending from the top to the bottom of the body, a cabin connected with the interior framework and extending into the identation, and landing gear arranged exteriorly of the body at the said indentation and connected with the said framework.

29. A flying machine of the class described, including a substantially circular body in cross-section and slightly indented at the bottom to provide a shallow bottom longitudinal indentation, an interior framework, a cabin extending longitudinally of the bottom of the body in the said indentation and connected with the said framework, power plant casings located at opposite sides of the cabin, and landing gear located at opposite sides of the body and connected with the same and with the power plant casing.

30. A flying machine of the class described including a substantially cylindrical body, an interior framework having a central, vertical, longitudinal truss extending from the to to the bottom of the body and composed 0 connected vertical and horizontal frame members and diagonal braces, a cabin extending longitudinally of the bottom of the body and connected with the framework, power plant casings located at opposite sides of the bottom, and landing gear located at opposite sides of the body and connected with the same and with the power plant casings.

In testimony whereof ll afix my signature.

THOMAS MILTON FINLEY.