US1984292A

US1984292A - Vertical lift flying machine

Info

Publication number: US1984292A
Application number: US541835A
Authority: US
Inventors: Charles W Waller
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1931-06-03
Filing date: 1931-06-03
Publication date: 1934-12-11
Anticipated expiration: 1951-12-11

Description

Dec. 11, 1934. c w WALLER 1,984,292

VERTICAL LIFT FLYING- MACHINE Filed June 5, 1931 3 Sheets-Sheet l 1934- c. w. WALLER 1,984,292

VERTICAL LIFT PLYI NG MACHINE Filed June 3, 1931 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 WWW Dec. 11; 1934. c. w. WALLER VERTICAL LIFT FLYING MACHINE Filed Juns 3, 1951 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 s: .32 Q2 58 cc Ew llIw-lllll vmmm 5 nuv x 3 IV Patented Dec; 11, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT "OFFICE My invention relates to improvements in flying machines and more particularly to that class of flying machines adapted to ascend and descend vertically. A

The primary object of the present invention is to provide a flying machine adapted to climb or descend vertically, thereby making large airports unnecessary, by providing a construction having one or more main lifting devices, each having its longitudinal length substantially as long or longer than its transverse span, adapted to reduce head resistance to the air approximately sixty-six'per cent, yet possessing a large and highly concentrating lifting-surface area in which the entire projected area is equally effective along its entire span.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a flying machine reducing the physical longitudinal and lateral dimensions of the said machine and reducing storage space in the same proportions, adapting the said machine to be descended and parked in a space not much larger than its own area, such as, for instance, a back yard or a flat housestop. and wherelanding is impossible forcommon airplanes.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a flyingmachine in which either the major or entire portion of the transverse span of one or more of the said lifting devices is disposed within the diameter or circle-area-disk of the effective slip-stream of one ormore of its propellers, and thus cause lift, without any forward motion of the machine through the air, if desired.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a very light and strong flying machine having a low center of gravity, one or more suitable superposed or superimposed main ad- I justable lifting devices, and one or more propellers, in which the component upward and forward force or pull of the said propellers and the upward and rearward forcev or lift of the said lifting devices act in conjunction to produce a resultant vertical force or lift to support the said machine as a whole while ascending. descending, or otherwise, while in the air.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a machine having one or more vertical rudders suitably secured to one or more main lifting devices, the said lifting devices and rudders adapted to be rotatably moved in a vertical plane on a horizontal transverse axis, or in a vertical and/r horizontal plane on a transverse axis, as desired, and the said main lifting de-' vices disposed either immediately behind one or propellers, or immediately forward, of one or more pusher propellers, to cause an air suction or current past the said lifting devices. I i

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a machine in which all or the major portion of one or more of the said lifting devices and rudders are mounted within, and exposed to, the slipstream area or disk-area-circle of one or more of the said propellers, or in other words, disposed in the region or path of the greatest density of air contiguous to the said lifting devices and rudders, thereby making it possible for the said rudders to morefully or completely utilize the backwash or slipstream of the said propellers and to cause the said rudders to more efiiciently assume greater response to an adjustment, thus providing a machine possessing a high degree of maneuverability while the said machine either. fiies at very slow speeds or hangs suspended in a stationary position in the air and adapted to remain in easy andabsolute full control of the operator, and greatly-adapted to automatically glide .and zoom, as well as to act as a parachutein descent.

With these and other objects in view,;which will appear as the nature of the invention is more fully disclosed, the invention consists of the novel features of construction, combination and arrangement of parts, hereinafter described, illustrated in some of its embodiments in the accompanying drawings and particularly pointed out in the appended claims. I

I wish to have it understood that whenever the terms"lifting device or lifting devices appear in the present application, the said terms also denote, embrace or comprise one or moresupporting or sustaining surfaces or airfoils of deep chord orextremely-low aspect-ratio.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, similar numerals of reference designate like parts throughout all the figures, in which Figure 1 is a front elevation of a flying machine constructed in accordance with my invention, and showing one main short transverse span lifting device, adjusted in horizontal flying position and showing a tractor or nose propeller;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the form of the invention shown in Fig. 1, adjusted for .vertical flight and showing both tractor and pusher pro-f, pellers.

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the invention shown 55 in Figs. 1 and 2, with propeller blades in different position.

Fig. 4 is a front fragmentary elevation of inclination indicating means.

Fig. 5 is a side elevation of the upper portion of the invention, in which a modified form of lifting device is disclosed.

Fig. 6 is a diagrammatical side elevation illustrating the principle of operation of some forms of the invention and showing component forces forming or effecting the vertical, diagonal, forward and rearward forces, pulls or lifts, in conjunction with the force of gravity in maintaining inherent or automatic stability of the machine.

Fig. '7 is a rear elevation of a modification of the form of propeller shown in Fig. 8 and looking in the direction of arrow '7.

Fig. 8 is a side elevation of a modified form of the invention, showing plural lifting devices set for vertical climb or descent.

Fig. 9 is a side elevation ofa modified. means of transmitting power to one of the propellers.

Fig. 10 is a rear elevation of another modified form of propeller, also shown on the modified form of the invention in Fig. 8, and looking in the direction of arrow 10.

The pusher propeller and a portion of the nose propeller in Fig. 1 and a portion of the said pusher propeller in Fig. 2, as well as certain portions of the machine in Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 8 are removed to more clearly illustrate some of the parts.

In practice, the improved machine comprises any suitable type of vertical frame 1, preferably triangular in form, and made up, in the present instance, of oppositely disposed diagonal lateral frame members 2. In order to combine strength and lightness, the said frame is made up of either wood or metallic members, or tubing of, for instance, duraluminum, riveted together, or a chromium nickel alloy, for instance, Allegheny metal, beryllium, chrome-molybdenum steel, or low carbon steel welded together.

The said members 2 join at their upper ends to form a point of fulcrum 3 for the said lifting device or devices, and in order to diminish head resistance, the said frame members are preferably of streamline form. The said frame members are made rigid by means of transverse diagonal brace struts 5, the lower ends of which are secured either to the said frame or to the body 6 at the base of the said frame.

The said body serves as a main pontoon, thus increasing the buoying capacity of the said machine in water, and the said body embodying either an open cockpit or an enclosed carrier compartment '7 for the engine 17, operator and usefulload, thus overcoming drag and the engine resistance to the air. A transparent wind shield 8 is disposed in front of the operators seat 9. A water-tight side door 10 is also provided.

Either an opening or a horizontally disposed window 11 is provided in the floor of the said body and adjacent the said seat, thus giving the operator clear visibility directly below the said body as an aid to making observation or landings. Suitable conventional shock absorber or air wheels 12 are also provided and are preferably partly inclosed Within streamline housings or casings 13.

The said body, if desired, is also made to conform in general construction to the form of a supporting or sustaining surface, or airfoil, of extremely-low aspect-ratio and of a suitable and preferably constant angle of incidence. The said body is disposed beneath, and adapted to coact with, one or more superposed or superimposed main adjustable lifting devices, each having its longitudinal length substantially as long or longer than its transverse span, such as, in the present instance, a lifting cellule or supporting surface or airfoil 14, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 and also preferably of extremely-low aspect-ratio and constant angle of incidence relative to a superimposed nose or tractor propeller 15 or pusher propeller 16, which are actuated at a necessary speed to maintain sufficient blast of air past the entire said lifting device to give aerial support.

The said lifting device is adjustably mounted at'the apex of the said frame, and in order to adjust the said lifting device easily, is suitably counter-balanced. If desired to utilize the backwash of the said tractor propeller, the said lifting device has all or the major portion of its transverse span disposed aft of the said nose or tractor propeller and within its slipstream or disk-areacircle.

If desired to increase propulsive efficiency, the said lifting device may be disposed forward of and within the diameter area or longitudinal diskarea-circle of the said pusher propeller, the said propellers revolving preferably in opposite directions and adapted to maintain the proper speed of air current past the said lifting device.

The said body and lifting device present a great or heavy angle of attack to the atmosphere in 0 horizontal flight, or, in gliding or descending, adapt or permit the said machine to land at a much lower rate of speed than is possible with conventional airplanes.

Since the slipstream of conventional tractor propellers do not produce an even flow of air over lifting devices or airfoils, and if desired to avoid the turbulence of airwaves and eddy currents past the said lifting device, or airfoil, and

to reduce to a minimum setting the air into useless motion and thus to give an advantage in propulsive efficiency and the best lifting effect of the said lifting device, or airfoil, the said pusher propeller is preferably employed.

The said lifting device, or airfoil, is provided with both the said tractor and pusher propellers, the combined propulsive thrust of which causes a propeller-wind speed past the said lifting device, or airfoil, preferably exceeding the stalling or backward-slip speed of common airplanes.

The said engine 17 is preferably a very powerful and light-weight horizontal air-cooled engine, such as, for instance, a proportionately larger or overpowered engine for a small craft, and is accelerated to full throttle or plus the power required for overcoming the head resistance, the said propeller-wind speed being equivalent to, or greater, than when conventional airfoils move forward through the air. The said engine is thus sufficiently powerful for furnishing plenty of reserve power to keep the air moving past the said lifting device sufficiently to give a tremendously powerful vertical lifting force or pull, resulting in a steep climbing force or vertical lift, altho the said machine is not then in forward horizontal motion thru the air.

The said lifting device is provided with suitable balancing devices, such as, for instance, ailerons or control flaps 18 provided with common horns 18 and wires or cables 18 connected to a suitable controlling device, not shown. All or the major portion of the said balancing devices are longitudinally disposed within the diameter-area or disk-area-circle of the said propellers, it being understood that the propeller diameter herein mentioned either constitutes. or comprises the diameter of one of the said propellers, or the combined diameter of more than one of the said propellers disposed along the transverse span of the said lifting device. 1

In the present embodiment of my invention, I have shown the main lifting device in the form of a supporting or sustaining surface, or airfoil 14, of deep chord, or extremely-low aspect-ratio, preferably having the same section thickness along its entire transverse span, and the said lifting device is movably secured or fulcrumed approximately at its center of lift to swing with the

propeller

15 or 16, or both, in a vertical plane on a transverse horizontal axis.

In the case of the said surface, its leading and trailing edges are adapted to be simultaneously adjustably raised and lowered at the will of the operator by means of, for instance, lateral arms 19 which extend longitudinally an equal distance forwardly and rearwardly from the said point of fulcrum or transverse horizontal axis.

In order to control the said adjusting or swinging up and down of the said leading and trailing edges to change the said lifting device, or surface, and propeller or propellers, to any desired angle of inclination, the front and rear ends of the said arms 19 are each secured to a free end of a lateral member 20, preferably flexible, such as, for instance, a length of cable.

The said members are convoluted about or pass over grooved or otherwise constructed pulleys 21 and either a drum pulley or sprocket wheel 22 secured to a suitably mounted shaft 23, at the end of which is fastened a hand-wheel or other operating device 24 by means of which the operator from his seat 9 causes the said lifting device, or surface 14 and the

propellers

15 or 16, or both, in practice, to be simultaneously arranged for vertical and longitudinal adjustment as determined by the desired direction or proper degree of angle of inclination of the said lifting device, or supporting surface. I

One or more of the said propellers are to move the said machine thru the air horizontally, diagonally, or vertically as may be desired.

In the present instance, the said engine is preferably geared to the said propellers, which are actuated by being mounted on either forwardly or rearwardly extending

longitudinal shafts

31 or 32, respectively, or both, as the case may be. The said shafts are mounted in front and

rear bearings

33 or 34, respectively, or both, and are in turn driven by front and rear vertical driven

gears

35 and 36, respectively, and housed within a gear box or frame 3'7 formed of any suitable light metal, such as, for instance, lightcasting.

The said

gears

35 and 36 mesh with a double vertical driven pinion 38 driven by meshing with a horizontal master or driving pinion 39 on the upper end of a suitable power transmission means,

such as, for instance, a vertical engine-driveshaft 40 preferably inclosed within a streamline form tube or casing 41. The saidshaft preferably has its lower end fastened to the shaft of the said engine 17, which in turn is supported within the said body 6 and is provided with exhaust pipes 42 leading to the exterior of the said body, as shown in Fig. 2. A fuel supply tank 43 is preferably supported within the said body in proximity to the said engine for the supply of fuel thereto thru a suitable conductor 44, and the said engine is preferably air-cooled by means of an air-passage or opening 45 being longitudinally extended thru the said body.

The said'propellers are formed of plastic material 46, such as, for instance, Plastic Wood, and are covered with suitable covering 46 such as, for instance, sheet metal, the said covering reinforced by rivets or bolts 47, as shown in 1 Fig. 2.

. 'The'blades of the propellers l5, 16, 102 and 149 are made to utilize the outwardly extending airpressure created by the centrifugal force of the said propellers, by either the propeller blades being curved or. the ends of the said blades being disposed rearwardly as shown by 48 in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 7, 8 and 10, which centrifugal force tends to compress the air outwardly on the said curved ends, tending to get a better grip on the air and throwing a concentrated propeller-blast or backwash toward the rear center of the said lifting device and on an outrigged vertical rudder 49 disposed and operated within the circle-areadisk slipstream of the said propellers.

The said rudder has ample area to assume prompt and active response to an adjustment for controlling the horizontal direction of fiightand which is preferably mounted at the rear of, and to move with, the said lifting device, or supporting surface 14, andto swing on a vertical axis in bearings 50 at the ends of upper and lower diagonal support members or

outriggers

51 and 52, respectively. j I

The said members extend longitudinally and laterally, and are secured to the said lifting device, or surface, and provided with control cables or wires 53 extending from one of the free edges 54 to pass over guide or pulley elements 55, each of the ends of the said cables being fastened to their respective ends of a foot rudder control bar 56.

As a means for the operator to be informed at all times as to the degree of angle of inclination to which the said lifting device, or surface, and propellers are set, an angle of inclination indicator or gauge 59 is provided, (which may also be named air-clinometer or lift device-clinometer) comprising a pinion 60 secured to the said hand-wheel shaft 23 which meshes with a gear 62 to which is secured an indicating pointer 63. The said pointer is adapted to move across the face of acurved degree scale or figured dial 64 relative to the simultaneous turning or revolving movement of the said lifting device and handwheel, as shown in Figs. 2 and 4.

In order to increase the lifting force, and to prevent air spill past the ends of the said body 6 and the said lifting device, or surface 14, and to assist in securing stability and to tend to inhibit side drift and inclination of the craft to turn unduly under excess air pressures laterally,

the said body and lifting device, or surface, are

preferably provided with a pair of lateral vertical stabilizersor fins 58 and a-pair of longitudinally disposed lateral vertical discs or tiploss boards 65, respectively, disposed at opposite sides of the said body and lifting device, the said stabilizers and discs being preferably streamlined.

As a means of adding strength to the said lifting device, or surface 14, a covering is provided comprising netting or screening 66, preferably of cord, wire mesh or perforated sheeting, or, such as, for instance, a layer of netting or screening of smaller mesh or perforations laid over netting or screening of larger mesh or perforaa tions, in which the openings or squares are covfor instance, cellophane, which, if desired, is

covered with other suitable covering material, or fabric 67.

As a means of increasing the lifting efficiency of the surface 14, the same is provided with one or more air flow openings or chambers 68 extending longitudinally thru the transverse span of the said surface, and adapted either to receive the compressed air force of the backwash or slipstream from the said tractor propeller, or to receive the rearward passage of the airflow created by the suction of the said pusher propeller, thus adding an inner surface vacuum component to the said supporting surface, constituting or comprising a high lift cell, and also providing a pointed leading edge 69, and thereby reducing head resistance.

In order to increase the lifting efficiency of the said surface while disposed at either a great angle of inclination or a high angle of incidence and to cause the air current to flow closely around the profile of the said surface in a continuous sound or unbroken flow, the nose of the said surface is provided with an open slot 70 extending transversally and disposed immediately forward of the nose of the said surface, thus providing a Wing-slot arrangement similar to the so-called lift or interceptor slotted wing of common airplanes, and being also either permanently open, or adjustably fixed, such as, for instance, provided with longitudinally disposed members or bars 61, each provided with an elongated opening adapted of being adjustably secured by suitable securing means, such as, for instance, a nut or screw.

In the event of accident or disarrangement of the parts while in the air, a parachute pack 71 is provided to insure a safe descent of the machine as a whole, the said pack housed within the said surface 14, as shown in Fig. 1, and held in its folded position by means of the resist ance of a suitable spring, (not shown) against the underside of the said pack, the latter dissed beneath the upper side of the said surface.

A common zipper-lock slit (not shown) in the said netting or screening and/ or the said covering of the said surfaceis provided which is opened by a suitable release or rip cord, (not shown) and extending downwardly in proximity to the operator, so that by the pulling of the lower end of the said cord the said zipper-lock unlocks and the said pack thus being thrown out of the said surface by the said spring to bring the said parachute into an operative position. The said parachute is secured to the said machine by one or more cables '72 fastened to the said machine at the point '73, as shown in 1.

In order to further assist in keeping the said machine upright on uneven ground, a pair of lateral downwardly extending legs 74 are hinged to the said members 2 at 75, the lower portion of the said legs adapted to swing outwardly by suitable means, to make frictional contact with the ground and thus assist in balancing and supporting the said machine on the ground.

The modified rotor form of lifting device shown in Fig. 5 is employed instead of the surfaces shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 8, the lifting device in this instance deriving its lifting force by means of the same principle by which the Flettner .rotorship derives its propulsive power and the rotorplane its cylinder lift, by utilizing the socalled Magnus-effect principle caused by the vertical rotation of horizontally disposed revolving rotor drums, the present invention employing one or more horizontal superposed or superimposed-rotor-drums of combined extremely-low aspect-ratio-span and disposed transversal to the direction of flight. The said rotor-drums are driven at a necessary revolving speed and are independent of wind conditions by means of theforward thrust of one or more of the said propellers and the said vertical-drive-shaft 40 and horizontal pinion 39 which meshes with a similar'h'orizontalgear (not shown), the latter gear in turn meshes with and revolves a vertical gear (not shown), which vertical gear is secured to and revolves with, one of the said drums, While the said pinion 39 also meshes with a vertical gear secured to and revolves with the other of the said drums 100, which are also providedwith the said vertical discs or tiploss boards 65 which seal the ends of the said drums and which are, in the present instance, circumferentially extending.

The said rotor-drums are capable of a much greater relative lift than the same length of span of conventional airplanes, and if desired, are inflated with some suitable lifting gas, such as, for instance, helium gas or hydrogen gas.

The horizontal center of the said drums are disposed either directly in line with the diameter center of the said propeller or propellers, as shown in solid lines in Fig. 5, or disposed beneath the said diameter center, not shown, or disposed above the said diameter center, as shown by broken lines in the said Fig. 5, as desired.

Referring to the modified form of the upper and lower propellers 102, in Fig. 8, the said propellers are preferably of high pitch and of I greaterv efficiency in that the said propellers provide means of utilizing the centrifugal force to build up an air pressure against the inside thereof, as well as provide a larger area of pressure. The said propellers are operated in the same or opposite directionsand are formed of concavoconvex sections or portions 103 of substantially a hollow spherical body, such as, for instance, substantially two one-quarter sections of a hemisphere, and have their open ends 104 oppositely disposed, as shown in Fig. '7. Each of the said sections is provided with a combined propeller brace and auxiliary blade 105 disposed at any suitable propulsive angle or pitch, such as, for instance, 45 degrees or less, the high pitch of the present propellers 102 making it possible to employ a slow turning engine, resulting in greater engine efficiency and longer life, the curved form of the said propellers adapted to compress the atmosphere to give a highly concentrated thrust, without unduly disturbing or churning the air.

A modified means employed for actuating the said propellers and shafts by means of universal joints or a flexible shaft 130, is shown in Fig. 9.

Referring to the modified form of the present invention shown in Fig. 8, the said body 6 is also provided with a lower rear vertical rudder 12% supported by diagonal members 126 and swings on the said vertical rudder shaft 127 by means of the said horns 127. The said vertical drive-shaft 40 either passes thru, or is journaled for revoluble movement in, a vertical cylinder 131 which also serves as a bearing for the said shaft, the upper end of the said cylinder is secured to upper and lower runways or races 132, the balls or rollers 133 normally occupying a recess 134, the said upper runway is also secured to diagonal streamlined brace struts 135, and the lower runway is secured tosimilar struts 136.

The upper ends of the said brace struts are secured to a lifting device, comprising, in the present instance, a surface 137 which is disposed at any suitable angle of incidence and, in the present instance, thesaid surface 137 is provided with one or more vertical longitudinally extending ribs 138 and providing one or more longitudinally extending open hollow tops 139 behind a vertical wall 140, as shown.

Extending upwardly from the said surface 137 are similar diagonal streamlined brace struts 141 which are secured to a lower runway 142'in which balls or rollers 143 normally travel. A similar upper runway 144 is disposed above the said balls or rollers, similardiagonal streamlined brace struts 145 extending upward and secured to an upper lifting device, comprising, in the present instance, a similar surface 146, each of the said surfaces preferably having a thick entering nose 147. I

In order to create a higher or more efficient suction or vacuum component over the top of the said surface, an upper rear. concaved-side area or region 148 is provided, the said concaved up-' per sides or open hollow tops and the said area or region thus creating a greater lift from the air currents passing over the said concaved sides or open hollow tops and the said region or area.

The said lifting devices or surfaces 137 and 146 are also provided with the said lateral vertical discs or tiploss boards 65, but in the present instance are circumferentially extending, as shown.

The said lower set of propellers 102 are actu ated by the said gears 35 and 36 and pinion 39,

the upper set of the

propellers

102 and 149 are actuated by

similar gears

150 and 151 and pinion 152, and all of the said gears, pinions and propellers are driven by the said shaft 40 and engine 17.

In ascending or descending, the said surfaces 137 and 146 in Fig. 8 are adapted to cooperate with one another in giving vertical lift by each being adjustably arranged in reverse order relative to one another, in respective horizontal planes.

For the purpose of controlling the saidpropeller 120, on the said shaft 119, I provide a clutch member 153 which is actuated by a longitudinal rod 154 fulcrumed to a vertical lever 155 provided with a dog or locking device 156 adapted to engage a rack or ratchet 157 and adapted to throw a gear 158 into and out of action at the will of the operator, and a pinion 159 on the said shaft 40 transmitting motion to the said gear 158.

In order to adapt one or more of the said

propellers

102 and 149 to be adjusted up or down, as desired, to change the angle of attack relative to the said surface 14, one or more of the said

shafts

31 and 32, or

similar shafts

31 and 32*, are provided with universal joints 160.

Vertical arms or members 161 are loosely mounted on the said shaft or shafts, the ends of the said arms having attached thereto the free ends of one or more flexible members or cables 162 which pass over guide or pulley members 163 and over a drum 164, to which is secured a hand-wheel 165, and the said shaft or shafts and cables 162 are each adapted to freely move thru a vertical opening 166 in the nose or entering edge of each of the said lifting devices, or supporting

surfaces

137 and 146.

Lowering one or more of the said propellers in a vertical plane causes an increased positive angle of attack to the action of the wind at an increased or positive angle of incidence on one or more of the said lifting devices or surfaces, as the casemay be, and the raising of the said propeller. or propellers causes an increased negative angle of attack and decreased or negative angle of incidence.

If desired, the said rudder 124 and/ or the said propeller 120 may be entirely eliminated and the steeringof the machine in a horizontal plane done by adjusting the upper and lower sets of the said

lifting devices

137 and 146 and

propellers

162 and 149, relative to each 0f the said sets.

If desired to revolve the said lower propellers 102 and lifting device 137 in a horizontal plane, the operator revolves a hand-Wheel 167, which in turn revolves a pinion 168 which meshes with a horizontal gear 169 secured to the lower end. of, and turning with, the said cylinder 131. The said drum 164 and the said hand-

wheels

165 and 167 and pinion 168 are mounted on a horizontal shaft journaled in a vertical post 176.

I wish it understood that I am not limited to the forms of lifting devicesshown in this applica: tion, and that I may, if desired, employ any other suitable type of lifting device, of a different form or design, comprising especially an extremely-low aspect-ratio span.

In the operation of the modified form of the machine of the present invention shown in Fig. 8, if desired to ascend, the operator revolves the said hand-wheel 167 in the proper direction to cause one set of the said lifting devices and pro-- pellers to be adjusted a half circle or degrees to thus cause the propellers and the noses of the said devices ,to point in opposite directions. The said propellers are then put in motion and thus pulling against one another, thereby the said lifting devices creating a vertical lifting force.-

When the desired altitude has been attained, the operator revolves the said hand-wheel 167 to swing either the upper or lower sets of the said lifting devices and propellers around or back.

again a half circle or'180 degrees, and if caused to continue to swing around to a full circle or 360 degrees, on a vertical axis and the said lifting devices and propellers are pointed in the same orforward direction as the forwardly fixed lifting device and propellers, the said machine will be propelled forward as a whole.

When a descent is desired to be made, the reverse swinging operation of the said lifting devices and propellers is caused to take place by meansof the operator rotating the said handwheel in the reverse direction, which causes the said machine to lose its forward movement thru the air and instead either ascend or hover in the air or sink vertically to the ground atany desired or varied speed, according to any suitable controlled speed of. the said propellers, caused by, the will of the operator, such as, for instance,in controlling the speed of the engine, or otherwise.

The modified form of the said propeller 149 I shown on the said upper rear shaft 32 in Fig. 8, and also shown in Fig. 10, comprises two oppositely disposed concavo-convex sections or por-' held together any suitable distance from one,

another by bars 172 fastened by suitablemeans 173 such as, for instance, bolts and nuts, screws or rivets. The said sections or portions are adapted of being adjustably moved to or from the said shaft 32 thus either reducing or enlarging the size or diameter of the said propeller by means of openings 1'74 for any or all of the said

shafts

31, 32, 31 or 32 as desired.

As will be seen in Fig. 10, the said propeller 149 has its sections or portions extended beyond the center line and having the entering edge 176 of the extended walls 17'? disposed inwardly, as: shown, and adapted to deflect the air away from the convexed or outer surface of the said walls, thus tending to create a partial vacuum forward'of the said walls and thereby the said propeller possessing a much greater thrust efficiency,

, as well as utilizing the centrifugal force to build up an air pressure within the said propeller.

Referring. to the diagrammatical illustration shown in Fig. 6, the principle of operation of the forms of the machine of the present invention shownin Figs. 1 to 3, and 5, it will be understood that thru the described arrangement and mode of adjustment of one or more of the said lifting devices or surfaces and propellers, if it be d-e sired to ascend, the operator pushes the gas throttle all the Way forward, which causes the engine to be speeded up and run wide open and thus to" deliver full'power or thrust.

He then revolves the said hand-wheel 24, in the proper direction to cause a change in the angleof inclination of the said lifting device or surface and propeller or propellers, causing the nose of said lifting device and tractor propeller to be raised and the trailing edge of said lifting device, as well asthe said pusher propeller, to be lowered.

In the case of the said lifting device or surface 14', which'receives its lifting'force from the interaction of the relative wind proportional to the area of the said lifting device or surface in the slipstream and to the square of the velocity of the said slipstream, the greater the wind velocity the greater the lift per square foot of the said surface, the said tractor propeller and/or the said pusher propeller exerting a component forward and upward force, denoted in Fig. 6 by the letters T, P, respectively, as the case may be,

The said lifting device or surface simultaneously'exerts a component rearward and'upward force, indicated by'the letter L, thesaid component propeller and lifting device forces T, P and L, exerting a resultant upward vertical force V, thesaid machine adapted of moving backward in theair when the angleof inclination of the said lifting device is adjusted to a sufficient degree f'or'the force L to overcome the forces T, P, while the-weight of the lower portion of the said machine, comprising the power plant, operator, useful load, etc., exertsa downward vertical force or gravitational pull G; it being obvious that the said'forces T, P, L andV, in conjunction with the said'force G,- causes the said machine to remain vertical during flight.

When a' forward horizontal direction of flight is desired, the operator rotates the said handwheel' 24? in an opposite direction to adjust the said lifting device or surface and propeller or propellers until the: proper degree of angle is reached for horizontal flight.

When a descent'is desired to be made, the operatoradjusts the said hand-wheel to raise the nose of .the said lifting'device or surface and propeller until the proper degree of angle of inclination is reached, the said throttle being simultaneously retarded to a slower speed, thus permitting the saidmachineto slowly sink to the ground, the degree of speed of the saidv machine vertically and forwardly, and vertically and rearwardly being determined by the degree of the angle of inclination of the said lifting device or surface and propeller, as well as the speed of the said engine and propeller.

I claim:

1. In a flying machine, a superposed lifting device carrying a propeller and longitudinal shaft, a frame and engine disposed below said device, a vertical engine-drive-shaft connecting said engine with a driving pinion in mesh with a driven pinion, said driven pinion in mesh with a driven gear secured to said longitudinal shaft, a vertical rudder, and said device, propeller and longitudinal shaft adapted of being adjusted in a vertical plane at will.

2. In a flying machine, a superposed lifting device, a propeller and longitudinal shaft, said propeller having its diameter as long as the. transverse span of said device, a frame and engine disposed below said device, a vertical enginedrive-shaft connecting said engine with a horizontal driving pinion in mesh with a vertical.

driven pinion in mesh with a vertical driven gearsecured to said longitudinal shaft, a. vertical rudder, and said device and propeller adapted of being adjusted up and down at will.

3. In a flying machine, a superposed lifting device having its longitudinal length substantially as long or longer than its transverse span, said device carrying a propeller having its diameter substantially as long as said span, a vertical mid-- der, 2, frame and engine disposed below said device, a vertical engine-drive-shaft'connecting said engine with a driving pinion in mesh with a driven pinion in mesh with a driven gear secured to a:

longitudinal shaft carrying said propeller, and:

said device and propeller adapted of being adjusted in a vertical plane at will.

4. In a fiyingmachine, a superposed lifting device having its longitudinal length substantially aslong or longer than its transverse span, a driv ing. pinion actuating a driven pinion in mesh with.- a driven gear secured to a longitudinal shaft" carrying a propeller having its diameter substantially as long as said span, a frame and engine disposed below said device, said engine adapted to actuate said pinions and gear, a vertical rudder at one end of said device, and said device, propeller and rudder adapted of being adjusted up and down at will.

5. In a flying machine, a superposed lifting device having its longitudinal length substantially as long or longer than its transverse span, and provided with lateral discs, a driving pinion actuating a driven pinion in mesh with a driven gear secured to a longitudinal shaft carrying a propeller having its diameter substantially as long as said span, a frame and engine disposed below said device, said engine adapted to actuate said pinions and gear, a vertical rudder, and said device and propeller adapted of being adjusted in'a vertical plane at will.

6. In a flying machine, a superposed lifting device having its longitudinal length substantially as long or longer than its transverse span, a frame below of and supporting said device, said device carrying a propeller having its diameter substantially as long as said span, said frame carrying an engine actuating a vertical enginedrive-shaft having its upper end provided with a horizontal driving pinion in mesh with-a vertical driven pinion in mesh with a vertical driven gear secured to a longitudinal shaft carrying said propeller, a vertical rudder at one end of said device, and said device, propeller and rudder adapted of being adjusted up and down at will.

'7. In a flying machine, a superposed lifting device having its longitudinal length substantially as long or longer than its transverse span, a frame and engine disposed below said device, said frame provided with lateral vertical stabilizers, said engine adapted to actuate a driving pinion in mesh with a driven pinion in mesh with a driven gear secured to a longitudinal shaft carrying a propeller having its diameter substantially as long as said span, a vertical rudder, and said device and propeller adapted of being adjusted in a vertical plane at will. 1

8. In a flying machine, a frame supporting a superposed lifting device having its longitudinal length substantially as long or longer than its transverse span, an engine disposed at the lower portion of said machine and actuating a driving pinion in mesh with a driven pinion in mesh with a driven gear secured to a longitudinal shaft carrying a propeller having its diameter substantially as long as said span, a gear box surrounding said pinions and gear, a vertical rudder at one end of said device, and said device and propeller adapted of being adjusted up and down at will.

9. In a flying machine, a frame supporting a superposed lifting device having its longitudinal length substantially as long or longer than its transverse span, an engine below said device, said engine adapted to actuate a driving pinion in mesh with a driven pinion in mesh with a driven 5 gear secured to a longitudinal shaft carrying a propeller having its diameter substantially as long as said span, a vertical rudder at one end of said device and supported by outriggers, and said device, propeller and rudder adapted of being adjusted in a vertical plane at will.

10. In a flying machine, a frame supporting a superposed lifting device having its longitudinal length substantially as long or longer than its transverse span, anengine disposed at the lower portion of said frame and adapted to actuate a driving pinion in mesh with a driven pinion in mesh with a driven gear secured to a longitudinal shaft carrying a propeller having its diameter substantially as long as said span, said propeller having its ends disposed rearwardly, a vertical rudder, and said device and propeller adapted of being adjusted up and down at will.

11. In a flying machine, a superposed lifting device having its longitudinal length substantially as long or longer than its transverse span, a driving pinion actuating a driven pinion in mesh with a driven gear secured to a longitudinal shaft carrying a propeller having its diameter substantially as long as said span, a body forming the lower portion of said machine, an engine adapted to actuate said pinions and gear, a vertical rudder, a frame disposed intermediate said device and body, and said device and propeller adapted of being adjusted at will in a vertical plane.

12. In a flying machine, a frame supporting a superposed lifting device having its longitudinal length substantially as long or longer than its transverse span, said device carrying a propeller having its diameter substantially as long as said span, a driving pinion actuating a driven pinion in mesh with a driven gear secured to a longitudinal shaft carrying said propeller, an engine below said device actuating said driving pinion, a vertical rudder at one end of said device, said device provided with lateral longitudinally disposed arms, flexible members intermediate said arms and frame, and said device, propeller and rudder adapted of being adjusted up and down at will.

13. In aflying machine, a superposed lifting device having its longitudinal length substantially as long or longer than its transverse span, said device carrying a longitudinal shaft provided with a propeller having its diameter substantially as long as said span, a frame and engine below said device, said engine adapted to actuate a driving pinion in mesh with a drivenpinion in mesh with a drive-n gear secured to said longitudinal shaft, the ends of said propeller disposed rearwardly, said device provided with lateral vertical discs, a vertical rudder at one end of said device, and said device, propeller and rudder adapted of being adjusted in a vertical plane at will. i

14. In a flying machine, a superposed lifting device having its longitudinal length substantially as long or longer than its transverse span, said device carrying a longitud nal shaft provided with a propeller having its diameter substantially as long as said span, abody carrying an engine disposedat "the lower portion of said machine, a frame disposed intermediate said device and body,

said engine actuating a driving pinion in mesh with adriven pinion in mesh with a driven gear secured to said longitudinal shaft, a vertical rudder at one end of said device, said device provided with lateral vertical discs, and said device, rudder and propeller adapted of being adjusted up and down at will,

15. In a flying machine, a superposed lifting device having its longitudinal length substantially as. lon or longer than its transverse span, said device carrying a longitudinal shaft provided with a propeller having its diameter substantially as long as said span, a vertical rudder at one end of said device, a body carrying an engine disposed at the lower end of said machine, a frame disposed intermediate said device and body, said engine actuating a driving pinion in mesh with a driven pinion in mesh with a driven gear secured to said longitudinal shaft, a vertical rudder, said body provided with a longitudinal air passage, and said device and propeller adapted below said device, said device having its longi tudinal length substantially as long or longer than its transverse span, said shaft carrying a propeller having its diameter substantially as long as said span, means connecting said engine to and actuating said shaft, a vertical rudder, and said device and propeller adapted of being adjusted in a vertical plane at will.

18. The combination, in a flying machine, of a superposed lifting device carrying a longitudinal shaft, with a frame and engine disposed below said device, said device having its longitudinal length substantially as long or longer than its transverse span, said shaft carrying a propeller having its diameter substantially as long as said span, means connecting said engine to and actuating said shaft, a vertical rudder, an angle of inclination indicator, and said device and propeller adapted of being adjusted up and down at will.

19. In a flying machine, plural superimposed lifting devices each having its longitudinal length substantially as long or longer than its transverse span, an engine disposed at the lower portion of said machine and actuating a vertical enginedrive-shaft provided with upper. and lower horizontal driving pinions in mesh with upper and lower vertical driven gears secured to respective propellers, each of said propellers having a diameter substantially as long as each of said spans, and one of said devices and its respective propeller adapted of being adjusted in a horizontal plane and thus adapting said devices and propellers of being horizontally oppositely disposed causing a resultant lifting and steering force.

20. In a flying machine, plural superposed lifting devices each having its longitudinal length substantially as long or longer than its transverse span, an engine disposed at the lower portion of said machine, a vertical engine-drive-shaft actuated by said engine, said shaft provided with upper and lower horizontal driving pinions in mesh with upper and lower driven gears on longitudinal shafts, respectively, said longitudinal shafts carrying propellers formed of oppositely disposed concavo-convex sections of substantially a hollow spherical body, and one of said devices and its respective propeller adapted of being adjusted in a horizontal plane and thus adapting said devices and propellers of being horizontally oppositely disposed at will and causing a resultant lifting and steering force.

21. In a flying machine, plural superimposed lifting devices each having its longitudinal length substantially as long or longer than its transverse span, each of said devices carrying a longitudinal shaft, an egnine disposed at the lower portion of said machine and actuating a vertical enginedrive-shaft, said engine-drive-shaft provided with upper and lower horizontal driving pinions in mesh with upper and lower vertical driven gears, respectively, each of said longitudinal shafts carrying a propeller formed of oppositely disposed concavo-convex sections of substantially a hollow spherical body and provided with an extended wall, and one of said devices and its respective propeller adapted of being adjusted in a horizontal plane and thus adapting said devices and propellers of being horizontally oppositely disposed at will, causing a resultant lifting and steering effect.

22. In a flying machine, plural superimposed lifting devices each having its longitudinal length substantially as long or longer than its transverse span, an engine and body disposed at the lower portion of said machine, said engine actuating a vertical engine-drive-shaft provided with upper and lower horizontal driving pinions in mesh with upper and lower driven gears on longitudinal shafts, respectively, said longitudinal shafts carrying propellers formed of oppositely disposed concavo-convex sections of substantially a hollow spherical body, each of said propellers having its diameter substantially as long as said span, and one of said devices and its respective propeller adapted of being adjusted in a horizontal plane and thus adapting said devices and propellers of being horizontally oppositely disposed at will and causing a resultant lifting and steering effect.

23. In a flying machine, plural superposed lifting devices each having its longitudinal length substantially as long or longer than its transverse span, an engine disposed at the lower portion of said machine and actuating a vertical enginedrive-shaft provided with upper and lower horizontal driving pinions in mesh with upper and lower vertical driven gears secured to respective propellers, each of said propellers having its diameter substantially as long as each of said spans, each of said longitudinal shafts provided with a universal joint, and one of said devices and its respective propeller adapted of being adjusted in a horizontal plane and thus adapting said devices and propellers of being horizontally oppositely disposed, causing a resultant lifting and steering force.

24. In a flying machine, plural superimposed lifting devices each having its longitudinal length substantially as long or longer than its transverse span, an engine disposed at the lower portion of said machine and actuating a vertical enginedrive-shaft provided with upper and lower horizontal driving pinions in mesh with upper and lower vertical driven gears secured to respective propellers, each of said propellers having its diameter substantially as long as each of said spans, each of said devices provided with lateral vertical discs, and one of said devices and its respective propeller adapted of being adjusted in a horizontal plane at will and thus adapting said devices and propellers of being horizontally oppositely disposed, causing a resultant lifting and steering efiect.

25. In a flying machine, plural superposed lifting devices each having its longitudinal length substantially as long or longer than its transverse span, an engine disposed at the lower portion of said machine and actuating a vertical enginedrive-shaft provided with upper and lower horizontal driving pinions in mesh with upper and lower driven gears secured to respective propellers, each of said propellers having its diameter substantially as long as each of said spans, a vertical cylinder surrounding the lower portion of said engine-drive-shaft and adapted to adjust one of said devices and its respective propeller in a horizontal plane, thus adapting said devices of being horizontally oppositely disposed and causing a resultant lifting and steering force.

CHARLES W. WALLER.