Improvements relating to Apparatus for Propelling Vessels in Air or Water

5949. Mutti, A., and Mond, R. L. March 17 Aeroplanes; propelling; steering.-Wings for propelling vessels in air or water are adapted to receive a simultaneous oscillatory movement about a vertical or nearly vertical axis and also about an horizontal axis situated at the inner ends of the wings, so that the wings assume a downward inclination during the rearward or working stroke and assume an upward inclination during the return stroke. The front rib H of the wing and a bar F rigidly secured thereto are pivoted by sleeves F , h upon the horizontal bar G of the frame I, which is in turn pivoted by its vertical axis to the frame of the machine. The bar F is secured by a universal joint f to a rotary disk C. During the rearward or working stroke of the wing, from the position shown in full lines to that shown in broken lines, the wing is first depressed and then raised about a horizontal bar G, but, on the whole, retains a downward inclination. During the return stroke, the wing is farther raised and then depressed, but, on the whole, retains an upward inclination. During the working stroke, the air or water acts, it is stated, upon the undersurface of the wings so as to raise and propel the machine, and during the return stroke there is a similar but lesser reaction which supports the machine till the next working stroke. The wings are preferably flexible so as to bend upwards on the working stroke and droop on the rearward stroke. In this case, they are constructed with a flexible rib K, which may be pivoted to the bar F and held in position by steel wires k, attached thereto and to the rib H and cross-piece J. A spring L may be interposed in the wires. If the wings are rigid, they are given an initial upward inclination in the direction of travel of the machine by adjusting a stirrup h, provided on the rib H, with respect to the sleeve h . The frame I may also be capable of adjustment so as to alter the inclination of the wings. Specifications No. 14,367, A.D. 1904, and No. 18,807, A.D. 1905, [Abridgment Class Ships &c., Div. II.], are referred to.