Progress in Science.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLIII, Issue 6, 11 August 1909, Page 45

Progress in Science.

Some New Aeroplanes.

THE peculiar aeroplane illustrated on this page is that of M. Givaudan. It is of the multicellular type, and consists of two concentric drums mounted near the ends of a body framework that passes through the Centre of each, and carries at its forward end a tractor screw. These drums are United by small planes spaced uniformly apart, thus forming a cellular structure. The front cell thus formed is movable in every direction, while the rear one is stationary. There are no rudders, the movement of the front cell both sideways and up and down being used in place of these to direct the machine both laterally and in a vertical plane. The machine rests on four wheels, the front pair of which can be turned in order to steer the machine. The wheels are fitted with suitable springs to absorb the shock when landing. The propeller is 2.4 meters (7.87 feet) in diameter, and is drivei from the motor through reduction gears. The motor :s a special eight-cylin-der V engine of the air-cooled type. This motor, notwithstanding its light w» : ght and the fact that it is air-cooled, has been run several hours consecutively. This new aeroplane is very interesting, but it is doubtful whether a freakish machine of this kind can be made to operate satisfactorily.

Kecent activity by members of the American Aeronautic Society has resulted in the production of several new aeroplanes, one or two of which have already been given their first trials. At the present time there are completed or under construction upon the society’s grounds a monoplane, four biplanes, and one triplane, as well as a new helicopter. One of the novel machines now completed, and which has already undergone several tests, is the triplane of Morris Bokor. This machine is shown in cne of our illustrations. Its three planes have a spread of 26 feet and a width of 61ft., making a total surface of 507 square feet. A 14 by 2Jft. horizontal rudder has 70 square feet additional supporting surface, while the tail, consisting of two pairs of surfaces at a sharp dihedral angle, is 14ft. long and has 72 square feet. The ■total weight of the machine, with water, oil, and gasoline, and with Mr. Bokor on board, is 1181 pounds. The main feature of the Bokor aeroplane is the use of a pendulum seat for the aviator, which" is connected by cables to the ends of the lower plane at the rear. The outer rear parts of this p'ane are supported upon flexible trusses running elong it, and which are in turn carried upon hinged rods extending back from the vertical uprights at the ends of the planes. When the machine tips to one side or the other the aviator’s seat remains horizontal and exerts a pull upon the flexible rear edges of the lower plane, thus giving it the proper inclination to cause the machine to right itself again. Another feature of this aeroplane is the tail, consisting of two large tetrahedral-like cells, Which should aid in giving the machine Stability. In starting the whole machine

is placed upon, a four-wheeled chassis, to enable it to run along upon the ground. The chassis is left behind when machine rises. In all probability, however, a larger engine will have to be installed before the triplane can be made to soar. The other American ( iroplane, which we illustrate, is that of Mr. Wilbur M. Kimball, the secretary of the Aeronautic Society. In constructing his biplane he has made use of eight of these propellers, and has arranged them in a line between th e two planes, the idea being to give a propulsive effort throughout the entire width of the machine. It has also been proven that a number of small propellers will give a greater thrust per horse-power than one or two large ones. The main features of the Kimball aeroplane are the use of multiple propellers and fitting of quadruple vertical rudders close to the main planes, near their extremities. If the inventor can run his propellers at a high enough speed to obtain from three hundred to four hundred pounds thrust, he will probably be able to get in the air; but at the present writing he has made only one attempt, which was unsuccessful in this respect. Automobile Kitchens. A Berlin journal states that an international understanding is to be set on foot for supplying all the leadi ag cities of the Continent with automobile

kitchens or open-air cooked food supplies. This will be a new use for the automobile, and the vans will circulate mainly in the lower quarters of the cities and in the outlying districts. At a ve.ry moderate price they will give a supply of cooked food. On the first trial of the new system, the vehicles will be fitted with two kinds of ranges or heaters, one of whieh will use a gas flame, and the other will be an electric heater. Each automobile is mourned by two persons, one of whieh is the driver, and tire second the cook. The latter willal.-o act to sell the food when

the vehicle is stopped. In the front part of the car is mounted an icechamber of large size, which will contain the raw meat principally, besides non-alcoholic drinks. The latter will be supplied as well as the food. It is stated that the first trial of .this novel Bystem will be carried out simultaneously at Berlin, Baris, and Moscow.

Electric Lights for Mexico. A company has been incorporated in Canada to develop the water-power of the Com-bos River in Chihuahua, Nor-

•them Mexico. It has been estimated that 25,000 horse-power can be developed, but at the start only 15,000 horse-power will be used. The current generated will be employed for light and power purposes in the surrounding towns and cities of the State, and also in the neighbouring mines. Many large and important mines are located within 50 miles of the plant.

965 Honrs in 967 Minntes. A special train on the New York Central system recently made a run from New York to Chicago which is worthy of being placed on record. Leaving New York at midnight, eastern time, or 11 o’clock central time, Buffalo was reached at 6.39 in the morning, Cleveland at 9.27, Toledo at 11.23, Elkhart at 1.23, and Chicago at 3.07, the total distance of 965 miles being covered in 967 minutes. The train consisted of three empty cars and one private car, and six changes of engines were made on the trin.

A New Explosive. M. Turpin, the inventor of melinite, the first of the high-explosive shell fillers, has invented a new powder which he has offered to the French Government. The new explosive is more stable than that now used by the Government, and the inventor claims that the number of accidents will be greatly reduced by its introduction into the army and navy.

Equine Statistic*. In spite of the rapid increase in the number of automobiles end trolley cars, the horse continues to more than hold his own. According to figures published in the last report of the Department of Agriculture, the number of horses in the United States increased from 13,537,000 in 1900 to 19,992,000 in 1908, the total value of the same having risen from 603,000,000 dol. to 1.867,000,060 dol. The fluctuations in the average price of horses have been remarkable. In 1893 it was 61 dol.; in 1897, 37 dol.: 44 toL in 1900. and 93 dol. in 1998.

Preserving the American Forests. As the result of a proceeding brought by the Forest, Fish, and Game Commissioner, the Public Service Commission has ordered the railroads which operate in the forest preserves of the Adirondocks to burn oil in place of coal, through the months of the year from April 15th to November Ist. The complete installation of oil burning is to be effected by April 15th, 1910. At least four locomotives fitted with oil-burning apparatus are to be placed in service on these roads this summer, for the purpose of familiarizing the men with the new fuel.

An Electric Candle. The use of candles in dining rooms or hotels and restaurants makes a very pleasing decoration. However, the ordinary paraffin candle is entirely unsuited for the purpose, owing to its unsteady light and the drip of the paraffin wax. The ideal candle would be an electric one, but the objection to the use of electricity heretofore has l>een that it required connecting wires running to the source of power. Recently an electric table lamp has been devised which carries its own storage battery. This little lighting device is rather morn ambitious than a candle, being set in a vase in which cut flowers may be placed. The light passing through the flowers and water contained in the vase gives a very soft, ple-’srng effect