Abstract: An ornithopter which is propelled upwardly and forwardly by means of flapping wings, similar to the flight of a bird or bat. The power is supplied by a small engine that is mechanically-connected to a hydraulic pump which drives a single hydraulic cylinder and utilizes only the retraction stroke to power both wings simultaneously downwardly. The wings are brought back to the normal position by an elastic device, which in addition will not permit the wings to go beyond optimum positions. A double-acting hydralic cylinder is also provided to move the horizontal tail in an up and down motion. The operation of the wings can be automatic or manually-operated by the pilot. The rear legs and front support are constructed in such a manner that allows the ornithopter to rise and land vertically which permits takeoff and landing from most any type of terrain. The ornithopter can be assembled and disassembled quickly.

Abstract: A human powered hang glider (10) has a fixed wing portion (12) and a pair of movable wing portions (14, 16). Flexible sheet material (26, 28) is connected to trailing edges (30, 32) of the movable wing portions (14, 16). A support structure (34, 36) for the flexible sheet material (26, 28) overlies each flexible sheet material (26, 28). Elastic bands (52) and wires (74, 76) are connected in opposing relationship to the movable wing portions (14, 16) to allow reciprocation of the movable wing portions (14, 16). When the flexible bands (52) cause upward movement of the movable wing portions (14, 16) the flexible sheet members (26, 28) move away from their associated support structures (34, 36), allowing air to pass through the support structures (34, 36). When pilot (70 pulls on wires (74, 76) to move the movable wing portions (14, 16) downward, the flexible sheet portions (26, 28) move against their associated support structures (34, 36) to provide increased lift from the movable wing portions (14, 16).

Abstract: A toy airplane which is to be constructed of two pairs of overlapping wings which are to flap relative to each other. Each pair of wings is to move in synchronism with respect to the fuselage. The flapping motion of each wing is driven by a crank arm which is attached to a drive shaft. The different crank arms are located in planes which are displaced ninety degrees from each other so as to smooth out the operating torques. There may be employed a single operating drive shaft or there may be employed dual drive shafts which rotate in opposite directions. The airplane includes a tail section which is adjustably mounted upon a fuselage.

Abstract: A heavier-than-air structure has a delta-shaped wing and a plurality of rearwardly-directed flat fans mounted upon the rear thereof. The fans are driven in up and down arcuate oscillations by a rotating shaft carrying flap board assemblies, one board for each fan. The shaft is rotated by a bicycle-type pedal crank driven by the operator of the machine and connected to rotate the shaft by a chain and sprocket. Each flap board engages its corresponding fan forwardly of a pivot axis of the fan, driving the fan downwardly against an opposing force of an elastic band affixed to the fan aft of its pivot point. When the fan is released by continued rotation of the shaft and flap board the fan is returned upwardly by the elastic band. Fanning of ambient air at a rate of two oscillations per second gives sufficient propulsive thrust to drive the machine forwardly.

Abstract: A flapping wire aircraft capable of being operated by manpower comprising double wings acting in a countermovement is provided with a toggle lever system on each side for separate actuating the right-hand and left-hand wings respectively to improve steering possibilities; said toggle lever systems permitting increased wing flapping speeds. The wings are at least partially elastic and of a compact shape; according to a preferred embodiment circular-ellipticaly, rearward-outwardly extending wing spars are in an approximately parallel arrangement, the first of which following the front/side edge of the wing; these on substantially in flight direction arranged bearing spars attached wing spars guide sharing air portions to the rear, resulting in enhanced propulsion.