Patent GB-980915-A (GB)
Title: Apparatus for the construction of models
Inventor: WHITNEY JOHN EDWARD SEAGER
IPC: G09B23/26
Filed: 1960-05-24
Abstract: 980, 915. Models for educational purposes. CATALIN Ltd. May 24, 1961 [May 24, 1960), No. 18261/60. Heading G5G. An apparatus for use in the construction of models of crystal arrangements comprises a base 1, Fig. 1, made of wood or a moulded plastic, carrying on mounting blocks 2, having recesses 3, a pair of bars 4, of square cross-section on which a plurality of cross-bars 5 of equal length are mounted slidably in collars 6, each of the cross-bars carrying a plurality of rods 10 mounted slidably in collars 8 in recessed upstanding portions 9, the last mounting arrangement ensuring that at least the portions of said rods adjacent the mounting arrangement are in a predetermined plane. In this arrangement each of the rods 10 has its axis at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the crossbar 5 and also at right angles to the longitudinal axis of each of the bars 4. In another embodiment in Fig. 2 a base plate 21 has a pair of fixed mounting blocks 22 and a pair of movable mounting blocks 23 sliding in a pair or arcuate slots 24, with the blocks 23 provided on their undersides with knurled headed screws 25 to enable them to be retained in any predetermined position. A pair of bars 27 have their ends dismountably supported in recesses 26 and a plurality of cross-bars 28 are mounted slidably and rotatably on the bars 27. Each of the cross-bars is mounted upon a pair of collars consisting of two parts, of which part 29 permits sliding upon the bar and part 30 or 31 permits rotation relative to the bar in the plane of the base. Provision of axially disposed pins on the ends of each bar, one of which is screw-threaded, allows the rods mounted on the cross-bar to be rotated in a plane perpendicular to the base. A screw-threaded collar 32 allows the cross-bar with the rods mounted upon it to be locked in any desired position. The movement of the blocks 23 in slots 24 enables to vary the angle between the longitudinal axes of cross-bars 28 and bars 27, respectively, whilst the latter remain parallel to each other and, in addition, the cross-bars may be rotated to vary the angle between the plane of the rods mounted upon the cross-bars and the plane of the base. Combination of this construction in conjunction with rods which are bent at a point above that at which they enter the collars 8 or, which are held at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of cross-bars 28, enables all the angles requiring variation to produce models of various crystal structures to be obtained. The collars 8 may be of a non-circular cross-section or may be replaced by clips. A line of closely spaced screw-threaded recesses in the cross-bars or a longitudinal groove may be provided in each crossbar and one end of each rod may be provided with a key portion slidable within the groove with locking means, such as a grub screw, being mounted on each key portion. Axially drilled models of ions, the sizes of which are made proportional to their known inonic radii and sleeves of varying lengths which are slidable on the rods are provided for use with the apparatus.