Improvements in Optical Lanterns and Dissolving View Apparatus.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 21st Mar., 1891-Accepted, 23rd May, 1891
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Optical Lanterns and Dissolving View Apparatus.
We, WILLIAM CHARLES HUGHES of Brewster House, Mortimer Road,
Manufacturing Optician, and HENRY WOODRUFF of 336 Kingsland Road,
Brass Finisher, both of Kingsland in the County of Middlesex, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
Our invention relates to improvements in apparatus for the display of oxyhydrogen
lime light dissolving view, and panoramic effects, for use in optical lantern enter-
tainments, the object of which is, to combine the means for producing the best
effects within the smallest possible space, with a method of folding and packing the
whole to facilitate portability, and consists of,
Firstly. An improved compound tap device, for regulating the raising and
lowering of the light, by maintaining and controlling the flow of oxygen and
hydrogen gases, under varying circumstances.
Second. An adjustable sliding bracket for holding and supporting said regulating
device and jet, and similar apparatus.
Thirdly. A novel manner of constructing an optical lens, whereby we are
enabled to slide or enclose the same within the dimensions of its outer case, or
nearly so.
Fourthly. An improved adjustable slide guide and stop, for levelling the path of
the object slide, and arresting its progress at a predetermined point.
Fifthly. A novel method of constructing, or building a single, biunial, or
triunial optical lantern, by which it may be folded, or packed within the very
smallest possible compass, consistent with its power of effect when in use, thereby
enabling the same to be carried from place to place in the same manner as an
ordinary small portmanteau.
In order that our invention may be clearly and more easily understood we have
appended the accompanying three sheets of drawings.
Figs. 1. 2. 3 and 4, Sheet 1, are side elevation, plan, and front and back elevations
respectively, of our compound tap device, when connected to, or combined with, an
ordinary blow through, or chamber jet.
Fig. 5 Sheet 2 is a perspective view of the adjustable bracket for holding and
supporting Fig. 1, and similar apparatus, when in use.
Fig. 6, Sheet 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of our improved collapsable optical
lens, expanded as when in use.
Fig. 7, Sheet 2 is an external view of same as it would appear when collapsed
ready for packing.
Fig. 8 Sheet 2 is a part sectional broken view of the adjusting rack and ring
forming part of Figs. 6 and 7 to be hereinafter fully explained.
Fig 9 Sheet 2 is a front view of our improved levelling slide guide with its stop
aised.
Fig. 10 Sheet 2 is a view of same with its stop lowered, both of which latter views
will be hereinafter fully dealt with.
Figs. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15 and 16 Sheet 3 are details of the general constructions of
the whole apparatus when in use and when packed, and which will be fully described
and ascertained in and by the following statement.
Similar letters of reference are used to indicate corresponding parts through-
out the several views.

page_text: In describing the manner in which we carry our invention into effect we will first
deal with our improved compound tap device, Figs. 1. 2. 3. 4.
To the free ends of tubes A and B of an ordinary blowthrough chamber jet, we
attach extension pieces A and B' constructed at their bent ends to receive each a
flexible tube, the one from the oxygen, and the other from the hydrogen gas
reservoirs. Said extensions are each provided with two taps, in the one case
marked A and A¹ and in the other B and B A and B are operated by
their respective handles m and m¹ and are for regulating the supply of gas passing
through A and B, the quantity in each case being different under varying
circumstances. The taps A and B are operated conjointly by the duplex
handle L, and their office is that, by lowering L gently the supply of both gases is
reduced together, and the flame at the burner consequently diminished. In order
that the lowering of L may not wholly extinguish the light at the burner so as to
need relighting when L is again raised, and by which the effect attained by our
invention would be spoiled, we provide a bye pass upon each of the extensions A'
and B and shewn in the drawing by o and o. These are connected to the gas
passages before and after the taps A¹¹ and A111 in the case of o, and before and
after the taps B and B in the case of o¹, and these are regulated by bye pass
taps o and o, so that a very small quantity of gas may pass therethrough, this
being only just sufficient to maintain a very small jet of light at the burner,
should L be inadvertently turned too low. By this means we have perfect and safe
control of the light, in manipulating the various scenic effects.
In order that the said apparatus may be in a suitable position to perform the
functions for which it is intended, we have constructed an adjustable bracket M,
preferably, but not imperatively of the shape shewn by Fig. 5 Sheet 2, and provided
with studs P and p for dropping into suitably slotted plates fixed in any desired
position within the lantern. Said bracket M is rendered adjustable, in so far as
regards its length, by means of a spring slide M', passing through guides qq, and
is formed with a slit at one end, so that it may expand as at r and r, and hold M'
by means of friction in any desired position within q and q'. Or we may dispense
with said slit, and hold M¹ in any position needed by means of a screw, or the like
passing through M q or q¹ and engaging with M. Upon the free end of M' we
provide a vertical spindle M" and upon this is slid the hollow standard D of the
apparatus shewn by Fig. 1 Sheet 1, and secured in any desired position thereon by
means of a screw or the like s.
To
Another novel feature of our invention is the manner by which we construct our
collapsible focussing lens, so that it may be adjusted with the same delicacy of
movement as the lenses for a similar purpose hitherto made and used, without the
projecting spindles usually employed for that purpose, thereby enabling us to close
or collapse our said lens within the dimensions of its outer case or nearly so.
attain this we arrange an outer casing N provided with a screwed flange N' by
which it may be screwed to the front N of the improved lantern according to our
invention, or to any type of lantern in general use, where a collapsible lens may be
an acquisition. Within N slides a second case O, and within this a third case P,
provided with a reducing flange P¹. A suitable slot t is formed in P within which
works a stop t¹ fixed upon O, by which the travel of P in O is regulated. A fourth
case or tube Q provided with a screwed flange is screwed into P. Upon the
outer circumference of Q about midway of its length we form an annular recess,
and in this recess we place a flat ring Q¹ provided with an internal screw thread of
a suitable pitch. The recess in Q referred to is such that, Q1 may revolve freely
around Q. A focussing tube R in which are placed the necessary lenses is arranged
to slide within Q, upon the outer surface of R and attached thereto we provide a
longitudinal rack w, which slides within a longitudinal groove formed within the
tube Q, so that as Ŕ slides in and out of Q, w slides in and out of said groove, and
in so doing the teeth of w gear with the internal screw thread formed on Q¹
previously mentioned, so that as Q₁ is revolved upon Q, it operates upon w and

page_text: give an in or out motion to R according to which way Q' is revolved, and by this
means the proper focus of the lens is adjusted. The manner in which Q' operates
upon w is more particularly shewn in, and will be more easily understood by
reference to Fig. 8 Sheet 2. The pitch of the thread within Q¹ is such that, about
one whole turn thereof moves the tube R in either direction desired about the
distance represented by one tooth of w, so that the adjustment of R can be
performed by stages corresponding to the smallest possible degree of the revolution
of Q. The exposed end of R is fitted with a slide guide and drop down shutter in
the usual way.
The collapsability of the focussing lens just described is attained by screwing R
by means of Q as far into Pas it will go, and by pushing P into O as far as the
slot and stop t and t¹ will permit, and finally by pushing O as far into N as the
position of the condenser usually employed will permit, said focussing lens when so
collapsed would appear externally as shewn at Fig. 7 Sheet 2.
A further improvement in the apparatus also forming part of our invention is an
adjustable slide guide for securely registering the exact distance the object slide
shall pass into the slot usually provided for that purpose, and for levelling the path
of said slide, so as to counteract the irregularities or deviations from the horizontal
that may exist in the slide path formed in the lantern. This consists of a flat
metallic piece S about the width of the slide opening in the lantern, provided with
rectangular ends S¹ and S¹¹ carrying adjusting screws and a', the latter carried
within suitable projections formed upon S". A second projection S is formed
upon S and carries a pivotted stop piece S. Upon the bottom of S are two or
more lugs or projections a-b. The slide guide as described is first passed through
the slide opening so that its ends S', S₁ point downwards at each side of the
lantern, and its lateral position adjusted and maintained by the screws and a
engaging with the sides of the lantern. The lugs a and are for insuring the
perfect horizontal position of the upper surface of S, these being filed away, or
otherwise reduced to attain this end, so that the path of the object slide may be
perfectly level and horizontal. When S is placed in a vertical position as shewn
by Fig. 9 Sheet 2 the slide W can with confidence be pushed into the slide opening,
and resting upon S, and when W has reached the point necessary for reflecting the
subject, or picture in the desired position upon the screen it is arrested by S
this having been predetermined when adjusting and a. When dioramic effects
are being shewn, and it is necessary that the slide W shall pass right through, or
past the lens, Si may be turned down as in Fig. 10 Sheet 2, within a suitable
recess formed in S for that purpose so that W may enter at one side of the lantern
and pass out at the other without hindrance or stoppage.
We have previously mentioned at the outset hereof that one of the objects of our
invention is the portability of the entire apparatus. To attain this we construct a
frame X Fig. 11 Sheet 3, with internal longitudinal slots y and y', into which we
slide a smaller frame Y, to which is hinged, or otherwise connected, a frame Z,
provided with suitable openings Z' and Z and capable of being folded flat upon Y,
or raised to a vertical position when desired. Upon the outer surface of Z is fixed
by screws or the like a plate Z in the usual way and upon this is fixed the usual
metallic frame for receiving the slides to be exhibited. Said frame is referred to
by N Figs. 6 and 7 Sheet 2, and to each of these we attach one of the collapsible
lenses previously described, the same being also adaptable for receiving any other
type of lens in general use, when it may be desirable to use these in lieu of our
collapsible lens.
.
In Fig. 14 Sheet 3 we have shewn the parts X, Y, Z, connected as they would
appear in actual use. The frame is maintained in its vertical position by the
stop piece 1 on the one side, and by a suitable stay shewn by the dotted lines 2 on
the other side, or by any other suitable means whereby the rigidity of Z may be
insured. A case X' constructed as shewn by Fig. 13 Sheet 3 is now placed upon X
in the position shewn by the dotted outline thereof in Fig. 14, and may be furnished

page_text: with a cover X" when necessary. A stay or crossbar 3 upon X' abuts against 4
on Z, and X' may be fixed to Z by screws or the like passing through holes 5 in Z,
and X, or by any other means, the object being to further establish the rigidity of
the whole apparatus. In Fig. 14 Sheet 3 the bracket M is shewn attached to Z by
means of slotted plates fixed thereon, but we may attach M by the same, or any
other means, to any part of Z, or X, that may be most convenient.
The apparatus
shewn by Fig. Sheet 1 is now placed upon M, by slipping D, upon M", in the
manner described, and for the sake of brevity is referred to in Fig. 14 by the
letter D, suitable openings and doors are formed in X¹ to enable the operator to
manipulate the several parts as may be needed. The tubes from the gas bags may
now be connected to D in the manner described when explaining Fig. 1, the
apparatus is then complete ready for use.
Although in Fig. 14 Sheet 3 we have shewn the manner of arranging a bi-unial
lantern we can with equal facility construct a single lantern, or a triplet by
arranging X. Y and Z suitable therefor.
At the conclusion of the exhibit X', D and M are disconnected from Z, and the
lenses collapsed as shewn by the lower N in Fig. 14 Sheet 3, and in the manner
described when treating with Figs. 6 and 7. Z may then be folded upon Y and Y
slid into X until the end of Z is about level with that of X, as shewn in Fig. 16,
the accessories M and D, and the slide guide S packed between or beside N, N and
the cover X placed over the whole, and fastened to X by bolts hooks, spring
catches, or any suitable means to enable the whole, to be carried by a handle or
strap fixed upon X', or the whole may be enclosed in a leather, or canvas case the
handle upon X¹ passing through a hole in said case.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is
1st. In an improved optical lantern and dissolving view appliance, the apparatus,
or mechanism, consisting of the several parts, constructed, combined and operating
substantially as herein set forth, and for the purposes specified, and shewn by the
three sheets of drawings hereunto appended.
2nd. For improvements in optical lanterns and dissolving view apparatus the
construction and use of the compound tap device, consisting of tubes A¹ and B',
with taps A and B", A and B, the former governed by handles, or levers m
and the latter conjointly by the lever L, the bye pass tubes o and o¹ with
taps o¹ and o arranged upon A¹ and B' in the manner described, the whole con-
nected to and operating in combination with an ordinary blow through or chamber
jet represented by letters A, B and D, substantially as, and in the manner described
and shewn by Figs. 1. 2. 3 and 4 of the accompanying drawings.
3rd. For improvements in dissolving view apparatus the construction and
employment of a portable bracket M, with adjustable split slide M¹ and spindle M",
substantially as herein set forth and shewn by Fig. 5 of the accompanying
drawings.
4th. For improvements in optical lanterns the construction of a collapsible lens
consisting of cases N, O and P arranged to surround each other in the order given, the
tube Q, with recessed revolving internally threaded ring Q', operating the focussing
tube R, by gearing with the rack w, the method and means for enclosing the whole
within the dimensions of N or approximately so, substantially as herein described
and shewn by Figs. 6. 7 and of the drawings hereunto annexed.
5th. For improvements in optical lanterns, and apparatus in connection therewith
the employment and construction of a slide guide S, with lugs S¹ and S" and
screws and and pivotted stops Swith studs or projections a and b and
bracket S substantially as herein described and shewn by Figs. 9 and 10 of the
drawings.
6th. For improvements in optical folding lanterns and dissolving view apparatus

page_text: the construction and use of a frame X, with slots y y', receiving and holding a
frame Y, to which is attached a frame Z, with case or cover X, the manner of
attaching the lenses N, the method of folding the whole so as to be enclosed within
and carried by the cover X', substantially as and for the purposes herein set forth,
5 and shewn by the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 20th day of March 1891.
GEO. THOS. HYDE,
4, Moorfields, Fore Street, London, E.C., Agent for the Applicants.