An Improved Advertising Device.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 24th Nov., 1896-Accepted, 2nd Jan., 1897
An Improved Advertising Device.
I, FRIEDRICH MÜLLER, of 27, Zinnenstrasse, Deutz, in the Empire of Germany,
Manufacturer, 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 :--
This invention has for its object a lantern for advertising purposes, adapted to
exhibit on its face in equal intervals of time a series of pictures in succession,
similar to those appearing on a white screen in the case of a magic lantern. The
lantern may either be used as a street lamp or be placed in a show window.
In the accompanying drawings:-
Figure 1 is a side elevation, and
Figure 2 a longitudinal section of the lautern ;
Figure 3 is an end view, and
Figure 4 a side elevation of the clockwork mechanism and glass discs painted
with advertisements or the like.
The lantern is formed of a sheet metal cylindrical body a, which is closed at one
end by a lid or door c, provided with a reflector b, (Figure 2), and at the other end
by a dull or ground glass disc or other suitable dull screen e enclosed in a frame d.
Close in front of the reflector b is placed the source of light f, which may consist of
a petroleum lamp, gas, electric or incandescent gas light.
In the interior of the lantern is placed a sheet metal funnel g, the mouth of
which is precisely as large as the dull or ground glass disc, and which fits on the
frame or enclosure of the same in such a way as to be light tight. Mounted in the
other or smaller end of the funnel is a lens combination h, which serves for
projecting pictures inserted between it and the source of light sharply on to the
ground glass disc e.
The automatic changing of the pictures is effected in the following way :-
The desired pictures or advertisements are painted on a glass disc i (Figures 3
and 4), mounted freely revoluble on supports k' and provided in the centre with a
starwheel formed of radial sheet metal strips. A clockwork m is arranged to
drive slowly a pin wheel n, which makes one revolution per minute and engages
the starwheel, thus revolving the latter one point, and the glass disc one picture
further. A spring o presses on the periphery of the disc i and prevents any
oscillation of same.
The sides of the lantern are preferably provided with transparent opal glass or
the like, on which the name of the firm may be painted.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. An advertising lantern characterised by the arrangement of a sheet metal
cylinder (a) closed at one end by a dull (or ground glass) disc and at the other by
a door or cover fitted with a reflector, said cylinder having in its interior a device
comprising a source of light (/), combination lenses (h), and sheet metal funnel (g)
for projecting illuminated pictures on to the aforesaid dull disc substantially as set
forth.

page_text: 2. In an advertising lantern such as described, the device for automatically
changing the pictures consisting of a clockwork (m) adapted to operate a pin
wheel (n), and a glass disc (i) painted with transparent pictures and provided with
a starwheel (e) adapted to be engaged by said pin wheel, substantially as
described.
Dated this 23rd day of November 1896.
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Of 6, Lord Street, Liverpool, Agents for the Applicant.