Improvements in the Coin-freed Display of Stereoscopic Pictures and other Views.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 2nd June, 1899
Complete Specification Left, 2nd Apr., 1900-Accepted, 1st Sept., 1900
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Coin-freed Display of Stereoscopic Pictures and
other Views.
We, WALTER THOMSON, Manager, of 2, Linden Terrace, Whitley, in the County
cf Northumberland, and THE JACTHO PATENT AUTOMATIC ADVERTISING LAMP"
Co., LTD., of Strawberry House, St. James' Street, in the City and County of
Newcastle-on-Tyne, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
To a clockwork movement (or small motor) we attach a large disc, which
works in a vertical position, & from the side thereof at right angles & at regular
distances, we fix strips of metal, with cap pieces the same length, for the purpose
of securing the pictures or views therein."
The disc when built up represents a drum with an open end.
The movement used may either be placed inside the drum or on the outer side
of disc on a suitable platform.
The movement contains two trains of wheels, one for actuating the large disc,
the other for controlling the working of the first train described hereafter.
In the first train & on the end of the third spindle, which projects through
framework of movement, we fix a Hange to which we make fast the large disc.
This flange has a number of notches in it, equal in number to that of the pictures.
Into these notches there falls a stop on the end of a pivoted lever. This lever
is raised by a toothed wheel or cam (in the second train of wheels) coming in
contact with it on its under side, gradually raising the stop out of notch, allow-
ing the large disc to travel a given distance, when the lever again falls into notch
ready for action. In the same second train of wheels, on the fifth spindle, a
small wheel is geared with a worm working vertically, having at its head a fan
for the purpose of regulating the speed of movement, at the same time governing
the length of time the picture shall be exposed to view.
The automatic action for starting & stopping movement, & switching on &
off of light, is as follows:-
STARTING AND STOPPING ARRANGEMENT
By inserting a coin at side of case it slides down a tube into a well
on the end of a lever, pivoted in the centre & equally balanced. From this
centre there is an upright stem with a weight at top to which is attached a wire
When lever with well is up, it comes in contact_with fan & stops movement.
It will thus be seen that should the well end of lever be depressed, it will
remain in that position, by causing the weight on the upright stem to be brought
past its dead centre. The weight of say a penny falling into the well at end
of lever is sufficient to depress it, this bringing the wire clear of fan. The
wheels in this train are now clear to run doing the work of raising the stop out
of notches, as described, until one entire revolution of the large disc has been
made. when a stop or projection from the side of disc, comes in contact with a

page_text: second lever, the end of which on being raised causes the first lever to be brought
down, bringing the well again into position to receive coin, this action causing
the movement to be brought to a dead stop until again relieved by weight of coin.
AUTOMATIC LIGHTING.
On the under side of well lever, & suspended from its centre, is a wire lop which
ngages with another small balanced lever, causing it to be thrown from right
to left when the well lever is depressed. When this small lever is thrown over
two prongs attached to its centre fall into two cups containing mercury, for the
purpose of making contact for electric lighting. If thrown in the opposite
direction the contact is broken cutting off light. For gas it shuts an ordinary
tap on & off. A suitable drawer is provided to receive the coins as they are
delivered by the well lever when it arrives at its lowest point. The case is
made of metal & stands on an oblong box. The front of the case contains an
ornamental sight piece in which the lenses are fixed, but may have slides or
rack movement for focusing if so desired. This sight piece is so designed to
house the light for reflecting unto the pictures.
Datad this 20th day of M 1800
Improvements in the Coin-freed Display of Stereoscopic Pictures and
other Views.
We, WALTER THOMSON, Manager, of 2, Linden Terrace, Whitley, in the County
of Northumberland, and THE JACTHO PATENT AUTOMATIC ADVERTISING LAMP
Co.. LTD., of Strawberry House, St. James Street, in the City and County of
Newcastle-on-Tyne, 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:-
1
This invention relates to the coin-freed display of stereoscopic pictures and
other views.
In apparatus of this kind, the pictures or views are suitably secured and re-
volved in line with an eye-piece in the casing of the apparatus, so that they are
consecutively seen therethrough with the aid of artificial light, the pictures or
views being actuated by clockwork or like mechanism, which is automatically
started and the light lighted by the insertion of a coin, the stopping and ex-
tinguishing being also automatically accomplished by the carrier of the pictures
or views, when it arrives at a particular point in its travel.
Consequently a complete apparatus comprises as essentials a carrier for the
pictures or views, an eye-piece, a light, coin directing and receiving devices, a
mechanism for operating the carrier, and means for automatically starting and
stopping the mechanism and lighting and extinguishing the light; and to all
these this invention relates with the object of providing an apparatus of simple
construction and therefore not liable to frequent derangement.
We will fully describe our improvements in reference to the accompanying
drawings whereof Fig. 1 is a general side elevation and Fig. 2 an end elevation
at the left hand side of same. Fig. 3 is a general side elevation and Figs. 4

page_text: and 5 are end elevations at the left and right hand sides thereof respectively.
Figs. 6 and 7 are respectively a side elevation and a plan of the operating
mechanism detached from position. And Fig. 8 is a side elevation and Fig. 9
an end elevation of a modification that will be more particularly referred to
hereinafter.
Figs. 1 and 2 are drawn to a smaller scale than Figs. 3, 4, 5, 8 and 9 which too
are drawn to a smaller scale than Figs. 6 and 7.
In all the figures, the same reference letters and numerals designate the same
or corresponding parts, and in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 the components of the
complete apparatus are represented in the assembled positions; and for the sake
of clearness in illustration portions of the box A and case B (both presently
referred to) are shown as broken away, or displaced, or in section.
A is a wood oblong box forming the base or main support of the apparatus,
and in it a drawer a is provided for receiving and containing the coins, the drawer
sliding between a platform a¹ and a bracket fixed within the box A. The
drawer, of course, is normally kept locked.
B is a semicircular case hinged at 6 to the box A, and in its normal position,
shown in Figs. 1 and 2, it encloses the mechanism, being suitably locked at.bl
When the case is turned back, as indicated in Figs. 3, 4 and 5, free access to the
mechanism is given.
Holes 6, 62 are made in the case B in line with the carrier C of the pictures
or views DD), and about these holes there is fastened the stereoscope or sight-
piece E, which is furnished with the usual eye-glasses e, e and light directing
channels e¹, e, and also fashioned, as clearly shown in Figs. 1 and 2, to con-
stitute a housing for the light F', suitably disposed therein.
The light is exemplified as an electric incandescent lamp which is supported
by having its socket screwed to a bridge 2 secured within the part E. Access
to the light F is obtained by removing the cap or bonnet e arranged upon a
standard et fastened to the bridge 2.
G is the coin slot communicating by a shoot a fixed on the case B, with an
inner shoot mounted on a standard g² screwed to the platform a', and g³ is
another inner shoot connecting, through an opening in the platform a¹, with
the drawer a, the two shoots g¹, g3 being situated a little distance apart, as
illustrated best in Figs. 3 and 5.
The carrier C consists of a disc c formed or fitted with a number of equally
spaced radial arms to each of which, at right angles thereto, a strip ca
is fixed. These strips 2-care about the same length as the views or
pictures D-D, every one of which is secured between two of the strips by a
clamp or cap-piece fastened thereto by screws c c. Thus the carrier C,
with the assembled views or pictures D-D), takes the form of an open-ended
drum, within or without which the operating mechanism may be placed; the
former disposition is represented, as we prefer it, since it conduces to compact-
ness: H denoting the mechanism supported on the platform a¹.
The operating mechanism H may be of any appropriate kind, but clockwork
is particularly applicable, and this is the type we illustrate, and recommend to
be adopted. This mechanism consists of two trains of wheels h, h¹, the train h
actuating the carrier C, which is fastened to the spindle 2 thereof, and the
train h¹, with its regulating flyer or fan 3, controlling the working of the other
train, so that every picture D is consecutively brought into line with the
stereoscope E, and there retained for a time to permit the display prior to its
replacement by the next picture.
Our improvement in the mechanism H relates to the means for effecting the
said control, and according to it, on the spindle 2 we fix a notched flange or
toothed wheel h whereto the disc c of the carrier C is secured by screws project-
ing from the flange or wheel through the disc c and fitted with winged nuts e, co
which admit of easy attachment and detachment. The number of notches or
spaces h³, h³ in the flange or wheel h* is equal to the pictures or views D―D.

page_text: In contiguity to the train h¹, we arrange a lever he fixed on a pivot or spindle h
revolubly supported in brackets h, 8 pinned to the side members hº, of the
mechanism frame. The lever he is furnished at its free end with a stop or
tooth 10 of such a size that it may readily enter and leave the notches h³, ho
On the pivot or spindle another arm is fixed, consequently, when it is
operated so is the arm . This arm 11 co-operates with a toothed wheel or cam
712 on the spindle 1 of the train ; therefore, as the wheels thereof rotate, the
wheel or cam 12 revolves too, and in so doing a tooth engages the end of the
arm and lifts same, and likewise the arm h, whose stop or tooth 10 is raised
from the notch h³ in which it is reposing, thereby releasing the train h, which
revolves the carrier C to displace a picture or view D and bring the next into
position. Simultaneously with this, the toothed wheel or cam h¹ continues its
revolution, and eventually leaves the arm ", whereupon it and the arm 76
resume their original positions by their own weight, the stop 10 entering the
notch, succeeding the one just disengaged, whereby the train his stopped
and the picture or view D opposite the stereoscope E is retained at rest for dis-
play until the arm his re-engaged by the next tooth of the wheel 412, when the
cycle of operations just described ensue again.
With the exception of the portion constituted by the parts ht, ho, h¹ and h¹²
with their associated parts, the mechanism H is of the kind well known in con-
nection with this or analogous apparatus for effecting the periodic motion
explained.
We will now describe how we effect the automatic starting and stopping of
the mechanism H, and the lighting and extinguishing of the lamp F, according
to our invention.
I is a support screwed to the platform a¹, and arranged in close proximity
to the mechanism H at the opposite side to which the carrier C is secured. On
a bearing of this support, a lever ¹ is centered so that it may freely vibrate,
the vibrations being determined by stops on the support. The lever is
of such a length that its arm adjoining the coin shoots g¹, g³ intervenes between
them, and at the extremity of the arm a triangular shaped well is fitted, which,
in one position of the lever, closes the outlet of the shoot .g, and, in the reverse
position, opens same and communicates with the inlet of the shoot g³. At the
end of the other arm of the lever i¹ a counterpoise is disposed. Fixed to the
centre of the lever, and projecting upwardly at or about right angles thereto,
is a rod fitted with a weight 6, and a wire 7 shaped to be in contact with the
fly h, when the lever is in the position shown with the well and shoot g
in direct communication, but in the reverse position to be quite clear of the fan.
The weights are so proportioned that when the lever is in one position
it will remain there until it is overbalanced to assume the other position. With
one end in proximity to the left arm of the lever i¹, and the other near the
periphery of the carrier C, we pivot a lever 28 on a standard 7 secured to the
platform a. This lever is retained in a normally horizontal, or opproximate
position by providing, for example, in its boss a gap 10 against one side of which
e projection from the boss of the standard bears. On one of the arms c¹¹
of the carrier C an arm 12 is secured in line with the left end of the lever 28.
Fixed to the centre of the lever ', and depending at or about right angles there-
from, is a rod 13 having, at its free end loops
weighted projecting rod from a weighted lever
on the support I, and furnished with prongs 18, 18 dipping into mercury
cups in the circuit of the lamp F, the wires and so forth constituting the
for co-operating with a
pivoted in a bracket 217
circuit being arranged as follows and as shown best in Figs. 2 and 3:-
The wires f, f' from a battery or main are united to the screws f³, f³ at one
end of the box A, and in connection with the screw f2 is a contact f4 close to
which is another contact . These contacts (which are both fixed on the box A)
are normally in contact with spring contacts f6, fi on the case B, from which

page_text: the wires f, fare led to the lamp F. A wire f10 is also led from the contact f
to one of the cups 2, 19, the other of which is united by a wire f" to the screw f³.
Thus when the prongs 18, 18.dip into the mercury in the cups 19, 19, the circuit
is closed and the current flows from the wire f through the screw f², contacts f*, fo
and wire f to the lamp, and returns by wire f, contacts f, fo, wire fio,
prongs 18, 18, and cups 19, 19, wire fi screw f³, and wire f¹. When the
prongs 18, 18 are lifted from the cups 19, 19, the circuit it opened, both the
opening and closing being effected as we will presently explain.
In the drawings, the apparatus is shown ready to receive a coin, and assuming
a coin is inserted through the slot G, then it falls down the shoots g, g¹ into the
well 23, thereby overbalancing the lever and tilting it into the reverse position,
whereupon the coin falls into the shoot g³, thence into the drawer a, and the
wire is withdrawn from engagement with the fly 3, thereby permitting the
actuation of the train ¹ to operate the arms h, h¹¹ to control the movement
of the train h, and the revolution of the carrier C in the direction of the arrow
(Fig. 3) as already explained. Simultaneously with the release of the
mechanism H, the right loop 4 strikes the rod 15, thereby throwing it from right
to left, and likewise the lever 216, whose prongs 18, 18 are caused to dip into
the cups 19, 19, and so close the circuit and light the lamp F.
The above condition continues until all the pictures have been displayed, and
as the last one is moving from view, the arm 22 comes in contact with the
lever 18, and lifts its left arm, thereby depressing its right arm, which strikes
the adjoining arm of the lever ¹, thereby overbalancing and returning it to its
original position, and in consequence bringing the wire ino contact with the
fan h³, and stopping the mechanism H, and at the same time withdrawing the
prongs 18, 18, and extinguishing the light. In this way, every time a coin is
inserted, and the carrier C makes one complete revolution, is the mechanism H
started and stopped and the lamp F lighted and extinguished.
Figs. 8 and 9 illustrate a modified form of the switch comprised by the
prongs 18, 18 and cups 19, 19, and it is more convenient, for it obviates the use
of a liquid conductor liable to be upset or split. According to this form, on the
left arm of the lever we fix a contact f12 to make and break contact with the
adjoining stop 2. The wire f10 from the contact f is united to the bracket i
connected to the contact fra through the lever and wire f13. The wire fil
aforesaid is united to the foot of the stop 2, the metal of the support I and lever i¹
being electrical conductors suitably insulated. Thus, when the lever is operated
as described to assume the reverse position to that illustrated, the circuit is
closed and the lamp F is lighted by the contact of the contact f12 and stop 12, but
when these parts are separated, by the return of the lever to the original position,
the lamp is extinguished.
When gas is used as the light, the rod 13 with its loops 24, 4 operates the
controlling cock on the supply pipe, the loops being arranged, as will be obvious,
in engagement with the head of the tap or plug.
When transparent pictures are to be exhibited, we arrange a light upon the
platform and near the standard another light.
If desired, a counter may be geared with the train of wheels h, as indicated
at J, for registering the number of revolutions of the carrier C, and hence the
number of coins inserted into the apparatus-in short the amount of the takings.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said in-
vention and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what
we claim is:-
1. The combination of parts constituting a complete apparatus for the coin-
freed display of stereoscopic pictures and other views, all arranged, constructed
and adapted to operate, substantially as described and shown in the accompanying
drawings.
2. In apparatus of the kind referred to, constructing the stereoscope or eve,

page_text: -
piece to form a housing for the light, substantially as described and shown in
Figs. 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.
3. In apparatus of the kind referred to, constructing the carrier for the pictures
or views of a disc having a series of radial projecting arms to which are secured
strips between which the pictures or views are fastened by cap-pieces or clamps,
substantially as described and shown in Figs. 1, 3, 4 and 5 of the accompanying
drawings.
4. In clockwork mechanism for apparatus of the kind referred to the combina-
tion of parts constituting the improved means for controlling the periodic move-
ment of the member driven thereby, substantially as described in reference to
Figs. 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the accompanying drawings.
5. In clockwork mechanism for apparatus of the kind referred to, having
driving and controlling trains of wheels, the combination with a notched flange
or toothed wheel on a spindle of the driving train, with an arm engaging and
disengaging same and fixed on a pivot or spindle with another arm co-operating
with a toothed wheel or cam on a spindle in the controlling train of wheels, all
arranged and operating, substantially as and for the purposes hereinbefore de-
scribed and shown in Figs. 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the accompanying drawings.
6. In apparatus of the kind referred to, the combination of parts constituting
the improved means for automatically permitting the operating mechanism to
start and lighting the light on the insertion of the coin, and automatically stop-
ping the mechanism and extinguishing the light when the picture or view carrier
reaches a certain point, substantially as described in reference to Figs. 3, 4, 5, 8
and 9 of the accompanying drawings.
7. In apparatus of the kind referred to, the combination of parts constituting
the improved means for automatically permitting the operating mechanism to
start on the insertion of the coin, and automatically stopping it when the picture
or view carrier reaches a predetermined point, substantially as described in
reference to Figs. 3, 4 and 5 of the accompanying drawings.
8. In apparatus of the kind referred to, the combination of parts constituting
the improved means for automatically lighting the light on the insertion of the
coin, and automatically extinguishing it when the picture or view carrier reaches
a predetermined point, substantially as described in reference to Figs. 3, 4, 5,
8 and 9 of the accompanying drawings.
9. In apparatus of the kind referred to, the combination of a lever centered
and arranged to close and open a shoot in communication with the coin slot, a part
projecting therefrom and adapted to engage and disengage the fan or flyer or
ether part of the operating mechanism, a lever centered in contiguity to the said
lever so as to be more or less horizontal, and an arm on the picture or view carrier
located to make contact with the latter lever, all arranged and operating to
permit the operating mechanism to start on the insertion of the coin, and stop
same when the carrier reaches a predetermined point, substantially as described
in reference to Fig. 3, 4 and 5 of the accompanying drawings.
10. In apparatus of the kind referred to, the combination of a lever centered
and arranged to close and open a shoot in communication with the coin slot, a
part depending therefrom and provided with loops, a pivoted lever furnished
with a rod for co-operating with the said loops and with prongs for entering and
leaving mercury cups in the lamp circuit, all arranged and operating in such
manner that when a coin is inserted the lamp is lighted and afterwards ex-
tinguished on the return of the lever controlling the coin shoot to the original
position, substantially as described in reference to Figs. 3, 4 and 5 of the accom-
panying drawings.
11. In apparatus of the kind referred to, the combination of a lever centered
and arranged to close and open a shoot in communication with the coin slot, a
support for the lever, a contact on the lever, a contact on the support, and wires
for connecting the lever and support in the lamp circuit, all arranged and opera-

page_text: ting, substantially as and for the purposes described in reference to Figs. S
and 9 of the accompanying drawings.
12. In apparatus of the kind referred to, the combination of a lever centered
and arranged to close and open a shoot in communication with the coin slot, a
part projecting therefrom and adapted to engage and disengage the fan or flyer
or other part of the operating mechanism, a lever centered in contiguity to the
said lever so as to be more or less horizontal, an arm on the picture or view carrier
located to co-act with the latter lever, a part depending from the lever controll-
ing the coin shoot and provided with loops, a pivoted lever furnished with a rod
for co-operating with said loops and with prongs for entering and leaving mercury
cups in the lamp circuit, all arranged and operating substantially as and for
the purposes specified in Figs. 3, 4 and 5 of the accompanying drawings, and
subject to the modification described in regard to Figs. 8 and 9 thereof.
Dated this 31st day of March 1900.
J. A. HARVEY,
Chartered Patent Agent, 3, St. Nicholas' Buildings, Newcastle-on-Tyne.