New or Improved Coin-freed Apparatus for Exhibiting Optical Illusions, and for other purposes.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 20th Mar., 1890
Complete Specification Left, 22nd Dec., 1890-Accepted, 7th Mar., 1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
New or Improved Coin-freed Apparatus for Exhibiting Optical
Illusions, and for other purposes.
I, EDMUND EDWARDS, of 35, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, in the
County of Middlesex, Consulting Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention to be as follows:-
My invention relates to apparatus consisting of a box or chamber into which an
observer looks, and beholds an optical illusion after a previously determined coin,
such as a penny, has been first inserted into an opening made for the purpose.
The illusion which I use is of the kind in which one or more spectral figures are
made to appear in front of a suitably prepared background, by means of a reflection
from a sheet of transparent glass arranged across the box or chamber, the spectral
illusion appearing when natural or artificial light is turned upon it, and disappearing
when the light is withdrawn and it ceases to be illuminated, the observer then
only seeing the background through the transparent sheet of glass which itself
remains invisible.
The character of the illusion produced may be varied as desired; but supposing
that the background in the box is designed to represent a cave in which a skeleton
is to appear as a spectre, I arrange the figure of a skeleton of proper size in a
nearly horizontal position below the opening or eyepiece through which the
observer looks, and in front of the inclined sheet of transparent glass which is
arranged across the box at a suitable distance from the eyepiece, towards which its
upper horizontal edge inclines.
The background and sides of the box representing a cave are sufficiently well
lighted by openings at the sides or top, such openings being arranged so as not to
allow any light to fall upon the skeleton figure, and the figure itself is lighted when
necessary by light reflected upon it by one or more mirrors through an opening
above it or at the side, in front of the transparent glass. In order to make the
spectral figure appear and disappear, I arrange a shutter by which the opening last
described can be opened or closed so as either to illuminate the skeleton or to shut
off the light from it; and 1 arrange this shutter (in the manner hereinafter
described) so that in its normal position it is closed and cannot be opened until a
penny or other determined coin has been introduced into an opening provided to
receive it. For this purpose provide a handle outside the box or case, upon
pushing which the shutter is gradually opened and the light from the mirror
allowed to fall upon the skeleton, whilst when the handle is withdrawn, the shutter
is closed and the light cut off' and the image of the skeleton disappears. I arrange
a catch so that in its normal position the handle is held so that it cannot be pushed
in, but when a penny is introduced as described its weight releases the catch and
the handle can then be pushed in as described.
I prefer to arrange also a shutter which closes the eye-piece, and to connect this
shutter to a lever actuated by the weight of the penny, so that the shutter also
remains closed until the penny has been introduced.
A projection or lever is formed upon, or connected, to the handle so that when
the latter has been pushed in sufliciently far the weight of the penny is removed
from the catches, and when the handle is brought back by a spring to or near its
original position it cannot be again pushed in until another penny has been first
introduced. A series of small ratchet teeth may be formed upon a bar connected
with the handle inside the box, a pawl engaging with these teeth when the weight of
the penny is removed, so that the handle can move out but cannot be pushed in
until the pawl is removed by the penny as described.
The arrangement described may be varied more or less.

page_text: For instance, the weight of the penny may be made to make electric contact and
complete the circuit from a suitable battery, actuating an electro magnet by which
the shutter or shutters are opened and allowed to remain open for a sufficiently long
time and are then closed, the time during which they remain open being determined
by a fan or other equivalent retarding device also set in motion by the action of the
electro magnet.
Or the weight of the penny may itself be made to open the shutter and to set in
motion such fan or other device by which they are kept open for a sufficiently long
time.
The skeleton or other figure may be made moveable, one arm carrying a dart,
for instance, being capable of rising and falling, and being raised by a lever and
connecting wire, operated by the handle when it has been pushed nearly to the end
of its inward stroke.
The character of the background and scene in the box or chamber, and of the
spectral figure which is made to appear, may he varied as may be desired, and two
or more figures--fixed or moveable-may be made to appear."
Instead of the light upon the figure being admitted and cut off by a shutter a
reflecting mirror may be made to turn upon centres as required, for the same purpose.
The spectral figure may point to a legend, number, or device upon a wheel
which is set in revolution when the penny is introduced, so as to act as a so called
fortune telling apparatus.
Dated this 20th day of March 1900
EDWARDS & Co.,
35, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, London,
Agents for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
New or Improved Coin-freed Apparatus for Exhibiting Optical
Illusions, and for other purposes.
I, EDMUND EDWARDS, of 35, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, in the
County of Middlesex, Consulting Engineer, 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 and accompanying
drawings, that is to say :-
My invention relates to apparatus consisting of a box or chamber having 'an
opening into which an observer looks, and beholds an optical illusion after a
previously determined coin, such as a penny, has been first inserted into an opening,
made for the purpose.
The illusion which I use is of the kind in which one or more spectral figures or
objects are made to appear in front of a suitably prepared background, by means of
a reflection from a sheet of transparent glass arranged across the box or chamber,
the spectral illusion only appearing when natural or artificial light is thrown upon
the figure, and disappearing when the light is withdrawn and it ceases to be
illuminated, the observer only then seeing the background through the transparent
sheet of glass which is not itself seen.
The character of the illusion produced may be varied as desired, but supposing
that the background in the box is designed to represent a cave in which a skeleton
is to appear as a spectre, I arrange the figure of a skeleton of proper size in an
inclined position below the opening or eye piece through which the observer looks,
and in front of the inclined sheet of transparent glass which is arranged across the
box at a suitable distance from the eye piece and at such an inclination as to cause
the figure to appear in the desired position.
The background and sides of the box, representing a cave, are sufficiently well
lighted by openings at the sides or top, such openings being arranged so as not to
allow any light to fall upon the skeleton figure, which figure is only lighted when
necessary by direct light or light reflected upon it by one or more mirrors through

page_text: an opening above it, or at the side, in front of the transparent glass. In order to
make the spectral figure appear and disappear I arrange a shutter by which the
opening last described can be opened or closed so as either to illuminate the
skeleton or to shut off the light from it, and arrange this shutter so that in
its normal position it is closed and cannot be opened until a penny or other
determined coin has been first introduced into an opening provided to receive it.
The action of the apparatus may either be made automatic, the weight of the
coin either actuating the device by which the shutter is opened and closed, or
serving to release clockwork or other mechanism by which such opening and
closing are effected; or the introduction of the coin serves to release a detent
by which a handle is held, projecting outside the box, and such handle can then be
pushed in or drawn out and by its movement operates the opening and closing of
the shutter as desired.
The accompanying drawings are in illustration of my invention.
Figure 1 is a longitudinal vertical section through the apparatus, in which the
opening and closing of the shutter are effected automatically by the weight of the
coin, means being added of retarding the movement of the shutter so that it may
remain open for a sufficient time.
Figure 2 is a horizontal section, Figure 3 a front view, and Figure 4 a vertical
section, shewing the retarding apparatus.
Figure 5 is a longitudinal vertical section through a similar apparatus worked by
a handle instead of automatically, and
Figure 6 is a similar vertical section through apparatus worked by clockwork
which is released by the weight of the introduced coin.
Figures 7. 8, 9, and 10, shew the arrangement of reflecting mirrors which I prefer
to use and of the devices for holding and adjusting them.
In Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, a is the box or chamber, and an opening or eye piece
through which the observer looks. e is a transparent sheet of glass inclined in the
proper position, and d is a background of any suitable kind which is seen through
the glass r.
The object, such as a skeleton, is placed inside the box a at X, and is
invisible until sufficiently illuminated, when its reflection is seen from the surface
of the glass e, the figure then appearing to be at X. The space above the glass e
is closed by the partition e which has an opening through it at the sides of the
opening being provided above with the inclined partitions g,, against which a
light shutter turning upon centres at closes so as to prevent light from above
illuminating the figure X, but allowing the latter to be lighted when the shutter is
opened, as shewn in dotted lines at An opening at is provided at the top of
the box through which the light enters and is directed through the opening upon
the figure, and is a fixed mirror which aids in directing the light in the way
required. The background at d is also sufficiently illuminated through the
opening and the part of the top of the box may also be made of glass or other
sufliciently transparent material.
7 is a partition by which a part of the box is divided from the remainder for a
sufficient height. The axis of the shutter passes through this partition and
turns in a bearing m attached to the latter. The axis carries a disc n provided
with a balance weight o by which the shutter is balanced, and the disc carries a
crank pin upon which the light connecting rod or wire r fits, and connects it to
the arm of a lever which turns freely upon a centre carried by the partition.
The lever is provided at its outer extremity with a coin tray or receptacle, into
which a coin introduced through a slit in the front of the box, falls, and by its
weight causes the lever to descend, thereby opening the shutter until the lever
reaches the position shewn in dotted lines at & in Figure 4, the coin then falling off,
when the lever returns to its original position by a weight at its other end..
make this weight in the form of a piston or plunger fitting in a cylinder y and hung
to the end of the lever t. The cylinder y is filled with a suitable liquid such as oil,
glycerine, or a mixture of glycerine and water, and the piston is perforated with
I

page_text: one or more small holes, or has a space left round its periphery so that it can only
move up and down in the cylinder at a slow speed, such speed being regulated by
the size of the space through which the liquid has to pass, or by the viscidity of
the latter. I prefer to arrange an adjustable balance weight upon the lever t or t
by which its movement can be more accurately adjusted. is a curved plate by
which the coin is prevented from falling off the lever too soon.
I preferably close the side of the box by a door A. provided with a lock, so that
ready access can be had to the gear described, and the coins which fall in the
bottom of the box can be removed. I also preferably make the front of the box B
open upon hinges, so that the figure X can be conveniently arranged and fixed
against it, its inside, being preferably covered by a material such as black velvet
from which light is not readily reflected. The part of the back of the box behind
the reflection X¹ is also preferably similarly covered, and the remainder of the
interior of the box may be blackened. The arrangement of the details of the
actuating and retarding apparatus described and shewn, may be varied more or less.
In Figure 5, C is a handle projecting through the front of the box and provided
with a knob at D. The inner end of this handle is guided through a guide E and
is provided with a helical or other spring F by which the handle is forced outwards.
A number of ratchet teeth are shewn upon the handle at G, and H is a weighted
pawl or detent turning upon a centre I by which the handle is prevented from being
pushed in. Connected to the detent His a lever K, provided with a tray or
receptacle L into which a coin introduced through the slit M falls, and by its weight
lifts the detent out of gear with the ratchet teeth, as shewn in dotted lines, and
allows the handle C to be pushed in. The inner end of the handle is connected by
rods and links to the crank pin upon the axis of the shutter h, so that when the
handle is pushed in the shutter is opened and the reflected image is seen upon the
glass as already described, and when the handle is released it is forced out by
the spring, and the shutter being closed the image disappears. A wire or other
frame N is attached to the handle C and carries a projection by which the coin
is removed from the tray when the handle is pushed in sufficiently far, and allows
it to fall to the bottom of the box, the detent H then descending and again engaging
with the ratchet teeth and preventing the handle from being again pushed in, after
it has been forced out by the spring, until another coin has been inserted in the slit.
In Figure 6 the shutter is shewn actuated by clockwork at P which is driven
by a spring wound up in the usual way, and sets in revolution a disc Q, provided
with a crank pin R which is connected to the crank pin of the shutter so that the
latter opens and closes whilst the disc Q is making one revolution.
A tooth S or projection is formed upon the disc Q and is held by a detent T
upon a lever U turning upon a centre V and provided with a coin tray or
receptacle W, into which the coin introduced through the slit M falls, raising the
detent T and allowing the disc Q to make one revolution, the coin falling from the
tray so that the detent returns to its position and stops the dise when the revolution
is completed.
A fly of the usual kind, or other equivalent device, causes the clockwork to move
at the required speed, so as to allow the shutter to open and close in the time
desired.
It is evident that the arrangement of clockwork described may be varied more
or less, and instead of clockwork one or more electro-magnets may be used which
are caused to actuate the shutter in the ordinary well known way, the electrical
circuit by which they are set in operation being completed by the introduction of the
coin into the slit. For instance, when the weight of the coin depresses the lever
described and shewn, the latter may complete an electric circuit through an electro-
magnet, the armature of which being attracted opens the shutter and allows the
spectral figure to become visible until after the coin has fallen off, and the lever
returned to its original position the circuit is broken the armature being then
released, and the shutter closed so that the figure disappears.

page_text: In the different arrangements described the opening in the top of the box is
preferably closed by a cover I the sides and top of which are formed of ground, or
preferably fluted, glass, which allows sufficient light to pass through without being
transparent to sight.
Inside this translucent cover I arrange one or more mirrors by which light may
be thrown upon the figure through the opening. I prefer to make these mirrors
adjustable so that they can be fixed exactly in the right position as shewn in
Figure 7. For this purpose the edge of the mirror may be inserted into a
slit 2 in a piece of wood or other material 3, shewn on a larger scale in Figures 9
and 10.
This piece has a pin 4 formed at its end which fits freely into a corresponding
hole in a clip 5, Figures 8 and 10, which is cut through at one side so that the
screw 6 which holds it in its place tightens it upon the pin 4 and at the same time
holds the clip firmly in its position. Any other form of support may however be
used. Where the apparatus is to be used both by day and night, I prefer to use
two mirrors so adjusted that one reflects the daylight, and the other gas or other
artificial light.
The character of the background and of the spectral figure may be varied as
may be desired, and two or more figures may be made to appear and disappear, and
their arms or limbs may be made to move by connections with the moveable part of
the apparatus.
Instead of the light upon the figure being admitted and cut off by a shutter, a
reflecting mirror may be made to turn upon centres as required for the same purpose.
Or if gas, electricity, or other artificial light, is used such light may be raised or
lowered as required by the apparatus described, instead of or as well as the latter
operating a shutter.
The spectral figure may point to a legend, number, or device upon a wheel which
is set in revolution when the coin is introduced, so as to act as a so called fortune
telling apparatus, the wheel having different devices or numbers round its circum-
ference, and coming to rest before the spectral figure becomes fully visible, so that
the atter points to a device which happens to stop opposite to it.
Instead of the spectral figure being made to appear and then disappear, it may
be visible in its normal position, the shutter being opened, and the latter is
made to close and then re-open so that the figure disappears and then reappears.
Instead of a light figure upon a dark background, a dark figure may be made to
appear upon a light background.
A shutter operated by the mechanism described may be arranged to close the
eye-piece until a coin has been inserted as described, when it is opened and kept
open until the spectral figure has appeared and disappeared in the manner herein
described; and a similar shutter or stop may be arranged by which the slit for the
insertion of the coin is kept closed and is only open when the actuating apparatus
described is at rest in its normal position, and until by the insertion of a coin it has
commenced its movement, the shutter then closing and remaining closed until the
apparatus has nearly returned to its normal position of rest.
A phonograph may be arranged in or in connection with the box, actuated
by clockwork and set in motion by the release of a detent moved by the weight
of the coin, so that the spectral figure may appear to utter any words or sounds.
I do not confine myself to the precise form of arrangement of the apparatus
described and shewn which may be varied more or less as may be found advisable,
but
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and the manner in which the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. The combination of apparatus in which the appearance and disappearance of

page_text: disappearance only take place after a predetermined coin has been inserted into an
opening provided for it.
2. The combination with the apparatus by which the appearance and disappearance
of a spectral illusion are effected, consisting of a chamber having a transverse
sheet of transparent glass, a suitable figure, and a shutter by which light is admitted
to and cut off from the figure, of a lever, coin receptacle, arms actuating the
shutter, and cylinder containing a weight immersed in fluid and connected to
the lever, all substantially as and for the purpose described and illustrated in
Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4.
3. The combination with the apparatus by which the appearance and dis-
appearance of a spectral illusion are effected consisting of a chamber having a
transverse sheet of transparent glass, a suitable figure, and a shutter by which
light is admitted to and cut off from the figure, of the handle C, actuating the
shutter, the spring F, ratchet teeth G, weighted detent H, lever K, coin
receptacle L, and projection O, all substantially as described and illustrated in
Figure 5.
4. The combination with the apparatus by which the appearance and dis-
appearance of a spectral illusion are effected consisting of a transverse sheet of
transparent glass, a suitable figure, and a shutter by which light is admitted to and
cut off from the figure, of the clockwork P actuating a disc Q and having a
projection S, the balanced lever U, coin receptacle W, detent T, and crank
pin R, actuating the shutter h, all substantially as described and illustrated in
Figure 6.
5. In combination with the apparatus by which the appearance and dis-
appearance of a spectral illusion are effected after a predetermined coin has been
inserted into an opening provided for it, the fastening for holding the light-reflecting
mirrors in any position, consisting of a piece 3 having a slit at 2 and a pin 4, and
a split clip 5 having a hole fitting the pin 4, all substantially as described and
illustrated in Figures 7, 8, 9, and 10.
Dated this 20th day of December 1890.
EDWARDS & Co.,
35, Southampton Buildings, London, Agents for the Applicant.

page_text: Date of Application, 20th Mar., 1890
Complete Specification Left, 22nd Dec., 1890-Accepted, 7th Mar., 1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
New or Improved Coin-freed Apparatus for Exhibiting Optical
Illusions, and for other purposes.
I, EDMUND EDWARDS, of 35, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, in the
County of Middlesex, Consulting Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention to be as follows:-
My invention relates to apparatus consisting of a box or chamber into which an
observer looks, and beholds an optical illusion after a previously determined coin,
such as a penny, has been first inserted into an opening made for the purpose.
The illusion which I use is of the kind in which one or more spectral figures are
made to appear in front of a suitably prepared background, by means of a reflection
from a sheet of transparent glass arranged across the box or chamber, the spectral
illusion appearing when natural or artificial light is turned upon it, and disappearing
when the light is withdrawn and it ceases to be illuminated, the observer then
only seeing the background through the transparent sheet of glass which itself
remains invisible.
The character of the illusion produced may be varied as desired; but supposing
that the background in the box is designed to represent a cave in which a skeleton
is to appear as a spectre, I arrange the figure of a skeleton of proper size in a
nearly horizontal position below the opening or eyepiece through which the
observer looks, and in front of the inclined sheet of transparent glass which is
arranged across the box at a suitable distance from the eyepiece, towards which its
upper horizontal edge inclines.
The background and sides of the box representing a cave are sufficiently well
lighted by openings at the sides or top, such openings being arranged so as not to
allow any light to fall upon the skeleton figure, and the figure itself is lighted when
necessary by light reflected upon it by one or more mirrors through an opening
above it or at the side, in front of the transparent glass. In order to make the
spectral figure appear and disappear, I arrange a shutter by which the opening last
described can be opened or closed so as either to illuminate the skeleton or to shut
off the light from it; and I arrange this shutter (in the manner hereinafter
described) so that in its normal position it is closed and cannot be opened until a
penny or other determined coin has been introduced into an opening provided to
receive it. For this purpose I provide a handle outside the box or case, upon
pushing which the shutter is gradually opened and the light from the mirror
allowed to fall upon the skeleton, whilst when the handle is withdrawn, the shutter
is closed and the light cut off and the image of the skeleton disappears. I arrange
a catch so that in its normal position the handle is held so that it cannot be pushed
in, but when a penny is introduced as described its weight releases the catch and
the handle can then be pushed in as described.
I prefer to arrange also a shutter which closes the eye-piece, and to connect this
shutter to a lever actuated by the weight of the penny, so that the shutter also
remains closed until the penny has been introduced.
A projection or lever is formed upon, or connected, to the handle so that when
the latter has been pushed in sufficiently far the weight of the penny is removed
from the catches, and when the handle is brought back by a spring to or near its
original position it cannot be again pushed in until another penny has been first
introduced. A series of small ratchet teeth may be formed upon a bar connected
with the handle inside the box, a pawl engaging with these teeth when the weight of
the penny is removed, so that the handle can move out but cannot be pushed in
until the pawl is removed by the penny as described.
The arrangement described may be varied more or less.

page_text: For instance, the weight of the penny may be made to make electric contact and
complete the circuit from a suitable battery, actuating an electro magnet by which
the shutter or shutters are opened and allowed to remain open for a sufficiently long
time and are then closed, the time during which they remain open being determined
by a fan or other equivalent retarding device also set in motion by the action of the
electro magnet.
Or the weight of the penny may itself be made to open the shutter and to set in
motion such fan or other device by which they are kept open for a sufficiently long
time.
The skeleton or other figure may be made moveable, one arm carrying a dart,
for instance, being capable of rising and falling, and being raised by a lever and
connecting wire, operated by the handle when it has been pushed nearly to the end
of its inward stroke. _
The character of the background and scene-in-the-box or chamber, and of the
spectral figure which is made to appear, may be varied as may be desired, and two
or more figures-fixed or moveable-may be made to appear.
Instead of the light upon the figure being admitted and cut off by a shutter a
reflecting mirror may be made to turn upon centres as required, for the same purpose,
The spectral figure may point to a legend, number, or device upon a wheel
which is set in revolution when the penny is introduced, so as to act as a so called
fortune telling apparatus.
EDWARDS & Co.,
35, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, London,
Agents for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
New or Improved Coin-freed Apparatus for Exhibiting Optical
Illusions, and for other purposes.
I, EDMUND EDWARDS, of 35, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, in the
County of Middlesex, Consulting Engineer, 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 and accompanying
drawings, that is to say :-
My invention relates to apparatus consisting of a box or chamber having an
opening into which an observer looks, and beholds an optical illusion after a
previously determined coin, such as a penny, has been first inserted into an opening
made for the purpose.
The illusion which I use is of the kind in which one or more spectral figures or
objects are made to appear in front of a suitably prepared background, by means of
a reflection from a sheet of transparent glass arranged across the box or chamber,
the spectral illusion only appearing when natural or artificial light is thrown upon
the figure, and disappearing when the light is withdrawn and it ceases to be
illuminated, the observer only then seeing the background through the transparent
sheet of glass which is not itself seen.
The character of the illusion produced may be varied as desired, but supposing
that the background in the box is designed to represent a cave in which a skeleton
is to appear as a spectre, I arrange the figure of a skeleton of proper size in an
inclined position below the opening or eye piece through which the observer looks,
and in front of the inclined sheet of transparent glass which is arranged across the
box at a suitable distance from the eye piece and at such an inclination as to cause
the figure to appear in the desired position.
The background and sides of the box, representing a cave, are sufficiently well
lighted by openings at the sides or top, such openings being arranged so as not to
allow any light to fall upon the skeleton figure, which figure is only lighted when
necessary by direct light or light reflected upon it by one or more mirrors through

page_text: an opening above it, or at the side, in front of the transparent glass. In order to
make the spectral figure appear and disappear I arrange a shutter by which the
opening last described can be opened or closed so as either to illuminate the
skeleton or to shut off the light from it, and I arrange this shutter so that in
its normal position it is closed and cannot be opened until a penny or other
determined coin has been first introduced into an opening provided to receive it.
The action of the apparatus may either be made automatic, the weight of the
coin either actuating the device by which the shutter is opened and closed, or
serving to release clockwork or other mechanism by which such opening and
closing are effected; or the introduction of the coin serves to release a detent
by which a handle is held, projecting outside the box, and such handle can then be
pushed in or drawn out and by its movement operates the opening and closing of
the shutter as desired.
The accompanying drawings are in illustration of my invention.
Figure 1 is a longitudinal vertical section through the apparatus, in which the
opening and closing of the shutter are effected automatically by the weight of the
coin, means being added of retarding the movement of the shutter so that it may
remain open for a sufficient time.
Figure 2 is a horizontal section, Figure 3 a front view, and Figure 4 a vertical
section, shewing the retarding apparatus.
Figure 5 is a longitudinal vertical section through a similar apparatus worked by
a handle instead of automatically, and
Figure 6 is a similar vertical section through apparatus worked by clockwork
which is released by the weight of the introduced coin.
Figures 7. 8, 9, and 10, shew the arrangement of reflecting mirrors which I prefer
to use and of the devices for holding and adjusting them.
In Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, a is the box or chamber, and 6 an opening or eye piece
through which the observer looks. c is a transparent sheet of glass inclined in the
proper position, and d is a background of any suitable kind which is seen through
the glass.
The object, such as a skeleton, is placed inside the box a at X, and is
invisible until sufficiently illuminated, when its reflection is seen from the surface
of the glass c, the figure then appearing to be at X'. The space above the glass c
is closed by the partition e which has an opening through it at f, the sides of the
opening being provided above with the inclined partitions 7, 9, against which a
light shutter turning upon centres at closes so as to prevent light from above
illuminating the figure X, but allowing the latter to be lighted when the shutter is
opened, as shewn in dotted lines at An opening at is provided at the top of
the box through which the light enters and is directed through the opening upon
the figure, and is a fixed mirror which aids in directing the light in the way
required. The background at d is also sufficiently illuminated through the
opening, and the part of the top of the box may also be made of glass or other
sufficiently transparent material.
7 is a partition by which a part of the box is divided from the remainder for a
sufficient height. The axis of the shutter passes through this partition and
turns in a bearing m attached to the latter. The axis carries a disc n provided
with a balance weight o by which the shutter is balanced, and the disc carries a
crank pin pupon which the light connecting rod or wire r fits, and connects it to
the arm of a lever which turns freely upon a centre u carried by the partition.
The lever t is provided at its outer extremity with a coin tray or receptacle r, into
which a coin introduced through a slit w in the front of the box, falls, and by its
weight causes the levert to descend, thereby opening the shutter until the lever
reaches the position shewn in dotted lines at t' in Figure 4, the coin then falling off,
when the lever returns to its original position by a weight at its other end.
make this weight in the form of a piston or plunger fitting in a cylinder y and hung
to the end of the lever t. The cylinder y is filled with a suitable liquid such as oil,
glycerine, or a mixture of glycerine and water, and the piston is perforated with
I

page_text: one or more small holes, or has a space left round its periphery so that it can only
move up and down in the cylinder at a slow speed, such speed being regulated by
the size of the space through which the liquid has to pass, or by the viscidity of
the latter. I prefer to arrange an adjustable balance weight upon the levert or t¹
by which its movement can be more accurately adjusted. is a curved plate by
which the coin is prevented from falling off the lever too soon.
I preferably close the side of the box by a door A provided with a lock, so that
ready access can be had to the gear described, and the coins which fall in the
bottom of the box can be removed. I also preferably make the front of the box B
open upon hinges, so that the figure X can be conveniently arranged and fixed
against it, its inside being preferably-covered-by-a-material-such as black velvet
from which light is not readily reflected. The part of the back of the box behind
the reflection X¹ is also preferably similarly covered, and the remainder of the
interior of the box may be blackened. The arrangement of the details of the
actuating and retarding apparatus described and shewn, may be varied more or less.
In Figure 5, C is a handle projecting through the front of the box and provided
with a knob at D. The inner end of this handle is guided-through-a-guide-E-and-
is provided with a helical or other spring F by which the handle is forced outwards.
A number of ratchet teeth are shewn upon the handle at G, and H is a weighted
pawl or detent turning upon a centre I by which the handle is prevented from being
pushed in. Connected to the detent H is a lever K, provided with a tray or
receptacle L into which a coin introduced through the slit M falls, and by its weight
lifts the detent out of gear with the ratchet teeth, as shewn in dotted lines, and
allows the handle C to be pushed in. The inner end of the handle is connected by
rods and links to the crank pin upon the axis of the shutter h, so that when the
handle is pushed in the shutter is opened and the reflected image is seen upon the
glass as already described, and when the handle is released it is forced out by
the spring, and the shutter being closed the image disappears. A wire or other
frame N is attached to the handle C and carries a
is removed from the tray when the handle is pushed in sufficiently far, and allows
projection by which the coin
it to fall to the bottom of the box, the detent H then descending and again engaging
with the ratchet teeth and preventing the handle from being again pushed in, after
it has been forced out by the spring, until another coin has been inserted in the slit.
In Figure 6 the shutter is shewn actuated by clockwork at P which is driven
by a spring wound up in the usual way, and sets in revolution a disc Q, provided
with a crank pin R which is connected to the crank pin of the shutter / so that the
latter opens and closes whilst the disc Q is making one revolution.
A tooth S or projection is formed upon the disc Q and is held by a detent T
upon a lever U turning upon a centre V and provided with a coin tray or
receptacle W, into which the coin introduced through the slit M falls, raising the
detent T and allowing the disc Q to make one revolution, the coin falling from the
tray so that the detent returns to its position and stops the disc when the revolution
is completed.
A fly of the usual kind, or other equivalent device, causes the clockwork to move
at the required speed, so as to allow the shutter to open and close in the time
desired.
It is evident that the arrangement of clockwork described may be varied more
or less, and instead of clockwork one or more electro-magnets may be used which
are caused to actuate the shutter in the ordinary well known way, the electrical
circuit by which they are set in operation being completed by the introduction of the
coin into the slit. For instance, when the weight of the coin depresses the lever
described and shewn, the latter may complete an electric circuit through an electro-
magnet, the armature of which being attracted opens the shutter and allows the
spectral figure to become visible until after the coin has fallen off, and the lever
returned to its original position the circuit is broken the armature being then
released, and the shutter closed so that the figure disappears.

page_text: In the different arrangements described the opening in the top of the box is
preferably closed by a cover 1 the sides and top of which are formed of ground, or
preferably fluted, glass, which allows sufficient light to pass through without being
transparent to sight.
Inside this translucent cover I arrange one or more mirrors by which light may
be thrown upon the figure through the opening. I prefer to make these mirrors
adjustable so that they can be fixed exactly in the right position as shewn in
Figure 7. For this purpose the edge of the mirror may be inserted into a
slit 2 in a piece of wood or other material 3, shewn on a larger scale in Figures 9
and 10.
This piece has a pin 4 formed at its end which fits freely into a corresponding
hole in a clip 5, Figures 8 and 10, which is cut through at one side so that the
screw 6 which holds it in its place tightens it upon the pin 4 and at the same time
holds the clip firmly in its position. Any other form of support may however be
used. Where the apparatus is to be used both by day and night, I prefer to use
two mirrors so adjusted that one reflects the daylight, and the other gas or other
artificial light.
The character of the background and of the spectral figure may be varied as
may be desired, and two or more figures may be made to appear and disappear, and
their arms or limbs may be made to move by connections with the moveable part of
the apparatus.
Instead of the light upon the figure being admitted and cut off by a shutter, a
reflecting mirror may be made to turn upon centres as required for the same purpose.
Or if gas, electricity, or other artificial light, is used such light may be raised or
lowered as required by the apparatus described, instead of or as well as the latter
operating a shutter.
The spectral figure may point to a legend, number, or device upon a wheel which
is set in revolution when the coin is introduced, so as to act as a so called fortune
telling apparatus, the wheel having different devices or numbers round its circum-
ference, and coming to rest before the spectral figure becomes fully visible, so that
the atter points to a device which happens to stop opposite to it.
Instead of the spectral figure being made to appear and then disappear, it may
be visible in its normal position, the shutter being opened, and the latter is
made to close and then re-open so that the figure disappears and then reappears.
Instead of a light figure upon a dark background, a dark figure may be made to
appear upon a light background.
A shutter operated by the mechanism described may be arranged to close the
eye-piece until a coin has been inserted as described, when it is opened and kept
open until the spectral figure has appeared and disappeared in the manner herein
described; and a similar shutter or stop may be arranged by which the slit for the
insertion of the coin is kept closed and is only open when the actuating apparatus
described is at rest in its normal position, and until by the insertion of a coin it has
commenced its movement, the shutter then closing and remaining closed until the
apparatus has nearly returned to its normal position of rest.
A phonograph may be arranged in or in connection with the box, actuated
by clockwork and set in motion by the release of a detent moved by the weight
of the coin, so that the spectral figure may appear to utter any words or sounds.
I do not confine myself to the precise form of arrangement of the apparatus
described and shewn which may be varied more or less as may be found advisable,
out
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
ion, and the manner in which the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
laim is :-
1. The combination of apparatus in which the appearance and disappearance of
spectral illusion
L
T

page_text: disappearance only take place after a predetermined coin has been inserted into an
opening provided for it.
2. The combination with the apparatus by which the appearance and disappearance
of a spectral illusion are effected, consisting of a chamber having a transverse
sheet of transparent glass, a suitable figure, and a shutter by which light is admitted
to and cut off from the figure, of a lever t, coin receptacle r, arm s actuating the
shutter h, and cylinder y containing a weight immersed in fluid and connected to
the lever t, all substantially as and for the purpose described and illustrated in
Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4.
3. The combination with the apparatus by which the appearance_and_dis-
appearance of a spectral illusion are effected consisting of a chamber having a
transverse sheet of transparent glass, a suitable figure, and a shutter by which
light is admitted to and cut off from the figure, of the handle C, actuating the
shutter, the spring F, ratchet teeth G, weighted detent H, lever K, coin
receptacle L, and projection O, all substantially as described and illustrated in
Figure 5.
4. The combination with the apparatus by which the appearance and dis-
appearance of a spectral illusion are effected consisting of a transverse sheet of
transparent glass, a suitable figure, and a shutter by which light is admitted to and
cut off from the figure, of the clockwork P actuating a disc Q and having a
projection S, the balanced lever U, coin receptacle W, detent T, and crank
pin R, actuating the shutter h, all substantially as described and illustrated in
Figure 6.
5. In combination with the apparatus by which the appearance and dis-
appearance of a spectral illusion are effected after a predetermined coin has been
inserted into an opening provided for it, the fastening for holding the light-reflecting
mirrors in any position, consisting of a piece 3 having a slit at 2 and a pin 4, and
a split clip 5 having a hole fitting the pin 4, all substantially as described and
illustrated in Figures 7, 8, 9, and 10.
Dated this 20th day of December 1890.
EDWARDS & Co.,
35, Southampton Buildings, London, Agents for the Applicant.