Improvements in Signal Lanterns or Lamps.
Year: 1888

page_text: Date of Application, 1st Nov., 1888
omplete Specification Left, 2nd Sept., 1889-Accepted, 5th Oct., 1889
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Signal Lanterns or Lamps.
We, GUSTAV EDLER VON MEDVEY, of Vienna, Hernals, Pallfygasse, No. 27,
Gentleman, and FERDINAND MATZNER, of Vienna, Wahring, Feldgasse, No. 25,
Merchant, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
Our invention relates to improvements in signal lanterns or lamps to be used for
signalling at night; and is intended to transmit the signals only to the rear, or at any
rate in only one direction at a time, the transparent face of the lantern being guarded
for the purpose of preventing a lateral dispersion of the signal-light rays.
This invention is peculiarly applicable for use as a signal lamp in the presence
of the enemy, inasmuch as from its position upon the back of a scout, and its
transmitting its rays to the rear only, the attention of the enemy in front is not likely
to be called to the presence of the scout or to the nature of his errand.
In carrying our invention into effect, we provide a lantern or lamp of a suitable
power and furnished with suitable shoulder straps, or their equivalent, adapted to
facilitate its being rapidly and easily carried.
The lantern is provided with a powerful reflector, and a suitable ring for preventing
the lateral or radial dispersion of the rays.
Between the lantern body and the ring mentioned in the last paragraph, I arrange
one opaque, and a series of, transparent slides of different colours. To each one a cord
is attached. These latter are led over pulleys and brought to the front of the scout
where they are fastened to his uniform or belt.
The various signals are given by dropping the respectively coloured slides in front
of the light. The lantern is darkened by dropping the opaque slide.
Dated this 1st day of Naramban 1000
PHILLIPS & LEIGH,
Agents for the Applicants.
Agents for the Applicants.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Signal Lanterns or Lamps.
Wo, GUSTAV EDLER VON MEDVEY, of Vienna, Hernals, Pallfygasse, No. 27,
Gentleman, and FERDINAND MATZNER, of Vienna, Wahring, Feld gasse, No. 25,
Merchant, in the Empire of Austria, 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 signal lanterns or lamps to be used for
signalling at night; and is intended to transmit the signals only to the rear, or at any
rate in only one direction at a time, the transparent face of the lantern being guarded
for the purpose of preventing a lateral dispersion of the signal-light rays.
This invention is peculiarly adapted for use as a signal lamp in the presence of
the enemy, inasmuch as from its position upon the back of a scout, and its
transmitting its rays to the rear only when so held, the attention of the enemy in
front is not likely to be called to the presence of the scout or to the nature of his
errand.
In order that our invention, and the means by which the same is to be carried into
practical effect, may be thoroughly understood, we will now proceed to describe them
in detail; referring in so doing to the accompanying drawing, which is to be taken as
part of this specification and read therewith.
Fig. 1 is a sectional elevation shewing the lantern giving no signal at all.
Fig. 2 is a plan taken on the line -x of Fig. 1.

page_text: a is the body of the lantern shown as provided with shoulder-straps k, by means of
which it can be carried upon the back.
e is a reflector the front of which is provided with a whito glass disc b in the light-
orifice.
b' is a caso fixed in front of the lantern; and is a ring fixed in front of it, for
the purpose of preventing lateral dispersion of the reflected rays of light The
said case extends above the body of the lantern, and is provided with two kinds of
slides, one fan opaque one, and any suitable number of translucent slides c, the latter
being of different colours.
Each slide is actuated independently of the others, by means of a cord c¹ passing
over a pulley at the top of the case 6. Any suitable device may be adopted for
holding the cords. They may be passed through spring clips on the breast; or,
being provided with rings h, may be fixed thereby to hooks ¹ on a waist-belt J.
When no signal is to be given, then the opaque slido fis let down in front of the
lamp. When a white light is to be shewn, then all the slides, opaque and coloured,
are drawn up; and if a coloured light is to be shewn, then the respective!slide c is
let down. We do not confine ourselves to the particular method of actuating the
slides which we have illustrated, as any other adapted to move them as required for
effecting the purpose of our invention may be adopted. The one illustrated
commends itself to our judgment on the score of its great simplicity.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what
we claim is:-
1. The combination with a lantern, of a series of differently coloured translucent
slides capable of independent motion over or away from the light-orifice, as set
forth.
2. The combination with a lantern, of a series of differently coloured translucent
slides and an opaque slide capable of independent motion, within a suitable case, over
or away from the light-orifice, as set forth.
3. The combination in a signal-lantern, of slides, and devices for actuating them
independently of each other, as set forth.
4. The combination in a portable signal-lantern, of independently movable slides,
cords for actuating them, and a series of hooks on the waist-belt to which the said
cords can be respectively attached, as set forth.
5. The combination in a signal lantern, of opaque slide, a series of translucent
slides, case for the slides to work in, and a ring on the front of the said case adapted
to prevent dispersion of the rays of light, as set forth.
Dated this 31st day of August. 1880
PHILLIPS & LEIGH,
No. 22, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, W.C., Agents for the Applicants.