An Improvement Connected with Clock-dials.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 16th Sept., 1889-Accepted, 16th Nov., 1889
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
An Improvement Connected with Clock-dials.
I, SILAS HATCH HARDING Junior of Newcastle, Rockingham, County, State of
New Hampshire, United States of America, Captain of Life Saving Station, 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:-
My invention consists in the representation upon the face of a clock-dial of the
danger signals and the explanation thereof, in use by the United States Signal
Service and in the International Code of Signals.
The accompanying drawing shows a plan view of a dial embodying my invention.
A is the centre of the dial which is of the ordinary circular form, and upon which
appears Ronan numerals from I to XII in the usual manner.
The dial is extended beyond said numerals and the portion B around the central
portion A, of the dial is divided into equal sections by radial lines.
""
In the space below the numeral VI is imprinted the words "These signals are
used by the U. S. life saving crew.' If in danger look out for some one of these
signals" in explanation of the uses of the symbols in said dial.
In each of the spaces formed by the lines x around the central dial A is imprinted
either a radial line or circumferential line z, representing flag staffs on which are
shown two signal flags m.
These flags are respectively designated at one side of the staffs by reference letters
as HLS M M W etc. and are designed to be represented on the dial in the colours
employed in the codes above referred to.
An explanation of the signal displayed by the combination of flags on each staff, is
printed in each space, as for example, the signal in the section opposite the numeral 1
is interpreted "you are standing in danger."
My improved clock-dial is designed to enable mariners and sailors on board ships
to readily understand and interpret signals displayed on shore by the Life Saving
Service of the various nations.
I do not confine myself to representing the signals in the exact positions described
on the dial; nor to printing the explanations of the signal thereon, as this may be
omitted if desired.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is :-
First A clock-dial extended beyond the numerals and divided into spaces imprinted
with symbols indicating mariner's danger signals substantially as described.
Second A clock-dial of the class described having the representation of flags
imprinted on its face and arranged in groups indicating mariners danger signals
substantially as described.
Third A clock-dial having a portion of its face divided into spaces in which are
imprinted flags grouped to indicate mariners danger signals and words in explanation
thereof substantially as described.
Fourth In a clock dial the central dial A and outer portion B, divided by lines a,
the flags m in said spaces and words explaining the signals indicated thereby
substantially as described.