Year: 1888

page_text: This Specification was, upon the 14th day of October 1891, Amended under
Sections 18 to 21 of the Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks Act, 1883.
I, BRUCE GREEN, of No. 326, High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex, Optician,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to the arrangement within a case or box of lenses or an
optometer in connection with which is arranged mechanism by means of which a
shutter or sliding plate is normally locked so as to prevent the use of the
sight testing apparatus, but which shutter can be released by the insertion of a
coin in a slot when the weight of a person is brought to bear on the foot plate of the
machine.
The said shutter or sliding plate is arranged so that when in its normal position it
will intercept the passage of light to the interior of the case or box or will intersect
the space between the eye pieces or piece and the printed matter or other object, such
as is ordinarily employed for testing the sight.
The said shutter or plate is kept in its closed position by a weight or spring and
recess therein or
is locked by means of a spring catch taking into a notch or
bearing against a projection thereon, the said weight or spring is placed in con-
nection with the foot plate of the machine by means of levers or a lever and cord
so that upon a person standing on the said foot plate the weight will be raised or
the spring compressed thereby leaving the shutter solely retained in its closed position
by the catch.
On a coin being inserted the same is guided so as to be brought into contact with
the spring catch or some connection thereof whereby the same is released from the
shutter, which is immediately, by the action of a spring or weight, caused to move
away clear of the opening for the light or of the line of sight from the lense to the
objective printing. On the person stepping off the foot plate the first mentioned
weight or spring is freed and again acts on the shutter bringing it back to its normal
or closed position, the spring catch again taking into its notch or otherwise locking
the shutter.
The case
or box has two eye holes in the front thereof which holes are, by
preference, fitted with pieces of plain glass fixed therein to protect the apparatus
against injury, and, in the case of an optometer the lenses may be fixed in the
said holos.

page_text: If double lenses be the means employed for ascertaining the strength of the sight,
I mount the desired number of them on a spindle so that they project radially
therefrom, and the front end of such spindle, which projects beyond the front of the
box or case, is fitted with a thumb piece, so that it may be revolved until the
lenses of the required strength are brought opposite the eye holes. The strength of
each pair of lenses as it arrives in position is indicated by a figure or other symbol on
the frame of the lenses, and such number is visible through an opening in the front of
the box or case.
When the same apparatus is to be employed for both concave and convex lenses, an
extra spindle and pair of eye holes are employed for the concave lenses.
If an optometer be employed for ascertaining the strength of the sight, the sliding
frame, which carries the printing, is arranged to act, when moved on the inner ends
of a series of levers, so as to raise the opposite end of that lever over which it is at
the moment situated. The said opposite ends of the levers have figures or other
symbols thereon for indicating the strength of the sight. The strength of the sight
of the person using the apparatus will be shown by the figure or symbol on the end
of that lever which remains raised when the sliding frame is brought to the desired
position.
In addition to the locking of the shutter by a spring catch, I, in some cases, also
lock the spindle of the lenses or the sliding frame of the optometer, the means for
effecting this being so arranged that they will be released by the passage of the coin
or by the movement of the shutter.
... · a
ו' ז
1
VAUGHAN & SON,
Agents for the Applicant.

page_text: I, BRUCE GREEN, of No. 326 High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex, Optician,
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 relates to the combination with sight testing apparatus of a novel
character of coin-freed or coin-operating mechanism in such manner that a person may in
exchange for a deposited coin of a given denomination or predetermined character
have access to apparatus by the aid of which he can test the strength of his sight and
ascertain the power or foens of the glasses or lenses best suited thereto.
For this purpose I provide within a box or case a number of glasses or lenses or
what is termed an "optometer" and I provent the use thereof without due payment
by means of a hinged or sliding shutter or plate which is normally held locked but
which is capable of being released by the agency of a deposited or inserted coin when
the weight or force of a person is brought to bear on the foot plate of the machine or
a handle or bar is held depressed.
The said shatter or plate is so ar: anged that, when, in its normal position, it will
intercept the passage of light to the interior of the case or box or will intercept the
direct sight of the printed matter or other object such as is ordinarily employed for
testing the sight.
The shutter or plate is normally held in its closed position by means of a weight or
spring and is there locked by a spring catch bolt or support or equivalent means
taking into a recess therein or bearing against the shutter itself or against a projection
thereon according to the arrangement thereof and the weight or spring of the shutter
is by suitable connections from the foot plate or handle or bar of the machine so
controlled that upon a person standing or exercising force upon the said foot plato
or pedal or depressing the handle or bar the weight will be thereby raised or the
spring compressed leaving the shutter solely retained in its closed position by the
spring bolt, catch or support.
The influence of the said weight or spring being now removed the shutter is
subject to the influence of a lesser weight or spring which tends to remove it from
the line of sight or from the light inlet so that upon a coin being inserted into the
case of the apparatus and guided into position it is made to act upon the spring catch
or bolt or some connection of the shutter in such a way as to release it and cause or
allow it to move away from the opening for the admission of light or from the line of
sight from the eye piece or pieces to the test object.
Upon the person stepping off or removing applied pressure from the foot plate or
pedal or upon the handle or bar being released from pressure the more powerful
weight or spring is freed and brought into action and on overcoming the weaker one
brings back the shutter to its normal or closed position where it is locked by means of
the spring catch or holt, or in an equivalent manner.
:

page_text: The case or box is provided in the front thereof with one or more eye holes
which holes are by preference fitted with a piece or pieces of plain glass or with an
eye piece or eye pieces to protect the apparatus against injury and to facilitate the
use thereof or in the ease of un-"optometer " the glasses or lenses-may be-fixed in the
said-eye-pieces+
The glasses or lenses employed for ascertaining the strength of the sight I mount
upon a disc the front end of the spindle of which projects through the front or side
of the box or case and is there provided with a milled button or is otherwise so arranged
that it may be revolved bringing the several pairs of lenses one by one into the line of
sight until one of a strength suitable to the eyesight of the person operating the
machine is brought into position.
The strength of each pair of glasses or lenses as it arrives in position for use is
indicated by a number or other symbol on the disc carrying the glasses or lenses and
such numbers or symbols are in turn made visible through an opening provided for
that purpose in the front or other part of the box or case.
Or the glasses or lenses and numbers might be mounted upon or carried by arms
radiating from the spindle or upon a frame carried thereby.
By duplicating the above arrangement of parts and employing an additional set of
eye pieces I obtain a more symmetrical and convenient instrument and in such case I
provide each part of the apparatus with glasses or lenses of different sights or powers
which may be concave on one and convex on the other or of any other desired
arrangement and they may be of any form or construction ordinarily employed for
testing the sight.
When employ an arrangement of parts known as an optometer " for ascertaining
the-strength of the sight I preferably arrange the lenses in the eye pieces and I enuse
the travelling frame which carries the objective printing to net by means of projections
or double inclines upon the inner ends of a series of levers so as to raise the opposite
end of that lever over which-n-projection is at the moment situated and such opposite
end of each lever-is-provided with or caused to net upon a number or symbol
indientive of the number of the glasses suitable to the sight of the person-using the
apparatus and bring it into view behind a suitable aperture in the ease so that the
particular number or symbol which is exposed to view when the instrument is
satisfactorily adjusted to the sight of the operator-indicates the number of the glasses
required.
In lieu of or in addition to the locking of the shutter by means of a spring catch or
bolt I find it advantageous in some cases to lock the spindle or spindles of the lenses
or the sliding frame of the optometer" such locking means being so arranged that
they will be released by the agency of the coin or the movement of the shutter.
And in order that the said invention may be more clearly understood and readily
carried into effect I will proceed aided by the accompanying drawings more full to
describe the same.
Figure 1. is a sectional rear elevation of a sight testing apparatus constructed
according to my invention and provided with a number of moveable lenses.
Figure 2. is a vertical transverse section and Figure 3. is a front elevation of part
thereof.
Figure 4. is a vertical section of part of a similar instrument of modified construction
and Figure 5. is a sectional rear elevation thereof.
Figure 6. is a sectional rear elevation of an instrument similar to that represented at
Figures 1, 2 and 3 but of more symmetrical and convenient arrangement.
Figure 7. is a vertical transverse section and Figure 8. is a front elevation of part
thereof.
Figure 9. is a sectional rear elevation of parts of an apparatus similar to that
represented at Figures 6 and 7.

page_text: Figure 10. is a front elevation of part of an apparatus in which an optometer" is
the-means-employed to test the sight.
Figure 11. is a vertical-transverse section thereof and Figure 12. is an underside
view of the moveable frame.
In the several figures of the drawings like parts are indicated by similar letters
of reference.
Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3 a. represents the case of the apparatus which is
provided with two glazed apertures in the upper part of the front thereof fitted
with eye pieces a through which the printed matter or other object h. may be
seen.
b. is a shutter or plate which may be provided with an aperture and is hinged or
loosely mounted upon a spindle at the other end and this shutter or plate b. is so
arranged that when in its normal or closed position it will intersect the line of sight
between the eye pieces al and the printed matter or other object h. such as is ordinarily
employed for testing the sight.
The shutter or plato b. is through a flexible connection passing over guide
pulleys normally held in its closed or raised position by means of a weight 61 (or it
miglit be a spring as represented at Figures 6 and 7) upon one end of a pedal lever 15
mounied upon an axis of motion 60 and the other end of which lever is provided with
a foot plate or pedal.
The shutter or plate . is normally held locked in its closed or raised position by
means of a spring catch or support c. which is fixed to and actuated by a tubular
lever or guide mounted upon a centre of motion carried by the front of the
case a. and held in its normal position by means of a spring 3. One end of this
tubular lever c is open to the slot a provided for the insertion of the coin in the front
of the case a. and the other end thereof is open to and so formed as to guide the coin
into the money box e.
Upon a person standing on or depressing the pedal 7 the weight & will be thereby
raised (or the spring compressed) leaving the shutter b. solely retained in its raised or
closed position by the spring catch or support c.
The influence of the weight or spring being now removed the shotter h. is subject
to the influence of a lesser (its own) weight or it might be a spring which tends to
remove it from the line of sight so that a coin inserted into the slot a² and guided
along the tubular lever e¹ to the money hox e. will through the lever c¹ act upon the
spring catch or support c. and remove it from beneath the shutter b. which is thereby
released and by its own gravity or it might by the influence of a spring immediately
moves away from the line of sight from the eye pieces a' to the objective printing, thus
giving access to the apparatus.
The coin having now passed from the tubular lever into the money box e. the
spring will act to return the lever el and catch or support c. to their normal position
until the catch or support c. is arrested by the side of the shutter or plate b. and upon
the person stepping off the pedal b' the more powerful weight (or spring) will be
freed and overcoming the weaker one (the weight of the shutter b.) will bring back
the shutter b. to its normal or closed position allowing the catch or support c. to take
up its normal position beneath the shutter b. and thereby locking it until another coin
is inserted into the slot a².
In lieu of the pedal I may if desired employ a handle bar to act upon the lever 15
as shown by the dotted lines in Figures 2 and 7.
The lenses d. employed for ascertaining the strength of the sight are carried by a
disc which is fixed upon a spindle d one end of which passes through and is
supported by the front of the case a. and the other end of which is supported
with capability of revolution in a bearing carried by a bracket f. from the
case a.
The lenses d. are mounted in apertures formed in the disc d'in such
number of pairs of lenses d. are arranged radially around the spindle
end of such spindle which projects through the case a. is provided
manner that a
and the front
with a milled

page_text: button (or it might be with an arrangement similar to that represented at Figures 6
and 7.) so that the dise may be revolved bringing the several pairs of lenses one by
one into alignment with the eye pieces a' until one of a strength suitable to the
eyesight of the person operating the instrument is brought into position.
are
The strength of each lens d. as it arrives in position for use is indicated by a
corresponding number, or it might be any other symbol, and such numbers
arranged in a circle upon the disc d' so that each number is in turn brought into
position to be visible through an aperture a³ in the front of the case a.
Or the lenses d. and numbers might be mounted upon or carried by arms radiating
from the spindle d² or upon a frame carried thereby.
In lieu of or in addition to locking the shutter as hereinbefore described I
sometimes lock the disc d' or spindle d² as an additional security against fraud.
For this purpose according to the arrangement shown at Figure 1. I provide the
dise dat its periphery with a ring of teeth and acting in connection with such ring
I employ a tooth or projection carried by a bar or lever g. which is at one end
hinged at to the case a. and at the other end pin jointed at g³ to one end of a link
or connecting rod the other end of which is pin-jointed to the shutter b. so that the
movements thereof are imparted to the lever g. and tooth or projection thus
locking the disc d' and spin lle against revolution when the shutter b. is raised or
closed.
The objective printing or other test is arranged upon a screen . which is carried
with capability of adjustment upon a bar in order that the distance thereof from
the lenses may be regulated to a given standard.
The necessary light to the instrument is admitted through a glass panel i. provided
at the upper part or sides of the case a.
In the modification represented at Figures 4 and 5 in lieu of causing the shutter b.
to intersect the line of sight I cause it to cover the glass panel i. and thus intercept
the passage of light to the interior of the instrument.
In this arrangement the shutter b. slides in guides or grooves a upon the inside of
the case a. and is normally held closed by the weight or spring through the flexible
connection which passes around guide pulleys and is locked in its closed position
by means of a rod c. which is pin-jointed to the lever eat one end and passes through
a guide at the other end where it is acted upon by a spring 3 to normally hold it
and the lever e raised when the inclined or toothed end of the rod c. will snap over a
ratchet tooth 68 upon the underside of the shutter b. thus securely locking it against
movement until the pedal or handle bar is again depressed and the lever e' is acted
upon by a coin inserted in the slot a³ when the tooth of the rod c. will be withdrawn
from the ratchet tooth and the shutter will be opened by the action of the spring lo
or it might be by the action of a weight.
The arrangement represented at Figures 6, 7 and 8 is very similar to that shown
and described with respect to Figures 1, 2 and 3 but in this case in order to secure a
more symmetrical appearance to the instrument two discs are employed each
carrying a single circle of lenses d. the corresponding ones of which are brought
together in pairs behind the eyepieces a' which are situated in the centre of the case a.
In this arrangement in lieu of giving motion to the spindle by means of milled
buttons fixed upon the spindle d² outside the case, right and left handed worm
wheels are fixed upon the spindles within the case a. and receive motion from
corresponding worms d formed upon a transverse shaft 8 carried at each end thereof
by the case a. and furnished at one end with a milled wheel or button 3 by means of
which the discs d may be caused to revolve in unison.
In order to lock this cross shaft and the discs d' against revolution until the re-
quired conditions have been fulfilled a notched or toothed wheel d' is fixed upon the
cross shaft and a tail * of the shutter b. is caused to engage therewith when the
shutter is in its raised or closed position.
The pedal lever (or the hand bar lover) together with the shutter b. and connected
parts are retained in their normal position by means of a spring & or it might be a

page_text: weight as shown with respect to Figures 1 and 2 except when otherwise acted upon
as herein before described.
In the modification represented at Figure 9 the discs d' are each provided with two
circles of lenses d. covered by a double shutter b. the lenses of one disc may be con-
cave and those of the other convex and the front of the case a. (not shown) must in
this example be provided with a corresponding double set of eye pieces a¹ otherwise
the arrangement of parts is similar to that shown with respect to Figures 6, 7 and 8.
When employing an "of tometer " for testing the strength of the sight an arrange-
ment of parts such as-that represented at figures-19, 11 and 12 is the preferred form.
In this case the lenses-d--are mounted in the front of the case-a: or in-the-e pirees
a' and the screen / non-which is arranged the-objective-printing is carried by
frame--which is mounted-with-en; ability-of-endway-movement-upon-a-bar-'-fixed
to the-front-and-back of the ease a. and this frame is provided upon its upper-side
with-a-testhed-rack-/³ into which takes a toothed-wheel d'-fixed-upon-a-transverse
shaft--which-at-ench-end is-mounted with capability of revolution-in the ease-a-und
at one end is provided with a milled wheel or button-d³--By these means the trans-
verse shaft may be revolved and through its toothed-wheel-d-traverse the frame-/2
upon its supporting bar /'-thereby causing the-screen-/- to-approach to or recede from
the lenses d. until the-required focus is obtained.
In order to give the required indiention of the number of the glass suitable for the
person using the instrument a series of short double inclines or cams are arranged
one slightly in advance of the other and diagonally upon the underside of the frame
h²-and-so-speed that each will have a distinct-relation to a-particular grade of glass of
lens or strength of sight and in the traverse of such-frame-these inclines are caused
ench in-turn-to-net-upon the nose or projection;'-upon-the-inner-ends-of-the-corres-
pending one of n-series of levers-j. each of which is mounted upon a centre-of-motion
72 and has pin jointed-to-its-onter end the lower-end-of-a-vertical rod--the upper
end of which carries a dise' upon the face of which is a number indicative of the
number or-strength of the glasses required.
In the traverse of the frame-/²-whilst the instrument is being adjusted to the sight
of the user those of the inclines or cams / which pass-over-the-corresponding noses or
projections- of the levers-j. will by depressing the inner ends of such levers ruise-the
outer ends thereof and thus bring the numbered dises successively into view behind
a long aperture a³ in the front of the ease a: so that the particular number which is
exposed to view when the instrument is satisfactorily adjusted-or-focussed to the sight
of-the-operator-indientes the number of the glasses-required:
A fereen k. extending from end to end of the aperture a³ prevents the interior of
the instrument being seen therethrough.
The passage of light through the glass panel is to the interior of the instrument is
intercepted by means similar to those described with respect to Figures 1 and 6 but in
this arrangement-the-upper end of the rod c. does not directly engage-the ratchet
tooth upon the underside of the shutter b. but the upper-end-of such-rod-c. is pin-
jointed to one arm of a bell crank lever-c-mounted-upon n-centre-of-motion-upon-the
eide of the ease-a and the other arm of this lever-c³ is provided-with-a-tooth-co-which
engages the tooth-6" of the shutter br
Or in lieu of excluding the light from the instrument with slight modifications a
hinged shutter similar to that described with respect to some of the previous
Figures might be employed to-close-the-ere aperture-a¹-
In order to lock-the-transverse-shaft-and-consequently the frame-/ngainst
unauthorized-movement a toothed or notched-wheel-d-is-fixed-upon the transverse
chaft d-and-to net in connection with such-toothed-or-notched wheel employ a tooth
or projection-genrried by one end of a bar or lever y. which is mounted upon a-centre
of motion upon the ease a. and at the other end is in-jointed at ³ to the lower
end of a rod which passes through a guide y" and the upper part o
of which is formed
with-an-incline- which in the opening of the shutter /. is neted upon by an
incline 61° thereon and thus depresses the inner end of the lever-g. raising the tooth-g'

page_text: usen the outer end thereof out of engagement with the notched or toothed wheel-d
and so retaining it until the shutter is again returned to its normal or closed
position.
The teeth or projection-g' of the lever g. is normally held in engagement with the
tooth or notched wheel by means of n-spring--acting to ruise the inner end of
sneh lever and consequently to depress the outer end thereof.
I would here remark that I have herein shown and described the best means that I
am at present acquainted with for carrying my invention into effect but I would have
it understood that I do not confine myself thereto as it will be evident that the details
and arrangements thereof may be considerably varied without departing from the
peculiar character of my invention.
It will be-evident-that-when-desired, the sight testing apparatus hereinbefore
mentioned having the lenses mounted in rotary-dises or arms, can be advantageously
employed independently of the coin-freed-or esin-operating mechanism.
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 :-
1. A sight-testing apparatus constructed and arranged in manner substantially as
herein shown and described and for the purpose-stated.
1. A sight testing apparatus provided with coin-freed or coin-operating mechanism
for controlling the use thereof in manner substantially as herein shown and
described.
2. A sight testing apparatus provided with coin freed or coin operating mechanism
for controlling a shutter and thus preventing the use of the instrument until certain
conditions have been fulfilled in manner substantially as herein shown and described.
4.3. A sight testing apparatus consisting of a case a. provided with eye apertures a
a light inlet i. one of which is normally closed by means of a shutter b. so weighted
or sprung as to automatically open, when freed and connected by a suitable con-
nection with a lever weighted or sprung in such manner as normally to hold
the shutter bin is closed position but capable of being held out of action by the
foot or hand leaving the shutter b. solely retained by coin freed or coin operating
mechanism in manner substantially as herein shown and described.
54. A coin freed or coin-operating sight testing apparatus consisting of a case a.
provided with eye apertures a and a light inlet . one of which is normally closed by
means of a shutter b. so weighted or sprung as to automatically open when freed and
connected by a suitable connection with a lever 66 weighted or sprung in such
manner as normally to hold the shutter b. in its closed position, but capable of being
held out of action by the foot or hand leaving the shutter 6. solely retained by a
spring catch or support c. connected to and operated by a lever or guide along
which the coin passes to the money box all in manner substantially as herein shown
and described.
6. A sight testing apparatus consisting of n-ense-a-provided with eye-apertures-a
and-a-dise-or-dises-d'-or-arms-or-their equivalent-provided--with lenses d. and
numbers--and fixed upon a spindle-or-spindles-d-empable of receiving rotary
motion to bring the lenses d. and numbers-d'-respectively into alignment with the
sight apertures a¹ and number aperture-a³, respectively all in manner substantially as
herein shown and described.
7. A coini freed or coin-operated sight-testing-apparatus of the character herein-
before deserbed provided with lenses fixed in-the-eye--apertures a¹-n screen h
currying the objective printing and fixed upon-a-frame--enable-of adjustment-in
relation to the lenses d. such frame being furnished with a number of projections or
inclines-a-number of levers-j. eapable of being neted-upon by the inclines /*-and
provided with rods or supports /³ carrying numbers or indientors which are, in
turn brought into view behind a long aperture a³ in the ease-a--all in manner
substantially as herein chown and described.

page_text: 5. A coin-freed or coin-operating sight testing apparatus of the character herein-
before described provided with a disc or discs d' or arms or their equivalent capable
of revolution and each provided with lenses d. and one or both provided with
numbers d' indicative of the power of the lenses carried thereby and fixed upon a
spindle or spindles & capable of receiving rotary motion to bring the lenses d. and
numbers d respectively into alignment with the sight apertures a¹ and number
aperture a respectively all in manner and for the purposes substantially as herein
shown and described.
9. 6. A coin-freed or coin-operating sight testing apparatus of the character herein-
before described provided with device for automatically locking the adjusting or
foeussing means when the instrument is not in use, in manner substantially as herein
shown and described.
DI
0011
T
1000
VAUGHAN & SON,
Agents for the Applicant.

page_text: I, BRUCE GREEN, of No. 326, High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex, Optician,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to the arrangement within a case or box of lenses or an
optometer in connection with which is arranged mechanism by means of which a
shutter or sliding plate is normally locked so as to prevent the use of the
sight testing apparatus, but which shutter can be released by the insertion of a
coin in a slot when the weight of a person is brought to bear on the foot plate of the
machine.
The said shutter or sliding plate is arranged so that when in its normal position it
will intercept the passage of light to the interior of the case or box or will intersect
the space between the eye pieces or piece and the printed matter or other object, such
as is ordinarily employed for testing the sight.
The said shutter or plato is kept in its closed position by a weight or spring and
is locked by means of a spring catch taking into a notch or recess therein or
bearing against a projection thereon, the said weight or spring is placed in con-
nection with the foot plate of the machine by means of levers or a lever and cord
so that upon a person standing on the said foot plate the weight will be raised or
the spring compressed thereby leaving the shutter solely retained in its closed position
by the catch.
On a coin being inserted the same is guided so as to be brought into contact with
the spring catch or some connection thereof whereby the same is released from the
shutter, which is immediately, by the action of a spring or weight, caused to move
away clear of the opening for the light or of the line of sight from the lense to the
objective printing. On the person stepping off the foot plate the first mentioned
weight or spring is freed and again acts on the shutter bringing it back to its normal
or closed position, the spring catch again taking into its notch or otherwise locking
the shutter.
The case or box has two eye holes in the front thereof which holes are, by
preference, fitted with pieces of plain glass fixed therein to protect the apparatus
against injury, and, in the case of an optometer the lenses may be fixed in the
said holes.

page_text: If double lenses be the means employed for ascertaining the strength of the sight,
I mount the desired number of thein on a spindle so that they project radially
therefrom, and the front end of such spindle, which projects beyond the front of the
box or case, is fitted with a thumb piece, so that it may be revolved until the
lenses of the required strength are brought opposite the eye holes. The strength of
each pair of lenses as it arrives in position is indicated by a figure or other symbol on
the frame of the lenses, and such number is visible through an opening in the front of
the box or case.
When the same apparatus is to be employed for both concave and convex lenses, an
extra spindle and pair of eye holes are employed for the concave lenses.
If an optomoter be employed for ascertaining the strength of the sight, the sliding
frame, which carries the printing, is arranged to act, when moved on the inner ends
of a series of levers, so as to raise the opposite end of that lever over which it is at
the moment situated. The said opposite ends of the levers have figures or other
symbols thereon for indicating the strength of the sight. The strength of the sight
of the person using the apparatus will be shown by the figure or symbol on the end
of that lever which remains raised when the sliding frame is brought to the desired
position.
In addition to the locking of the shutter by a spring catch, I, in some cases, also
lock the spindle of the lenses or the sliding frame of the optometer, the means for
effecting this being so arranged that they will be released by the passage of tho coin
or by the movement of the shutter.

page_text: I, BRUCE GREEN, of No. 326, High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex, Optician,
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 relates to the combination with sight testing apparatus of a novel
character of coin-freed or coin-operating mechanism in such manner that a person may in
exchange for a deposited coin of a given denomination or predetermined character
have access to apparatus by the aid of which he can test the strength of his sight and
ascertain the power or focus of the glasses or lenses best suited thereto.
For this purpose I provide within a box or case a number of glasses or lenses or
what is termed an "
optometer" and I prevent the use thereof without due payment
by means of a hinged or sliding shutter or plate which is normally held locked but
which is capable of being released by the agency of a deposited or inserted coin when
the weight or force of a person is brought to bear on the foot plate of the machine or
a handle or bar is held depressed.
The said shutter or plate is so arranged that, when, in its normal position, it will
intercept the passage of light to the interior of the case or box or will intercept the
direct sight of the printed matter or other object such as is ordinarily employed for
testing the sight.
The shutter or plate is normally held in its closed position by means of a weight or
spring and is there locked by a spring catch bolt or support or equivalent means
taking into a recess therein or bearing against the shutter itself or against a projection
thereon according to the arrangement thereof and the weight or spring of the shutter
is by suitable connections from the foot plate or handle or bar of the machine so
controlled that upon a person standing or exercising force upon the said foot plate
or pedal or depressing the handle or bar the weight will be thereby raised or the
spring compressed leaving the shutter solely retained in its closed position by the
spring bolt, catch or support.
The influence of the said weight or spring being now removed the shutter is
subject to the influence of a lesser weight or spring which tends to remove it from
the line of sight or from the light inlet so that upon a coin being inserted into the
case of the apparatus and guided into position it is made to act upon the spring catch
or bolt or some connection of the shutter in such a way as to release it and cause or
allow it to move away from the opening for the admission of light or from the line of
sight from the eye piece or pieces to the test object.
Upon the person stepping off or removing applied pressure from the foot plate or
pedal or upon the handle or bar being released from pressure the more powerful
weight or spring is freed and brought into action and on overcoming the weaker one
brings back the shutter to its normal or closed position where it is locked by means of
the spring catch or bolt, or in an equivalent manner.

page_text: The case
or box is provided in the front thereof with one or more eye holes
which holes are by preference fitted with a piece or pieces of plain glass or with an
eye piece or eye pieces to protect the apparatus against injury and to facilitate the
use thereof or in the case of an "optometer" the glasses or lenses may be fixed in the
said eye pieces.
The glasses or lenses employed for ascertaining the strength of the sight I mount
upon a disc the front end of the spindle of which projects through the front or side
of the box or case and is there provided with a milled button or is otherwise so arranged
that it may be revolved bringing the several pairs of lenses one by one into the line of
sight until one of a strength suitable to the eyesight of the person operating the
machine is brought into position..
The strength of each pair of glasses or lenses as it arrives in position for use is
indicated by a number or other symbol on the disc carrying the glasses or lenses and
such numbers or symbols are in turn made visible through an opening provided for
that purpose in the front or other part of the box or case.
Or the glasses or lenses and numbers might be mounted upon or carried by arms
radiating from the spindle or upon a frame carried thereby.
"
optometer
By duplicating the above arrangement of parts and employing an additional set of
eye pieces I obtain a more symmetrical and convenient instrument and in such case I
provide each part of the apparatus with glasses or lenses of different sights or powers
which may be concave on one and convey on the other or of any other desired
arrangement and they may be of any form or construction ordinarily employed for
testing the sight.
When I employ an arrangement of parts known as an
"for ascertaining
the strength of the sight I preferably arrange the lenses in the eye pieces and I cause
the travelling frame which carries the objective printing to act by means of projections
or double inclines upon the inner ends of a series of levers so as to raise the opposite
end of that lever over which a projection is at the moment situated and such opposite
end of each lover is provided with or caused to act upon a number or symbol
indicative of the number of the glasses suitable to the sight of the person using the
apparatus and bring it into view behind a suitable aperture in the case so that the
particular number or symbol which is exposed to view when the instrument is
satisfactorily adjusted to the sight of the operator indicates the number of the glasses
required.
In lieu of or in addition to the locking of the shutter by means of a spring catch or
bolt I find it advantageous in some cases to lock the spindle or spindles of the lenses
or the sliding frame of the "optometer" such locking means being so arranged that
they will be released by the agency of the coin or the movement of the shutter.
And in order that the said invention may be more clearly understood and readily
carried into effect I will proceed aided by the accompanying drawings more full to
describe the same.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Figure 1. is a sectional rear elevation of a sight testing apparatus constructed
pressling to ww invention and provided with a number of moveable lenses.
Figure 1. is a sectional rear elevation of a sight testing apparatus constructed
secending to my invention and provided with a number of moveable lauses
Figure 2. is a vertical transverse section and Figure 3. is a front elevation of part
thereof.
Figure 4. is a vertical section of part of a similar instrument of modified construction
and Figure 5. is a sectional rear elevation thereof.
Figure 6. is a sectional rear elevation of an instrument similar to that represented at
Figures 1, 2 and 3 but of more symmetrical and convenient arrangement.
Figure 7. is a vertical transverse section and Figure 8. is a front elevation of part
thereof.
Figure 9. is a sectional rear elevation of parts of an apparatus similar to that
represented at Figures 6 and 7.

page_text: Figure 10. is a front elevation of part of an apparatus in which an optometer 15
the means employed to test the sight.
Figure 11. is a vertical transverse section thereof and Figure 12. is an underside
view of the moveable frame.
In the several figures of the darwings like parts are indicated by similar letters
of reference.
Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3 a. represents the case of the apparatus which is
provided with two glazed apertures in the upper part of the front thereof fitted
with eye pieces a through which the printed matter or other object h. may be
seen.
b. is a shutter or plate which may be provided with an aperture and is hinged or
loosely mounted upon a spindle at the other end and this shutter or plate b. is so
arranged that when in its normal or closed position it will intersect the line of sight
between the eye pieces a' and the printed matter or other object h. such as is ordinarily
employed for testing the sight.
The shutter or plate 6. is through a flexible connection 62 passing over guide
pulleys normally held in its closed or raised position by means of a weight (or it
might be a spring as represented at Figures 6 and 7) upon one end of a pedal lever 65
mounted upon an axis of motion 6° and the other end of which lever is provided with
a foot plate or pedal 67.
The shutter or plate b. is normally held locked in its closed or raised position by
means of a spring catch or support c. which is fixed to and actuated by a tubular
lever or guide mounted upon a centre of motion carried by the front of the
case a. and held in its normal position by means of a spring c³. One end of this
tubular lever c¹ is open to the slot a² provided for the insertion of the coin in the front
of the case a. and the other end thereof is open to and so formed as to guide the coin
into the money box e.
Upon a person standing on or depressing the pedal & the weight will be thereby
raised (or the spring compressed) leaving the shutter b. solely retained in its raised or
closed position by the spring catch or support c.
The influence of the weight or spring bf being now removed the shutter b. is subject
to the influence of a lesser (its own) weight or it might be a spring which tends to
remove it from the line of sight so that a coin inserted into the slot a² and guided
along the tubular lever c¹ to the money box. e. will through the lever c' act upon the
spring catch or support c. and remove it from beneath the shutter b. which is thereby
released and by its own gravity or it might by the influence of a spring immediately
moves away from the line of sight from the eye pieces a' to the objective printing, thus
giving access to the apparatus.
The coin having now passed from the tubular lever c¹ into the money box e. the
spring c will act to return the lever c¹ and catch or support c. to their normal position
until the catch or support c. is arrested by the side of the shutter or plate b. and upon
the person stepping off the pedal & the more powerful weight (or spring) * will be
freed and overcoming the weaker one (the weight of the shutter b.) will bring back
the shutter b. to its normal or closed position allowing the catch or support c. to take
up its normal position beneath the shutter b. and thereby locking it until another coin
is inserted into the slot a².
In lieu of the pedal 71 may if desired employ a handle bar to act upon the lever
as shown by the dotted lines in Figures 2 and 7.
The lenses d. employed for ascertaining the strength of the sight are carried by a
disc which is fixed upon a spindle one end of which passes through and is
supported by the front of the case a. and the other end of which is supported
with capability of revolution in a bearing carried by a bracket f. from the
case a.
The lenses d. are mounted in apertures formed in the disc d in such
number of pairs of lenses d. are arranged radially around the spindle
end of such spindle which projects through the case a. is provided
manner that a
and the front
with a milled

page_text: button d³ (or it might be with an arrangement similar to that represented at Figures 6
and 7.) so that the dise may be revolved bringing the several pairs of lenses one by
one into alignment with the eye pieces a¹ until one of a strength suitable to the
eyesight of the person operating the instrument is brought into position.
are
The strength of each lens d. as it arrives in position for use is indicated by a
corresponding number, or it might be any other symbol, and such numbers
arranged in a circle upon the disc d' so that each number is in turn brought into
position to be visible through an aperture a³ in the front of the case a.
Or the lenses d. and numbers might be mounted upon or carried by arms radiating
from the spindle d or upon a frame carried thereby.
In lieu of or in addition to locking the shutter as hereinbefore described I
sometimes lock the disc d¹ or spindle d² as an additional security against frand.
For this purpose according to the arrangement shown at Figure 1. I provide the
disc d' at its periphery with a ring of teeth and acting in connection with such ring
I employ a tooth or projection g₁ carried by a bar or lever g. which is at one end
hinged at g² to the case a. and at the other end pin jointed at gå to one end of a link
or connecting rod g' the other end of which is pin-jointed to the shutter b. so that the
movements thereof are imparted to the lever . and tooth or projection 'thus
locking the disc d' and spindle d² against revolution when the shutter b. is raised or
closed.
The objective printing or other test is arranged upon a screen h. which is carried
with capability of adjustment upon a bar in order that the distance thereof from
the lenses may be regulated to a given standard.
The necessary light to the instrument is admitted through a glass panel i. provided
at the upper part or sides of the case a.
In the modification represented at Figures 4 and 5 in lieu of causing the shutter b.
to intersect the line of sight I cause it to cover the glass panel i. and thus intercept
the passage of light to the interior of the instrument.
In this arrangement the shutter b. slides in guides or grooves a upon the inside of
the case a. and is normally held closed by the weight or spring through the flexible
connection which passes around guide pulleys 3 and is locked in its closed position
by means of a rod c. which is pin-jointed to the lever c¹ at one end and passes through
a guide at the other end where it is acted upon by a spring 3 to normally hold it
and the lever c' raised when the inclined or toothed end of the rod c. will snap over a
ratchet tooth 68 upon the underside of the shutter b. thus securely locking it against
movement until the pedal or handle bar is again depressed and the lever c is acted
upon by a coin inserted in the slot a when the tooth of the rod c. will be withdrawn
from the ratchet tooth 3 and the shutter will be opened by the action of the spring b
or it might be by the action of a weight.
The arrangement represented at Figures 6, 7 and 8 is very similar to that shown
and described with respect to Figures 1, 2 and 3 but in this case in order to secure a
more symmetrical appearance to the instrument two discs are employed each
carrying a single circle of lenses d. the corresponding ones of which are brought
together in pairs behind the eyepieces a' which are situated in the centre of the case a.
In this arrangement in lieu of giving motion to the spindle 2 by means of milled
buttons fixed upon the spindle 2 outside the case, right and left handed worm
wheels d are fixed upon the spindles within the case a. and receive motion from
corresponding worms formed upon a transverse shaft d carried at each end thereof
by the case a. and furnished at one end with a milled wheel or button d³ by means of
which the discs d' may be caused to revolve in unison.
In order to lock this cross shaft d and the discs d' against revolution until the re-
quired conditions have been fulfilled a notched or toothed wheel is fixed upon the
cross shaft and a tail of the shutter b. is caused to engage therewith when the
shutter is in its raised or closed position.
The pedal lever (or the hand bar lever) 5 together with the shutter b. and connected
parts are retained in their normal position by means of a spring or it might be a

page_text: weight as shown with respect to Figures 1 and 2 except when otherwise acted upon
as liereinbefore described.
4:
In the modification represented at Figure 9 the discs d' are each provided with two
circles of lenses d. covered by a double shutter b. the lenses of one disc may be con-
cave and those of the other convex and the front of the case a. (not shown) must in
this example be provided with a corresponding double set of eye pieces a¹ otherwise
the arrangement of parts is similar to that shown with respect to Figures 6, 7 and 8.
When employing an optometer" for testing the strength of the sight an arrange-
ment of parts such as that represented at figures 10, 11 and 12 is the preferred form.
In this case the lenses d. are mounted in the front of the case a. or in the eye pieces
a and the screen . upon which is arranged the objective printing is carried by a
frame which is mounted with capability of end way movement upon a bar fixed
to the front and back of the case a. and this frame is provided upon its upper side
with a toothed rack ³ into which takes a toothed wheel & fixed upon a transverso
shaft which at each end is mounted with capability of revolution in the case a. and
at one end is provided with a milled wheel or button d³. By these means the trans-
verse shaft may be revolved and through its toothed wheel traverse the frame h
upon its supporting bar thereby causing the screen h. to approach to or recede from
the lenses d. until the required focus is obtained.
In order to give the required indication of the number of the glass suitable for the
person using the instrument a series of short double inclines or cams are arranged
one slightly in advance of the other and diagonally upon the underside of the frame
2 and so spaced that each will have a distinct relation to a particular grade of glass or
lens or strength of sight and in the traverse of such frame these inclines are caused
each in turn to act upon the nose or projection upon the inner ends of the corres-
ponding one of a series of levers j. each of which is mounted upon a centre of motion
and has pin jointed to its outer end the lower end of a vertical rod j³ the upper
end of which carries a disc upon the face of which is a number indicative of the
number or strength of the glasses required.
In the traverse of the frame whilst the instrument is being adjusted to the sight
of the user those of the inclines or cams which pass over the corresponding noses or
projections of the levers j. will by depressing the inner ends of such levers raise the
outer ends thereof and thus bring the numbered discs successively into view behind
a long aperture a³ in the front of the case a. so that the particular number which is
exposed to view when the instrument is satisfactorily adjusted or focussed to the sight
of the operator indicates the number of the glasses required.
A screen. extending from end to end of the aperture a³ prevents the interior of
the instrument being seen therethrough.
The passage of light through the glass panel i. to the interior of the instrument is
intercepted by means similar to those described with respect to Figures 4 and 5 but in
this arrangement the upper end of the rod c. does not directly engage the ratchet
tooth upon the underside of the shutter b. but the upper end of such rod c. is pin-
jointed to one arm of a bell crank lever es mounted upon a centre of motion upon the
side of the case a and the other arm of this lever c is provided with a tooth c which
engages the tooth of the shutter b.
Or in lieu of excluding the light from the instrument with slight modifications a
hinged shutter similar to that described with respect to some of the previous
Figures might be employed to close the eye aperture a¹.
In order to lock the transverse shaft and consequently the frame h. against
unauthorized movement a toothed or notched wheel dis fixed upon the transverse
shaft and to act in connection with such toothed or notched wheel I employ a tooth
or projection carried by one end of a bar or lever g. which is mounted upon a centre
of motion g upon the case a. and at the other end is pin-jointed at g³ to the lower
end of a rod of which passes through a guide g and the upper part of which is formed
with an incline 9 which in the opening of the shutter b. is acted upon by an
incline & thereon and thus depresses the inner end of the lever g. raising the tooth g¹

page_text: upon the outer end thereof out of engagement with the notched or toothed wheel d
and so retaining it until the shutter is again returned to its normal or closed
position.
The tooth or projection of the lever g. is normally held in engagement with the
tooth or notched wheel by means of a spring acting to raise the inner end of
such lever and consequently to depress the outer end thereof.
I would here remark that I have herein shown and described the best means that I
am at present acquainted with for carrying my invention into effect but I would have
it understood that I do not confine myself thereto as it will be evident that the details
and arrangements thereof may be considerably varied without departing from the
peculiar character of my invention.
It will be evident that, when desired, the sight testing apparatus hereinbefore
mentioned having the lenses mounted in rotary discs or arms, can be advantageously
employed independently of the coin-freed or coin-operating mechanism.
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 :-
1. A sight testing apparatus constructed and arranged in manner substantially as
herein shown and described and for the purpose stated.
2. A sight testing apparatus provided with coin-freed or coin-operating mechanism
for controlling the use thereof in manner substantially as herein shown and
described.
3. A sight testing apparatus provided with coin freed or coin operating mechanism
for controlling a shutter and thus preventing the use of the instrument until certain
conditions have been fulfilled in manner substantially as herein shown and described.
4. A sight testing apparatus consisting of a case a. provided with eye apertures a¹
a light inlet i. one of which is normally closed by means of a shutter b. so weighted
or sprung as to automatically open when freed and connected by a suitable con-
nection with a lever & weighted or sprung in such manner as normally to hold
the shutter b. in its closed position but capable of being held out of action by the
foot or hand leaving the shutter b. solely retained by coin freed or coin operating
mechanism in manner substantially as herein shown and described.
5. A coin freed or coin-operating sight testing apparatus consisting of a case a.
provided with eye apertures a¹ and a light inlet i. one of which is normally closed by
ineans of a shutter b. so weighted or sprung as to automatically open when freed and
connected by a suitable connection with a lever weighted or sprung in such
manner as normally to hold the shutter b. in its closed position, but capable of being
held out of action by the foot or hand leaving the shutter b. solely retained by a
spring catch or support e. connected to and operated by a lever or guide c¹ along
which the coin passes to the money box all in manner substantially as herein shown
and described.
6. A sight testing apparatus consisting of a case a. provided with eye apertures a
and a disc or discs d¹ or arms or their equivalent provided with lenses d. and
numbers and fixed upon a spindle or spindles d capable of receiving rotary
motion to bring the lenses d. and numbers respectively into alignment with the
sight apertures a and number aperture a³, respectively all in manner substantially as
herein shown and described.
7. A coin-freed or coin-operated sight testing apparatus of the character herein-
before described provided with lenses d. fixed in the eye apertures a¹ a screen .
carrying the objective printing and fixed upon a frame capable of adjustment in
relation to the lenses d. such frame being furnished with a number of projections or
inclines a number of levers j. capable of being acted upon by the inclines and
provided with rods or supports 3 carrying numbers or indicators which are, in
turn brought into view behind a long aperture a³ in the case a. all in manner
substantially as herein shown and described.

page_text: 8. A coin-freed or coin-operating sight testing apparatus of the character herein-
before described provided with a disc or discs d or arms or their equivalent capable
of revolution and each provided with lenses d. and one or both provided with
numbers d indicative of the power of the lenses carried thereby and fixed upon a
spindle or spindles & capable of receiving rotary motion to bring the lenses d. and
numbers d respectively into alignment with the sight apertures a' and number
aperture a³ respectively all in manner and for the purposes substantially as herein
shown and described.
9. A coin-freed or coin-operating sight testing apparatus of the character herein-
before described provided with device for automatically locking the adjusting or
focussing means when the instrument is not in use, in manner substantially as herein
shown and described.
VAUGHAN & SON,
Agents for the Applicant.