Improvements relating to Optical Lanterns.
Year: 1894

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements relating to Optical Lanterns.
I, HERBERT CHARLES NEWTON, Scientific Instrument Maker, of 3 Fleet Street,
London, E.C., 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:-
The object of this invention is to provide simple and efficient means for centreing
the jet used with the lime light, or other radiant, in optical lanterns.
The jet is usually supported on a pillar or stem situated near the back of the
tray, and many plans have been suggested for adjusting the jet.
In carrying out this invention, I mount the pillar or stem on a rocking base,
which I attach to the tray of the lantern, the rocking of the base longitudinally of
the lantern being effected by a screw on the end of a rod (which projects beyond
the back of the lantern, and is provided with a milled head) working in an internally
threaded ball or lump pivotted to the base.
The pillar or stem is also arranged so that it can be rotated on its axis by means
of a worm, or other gearing, connected with a second rod provided with a milled
head, and extending outside the lantern.
By these means, the jet which is clamped on the pillar may be tipped forward or
upward, and moved to the right or left, as desired, and the adjustment may be
effected with the greatest nicety.
In the accompanying drawing,
Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the adjusting apparatus ;
Fig. 2 is a plan view; and
Fig. 3 is a rear view, partly in section.
Fig. 4 is an underside view of the rocking base; and
Figs. 5 a plan & end view of the threaded ball or lump.
A is the ordinary tray; B are the gas tubes. C is the burner, and D represents
the lump of lime or other material. The parts B, C, and D constitute the jet.
The adjusting apparatus consists of a trough E, in the ends of which are formed
the bearings for the pivot pins or axles F of the block G, which constitutes the
rocking base.
This block G is formed, centrally of its top side, with a boss G³, and on its
underside with a forked piece G².
Through the boss G₁, passes loosely the pillar or stem H, on which the jet is
mounted. Secured to the boss G¹ are lugs G³, which support a worm on the end
of a rod I, the said worm gearing with a worm wheel H' keyed on the pillar or
stem H. The rod I is provided with a milled head, by which it may be rotated to
axially move the pillar or stem.
The prongs of the forked piece G' are slightly hollowed on their inner faces, to
receive an internally-threaded ball or rounded lump J, which, in effect, forms a
universal joint.
K is a rod having a milled head at one end, and a threaded portion at the other
end. This rod passes through a hole in one side of the trough E; thence
through the threaded ball or lump J, and out at another hole on the other side
of the trough, outside which it is retained in position by a cross pin, as will be seen
from Figs. 1 and 2.
The jet is secured to a sleeve L made to fit the pillar or stem H, and on which it
is fixed at any desired height by the clamping screw L.
By turning the rod K, the block G will be rocked on its pivots, which will throw
the pillar forwards or backwards as the case
max he as indicated be the broken

page_text: lines, and the jet will be raised or lowered into the positions indicated by broken
lines, both in Fig. 1. By turning the rod 1, the pillar will be moved axially, and
the jet will receive lateral motion, as indicated by the broken lines Fig. 2.
In this way, the centreing of the jet will be effected with the greatest possible
accuracy and facility.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I may here remark that
I do not wish to confine myself to the exact details above described, as these may
obviously be changed without departing from the nature of my invention; for
example, the worm wheel may be fitted on a prolongation of the sleeve, so that
it will drop into gear with the worm, when placed on a fixed stem; but what I
claim is :-
1. In an optical lantern, mounting a pillar or stem for carrying the jet or lamp
on a rocking base, as and for the purpose set forth.
2. In an optical lantern, mounting an axially moving pillar or stem for carrying
the jet or lamp on a rocking base, as and for the purpose set forth.
3. The means substantially as herein shewn and described, for centreing the
radiant in an optical lantern.
Dated this 28th day of June 1894.
NEWTON & SON,
Agents for the Applicant.