Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 18th Jan., 1895-Accepted, 2nd Mar.,
1895
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :-
The subject of the present invention is the letting-off of light signals for great
distances. The invention consists of a peculiarly constructed cartridge together
with an arrangement in the form of a pistol, for firing the same.
In the accompanying drawing
Fig. 1 shews a side view of the cartridge ;
Fig. 2 is an end view of the same, and
Fig. 3 a view of the firing mechanism, the stock being partly broken away.
The present cartridge differs from those hitherto in use in that the paper or
metal case, forming the cylinder, has an opening a, which opening is pasted over
with thin paper.
The front end is closed by a plug whilst a percussion or detonating cap
effects closing of the rear end. The charge consists of a mixture of magnesium,
sulphide of antimony, and chlorate of potassium. For coloured signals
instead of sulphide of antimony, the mixture contains sulphate of copper, nitrate
of barium or nitrate of strontium.
The mechanism for firing the cartridge outwardly resembles a pistol, but differs
essentially from it in the construction of the barrel. Upon the top side of the
barrel (d) which is closed in front and connected here with the stock (b) by a
hinge (c), is an opening (a2) similar to and of the size of the opening (a) in the
cartridge case. The breech of the barrel is open and serves for inserting the
cartridge. An ejector (e) worked by hand, serves for throwing out the empty
cartridge case. The barrel opens upwards on the hinge (c), as shewn by broken
lines, Fig. 3. A catch (f) into which a spring snap clasps holds the turned down
barrel securely in its place. On the other hand by pressing upon the button (i)
the snap (9) is released, and the breech of the barrel flies upwards through action
of the spring (h).
To discharge a cartridge it is placed in the breech of the barrel so that the
openings (a) and (a2) coincide with each other. After the turned down barrel
has been secured in the above described manner, on pulling the trigger the
percussion cap is exploded and the illuminating mass in the cartridge ignited
through the stroke of the hammer by means of a striking pin. An extremely
intense light issuing from the opening of the barrel is the immediate result.
According to the requirement an electrical effect or burning for a few seconds'
duration can be attained by altering the mixed proportions of the illuminating
substance. The illuminating power is so great that it can be seen at a distance of
20 kilometres and more.
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. The cartridge for signalling (Figs. 1 and 2) consisting of a cylindrical metal
or paper case closed in front end by a plug and at the rear end by a percussion or
detonating cap, and having on its upper side an opening (a) pasted over with thin

page_text: paper, which case contains the charge consisting of sulphide of antimony,
magnesium and chlorate of potassium, or sulphate of copper or nitrate of barium
or nitrate of strontium, magnesium and chlorate of potassium all substantially as
and for the purposes hereinbefore set forth.
2. The arrangement (Fig. 3) for firing signal cartridges, consisting of a pistol
stock (6) in combination with a barrel (d) having an opening (a2) on its top side
corresponding to an opening in the top side of the cartridge, which barrel is
closed in front and connected with the stock (b) by a hinge (c) and behind by a
clasp (f), and opens upwards under action of a spring (h), in combination with the
ejector (e), all substantially as and for the purposes hereinbefore set forth.
Dated this 16th day of January 1895.
MAX WERTHEIM.