Apparatus for Producing Mechanical Motions, Applicable to or Combined with Targets, Theatrical Representations, and Scenic Effects.
Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 7th Apr., 1887.
Complete Left, 7th Jan., 1888
Complete Accepted, 9th Mar., 1888
Apparatus for Producing Mechanical Motions, Applicable to or
Combined with Targets, Theatrical Representations, and Scenic
Effects.
I, JOSEPH SINCLAIR FAIRFAX, of 433 Strand, London, in the County of Middlesex,
Consulting Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
My invention relates to an apparatus whereby motions applicable to targets and
theatrical representations are produced, and which may be combined with scenic
effects. These motions are intended to represent or suggest the movements of objects
seen in land and marine views such as trains, vehicles, water wheels, clouds, fish,
various forms of animal life, vessels, and the like. When used for target and some
other purposes, and an object is struck, it is made to signal the same by sound, or it
falls or moves from its normal position; but afterwards is replaced automatically so
that it may again be fired at.
The apparatus consists mainly of one or more driving belts, working over suitable
pulleys and shafts, in the same manner as ordinary power driven machinery. Attachod
to the belt or belts are strikers or rods which project sideways or else above the level
of the belt. As the belt travels over the pulleys and along its path between them,
the strikers come in contact with certain mechanisms, a part of which represent the
moving objects alluded to above, and these objects are formed and painted to assist the
illusion.
The mechanisms are usually mounted upon a frame and are self contained, but this
is not possible or convenient with all of the moving objects. In the case of a bird, a
vertical, horizontal, or circular motion is used to denote the walking, hopping, or
flight of the object, and this may be produced by a linkwork, wheelwork, or combina-
tion of mechanical elements. The frame carrying the mechanism is placed in the
path of the strikers, so that when one of these comes in contact with a lever, the
tooth of a wheel, or other part of the device, the desired motion is imparted to the
representation of the bird. The latter, is brought back to its normal position by
gravity or assisted by a spring, weight, the movement of a striker rod or other suitable
moong

page_text: '
If the form of the bird be used as a target for firing at, it is arranged upon a hinge
or pivot so that when struck it is thrown backward against a stop, or is otherwise
displaced. As the bird is moved by its controlling mechanism, it is brought in contact
with a rubbing or inclined surface which pushes it back into its place automatically;
so that it is again ready to be fired at. In some cases the striking of the bird may be
signalled by a bell or other means, but the plan described is more realistic and is
therefore to be preferred..
Other forms of mechanism are arranged to indicate the movements of animals, as
for example the slow movement of a hare from cover, and its quick return. This is
done by causing a striker to come in contact with a slide or shutter and thereby com-
pressing a spring. When the striker has compressed the spring and thereby moved
the slide slowly to the end of its stroke, the slide is released and returns quickly to its
first position. Attached to the slide is a representation of a hare, which if struck by
a shot would be inclined backward from its original position. In the quick return of
the slide, or in its gradual advance, the shape of the hare is made to come in contact
with an inclined, helical, or other surface, which forces it to resume the vertical posi-
tion again, ready to be fired at. Many other forms may be attached to this slide
movement, which may be made to work at any angle; and the partial turning of a
wheel against spring or weight action, can be used to produce a variable rotary motion
in like manner.
The examples given, and the objects named, are illustrative of many others that can
be used in carrying out this invention: The shaft or pulleys can be made to drive
direct by means of eccentrics, crank pins, cog wheels, friction wheels or otherwise.
Other belts, also, are introduced which are driven by strikers on the main belt, .or
any of the other means mentioned. These other belts may carry upon them represen-
tations of life such as ducks, fish, rabbits, and also inanimate moving objects as boats,
floating targets, and the like. These are sometimes made to show the objects on both
sides of the belt, which latter can be carried vertically upon flanged pulleys. One of
the two pulleys used is placed sufficiently near to the main driving belt to be driven
from the same, while the other placed at some distance therefrom. This position
causes the belt to be inclined towards the front in a different plane of motion to the
main belt, and this may be varied to any desired extent. A greater apparent com-
plexity is given to this motion by increasing or diminishing the size of the outer
pulley, so that the two lines of the belt are not parallel to each other; or introducing
a third pulley in the same way that a belt tightener is used; thus making a triangular
arrangement of the belt. The objects thus pass each other in different directions, in
different planes; and with appropriate scenery, combined with wind mills or water
wheels, and by this means a highly realistic effect is obtained. Other moving objects
may be shown, such as hounds, huntsmen, racing, vehicles and the like, and with
differential movements or the varying speed of different belts, they are made to change
their relative positions..
For scenic effect only, it is not necessary to hinge the objects or to have devices for
replacing them in position, as in the place of targets. When used as targets, the
objects shown may be combined with fixed targets of various kinds. Some of the
mechanisms used may be made to produce several different kinds of effects, as for
instance, the slide movement of the hare mentioned before. This slide may be made
to expose openings or ports, for firing at or through; or may reveal representations
of soldiers to different scales to denote different distances, which soldiers may be
moveable as if performing evolutions. Fixed targets are also made to scale to
represent different distances, and thus with diminutive ammunition, useful ranges for
rifle practice can be provided within a limited space. Other kinds of military and
naval operations can be shown by 'my invention for analogous purposes to those
described. The firing on vessels, movements of turrets, flashing of lights, launching
of torpedoes, motion of boats, waves, and the like are easily produced by simple or
compound movements, ¡in different directions. The slide movement, already named
may be compounded by another slide working upon the first, the whole being driven
by a crank pin. Two distinct motions are thus obtained, an horizontal and a

page_text: .
vertical one, in addition to the compound movement of the two, which latter motion
could be used to imitate the galoping of a horse, or the movement of porpoises. A
kangaroo motion may be similarly obtained, by using a crank motion to which a
trailing or sliding connecting rod is attached; the crank pin giving the jump of the
body of the animal, the rod trailing behind as the tail.
Inclined planes are arranged so that the form of a stag, or a vehicle can be moved
up hill by the belt, and run down by gravity to the starting point, behind scenery;
and by means of a curved track brought into position to be again moved by the belt.
I may also use curved or zig zag grooves or surfaces, compound levers, and pendulum
rods to obtain a variety of motions; and by reversing the position of the pivot of the
latter, and causing the rod to revolve in its stroke through a fixed rack and cog wheel
on the rod, the flight of a bird can easily be rendered apparent.
The form of the strikers or rods, and the projection thereof, will be varied to suit
the movements required. These rods are attached to the belts by rivets, screws, or
eyelets; arranged so as to allow the belt with the strikers to pass over the pulleys
freely. This is done by the attachments being in line transverse to the length of
the belt, and while the belt is preferably made wide to give lateral stiffness, it may
be supported at special points. Curved or angular blocks are also employed as
strikers, and these can be used to give definite motions according to the shape; also
to set in motion certain of the mechanisms, and to miss others along their path.
The belts used will of necessity be arranged in different directions, but I prefer to
place the main driving belt in a horizontal position. I may also use belt tighteners so
as to raise the belt, or place it out of the usual plane, for hill side or other motions.
The motions may be partly or wholly hidden by scenery representing trees, shrubs,
fencing, hedges, hills, bridges and so on, and wires may be used not only to represent
telegraph wires on poles, but also to transmit motion to mechanisms instead of
belts; and to move parts of the scenery such as clouds, thereby giving a panoramic
effect.
DL: CL
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་ 1007

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Apparatus for Producing Mechanical Motions, Applicable to or
Combined with Targets, Theatrical Representations, and Scenic
Effects.
I, JOSEPH SINCLAIR FAIRFAX, of 433 Strand, London, in the County of Middlesex,
Consulting Engineer, 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 relates to an apparatus whereby motions applicable to targets and
theatrical representations are produced; and which may be combined with scenic
effects. These motions are intended to suggest or to represent the movements of
objects seen in land and marine views, such as trains, vehicles water wheels, clouds,
fish, various forms of animal life, vessels, and the like. When used for target, and
some other purposes, and an object is struck, it is made to signal the same by sound,
or it is moved from its normal position, and afterwards automatically replaced by its
contact with an inclined rubbing piece or contact surface, so that it may again be struck
or fired at.
The apparatus consists mainly of one or more driving belts arranged to work over
suitable pulleys mounted upon shafts working in bearings, in the same manner as
ordinary power driven machinery. The belts are driven by hand, or by any suitable
motive power. Attached to the belt or belts are strikers or rods, which project beyond
the edge or surface of the belts, at regular or irregular distances apart. As the belt
travels over the pulleys and along its path between them, the strikers come into
contact with certain mechanisms placed in their path, and adapted to be actuated by
them. Each of the said mechanisms carry an object, (as alluded to above,) or several,
and are formed and coloured to assist the illusion intended.
The mechanisms are usually mounted upon a frame, and are self contained, by
preference, in order that they may be moved about to produce variety; but this is
not possible or convenient with all of the moving objects. In the case of a bird, a
vertical, horizontal, or circular motion, or a combination thereof, is used to denote the
walking, hopping, or flight of the object; and these movements are produced by a
linkwork (or its equivalent,) a wheelwork, or a suitable combination of mechanical
elements. The frame carrying the mechanism is placed in the path of the strikers, so
that when a striker comes into contact with a lever, the tooth of a wheel, an inclined
surface or roller, or other contact making part of the device, the desired motion is
imparted to the representation of the bird. If displaced, the bird is brought back to
its normal position by gravity, by a spring, a weight, by the pressure of a striker, or
other suitable means.
If the form of the bird be used as a target to fire at, it is arranged upon a hinge
or pivot so that when struck it is thrown backward against a stop; or is otherwise
displaced. As the bird is moved by its controlling mechanism, it is brought in contact
with a rubbing or inclined surface, which constrains or pushes it back into its place

page_text: automatically; so that it assumes its first position and is again ready to be fired at
when brought into the firing position. In some cases the striking of the object may
be signalled by a bell or other similar means, but the former plan is preferred as being
more realistic.
Other forms of mechanism are arranged to indicate the movements of animals, as
for example, the slow movement of a hare from cover, and its quick return. This is
done by causing a striker to come in contact with a lever, slide, or shutter, carrying
a representation of the object, and thereby compressing a spring. When the striker
has compressed the spring, (through the motion of the belt to which it is attached),
and thereby moved the slide slowly to the end of its stroke, the striker is tripped and
the slide released with a quick motion to its first position. If the object attached to
the slide or lever is struck, it is inclined backward or sideways upon its hinge or
pivot to indicate the same. In the gradual advance or quick return movement, the
inclined object is brought in contact with an inclined, helical, or other constraining
surface of contact; which forces the object to resume the vertical, or lineal position
ready to be again fired at. Many other forms may be attached to this slide, (or slow
and quick moving device), and made to work at any angle, or by the partial turning
of a wheel to lift a weight, or compress a spring; and thus used to produce a variable
rotatory motion in like manner to the other.
The examples given, and the objects named, are illustrative of many others that can
be used in carrying out this invention. The shaft or pulleys can be made to drive
mechanisms direct, by means of eccentrics, crank pins, cog wheels, friction wheels, or
other known mechanical devices. Other belts, also, are introduced in addition to the
main driving belts carrying the strikers, which may be actuated in a continuous or
intermittent manner, either by the strikers, or by the other devices mentioned.
The belts may also carry upon them representations of life such as ducks, fish, rabbits
and other moving objects; such as boats, floating targets, vehicles, and the like. The
objects are sometimes made to present both sides to the observer as the belt moves in
different planes in reference to the observers. The objects in this case may be placed
vertically upon vertically arranged belts; suitable flanges to the pulleys or other
means being adopted to keep the belts on the pulloys; or twisted belts may be
employed; the objects therefore appearing in different positions as they travel with
the twisted belt. By a vertically arranged belt, carried upon two or more pulleys,
adapted to work upon different planes of motion to the main or driving belt, and at a
different continuous or intermittent speed, great complexity appears to the given
motions of the objects mounted upon the belt. Other moving objects may be shown,
such as huntsmen and hounds, racehorses, vehicles and the like.
These may be
mounted directly upon the belt or belts used, or upon a wheeled base, and propelled
by the strikers upon the belts; and with the differential speed of the different belts
used, or by a crank motion upon the wheeled base; the objects are made to change
their relative positions.
For scenic effect only it is not necessary to hinge the objects or to have devices
for replacing them in position, as in the case of targets. But even in the case of
targets, the moving or moveable objects shown may be combined with fixed targets of
various kinds and devices; variously arranged. Some of the mechanisms used as
before mentioned, may be made to produce several different kinds of effects, as for
instance, the slide movement of the "hare already described. This slide may be made
to expose openings or ports for firing at or through; and may reveal representations
of soldiers to different scales to denote different distances, which soldiers may be
moveable and worked by any of the devices indicated, or by mounting them upon a
linkwork of levers in the form known as the lazy tongs movement they can be made
to perform evolutions. The slides and surrounding parts may be painted to indicate
the smoke of firing, so that the slide movement in opening, exposes soldiers beyond
for a limited and uncertain time. In practising therefore against such objects, and
against fixed targets to scale with diminutive ammunition, useful ranges for rifle
practice can be provided within a limited space; which will not only tend to produce
accuracy of firing, but will also test the nerve and quickness of those practising.

page_text: Other kinds of military and naval operations can be shown by my invention for
purposes analogous to those described. The firing on vessels, movements of turrets
flashing of lights, launching of torpedoes, motion of boats, waves, and the like, are
easily produced, and compound movements effected in different directions. The slide
movement already named may be compounded by another slide working upon the
first at right angles thereto, the whole being driven by a crank pin in its revolution.
Two distinct motions are thus obtained: one horizontal and one vertical: in addition
to the compound movement of the two, in one mechanism. This compound move-
ment may be applied to imitate the galloping of a horse, the movement of porpoises,
the short flight of birds, and many others. A kangaroo motion may be similarly
obtained by using a crank motion to which a trailing or sliding connecting rod is
attached the crank pin giving the jump of the body, the rod trailing behind as the
tail. The form of the object is mounted upon a wheeled base as previously described,
and the crank driven by the wheels as propelled by the driving belt. If a horse, or
a stag, for example be mounted upon such a wheeled base, the axles being formed
with a double crank throw, and articulated limbs of the animal attached to the crank
throws, the movements of running will be imitated; and by connecting the two
cranked axles together by one or more rods, the limbs can be made to move in the
same order as is natural to the animal, either in trotting or galloping. By mounting
some animal forms upon the wheeled base directly, and others upon the cranks, the
latter forms will appear to gain ground and fall behind, alternately, from the differential
movement.
Inclined planes are arranged so that the form of a stag or of a vehicle can be moved
up hill by the belt to a point at which the striker is disengaged from the object. This
latter is diverted slightly from the general line of ascent to a return road by means
of which the object runs down hill and is diverted at the bottom to the starting point,
at which a striker upon the driving belt again engages with it as before. A piece of
scenery is interposed between the up and down roads, to conceal the return of the
object. The roadway may have curved, waved or zig zag grooves or surfaces, and if
arranged horizontally may be used to produce a wave motion, and impart the same to
vessels, also mounted upon a wheeled base. In this case and in some others, strikers
upon the same or an adjoining belt may be used to return the object to its original
starting point by a lower pathway.
I also use compound levers and pendulum rods to obtain a variety of motions. By
reversing a pendulum rod carrying at the top the form of a bird the latter is caused
to partially or wholly revolve while the same is describing the arc of a circle upon a
pivot below; the rotating movement being due to a small pinion on the rod engaging
with a fixed curved rack.
The form of the strikers, and the projection thereof beyond the line of the belt,
will be varied to suit the mechanisms placed in their path, and the movements required
of them. Striker rods are attached to the belts by screws, rivets or the like arranged
so as to allow the belt with its attached strikers to pass over the pulleys freely. This
is done by the attachment being arranged upon a line at right angles to the length of
the belt; and while the belt is preferably made wide to give lateral stiffness to with-
stand the strain coming upon the strikers, it may also be supported at special points
to withstand the said strain and keep the strikers in a true line for their purpose.
Curved, waved, or angular blocks of wood are also used as strikers, and these may be
conveniently attached to the rods by staples or hasps, and thus partake of the motion
of the belt to which they are connected. If the length is great of such strikers,
several of them should be placed together on the straight part of the belt; and each
attached to a transverse rod; so that on passing over a pulley they may open out-
ward. These strikers are adapted to give definite motions to the mechanisms in their
path by their form or contact surface; while the rod strikers alone are best adapted
to propel the wheeled bases of the various objects mounted upon them; although
either kind of strikers will perform both functions according to circumstances. These
strikers are also used sometimes to give direct or indirect motion to other belts bearing
special devices, or working special mechanisms by variable or intermittent motion; and

page_text: to act upon toothed wheel or cam devices. By suitably forming and arranging the
strikers some of them may lift or push aside bars or levers to which objects are
attached, with a short or long stroke; while some may miss certain mechanisms along
the path, and others strike the same; and the strikers being readily changeable in
their relative positions, a great variety of effects can be produced by simple
means.
The belts used will vary in position to suit different requirements, but I prefer to
place the main driving belt in a horizontal position. I may also use belt tighteners so
as to raise or alter the position of the belt at certain points for hill side, or other
motions required to be at a different plane to the general line of the belt. The pulleys
too, will be of different sizes to give different speeds, and I may arrange them like
the speed pulleys of a lathe. The belts and mechanisms generally may be partially or
wholly hidden from the observers by scenery representing trees, shrubs, fencing,
hedges, hills, bridges, rocks, and so on. Wires also may be used; not only to
represent telegraph wires on poles, but also to transmit motion to mechanisms instead
of belts where the latter would be objectionable. They may thus be used to vary the
panoramic effect by slow motion as in shifting the scenery representing clouds, waves,
and other objects. The scenery represented should by painted upon or attached to
metal, wood, felt, or other materials offering sufficient protection to the belts and other
mechanisms, when used for target purposes, to prevent the bullets from injuring the
same.
The drawings appended hereto, indicate dovices whereby the foregoing may be
carried into effect; and in which the arrows used denote the direction of movement
of the parts, or the point at which pressure is applied for actuating purposes. The
like reference letters used indicate similar parts throughout, or parts having the same
function.
The prime mover is preferably a small steam, gas or other engine; but where the
installation is not too large, it may be driven by hand power. The belt from the
prime mover is denoted by a; b, b, are driving or actuating belts, carrying
strikers c, c, or objects d, d, which are attached to the belts and travel therewith;
e, e, are objects attached to mechanisms f, which are worked by the strikers c, c.
Carriages or wheeled bases g, g, are provided for carrying objects h, h; inclined.
rubbing or constrained ways or guides i, i, are placed behind the objects e, e, h, h, and
sometimes d, d, to replace them in their normal position of equilibrium after they
have been struck. j,j, are pathways or grooves for the carriages 9, 9, and k, k, are
shields or scenery to protect from shot, or to conceal, the various devices and actuating
mechanism.
Fig. 1 is a plan in which the shaft a¹ is driven by hand or power to give motion to
belts, working or travelling over the pulleys on shafts a and b which are sup-
ported by standards or bearings 62, 62. Mechanisms f, f, are placed in the path of the
travelling belt or belts 6; and are worked by the strikers c, c, coming in contact with a
lever, wheel, or other suitable part of f, f, with a force due to the actuating power of
the travelling belt. The strikers are attached to the belts by screws, rivets, or
eyelets c', and should the force required to move f, f, be sufficient to deflect or buckle
the belt too much, a flat board or friction rollers may be placed beneath the belt at
that point, to steady the same. An eccentric a² is mounted upon the shaft a¹ to work
a slide a³, which opens and closes ports at intervals. These ports may be irregularly
arranged so that while some are fully open, others may be partially and wholly closed.
Through these ports representations of naval or military objects may be seen and fired
at, the irregularity of the movement or disclosure of the objects tending to try the
nerves and quickness of those firing. To the eccentric rod may be attached one end
of a set of compound levers such as are known as "lazy tongs," and objects such as
soldiers mounted upon the pivots thereof. A slight stroke at the actuating end is
magnified at the other, and the soldiers are apparently thrown out as skirmishers,
withdrawn, or other evolutions performed. By making the figures of the soldiers to
scale, and using Morris's tubes and diminutive charges of ammunition good rifle

page_text: practice may be obtained in a limited space. The fixed shield or the moving slide,
may also be arranged for rifle practice by painting the ordinary form of target thereon
to different scales for the distances required; or both fixed and moving targets used
simultaneously.
This slide movement may also be used to carry or disclose other objects, or driven
in a different manner and an intermittent or other irregular motion obtained.
A double roadway, j, j with the ends merging into each other is shown and
arranged in such a manner that a stag or other object is propelled by a travelling belt
up hill to the summit where it is diverted to the return half of the path and runs
down hill by gravity and again diverted to the starting point, to be again engaged by
a striker upon the belt, as before. A shield or screen k, conceals the object in
returning, and the elevation of the object and lines of the pathway can be seen in
Fig. 4.
A crank pin a³ at the end of shaft a¹ works a toothed wheel at in Fig. 2 inter-
mittently, which causes a belt b, carrying objects d, to move at intervals. The objects
may represent ducks, swimming around a minature pool, and if they are displaced
by a shot they are automatically replaced by their motion against the inclined or con-
straining guides i, i; in this case, bent rods: one being placed outside the belt, the
other in; so that the hinge on which the object is carried will be arranged to work
both ways.
Fig. 3 shows a twisted belt also carrying objects d, d, and working around a vertical
and a horizontal pulley, driven by an overhead wire on pulley 63. This wire may also
be used in driving or traversing clouds, or other parts of scenery, or windmills, and
the like. The objects in travelling with the belt, pass from a horizontal to a vertical
position, and if shot, and knocked over from the vertical position, they are replaced by
contact with the rubbing surface or constraining way, i, i. Fig. 4 represents a stag
mounted upon a wheeled base or carriage, which is propelled up an inclined way by a
striker attached to a travelling belt engaging therewith. At the top it is forced over
or diverted to a return way, (indicated by dotted lines), down which it runs by force
of gravity and is diverted to the lower starting point to be again propelled by a striker
up the incline. Fig. 5 is an elevation showing two sets of belts, working at different
speeds, and carrying objects d, d, one of the belts forming a hill side motion by means of
the belt tightener pulley . It also shows wires 63 for driving overhead pulleys available
for moving clouds and other parts of the scenery, working water wheels, windmills
and the like. The wires may be taken across a stage in the form of telegraph wires upon
poles, and worked from a pulley or pulleys upon any convenient shaft concealed from
observation. Small guide pulleys upon the poles, in imitation of the insulators will
serve to direct the wires in any required direction, and to convey the motion, which
latter will not be perceived at a short distance.
Fig. 6 shows a belt b, carrying block strikers c, c; some of which will work close
together on a straight part of the belt, and open outwards freely in passing over
pulleys. Fig. 7 is an elevation of a double slide movement, worked by a revolving
crank pin c² and susceptible of various forms and applications. Fig. 8 is an elevation
of a wheeled base or carriage, having a crank worked by friction wheels, and a trailing
or sliding connecting rod. This is used for a kangaroo jumping, horse galloping, or
differential motion. Fig. 9 is a plan of a similar carriage with crank axles and a side
rod connecting them. This serves to imitate the leg motions of animals mounted
thereon ;
the limbs of the same being jointed. Fig. 10 will represent the form of a
cat running along a wall; being propelled by the belt b, and a striker attached thereto.
The dotted lines indicate the position taken by the object when struck, and as the belt
with the object travels towards the observer the object is forced against the frictional
surface i, and is constrained to take the vertical position again. The wheeled base is
concealed by a part of the wall, which is shown in section.
Figs. 11, 12, and 13 represent two forms of a compressed spring motion. The
striker c acts upon a pivoted lover in the first case, and upon a sliding block in the
two latter figures; slowly moving the lever or the block against the action of a spring,

page_text: carrying therewith the object. At the end of the stroke, the spring comes suddenly
into action, withdrawing into cover the object, or advancing therefrom; according to
the arrangement of the shield or scenery.
upon
Fig. 14 shows an inverted pendulum rod, carrying an object at the upper end, and
the rod a small toothed pinion engaging with a rack forming an arc of a circle.
The pressure of the travelling belt and striker is adapted to make the rod describe
the arc of a circle, and the pinion causes the object to rotate in doing so ; thus giving
the same a peculiar flight. Similar means to that already described can be made to
reset the object, if struck; and a counterweight at the bottom may be used to return
the rod to its starting point. Fig. 15 represents a rotating cam movement for lifting
an object slowly, and then allowing it to drop by gravity. It may be driven by an
intermittent motion.
Fig. 16, (partly in diagram) represent compound levers for giving vertical and a
curved motion to objects, simultaneously; and also simple rods carrying an object,
lifted by a block striker passing beneath. In Figs. 17 and 18 parts of objects are
shown with central and outer hinges, which allow the objects to be carried in a state
of equilibrium until struck; when they assume the position shown by the dotted lines.
The continuence of the driving motion forces the objects against the rubbing or con-
straining way, and thus replaces them in position. The hinges may be made of
strong canvas, leather, or the like; and the objects properly protected against shots
when used as targets.
The examples given are illustrative, as it will be evident that they may be modified;
and many similar movements or objects could be given.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is :
1. Producing mechanical motions by the action of one or more travelling belts,
wires, or the like, combined with suitable pulleys, shafts, and bearings, and applying
the said motions to representations of animate or inanimate objects; substantially as,
and for any of the purposes set forth.
2. A travelling belt or belts carrying one or more strikers projecting above or
beyond the outer surface of the said belt or belts; substantially as and for the purpose
described.
3. A travelling belt or belts carrying one or more representations of animate
or inanimate objects projecting above or beyond the outer surface of the said belt or
belts; substantially as and for the purpose described.
4. One or more strikers secured to a travelling belt, and adapted to pass freely
around a pulley or pulleys, and to actuate or propel moveable mechanism or objects
placed in the path of the said striker or strikers; substantially as described.
5. Moveable mechanism adapted to carry representations of objects which change
position either by the pressure upon a suitable part of the said mechanism of a
travelling belt and attached striker, or by that of a spring, or by gravity, or by any
combination thereof; substantially as described.
6. A mechanism adapted to impart a curved or rectilineal movement in one direc-
tion, or in opposite directions, by pressure applied to a suitable part of the said
mechanism; substantially as described.
7. The combination of two or more belts, wires, or the like, having different degrees
of motion, or different kinds of motion; substantially as described.
8. The combination of two or more belts arranged to work upon different planes
in relation to each other, and adapted to carry objects or strikers upon either or all of
the belts employed; substantially as and for the purpose described.
9. A carriage or wheeled base, carrying or combined with one or more representa-
tions of animate or inanimate objects, and adapted to be moved from point to point by
a travelling belt engaging therewith; substantially as described.
10. In combination, a wheeled base; a representation of an object; an inclined or
horizontal path or paths; and a travelling belt adapted to engage with and propel
B

page_text: the said wheeled base, or object, along the said path or pains; substantiany
described.
11. In combination, a wheeled base; a representation of an object; a travelling
belt engaging with and propelling the said object or base; and devices for imitating
the ordinary movements of the said object in propelling the same; substantially as
described.
12. An inclined way or path and a return way, adapted for an object or wheeled
base to be propelled by mechanical means in one or both directions; substantially as
described.
13. A representation of an animate or inanimate object suspended or arranged upon
a linge, pivot, or joint in a position of equilibrium while in motion, but admitting of
displacement from such position by a sudden shock or blow and its subsequent
replacement automatically; substantially as described.
14. A frictional surface or constraining way or guide, adapted to automatically
replace a moving object in its normal position of equilibrium after displacement
therefrom substantially as described.
15. The combination of a moving or travelling object arranged to admit of displace-
ment by a shot or blow, with a constraining way or guide adapted to subsequently
replace the said moving object automatically; substantially as described.
16. The combination of a compound linkwork having representations of objects
mounted thereon and capable of extension and closing differentially, with an actuating
mechanism or travelling belt whereby the said linkwork is operated; substantially as
described.
17. The combination of simple or compound levers, or pendulum rods, with objects
connected with the same or mounted thereon, operating substantially as and for
the purpose described.
18. The application of differential movements to objects, either directly by suitable
mechanism connected with or operating the said objects in a differential manner, or
indirectly by two or more belts or other devices, carrying or operating separate
objects at different rates of speed or in different directions; substantially as
described.
19. A moveable mechanism comprising a device or devices whereby a movement is
produced in one direction, and a device or devices whereby a movement is produced
at or about right angles to the first movement, and an operating device or devices;
substantially as described.
20. The application of a single or of a compound slide movement with suitable
operating devices to target purposes; substantially as described.
21. The combination for target purposes of fixed objects and moveable objects, the
latter being actuated directly or indirectly by a travelling belt or belts ; substantially
as described.
22. The employment of representations to scale for target purposes of military or
naval objects or bodies, when the said bodies or objects, or any of them, are moved
either directly by the propelling force of a travelling belt, or by mechanism actuated
by the said belt; substantially as described.
23. The employment of representations to scale for target purposes of military or
naval objects or bodies, when the said objects or bodies are exposed to view and sub-
sequently concealed by moveable mechanism; substantially as described.
24. The combination of representations to scale of naval or military objects or
bodies having regular or irregular motion applied either to the moving of the said
objects, or to the means for disclosing or concealing the same, with diminutive
charges of ammunition, when used for target purposes; substantially as described.
25. In combination, representations of objects to scale, regular or irregular move-
ments applied to the said objects or to devices for concealing or disclosing the same;
an actuating travelling belt, wire, or the like; and diminutive charges of ammuni-
tion substantially as and for the purpose described.
;
26. In combination, representations of objects; regular or irregular movements
applied to the said objects or to devices for concealing or disclosing the same; one

page_text: or more actuating travelling belts, wires, or the like; and shields or protection against
damage to the actuating devices when used for target purposes; substantially as
described.
27. The combination with moving or immoveable scenery, of representations
of animate or inanimate objects to which regular or irregular motion is applied, and
actuating devices; substantially as and for the purpose described.
28. The various forms, arrangements and devices shown or indicated by the
drawings, Figs. 1 to 18 inclusive; substantially as and for the purposes described.
Dated this 2nd day of January 1888.

page_text: This Specification was, upon the 26th day of June 1890, Amended under
Sections 18 to 21 of the Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks Act, 1883.
[The Amendments are shown in erased and italic type.]
Apparatus for Producing Mechanical Motions
r
Applicable to or
Combined with Targets, Theatrical Representations, and Scenic
Effects.
I, JOSEPH SINCLAIR FAIRFAX, of 433 Strand, London, in the County of Middlesex,
Consulting Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:
My invention relates to an apparatus whereby motions applicable to targets and
theatrical representations are produced, and which may be combined with scenic
effects. These inotions are intended to represent or suggest the movements of objects
seen in land and marine views such as trains, vehicles, water wheels, clouds, fish,
various forms of animal life, vessels, and the like. When used for target and some
other purposes, and an object is struck, it is made to signal the same by sound, or it
falls or moves from its normal position; but afterwards is replaced automatically so
that it may again be fired at.
.
The apparatus consists mainly of one or more driving belts, working over suitable
pulleys and shafts, in the same manner as ordinary power driven machinery. Attached
to the belt or belts are strikers or rods which project sideways or else above the level
of the belt. As the belt travels over the pulleys and along its path between them,
the strikers come in contact with certain mechanisms, a part of which represent the
moving objects alluded to above,and these objects are formed and painted to assist the
illusion.
The mechanisins are usually mounted upon a frame and are self contained, but this
is not possible or convenient with all of the moving objects. In the case of a bird, a
vertical, horizontal, or circular motion is used to denote the walking, hopping, or
flight of the object, and this may be produced by a link work, wheelwork, or combina-
tion of mechanical elements. The frame carrying the mechanism is placed in the
path of the strikers, so that when one of these comes in contact with a lever, the
tooth of a wheel, or other part of the device, the desired motion is imparted to the
representation of the bird. The latter, is brought back to its normal position by
gravity or assisted by a spring, weight, the movement of a striker rod, or other suitable
means

page_text: If the form of the bird be used as a target for firing at, it is arranged upon a hinge
or pivot so that when struck it is thrown backward against a stop, or is otherwise
displaced. As the bird is moved by its controlling mechanism, it is brought in contact
with a rubbing or inclined surface which pushes it back into its place automatically;
so that it is again ready to be fired at. In some cases the striking of the bird may be
signalled by a bell or other means, but the plan described is more realistic and is
therefore to be preferred.
Other forms of mechanisın are arranged to indicate the movements of animals, as
for example the slow movement of a hare from cover, and its quick return. This is
done by causing a striker to come in contact with a slide or shutter and thereby com-
pressing a spring. When the striker has compressed the spring and thereby moved
the slide slowly to the end of its stroke, the slide is released and returns quickly to its
first position. Attached to the slide is a representation of a hare, which if struck by
a shot would be inclined backward from its original position. In the quick return of
the slide, or in its gradual advance, the shape of the hare is made to come in contact
with an inclined, helical, or other surface, which forces it to resume the vertical posi-
tion again, ready to be fired at. Many other forms may be attached to this slide
movement, which may be made to work at any angle; and the partial turning of a
wheel against spring or weight action, can be used to produce a variable rotary motion
in like mannor.
The examples given,and the objects named, are illustrative of many others that can
be used in carrying out this invention. The shaft or pulleys can be made to drive
direct by means of eccentrics, crank pins, cog wheels, friction wheels or otherwise.
Other belts, also, are introduced which are driven by strikers on the main belt, or
any
of the other means mentioned. These other belts may carry upon
them represen-
tations of life such as ducks, fish, rabbits, and also inanimate moving objects as boats,
floating targets, and the like. These are sometimes inade to show the objects on both
sides of the belt, which latter can be carried vertically upon flanged pulleys. One of
the two pulleys used is placed sufficiently near to the main driving belt to be driven
from the same, while the other is placed at some distance therefrom. This position
causes the belt to be inclined towards the front in a different plane of motion to the
main belt, and this may be varied to any desired extent. A greater apparent com-
plexity is given to this motion by increasing or diminishing the size of the outer
pulley, so that the two lines of the belt are not parallel to each other; or introducing
a third pulloy in the same way that a belt tightener is used; thus making a triangular
arrangement of the belt. The objects thus pass each other in different directions, in
different planes; and with appropriate scenery, combined with wind mills or water
wheels, and by this means a highly realistic effect is obtained. Other moving objects
may be shown, such as hounds, huntsmen, racing, vehicles and the like, and with
differential movements or the varying speed of different belts, the yare made to change
their relative positions.
For scenic effect only, it is not necessary to hinge the objects or to have devices for
replacing then in position, as in the place of targets. When used as targets, the
objects shown may be combined with fixed targets of various kinds. Some of the
mechanisms used may be made to produce several different kinds of effects, as for
instance, the slide. movement of the hare mentioned before. This slide may be made
to expose openings or ports, for firing at or through; or. may reveal representations
of soldiers to different scales to denote different distances, which soldiers may be
moveable as if performing evolutions. Fixed targets are also made to scale to
represent different distances, and thus with diminutive ammunition, useful ranges for
rifle practice can be provided within a limited space. Other kinds of military and
naval operations can be shown by my invention for analogous purposes to those
described. The firing on vessels, movements of turrets, flashing of lights, launching
of torpedoes, motion of boats, waves, and the like are easily produced by simple or
compound movements, in different directions. The slide movement, already named
may be compounded by another slide working upon the first, the whole being driven
by a crank pin. Two distinct motions are thus obtained,-an horizontal and a

page_text: vertical one, in addition to the compound movement of the two, which latter motion
could be used to imitate the galoping of a horse, or the movement of porpoises. A
kangaroo motion may be similarly obtained, by using a crank motion to which a
trailing or sliding connecting rod is attached; the crank pin giving the jump of the
body of the animal, the rod trailing behind as the tail.
Inclined planes are arranged so that the form of a stag, or a vehicle can be moved
up hill by the belt, and run down by gravity to the starting point, behind scenery;
and by means of a curved track brought into position to be again moved by the belt.
I may also use curved or zig zag grooves or surfaces, compound levers, and pendulum
rods to obtain a variety of motions; and by reversing the position of the pivot of the
latter, and causing the rod to revolve in its stroke through a fixed rack and cog wheel
on the rod, the flight of a bird can easily be rendered apparent.
The form of the strikers or rods, and the projection thereof, will be varied to suit
the movements required. These rods are attached to the belts by rivets, screws or
eyelets; arranged so as to allow the belt with the strikers to pass over the pulleys
freely. This is done by the attachments being in line transverse to the length of
the belt, and while the belt is preferably made wide to give lateral stiffness, it may
be supported at special points. Curved or angular blocks are also employed as
strikers, and these can be used to give definite motions according to the shape; also
to set in motion certain of the mechanisms, and to miss others along their path.
The belts used will of necessity be arranged in different directions, but I prefer to
place the main driving belt in a horizontal position. I may also use belt tighteners so
as to raise the belt, or place it out of the usual plane, for hill side or other motions.
The motions may be partly or wholly hidden by scenery representing trees, shrubs,
fencing, hedges, hills, bridges and so on, and wires may be used not only to represent
telegraph wires on poles, but also to transmit motion to mechanisms instead of
belts; and to inove parts of the scenery such as clouds, thereby giving a panoramic
effect.

page_text: Improvements in Apparatus for Producing Mechanical Motions,
Applicable to or Combined with Targets, Theatrical Representa-
tions, and Scenic Effects.
'I, JOSEPH SINCLAIR FAIRFAX, of 433 Strand, London, in the County of Middlesex,
Consulting Engineer; do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly describod and ascertained
in and by the following statement :—
My invention relates to an apparatus whereby motions applicable to targets and
theatrical-representations are produced; and which may be combined with scenic
effects. These motions are intended to suggest or to represent the movements of
objects seen in land and marine views, such as trains, vehicles water wheels, clouds,
fish, various forms of animal life, vessels, and the like. When used for target, and
some-other purposes, and an object is struck, it is inade to signal the same by sound,
or it is moved from its normal position, and afterwards automatically replaced by its
contact with an inclined rubbing piece or contact surface,so that it may again be struck
or fired at.
The apparatus consists mainly of one or more driving belts arranged to work over
suitable pulleys mounted upon shafts working in bearings, in the same manner as
ordinary power driven machinery. The belts are driven by hand, or by any suitable
motive power. Attached to the belt or belts are strikers or rods, which project beyond
the edge or surface of the belts, at regular or irregular distances apart. As the belt
travels over the pulleys and along its path between them, the strikers come into
contact with certain mechanisms placed in their path, and adapted to be actuated by
them. Each of the said mechanisms carry an object, (as alluded to above,) or several,
and which are formed and coloured to assist the illusion intended.
The mechanisms are usually mounted upon a frame, and are self contained, by
preference, in order that they may be moved about to produce variety; but this is
not possible or convenient with all of the moving objects. In the case of a bird, a
vertical, horizontal, or circular motion, or a combination thereof, isused to denote the
walking, hopping, or flight of the object; and these movements are produced by a
linkwork (or its equivalent,) a wheelwork, or a suitable combination of mechanical
elements. The frame carrying the mechanism is placed in the path of the strikers, so
that when a striker comes into contact with a lever, the tooth of a wheel, an inclined
surface or roller, or other contact making part of the device, the desired motion is
imparted to the representation of the bird. If displaced, the bird is brought back to
its normal position by gravity, by a spring, a weight, by the pressure of a striker, or
other suitable means.
If the form of the bird be used as a target to fire at, it is arranged upon a hinge
or pivot so that when struck it is thrown backward against a stop; or is otherwise
displaced. As the bird is moved by its controlling mechanism, it is brought in contact
with a rubbing or inclined surface, which constrains or pushes it back into its place

page_text: automatically; so that it assumes its first position and is again ready to be fired at
when brought into the firing position. In some cases the striking of the object may
be signalled by a bell or other similar means, but the former plan is preferred as being
more realistic.
Other forms of mechanisin are arranged to indicate the movements of animals, as
for example, the slow movement of a hare from cover, and its quick return. This is
done by causing a striker to come in contact with a lever, slide, or shutter, carrying
a representation of the object, and thereby compressing a spring. When the striker
has compressed the spring, (through the motion of the belt to which it is attached),
and thereby moved the slide slowly to the end of its stroke, the striker is tripped and
the slide released with a quick motion to its first position. If the object attached to
the slide or lever is struck, it is inclined backward or sideways upon its hinge or
pivot to indicate the same. In the gradual advance or quick return movement, the
inclined object is brought in contact with an inclined, helical, or other constraining.
surface of contact; which forces the object to resume the vertical, or lineal position
ready to be again fired at. Many other forms may be attached to this slide, (or slow
and quick moving device), and made to work at any angle, or by the partial turning
of a wheel to lift a weight, or compress a spring; and thus used to produce a variable
rotatory motion in like manner to the other.
The examples given, and the objects named,are illustrative of many others that can
be used in carrying out this invention. The shaft or pulleys can be made to drive
imechanisms direct, by means of eccentrics, crank pins, cog wheels, friction wheels, or
other known mechanical devices. Other belts, also, are introduced in addition to the
main driving belts carrying the strikers, which may be actuated in a continuous or.
intermittent manner, either by the strikers, or by the other devices mentioned.
The belts may also carry upon them representations of life such as ducks,fish, rabbits
and other moving objects; such as boats, floating targets, vehicles, and the like. The
objects are sometimes made to present both sides to the observer as the belt moves in
different planes in reference to the observers. The objects in this case may be placed
vertically upon vertically arranged belts; suitable flanges to the pulleys or other
means being adopted to keep the belts on the pulleys; or twisted belts may be
employed; the objects therefore appearing in different positions as they travel with
the twisted belt. By a vertically arranged belt, carried upon two or more pulleys,
adapted to work upon different planes of motion to the main or driving belt, and at a
different continuous or intermittent speed, great complexity appears to the given
motions of the objects mounted upon the belt. Other moving objects may be shown,
such as huntsmen and hounds, racehorses, vehicles and the like. These may be
mounted directly upon the belt or belts used, or upon a wheeled base, and propelled
by the strikers upon the belts; and with the differential speed of the different belts
used, or by a crank motion upon the wheeled base; the objects are made to change
their relative positions.
For scenic effect only it is not necessary to hinge the objects or to have devices
for replacing them in position, as in the case of targets. But even in the case of
targets, the moving or moveable objects shown may be combined with fixed targets of
various kinds and devices; variously arranged. Some of the mechanisins used as
before inentioned, may be made to produce several different kinds of effects, as for
instance, the slide movement of the hare already described. This slide may be inade
to expose openings or ports for firing at or through; and may reveal representations
of soldiers to different scales to denote different distances, which soldiers may be
noveable and worked by any of the devices indicated, or by mounting them upon a
link work of levers in the forin known as the lazy tongs movement they can be made
to perform evolutions. The slides and surrounding parts inay be painted to indicate
the smoke of firing, so that the slide movement in opening, exposes soldiers beyond
for a limited and uncertain time. In practising therefore against such objects, and
against fixed targets to scale with diminutive ammunition, useful ranges for rifle
practice can be provided within a limited space; which will not only tend to produce
accuracy of firing, but will also test the nerve and quickness of those practising.

page_text: '
Other kinds of military and naval operations can be shown by my invention for
purposes analogous to those described. The firing on vessels, movements of turrets
flashing of lights, launching of torpedoes, motion of boats, waves, and the like, are
easily produced, and compound movements effected in different directions. The slide
movement already named may be compounded by another slide working upon the
first at right angles thereto, the whole being driven by a crank pin in its revolution.
Two distinct motions are thus obtained: one horizontal and one vertical: in addition
to the compound movement of the two, in one mechanisın. This compound move-
ment may be applied to imitate the galloping of a horse, the movement of porpoises,
the short flight of birds, and many others. A kangaroo motion may be similarly
obtained by using a crank motion to which a trailing or sliding connecting rod is
attached the crank pin giving the jump of the body, the rod trailing behind as the
tail. The form of the object is mounted upon a wheeled base as previously described,
and the crank driven by the wheels as propelled by the driving belt. If a horse, or
a stag, for example be mounted upon such a wheeled base, the axles being formed
with a double crank throw, and articulated limbs of the animal attached to the crank
throws, the movements of running will be imitated; and by connecting the two
cranked axles together by one or more rods, the limbs can be made to move in the
same order as is natural to the animal, either in trotting or galloping. By mounting
some animal forms upon the wheeled base directly, and others upon the cranks, the
latter forms will appear to gain ground and fall behind,alternately, from the differential
Inovement.
Inclined planes are arranged so that the form of a stag or of a vehicle can be moved
up hill by the belt to a point at which the striker is disengaged from the object. This
latter is diverted slightly from the general line of ascent to a return road by means
of which the object runs down hill and is diverted at the bottom to the starting point,
piece of
at which a striker upon the driving belt again engages with it as before.
scenery is interposed between the up and down roads, to conceal the return of the
object. The roadway may have curved, waved or zig zag grooves or surfaces, and if
arranged horizontally may be used to produce a wave motion, and impart the same to
vessels, also mounted upon a wheeled base. In this case and in some others, strikers
upon the same or an adjoining belt may be used to return the object to its original
starting point by a lower pathway.
I also use compound levers and pendulum rods to obtain a variety of motions. By
reversing a pendulum rod carrying at the top the form of a bird the latter is caused
to partially or wholly revolve while the same is describing the arc of a circle upon a
pivot below; the rotating movement being due to a small pinion on the rod engaging
with a fixed curved rack.
The form of the strikers, and the projection thereof beyond the line of the belt,
will be varied to suit the mechanisms placed in their path, and the movements required
of them. Striker rods are attached to the belts by screws, rivets or the like arranged
so as to allow the belt with its attached strikers to pass over the pulleys freely. This
is done by the attachment being arranged upon a line at right angles to the length of
the belt; and while the belt is preferably inade wide to give lateral stiffness to with-
stand the strain coming upon the strikers, it may also be supported at special points
to withstand the said strain and keep the strikers in a true line for their purpose.
Curved, waved, or angular blocks of wood are also used as strikers, and these may be
conveniently attached to the rods by staples or hasps, and thus partake of the motion
of the belt to which they are connected. If the length is great of such strikers,
several of them should be placed together on the straight part of the belt; and each
attached to a transverse rod; so that on passing over a pulley they may open out-
ward. These strikers are adapted to give definite motions to the mechanisins in their
path by their form or contact surface; while the rod strikers alone are best adapted
to propel the wheeled bases of the various objects mounted upon them; although
either kind of strikers will perform both functions according to circumstances. These
strikers are also used sometimes to give direct or indirect notion to other belts bearing
special devices, or working special mechanisms by variable or intermittent motion; and

page_text: to act upon toothed wheel or cam devices. By suitably forming and arranging the
strikers some of them may lift or push aside bars or levers to which objects are
attached, with a short or long stroke; while some may miss certain mechanisms along
the path, and others strike the same; and the strikers being readily changeable in
their relative positions, a great variety of effects can be produced by simple
means.
The belts used will vary in position to suit different requirements, but I prefer to
place the inain driving belt in a horizontal position. I may also use belt tighteners so
as to raise or alter the position of the belt at certain points for hill side, or other
motions required to be at a different plane to the general line of the belt. The pulleys
too, will be of different sizes to give different speeds, and I may arrange them like
the speed pulleys of a lathe. The belts and mechanisms generally may be partially or
wholly hidden from the observers by scenery. representing trees, shrubs, fencing,
hedges, hills, bridges, rocks, and so on. Wires also may be used; nct only to
represent telegraph wires on poles, but also to transmit motion to mechanisms instead
of belts where the latter would be objectionable. They may thus be used to vary the
panoramic effect by slow motion as in shifting the scenery representing clouds, waves,
and other objects. The scenery represented should be painted upon or attached to
metal, wood, felt, or other materials offering sufficient protection to the belts and other
mechanisins, when used for target purposes, to prevent the bullets from injuring the
same.
The drawings appended hereto, indicate devices whereby the foregoing may be
carried into effect; and in which the arrows used denote the direction of movement
of the parts, or the point at which pressure is applied for actuating purposes. The
like reference letters used indicate similar parts throughout, or parts having the same
function.
The prime mover is preferably a small steam, gas or other engine; but where the
installation is not too large, it may be driven by hand power.
The belt from the
prime mover is denoted by ; b, b, are driving or actuating belts, carrying
strikers c, c, or objects d, d, which are attached to the belts and travel therewith;
e, e, are.objects attached to mechanisms f, which are worked by the strikers c, c.
Carriages or wheeled bases g, g, are provided for carrying objects h, h; inclined
rubbing or constrained ways or guides i, i, are placed behind the objects d, e, h, h, and
sometimes d, d, to replace them in their normal position of equilibrium after they
have been struck. j,j, are pathways or grooves for the carriages g, g, and k, k, are
shields or scenery to protect from shot, or to conceal, the various devices and actuating
mechanism.
Fig. 1 is a plan in which the shaft a¹ is driven by hand or power to given motion to
belts b, b working or travelling over the pulleys on shafts a and b which are sup-
ported by standards or bearings 62,63 Mechanisms f, f, are placed in the path of the
travelling belt or belts b; and are worked by the strikers c, c, coming in contact with a
lever, wheel, or other suitable part off, f, with a force due to the actuating power of
the travelling belt. The strikers are attached to the belts by screws, rivets, or
eyelets c', and should the force required to move f,, be sufficient to deflect or buckle
the belt too much, a flat board or friction rollers may be placed beneath the belt at
that point, to steady the same. An eccentric is mounted upon the shaft a¹ to work
a slide a³, which opens and closes ports at intervals. These ports may be irregularly
arranged so that while some are fully open, others may be partially and wholly closed.
Through these ports representations of naval or military objects may be seen and fired
at, the irregularity of the movement or disclosure of the objects tending to try the
nerves and quickness of those firing. To the eccentric rod may be attached one end
of a set of compound levers such as are known as "lazy tongs," and objects such as
soldiers mounted upon the pivots thereof. A slight stroke at the actuating end is
nagnified at the other, and the soldiers are apparently thrown out as skirmishers,
withdrawn, or other evolutions performed. By making the figures of the soldiers to
scale, and using Morris's tubes and diminutive charges of ammunition good rifle

page_text: practice may be obtained in a limited space. The fixed shield or the moving slide,
may also be arranged for rifle practice by painting the ordinary form of target thereon
to different scales for the distances required; or both fixed and moving targets used
simultaneously.
This slide movement may also be used to carry or disclose other objects, or driven
in a different manner and an intermittent or other irregular motion obtained
A double roadway, j, j with the ends merging into each other is shown and
arranged in such a manner that a stag or other object is propelled by a travelling belt
up hill to the summit where it is diverted to the return half of the path and runs
down hill by gravity and again diverted to the starting point, to be again engaged by
a striker upon the belt, as before. A shield or screen k, conceals the object in
returning, and the elevation of the object and lines of the pathway can be seen in
Fig. 4.
A crank pin a³ at the end of shaft a works a toothed wheel at in Fig. 2 inter-
mittently, which causes a belt b, carrying objects d, to move at intervals. The objects
may represent ducks, swimming around a miniature pool, and if they are displaced
by a shot they are automatically replaced by their motion against the inclined or con-
straining guides i, i; in this case, bent rods: one being placed outside the belt, the
other in; so that the hinge on which the object is carried will be arranged to work
both ways.
Fig. 3 shows a twisted belt also carrying objects d, d, and working around a vertical
and a horizontal pulley, driven by an overhead wire on pulley 63. This wire may also
be used in driving or traversing clouds, or other parts of scenery, or windmills, and
the like. The objects in travelling with the belt, pass from a horizontal to a vertical
position, and if shot, and knocked over from the vertical position, they are replaced by
contact with the rubbing surface or constraining way, i. i. Fig. 4 represents a stag
mounted upon a wheeled base or carriage, which is propelled up an inclined way by a
striker attached to a travelling belt engaging therewith. At the top it is forced over
or diverted to a return way, (indicated by dotted lines), down which it runs by force
of gravity and is diverted to the lower starting point to be again propelled by a striker
up the incline. Fig. 5 is an elevation showing two sets of belts, working at different
speeds, and carrying objects d, d, one of the belts forming a hillside motion by means of
the belt tightener pulley b. It also shows wires ³ for driving overhead pulleys available
for moving clouds and other parts of the scenery, working water wheels, windmills
and the like. The wires may be taken across a stage in the form of telegraph wires upon
poles, and worked from a pulley or pulleys upon any convenient shaft concealed from
observation. Sinall guide pulleys upon the poles, in imitation of the insulators will
serve to direct the wires in any required direction, and to convey the motion, which
latter will not be perceived at a short distance.
Fig. 6 shows a belt b, carrying block strikers c, c; some of which will work close
together on a straight part of the belt, and open outwards freely in passing over
pulleys. Fig. 7 is an elevation of a double slide movement, worked by a revolving
crank pin c² and susceptible of various forins and applications. Fig. 8 is an elevation
of a wheeled base or carriage, having a crank worked by friction wheels, and a trailing
or sliding connecting rod. This is used for a kangaroo jumping, horse galloping, or
differential motion. Fig. 9 is a plan of a similar carriage with crank axles and a side
rod connecting them. This serves to imitate the leg motions of animals mounted
thereon; the limbs of the game being jointed. Fig. 10 will represent the form of a
cat running along a wall; being propelled by the belt b, and a striker attached thereto.
The dotted lines indicate the position taken by the object when struck, and as the belt
with the object travels towards the observer the object is forced against the frictional
surface i, and is constrained to take the vertical position again. The wheeled base is
concealed by a part of the wall. which is shown in section.
Figs. 11; 12, and 13 represent two forms of a compressed spring motion. The
striker c acts upon a pivoted lever in the first case, and upon a sliding block in the
two latter figures; slowly moving the lever or the block against the action of a spring,

page_text: carrying therewith the object. At the end of the stroke, the spring comes suddenly
into action, withdrawing into cover the object, or advancing therefrom; according to
the arrangement of the shield or scenery.
Fig. 14 shows an inverted pendulum rod, carrying an object at the upper end, and
upon the rod a small toothed pinion engaging with a rack forming an arc of a circle.
The pressure of the travelling belt and striker is adapted to make the rod describe
the arc of a circle, and the pinion causes the object to rotate in doing so; thus giving
the same a peculiar flight. Similar means to that already described can be made to
reset the object, if struck; and a counterweight at the bottom may be used to return
the rod to its starting point. Fig. 15 represents a rotating cam movement for lifting
an object slowly, and then allowing it to drop by gravity. It may be driven by an
intermittent motion.
Fig. 16, (partly in diagram) represent compound levers for giving vertical and a
curved motion to objects, simultaneously; and also simple rods carrying an object,
lifted by a block striker passing beneath. In Figs. 17 and 18 parts of objects are
shown with central and outer hinges, which allow the objects to be carried in a state
of equilibrium until struck; when they assume the position shown by the dotted lines.
The continuence of the driving motion forces the objects against the rubbing or con-
straining way, and thus replaces them in position. The hinges may be made of
strong canvas, leather, or the like; and the objects properly protected against shots
when used as targets.
The examples given are illustrative, as it will be evident that they may be modified;
and many similar movements or objects could be given..
I am aware that it has been proposed to attach objects to a travelling belt or wire, for
use as targets; and that automatic means have been devised for replacing hinged objects
in position, which have been struck by shots; and that diminutive ammunition has been
used against objects made to scale, so that I do not claim either of these things by itself;
and I am also aware of the following patents, No. 1157 of 1879; No. 288 of 1880
No. 2648 of 1881; No. 1211 of 1883; and No. 8459 of 1885, and I declare that I
do not claim any of the devices therein described and claimed, but limit myself to the
improvements herein described.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:
1. Producing-mechanical-motions--by-the-action-of-one-or-more-travelling-belts;
wires;-or-the-like, combined-with-suitable pulleys, shafts, and bearings, and applying
the said-motions to representations-of-animate or inanimate objects; substantially-as;
and-for-any-of-the-purposes-set-forth:
2. A travelling belt-or-belts-earrying--one-or-more-strikers-projecting above-or
beyond the-outer-service-of-the said belt or belts, substantially-as and for the purpose
described.
3. A-travelling-belt--or--belts--carrying--one-or-more-representations-of-animate
er-inanimate objects-projecting-above-or-beyond-the-outer surface-of-the-said-belt or
belts substantially-as-and-for-the-purpose-described.
4. 1. One or more strikers secured to a travelling belt, and adapted to pass freely
around a pulley or pulleys, and to actuate or propel moveable mechanism or objects
placed in the path of the said striker or strikers; substantially as described.
6. Moveable-mechanism-adapted-to-earry-representations of--objects-which-change
position-either-by-the-pressure-upon-a-suitable-part--of--the--said--mechanism--of-a
travelling-belt-and-attached-striker,-or-by-that-of-a-spring-or-by-gravity;or-by-any
combination thereof;-substantially-as-described:
6.--A-mechanism-adapted-to-impart-a-curved-or-reetilineal-movement-in-one-diree-
tion,-or-in--opposite-directions,--by--pressure--applied-to-a-suitable-part-of-the-said
mechanism;--substantially-as-described.
7. The combination of two or-more-belts, wires, or the-like,having different degrees
of motion, or different-kinds-of-motion---substantially-as-described.

page_text: 3. The combination of two or more belts arranged to work upon aferent planes
in relation to each other, and adapted to carry objects or strikers upon either or all of
the belts employed; substantially as and for the purpose described.
9.-A carriage-or-wheeled-base, carrying-or-combined-with-one-or-more-representa-
tions-of-animate-or-inanimate objects, and adapted-to-be moved from point to point by
a-travelling-belt-engaging-therewith-;--substantially-as-described.
2 10. In combination;
a-wheeled-base--a-representation-of-an object-;-an-inelined-or
horizontal-path-or-paths-;-and-a-travelling-belt-adapted-to-engage-with-and-propel
the said wheeled-base; or--object;-along-the--said--path--or--paths-s-substantially as
described.
11. 3. In combination, a wheeled base; a representation of an object; a travelling
belt engaging with and propelling the said object or base; and devices for imitating
the ordinary movements of the said object in propelling the same; substantially as
described.
12. An-inclined-way-or-path-and-a-return-way, adapted-for-an-object--or-wheeled
base to be-propelled by mechanical-means-in-one or both-directions;-substantially as
described;
13. A representation of an animate or inanimate-ohjeet suspended or arranged-upon
a hinge; pivot, or-joint-in-a-position-of-equilibrium-while-in-motion but admitting-of
displacement--from--such--position--by-e--sudden-shock-or-blow-and-its-subsequent
14-A-frictional-surface-or-constraining-way-or--guide;-adapted--to-automatically
replace-a-moving-object-in-its-normal-position--of--equilibrium--after--displacement
replacement-automatically-;-substantially-as-described.
therefrom-substantially-as-deseribed.
15. The combination-of-a-moving-or-travelling object arranged to admit of displace-
ment-by-a-shot-or-blow,-with-a-constraining-way-or-guide-adapted-to-subsequentiy
replace-the-said-moving-object-automatically-s-substantially-as-described.
16 4. The combination of a compound linkwork having representations of objects
mounted thereon and capable of extension and closing differentially, with an actuating
mechanism or travelling belt whereby the said linkwork is operated; substantially as
described.
17. The combination-of-simple-or-compound-levers,or-pendulum rods, with objects
connected-with--the-same-or-mounted--thereon,--operating substantially-as-and-for
the-purpose-described.
18.5. The application of differential movements to objects,either directly by suitable
mechanism connected with or operating the said objects in a differential manner, or
indirectly by two or more belts or other devices, carrying or operating separate
objects at different rates of speed or in different directions; substantially as
.described.
10. A moveable-mechanism-comprising a-device-or-devices-whereby e-movement-is
produced-in-one-direction,and-a--device-or-devices-whereby-a-movement-is-produced
at-or-about-right-angles-to-the-first-movement;-and-an-operating-device-or-devices;
substantially as described.
20. The application of a single-or-of-a-compound--slide--movement--with-suitable
operating-devices-to-target-purposes-;-substantially-as-described.
21.-The-combination-for-target purposes of fixed objects-and-moveable objects,the
latter-being-actuated directly or indirectly-by-a-travelling belt or-belte substantially
as-described.
22. The employment-of-representations-to-seale-for-target-purposes-of-military-or
naval-objects-or-bodies, when-the-suid-bodies--or-objects;-or-any-of-them,-are-moved
either-direetly-by-the-propelling-force-of-a-travelling belt,or-by-mechanism-actuated
by-the-said-belt-substantially-as-described.
23.-The-employment-of-representations-to-seale-for-target-purposes-of-military-or
naval-objects-or-bodies,when-the-onid objects-or-bodies-are-exposed-to-view-and-sub-
sequently-concealed-by-moveable mechanism-t-substantially-as-described.
24. The combination-of-representations--to--seale-of-naval-or-military-objects-or
bodies-having-regular-or-irregular-motion-applied--either-to-the-moving-of-the-said

page_text: objects,-or-to-the-means--for-diselosing--or--concealing--the--same;-with-diminutive
charges-of-ammunition,-when-used-for-target-purposes-;-substantially-as-deseribed.
25. 6. In combination, representations of objects to scale, regular or irregular move-
ments applied to the said objects or to devices for concealing or disclosing the same;
an actuating travelling belt, wire, or the like; and diminutive charges of ammuni-
tion; substantially as and for the purpose described.
26. In-eombination;-representations-of--objects+-regular-or--irregular-movements
applied-to-the-said-objects-or--to-devices-for-concealing-or-disclosing-the-same-+-one
er-more-netuating travelling belts, wires, or the-like; aud-shields-or-protection against
damage-to-the-aetuating-devices--when--used--for-target-purposes;-substantially-as
deseribed.
27. 7. The combination with moving or immoveable scenery, of representations
of animate or inanimate objects to which regular or irregular motion is applied, and
acting devices; substantially as and for the purpose described.
28.8. The various forms, arrangements and devices shown or indicated by the
drawings, Figs. 1 to 18 inclusive; substantially as and for the purposes described.
Deted this 2nd day of January 1888
JOSEPH SINCLAIR FAIRFAX.