An Improved Means of Exhibiting, Advertising, or Giving Publicity to any Letters, Words, Trade-marks, Designs, Notices, Names of Streets, Numbers, or other Information.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 24th Dec., 1890
Complete Specification Left, 26th Oct., 1891-Accepted, 24th Dec., 1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Means of Exhibiting, Advertising, or Giving Publicity
to any Letters, Words, Trade-marks, Designs, Notices, Names of
Streets, Numbers, or other Information.
ADOLPHUS BERNARD WILLIAM GEHRKE of No. 15, Clarendon Gardens,
Paddington in the County of London, Army Tutor, do hereby declare the nature of
this invention to be as follows :-
My apparatus supplies a novel method of exhibiting, advertising, or giving
publicity from any convenient position or vehicle and enables advertisers, shop-
keepers and others to exhibit and change in subject matter and colour any notice
plainly by day and exhibit same at night, by means of electricity, gas or other
suitable illuminant, the brilliancy being increased by lenses and reflectors, alone or
in combination. At night the notices appear through transparent matter surrounded
by opaque or approximately opaque substances, and become more conspicuous and
attractive by being, at predetermined intervals, varied in colour and deflected at
any angle. The motive power necessary is derived from any suitable automatic
machine, requiring little attention, and capable of causing, by its movement, the
desired changes to occur, varying the angles at which the light is deflected and the
colours of the notices being exhibited, by a horizontal motion either laterally or
backwards and forwards, or vertically up and down, or by a rotary motion, or by
the motions in combination, and adapted by any suitable means, for igniting and
extinguishing the light and changing the transparent arrangement for night exhibi-
tion to the system employed for day-light use, and vice versa.
Dated this 24th day of December 1890.
ADOLPHUS BERNARD WILLIAM GEHRKE.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Means of Exhibiting, Advertising, or Giving Publicity
to any Letters, Words, Trade-marks, Designs, Notices, Names of
Streets, Numbers, or other Information.
I ADOLPHUS BERNARD WILLIAM GEHRKE of "Parkhurst" Adelaide Road,
Brockley in the County of Kent, Army Tutor, 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 supplies an improved method of exhibiting or advertising in the
form of an illumination, effective both at night and in the day-time. It consists of
an apparatus (contained within a case made of any required shape) and its object is
to provide an ornamental and comparatively simple means of giving increased
publicity to verbal, pictorial, or numerical advertisements, notices, names, figures,
devices, or signs (any or all of which are, herein-after, called Fascias"). It can
be placed in any prominent or obscure position convenient for the purpose, and
enables advertisers, shop-keepers, and others to attract the attention of casual
observers to their announcements or "fascias" by reason of the apparent brilliancy
with which they are displayed and the repeated changes which occur in their
appearance, subject-matter, and nature. "Fascias" can be thus displayed from any
or all the sides of the case containing my apparatus.
19
Herein-after, I use the words " Figure," or "Transparency as synonymous
terms to express any single one of the several individual parts which, combined, con-
stitute the subject-matter of the complete announcement, notice, advertisement, etc.

page_text: which
may
be exhibited by a "fascia," independent of whether these components
(of the said subject-matter of a fascia) be literal, numerical, or illustrative, alone
or in combination; therefore the notice: 2 Days' Sale" would be displayed by
a "Fascia" composed of nine "Figures" or "Transparencies."
"
"
cause the
With my apparatus, the aforenamed brilliancy with which the "fascias" are
displayed, is produced by leaving the " Figures perfectly transparent but com-
pletely surrounded by opaque matter so that, at night, the light (emitted from
within the case by the luminant or luminants employed and provided with reflectors,
also, occasionally, with lenses) is everywhere intercepted except through the
figures
on view. By means of a frame (herein-after called "Shifting frame")
furnished with sheets or panes of glass, mica, or other suitable, transparent material,
each differing from the other in colour, shades of colour, design, or illustration
(herein-after called "Slides"), and which said "Shifting frame is (by mechanism
employed and herein-after described) caused to travel, with an interrupted motion,
immediately in the rear of the fascia, I produce intermittent changes of colour;
illustration, or appearance in each of the "transparencies" of which the fascia is
composed, since the light which passes through any particular one of the figures
will, at the completion of each movement of the shifting frame, be refracted through
the medium of a "Slide" immediately adjacent to the one through which the said
light was previously transmitted. By means (herein-after described)
reflectors, made as herein-after described, and the lenses in conjunction with them
(where space permits of their adoption), to oscillate, rotate or otherwise move to
vary the angle at which the light is deflected and, by using for the "slides," sheets
of glass with an uneven refractory surface, the "figures assume a peculiar and
sparkling appearance and have a striking effect. I effect changes in the notices
being exhibited by employing a set of two or more fascias, differing from each
other in subject-matter, and (by mechanism herein-after described) I cause each, in
its turn, to appear for the purpose of display in the order required, and to disappear
from view during the time it is not required to be exhibited. In the construction
of the frames (called "Fascia-frames and herein-after described) by which fascias.
are held in position, and in the method of applying them to the case containing my
apparatus, especially where I employ a separate stencil-plate for each figure, I have
provided for the convenient alteration of the subject-matter itself of any one, or all
the fascias by unskilled persons, and for ready access to the inner portions of the
apparatus for the purpose of cleaning, etc. The "slides" being translucent I
employ (except in certain instances mentioned herein-after) a suitably decorated,
opaque screen (herein-after described and called Slide-screen") to effect the
changes in the colours of the figures during the day-light, for which purpose it is either
lowered, or drawn out to come between the slides and fascias, or immediately in the
rear of the slides. Further, to compensate, in the day-time, for the non-deflection
of the angle at which the figures are visible, occasionally cause the fascias to rock
or oscillate. By decorating the exposed surfaces of the fascias they present an
attractive appearance in day-light without the use of the intervening luminants.
39
As my apparatus is subject to modification according to the circumstances
attending each individual case, it follows there may be a corresponding variation in
the construction of same. To obviate expense and decrease the initial outlay,
certain parts (herein-after) described as working automatically, may be made to act
by hand, and for the same reasons some parts of the movements may be altogether
dispensed with. It is not a departure from the principle of my invention when my
apparatus is occasionally made to differ in soine (usually minor details) respects
from that herein set forth; for instance: a fascia need not necessarily appear upon
more than one side of the case; changes in the colours of the figures both by day
and night, and varying effects of the light only form a portion of the advantages to
be derived from the use of my apparatus; the adoption of a set or sets of fascias
changing automatically in rotation is not always required.
I am aware that opal glass and other translucent materials have been used for
the purpose of advertising, also that moving coloured material is used to modify the

page_text: appearance of the transparencies in advertisements, and I do not claim the
principle of displaying figures or notices from a partly obscured screen to form an
illumination; also, the plan, herein-after described, for forming the reflecting
surfaces of mirrors with pieces of silvered fluted glass is old. This summary will
render the following description readily appreciable.
"
Used with my apparatus "fascias" are divided into three classes:-" "Principal
fascias," "Secondary fascias "and Column-fascias." A "fascia" used for the
vertical front or back faces of the case containing my apparatus, when the same is
placed to be in an horizontal position, is (hercin-after) called "Principal fascia ;
those fascias not in the same plane with the "Principal fascias," but appearing upon
the horizontal or oblique faces of the case (placed in an horizontal position), for
instance, upon its top or bottom faces, are called "Secondary facias"; the third
class, called "Column-fascias" are such as are displayed from any, or all the sides
of a case containing a portion, or the whole of the apparatus when it is placed
on-end to stand more or less upright, that is when the said case is placed in a vertical
or diagonal position as, for instance, when it is required to reach the whole, or part
of the distance from the top to the bottom of a building against which it is placed.
Fascias appearing upon the end-faces of the case, when the said case is placed
horizontally, are classed with "Column-fascias" (herein-before defined).
There is another kind of fascia the nature and use of which are herein-after
explained, and which is only referred to when spoken of by its name: "Supple-
mentary fascia."
My apparatus is enclosed by a case made of a shape to suit the situation in which
it is placed or to be placed, and conditional upon the attendant circumstances. It
is adapted for giving publicity not only from prominent and conspicuous positions,
but also from secluded, or dark and obscure situations. It is serviceable when
placed on the top high structures, and may be attached, at any height from the
ground, to walls, hoardings, the inside and outside of buildings, and all ordinary
sites to which it admits of being conveniently fastened, particularly above and
below the show-windows of shops to act as a fascia; further, it can be employed
for advertising from vans or other suitable vehicles used for trade. A feature of
my apparatus is that it permits of fascias being exhibited in the form of an
illumination (with automatically changing fascias, variations in the colour of the
respective figures, and striking and peculiar effects of the transmitted light) from
any or all the faces of the case containing same, provided the conditions and
surroundings be favourable.
There is no universal rule for calculating the size, or defining the form of the
several parts of which the apparatus consists; neither can I indicate by exact
measurements the precise position to be occupied by them within and without the
case. Circumstances alone can guide me in deciding what particular luminant or
luminants to employ in each instance, but when available I adopt those evolving
comparatively little heat, for instance, electricity.
That my apparatus may attain the end I have in view, I have provided for the
following advantages to be derived from its adoption
First, that of instantly attracting the attention of passers-by and the public
generally to the fascias by the brilliancy of the figures, the continual changes inter-
mittently occurring in the appearance of same without the immediate cause of such
changes being directly apparent, and-the substitution, at predetermined intervals, of
one fascia for another.
Secondly, that of combining simplicity of construction with such facilities for the
temporary or permanent alteration of the subject-matter of the fascias themselves,
and provisions for the convenient cleaning of the apparatus by unskilled persons, as
to effect economy both in labour and expense.
Thirdly, that of obtaining great publicity, both during the day-light and at night
time, without the appearance of ostentatious advertising.
In carrying my invention into practice with respect to the manufacture of a
fascia, I paint or cover with opaque matter a sheet or sheets of glass in such

page_text: manner as to leave perfectly transparent only those portions intended to represent
the figures of which the subject-inatter of the fascia is composed but, to avoid
unnecessary absorption and refraction of the-light, also to minimize the weight and
expense, besides enabling me to carry out more conveniently the automatic or
manual substitution of one fascia for another, and, further, to provide for the easy
alteration of the figures in a fascia, I often cut the transparencies out of sheets of
any suitable opaque material such as wood, papier-maché, metal-plates (preferably
of zinc), or any other substance adapted for the manufacture of these stencils; they
are polished, ornamented, enamelled, japanned, painted or otherwise decorated on
their front or exposed side and are, when required, protected by clear glass placed
in front of them. The ordinary ties connecting the opaque parts within the area
occupied by the transparency with the main body of the stencil-plate, are often
removed and replaced by pieces of glass, strips of mica, horn, thin wire gauze, or
any translucent or other suitable substance offering less apparent obstruction or
resistance to the passage of the light than if the ties were allowed to consist of the
material of the plate itself.
A fascia is generally surrounded and held in position by a "Fascia-frame" ;
these are divided into two classes:- "Repeating fascia-frames," and "Fixed fascia-
frames," according to whether they are, or are not intended to be used with the
intermittent movement causing fascias to be exhibited during à limited period only,
so that at the expiration of a predetermined interval, the fascia on view is
exchanged for another. Both forms of fascia-frame are so constructed, of zinc or
other suitable material, that they admit of an unskilled person removing, replacing,
or altering a fascia, for which purpose the top and bottom of a fascia-frame may be
constructed of channelled bars with the grooves tending inwards; their ends are
connected by bars having their inner surface flat and placed to be in a plane
parallel to the fascia, thus offering no obstruction to its passage when the said
fascia is moved by sliding it laterally in or out between the end bars, after the
removal of any suitable stops or pegs screwed or otherwise fitted, when required,
into holes drilled in the end-bars of the fascia-frame to prevent the said fascia from
shifting. Another plan is, instead of a grooved top-bar, to use two flat bars
coextending along the top, and fixed to be respectively at the front and back of
the fascia-frame, with sufficient space allowed between them to admit of a fascia
dropping into its place or being lifted out of position. When the fascia consists of
a sheet or sheets of glass, it generally protrudes sufficiently high from between
these parallel bars at the top, to permit of its being grasped by the hand; the ends
of these bars are usually joined by channel-bars to the ends of the bar at the
bottom. For repeating fascia-frames, and also where the subject-matter of a fascia
requires to be frequently altered, I generally construct the fascia-frame upon the
latter of the two plans, and usually cut each figure, or set of figures, out of a
separate plate or sheet, to offer extra facilities for altering the whole, or any
number of the transparencies of which a fascia may be composed, or for temporarily
removing same to gain access to the inner parts of the apparatus for cleaning and
such like purposes. To prevent the light from passing through the seams, occurring
where the disconnected stencil-plates meet, their side-edges are bevelled to overlap
one the other; or the edge on one side of each stencil-plate is folded into a groove,
vee, or rabbet, while the edge on the other side is bent slightly back to form
a retreating shoulder; consequently, the front surfaces of stencils thus treated will
lie evenly when their edges are brought together, and their sides will lock somewhat
similarly to match-boarding. Another method is to employ, for this purpose,
narrow lengths of metal or other suitable opaque material; these are divided into
three classes: :-" Stencil-ribs," "Frame-ribs," and "Detached ribs" according to
whether they are fixed to the stencil-plates, fixed to the fascia-frame, or are slipped
loose into the fascia-frame to intervene, respectively, between each two stencil-
plates. Stencil-ribs are flat strips, soldered or otherwise secured to the back or
front (or both back and front alternately) sides of stencil-plates at their edges, so
that these said strips will each overlap the edge of an adjoining stencil-plate.

page_text: Frame-ribs, on the contrary, are fastened to the upper and lower bars of the fascia-
frame by soldering, brazing, rivetting or other suitable means; the required
number of such ribs being distributed at the proper distances apart (determined by
the width of the stencil-plates used) will cover the openings occurring between
them. Both frame-ribs and detached ribs may be made flat, but I prefer to use
lengths of window-lead, or to bend a piece of zinc, or other suitable material, into
the form of a double channel, a section of which shall resemble au H; or two flat
strips may be joined parallel to each other by a narrow length of metal normal to
the two parallel sides (known as the Heart' in window-lead) like in H-iron; this
heart or perpendicular strip may be substituted by rivets or other suitable unions;
ribs may also be made double-grooved by bending two flat pieces to form segments
of a cylinder and be united along their vertices by any convenient and suitable
means, so that the concavities tend right and left to receive the adjacent edges of
the pair of contiguous stencil-plates between which the rib is situated. With
fascia-frames constructed on the first plan, herein-before described, and when the
stencil-plates have not had their edges bevelled to overlap, or are not provided
with stencil-ribs, I use detached ribs of the double channel-pattern, and slide one
into the fascia-frame after each stencil-plate but I may also use frame-ribs made
flat in form; these latter not only intercept the light and offer no obstruction to the
sliding in and out of the stencil-plates, but act as strengtheners to the fascia-frame.
When the second plan for making a fascia-frame is adopted, I prefer to employ
frame-ribs of the H-pattern, and secure the parallel sides (at one end of each rib)
to the two top bars of the fascia-frame, at the front and back respectively, while
the other end is attached to the channel-bar at the bottom; these frame-ribs are
attached by any suitable means, such as solder or rivets. Consequently a stencil-
plate, when held in position by three grooves, rests in a portion of the channel of
the lower bar of the fascia-frame and has an H-rib on either side of it, the edges of
the same being respectively contained each by one of the grooves of the adjoining
frame-ribs this permite of a stencil-plate being slipped in or out by sliding
vertically between the two horizontal bars coextending along the top of the fascia-
frame. Such frame-ribs serve the threefold purpose of intercepting the light,
holding the stencil-plates in position, and strengthening the fascia-frame besides
preventing its sagging through the lengthening or deflection of the bars to which
the frame-ribs are normal. Frame-ribs are not necessarily immoveably fixed to the
fascia-frame; they may be attached to resist vertical tension, and yet slide side-
ways when pressure in a lateral direction is applied; they are thus readily
adaptable for use with sets of stencil-plates varying in width; for this purpose
generally bend a band of zinc, or other suitable material, into the form of a
flattened ellipse or hoop united at the back; when looped round the top and bottom
horizontal bars of the fascia-frame, it takes the shape of a rectangle and admits of
being pushed along the frame to cover the seams between stencil-plates of different
widths. When "secondary fascias" require a fascia-frame, the bars thereof are
generally of the shape of angle-iron instead of being channelled, and its frame-ribs
for the most part resemble tee-iron seeing that it has only to support the fascia or
stencil-plates lying on it. Fascia-frames admit of several modifications in con-
struction; the stencil-plates may be applied like the ordinary shutters before
shop-windows, for which purpose the channel of the lower bar is somewhat
shallow and, where a grooved upper -bar is-used, its channel is made sufficiently
deep to allow the stencil-plates to be lifted out of the bottom groove; they are
then drawn slightly forward and dropped downwards for removal, and rice versú for
replacement. Further, a fascia may be held in position in, its frame by any pegs,
catches, or buttons suitable for the purpose. Fascia-frames intended to hold
"column-fascias may be constructed on either of the two plans adopted for use with
principal fascias and herein-before described; or the figures of column-fascias may be
held each by a separate frame the construction of which is herein-after explained.
When changes in the subject-matter of a fascia occasion vacancies to occur (by
reason of fewer figures being needed than the full complement for which the frame
2.
I

page_text: was originally intended) the gaps may be rendered opaque by an unskilled person
applying to them plain or unpierced plates of the necessary size and sliding same
into the fascia-frame; should the changes, on the contrary, demand the adoption of
a greater number of figures than that for which the frame was constructed,
narrower stencil-plates and smaller figures may be used, generally of one half the
ordinary width.
In the selection of the materials for the construction of the various parts of my
apparatus, and particularly in respect of the suitability for this purpose, of com-
bustible organic matter in combination with the incombustible materials ordinarily
employed, I am partly guided by considerations of size, weight, and the space at my
disposal; but the principal point to be considered is safety from fire together with
durability in respect of the materials with regard to the quantity of heat evolved
by the illuminating agent adopted for use.
When the case containing my apparatus is attached to a site so that, lengthwise,
its position is horizontal or nearly so, it is, herein-after, called "Level-case"; but,
when it is, so to say, placed on end with the fascias running in a vertical direction
(so as to read downwards), or nearly so, it is called a "Column-case." The case is
built upon a skeleton-frame, herein-after called "Permanent frame" which is most
frequently constructed of bars or girders of angle-iron, H-iron, channel-iron, or
tee-iron, according to which may be most serviceable; or these bars may consist of
steel or other suitable material. The size of the case varies according to the
dimensions of the fascias intended to be displayed-its ordinary shape is that of a
rectangular or oblique parallelopiped or prism of any required span; but it can be
varied indefinitely, for example: any of its faces may be triangular, or describe a
trapezoid, trapezium, or polygon; or it may be adapted to a curve as, for instance, a
segment of a right circular or other cylinder; further, the case itself may be
triangular in shape and stand out horizontally in front of the site to which it is
attached, with its vertex remote from same; or its shape may be spherical, resemble
a bow-window, and generally, admits of being adapted to suit most circumstances
and conditions to which it may be desirable to apply it. Further, it can be
suspended from, or supported by girders, rods, or pillars which may themselves
constitute the permanent frantes of "column-cases" displaying "column-fascias,"
with variations in the colours of the figures, striking effects of the light and
automatic change of subject-matter, from any or all the sides; these same girders
or pillars may also, if desirable, support a "level-case" (or "level-cases at
different heights from the ground) and may, further, serve as guides for the same
to move up and down in when it is required that the level-case shall admit of being
moved vertically; for this purpose it is sustained by flexible cords passing over
pulleys having their blocks securely fastened, generally at the head of each
"column-case," and is, in addition, supported upon any suitable pawls, catches, or
other contrivances, made to project immediately beneath the "level-case" for it to
rest upon when raised into position. Such pawls, or similar contrivances, are
forced outwards by any suitable means; for instance, they may fall into place by
their own weight, or be driven forward (to support the level-case) by springs; as
they have to be withdrawn before the case can descend, the catches are released by
compressing the springs, or otherwise drawing them back by means of bell-cranks
or other levers, generally actuated by rods or cords terminating in a convenient
position near the winch used for raising and lowering the level-case.
27
All parts of a case are made perfectly opaque except the open spaces made; or
left in those of its sides where it is intended fascias shall be displayed. These open
spaces are, herein-after, called "Exhibit-openings." They are made fully equal in
length and breadth to the space occupied by the figures of the particular fascia or
fascias to be used with them, and offer absolutely no obstruction to the passage of
the light or air consequently the inner parts of the apparatus, situated behind an
exhibit-opening," are screened from view by the fascia being displayed which
only permits the light to pass through the figures of which it is composed and,
where the said figures. are openings, as when stencil-plates unprotected by glass or
r

page_text: other transparent material are used, such figures are also of service in the
ventilation of the interior of the case. However, in certain instances, described
herein-after, I make the roof of a "level-case" more or less translucent, and use
for its construction clear glass, mica, or other suitable material. Column-cases are
seldom illuminated by a light evolving a considerable quantity of heat. When, by
nature of the luminant employed, it is necessary to adopt special means for
ventilation, provision is made for the escape of the heat through the roof by such
holes or apertures (screened and protected by caps or any suitable covers), as will
suffice for the removal of the products of combustion. For this purpose, and
especially where the ordinary coal-gas is employed, I often construct the roof of
distinct and separate shelves or ledges, overlapping one another to act as a
protection against the rain without being in immediate contact; or the roof may
be constructed to consist of laths to open and close like a louvre or venetian-blind
and, where the base or ends are not supplied with a fascia composed of open or
pierced figures admitting the outer air in sufficient quantities, these faces are
provided with holes, capped in any suitable or convenient manner to intercept the
light; these are made sufficiently large and numerous to admit of a draught capable
of sustaining and encouraging the luminant and of preventing the condensation of
moisture. Should the heat evolved by the light employed be considerable, the
aforesaid arrangements may be supplemented by the use of any suitable fan, fans,
or other ventilating agents, placed in any position convenient for this purpose and
worked, when necessary, on any suitable system as, for instance, by mechanism
actuated by the application to it, for this purpose, of the force obtained from the
utilization of the heat given off, or by a train of clockwork or other machinery
driven by the motive power causing the occurrence of the several changes, or by
mechanism and force independent of same, such as by weight and cord. In most
cases the roof is made to slant and is, sometimes, provided with a gutter and also,.
occasionally, with a conduit-pipe to carry off rain-water.
As already mentioned the distinction between a "Fixed fascia-frame" and a
Repeating fascia-frame" consists in the former being attached to a case to retain
a stationary position in respect of its "exhibit-opening," while the latter, forming
one of a set, is so applied that it may be made to appear periodically for display
and be withdrawn to allow other fascias belonging to the set to be exhibited. A
fixed fascia-frame is screwed, rivetted, or otherwise secured to the " permanent
frame" of a "level-case," so that it slightly protrudes in front of same to avoid any
obstruction to the sliding in or out of a fascia; or it is attached to the permanent
frame by means of any suitable hinges, or pivots, to open and close like a door with
the axis upon which it swings at one of its ends, or at its top, or bottom bar,
though, with long or heavy fascias, fixed to form one single door only, the hinges
are generally fastened to the top-bar, except when the frame is used with a column
case, when the hinges are fastened at one or the other side. With fascia-frames
made on the plan first described, the bar by which the frame has to swing may
have gaps cut therein to be entered by suitably pierced tongues or lugs fixed to the
permanent frame; the whole is held together by a stout wire or bar, passed through
the channel of either the top or bottom bar; the lugs, thus forming one long hinge.
To obviate excessive strain, a fascia-frame, especially when it is intended to be used
for column-fascias, is frequently divided into two or more distinct- sections, -con-
taining the parts of one whole fascia and hinged on one side to the permanent
frame, or so that either their top, or bottom bars become the axes on which the
several sections oscillate like separate trap-doors independent of each other but, for
column-cases the bottom or the top side is, generally, joined by hinges to the
permanent frame. With level-cases they can be made to swing on hinges, fixed at
their ends, to act like double doors, folding doors, or double doors subdivided into
sets of folding doors, and having the several compound sections of each half of the
double door, or doors joined by hinges. With the fascia-frames of column-cases,
ench figure of the column-fascia may be held by a separate frame, usually made of
zinc it consists of three, channel-bars, two at the sides joined by one at its base;

page_text: its top is left open to admit of the passing in and out of a stencil-plate; but the
tops of the two channel-bars (at the sides of each section) may be joined by a flat
bar at the back to add firmness to the frame. These frames may be considered to
constitute sections of one long fascia-frame; they are placed in a more or less
oblique position with the top of each section overlapping the bottom of the one
immediately above it to admit of the removal or replacement of the stencil-plates.
The sections may be attached to the permanent frame to be immoveable fixtures;
or each may be made to swing upon hinges or pivots fixed to the permanent frame,
and thus form a column of doors; and the tops of these doors may be made to
advance and retire automatically after the manner of a louvre. Fascia-frames
acting like doors are kept closed, when required, by any suitable arrangement of
bolts, catches or door-buttons placed in any position convenient for this purpose.
Further, with level-cases, to gain access to the apparatus within, the sections may
be fitted to slide horizontally one behind the other, thus laying bare one portion of
the interior only at a time; or "fixed fascia-frames" can be applied by various
other methods as, for example, that adopted for "repeating fascia-frames" and
herein-after described; in which instance, unless the fascias are heavy, they need
not necessarily be counterbalanced, and the automatic movement, frequently
introduced for "repeating fascia-frames," is omitted. They are generally suspended
by flexible cords passing over pulleys, and the inner parts of the apparatus become
exposed when the fascia-frame is raised, clear of the "exhibit-opening," upon the
cords being drawn by hand in much the same way as with an ordinary blind. A
fascia-frame, attached to a case in this way or as an ordinary door, does not
require the removal of or interference with the individual figures (contained by
such fascia-frame) in order to render the parts of the apparatus within the case
accessible for cleaning or other purposes. In some cases I dispense altogether
with a separate fascia-frame and make the case itself to answer this purpose; the
fascia, resting on the bottom bar, is passed through a slit or opening of the requisite
height and width, made, at one or both ends of the case, alongside the position
where the fascia is to come, and through which the same can be introduced or
withdrawn. It is prevented from shifting sideways while in its place, by pegs or
stops, the same as used with fascia-frames made on the first plan and herein-before
described. Where repeating fascia-frames are used for principal fascias," I
employ a set of two or more fascia-frames, each supplied with its own particular
fascia, and hang same before the case above the exhibit-opening." They are
held suspended by any suitable means, generally on the principle of ordinary,
counter-balanced window-sashes sustained by sash-lines passing over pulleys, and
slide vertically, up and down in guides. The cords, attached to each fascia-frame
to hold same in suspension, pass over pulleys fixed in the requisite position; while
the fascia-frames, though sometimes counter-balanced to be in equilibrium, are
nevertheless frequently over-balanced by weights or springs, causing them to rise to
their normal position above the exhibit-opening directly the tension by which they
are drawn down is released. This releasing-action may be effected by connecting
the cords, chains, or jointed rods (attached to the fascia-frames) with bell-cranks or
other levers or couplings, acted upon by suitable mechanism; or by cords winding
and unwinding on drums which may be made to turn by any suitable means, as for
instance, when they are geared to engage with the worm of a right and left endless
screw. The necessary motive power is derived directly, or indirectly from the
mechanism, herein-after, described; or it may be obtained from an independent
source as, for instance, when it is actuated by clock-work; further, the cords or
wires may be so arranged as to admit of being drawn down or released by hand,
the changes then taking place at the will of the operator. When applied to act
automatically, these repeating fascia-frames will be caused to rise and fall
periodically, at predetermined intervals, and be moved, one at a time, so as to drop
vertically, in rotation, or in any pre-arranged order desired. At the expiration of
the time allotted for the display of one particular fascia, the next is drawn down
into position and the former rises so as to be clear of the "exhibit-opening" so as

page_text: not intercept the passage of the light through the figures of the newly lowered
fascia. This reciprocal movement of the repeating fascia-frames, supplied each
with its respective fascia, is generally made to continue in operation only during
the time the artificial light is required and, when this is extinguished (for the day-
light effect) the fascia nearest to the body of the case is usually drawn down and
remains stationary until the luminant employed is re-ignited. At the time of such
change in the repeating fascia-frames the light may be screened to render the
movement less observable. Repeating fascia-frames may also be held by cords
just sufficiently long to hold the fascia-frames in suspension and yet of any one of
them reaching down to the bottom of the exhibit-opening; each cord (sustaining
the fascia-frames) being secured at its extremities by lugs, passes over the requisite
number of pulleys fastened to the body of the case, and supports each of the fascia-
frames by passing under sheaves fixed to the ends of same, so that the whole of
the fascia-frames of the set are carried by two cords, one at each end. When
the one fascia-frame is lowered it pulls the cords down with it which causes the
previously displayed fascia to rise in consequence of the shortening of these
same cords in proportion to the length required for the descending fascia-frame;
they are balanced to be in equilibrium, and the upward and downward motions
act concurrently so that the fascia frames cross cach other in successively
taking up their position. The set of such repeating fascia-frames is con-
tained within an outer chamber or shell made of a shape and size suitable
for containing the whole set of fascia-frames used, and constructed of any
suitable, opaque material. It is called "Fascia-store," and has only its
top, front side, and both ends enclosed; having no base, it admits of the vertical
entry and exit of the fascia-frames it contains; these are governed in their
direction (into and out of a fascia-store) by guide-grooves placed at the ends; or
by wires, fixed at either end to the fascia-store, which run through loops, fastened
to the end of each fascia-frame. When the front of a fascia-store is required to
act as a substitute for a 6 Slide-screen," herein-after described, the guides are,
occasionally, made to slide or telescope into each other to allow the fascia-store to
descend; or this may be effected by any other suitable means as, for instance, by
pegs fixed to the ends of the fascia-frames. To afford access to the fascias
suspended within a fascia-store, I usually make either its top, or end faces to
open and shut like a door or slide, according to whether the fascia-frames are
made on one or other of the plans described. A fascia-store can be fixed to the
case to be immoveable; or it may be interlinked, or coupled in any suitable and
convenient manner necessary for joining it to the case, depending upon whether the
fascia-store is intended to remain a permanent fixture, or will only be required,
temporarily, on special occasions.. In some cases it is built upon a portion of the
permanent frame itself, extending sufficiently far out in front of the case for this
purpose. To obviate the use of a "slide-screen," a fascia-store can be attached to
permit of its sliding up and down in front of the case, for which purpose it is fitted
with headed nuts or studs running in vertical vee-guide-grooves. The fascias,
when drawn up into a fascia-store, are concealed from view by its front side
(admitting of being lettered or decorated in any required style) which is, hercin-after,
called "Supplementary fascia." It may either be applied to the "fascia-store" as
a fixture, or attached to be removable and admit of being withdrawn, replaced, and
prevented from shifting-while-in position, in a similar manner to fascias used
without fascia-frames, and moved by sliding in or out, through slits or other
openings at the ends, as herein-before described. The method of applying a
supplementary fascia" is varied, according to circumstances; thus it may appear
to be held in position by a frame, formed of moulding, but is really held by the
upper and lower horizontal sides of such frame only, rebated for the purpose and
fixed to the top and bottom edges of the fascia-store, while the two vertical end-
sides of the frame are fixed to the "supplementary fascia" itself, and afford
hold-fasts to facilitate its removal or replacement; this method may also be
adopted for fascias held by the permanent frame direct, instead of by a separate
B

page_text: fascia-frame: As a substitute for a "slide-screen," the supplementary fascia,
moreover; serves the purpose of the ordinary permanent fascia in present use,
exhibiting any desired advertisement, or the designation of the business, or the
name of the proprietor of same, or it may be merely used for decorative effect;
for this purpose the fascia-store is lowered when the artificial light is extinguished,
and remains stationary until it is again raised at night, clear of the "exhibit-
opening" before which the fascia-frames (each supplied with its own particular fascia)
contained by it, are lowered one at a time, when required to be displayed, and with-
drawn from view directly the next fascia is partly or quite drawn down. To lower
or raise a fascia-store I generally employ any suitable levers, such as bell-cranks,
or an arrangement of cords or chains in conjunction with pulleys. It may be made
to act automatically but, being only required to move twice in the twenty-four
hours, its vertical motion is most frequently performed by hand. A ledge may be
added to the bottom of the permanent frame to project in front of the case, being
made sufficiently wide for the fascia-store, or the fascia-frames contained within
same, to rest upon when lowered. The "exhibit-openings" for "secondary fascias"
are made, in the top or bottom of the case; by leaving open, or cutting away such
portions of those faces where it is intended fascias shall appear, as will afford a
free passage for the light through the whole of the figures composing such
secondary fascia or fascias; the frame holding same is generally placed in
position within the case, immediately above or below the said exhibit-opening
according to the side from which the fascia is to be displayed. It is held in
position and prevented from shifting by any suitable pegs, bolts, catches, door-
buttons or the like. With "secondary repeating fascia-frames' I usually place
a set of two or more frames, each supplied with its own particular fascia, immediately
in the rear of the exhibit-opening and in an horizontal plane; at the ends of the
case, at right angles to the front or back faces, I fix a set of tracks, generally
arranged step-wise for the sheaves attached to the ends of each of the fascia-frames,
so that each frame moves on its own track. Loften prevent the fascias from coming
into contact with each other, through deflection and. consequent sagging, by
stretching wires or rods-between each pair, and fasten same to the front and back
faces of the case. Each one of the set of repeating fascia-frames is drawn
forward in its turn, advancing to cover the exhibit-opening, and remaining
stationary, during any predetermined interval, for the purpose of displaying its
fascia until it is made to retire directly the next in order has advanced, the
result of the action of any such cranks, levers, couplings or other appliances.
in conjunction with any suitable mechanism actuated by any such available
motive power as may be convenient and suitable for the purpose. Or, where
only two secondary fascia-frames are used, I can make their end bars to consist of
toothed racks with the teeth tending inwards; these engage with cog-wheels placed
between them which, turning the required number of times in the one direction,
the fascia previously displayed is carried to the rear of the exhibit-opening, while
the one about to be displayed is brought forward and stops for a predetermined
period, after which the motion is reversed and the original fascia is again caused to
cover the exhibit-opening. The movement is alternate and reciprocal, the fascia-
frames crossing each other in advancing and retiring; the cog-wheels are actuated
by a train of clock-work in conjunction with mutilated wheels and cams driven by
any convenient motive power.
"
A column-case" fitted with repeating fascia-frames is usually four or more
sided and resembles a prism or cylinder placed on end, most frequently pentagonal
or hexagonal in section; its sides consist of "column-fascias "held in position by
repeating fascia-frames of uniform width which may be constructed on the first
plan, herein before described, and often adopted for the "fixed fascia-frames of
"level-cases"; they are not independent of each other as in level-cases, but joined
together as one whole, and firmly fixed at right angles to a platform (placed in an
horizontal plane) geared, and actuated by any convenient and suitable mechanism,
to rotate in a circular direction; at each movement the.platform, together with the

page_text: fascias, is made to describe an arc the chord.of which is equal to the width of
any one side of the column-case; its motion being intermittent and occurring at
predetermined intervals, every turn of the platform is accompanied by a change
of fascias on all the sides of a column-case. Any one or more of the repeating
fascia-frames fitted with column-fascias may be attached to the adjoining repeating
fascia-frames to open and close after the manner of a door, in order to afford access
to the interior of the case.
Fixed fascia-frames in level-cases may also admit of being moved (generally
adopted for day-light effect only); the motion is exactly similar to that of
cylindrical reflectors (herein-after described) by the action of which the fascia-
frame is moved. Being pivotted to the permanent frame, so that the fulcrum is
either at its top, or at its bottom bar, or so that the axis upon which it rotates
(through an arc of a circle) shall be the imaginary line dividing it, along its length,
into two equal parts (an upper and a lower half), it oscillates in sympathy with
the mobile, cylindrical reflector to which it is joined by any suitable couplings,
such as a connecting-rod or rods; for this purpose it may be attached to the
permanent frame to swing with a pendulous motion, or to advance and retire at the
top, or to rock upon its centre and advance and retire alternately, both at the top
and bottom.
Together with the fixed and moveable means for the display of fascias, as
herein-before described, my invention consists of the combination of the stencil-
sheets, coloured glass, or transparency medium, and multiple reflectors with
intervening light or illuminant; these means, combined with the movements and
changes which may be effected in respect of each member of the components,
give striking and important results and innumerable variations of effects. Beyond
this, for the day-light effect, the device is capable of like changes and, by
decorating the faces of the stencils by gilding, colouring and the like, an
effective and attractive display can be made without the use of the intervening
illuminants.
The notice of casual observers and persons at a distance is drawn to the fascias
on view by reason of the splendour of the figures whereof they are composed which,
being perfectly transparent, are completely surrounded by opaque matter
obstructing the passage of the light through all parts except those spaces
constituting the figures. Within the case, at the back of the figures, I place the
required luminant, or number of luminants, supplied with a reflector or reflectors
fixed or moving and, where space permits, it may also be supplied with lenses.
The light emitted direct from the luminants, together with the reflected rays (and
the refracted rays where lenses are employed) in being transmitted through the
slides, contribute to make the figures stand out clearly and boldly with con-
siderable brilliancy and effect. The changes in the appearance of the figures.of
a fascia consist of:-
First, automatic or manual substitution of one fascia for another, the result of
moving the repeating fascia-frames, to which is added the facilities for the casy
alteration, by unskilled persons, of the whole, or any part of a fascia especially
when disconnected stencil-plates are employed; also, occasionally, the obscuration
of the figures at the time of changing the repeating fascia-frames at night.
Secondly, automatic variations, by day and night, in the colour, colours or
illustration of each individual, one of the figures being displayed; also, in some
cases, variations of the angles at which the fascia (or its figures) is.exhibited.
Thirdly, strikingly scintillant and peculiar effects produced by the luminant, and
variations or deflections of the angle at which the light is transmitted.
The first class of changes have been herein-before described, except that
relating to the obscuration of the figures (at night, when the change of repeating
fascia-frames occurs) which will be hereinafter described.
With respect to the second class of changes, the methods for varying the angles
at which a fascia is.displayed have been, herein-before described, being the result of
oscillating fascias.

page_text: I will now explain the remaining changes (grouped under the second and third
classes) and in what manner the same are to be performed.
"
I place between the luminant, or luminants employed, the requisite number
of panes or sheets of transparent or translucent glass, or other suitable material
such as mica these are hereinafter called "Slides." They may be iridescent
and distinct from each other in colour or shades of colour, or they may be
multicoloured, polychromatic (gelatinized or otherwise), or have illustrations
painted or otherwise described upon them to resemble magic-lantern slides; or
they may consist of several pieces of glass of various colours or devices, placed
diagonally or arranged in any design, and held together by a frame or carrier,
generally made of zinc or lead. The slides are made of a size sufficiently large
fully to cover each single one of the figures behind which they are respectively
intended to appear; they are divided into three classes according to the purpose
for which they are used and are, hereinafter, called "Colour-slides," "Drop-slides
and "Permanent slides." With a fascia composed of several figures I may use the
same number of slides as the fascia has figures, but the rule, requiring one slide
for every figure, is not important as it is not strictly adhered to, for I sometimes
not only exceed this number, but frequently employ fewer slides than there are
figures in the fascia: The slides are carried parallel, or nearly parallel to the
transparencies by a frame, hereinafter called "Shifting frame." In shape it is,
generally, built to coincide with the permanent frame of the case in which it is
used; for its dimensions it chiefly depends upon the size of the figures in the
fascias for which it is required-in level-cases its height (or the width of its
vertical side or sides) is fully equal to that of the highest figure in the principal
fascias; in breadth (or the width of its horizontal or oblique side or sides) it is
made equal to the sum of the height of the highest figure in the secondary fascias
together with the width of the margin existing between the commencement of
the transparencies and the bar either at the top or bottom of the front side
of the shifting frame plus whatever room may be required to allow the reflectors
to oscillate without their coming into contact with the mechanism within the case;
in length it is made shorter than the permanent frame (or the level-case) by the
whole distance it is required to travel in a laterally horizontal direction, or by the
-width of one or more of the figures of the principal fascias plus their distance
apart, according to whether it is intended to complete one or more stages in one
particular direction before its motion is reversed. When fascias are not required
to be displayed from any particular one or more of the sides of a case, the corre-
sponding sides are omitted from the shifting frame; but, to render it steady in its
movements it is, in level-cases, seldom constructed with less than two sides which
generally meet at a right or an obtuse angle, and are rigidly united by being joined
together by rivets, bolts, brackets or other suitable means to form one whole
frame; consequently, the shifting frame in its simplest form, in a level case, is
generally made to consist of a vertical side (which holds the "colour-slides" for
the transparencies of a "principal fascia ") and an horizontal, or oblique side fixed
to it either at the top or bottom, and which may, if required, carry the colour-slides
for a secondary fascia; the bar remote from the vertical front and at the edge of
this latter side, is nominally divided into halves of which each is provided with one
or more catches, limited as to number by the stages to be travelled these said
stages are of uniform length, determined by the space occupied by the several
transparencies composing a "principal," or a "column-fascia," as the case may be,
so that when each of the figures, in a level-case, is, say eight inches wide, and
each opaque space (by which the figures are separated) measures, say: two inches,
the stages to be travelled by the shifting frame will each be ten inches long. For
ordinary purposes I find the shift of two stages to the right, and two stages back
again to the left sufficient; consequently, in this instance four catches are employed,
divided into two sets, the one set being firmly fixed to the right-hand half of the
said bar and the other set to the left-hand half; the catches belonging to each set
are distributed the distance of a stage apart and are so placed as to engage, in

page_text: succession, with one of the two pawls used, of which the one communicates force in
a right-hand direction and is called the "Dexter pawl" while the other, acting in a
similar manner but in the opposite or left-hand direction, is called "Sinister pawl."
These pawls are generally pivoted to the top of a lever provided with a block, stud,
or other contrivance to prevent their dropping into a vertical position; conse-
quently, they stand out like two arms extending in opposite directions. The
fulcrum of the lever can, usually, be fixed to the body of the case but, occasionally,
especially where fascias appear upon the vertical front and back faces, it is attached
to any suitable fixture added to the case for this purpose; the lever is made to rock
sideways once or more to the right, and then once or more to the left; it may be
actuated by any suitable mechanism, but I usually find that working it by a cam, as
hereinafter described, driven by any suitable motive power, preferably an electro-
motor, is the most convenient. The action of the lever causes one of its pawls to
engage with a catch on the half of the bar corresponding with the side of the lever
to which the pawl is attached; the result is that the catch (and consequently the
shifting frame) is driven one stage in the direction in which the particular pawl
pushes it; this is repeated as many times as there are catches on that particular
half of the bar (or stages to be travelled in the one direction) after which the
action is reversed, and the other pawl comes into operation. The effect of the
"dexter pawl" coming into contact with the end catch on its half of the bar is,
that the shifting frame (of which the said bar forms a part) is driven along with
fair velocity, in a laterally horizontal direction, one stage to the right and then
suddenly stops, remaining stationary during a predetermined interval until the
same pawl in its movement engaging with the catch next in order, pushes the frame
on another stage farther in the same direction; and so on until the "sinister pawl
(operating in a similar manner on the catches of the other half of the bar), drives
the shifting frame back again stage by stage, in the opposite or left-hand direction;
consequently, the shifting frame recovers its original position at starting after
completing two, four, six, or more stages, interrupted, at the completion of every
stage, by a stop during which period the colour-slides (with which the shifting
frame is supplied) remain stationary in the rear of and in juxtaposition with their
respective figures, entirely covering same but having their edges hidden by the
opaque portions of the fascia intervening between the transparencies; this con-
tinues to be repeated the whole time the mechanism is at work. In the required
position at the end of the reach of cach pawl, and clear of the catches, I may fix a
peg or bolt to a portion of the case, or to any suitable fixture added for the purpose
if required; these bolts allow the pawls to disengage themselves at the end of each
throw, and act as a block to prevent the shifting frame from being driven beyond
one stage at a time. There are various other methods for moving the shifting
frame, but I generally adopt the means above mentioned. Where principal fascias
appear both upon the front face and the back of a level-case, a double form of
shifting frame is used having its two vertical sides joined at the top or bottom, or
both the top and bottom by cross-bars, and having the bar (furnished with the
catches engaging with the pawls) common to the two vertical sides and situated
either at the top or bottom, about halfway between them, the whole forming one
single shifting frame. Further, to steady and guide the shifting frame, regulate
its direction and allow it to move freely it is fitted with wheels running along the
tracks formed by the upright sides or edges of the girders of which the permanent
frame is made; or the tracks may be laid independently, and fixed within the
level-case after the manner of railroad or tramway metals; or they may be added
higher up in the case above the shifting frame which then, instead of passing
over the tracks, hangs suspended from the axles of the wheels running upon
same; or a combination of these plans may be adopted by which the wheels
fixed to one side run upon, or in a track laid at the bottom of the case;
while the wheels, connected with the other side of the shifting frame and from the
axles of which it is sustained, move upon a rod or bar fixed above it. Also, to
obtain extra steadiness for the shifting frame, I often add wheels both at the top

page_text: "
and bottom of its vertical sides as well as to the bar furnished with the catches
and, when the wheels, fitted to the top are intended to resist pressure in an upward
direction they are placed under the rails against which they run, therefore, unless a
second track is fixed immediately beneath them, so that their axis is placed midway
between the two rails, they will not be required to assist in supporting the shifting
frame, which is then carried by the wheels running upon or in the tracks below.
The sides of the shifting frame closely resemble fascia-frames in construction;
those intended for principal fascias (or the vertical sides of the shifting frame),
are built more or less upon the principle described for repeating fascia-frames,
while its horizontal sides resemble secondary fascia-franes. But, with respect to
this similarity to repeating fascia-frames, the channelled bar at the bottom of same
may be substituted by a flat bar (in a horizontal position but placed on edge so
that its two sides are in vertical planes); or, in lieu of this, I often use a bar of
angle- or tee-iron; along the upright edge of any such bars I distribute the requisite
number of sockets, herein-after called Slide-rests" formed by bending strips of
any suitable material such as brass, zinc or iron into any suitable shape, usually
that of an "S" to produce two concavities or channels, about two or three inches
long, and opening in opposite directions. I clasp the one concavity of each "slide-
rest upon the bar, at intervals determined by the width of the colour-slides and
the position to be occupied by them. The other channel of each "slide-rest"
receives one of the bottom corners of each of the two colour-slides it is required
to support, these have their edges meeting at or near the middle of the slide-rest so
that, should each of the colour-slides be, say: 10 inches wide and the slide-rests
3 inches long, about 1 inch of each end of the base of a colour-slide will rest in
the channel of each of the two sockets respectively supporting it on either side-
this leaves about 7 inches at the base free to be grasped by the hand of the person
requiring to remove game. To prevent them from jarring against each other, the
colour-slides are frequently made a little narrower than a stage travelled by the
shifting frame, and are kept apart by any suitable means for separating their edges,
such as plugs of wood or india-rubber introduced into the channel of the slide-
rest; but this is not absolutely necessary as they may be placed in direct contact
with one another. The top of the shifting frame may consist of two parallel bars
with sufficient space between them to admit of colour-slides being lifted up and
drawn out or replaced at the top (as in the case of fascia-frames constructed on the
second plan, herein-before described); the front bar which prevents the colour-
slides from falling forward, often consists of a piece of flat metal, such as a length
of hoop-iron, to occupy the minimum of space; but thin wire or other suitable
material will also do for this purpose. Deflection from the stouter bar, at the back
of the frame, is prevented by coupling the front bar here and there to this said bar
by rivets, wire-loops, or other suitable unions, thus joining the two at intervals
between the colour-slides; when a wire performs the office of a front bar, it may
be threaded through holes in the said back bar, or attached in the form of staples,
fastened preferably at the back, by solder, pegs, stops or other suitable means.
With this form of shifting frame a colour-slide inay either be removed or replaced
by passing in or out at the top, or by lifting it up clear of the slide-rests, drawing
the bottom slightly forward, and allowing it to drop for removal, and rice versa for
replacement. There are other methods which I often adopt for holding the colour-
slides, as for instance, when, instead of being each supported by the halves of two
slide-rests, they are all sustained by one long, sufficiently broad channel (which may
either be the bottom bar itself of the shifting frame or an addition to it), and
substitute, for the front top-bar, any suitable door-buttons, catches, clasps or other
convenient contrivance to hold the colour-slides upright; as these buttons or catches
are attached to the top bar of the shifting frame, a colour-slide is released by lifting
up, turning or pushing aside, unscrewing or otherwise temporarily neutralizing the
effect of the button or other agent clasping it at the top which may, thereupon, be
drawn forward and removed or replaced as the case may be. Colour-slides.may
also be attached to the shifting frame to open and close like doors. The extreme

page_text: "
ends of the top and bottom bars of shifting frames are rigidly connected by bars,
generally flat or half-round, with the flat surface (of that portion of their length
which has to pass across the transparencies) turned to be in planes at right angles
to the colour-slides, thus offering the least possible obstruction to the passage of
the light through the figures as the shifting frame slides from stage to stage.
Colour-slides for secondary fascias are simply laid down flat to rest upon bars,
generally of angle-iron, added when required to the horizontal side or sides of the
shifting frame for this purpose; wooden pegs or other stops or catches are fitted
into holes drilled in the said bars at the points where each pair of colour-slides
meet, to hold them down and prevent their jarring. Shifting frames in "column-
cases are placed on end; having to travel vertically, their length is determined,
not by the width of the figures, but by their height plus their distance apart;
consequently, a shifting frame is made shorter than the case in which it acts by the
distance it moves in one direction. In appearance it much resembles a ladder made
of any suitable material, such as iron bars or wire; or its sides may be made of
wood joined here and there, along the entire length, by iron-rods, wire, or Hat bars
having their sides inclined to the transparencies at the angle offering least
obstruction to the passage of the light in the direction of the point from which the
transparencies will be mostly observed. Slides carried by this form of shifting
frame are termed "Drop-slides." These are often held in position by four or more
hooks attached to the sides of the shifting frame, so that a "drop-slide" admits of
being supported by two hooks at its base (one near each end), and is, jointly, held
upright both by the sides of the frame at its back and the hooks clasping its sides
in front. Or I may employ the system, herein-before described, for holding the
figures in column-fascias, where the frame is divided into sections fixed to be
immoveable, and are thus made, it may be, only of three zinc or other channel-bars,
two sides and a base, but quite open at the top; a series or column of these separate
frames is fastened between the sides of the shifting frame to reach from the top to
the bottom of same; placed one below the other, in a slightly oblique position, the
top of each frame leans forward but does not, necessarily, overlap the base of the
one above it, as it sometimes docs in column-fascias. In either of the above
instances a drop-slide" is removed or replaced by drawing out or sliding in at
the top of each section. Among other systems for placing drop-slides, is that
where the inner edges of the sides of the shifting frame are rebated in front to
form a retired shoulder against which the drop-slides rest, supported by sockets at
their base, fixed to each side of the frame at the necessary distance apart; pegs,
or catches (standing out in front of the drop-slides and fitted into holes in the sides
of the shifting frame) will prevent the slides tilting forward and permit of their
removal upon the pegs being withdrawn, or the catches turned aside. Again, one
or more drop-slides may be enclosed in separate frames attached by hinges to one
side of the shifting frame and kept closed by any suitable catches or buttons fixed
to the other side. Though resembling a ladder in appearance, the cross-bars (or
rounds joining the sides of the shifting frame) are only used to add firmness; as
the rounds, when crossing a transparency, more or less intercept the light, they are
limited to the smallest possible number and are, occasionally, dispensed with
altogether except at the top and bottom. Where more than one column-fascia is
displayed from a_column-case, the shifting frame consists of a corresponding
number of sides. The vertically shifting frame is made to slide up and down in
guide-grooves formed by the girders constituting the permanent frame of the
column-case, or guide-runners may be added for this purpose. Which of several
methods to adopt for moving the shifting frame in column-cases (as also the
reflectors and repeating fascia-frames) depends, in a great measure, upon whether
the column-case or cases are required to support a level-case, whether the same is
to remain stationary, or be capable of being lowered and raised, as herein-before
described, for the purpose of cleaning, alterations or otherwise, and whether the
mechanism within the level-case is directly or indirectly connected with the
apparatus.in the column-case. With detached column-cases, or those not in any

page_text: way connected with a level-case, the motor and mechanism moving the shifting
frame may, if desirable, be contained within the column-case; the shifting frame.
is suspended by a cord passing over a pulley, and is counterbalanced to be in
equilibrium or two shifting frames of equal weight may be sustained by cords,
one from each end. According to whether force is applied at the top or bottom,
the shifting frame is either pushed or pulled down, stage by stage; consequently
the frame, fastened to the other end of the cord, is raised proportionately, until, the
process is reversed and the opposite movement takes place; or the vertically
shifting frames may be suspended so that the one is heavier than the other-the
lighter one being drawn down, raises the heavier one a corresponding distance,
until the tension is released, one stage at a time, in consequence of which the
heavier shifting frame drops and raises the lighter frame accordingly. In those
instances where a level-case (or level-cases at different heights from the ground),
is sustained by column-cases and fixed to be immoveable, the vertically shifting
frames in the column-cases are suspended to be in equilibrium, by cords passing
over pulleys fixed in the required position. These cords are attached to a rod in
the middle of which there is a catch engaging with a fork added to the horizontally
shifting frame from which it protrudes; or they may be sustained, to be in
equilibrium, suspended from the extreme ends, of a lever or common balance, the
beam of which along the length of the level-case which is made sufficiently high
to allow it to rotate through an fare the chord of which equal to the distance of
one or more stages travelled by the shifting frame; each end of the balance is
joined by flexible cords or other suitable unions to the end, nearest to it, of the
horizontally shifting frame. The one arm of the balance is drawn down a stage
when the end of the shifting frame, to which it is joined, moves the distance of a
stage away, and the vertically shifting frame, suspended from that end of the
balance, is then lowered accordingly; at the completion of the next stage in the
same direction, it is again drawn lower a corresponding distance, and so on, while
the other arm of the balance, and with it the vertically shifting frame sustained by
it, is raised in the same proportion until, on the return journey of the horizontally
shifting frame, all the directio is in which they préviously moved are reversed.
When a level-case is attached to move vertically the motor may, if convenient, be
placed either within or without the case as, for instance, when a clock-spring or
electro-motor is used, in which latter case the union between the electric current
and the motor may be effected by switches; but when the motive power is such as
to necessitate the labour of dis-connecting it by hand from the mechanism within
the case every time the level-case is to be-lowered, and connecting it when it has
returned to its proper position, I usually place the motive power in any convenient
position outside the level-case and independent of same and effect the union with the
mechanism within the case by an arrangement of bevel wheels coming into gear
upon the level-case being raised into position, the connection between the vertically
shifting frames in column-cases and the horizontally shifting frame can be effected
by clutches or other suitable means.
To prevent the initial and final figures of a fascia being left without "colour-
slides or "drop-slides to cover them, at such times as the shifting frame is,
temporarily, at the end remote from the figure or figures in question, I either
increase the length of my apparatus by continuing the opaque frontage (and con-
sequently the length of the case) for a distance equal, in length, to one or more of
the said "stages
as may be required to allow the shifting frame room to travel
beyond the "figures"; or I place independent slides, called "Permanent slides" in
any convenient situation, between the luminant or luminants and such figures as
would otherwise be, temporarily, left uncovered by a slide; the such slides are
generally placed as close to the figures for which they are used as possible,
preferably in immediate juxtaposition to them. Of these two plans for preventing
the occurrence of blank figures, I most frequently adopt the latter, especially for
uniliteral fascias and the column-fascias appearing upon the end faces of a
level-case.

page_text: The
All slides, being more or less transparent, are only effective with light behind
them, therefore, in the day-time, when the solar light cannot enter the case, or does
not enter in sufficient quantities, or the place of observation is not in a line with the
angle or angles at which it would be reflected, I employ an opaque shutter or blind
for day use; this is called a "Slide-screen" and acts like a plane speculum. For
this purpose I may use a mirror, or I may make the "slide-screen of a thin
wooden board, veneer, cloth, papier-maché, sheet of metal or other suitable opaque
material, painted or otherwise decorated upon its front or exposed side in any
approved style, and made to correspond in length, either to the shifting frame, or
to the whole space occupied by the transparencies of a fascia. Slide-screens are
of two kinds :-" Stationary slide-screens" and "Shifting slide-screens " according
to whether they are, or are not required to vary the colour of the "figures" by
day. Both forms of slide-screen may be held suspended by cords passing over
pulleys fixed at the top of the case and connected with mechanism causing it to
rise and fall. The movement occurs at predetermined intervals as, for instance, at
sunset and again when the artificial light is extinguished; or when it is required
that the illuminating agent shall be obscured each time the change of "repeating
fascia-frames" occurs, but this is usually only done in "level cases." According to
the nature of the slide-screen, the material of which it is made, and the purpose or
purposes for which it may be required, it is made to drop to be in juxtaposition to
the "slides," either immediately in front, or immediately behind them.
particular mechanism used for working a slide-screen depends upon what form
of same is to be employed. Flexible slide-screens are moved much on the principle
of ordinary blinds winding up and unwinding on spring-rollers. Such slide-screen,
consisting of flexible material such as blind-stuff or other cloth, is either attached
to a spring-roller, or to a roller geared to turn so as to wind the material up on
it; it is prevented from turning round in the reverse direction by a pawl or stop
so that it remains inactive until the same is released. In level-cases such roller
is fixed near the top of the case but in a position not to interfere with the
movement of the shifting frame. The cloth is drawn off the said roller by cords
passing over pulleys, and appears immediately behind the slides through which
the rays, reflected by the said slide-screen, are transmitted. By adding ordinary
rollers, the ends of which are provided with pulleys (for the cords drawing the
material of the screen off the spring or geared roller), and fixing one such ordinary
roller to the case at every angle formed by its sides, and in such manner that these
said rollers shall be situated to be parallel to each other and placed in position on
the inside of the shifting frame so as not to obstruct its movement, the blind, when
passed round the different rollers (constituting the bounds or edges of horizontal,
vertical, or oblique planes), acts as a slide screen for all the fascias except those
appearing upon the end faces which are, when required, furnished with separate
blinds or slide-screens worked on the same plan. This form of slide-screen may be
used in column-cases. The rollers are then all fixed to be vertical, instead of
horizontal as in a level-case, and the material of which it is formed travels hori-
zontally round the columu-case (inside of the shifting frame) when the slide-screen
is unrolled. As it permits of the figures being changed in colour in the day-time
(by reason of the shifting frame continuing to move), it is classed with "shifting
slide-screens." Or separate blinds, acting as shifting slide-screens, may be used for
any or all the fascias, and made of multicoloured material wound on a spring-
At the
roller placed vertically in a level-case or horizontally in a column-case.
end of the case, remote from the said roller, I fix a drum, or drums, geared to
wind up the cords connecting it with the material of the slide-screen; these cords
pass between the fascia and the slides. At the required predetermined time, the
screen is wound off the spring-roller by the drum or drums winding up the cords,
and the material (of which it consists) is stretched before the colour-slides (or drop-
slides if in used in column-cases) during which period, by the action of a cam, or
other suitable mechanism such as a mutilated, toothed wheel, the said drums may
(with an intermittent, or a continuous, reciprocal motion) relax the tension to
C

page_text: "
allow the screen to return the distance of one or more stages in the direction of the
spring-roller, and then draw it back again. When the drums remain stationary
during the time the screen remains stretched before the colour-slides (or the drop-
slides) the material is, usually, made of one uniform colour, and the screen is classed
as a "stationary slide-screen," even though the material be multicoloured. Another
form of "shifting slide-screen is that where a mirror, or any sheet of opaque
material, provided with a good reflecting surface, is suspended, at the top of a
level-case, generally by cords passing over pulleys, in such a manner as to permit
of its ascending and descending vertically so as to come behind the colour-slides
whenever required. It may be actuated by hand, or work automatically controlled
by the clock, herein-after described, which effects the lighting-up or extinguishing
of the illuminating means. This form of slide-screen further admits of being
employed during the time the artificial light is effective, acting as a screen to
intercept the light whenever a change of repeating fascia-frames occurs; for this
purpose, it is lowered with the descending repeating fascia-frame (about to be
displayed), and rises, clear of the exhibit-opening," together with the previously
exhibited fascia disappearing from view. It is worked in conjunction with the
mechanism, herein-after described, for causing the repeating fascia-frames to
change as, for instance, by the addition of an extra lever and cam. When this
form of slide-screen is lowered to come between the fascia and the colour-slides,
instead of behind the latter, it becomes a "stationary slide-screen." Another
form of shifting slide-screen is the one described more fully herein-after and with
reference to the accompanying drawings on Sheet 3, Figs. Nos. 9, 11, and 12. [t
is attached to the horizontally shifting frame and moves in a lateral direction
with it. It is lowered and raised from between the colour-slides and the fascia,
and is made polychromatic, or divided along its entire length into variegated or
multicoloured blocks or distinct divisions, in imitation of the colour-slides, and
determined, as to the area to be occupied by each block, and limited as to the
number of such by the rule (herein-before mentioned) for governing the dimensions
and number of the colour-slides. These blocks or patches are painted, papered,
gilt, silvered, plated, enamelled or otherwise coloured or ornamented so as to differ
in appearance from each other and serve; by day, for the colour-slides of which
they may be considered to be the day-light representatives; they reflect the solar
rays, striking them directly or indirectly, from such portions of their exposed
surface as may be visible through the transparencies. In some instances I entirely
dispense with the use of a slide-screen, and make the roof (of the level-case) of
glass, or other suitable transparent material, to permit the sunlight to strike a
reflector oscillating upon its base, and herein-after described. This said reflector
may be allowed to continue to rock upon its base in the day-time, but it is more
frequently tilted back when the artificial light is extinguished, in order to allow
the incident rays of the light (during the day-light) to strike its reflecting
surface at an angle admitting of the reflected rays proceeding in the required
direction after being refracted through the medium of the colour-slides.
The striking and peculiar effects of the light result from adopting for the slides
any transparent glass with a figured, undulating or uneven refracting-surface as,
for instance, muffled glass, antique, crystoleum, fluted glass, murauese, or such like
glass, and using moveable reflectors (generally concave mirrors or specula),.spherical,
cylindrical, or conical in form, made of a sheet or sheets of manganese or other
steel, or of iron, zinc, copper or other suitable material, beaten out, or bent to
coincide with the arc of a circle or other geometrical curves, as the section of a
sphere, or so that the cylinder is bent in a parabolic, caustic, elliptic, cycloid or
other curve; or I may use combinations of these or other curves, according as to
which may be most suitable for displaying the figures to the greatest advantage
from the particular situation to be occupied by my apparatus.. When mirrors
are employed, I generally cover the concave surface of the reflector with silvered
glass of the fluted pattern, and cut this into small squares which I make to adhere
to the plate or plates (bent as above described) by any suitable means such as

page_text: "white lead" with the addition of a small quantity of gold size. These squares
are, generally, placed diagonally, and arranged cross-wise so that the direction of
the fluting in contiguous pieces shall not be parallel prefer the direction of the
flute of each piece to be either perpendicular or at an angle of 45° to the direction of
the flute in the pieces immediately surrounding it. In selecting the shape of the
reflector (or reflectors) to be employed, determining its size, construction, and
position in the apparatus, it is necessary to have regard to all the attendant
circumstances, such as prominence, protrusion, height from the ground at which the
fascia is to be displayed, whether a principal, secondary, or column-fascia, distance
and direction from which it is to be chiefly observable, size of the figures, together
with the question of space at my disposal which also governs the use of the required
number of lenses or sets of lenses. To reflectors the extremities of which describe
a parallelogram or other quadrilateral or polygonal figure, regular or irregular,
I generally fix three stout bars extending along its entire length, the one placed at
the back of the centre or vertex of the said reflector, and the remaining two bars
along the upper and lower extremities on the concave side of same; these latter
two bars also keep the fluted glass in position besides acting as a protection for
same. These three bars are tapped at each end with holes to contain a pivot.
Having ascertained (by experiment with reference to the considerations aforenamed,
or the like) the most suitable position for the reflector, I fix three pairs of sockets
to the case to hold the pivots of the reflector; when the reflector is held by the
pivots in the middle bar (at the back of its vertex) the said pivots enter the
sockets fixed to the case in the proper position to receive them and the reflector is
made to rock upon the line of its axis, advancing and retiring both at the top and
bottom when it is suspended by pivots fixed in the top bar and entering the top
pair of sockets, it can be made to swing to and fro with a motion similar to a pendulum
when motive power is applied at the bottom; when attached by pivots at its base,
supported by the bottom pair of sockets and moved at the top, the reflector rocks
backwards and forwards, so that it advances and retires at the top. As already
mentioned, generally adopt this method of fixing the reflector when it is required
to act as a substitute for a "slide-screen." I find it very effective at certain hours
and in certain positions when the direct rays of the sun are reflected by it. Long
reflectors may be divided into sections held in position by the same or similar
means to those above described, and working independently of each other or linked
together by bars to form one whole reflector. I often provide a separate parabolic
or spherical reflector (circular in shape) for each figure and cause the same to
move with a rotary motion, as herein-after described with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
In the different motions (oscillations or rotations) of the reflectors, the continual
alteration of the angles at which the incident rays of light strike the reflectors
(used alone or in combination with lenses, fitted at their correct focal distance in
frames fixed to the reflectors and moving in direct sympathy with same) results in
a corresponding deflection of the angles of the reflected rays (and of the refracted
rays in the event of lenses being employed) which being transmitted through a
medium of the type of muffled glass, or such like, causes the figures of a fascia,
when being displayed, to glow and sparkle, and gives to the transparencies a
glittering appearance of considerable brilliancy and lustre. Where the quantity of
heat evolved by the luminant is not considerable and permits-of the use of separate
reflectors for secondary fascias, I sometimes provide same with separate illuminants
and reflectors, but, for ordinary purposes, the reflector or reflectors, with which the
principal fascias are provided, suffice for secondary fascias.
In the accompanying drawings
Fig. 1, (Sheet 1.) shows a front elevation of a case and fascia-store, made
according to this invention.
Fig. 2, is an end elevation of the case showing nature of illuminated device to
be used at ends of case.

page_text: 66
Fig. 3, is a sectional plan of Fig. 1, on line 1, 2, showing arrangement of
secondary repeating-fascias."
Fig. 4, is a view of detail detached of automatic device for engaging and
disengaging clutch for actuating "repeating fascias."
Fig. 5, (Sheet 2.) is a front view of the interior of the case at the plane of the
line 3, 4 (Fig. 6.), showing general arrangement of the parts and mechanism.
Fig. 6, is a cross section of the case at line 5, 6, of Fig. 5.
Fig. 7, is a sectional plan at line 7, 8, of Fig. 6.
Fig. 8, shows, in end views, detail detached of the automatic engaging and
disengaging clutch mechanism for "repeating-fascias."
Fig. 9, (Sheet 3.) is a vertical, sectional view of the machine shewing the shifting
frame with "slide-screen" (that is with the face of the apparatus removed).
Fig. 10, is a transverse section showing interior of the case and arrangement of
shifting frame applied to end device.
Fig. 11, is a sectional plan of case showing the shifting frame in plan.
Fig. 12, shows detail of arrangement of means for automatically raising and
lowering the "slide-screen" in relation to the shifting frame.
The parts in these figures will now be referred to and described.
*
a, is the containing-box or case which holds the mechanism; b,, are vertical
(principal) repeating fascias; 1,³, 1, 5 are horizontal "(secondary) repeating fascias,"
and, shows a permanent (column-) fascia" for the end-exhibit. c, is a shifting
frame carrying on its front and bottom sides a series of various coloured slides
(colour-slides), and respectively. These slides or glasses move in close
proximity to the apertures in the fascias. d², are stationary coloured glasses
(permanent slides). The colour-slides d, d', on the shifting frame transmit the
light from the lamps e and the reflector or reflectors f. As shown in the drawings
electric lamps are used as luminants.
The shifting frame c, is carried by rollers c', which run on rails, suspended from
the interior of the case and at certain determined intervals, said frame c, is shifted
to the right or to the left through the space of one glass (or stage as herein-before
described) at a time. It may be arranged to shift any desired number of stages in
either direction. As shown in these drawings it is made to shift two stages in one
direction and then two stages back to its original position.
وو
I may either employ the same number of "slides" as there are figures in the
fascias, or I may employ a less or greater number. In the drawings there are
6 divisions with letters, and the shifting frame carries 4 sets of slides; then, as the
shifting frame only moves through the space of two slides and the total journey of
the shifting frame does not go beyond or exceed the length of the fascias, it is
obvious, that with this arrangement, there will alternately be two figure-spaces
at each end which the slides will leave uncovered, to obviate which I provide
permanent, slides
to cover such openings, when the variation of colour emitted
through such figures" depends upon the combination of the colours of the
different moving slides with the colours of the "permanent slides"; thus, if the
fixed "(permanent) slide" is yellow and a blue moving "(colour-) slide" is brought
in front (or behind) it, the "figure," for the time being appears green.
6:
33
When the luminant is electric light it is generally desirable to use an electro-
motor to actuate the mechanism for working the shifting frame and subsidiary
shifting frames, the repeating fascias b, 6, 12, 13, 1, 0, 1, and to impart a
rocking or rotating movement to the reflectors f. whether they are rotating or
otherwise.
In the arrangement shown in these drawings the motor i drives by means of a
worm and worm-wheel, a disc having a cam path j. which acts on a stud in a
swinging leverk, which lever is connected by a link 1, to a vertical lever m
carrying, at the top, two pawls n, n'. These pawls, when the lever m, is thrown
over to one side or the other, engage alternately with the catches p, p, or p², pon
the bar o, fixed to the shifting frame. The path of the cam is so shaped that it

page_text: throws the lever m, twice to the right-hand side of the centre line and then twice
to the left-hand side, so that each revolution of the cam moves the shifting frame
two stages one way and then two stages back again.
56
An endless belt, or its equivalent, transmits motion from the back of the cam
disc to another disc carrying a series of cams »,, which act upon levers s, s', s²,
and t, t, 2, connected to the fascias b, b1, b2, and 63, 6, 8, by means of cords passing
over suitable guide-pulleys, thus when the cam r, depresses the levers it raises the
corresponding fascia ; and when the camr raises the lever t, it draws back the
horizontal (secondary) fascia "63. The relative positions of the cams,,, are
such that one fascia always descends before the other one ascends, or in the case of
the horizontal "(secondary) fascias," advances before the other one retires. This
change of movement may be readily effected off the main motion by means of
oppositely working cords attached to one end of a freely working lever actuated by
the cam, said cords working over oppositely placed pulleys and attached to the
"secondary fascias" on each side and at each of the ends thereof.
The Drop-slides" at the ends have a vertical movement imparted to them by
cords connected to the shifting frame c, or they may be connected to the lever m,
as shown in Figs. 9, and 10. For these end-exhibits independent lamps and reflectors
are provided which may be rotated, tilted, or rocked from any convenient moving
portion of the mechanism. The moving reflectors will produce a scintillant effect.
The waved surfaces, shown in the figures on Sheet 2, on the same dise as the
cam will act on a bowl e connected by links to the pivoted reflector, will serve
to give rocking motion to same.
じ
"3
The vertical fascias slide in grooves in the ends of the case and may be so
arranged that they are either drawn up or down by the action of the cam.
The secondary fascias may slide in grooves or be supported by other con-
venient means,
for instance by rollers and rails and intermediate wires as shown
in Fig. 5.
":
To produce the change of colours for day-light effect I use a "slide-screen
which, during the day-time, can be brought into position either immediately in front
or at the back of the slides.
When the "slide-screen" to is interposed between the colour-slides and the fascia,
it is preferably made of some thin material with an iridescent surface of suitable
colours and, in this case, it is caused to partake of the end-long movement of the
shifting frame. Figs. 9, 11, and 12, show the arrangement for automatically
causing the "slide-screen" to ascend at night and to descend for the day-light
effect.
This device is automatically controlled by means of a clock-work, which also
effects the lighting-up or the extinction of the lamps e or illuminating means and,
simultaneously with the descent of the "slide-screen puts the fascia-changing-
mechanism out of gear.
22
This clock-work has a series of contacts caused to revolve from the same motion
which turns the hands, and these contacts, at certain predetermined intervals,
complete circuits leading from the source of electricity to the various controlling
mechanism.
"
:
The slide-screen w is shewn suspended by the cords carried over pulleys to
drums w, on shaft w³, connected by mitre wheels w, to spindle of ratchet wheel c³,
acted upon by the catch e, which carries a stud to engage with the hooked nose of
the armature wo. The catch ws; carried by the shifting frame e also engages with
the ratchet wheel w³.
wo, is a magnet and armature which, when said magnet is energized by its contact
from the clock-work (at predetermined time), will act to disengage the catch w³,
the action being as follows:-
Assuming that the slide screen ie is down, the catch w³, will be out of gear, and
be held by the hooked armature 7, the catch 8, being in gear with the ratchet
wheel At the time for raising the screen the contact from the clock-work

page_text: establishes current with the magnet w, the armature whereof then moves to release
the catch w, which drops into position to engage the ratchet wheel to³.
Then upon every completed traverse of the shifting frame the ratchet wheel will
be worked forward one tooth and so on until the slide-screen" is wound up,
whereupon the lug telo, will come into contact with an incline upon the front of the
catch, which is thus lifted and the stud, thereupon, is lifted on to the hooked
nose of the armature w', and is so held free from the ratchet. The "slide-screen
being held and retained by means of the catch o, holds the screen in its drawn-up
position. Upon the time again coming round, the disengaging contact w³, coinès
into-operation to cause the "slide-screen to drop by releasing wt.
33
3:
"
The automatic engaging and disengaging mechanism for repeating fascias
causes the repeating action to commence and cease at desired times, and is
controlled by the contact-making clock-work. The device is shewn in Fig. 4,
Sheet 1, and Figs. 5, 7, and 8, of Sheet 2.
It may be mentioned that when the time comes to disengage the clutch to free
the movement, the operation will only take place when the inside fascia has
descended.
The can, has already been adverted to. The clutch 3, is in connection by belt
or equivalent with the driving motor and is thrown in and out of engagement by
fingers, on the rocking spindle. This spindle is rocked in one direction by
arm connected by link, with armature 8, of magnet. The reverse
movement is effected by lever 10, acted upon, at certain intervals (determined by
the contact means cf the clock-work), by hooked catch, pivoted on swinging
lever Said catch, carries armature 13, acted upon by magnet. The
catch" passes freely between the slotted sides of the particular lever 8, which
corresponds with the innermost fascia. The clutch comes into gear and the fascias
are operated when the current is passed through the magnet, and remains in gear
until the current is passed through magnet r. When this occurs the armature ³,
is attracted, the hooked catch, is drawn forward in such position that the next
upward movement of the lever causes a pin " thereon to engage with the hook
of the catch, and lift it up against the arm, to effect the semi-rotation of
spindle, and throw the clutch out, thereby causing cessation of the repeating
action of the fascia and so on.
Figs. 13, and 14, Sheet 4, shew respectively in cross section and sectional plan
an arrangement in which fascias may be displayed on all the sides of the case.
29
In this arrangement the shifting frame carries slides on all the four sides and
3 reflectors, and 3. sets of lamps e, are employed; the bottom "colour-slides
being divided into two sets, cach deriving light from one of the side-reflectors.
Any combination of repeating fascias as already described may be applied to the
exterior of the case, but, for the sake of clearness these are not shewn.
The slide-screen wc, in this case of flexible material, is wound off the roller
(spring, or otherwise) w¹³, on to w, and is drawn by cords over pulleys. When
it is to be taken out of action, roller w, will be released and the screen be wound
again on w. The cords only being connected with roller 14, until the screen w
be again required. This slide-screen can be worked apart from the shifting frame
and in such case has no end-wise movement.
"
Figs. 15, 16, and 17, (Sheet 4), show, in end elevation and in front view, partly
in section and in sectional plan, respectively, an arrangement showing a "fascia-
store capable of being lowered in front of the case in day-time and thus forming a
permanent fascia. When raised, it serves to receive the "repeating fascias" when
withdrawn from observation leaving the selected one exposed, as herein before
described.
a', is the "fascia-store" suspended by cords from the pulley-bracket a², and
raised and lowered as required. This store is receivable in a recess a³ of the case,
and is further guided, when raised, by means of lugs a', which enter holes in lugs
on the 'brackets a². The "repeating-fascias" when in action, work in telescopic or

page_text: corrugated guides a³, and a; when the "fascia-store" is lowered these guides fit
one within the other. The cords for raising and lowering the "repeating fascia-
frames are indicated by dotted lines in Figs. 15, and 16.
נג
Figs. 18, and 19, (Sheet 5,) show "level-cases" extending along the front of a
building and combined, at their ends, with column-cases provided with "column-
fascias."
These column-cases enclose vertical "shifting frames" carrying colored
slides ("colour-slides") of a similar nature to those employed in "level-cases"; and
the vertical and horizontal frames may be so connected that they partake of the
same movement and are worked by the same mechanism. Or, the vertical column-
fascias may be worked separately. Provision is made for lowering the level-cases
to the ground, or to a height convenient for access, by means of chains or the like.
The dotted lines in Figs. 18, and 19, show the upper case lowered within reach of
the windows and the under case lowered near the ground. To take the strain off'
the chains when the cases are in working position they rest on catches 7, Fig. 21;
these catches can be drawn apart by cords. To make automatic electric contact to
the cases, spring-plugs a", connected to terminals of the circuit, are caused to
enter sockets a, upon the level-case, see Fig. 20.
In Fig. 22 (Sheet 6), the shifting frames in the column-fascias are suspended at
opposite ends of a beam a, and connected to the horizontal shifting frame by
cords a¹¹.
In Fig. 23, the frames of the column-fascias are balanced by means of bell-
crank-levers a connected by rod a¹³, which has a projection a, engaging with
lugs a, on the horizontal shifting frame and is actuated thereby.
In Fig. 24, the vertical shifting frames are connected by a rope or cord which
may be attached to and be worked by or from the horizontal shifting frame.
In Figs. 25, and 26, is shown an arrangement for automatically connecting the
mechanism of the column-fascias with that of the level-case in instances when the
latter are made to descend by bevel gear substantially as shown.
Fig. 27 (Sheet 6), is a cross-section of a column-fascia of hexagonal form,
and in this arrangement the outer case (as would be the case in any similarly
arranged cylindrical or polygonal form) will be caused to rotate on the axis a¹6.
In Fig. 28, a screen is applied to show only a portion of the faces.
In Figs. 29, and 30, is shown the application and method of driving the reflectors
for the column-facias.
In Figs. 31, and 32, is shown in vertical and horizontal section, an arrangement
of column-fascia wherein the shifting frame is divided, one part being heavier than
the other and operated by a rotating cam and a rising and falling lever to the free
end of which is attached the operating cord.
When such apparatus as herein described is applied to a vehicle the motive
power may be taken off the axle or wheel, so as to effect the changing parts, and
the like may be done in steam-boats and could then be worked by a float or off any
going part.
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 :-
"
First-The-improved-n means for displaying stationary or moveable "exhibits,'
changeable in appearance, constructed, combined, and operating as, and for the
purpose herein set forth and described in reference to and shown by the respective
figures of the accompanying drawings.
Secondly; In "exhibit" apparatus, parts whereof are moveable as described,
the combination of the "stencil-figures" with coloured glass or transparency
medium and luminant or luminants as and for the purpose herein set forth.
ور
Thirdly In means for displaying “exhibits as described, the combination of
the "stencil-figures with glass or transparency medium, and moving multiple
surfaced reflectors, with luminant or luminants combined and operated as and for
the purpose herein specified.

page_text: Fourthly-In means for displaying "exhibits," as described, the combination
of the "figures" (letters or designs), the faces of said figures being coloured, or
gilded, or formed of bright metal, with facial coverings of glass or transparent
medium together with a screen for day-light effect, and the reflectors and luminant
or luminants for night-effect constructed, combined and operating as and for the
purpose herein set forth.
is
Fifthly In fascias" as herein described the combination of "colour-slides'
and drop-slides" with the "permanent-slides" for change of colours of "
as and for the purposes herein set forth.
Dated this 24th day of October 1891.
figures"
ADOLPHUS BERNARD WILLIAM GEHRKE,
Applicant.