Improvements in Flash-light Advertising Signs.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 24th Mar., 1890-Accepted, 3rd May, 1890
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Flash-light Advertising Signs.
I, FREDERICK JAMES MITCHELL, of No. 862 Broadway, in the City of New York,
State of New York, United States of America, Mechanician, do hereby declare the
nature of my invention for IMPROVEMENTS IN FLASH LIGHT ADVERTISING SIGNS and in
what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :-
:
My invention relates to a novel system of advertising, by means of the intermittent
illumination of certain signs, symbols or words, and of the mechanism to produce
this result, the object of my invention being to that end to which all advertising
points, namely, that of instantly arresting the attention of any casual observer; and I
attain this as set forth in the following specification, and as illustrated in the accom-
panying drawing in which:
Figure 1, is a general view of the clock work mechanism used for producing an
irregular or intermittent supply of gas, and the manner in which the same is used
in connection with the object to be illuminated.
Figure 2, is an enlarged detail view of the cam used in the above mentioned
mechanism.
Similar letters refer to similar parts throughout the several views.
In Fig. 1 is seen a steel spring B, one end a of which is firmly fastened to a
stationary pin rivetted at one end to the first spur wheel E. This spring is coiled
around and ultimately fastened to a central spindle c. This and all other spindles
used in the device find their bearings in two plates C and forming with the tio
bolts D1 D2 D3 D4, the frame work to which all the gearing and other mechanism is
attached. The said spindle c is formed at one end into a square head on which can
be placed a key, for the purpose of winding up the above mentioned spring B. This
spring is kept to the required tension in the ordinary manner by the use of a ratchet
wheel d and pawl e, the ratchet wheel being keyed or otherwise fixed to the spindle
and the pawle working loose on a pin rivetted to the outside of the front plate C,
and made to engage with the teeth of the ratchet wheel d by means of a light
spring el. The aforesaid spur wheel E is not fastened to the spindle c but works
loosely on it, depending on the spring B for its action. The teeth of the said spur
wheel E engages with those of the first pinion F, this pinion is keyed to the spindle c¹
as is also the second spur wheel E'; the pinion F and the second spur wheel E¹ are
therefore both actuated by the first spur wheel E. The second spur wheel in turn
engages with and actuates the second pinion F, the said pinion F¹ being keyed to the
spindle c. In the before mentioned description I have set forth the construction of an
ordinary clock work train, but this it must be understood in no way effects the gist
of my invention, as a motor of any description, suitably constructed to operate the
hereinafter described mechanism will answer. To the spindle is keyed a cam G.
I have shown the cam G, as being upon the spindle c², but this location may be altered,
and the cam placed on any of the speed giving spindles of the motor used; the reason
for locating the cam in the position shown is to get a certain predetermined speed of
rotation for it, and this or any other speed may be obtained by locating it as before
stated. H is what may be termed a rocking lever pivotted at one end to a pin f
rivetted in the back plate C', at the other end is fixed a pin g. This pin is fixed so
that it is about in the same vertical plane with the spindle c. When the cam G is
In motion the pin g follows its outline, thereby and by the assistance of a weight to be
described, imparting to the lever alternately an upward and a downward motion. A con-
necting rod I pivotted at h and connects the lever H with another lever J above it.
This lever J is hinged or pivotted at a point i to an arm K extending from, and fastening
to the tube L. At the further end of this lover is pivotted a connecting link M, con-

page_text: gas
necting the said lever J with a tube N. This tube N is constructed as desired of light
metal, and is closed at the upper end. The lower end however is open and a wire or
rod N' extends downwards through it to the stem O' of a valve O. This valve closes
down on to a seat P arranged in the pinion P¹ and shuts off the supply of when
closed. The valve O is kept in position and guided by two arms encircling the
stem O and extending across the inner side m of the outer tube L. The said outer
tube L is constructed double. the upper side being entirely open while the lower is
closed at the part m', thus forming a complete hollow space or ring closed at the
lower end. This space is filled up to nearly the top (shown in the sketch at n) with
a liquid, preferably that of glycerine and water. Into this the second tube N is
plunged, being allowed to pass downwards as seen by a glance at the accompanying
drawing. This tube N preferably should not touch the outer tube L at all, and will
therefore work quite freely in it; but at the same time it forms a gas tight but
frictionless joint, as it is impossible for the gas to pass through the liquid at and
which 1 shall, for the sake of convenience, call a "water cock." The gas is introduced
into the main Q, Q, in the direction indicated by the arrows, thence up a branch
pipe R, into the small pipes of which the letters A, D, V, in this case to be advertised,
are constructed. These letters or any signs, words, designs &c., to be advertised are
constructed of fine gas piping into which gas burners or nibs are inserted as close
as is required. These being lighted give at night the appearance of being written in
fire. The valve regulates the supply of gas, the valve itself being worked as above
mentioned by the cam G. The cam in its present position entirely shuts off the
supply of gas, but when the cam is a quarter of a turn further around, the ping
(following its outline by means of the weight W transmitted through the connecting
rod I), falls to the part, thereby by means of the lever J raising the tube N and
with it the valve O, thus turning the supply of gas on again. To prevent the supply of gas
being entirely stopped by the closing of the valve O, a by-pass is formed in the pipe S, a
small cock S regulating the supply of gas transmitted through the said pipe S; enough
however should be allowed, to keep the jets at p just alight when the other supply
through the valve O is shut off. When therefore the spring B is wound up and the
power being transmitted through the gearing causes the cam G to revolvo the valve
and consequently the flow of gas, is alternately shut and opened causing the before
mentioned intermittent illumination of the jets p. In the gearing the second spur
wheel E¹ also actuates the pinion T of the intermediate gearing. This pinion is keyed
with the wheel U to the spindle c³, this intermediate wheel U actuates a second
pinion T, this pinion T is keyed with the second intermediate wheel U¹, to another
spindle cand in turn engages with and operates a third pinion T to which is attached
a fly-fan X, this fly fan X with the pinion T is fixed to a spindle c.
The above intermediate gearing is not essential to the actual working of the device,
but is used as in all clock-work mechanism to regulate the speed.
I do not wish to confine myself to the use of a spring B as a motive power, as there
are many other ways of producing the required effect, as for instance a weight and
chain or an electric motor or any other suitable device whatsoever causing an inter-
mittent supply of gas may be used. Also instead of gas, any gaseous substance or
electricity may be used without departing from the spirit of my invention.
In the claims, by the word valve chamber I mean to include the union P' and
seat P; and by the term "water cock" I mean to include the first tube I., sliding
tube N, valve and stem 0, 0, and rod N¹.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare what I
claim is :
1. In a flash light advertising device, the combination with a design to be
illuminated, of a clock train, a cam actuated by said train, a valve and valve chamber,
the said cam and valve being operatively connected, and a main for supplying an
illuminant to the valve chamber and to the design, substantially as described.
2. In a flash light advertising device, the combination with a design to be

page_text: illuminated, of a clock train, a cam actuated by said train, a valve and valve chamber,
the said cam and valve being operatively connected, a main for supplying an illumi-
nant to the valve chamber, and a by-pass connecting the said main and design,
substantially as described.
3. In a flash light advertising device, the combination with a design to be
illuminated, of a clock train, a cam actuated by said train, a valve chamber P and P',
0 "water cock" comprising the outer tube L inner tube N and valve and stem 0, 0 ;
the said cam and "water cock" being operatively connected, substantially as
described.
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4. In a flash light advertising device, the combination with a design to be
illuminated, of a clock train, a valve chamber P and P', a water cock" comprising
the outer tube I, inner tube N and valve and stem O, O', mechanisin for operatively
connecting the "water cock" and cam, a main Q, Q, and a by-pass S connecting
the design and main, substantially as described.
5. In a flash light advertising device, the combination with a design to be
illuminated, of a clock train, a cam G actuated by said train, a fly-fan X for con-
trolling said cam, a valve chamber P and P1, a "water cock" comprising the outer
tube Linner tube N and valve and stem O, O', the said cam and "water cock" being
operatively connected, substantially as described.
16
6. In a flash light advertising device, the combination with a design to be
illuminated, of a clock train, a cam G actuated by said train, a fly-fan X for con-
trolling said cam, a valve chamber P and P¹ a water cock" comprising the outer
tube Linner tube N and valve and stem O, O', niechanism for operatively connecting
the water cock and cam, a main Q, Q, and a by-pass S, connecting the design and
main, substantially as described.
a
7. In a flash light advertising device, the combination with a design to be
illuminated, of a clock train, a cam G actuated by said train, a valve chamber P
and P¹, 66
water cock" comprising the outer tube L inner tube N and valve and
stem O, O'; rocker arm H pivotally supported at one end and in operative contact
with said cam at the other, and levers I and J pivotally connected with arm .H
and water cock," substantially as described.
8. In a flash light advertising device, the combination with a design to bo
illuminated, of a clock train, a valve chamber P and P¹, a "water cock" com-
prising the outer tube L inner tube N and valve and stem O, O', rocker arm H,
pivotally supported at one end and in operative contact with said cam at the other,
levers I and J pivotally connected with the arms H and "water cock," and a
weight as W located between the said cam and "water cock," substantially as
described.
9. In a flash light advertising device, the combination with a design to be
illuminated, of a clock train, a cam G actuated by said train, a fly-fan X for con-
trolling said cam, a valve chamber P and P₁, a water cock" comprising the
outer tube Linner tube N and valve and stem 0, 0, rocker arm Ĥ pivotally
supported at one end and in operative contact with said cam at the other, and
levers I and J pivotally connected with the arm H and "water cock" substantially
as described:
10. In a flash light advertising device, the combination with a design to be
illuminated, of a clock train, a cam G actuated by said train, a fly-fan X for
controlling said cam, a valve chamber P and P₁, a "water cock" comprising the
outer tube L inner tube N and valve and stem O, O', rocker arm H, pivotally
supported at one end and in operative contact with said cam at the other,
levers I and J pivotally connected with the arm H and "water cock," and a
weight as W located between the said cam and water cock, substantially as
described.
11. In a flash light advertising device, the combination with a design to be
illuminated, of a clock train, a cam G actuated by said train, a fly-fan X for
controlling said cam, a valve chamber P and P', a "water cock comprising the
outer tube L inner tube N and valve and valve stem O, O', rocker arm H,
'">

page_text: pivotally supported at one end and in operative contact with said cam at the other"
levers I and J pivotally connected with the arm H and "water cock" and a weight
as W located between the said cam and "water cock," substantially as described.
Dated this 12th day of February 1890.
FREDERICK JAMES MITCHELL.