Improvements in or connected with Means for Transmitting Signals Made by Flashes of Light, and Recording the Transmission and Receipt of Signals Made by Flashes of Light or other Visual Signs
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 5th Dec., 1894-Accepted, 5th Jan., 1895
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or connected with Means for Transmitting Signals
Made by Flashes of Light, and Recording the Transmission and
Receipt of Signals Made by Flashes of Light or other Visual
Signs
We, JEAN BAPTISTE ANNIBAL LÉGÉ, of No. 31, Kirby Street, Hatton Garden,
in the County of London, Engineer, JEAN CLAUDE ERNEST CARRÉ, of No. 45,
Myddelton Square, Clerkenwell, in the said county, Manager to Joseph Levi and
Company, of No. 40, Furnival Street, in the City of London, Wholesale Opticians,
and MYER LEWIS ISAACS, of No. 40, Furnival Street, aforesaid, Wholesale
Optician, do hereby declare the nature of the said invention and in what manner
the same is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement :-
Our invention primarily relates to means for transmitting and recording the
transmission and receipt of signals by means of flashes of light but it is also to some
extent applicable to some other well known means of signalling by means of visual
signs.
In visual signalling such as flash signalling the method of conveying a message
consists in exposing for periods of varying duration a powerful light such periods
corresponding with the dots and dashes of a suitable alphabetical code employed in
telegraphic communications and such as the "Morse" system which system is now
well known, and the object of the present invention is to obtain a portable, compact,
inexpensive, exact and simple instrument for the above purpose and which at the same
time may be adapted to record upon a single strip of paper messages transmitted and
received.
For this purpose, we employ a box or case preferably formed of metal the front of
which is open and provided with a door or shutter hinged by its upper edge to the top
of the box and by the aid of which the opening in the front of the box may be closed
and the contained lens hereinafter referred to covered and protected at the times
desired whilst we provide a hinged bracket or strut which engages a projection upon
and holds the door in its raised position when the apparatus is in use.
Within the box and immediately at the rear of the door or opening at the front
thereof is arranged a partition carried by the base and provided with a circular
aperture in which is loosely mounted or inserted one end of a tube or tunnel also
carried by the base and in which is removeably fitted a powerful condensing lens and
the tube or tunnel is formed of perforated metal which adjacent to the lens is for a
short distance formed inclined or trumpet shaped whilst beyond this point it is formed
cylindrical and terminates in a partition in which is provided an aperture of suitable
area arranged coincident with the axis of the lens, and in connection with this aperture
is provided a moveable shutter which is adapted as hereinafter described to cover and
uncover the aperture in the manner necessary to convey the desired message.
This shutter consists of a cup or portion of a sphere mounted with capability of
rocking upon horizontal axes of motion arranged at the sides of the cup and
transversely of the tunnel and the cup or shutter is at its rear formed with an opening
corresponding with the aperture of the partition.
At the rear of the partition and in continuation of the tunnel but formed of
imperforate metal is provided a light-chamber in which is arranged a lamp or burner,
and in the case of a mineral oil lamp, which is the kind that would generally be

page_text: employed, the reservoir is located outside and beneath the box or case and held in
position by suitable fastenings, the burner being introduced through a tube perforated
for the admission of air and leading to the light chamber; a chimney arranged above
the light chamber conducts away the products of combustion from the lamp whilst
an outer chimney surrounding the inner chimney but leaving a space between carries
off the heated air from the interior of the box or case.
At the rear of the light chamber and coincident with the aperture in the partition
is a concave reflector which is mounted with capability of removal in a suitable fitting
carried by the tunnel and occupying an aperture in the rear wall of the box or case,
the object of which is to collect or condense and project the rays of light from the
flame of the lamp through the aperture, parabolic or cup like shutter and lens, and
in order to permit of the passage of the rays of light and yet isolate the light-
chamber, a disc of plain glass or it might be a lens is mounted in a suitable fitting at
both the front and rear of the lamp burner in the light chamber and which chamber
is in effect a portion of the lamp chimney.
The light chamber is provided at one side with an aperture closed by means of a
sliding shutter composed of a frame in which is mounted a sheet of talc and the
side wall of the box or case is provided with a corresponding aperture of larger
diameter closed by means of a sliding shutter consisting of a metal frame in which
is mounted a disc of glass.
The parabolic shutter is by means of a spring acting upon a crank or offset from
one of the axes thereof normally held in its closed position, that is to say, in such
a position that the aperture of the partition is covered thereby and in connection
with the parabolic shutter we employ an arm or lever hereinafter called the "key
lever which at one end thereof is by a link connected with the crank or offset of
the parabolic shutter.
"
The key lever is mounted upon an axis of motion beyond which it is laterally
cranked so as to project through a slot provided in the side of the box or case upon
the outside of which the lever is furnished with a thumb piece or operating key by
the aid of which and through the connections above described the parabolic shutter
may be turned on its axis at the times desired so as to uncover the aperture in the
partition and thus transmit a flash or signal of any desired duration, the paris
being restored to their normal positions by the aid of the spring herein before
referred to, or it might be by gravity provided the parts were suitably
weighted.
In order to hold the parabolic shutter in its open position for a lengthened period
when so desired, a latch or bolt is employed to engage the key lever and lock it in
its depressed position.
The peculiar parabolic form of the shutter is of great advantage in an instrument
of this class inasmuch as it has the effect of opening or closing the aperture of the
partition from both sides at the same time, that part adjacent to the aperture of the
partition acting from one side, whilst the rim or mouth of the cup acts from
the other side and thus an almost instantaneous action is obtained.
A telescope is arranged within the box or case and the shutter or door at the
front thereof is provided with an aperture corresponding with the front end of the
telescope so that it may be used to observe signals transmitted from the distant
signal station whilst the light at the receiving end is screened by the door. The
rear end of the telescope projects through an aperture in the rear wall of the box
or case.
A sight tube is provided by the aid of which the instrument may be arranged in
accurate alignment with the corresponding instrument at the distant station.
The tunnel which is mounted upon the removeable base of the case or box carries
not only the lens and reflector but also the telescope and sight tube which are
supported by brackets therefrom by which arrangement the whole of the instru-
ments may be mounted with their axes parallel or in the desired positions before
placing them in the case or box and there will consequently be no risk of their
becoming disarranged.

page_text: This is a very important feature in an instrument of this class wherin exactitude
is absolutely essential.
The apparatus hereinbefore described, is adapted to he employed for transmitting
signals, but, in order to record a message transmitted, the following arrangement of
mechanism is combined therewith.
For this purpose, a ribbon of paner is employed which is stored in sufficient
quantity upon a reel and the paper is drawn off this reel in contact with a marking
device hereinafter more fully referred to, by means of a spring drum upon which it
is wound but instead of previously winding up the spring of this drum as has
heretofore been proposed in similar instruments, according to the present invention,
we cause the key lever, herein before referred to, to act upon a lever which we will
call the "winding lever" and which carries a pawl held by a spring in engagement
with a ratchet wheel fixed upon a shaft or axis which is mounted loosely in the
drum and is fixed with one end of the spring, whilst the other end of the spring is
fixed with the drum so that at every depression of the operating key, the winding
lever will turn the ratchet wheel a portion of a revolution, and thus partially wind
up the spring within the drum, and which in turn gives out its power and rotates
the drum so as to draw forward the ribbon of paper from off the reel and across
the path of the marking device.
The spring drum through a short train of wheels is geared with a fly or regulating
device which controls the speed of rotation of the drum and therefore the rate of
travel of the paper ribbon.
The paper ribbon passes from the reel over a guide reel and under a bar and
thence through a frame mounted upon an axis of motion and at its extremities
provided with contact making rollers and this frame is connected by means of a
link with the winding lever of the drum in such manner that as the winding lever
rises upon the depression of the operating key the frame is rocked upon its axis
and the ribbon of paper is brought by one of the contact making rollers into
contact with a marking wheel mounted with capability of revolution in suitable
bearings and running in contact with an inking roller and thus at every
depression of the operating key a mark or dash will be printed upon the paper
of a length corresponding with the duration of the depression of the operating
key.
By this arrangement of parts, signals may be flashed with great rapidity whilst
each flash and its duration will be accurately recorded.
In order that the apparatus may be employed to record signals either transmitted
or received we employ the following simple arrangement of parts.
The marking and inking rollers herein before referred to are mounted in a frame
which is itself mounted upon an axis of motion and in a suitable position, upon
the opposite side of the frame, is mounted a similar but inverted frame carrying
similar rollers and these two frames are constructed, one above its axis and the
other below, by means of a link or connecting rod, so that by moving one frame
upon its axis to one extreme the corresponding printing device will be brought
into action, and into position for one of the contact making rollers of the rocking
frame to bring one side of the paper into contact with the corresponding marking
device, whilst by a reverse movement such printing device will be thrown out of
action and the opposite printing device will be brought into action and into position
for the other contact making roller to bring the other side of the paper into
contact with the opposite printing device.
By this arrangement of parts, the messages transmitted will be recorded upon
one side of the paper ribbon or strip whilst the messages received may be
recorded on the other side thereof.
It will be understood that when receiving a message it will be unnecessary to
make use of the light which may then be screened by the outer door or shutter
or the light may then be utilized to repeat the message to the transmitting
station.
The telescope passing through the box will assist the operator in reading signals

page_text: transmitted by a distant apparatus and in recording them as received in the manner
herein before described.
It will also be understood that part of the invention namely the recording
mechanism is equally applicable to other systems of visual signalling and for
example it may be combined with and worked in conjunction with a heliostat or
heliograph as ordinarily constructed.
And, in order that the said invention may be more clearly understood and
readily carried into effect, we will proceed, aided by the accompanying drawings,
more fully to describe the same.
Figure 1. is a side elevation of an instrument constructed according to the
present invention.
Figure 2. is a plan thereof.
Figure 3. is a rear elevation thereof.
Figure 4. is a front elevation thereof.
Figure 5. is a longitudinal section thereof on the line 1-1 of Figure 2, and
showing the instrument in readiness for use with the shutter open and the telescope
extended.
Figure 6. is a transverse section taken on the line 2-2 of Figure 5.
Figure 7. is an underside view of the instrument with the lamp removed.
Figure 8. is a sectional plan of parts showing the arrangement of the key lever,
and,
Figure 9. is a side view thereof.
Figure 10. is a rear elevation partly in section but with the lamp removed
representing an instrument fitted with a recording mechanism according to the
present invention.
Figure 11. is a longitudinal section taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 10.
Figure 12. is au elevation of the recording mechanism and base plate
separately.
Figure 13. is an edge view thereof partly in section.
Figure 14. is a face view partly in section of the spring drum and nipping
roller.
Figure 15. is a transverse section taken on the line 4-4 of Figure 14.
Figure 16. is a face view of the rocking frame and its supporting bracket.
Figure 17. is a side view thereof.
Figure 18. is a face view of the inking devices and their frames and connected
parts.
Figure 19. is a side view thereof.
In the several figures in which like parts are indicated by similar letters of
reference, Figures 12 to 19, are drawn to an increased scale with respect to the
other figures of the drawings.
Referring to Figures 1 to 9. a. represents the box or case which is preferably
formed of sheet metal so as to be both light, strong and weatherproof and it
is provided with a handle a' by the aid of which it may be readily carried in
the hand.
The front of the box or case a. is open and provided with a door or shutter a²
hinged by its upper edge to the top of the box a. at a and by the aid of which
the opening in the front of the box a. may be closed, and the contained lens
hereinafter referred to thereby covered and protected at the times desired whilst a
bracket or strut a³ hinged at a** to the sides of the box a. so as to fold within the
box, when the instrument is out of use, as represented by the dotted lines in
Figure 5, is employed to engage a projection upon the underside of the door a²
and thus hold the latter in its raised position, when the apparatus is in use as
indicated by the full lines in Figure 5.
The bottom of the box is formed by a slab of wood or other suitable material b,

page_text: which acts as a base or foundation upon which the mechanism hereinafter described
is built up so that the whole of such mechanism may be readily inserted in and
removed from the box or case a. through the underside thereof and adjustel before
being placed in position.
Within the box a. and immediately at the rear of the door or opening at the
front thereof and mounted upon the base b. is arranged a partition 6' provided with
a circular aperture in which is mounted or inserted one end of a tube or tunnel &*
which is carried by the base and in which is removeably fitted by bayonet catches,
a powerful condensing lens 6* and the tube or tunnel is formed of perforated
metal in order to ensure lightness and prevent as far as possible the conduction and
retention of heat.
That part of the tube or tunnel * adjacent to the lens 6* is for a short distance
formed inclined or trumpet shaped, whilst beyond this point it terminates in a
partition in which is provided an aperture 6** of suitable area arranged
coincident with the axis of the lens b* and in connection with this aperture 6** is
provided a moveable or vibratory parabolic shutter 6 which is adapted as herein-
after described to cover and uncover the aperture 3* in the manner necessary to
convey the desired message.
The parabolic shutter consists of a cup or portion of a sphere mounted with
capability of rocking or partially rotating upon horizontal axes of motion 6**
turning in bearings carried by the tube or tunnel and arranged at the sides of
the cup and transversely of the tunnel 6 and the cup is at its rear formed
with an opening corresponding with the aperture 6 of the partition 6³ so that
when the parabolic shutter is in the position indicated at Figure 5. the aperture 6³❤
of the partition b³ will be uncovered or opened, whilst when the shutter is in its
normal position as indicated by the dotted lines in Figure 1. the aperture 6³* will
be covered or closed.
At the rear of the partition 68 and in continuation of the tunnel 63, but formed of
imperforate sheet metal is provided a light chamber c. in which is arranged a lamp
or burner d, and in the case of a mineral oil lamp, which is the kind that would
generally be employed, the reservoir or container d' is located outside and beneath
the box or case a.
The lamp reservoir is provided with a circular flange or collar d³ furnished with
bayonet slots which engage studs c* carried by a perforated tube c' depending
from the light-chamber c. and through which the burner d. is introduced into the
light-chamber c. the perforations of the tube c' admitting the necessary supply of
air to the burner to support combustion.
In order to enable the wick to be raised or lowered without disconnecting the
lamp from the box or case a. a tubular way as is provided which passes from the
rear wall of the box or case a. and extends into the tube c¹ and the spindle of
the wick winder is provided with a square to receive a removeable key d³ which is
adapted to be passed through the tubular opening as to engage the square of the
winder and the key d³ is connected by a swivel and chain with the stopper d of
the filling orifice of the reservoir or container d¹ so that it may be detached from
the winder when it is desired to remove the lamp d. from the box or case a.
Above the light chamber c. and connected therewith is a chimney for con-
ducting the products of combustion from the lamp d. away to the outer air, whilst
an outer chimney a* fixed with the top of the box or case a. surrounds the inner
chimney but so as to leave an intervening space a* communicating with the box
or case a. and which acts as a flue through which is carried off the heated air
from the interior of the box or case a.
At the rear of the light chamber c. and coincident with the aperture 6** in the
partition is a concave reflector e. which is mounted with capability of removal
in a fitting e removeably mounted in a continuation of the tube or tunnel con-
stituting the light-chamber c. and which terminates at an aperture formed in the
rear wall of box or case a. and the object of the refector e. is to collect or condense
and project the rays of light from the flame of the lamp d. through the aperture 6³*

page_text: of the partition 63 through the aperture of the parabolic or cup like shutter b* and
through the lens 6*.
In order to permit the passage of the rays of light and yet isolate the light-
chamber c. so as to preserve the necessary draught for the flame of the lamp d.
and to confine the heat as far as possible to the light chamber c, discs of plain
glass or they might be lenses are placed at the front and rear of the lamp
burner d. in the light-chamber c. and the chamber c. is thus made in effect an
enlarged part of the lamp chimney c².
Each glass disc c³ is mounted in a suitable frame c fitting into the tunnel and
the frames are connected together by two bars which at their outer ends are
provided with a turn down bale or handle e so that by removing the fitting e¹ the
two frames may be readily placed in position or removed through the aperture
in the rear wall of the box or case a.
The light chamber c. is provided at one side with an aperture closed by means
of a shutter sliding in guides and composed of a frame in which is mounted
a sheet of talc, and the side wall of the box or case a. is provided with a corre-
sponding aperture but of larger diameter closed by means of a shutter a consisting
of a metal frame sliding in guides a** and in which is mounted a disc of glass.
The parabolic shutter bis by means of a spring 6 at one end connected to the
base b. and at the other end connected to a crank or offset 6*** from one of the
axes thereof normally held in its closed position that is to say in such a position
that the aperture 3* of the partition 63 is closed thereby as shown by the dotted
lines in Figure 1. and in connection with the parabolic shutter is employed an
arm or lever hereinafter called the "key lever" which at the inner end thereof
is by a link 6** connected with the crank or offset 6*** of the parabolic shutter /^.
The key lever 6 is mounted upon an axis of motion carried in bearings 67* in a
bracket 6 and beyond this point it is laterally cranked so as to project through a
slot a provided for that purpose in the side of the box or case a. whilst upon the
outside of the box or case a. the cranked part of the lever 66 is furnished with a
thumb piece or operating key *** by the aid of which and through the connections
herein before described, the parabolic shutter may be turned on its axis at the
times desired into the position indicated in Figure 5. so as to uncover the
aperture in the partition 63 and thus transmit a flash or signal of any desired
duration the parts being restored to their normal positions by the spring 65 aided if
desired by an additional spring or weight.
In order to hold the parabolic shutter bin its open position for a lengthened
period when so desired, a latch or bolt is employed consisting of a hook f. mounted
upon an axis of motion f' within the box or case a. and adapted to engage and
hold depressed the key end of the key lever 6 and thus lock it in its depressed
position as represented more particularly at Figures 8 and 9.
The peculiar form of the parabolic shutter is of great advantage in an
instrument of this class, inasmuch as it has the effect of opening or closing the
aperture 6 of the partition &³ from both sides at the same time, that part adjacent
to the aperture 6 of the partition acting from one side whilst the rim or mouth
of the cup acts from the other side and thus an almost instantaneous action is
obtained.
A sight tube g. carried by the tunnel and projecting at the rear of the box or
case, and extending to the front thereof is provided to enable the distant signal
station to be sighted, and the instrument arranged in correct alignment therewith,
whilst in order to facilitate the reading of signals transmitted from the distant
station, a telescope g' may be provided which is carried by the tunnel in the box
or case a. and at one end passes through to the front thereof and at the other end
passes through and is adapted to be extended from the rear wall of the box or
case a. or collapsed so as to lie within the same or nearly so whilst the door a² is
provided with a circular aperture a²* corresponding with the front end of the
telescope so that the same may be used to read signals transmitted from the
distant station without exposing the light.

page_text: By the arrangement of parts hereinbefore described, the tunnel which is mounted
upon the removeable base carries not only the lens and refector but the telescope and
sight tube which are supported by brackets therefrom and thus the whole of the
instruments may be mounted with their axes parallel before placing them in the
case or box and there will consequently be no risk of their becoming disarranged
in such operation.
This is a very important feature in an instrument of this class where exactitude
is absolutely essential.
In the example given at Figures 10. to 19, the apparatus for transmitting
signals is identical with that hereinbefore described, but it has combined therewith
means for recording such transmitted messages.
For this purpose, a ribbon of paper j. employed which is stored in sufficient
quantity upon a reel h. mounted upon a stud or axis h¹ carried by the box or case a,.
and the paper is drawn off this reel in contact with a marking device hereinafter more
fully referred to by means of a spring drum l. which runs in contact with a nipping
roller m. the faces of both the drum l. and roller m. being recessed so as to avoid
contact with the paper ribbon except at the edges, and the paper passes from the
nipping roller m. to a spring drum or reel i. upon which it is wound, and the shaft i
of which is mounted with capability of turning in a base plate k, whilst it is
provided with a cross bar or key by the aid of which the shaft may be turned
and the spring wound up, as will be readily understood.
Instead of previously winding up the spring of the drum l. by means of a key
as has heretofore been proposed in similar instruments, according to the present
invention the key lever 6 hereinbefore referred to, is at its inner en 1 prolonged
and provided with a laterally projecting pin 68, which engages a lever n hereinafter
called the "winding lever" and which is mounted upon an axis of motion n* and
carries a pawl n' held by a spring in engagement with a ratchet wheel fixed upon
a shaft or axis 13 mounted with capability of revolution in bearings 13* and also
mounted loosely in the drum l.
The shaft is fixed with one end of the spring whilst the other end of the
spring is fixed with the drum l. so that at every depression of the operating
key the outer end of the winding lever n. will be raised by the pin 8 of the
key lever and the pawl n' will turn the ratchet wheel 12 a portion of a revolution,
and thus partially wind up the spring within the drum l. and which in turn gives
out its power and rotates the drum l. so as to draw forward the ribbon of paper j.
from off the reel h. and across the path of the marking device after which it is
taken up by the spring reel i, as herein before described.
The spring drum l. has fixed therewith a toothed wheel which through a train.
of wheels and pinions * is geared with a fly or regulating device which controls
the speed of rotation of the drum l. and therefore the rate of travel of the paper
ribbon j.
The paper ribbon j. passes from the reel h. over a guide reel o. mounted with
capability of revolution upon a stud o' fixed with a bracket o² from the base
plate k. and the ribbon then passes under a guide bar o³ fixed with the base plate k.
thence through a frame p. mounted upon axes of motion p* at one side in the base
plate k, and at the other in a bracket or cock from the base plate k. and the
frame p. is at its extremities provided with contact making rollers pl mounted in
suitable bearings with capability of revolution.
The frame P. is connected with the winding lever n. by means of a link p² at one
end pinjointed to the frame p. below the axis p* and at the other end connected
with the winding lever n. by means of a long slot p2* in the link p² which engages.
a stud n upon the winding lever n. so that as the winding lever n. rises upon the
depression of the operating key ** a vertical movement will be given to the link pl
and the frame p. will be slightly rocked upon its axis p* thus bringing the ribbon of
paper j. into contact with a marking wheel q.
The axis of the marking wheel 7. is mounted with capability of revolution in
bearings formed in a frame and the marking rollers run in contact with an inking.

page_text: roller q and thus at every depression of the operating key 60** a mark or dash will
be printed upon the paper j. of a length corresponding with duration of the depression
of the operating key 66.
By this arrangement of parts, signals may be flashed with great rapidity, whilst
each flash and its duration will be accurately recorded.
In order that the apparatus may be employed to record signals either transmitted
or received, the following simple arrangement of parts is employed.
+2
The marking and inking rollers q. q¹ herein before referred to are mounted in a
frame 92 which is itself mounted upon an axis of motion g³ and in a suitable position
upon the opposite side of the frame p. is mounted a similar but inverted frame q*
carrying similar rollers and g' and these two frames y² q* are connected one above
its axis q and the other below by means of a link or connecting rod q* which is formed
with a loop to avoid the axis p* of the rocking frame p.
#2
By this arrangement of parts, by moving one frame q' upon its axis to one
extreme position, for example, the position in which the frame q² is represented in
the drawings, the corresponding printing device will be brought into action and into
position for one of the contact making rollers p' of the rocking frame p. to bring the
upper side of the paper j. into contact with the corresponding marking device q,
whilst by a reversal of such movement the printing device of the frame q' will be
placed in such a position that the lower contact making roller p³ of the rocking
frame p. will not bring the paper into contact with its marking device q, whilst the
marking device g. of the other frame 9*2 will be brought into such a position that
the upper inking roller p¹ of the rocking frame p. will bring the lower side of the
paper strip j. into contact therewith.
+2
One position of the frames gq is shown by the full lines in Figures 12. and 18.
whilst the other position is shown by the dotted lines in such figures.
By this arrangement of parts, the messages transmitted will be recorded upon
one side of the paper ribbon or strip j, whilst the messages received may be recorded
upon the other side thereof.
It will be understood that when receiving a message it will be unnecessary to
make use of the light and flashing arrangement which may then be screened off by the
outer door or shutter a² or the light may then be utilised to repeat the message to
the transmitting station.
The telescope g. passing through the box or case a. will assist the operator in
reading signals transmitted by a distant apparatus and in recording them as received
in the manner hereinbefore described the aperture a²* in the door a' facilitating the
operation when the door is closed and the light screened.
It will also be understood that some part of the invention is equally applicable to
other systems of visual signalling for instance the printing or recording mechanism
may be combined with and worked in conjunction with a heliostat or heliograph as
ordinarily constructed.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven:-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what we
claim is:
1. In an instrument for flash signalling, the combination of a tunnel formed to
a given point of perforated metal and beyond such point of imperforate inetal, a
lens mounted at the front end of the tunnel, a reflector at the rear end of the tunnel,
glass windows for isolating a portion of the tunnel to form a light chamber, an
apertured diaphragm or partition at the front of the light chamber at the point of
termination of the perforated metal, a vibrating shutter actuated by a spring or the
like for normally closing the aperture of the partition, a case for enclosing the tunnel,
an operating key located externally of the case for vibrating the shutter in one
direction and connections from the key to the shutter, substantially as herein shown
and described.
'
2. In an instrument for flash signalling, the combination of a tunnel, a lens
mounted at the front end of the tunnel, a reflector at the rear end of the tunnel

page_text: glass windows or partitions for isolating a portion of the tunnel to form a light
chamber, an apertured diaphragm or partition at the front of the light chamber, a
vibrating shutter and means for actuating the same, substantially as herein shown
and described.
3. In an instrument for flash signalling, the combination of a tunnel, a lens
mounted at the front end of the tunnel, a reflector at the rear end of the tunnel,
glass windows or partitions for isolating a portion of the tunnel to form a light
chamber, a case or box enclosing the tunnel, a tube or cylinder depending from the
light chamber and passing through the base and perforated so as to admit a supply
of air, a lamp or burner adapted to be inserted in the tube, means for detachably
connecting the lamp with the tube in such manner that its reservoir occupies a
position exteriorly of the box or case, a chimney leading from the top of the light
chamber to the outer air and a surrounding outer chimney connected with the
interior of the box or case, substantially as herein shown and described and for the
purpose stated.
4. In an instrument for flash signalling the combination of a tuunel, a lens
mounted in the front end of the tunnel, a reflector mounted in the rear end of the
tunnel, a vibrating shutter, a light chamber, a telescope and a sight tube also
carried by the tunnel, substantially as herein shown and described and for the
purpose stated.
5. In the recording mechanism of an apparatus for flash or visual signalling, the
combination of a spring drum, a shaft loose with the drum, a spring at one end
fixed with the shaft and at the other end with the drum, a ratchet wheel fixed with
the shaft, a reciprocating driving lever, a pawl mounted upon the driving lever and
engaging the ratchet wheel of the drum, a reservoir for a roll of paper ribbon, a
nipping roller arranged above the spring drum between which and the drum the
paper is gripped and drawn forward, suitable inking and marking devices located
in the path of the paper between the reservoir and spring drum, a vibratory contact
aking device for bringing the paper into contact with the marking instrument, a
spring reel for taking up the paper after passing the spring drum or gripping
device, means connecting the contact making device with the driving lever so that
the movement thereof to wind the spring of the drum will bring the marking device
into action and means connecting the driving lever with the operating key or
derice of the signalling mechanism, substantially as herein shown and described.
6. In the recording mechanism of an apparatus for flash or visual signalling, the
combination of a spring drum for drawing forward the paper and means actuated
by the operating key or device of the signalling apparatus for partially winding
the spring at each operation of the signalling apparatus, substantially as herein
shown and described.
7. In the recording mechanism of an apparatus for visual signalling, the
combination of a vibrating frame carrying two sets of contact making rollers
arranged one above the course of the paper and one below, means for vibrating
the frame at each operation of the apparatus, two sets of adjustable inking and
marking devices arranged one above the course of the paper and one below in
pivotally mounted frames, and a link coupling such frames in such manner that by
moving them on their axes either may be brought into action with the corresponding
contact making roller of the vibrating frame, substantially as herein shown and
described and for the purpose stated.
1
1004
VAUGHAN & SON,
Agents for the Applicants.