Improvements in Astronomical Charts.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 18th Dec., 1894-Accepted, 11th May, 1895
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Astronomical Charts.
I, FRANK EARL ORMSBY, of 169 Jackson Street Chicago, in the County of
Cook, and State of Illinois, United States of America, Gentleman, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be
performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement :-
My invention relates particularly to the study of astronomy and is used with a
table of annual corrections; and the objects of my invention are first, to provide
a method whereby the position of the planets of our solar system may be determined
without the necessity of using an elaborate ephemeris which very few are able to
possess, and secondly to interest people generally in the study of astronomy.
In the accompanying drawing;
Fig. 1 is a vertical sectional view of the entire chart.
Fig. 2 is a detached view of the disc representing the planet Mars.
B, C, D, and E, are flat discs representing different planets, Mercury, Venus, Mars,
and the Moon only being shown in the illustrations.
Similar letters refer to similar parts throughout the several views.
A is a stationary bed piece upon which is printed figures and signs denoting the
days of the months of the year, the movement of the Earth and date of her passing
into each sign or constellation. B is a flat disc with division lines and signs denoting
the planet Mercury in its movement as related to the days upon the Earth as
represented upon the bed piece A.
C, D, and E, are similar discs representing the planets Venus, Mars, and the
Moon in like manner all of which are connected to the bed piece A at the center by
an eyelet on which they may be revolved.
D is a disc representing the planet Mars before being attached.
Each of the said discs is spaced with lines to show the divisions or signs of the
zodiac, and also to indicate the days that each of the said planets remains in or the
time necessary for their passage through different hours or constellations. These
discs may be mounted separately upon bed piece A or together as I may prefer.
My invention may be made of any suitable material for instance metal, wood,
paper, celluloid, paper-maché or combinations thereof.
The operation of my invention may be briefly described as follows.
For illustration suppose the planet Mercury crosses the meridian dividing Pisces
from Aries on January 3rd any year, according to table of annular corrections
accompanying each chart by turning the Mercury circle or disc B, so that the sign
Aries or the first portion thereof on the line beginning January 3rd; the position
of Mercury may be found for any given date that year by observing what sign is
on the Mercury circle opposite the date intended in the outer circle A.
With one annular correction each year this device is a perpetual guide to positions
for all time past and future.
The stars a, b, c, and d, only upon each of the revolving circular plates or discs
denote the end and signify that the plate must be turned back to the sign that
follows.
The space between the stars a, b, c, and d, and the sign Aries or new moon if any
being blank.
This movement is necessary only when the date figured upon is in the latter
part of the year or passed one of these stars after being set as heretofore
explained.

page_text: The correction in annular table to accompany and be used with this device as
applied to the Moon E will be the date of the first phase indicated for the year,
which when placed in position will give the dates of the phases for the balance
of the year.
Other planets in our system may be shown by similar discs if
desired.
It is not necessary to move the discs after being properly set according to
correction table during the year except in the cases mentioned when the date has
passed one of the stars denoting the end.
I am aware that certain calendars are made in circular form giving information
of an astronomical nature concerning our earth, but I am not aware that any such
combination relating to the movements and relation of other planets to our earth
and the days thereof has ever been produced as is herein described.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is;
In an astronomical or educational chart or combination with a stationary bed
piece or disc bearing a circular arrangement of figures representing a yearly calendar
and certain signs relating to the movements of the Earth of movable or revoluble
rings or discs superposed upon said bed piece or disc on a common axis or pivot at
the center of the latter and bearing the signs of the zodiac and certain division
lines denoting the movements thereof due to the movement of the Earth,
substantially as set forth.
Dated this 18th day of December 1894.
BOULT & WADE,
Agents for the Applicant.