IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MEANS AND APPARATUS FOR SIGNALLING BY MEANS OF LIGHTS ON BOARD SHII
Year: 1879

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Carl Otto Ramstedt, of Finland, in the Russian Empire,
but at present of Charing Cross Hotel, in the County of Middlesex, for the
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MEANS AND APPARATUS FOR SIGNALLING
BY MEANS OF LIGHTS ON BOARD SHII."
Sealed the 19th August 1879, and dated the 9th June 1879.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Carl Otto Ramstedt at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 9th June 1879.
CARL OTTO RAMSTEDT, of Finland, in the Russian Empire, but at present of
Charing Cross Hotel, in the County of Middlesex. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
MEANS AND APPARATUS FOR SIGNALLING BY MEANS OF LIGHTS ON BOARD SHIP."
My Invention has for its object to produce light signals on board ships, for
preventing collisions and other purposes, by throwing a bright light upon the
steam issuing from a ship's funnel, whereby a powerful light of very considerable
extent is produced which is visible at a much greater distance than ordinary
signal lights are.
For this purpose I employ a hollow recipient, by preference made of tinned iron
for the sake of cheapness, which acts as a reflector, being of conical, parabolic, or
other suitable form with a wide mouth, and having by preference at the focal point
or points a trough or cup in which is placed any suitable combustible material,
such as stronthian fire, which in burning will give out a bright light.
The reflector is placed in such a position that it reflects and throws the light of
the burning substance upon a volume of steam issuing either from the ship's funnel
or from a special conduit provided for that purpose. If it be desired to give optical
signals by flashing lights according to any known code of signalling, such as by
combinations of flashes of longer and shorter duration, the reflector is provided
with a cover hinged thereto, and having a handle by which it can be opened and
closed at longer or shorter intervals of time, thereby intercepting the light thrown
on the steam during corresponding intervals. The cover is provided with holes to
allow of the continued burning of the combustible while it is closed.
The reflector may either be provided with a stem or handle at bottom by which
it can be held in the hand, and directed into any required position, or it may be
mounted on a suitable stand with ball and socket joint for this purpose.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Carl Otto Ramstedt in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 19th
August 1879.
CARL OTTO RAMSTEDT, of Finland, in the Russian Empire, but at present of
Charing Cross Hotel, in the County of Middlesex. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
MEANS AND APPARATUS FOR SIGNALLING BY MEANS OF LIGHTS ON BOARD SHIPS."
My Invention has for its object to produce light signals on board ships, for
preventing collisions and other purposes, by throwing a bright light upon the
steam issuing from a ship's funnel, whereby a powerful light of very considerable
extent is produced which is visible at a much greater distance than ordinary
signal lights are.
For this purpose I employ a hollow recipient, by preference made of tinned iron
for the sake of cheapness, which acts as a reflector, being of conical, parabolic, or
other suitable form with a wide mouth, and having by preference at the focal point
or points a trough or cup in which is placed any suitable combustible material,
such as strontian fire, which in burning will give out a bright light.
The reflector is placed in such a position that it reflects and throws the light of
the burning substance upon a volume of steam issuing either from the ship's
funnel, or from a special conduit provided for that purpose. If it be desired to give
optical signals by flashing lights according to any known code of signalling, such as
by combinations of flashes of longer and shorter duration, the reflector is provided
with a cover hinged thereto, and having a handle by which it can be opened and
closed at longer or shorter intervals of time, thereby intercepting the light thrown
on the steam during corresponding intervals. The cover is provided with holes to
allow of the continued burning of the combustible while it is closed.
The reflector may either be provided with a stem or handle at bottom by which
it can be held in the hand, and directed into any required position, or it may be
mounted on a suitable stand with ball and socket joint for this purpose.
In witness whereof, I, the said Carl Otto Ramstedt, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this 15th day of August, in the year of our Lord 1879.
Witness,
CHARLES A. LOVEGROVE,
Petley House,
Downe,
West Kent.