Improvements in Means for Producing a Continuous Light from Magnesium and like Powders.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 6th Nov., 1890-Accepted, 6th Nov., 1891
COMEDIE SIECIFICATION.
Improvements in Means for Producing a Continuous Light from
Magnesium and like Powders.
1 MICHAEL EDWARD BANGER Artist of 98 Salisbury Road High Barnet
Herts 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
e following statement :-
My invention has for its object the production of a continuous light by the
ombustion (through a flame) of magnesium or other like powders.
The apparatus consists of an oblong case made of wood or metal, containing,
at what I will term the "rear" end a pair of alternating bellows A worked by a
shaft B with eccentric C motion, and at the front end a reservoir D or supply box
to hold the magnesium or other powders.
The reservoir (which may be of any required size) is a hollow cylinder somewhat
tapering at its lower end, and having a removeable air tight cap fitting on its top.
It is placed perpendicularly in one corner of front end of case, and is kept in its
position by a steel spring E or rubber band fixed in case near the top of reservoir.
The lower end of reservoir is fixed air tight into an accumulator or chamber F
attached to, and connecting it with, a metal air tube G below, said air tube being
connected with the double bellows at rear end of case by means of an india
rubber tube N proceeding from small air chamber H; passes from thence to its
junction with the lower end of reservoir, from which it continues through an
aperture in front end of case; thus supporting the reservoir upon its bearings.
A smaller branch pipe I connects the upper end of the reservoir with the air
tube G below, to which it is joined at the rear of accumulator, and conveys a
supply of air from the bellows when the machine is working, to the upper end of
reservoir, thus assisting the descent of the magnesium or other powder from the
reservoir into the tube below.
In order to ensure a steady and continuous passage of the magnesium or other
powder from the reservoir into the air tube below, and to overcome a tendency
the magnesium or other powder has to adhere to the sides of the vessel con-
taining it, the shaft which works the bellows, is carried from its bearing at rear
end of case over the alternating bellows, to another bearing fixed at a short
distance from the front end of case, in such a position that the front end of
shaft is level with, the reservoir.
At the front end of shaft is fixed a small disc J which revolves with the shaft
when it is turned, the said disc has on its outer side a lever K of the same
length as the diameter of disc, which is pivoted near one end on the disc and
having at its free end a pin projecting from its inner side, and travelling in a
slot L cut in the outer side of disc.
On the outer side of the free end of lever, is an attachment M connecting it with
the upper part of reservoir, to which it is fixed in such a manner that when the
shaft is turned and the disc revolves, the end of slot in disc comes into contact with
the pin projecting from the inner side of free end of lever, and bears the lever
round with the disc, causing the reservoir to be drawn by its attachment to lever
out from its upright position until the lever is carried by end of slot in disc to the
opposite point of its revolution, when it is suddenly released from the pressure of
end of slot, and permits the steel spring or rubber band before mentioned to pull
the reservoir back to its original position, with a more or less sudden jerk against
the side of case thereby shaking the contents of the reservoir at each revolution
of the shaft, in such a manner as to effectually prevent the magnesium or other
powder adhering to the sides of the reservoir.

page_text: The shaft with eccentric motion is made to turn automatically by means of a line
and weight, or clockwork spring, attached to a driving wheel having cogs which
play on a smaller cogged wheel attached to rear end of shaft.
Or when required the said driving wheel may be turned by a handle which is
fixed to it. The said driving wheel having a suitable catch and release to set it in
motion when wound up, or to stop it when required.
Outside the front end of case is fixed a spirit or other lamp having the open ond
of air tube passing through or over its centre. This lamp is enclosed in
reflector with ground or plain glass front, and a chimney P to let smoke out t
the top.
To operate the machine the driving wheel is either turned by hand, or
clockwork is set in motion by pulling the trigger or release before mentioned; :
the shaft with eccentric motion then works the alternating bellows, which creat
continuous current of air through the air tube proceeding from said bellow:
lower end of reservoir and thence outside front of case to spirit or other lamp.
The magnesium or other powder falling from reservoir into air tube below
driven by said air current out through the flame of spirit or other lamp; produc
a continuous magnesium or other light of great brilliancy which lasts until
magnesium or other powder in reservoir is exhausted, or the machine is stopped.
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 1
claim is
1. The principle and use of an oscillating or shaking motion applied to the
reservoir, for the purpose of aiding the steady and continuous descent and exit of
the magnesium or other powder, from the said reservoir.
2. The principle and use of a branch pipe, connecting the interior of upper end
of reservoir with the metal air tube which joins the lower end of reservoir with the
bellows or source of air current. The position of said branch pipe being betwee
reservoir and bellows, or source of air current.
3. The use of a reflector O enclosing the spirit or other lamp through which the
magnesium or other flash light powder is driven, said reflector having a chimney 1
at top, and draught hole or holes with valve at bottom or sides.
4. The use and principle of a rotating disc, having lever pivoted near one end
side of disc, with a projecting pin under free end of lever travelling in a segme
slot cut in side of disc, said lever having at its free end an attachment to upper end
of reservoir, for the purpose of giving an oscillating movement to said reservoir, o
in other words, pulling reservoir from its upright position.
5. The use of a steel spring or rubber band, connecting upper end of said
reservoir with side of case or other support, and working in opposite direction to
the pull given by attachment of lever with reservoir.
Dated this 4th day of November 1890.
MICHAEL EDWARD BANGER.