MECHANICAL FAN.
DESIGN SHOWING MECHANICAL BOAT.—Morton.
A SCENE IN VENICE.—Morton.
This display was arranged with a high grille at top, supported by columns resting upon a pedestal or base. Upon this an enormous fan opened and closed every fifty seconds. When opened out, only the fan was visible; when folded, the fan seemed suspended at one side, revealing a 5-foot circle, studded with lights and covered with roses, in the center of which was a bust figure. On each side of the circle was a 2-foot wreath tied with white satin ribbon. The color scheme was white, top blue and ivory, with narrow moldings. Grille, fan and cornice at base were covered with dark blue velvelette. The photograph shows fan partly open and also decorations behind fan.
The ribs were fastened together with straps under the base, and also on the back of the fan, above base. Ribs were of light framework, and extended below base, as in the drawing. Front or first rib extended down three feet and had a slot through which a screw was fastened to drive wheel, which propelled it backward and forward, or, rather, from side to side; an evenly balanced weight assisted motor to open fan.
The sketch will explain mechanical apparatus.
Fig. 1 shows fan, spread open, looking from back of window. A is drive wheel on a pivot, smooth side facing slot of first or front rib, and to which screw in slot is attached. B is an upright supporting rack (C) through which lower ends of all but first and last rib work to avoid wobbling. Dotted lines D are heavy rubber bands fastened to ends of second and third rib, and to end of rack, as indicated. D D are similar bands fastened to end of fourth, fifth and sixth ribs, and to floor, as in the drawing. These bands prevent sudden jerking in opening and closing. E is small weight on cord, run over pulley to basement, to assist in spreading fan. This relieves the strain on drive wheel when screw in slot is at the top. EE are straps that hold fan together, and must be proper length to allow each rib to overlap the next, in order that decorations behind fan are concealed when fan is open.