Description.—This equipment consists of a signal lantern with cartridge generator attached. The lantern is equipped with a special aplanatic lens mirror, 5 inches in diameter and about 3 inches focus. The lantern is packed complete in a wooden case with shoulder straps and the following extra parts are included, each part having its own receptacle in the case: 2 burners; 1 cover glass; 3 cartridges of calcium carbide of 5 ounces each; 1 pair of gas pliers; 1 tube white lead; 1 extra filter bag; 1 screw-driver.
Fig. 4.—The signal lantern.
The lantern is made of brass, all parts of which are riveted. The burner is of the double tip form, consuming three-quarters of a cubic foot per hour. The lantern is fitted with a hood to provide proper ventilation and at the same time to prevent the flickering of the light by the wind. The front door of the lantern is hinged and fastens with a spring clasp; it is so arranged that it can be entirely removed if necessary. The cover glass is made in three sections and is not affected by the expansion and contraction of the metal due to changes in temperature. The glass is fastened by the aid of a spring wire, so that it can be readily removed if it is necessary to replace a broken section. In the base of the lantern is a key and the adjustment for regulating the height of the flame. The key is so arranged that when not depressed but little gas is admitted through the by-pass to the burner and the flame is low. By depressing the key as much gas as can be entirely consumed is admitted to the burner, which gives a bright flash. At the back of the lantern there is an adjustable handle, so that the equipment can be used as a hand lantern if desired. This form of lantern can be used with the regular heliograph tripod, the generator being either attached to the back of the lantern or suspended, as shown in [figure 4]. When practicable it is better to attach the generator to the lantern, as shown in [figure 5]. The candlepower of this lantern is about 1,900.
Fig. 5.
The generator used is known as "the cartridge generator," and while constructed on the water-feed principle, the disadvantages incident to this method are eliminated as far as possible. It is constructed of brass and has a removable top. Attached to the inside of the top is a flexible frame with a spring latch, the spring latch being hinged. (Fig. 8.) At the top of the frame is a tube or cylinder, the bottom of which is conical in shape and covered by a rubber plug. At the bottom of the frame is a hollow tube, which is the water inlet. The cartridge proper consists of a tin cylinder, having an opening at either end. A small cylinder of wire mesh extends from and connects these openings. The carbide lays around this mesh on the inside of the cartridge. The rubber plug before mentioned fits into the upper opening, and the water tube into the lower opening. (See [figs. 7], [8], and [9].) Inside the tube, at the top of the frame, is a filter, the function of which is to remove the dust and moisture from the gas. The outlet from this chamber is by a brass bent tube having a stopcock attached thereto.
[Figure 6] gives a sectional view of the generator with the cartridge in place. D F G H represent the valve frame and I the cartridge attached. The reservoir A is filled with water, and when the frame is immersed, with the valve R closed, the air contained in the cartridge and tubing can not escape, the water seal preventing, while the confined air prevents the water from rising in the tube N. When the valve at R is opened and the air is allowed to escape, part of the water from the reservoir rises into the tube N and then out through the small hole O to the carbide. Gas is immediately generated, the pressure of which prevents further ingress of the water from the tube N, and the generation of gas is suspended.