The phonoscope (Nov 1896-Dec 1899)

12 THE PHONOSCOPE January-February, 1897 picture Iprojectino " Devices The Kinematograph as Exhibited at the Royal Aquarium, London, Eng. In this machine the films are contained in a round metal box which is seen above the lens on the forepart of the lantern in Sketch No. r. The box, when closed, prevents the film from sliding off the shaft and at the same time allows it to revolve freely. The film is then made to unwind by means of a sprocket wheel provided with teeth fitting into perforations in the film, the sprocket wheel being made to revolve intermittently by means of a worn wheel in the circumference of which the regular portion of the teeth of the worm only occupies a very small space, the rest of the circumference being plain. The mechanism is as follows : The worm, upon being revolved, grips the worm wheel and causes it to turn far enough to bring the film into the required position and then entering on the plain part, bring the wheel to a standstill and the picture remains stationary. This movement is repeated until the whole length of the film is unwound. No pressure pads are used, and thus the films are preserved from damage. Since April last performances have been given with this machine at the Royal Aquarium. A twenty ampere arc lamp is used, but limelight will be found to give equally satisfactory results. Exhibitors of some machines have complained | of the tearing of the perforations, and a mouth ago | a manufacturer attempted to put on the market a J machine in which perforated films were dispensed U with, but this proved a failure. The idea was no novelty, for as long as seven years ago a similar machine was constructed for scientific purposes at the Polytechnic in Regent street. This machine has ever since been in the workshop of a London maker. To take a picture with the Kinematograph you simply remove the mechanical part from the lantern and slide it into the camera (see Sketch No. 2), which can be done in half a minute. A four volt motor is used for running the machine for both purposes. Varioscopes to be Operated at the Corbett=Fitzsimmons Contest The battle between Corbett aud Fitzsimmons, ostensibly for the heavy-weight championship of the world, which will take place in all probability at Carsou City, Nev., on March 17, is in reality for the varioscope championship. The photographing privilege is the main point at issue. It will be worth more to the pugilists and the promoters of the big battle than the $15,000 purse or the $10,000 stake. This was the little dodger that] Stuart tried to cover up among privileges, and but for Fitzsiinmons's attitude might have done so and kept the snap to himself. The New Zealander, like all pugilists, however, wanted everything in sight, and at once refused to sign the arti cles unless he were allowed to share in the phonographic privileges. After some argument this concession was made. It was a shrewd move on the Antipodean's part, as at that very moment a company was at work building the largest varioscope that had ever been constructed. R. K. Wheelock, who is Smart's partner, was the head of the firm. Their movements had been made with the utmost secrecy, but somehow or other their plans reached Fitzsimmons's ears. Now both pugilists, Dan Stuart and the builder of the varioscope will share in what profits there may be in the venture. The plan is to build three varioscopes. They will be placed in a row at the ring side in a small enclosure that will be specially constructed for them. The three instruments will have a frontage of eight feet, and each will cover every inch of space between the four posts of the twenty-four foot ring. REPRODUCING I.KNS 5. FEEDING FILMS SHUTTER 3. MOTOR 11KI.T 4 MOTOR 6. WINDING FILMS /. SET SCREW The varioscope will carry 1,000 feet of celluloid films each. The company has decided to make 24,000 feet of celluloid films with them. Varioscope No. 1 will be started with the first round aud will run four minutes, or until the call of time for the second round. The second instrument will then be set in operation. This will run for -a similar period, when the third machine will be put in operation. When the latter has run its allotted course of four minutes No. 1, which will be recharged with films while the other machines are in operation, will again be started. This mode of pro cedure will he followed until either the fighters, the instruments or the films give out. The varioscope will take twenty four photographs a second. Each will be If inches high and 2* inches wide. They will be the largest ever made or even attempted with an instrument of the kind. It is expected that with ordinary luck as regards weather the big fight will be perfectly reproduced in all parts of the world. The machines will be operated by means of revolving crank hand gear instead of electricity. This will be an innovation. Some experts predict failure for the enterprise on this account, ami others say that the promoters of the machine are trying to do too much. The instruments are nearly completed. They were built in this city aud Brooklyn.