The phonoscope (Nov 1896-Dec 1899)

10 March, 1897 "picture projecting Devices The Biopticon This new apparatus is oue of the latest picture projecting machines, and is especially adapted for public entertainments. The biopticon as a camera makes negatives, fub of minute detail, and ca| able of the highest magnification. It is small, handy and portable, and is convenient lor tourists. It measures 15 inches in height, and weighs 27 pounds. The bobbins are made to carry 500 feet of film, which is sufficient to take an animated picture of four minutes' duration at the rate of 30 per second. These bobbins may be adapted to carry a much larger quantity if desired. The biopticon used for projection is operated either with the hand or by a motor with smoothness and comparatively without noise. The pictures succeed each other at a speed of from 15 to 50 per second as desired, but the best results are obtained when the pictures are projected at about the same as the rate at which the exposures were made upon the the negative. The projections are quite sharp and brilliant. The price of the biopticon, including Dallmeyer lens, hand-regulating arc lamp and tripod, which is used for both photographing and projection is $325. They can also be purchased without attachment for photographing, Slot flfcacbines article of purchase will be automatically delivered to the purchaser. A horizontal bar extending longitudinally through the body terminates in a handle which is shaped to represent the tail of the animal. This is kept in its normal position by a coil spring. At its front end it is bent down and back to form a flat, horizontal plate, in which is cut a hole large enough to receive a package of the articles to be s«ld. This plate slides horizontally beneath the Automatic Strength Tester and Vending Machine The curious and novel nickel-in-the-slot machine shown in the accompanying illustration has recently been patented by Mr. John Milo, of Williamsbridge, New York City. As will be seen from the sectional view, the mechanism is inclosed in a case formed to represent some kind of animal, and it is so arranged that, by placing the purchase coin in a slot and applying strength in the form of a pull or a blow to the proper handle, the force applied will be measured upon a dial and the end of an inclined tube, which is filled with a supply of these packages, and when the bar is drawn forward, the hole is brought beneath the end of the tube and receives one of the articles therefrom. Upon being released, the bar is drawn back by the coil spring and carries the article over an outlet tube, through which it falls and is delivered to the purchaser. The purchase coin falls into an elbow tube, which is so pivoted that the weight of the coin causes it to rock forward and release a catch which prevents the horizontal bar from being moved, except when the coin is inserted. After releasing the catch, the coin rolls out of the tube into the body of the figure, from which it can be recovered by unlocking a door placed conveniently in the side of the machine. At the rear end of the bar is formed a suitable horizontal rack, whose teeth mesh with a pinion which, in its turn, serves to operate a vertical rack. The latter rack terminates in a rod, which, extending through the back of the animal, carries a pointer which indicates on a graduated scale the force of the pull. At the forward end of the horizontal bar are attached two cams, one above and the other below. The first serves to compress a small bellows, which produces an imitation of the animal's cry. The lower cam depresses a rod which starts a music box concealed in the base of the machine. The second indicator scale and the vertical rod shown projecting from between the shoulders of the animal are for registering the force of a blow. The internal mechanism issimilar to that already described, the article being automatically presented to the purchaser as before. — Scientific American . The Automatic Banjo In reply to numerous inquiries we give a full description of the automatic banjo which is about to be placed upon the market by the American Automatic Banjo Co., of New York City. The banjo is enclosed in a glass case, underneath which is the cabinet which contains the motive power. The instrument is a handsome one, of excellent tone. It has four wire strings, each of which is covered at every fret by a brass button. A nickel dropped into a slot at the foot of the case sets the mechanism going. Instantly "our little arms, two from each side, reach across the banjo head and begin to engage, now separately, now altogether, with the strings. These arms, or "pickers,'' are hook-shaped, the hook being formed by the insertion in rings at the end of each by wedge-shaped steel points, which are adjustable so as to gain exactly the amount of friction desired. The pickers not only bring sound from the strings by sawing across them, but they pluck the string as well, in the same manner as a banjo player uses his fingers, striking the string and then raising the finger so as to bring out the tone, and, at the same time, prepare for the next blow. This operation is performed, when rendered necessary by the character of the music, with really wonderful rapidity, and always with the greatest distinctness, the execution with which the difficult passages are played far surpassing that of most human performers on the banjo. While the pickers are at work the buttons which cover the strings along each fret are not idle. Their dnty is to press down the strings either singly or in groups of four, at the proper time and place, forming pleasing and correct harmonies, and aiding in producing a banjo concert of most attractive character. To see this banjo, which apparently plays of itself, is truly interesting, especially as the music included in the repertoire of the machine is almost inexhaustible, and includes everything popular, from "The Irish Washerwoman," up to the "El Capitan '' march. Some of the most difficult and taking numbers performed by the automatic banjo are: The "Arkansaw Traveler," "Patrol Comique," "Limited Express Galop," "Darkey's Dream " and " Rosie O'Grady." The automatic banjo will not be sold, but rented as a nickel-in-the-slot machine exclusivelv. Penny =in=the=S!ot Electric Light Meters Electric light meters, with penny-in-the-slot attachment promise to become popular in some places. A London company stipplies enrrent for an eigbt-candle power incandescent light six hours for a penny dropped into the box, and allows the customer to take his six hours' light at once or in small daily installments, as he chooses to turn his switch. Victory for Anti=Slot Machine Victory rests with the anti-slot 'phone disputants in Chicago, but as a matter of fact, the fruits of victorj amount to little. The sub-committee of the Common Council appointed to investigate the question reported in favor of compelling the company to put in the old style instruments where the subscriber so desired. The Judiciary Committee accepted the report and will recommend its passage by the Council. The controversy had pretty well died out, and not much change is anticipated. As a prominent "anti" said in reference to the matter, "It doesn't matter much, anyway. Nine-tenths of the druggists want their 'phones free and are satisfied with the existing condition. Again, the telephone company has acted fairly of late. All notices of druggists' meeting and even the work of the Cook County Business Men's Association have been without toll by securing an order from the manager." The members of the Sandusky, O., City Council recently voted to allow the nickel-in-the-slot machine to continue in full sway in that city,