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This improvement in signal lights is especially intended for steamboats. In our engravings, Figs. 1 and 2 represent vertical sections through the wheelhouse. In them, E F and G II represent portions of the main shaft. In Fig. 1, I J is a stout iron or wooden post fastened against the side of the wheelhouse directly over the main shaft. On the upper part of this post is fitted the move-able arm or bracket, N 0. To the main shaft is fitted the bevel wheel, S, and to the lower end of the rod, a b, is fitted a corresponding wheel, T ; U is a small pinion on a b, which gears with the spur wheel, V, which in turn gives motion to the wheels, P and Q, and so revolves the lamp, R. It will be seen that a rotary motion is given to the lamp, when the main shaft is in motion and a b connected. It can be disconnected by a lever acting between the bosses, X, which will elevate the rod in the guides, Z Z Z. Fig. 2 is another arrangement for the same purpose. In this, K L represent a hollow shaft on which is firmly fastened the arm, L M, on which is the lantern. The hollow post is secured to the wheelhouso by the straps, K and B, and it can turn freely in them, the other parts being the same as in Fig. 1. The lever, K W, when drawn down, will turn the frame I in any required position around the shaft, c U. In Fig. 1, the arm or "bracket, N 0, may be operated by cords from the wheelhouse, but in this device the rod, c U, does not lift up as in Fig. 1, but in its place the lower end is made square, and on it slides the short tube, d e, shown in Fig. 3. The lower end of the rod turns on a bridge, f g, spanning the main shaft. On the upper end of the tube, d e, a lever is attached by means of boxes and collars as shown in Fig. 4. This lever when raised carries with it the beveled wheel, T, thus disconnecting the searing apparatus.
