Improvements in or relating to apparatus for training the ocular muscles and developing the fusion sense

摘要

354,999. Eye-exercising apparatus. HOWARD, J. R., 22, Wigmore Street, and RAPHAEL, O. P., 57B, Hatton Garden, both in London. July 30, 1930, No. 22982. [Class 81 (ii).] In an apparatus for training the ocular muscles, developing the fusion sense and stimulating the vision in cases of amblyopia wherein the eye-pieces are mounted on an upright so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis, the holder of substantially U-shaped formation extends beneath the chin and vertically beside each temple of the user. Preferably each eye-piece is adapted for arcuate movement about a plurality of axes which intersect at a point substantially coincident with the centre of movement of the eye of the user. Main link members 14 are pivotally mounted on lugs 12, 13 on the hollow base 10, knurled lock nuts 17 being fitted. To the free end of each link is pivotally mounted L-shaped bracket 16 which may be locked by knurled nuts 18. The relative positions of the brackets may be ascertained by means of scales 19, each of which is constrained to assume a constant angular position relative to the base bv means of subsidiary link 20. For determining the distance apart of the pivotal axes of brackets 16, and also for setting them symmetrically relative to the base, scales 24 and pointer 25 are provided. The viewing lanterns are each mounted on a horizontal shaft 28 adapted to rotate in the upper end of bracket 16, the rotation being controlled by worm 30. A scale 67 is provided for purposes of measurement. The " base " of the conical body portion is provided with a rotatable holder 38, controlled by worm 40, for accommodation of a lantern slide or picture, which is illuminated by a lamp 42 ; an opal disc 45 diffuses the light evenly. Alternatively, for direct illumination, the lamp attachment may be inserted into holder 47. The intensity of illumination by the lamps is controlled by rheostats 48. For daylight illumination, the reflectors 4 may be replaced by a plane reflector. A slot 46 is provided adjacent to the eye-piece for insertion of any necessary additional lenses. A chin rest 50 is adjustable, vertically by means of a screw and nut 52, and horizontally along a slide. The mirrors 37 are removable, the instrument being thus adapted for straightforward vision. For this purpose, an inclined disc (not shown) is adapted to be inserted into sockets 56 to carry opaque or transparent objects. The apparatus is so designed that the axes of rotation of the eyepiece intersect at a point coincident with the centre of movement of the eye. The movements of the brackets 16 about the vertical axes may be co-ordinated by means of L-shaped attachments, Fig. 4, secured rigidly to the brackets, and each connected pivotally with link member 62, the length of which may be varied by telescopic joint 63 and micrometer screw adjustment 65. Once the user has obtained fusion of two images, the eyes may be exercised by movement of one bracket 16, which causes the second to execute a similar movement. Specification 296,904, [Class 81 (ii), Medical &c. appliances], is referred to.