Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 280, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 November 1919 — ALMOST AS GOOD AS EYES [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

ALMOST AS GOOD AS EYES

Mechanical Device Invented by Seattle Man Truly a Wonderful Boon to the Blind. When a Seattle young man of twenty-six met with an accident in 1916 which resulted in the loss of his eyesight, he immediately set to work to try to evolve a mechanical device which would be, as nearly as possible, a substitute for eyes. After almost two years of patient effort .he has perfected an instrument which enables him to get 'about Without the Use of a cane, and the device has possibilities for use in navigation on land, 1 on the sea or in the air. The invention, which is called a indicator, Is described by Popular Mechanics magazine, as a specially constructed compass, two buzzers, right and left, and two dry cell batteries, and Is attacked to the belt by clips. The compass has an adjustable cap, which is turned as de-

sired. A notch indicates north. Two pins are suspended from the cap or cover, and this is mounted over the needle of the compass when it is set. If the wearer deviates from his set course, the compass needle comes in contact with the pin on the opposite side, closing a circuit, and the buzzer on that sounds a warning. The compass can be set for any direction and can be changed when desired. Plans to apply the device to boats .and aircraft are being developed. In this case, instead of sounding an alarm when the craft veered from its course, tSe indicator would close a contact Which over a rudder, thus- automatically steering the vessel in - a straight course. * ~

How the Mechanical Eyes Are Worn by a Blind Man.