Horstmann gas-controller

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Horstmann gas-controller
Manufacturer	Horstmann
Production years	20th century
Production location	England

An example of the first type of Horstmann gas-controller for street lamps, and believed to be the first controller fitted with a ‘solar’ dial, a device, patented in 1904, which automatically adjusts the position of the controlling arms according to the season of the year, so that the street lamps will be lighted at dusk and extinguished at dawn throughout the year. This was probably the first controller giving quick action – a desirable feature preventing the risk of ‘lighting back’ when used with incandescent burners.

[edit] How it works

The benefit of a solar dial over a conventional 'on-off' timeswitch is the ability to 'track' the sunrise and sunset times for a particular latitude (which is specified when the unit is purchased). The solar dial 'adjusts' itself by a fractional amount each day thereby ensuring that street lighting is switched on and off when required throughout the year.

[edit] Memories

Do you remember stories about clocks? Add your memories.

[edit] In the Science Museum's Records

Inv. No: 1938-134