lantern-bellows

(lan’térn-bel’6z), n. sing. and pl. A kind of bellows resembling in structure a collapsible paper or Chinese lantern. The action of drawing out or distending the bellows causes the air to rush in through a valve opening inwardly in the outer end, and the air is expelled in turn by compre ing the bellows. Bellows of this form are often set up in pairs so as to work alternately and thus supply a continuous blast to a forge or furnace. The device is of great antiquity, and is still in common use in Egypt and the East.