IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC LAMPS OR REGULATORS
Year: 1881

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Alexander Melville Clark, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the
County of Middlesex, Patent Agent, for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS
IN ELECTRIC LAMPS OR REGULATORS." A communication from abroad by
Jean Marie Anatole Gerard-Lescuyer, of Paris, France.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Alexander Melville Clark
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 18th April 1881.
ALEXANDER MELVILLE CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of
Middlesex, Patent Agent. "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC LAMPS OR REGULATORS."
[A communication from abroad by Jean Marie Anatole Gerard-Lescuyer, of Paris,
France.]
This Invention relates to improvements in electric lamps or regulators in which
a small arc is produced for effecting the division of the electric light. The first
modification illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying Drawings, in
which A represents a brass or copper guide, upon which slides a bracket B, C,
carrying a solenoid D made of fine wire, through which passes freely the brass
carbon holder E, to the upper end of which is fixed an armature F. The carbon
holder E is suspended by a spring G from a small bracket H carried on the plate C,
so that the armature is a few millimetres above the upper pole of the solenoid.
The tension of the spring may be regulated by a screw 1, and the distance between
the armature F and the pole of the solenoid is regulated by a screw J mounted
obliquely. At the lower end of the sliding bracket B a second armature K is
pivoted, and has an arm L which is caused by the pressure of a spring M on the
end of the arm K to bear against the guide A, the tension of the spring M being
regulated by a screw R. The upper carbon is fixed in the carbon holder E, and
passes between guide rollers 2, by which it is electrically connected with the lamp
frame, so as to reduce the length of carbon traversed by the current. The lower
carbon, of much larger diameter, is fixed in line with the upper one. This carbon is
consumed very slowly, and needs adjustment only when the upper carbon has been

page_text: entirely consumed. It is fixed in a clip or holder S₁ carried by an arm O insulated
from the lamp frame.
The solenoid D is placed in derivation by means of a spring shown in dotted
lines sliding in contact with a plate y fixed in the groove X insulated from the
body of the lamp, and connected with the arm O. The action is as follows:-The
current enters at N, and the carbons being separated passes by the derivation
through the wire of the solenoid D, excites it, and causes the armatures K, F, to be
attracted. The oscillation of the armature F releases the brake arm L, and allows
bracket B to descend. As soon as the carbons come in contact the current passes
through them, the coil D becomes inert, and the armatures are withdrawn by their
springs, thus causing the arm L to again bind against the guide A, the upper
carbon to be suddenly raised or separated from the lower one, thereby establishing
the arc, the amplitude of which is regulated by the screw J. Should the resistance
of the arc become too high the current again traverses the coil D, and the upper
carbon slowly descends.
The approximation of the carbons is effected by continuous and insensible
vibrations without jerks, so that the light is constant. In order to increase the
effect of these vibrations a pallet may be mounted on the armature K, having small
knobs of metal on its ends, as shown in Figure 3.
This regulator may be also inverted if desired, and two or more be combined in
a single lamp.
Figures 4 and 5 represent another modification of lamp. In this case the frame
consists of two rods X, Y, united by four cross bars A, B, C, D. Between the cross
bars A, B, which are of brass, is fixed a solenoid electro magnet E of fine wire,
placed in a derivation of the circuit. The upper carbon passes freely through the
hollow core of this solenoid, and is held up by the pressure of a screw G carried by
a lever H pivoted at I, and having fixed to its upper end an armature J. A spring L
regulated by a screw M maintains the pressure of the screw G against the carbon,
and when the armature is attracted by the pole K of the solenoid the pressure of
the screw is removed, and the carbon allowed to descend. The lower carbon N, of
much larger diameter than the upper one, is fixed by means of a nut in a split
holder screwthreaded and conical carried on the lower cross bar D. The cross bar C
is of iron, and is connected to but insulated from the tubes a, b, upon the rods X, Y.
This cross bar forms an armature at the lower pole of the solenoid for separating
the carbons to establish the arc.
The cross bars A and B are movable and insulated from the rods X, Y, by the
sockets g, h, i, j.
The springs O, P, serve to counterbalance the lower carbon and to regulate the
distance of the armature C from the lower pole of the solenoid by means of
nuts Q, R.
The lamp is suspended by hooks f, f.
The action is as follows:-At the time of lighting the carbons are separated and
the current entering at one of the studs S, T, (S being in communication with the
frame by means of rod X), and not being able to pass by the carbons traverses
the bobbin E, which thereupon attracts the armatures J and C. The movement of
the armature J releases the upper carbon and allows it to descend while the
armature C raises the lower carbon by means of the rods X, Y, and crossbar D.
Immediately the carbons. come in contact the current passes through them, the
solenoid becomes inert, the armatures J, C, are released, the upper carbon is again
held, and the lower carbon allowed to descend, thus separating the carbons and
establishing the arc. If the resistance of the arc becomes too great the current
again passes through the coil, and the upper carbon is released and allowed to
descend, this movement being produced by rapid vibrations which cause the carbon
to descend gradually and uniformly. In order to entirely use up the carbons the
lower frame is raised by sliding the rods X, Y, upwards within the tubes a, b, and
fixing them at the desired height by means of nuts c, d, screwing on the split
conical ends of said tubes. The upper carbon may be fixed in a holder forming a

page_text: crossbar and sliding on rods X, Y, its adjustment being effected by means of a
brass rod traversing the bobbin and connected to the crossbar in such a way that
the upper carbon is caused to descend as fast as it is consumed.
The apparatus
above described are intended to work with alternate currents. If it is desired to
use continuous currents the carbons should be in contact at the time of lighting and
be afterwards separated.
To effect this the lamp is modified, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. In Figure 6
the bobbin A of fine wire is supplemented by a bobbin B of coarse wire placed in
the circuit. The current passing through bobbin B causes it to attract its
armature C and thereby lower the frame supporting the lower carbon, thus
separating the carbons and establishing the arc. The upper carbon is fed towards
the lower one by means of the other bobbin placed in derivation, and its carbon
holding armature as before. In the other modification, Figure 7, the bobbin A is
dispensed with, the bobbin B of coarse wire placed in the circuit being employed
for controlling the descent of the upper carbon by reversing the action of the
carbon holding armature, that is to say, the armature is drawn back by the
action of the spring, and the carbon allowed to descend when the bobbin becomes
inert.
Figure 8 shows another modification in which the carbons slide in or on two
guides A, B, placed at an acute angle to one another, and united by two insulated
cross bars C, D. Between the two guides A, B, and bisecting the angle formed by
them, is another guide P, upon which slides a solenoid F having at its lower end
an armature L adapted to bind against the guide P and act as a brake like that in
Figures 1 and 2, and at its upper end another armature for effecting the separation
of the carbons. This upper armature carries a cross bar E'having slots G, in which
studs or friction rollers attached to the carbon holders H, H, travel.
This lamp
works with alternate currents, and its action is as follows:-At the time of lighting,
the carbons being separated the current passes through bobbin F placed in
derivation, and its two armatures are attracted. The attraction of the lower
armature permits the descent of the bobbin and with it the cross bar E and the
carbons. Immediately the carbons come in contact the bobbin becomes inert and
releases the armatures, and the downward movement of the bobbin is arrested.
At the same time the upper armature being withdrawn by a spring raises the
cross bar E and thus separates the carbons.
The carbons may also be arranged horizontally and fed up by springs or counter-.
weights controlled by a bobbin and brake armature as above described.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Alexander Melville Clark in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
18th October 1881.
"
ALEXANDER MELVILLE CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of
Middlesex, Patent Agent. "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC LAMPS OR REGULATORS."
A communication from abroad by Jean Marie Anatole Gerard-Lescuyer, of Paris,
France.
This Invention relates to various modifications or arrangements of electric lamps
or regulators, in which a small arc is produced for effecting the division of the
electric light.
The first modification is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying
Drawings, wherein A represents a brass or copper guide, upon which slides a
bracket or frame B, C, carrying a solenoid D made of fine wire, through which
passes freely the brass carbon holder E, to the upper end of which is fixed a soft
iron armature F. The carbon holder E is suspended by a spring G from a small
bracket H carried on the plate C, so that the armature is a few millimetres above
the upper pole of the solenoid. The tension of the spring may be regulated by a
screw I, and the distance between the armature F and the pole of the solenoid is
regulated by a screw J mounted obliquely. At the lower end of the sliding
bracket B a second armature K is pivoted, and has a short arm or jaw L which is
caused by the pressure of a spring M on the end of the arm K to bind against the
guide A, the stress of the spring M being regulated by a screw R.
The upper carbon is fixed in the carbon holder E, and passes between guide
rollers z, by which it is electrically connected with the lamp frame, so as to reduce
the length of carbon traversed by the current.
The lower carbon, of much larger diameter than the upper one, is fixed in line
therewith. This carbon is consumed very slowly, and needs readjustment only
when the upper carbon has been entirely consumed. It is fixed in a clip or holder S¹
carried by an arm O insulated from the lamp frame.
The solenoid D is placed in derivation by means of a spring, shown in dotted
lines, sliding in contact with a plate y fixed in the groove X insulated from the
body of the lamp, and connected with the arm O.
The action is as follows:-The current enters at N, and the carbons being
separated passes by the derivation through the wire of the solenoid D, excites it,
and causes the armatures K, F, to be attracted. The oscillation of the armature F
As soon as the
releases the grip of jaw L, and allows bracket B to descend.
carbons come in contact the current passes through them, the coil D becomes inert,
and the two armatures are withdrawn by their springs, the one causing the jaw L
to again bind against the 'guide A and thus arrest the descent of the bracket B,
and the other causing the upper carbon to be suddenly raised or separated from the
lower one, thereby establishing the arc, whose amplitude is regulated by the screw J.
Should the resistance of the arc become too high, the current again traverses the
coil D, and the upper carbon slowly descends.
The feeding of the carbon is effected by continuous and insensible vibrations
without jerks, so that the light is constant. In order to increase the effect of these
vibrations, a pallet may be mounted on the armature K, having small knobs of
metal on its ends, as shown in Figure 3. This regulator may also be inverted, if
desired, and two or more may be combined in a single lamp.
Figures 4 and 5 represent another modification of lamp. In this case the frame
consists of two rods X, Y, united by four cross bars A, B, C, D. Between the cross
bars A, B, which are of brass, is fixed a solenoid electro-magnet E of fine wire
placed in a derivation of the circuit. The upper carbon F passes freely through

page_text: the hollow core of this solenoid, and is held up by the pressure of a screw G carried
by a lever H pivoted at I, and having fixed to its upper end an armature J. A
spring L, regulated by a screw M, maintains the pressure of the screw G against
the carbon, and when the armature is attracted by the pole K of the solenoid the
pressure of the screw G is removed, and the carbon allowed to descend. The lower
carbon N, of larger diameter than, or of the same diameter as, the upper one, is
fixed by means of a nut in a split holder, screw threaded and conical, carried on
the lower cross bar D. The cross bar C is of iron, and is connected to but insulated
from the tubes a, b, upon the rods X, Y. This cross-bar forms an armature at the lower
pole of of the solenoid for separating the carbons to establish the arc. The cross-bars
A and B are movable, and insulated from the rods X, Y, by the sockets g, h, i, j.
The springs O, P, serve to counterbalance the lower carbon, and to regulate the
distance of the armature C from the lower pole of the solenoid by means of
nuts Q, R.
The lamp is suspended by hooks f, f, and the action is as follows:-At the time
of lighting the carbons are separated, and the current entering at one of the
terminals S, T, (S being in communication with the frame by means of rod X), and
not being able to pass by the carbons, traverses the bobbin E, which thereupon
attracts the armatures J and C. The movement of the armature J releases the
upper carbon from the screw G, and allows it to descend, while the armature C
raises the lower carbon by means of the rods X, Y, and cross bar D. Immediately
the carbons come in contact the current passes through them, leaving the solenoid,
which becomes inert. The armatures J, C, are thereupon released, and the upper
carbon is consequently again held by screw G, whilst by the descent of the
armature C the lower carbon is allowed to descend, thus separating the carbons and
establishing the arc. If the resistance of the arc becomes too great the current
again passes through the coil, and the upper carbon is released and allowed to
descend, this movement being produced by rapid vibrations which cause the carbon
to descend gradually and uniformly.
In order to entirely use up the carbons the lower frame is raised by sliding the
rods X, Y, upwards within the tubes a, b, and fixing them at the desired height by
means of nuts c, d, screwing on the split conical ends of said tubes. The upper
carbon may be fixed in a holder forming across bar, and sliding on rods X, Y, its
adjustment being effected by means of a brass rod traversing the bobbin, and
connected to the cross bar in such a way that the upper carbon is caused to descend
as fast as it is consumed.
The apparatus above described are intended to work with alternating currents.
If it is desired to use direct currents the carbons should be in contact at the time
of lighting and be afterwards separated. To effect this the lamp is modified, as
shown in Figures 6 and 7. In Figure 6 the bobbin A of fine wire is supplemented
by a bobbin B of coarse wire placed in the circuit. The carbons being in contact
at the time of lighting, the current which passes also through bobbin B causes it
to attract its armature C and thereby lower the frame supporting the lower carbon,
thus separating the carbons and establishing the arc. The upper carbon is fed
towards the lower one by means of the other bobbin placed in derivation, and its
carbon holding armature as in the preceding arrangement. In the other modifi-
cation shown in Figure 7 the bobbin A is dispensed with, the bobbin B of coarse
wire placed in the circuit being employed for controlling the descent of the upper
carbon by reversing the action of the carbon holding armature, that is to say, the
armature is drawn back by the action of the spring and the carbon allowed to
descend when the bobbin becomes inert.
Figure 8 shows another modification in which the carbons slide in or on two
guides A, B, placed at an acute angle to one another, and united by two insulated
cross bars C, D. Between the two guides A, B, and bisecting the angle formed by
them is another guide P, upon which slides a solenoid. F, having at its lower end
an armature L adapted to bind against the guide P, and act like that in Figures 1
and 2, and at its upper end another armature for effecting the separation of the

page_text: carbons. This upper armature carries a cross bar E having slots G, in which studs
or friction rollers attached to the carbon holders H, H, travel.
This lamp works with alternating currents, and its action is as follows:-At the
time of lighting, the carbons being separated, the current passes through bobbin F
placed in derivation, and its two armatures are attracted. The attraction of the
lower armature permits the descent of the bobbin, and with it the cross bar E and
the carbons. Immediately the carbons come in contact the bobbin becomes inert
and releases the armatures, and the downward movement of the bobbin is arrested
by the jaw of armature L binding against the guide P. At the same time the
upper armature being withdrawn by a spring raises the cross bar E, and thus
separates the carbons. The carbons may also be arranged horizontally, and fed up
by springs or counterweights controlled by a bobbin, and an armature with brake
jaw, as above described.
Figure 9 shows another modification designed to obtain a slower descent of the
upper carbon and a smoother action. In this case A is the brass carbon holder
attached at its upper end to a piston C sliding with slight friction within a tube B,
also of brass. The piston is hollow, and loaded with small shot until the carbon
holder acquires the necessary movement for effecting the proper regulation of the
lamp. The tube B is closed at top by a cap, which carries the two terminals. On
the descent of the carbon holder the air is obliged to enter between the piston and
the sides of the tube to fill the vacuum formed above the piston, thereby ensuring
a very slow and smooth descent of the holder.
Having described the nature of the said Invention, and the manner of performing
the same, I declare that what I claim as the Invention to be protected by the
herein before in part recited Letters Patent is,―
1st. In an electric lamp or regulator producing a small arc, the combination of
guide A, bracket B, C, and solenoid D, with two armatures F, K, springs G, M, and
their regulating screws, all arranged and operating substantially as described and
represented in Figures 1 and 2 for the purpose specified.
2nd. In an electric lamp or regulator producing a small arc, the combination of
two rods X, Y, united by cross bars A, B, D, a solenoid electro magnet E of fine
wire, a brake H, an armature J, spring L, and cross bar C ¡forming an armature
for separating the carbons to establish the light, substantially as described and
represented in Figures 4 and 5 for the purpose specified.
3rd. In an electric lamp or regulator working with continuous currents the
respective combinations of mechanism, substantially as described and represented.
in Figures 6 and 7 for the purpose specified.
4th. In an electric lamp or regulator in which the two carbons meet at an angle,
the combination of two tubular guides A, B, united at an acute angle to each other
by two insulated cross bars C, D, with a guide P, a solenoid F and brake, a slotted
crosshead E acting on studs attached to the carbon holders H, H, the whole
arranged and operating substantially as described and represented in Figure 8 for
the purpose specified.
5th. In an electric lamp or regulator the regulating the descent of the upper
carbon by atmospheric pressure by means of a piston C sliding freely within a
tube B, substantially as described and represented in Figure 9 for the purpose
specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said Alexander Melville Clark, have hereunto set