IM- PROVEMENTS IN THE APPARATUS OF ELECTRIC LAMPS OR LIGHTS
Year: 1859

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Clark, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County
of Middlesex, Engineer. & Patent Agent, for the Invention of "IM-
PROVEMENTS IN THE APPARATUS OF ELECTRIC LAMPS OR LIGHTS."-A commu-
nication from Victor Louis Mario Serria. Civil Engineer of Paris.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Clark at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his l'etition, on the
15th March 1959.
I, WILLIAM CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex,
Engineer & Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention
for "IMPROVEMENTS, IN, THE APPARATUS OF ELECTRIC LAMPS OR LIGHTS," to be as
follows:-.
This Juvention relates to an improved regulator for an electric lamp, which
has for its object to form and determine the voltaic are or passage of the
current between the electrodes as soon as the current of the battery is made
in which it is introduced. The arc, when once formed, maintains itself during
the gradual wearing or consumption of the charcoal points, so as to compensate
for their wear, and in order to produce a regular light. This approach of the
carbons is,besides,effected according to the relative wear of the carbons,sons
to maintain the light in one uniform position. This approach may be operated
otherwise in cases where the points adhere after a previous formation of the
voltaic arc. This effect results from a previous rupture of the adhesion pro-
duced by twisting one of the points. The current can also be broken or
re-established as often as it is wished, and the apparatus is always in working

page_text: order; thus it will be seen this apparatus may be used without superin-
tendence, that is to say, in a complete self-acting manner, at the same time
producing in a fixed determined position a regular light. Lastly, this
improved regulator is easy of management, of small size, and of form and
demensions which permits of various applications.
.
DESCRIPTION OF THE REGULATOR.
It is exhibited at Figs. 1 & 2, and consists, first, of a motor A, A¹, A²,
forming at the same time the motor and positive electrode holder; as a
motor it acts by the action of the weight on the cylinder A, B; it is fur-
nished with an arm C, to which the chain C, C, C, is fixed; the arm C
passes through the grooves D, D', of the tube G, G, which latter serves
to guide the movable carbon holder; the binding screw stud E serves to
recieve the positive pile. The tube G, G, & the arm Care isolated by
means of ivory, so as to prevent the escape of electricity.
Secondly, of a wheel train composed of three movable parts E, H, 1, the
first of a single piece, forming at the same time a toothed wheel K. and double
pulley L, M. The diameters of the last are as two to one, that is to say, in
proportion to the different consumption of the charcoal points. This arrange-
ment has for object to maintain the luminous point in a fixed position; for this
purpose the large pulley receives the chain C, CC, which being unwound,
allows the upper charcoal point to descend whilst the small pulley M receives
the chain N, O, P, the winding of which determines the ascent of the lower
charcoal point after having passed over the pulley O. The toothed wheel K
and the two other movable wheels H & I serve to regulate the approach
of the charcoal points by the aid of the piece R, which carries the third
movable wheel. This last forms besides a ratchet wheel which acts in either
direction, to prevent or perimit the approach of the charcoal points.
Thirdly, an electro-magnet Q, the wire from which communicates by onc
of the extremities to the binding stud S, and by the other to sinall chains 1',U.
The electric current which passes at the same time by this wire, and the
charcoal points between which the voltaic are should be produced, com-
municates magnetism to the soft iron of the electro-magnet, of which the
object is to act by attraction on the armatures T, V, so as to make them
produce different effects, as will be herein-after seen.
Fourthly & lastly, of a combination of parts, which I will term the
Oscillating arrangement, and which forms the particular features of this
improved regulator; a, b, d, oscillating, support, properly so called, which is
connected by two arms of equal length, a, e, d, f, to the plate of the spring

page_text: and train movement by the jointed arms c & f; the arms a, d, depend from
he oscillating support a, b, d, which permits of a vertical to & fro movement
of about half an inch, which movement is limited by a stop 7 oscillating
between two screws h, 1. The pulley O, which is fixed to the oscillating
support, is disposed so as to receive the chain N, O, P. The pallor clawkerm,
also fixed to the oscillating support, engages or disengages with the teeth of
the ratchet wheel, according as it is to be raised or lowered; thus, when the
stop 9 is in contact with the screw h, the gearing is free; if on the contrary, it
separates itself a fraction of an inch, the paul m engages with the gearing,
which engagement prevents the upper charcoal. point descending, and the
lower one ascending, but it does not prevent the oscillating part from
lowering itself until the stop g comes in contact with the screw /, thus per-
mitting the formation of the voltaic arc by the separation of the upper and
lower electrodes or charcoal points at the moment of making the circuit.
a, b, n, n¹, cast-iron collars formed on the supports to guide the electrode
holder i, . The armature V of soft iron, which is fixed to the oscillating
support, is disposed in such manner that its central horizontal line is above
the axial line of the electro-magnet, so as to assist the action of the inagnet.
The carbon holder i, y, besides being guided by the collais a, b, n, n', is also
guided by the rod (Fig. 2) by the aid of the fork, which is fixed at its lower
part. The armi, l', which is also fixed to the lower part of the carbon holler,
serves to connect the latter with the chain N, O, P. The metallic chains
P, U, have for their object the passage of the electric current, while at the
same time they serveasa variable counterweight to compensate, by raising the
extremity P, for the loss of weight that the lower carbon point incurs by being
consumed. The extremity U of the chains remains fixed. The brackets
y, y'. are intended to support the arrangement of parts for detaching the
carbons, which parts consist of a rectangular frame, of which the vertical
sides, the shaft C, and the rod are connected at their extremities by means
of two horizontal curved pieces c, j, 1. This frame is jointed on the axis of
the shaft c between two fixed points of the brackets y, y' (Fig. 1.) The
arm p, p, Fig. 2, connects the joint p' of the lower curved plate with the
other joint p, depending from the armature T. This latter is jointed at /,
Fig. 1, and abuts against screw Y by the tension of the antagonistic spring;
or it may be put in contact with an electro-magnet, according as this latter
is active or inactive.
Our REGULATOR

page_text: 1st, the circuit being interrupted, the charcoal points are placed in their
supports A, 7, while the apparatus has no communication with a battery,
the electro-magnet being inactive, and the stop resting against screw .
During this time the gearing is free, and the charcoal points approach and
come in contact.
2nd, making the electric current.-By connecting the positive pile of the
battery to the binding stud E, and the negative pole to to the scrow S, the
electricity enters the apparatus by the latter, passes through the wire coiled
round the electro-magnet through the chains U, P, the lower carbon holder,
to the carbon point itself: But after what has been said, it will be readily
understood if the charcoal points are in contact the electricity would continue
its course through the upper point and through its holder G, G,' until it
reaches the screw E, from which it would escape to return to the battery, and
continue to leave it in the same manner, & so on.
Formation of the voltaic arc-At the moment of connecting the second
pole of the battery, the electro-magnet becomes active, and the armature T is
attracted from right to left, the arm p, p', at the same time moves the
detaching frame on its axis, the rod of which in movement draws the
fork fixed at the bottom of the lower carbon holder, and forces it to submit
to the movement of torsion. This torsion is intended to break the junction
which sometimes takes place between the carbon points after a previous
formation of the voltaic arc.
Approach of the points.-The are being formed, the charcoal points are
consumed by transfer and combustion, therefore the interval which separates
them becomes greater, whereby the resistance of the current is augmented;
thus after a certain time the electro-magnet loses part of its attractive force
on the armature, which allows it to rise gradually until the clawker disen-
gages itself from the ratchet wheel, thereby liberating the train, and cor-
sequently permitting the approach of the carbon points.
This operates
according to the wear, and so as to maintain the point of light fixed.
5th, "stoppage of the carbon points."-After the approach of the carbons,
the electricity passes more easily, the electro-magnet then becomes more
powerful than the spring t, and the armature V being again attracted draw's
with it all the oscillating part of the apparatus, when the clawker or paul
again engages the gearing until a repeated wear or consumption of the points
provokes the same movements, and so on.
6th, accidental adhesion of the points.-By the breaking of the current the
voltaic arc ceases, and the electro-magnet loses its magnetism; the armature
Tthen leaves the magnet, causing the lower carbon point to turn on its own

page_text: axis froin right to left. At the same time the armature V ceases to be acted
upon by the magnet, and rises with the oscillating parts; the paw! m disen-
gaging itself, permits the points to approach & come in contact, & which
sometimes adhere together. This latter example explains the utility of the
movement of torsion above described. However, as it is very rare that the
adhesion of the charcoal points takes place in certain applications, the oscil-
lating system may be simplified by omitting the detaching mechanism.
7th, lastly, the alternate making and breaking of the circuit. -In opening
or making the circuit, the movements 1 & 6 aro produced; in closing, on the
contrary, No. 3 takes place and if the closing is maintained, the movements 4
& 5 act in turn, according as the valtaic arc offers more or less resistance to
the passage of electricity. Thus, by alternating the making and breaking of
the circuit, the valtaic are cau be produced or made to cease at will, without
its being necessary to touch the a apparatus.
PRINCIPAL APPLICATIONS.
As a liminous fixed point this regulator can be applied to ordinary light
houses, & to optical, physical, and photographical experiments, for lighting
ball-rooms, theatres, and for scenic effects. By concentrating the light by
meins of a reflector it may be used for lighting a square, street, or work-
shop, &c. On account of the alternate formation and cessation of the voltaic
arc at a certain distance of the points from cach other, this improved regu-
lator may be advantageously applied to lighthouses, using intermittent lights,
or to the army, navy, & railways for signals, as also a general night telegraph
by making use of Morse's alphabet manipulator.
This improved regulator may be advantageously employed in coal mines;
by its adoption the frequent accidents caused by explosion would be prevented.
This improved application is basedon the property which the electric light pos-
sesses of being produced in a vacuum. Thus, if the apparatus were enclosed
na globe in which a vacuum has been produced, electricity might be con-
lucted thereto by means of wires hermetically luted to the plate receiving
he globe. Or, instead of creating a vacuum, one part of the apparatus may
be immersed in a vessel containing liquid, so as to prevent all exterior com-
nunication with the light.
This improved arrangement of regulator acting in a vacuo may be usefully
inployed in certain physical experiments, and also for producing the light
vith fewer elements in the voltiac pile than are required to produce it in
he atmosphere, and at the same time economizing the charcoal points.
This improved apparatus may also be employed for lighting 'tunnels; the

page_text: train in such case should make the circuit ou entering the tunnel, and break
it when leaving it. A similar application may be made in passes at the
moment of dangor, for guiding the march of troops, & for facilitating
inanceuvres. By means of a single source of electricity circulating at one
time through several apparatus, the light may be easilydivided or transmitted
alternately to several regulators distributed over various points.
Lastly, this improved apparatus is so sensitive that it may be easily worked
with a battery of less power than those ordinarily employed, or lastly, by
means of electro-magnetic machines, with or without relief currents.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said William Clark in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
15th September 1859.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME I, WILLIAM
CLARK, of 55, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex, Engineer and
Patent Agent, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Fifteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord.
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine, in the twenty-second year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto inc,
the said William Clark, Her special licence that I, the said William Clark,
my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said William
Clark, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree
with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during the
term therein expressed,should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and
vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel
Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "I PROVEMENTS IN THE APPARATUS OF
ELECTRIC LAMPS OR LIGHTS," a communication from abroad by Victor Louis Maric
Serrin, Civil Engineer, of Paris, upon the condition (amongst others' that I,
the said William Clark, my executors or administrators, by an instrument
in writing under my, or their, or one of their hands and scals, should par-
ticularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what
manner the same was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the
Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and immediately
after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said William Clark, do hereby declare
he nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be per-

page_text: formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement, reference being had to the Sheet of Drawings hereunto annexed,
and to the letters and figures marked thereon (that is to say):-
This Invention relates to an improved regulator for an electric lamp, which
has for its object to form and determine the voltaic arc or passage of the
current between the electrodes as soon as the circuit of the battery is made,
in which it is introduced. The arc when once formed maintains itself
during the gradual wearing or consumption of the charcoal points, so as to
compensate for their wear in order to produce a regular light. This approach
of the carbons is, besides, effected according to the relative wear of the
carbons, so as to maintain the light in one uniform position, whereby the
circuit can also be broken or re-established as often as it is wished, and the
apparatus be still always in working order.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS.
It is exhibited at Figs. 1 and 2, and consists, first, of a motor A, A', A",
forming at same time the motor and positive electrode holder; as a motor, it
acts by the action of the weight on the cylinder A, B; it is furnished with an
arm C, to which the chain C, C, C", is fixed. The arm C passes through
the grooves D, D', of the tube G, G', which latter serves to guide the movable
carbon holder. The binding screw stud E serves to receive the positive pole
of the pile. The tube G, G', and the arm C are isolated by means of ivory,
so as to prevent the escape of electricity.
Secondly, of a wheel train composed of three movable parts F, H, I; the
first of a single piece, forming at the same time a toothed wheel K and
double pulley L, M. The diameters of these last are as two to one, that is
to say, in proportion to the different consumption of the charcoal points.
This arrangement has for object to maintain the luminous point in a fixed
position; for this purpose the large pulley L receives the chain C, C₁, C",
which being unwound, allows the upper charcoal point to descend, whilst
the small pulley M recieves a chain N, O, P, the winding up of which
determines the ascent of the lower charcoal point, after having passed over
the pulley O. The toothed wheel K, and the two other movable wheels H
and I, serve to regulate the approach of the charcoal points by the aid of
the piece R, which carries the third movable wheel. This last forms, bc-
sides, a ratchet wheel, which acts in either direction to prevent or pernit
the approach of the charcoal points.
Thirdly, of an electro-maguet Q, the wire from which communicates by one
tз extremities to the binding stud S,and by the other to small chains P, U.

page_text: The electric current which passes at the same time by this wire, and the
charcoal point between which the voltaic arc should be produced, commu-
nicates magnetism to the soft iron of the electro-magnet, of which tho
object is to act by attraction on the armatures T, V, so as to make them
produco different effects, as will be herein-after seen.
Fourthly and lastly, of a combination of parts, which I will term the
Oscillating system or arrangement, and which forms the particular feature of
this improved regulator. a,b,d, oscillating support, properly so called, which
is connected with two arms of equal length a, e, d, f, to the plate of the spring
& train movement by the jointed arms e & f. Tho arins a, d, depend from
the oscillating support a,b,d, which permits of a vertical to-and-fro movement
of about half an iuch, which movement is limited by a stop, oscillating
between two screws hl. The pulley O, which is fixed to the oscillating support,
is disposed so as to receive the chain N, O, P. The pall m, also fixed to the
oscillating suppori, engages or disengages with the teeth of the ratchet wheel,
according as it is to be raised and lowered; thus, when the stop g is in contact
with the screw h, the gearing is free; if, on the contrary, it separates itself a
fraction of an inch the pall m engages with the gearing, which engagement
prevents the upper charcoal point descending, and the lower one ascending,
but it does not prevent the oscillating part from lowering itself until the stop g
comes in contact with the screw 7,thus permitting the formation of the voltaic
arcby the separation of the upper and lower electrodes or charcoal pointsatthe
moment of making of the electric circuit. a,b,n,n,cast-iron collars formed on
the supports to guide the electrode holders l,g. The armature V of soft iron,
which is fixed to the oscillating support, is disposed insuchmannert hatitscentral
horizontal line is above the axial line of the electro-magnet, so as to assist the
action of the magnet. The carbon holder l, q, besides being guided by the
collars a, b, n, n', is also guided by the rod r (Fig. 2) by the aid of the fork,
which is fixed at its lower part. The arm i. P, which is also fixed to the lower
part of the car bon holder, serves to connect the latter with the chain N, O, P.
The metallic chains l', U, have for object the passage of the electric current,
while at the same time they serve as a variable counter-weight to compensate
by raising the extremity P for the loss of weight that the lower carbon point
incurs by being consumed. The extremity U of the chains remains fixed; the
brackets y,y',are intended to support the arrangement of parts for detaching
the carbons, which parts consist of a rectangular form, of which the vertical
sides, the shaft c, and the rod rare connected at their extremities by means of
two horizontal curved pieces c, j, r. This frame is jointed on the axis of the
shafte between two forced points on brackets y, y' (Fig. 1). An arm p, P²,

page_text: (Fig. 2), connects the joint pl of the lower curved plate with the other joint p
depending from the armature ". This latter is jointed at % (Fig. 1), and
abuts against screw Y by the tension of the antagonistic spring a, or it may be
put in contact with the electro-maguet, according as this latter is active
or inactive.
depenang rom the armature
abuts against screw Y by the tension of the antagonistic spring a, or it may be
put in contact with the electro-maguet, according as this latter is active
or inactive.
ACTION OF THE REGULATOR.
The Drawing represents the apparatus
about half used.
action, and the carbon points
First, the circuit being interrupted, the charcoal points are placed in
their supports A", q, while the apparatus has no communication with the
battery, the electro-magnet being inactive, and the stop g resting against
the screw h. During this time the gearing is free, and the charcoal points
approach and come in contact.
Secondly, making the electric circuit.-By connecting the positive pole of
the battery to the binding stud E, and the negative pole to the screw S
the electricity enters the apparatus by the latter, passes through the wire
coiled round the electric magnet through the chains U, P, the lower
carbon holder, to the carbon point itself; but after what has been said it
will be readily understood, if the charcoal points are in contact, the electricity
would continue its course through the upperpoint and through its holder G, G¹,
until it reaches the screw E, from which it would escape to re-cuter the
battery, and continue to follow the same course.
Formation of the voltaic arc.-At the moment of connecting the second
pole of the battery the electro-magnet becomes active, and the armature T
is attracted from left to right; the arm p, pl; at the same time moves the
detaching frame on its axis, the rod r of which in its movement draws the
fork z fixed at the bottom of the lower carbon holder, and forces it to submit
to the movement of torsion. The torsion is intended to break the junction
which sometimes takes place between the carbon points after a previous
formation of the voltaic arc.
4thly, approach of the points.-The are being formed, the charcoal points
are consumed by transfer and combustion, therefore the interval which
separates them becomes greater, whereby the resistance of the circuit is
augmented; thus after a certain time the electro-magnet loses part of its
attractive force on the armature, which allows it to rise gradually until the
clawkerdisengages itself from the ratchet wheel, thereby liberating the train,
and consequently permitting the approach of the carbon points; this operates
according to the wear, and so as to maintain the fixed point of light.

page_text: Fifthly, stoppage of the carbon points.-After the approach of the carbons
the electricity passes more easily, the electro-magnet then becomes more
powerful, the spring t and the armature » being again attracted draws with it
all the oscillating part of the apparatus, when the clawker or pawl again
engages the gearing, until repeated wear or consumption of points provokes
the same movements, and so on.
Sixthly, accidental adhesion of the points.-By the breaking of the circuit
the voltaic are ceases, and the electro-magnet loses its magnetism, the
armature T then leaves the magnet, causing the lower carbon point to turn
on its own axis from right to left. At the same time the armature V ceases
to be acted on by the magnet, and rises with the oscillating parts, the pawl m
at same time disengaging itself, permits the points to approach and como in
contact, and which sometimes adhere together. This latter example explains
the utility of the movement of torsion above described. However, as it is
rare that the adhesion of thecharcoal points takes place in certain applications,
the oscillating system may be simplified by omitting the detaching mechanism.
Seventhly, lastly, the alternate making and breaking of the circuit.-In
opening or making the circuit the movements No. 1 or 6 are produced,
in closing on the contrary the movements No. 3 take place, and if the closing
is maintained, the movements 4 & 5 act in turn according as the voltaic
arc offers more or less resistance to the passage of electricity; thus by
alternating the making and breaking of the circuit the voltaic arc can be
produced or made to cease at will without its being necessary to touch the
apparatus.
In the following description of apparatus Figs. 3 & 4 represent a vertical
section and plan (at the height of the electro-magnet) of apparatus, in principle
similar to that described by reference to Figs. 1 and 2, but modified, which
have been discovered by further experience; it consists-
First, of a motor or driving power A, A, A,, forming at the same time the
motor and holder of the positive electrode, as a motor; it is furnished with
a toothed rack, and acts by weight on the first moving part of the clockwork.
The tube G, G', serves as a guide, which carries a binding screw stud E,
which serves to recieve the wire from the positive pole of the battery.
Secondly, of a wheel train, composed of four movable parts B, F, FL, I, the
first mover of a single piece forming at same time a toothed wheel K and
pulley M. The diameter of these last are as two to one, so as to correspond
and be in proportion, as near as may be, to the different consumption of the
positive and negative carbon points, and thus maintain the point of light
stationary. To effect this, the wheel K in turning under the action of the

page_text: motor A, A1, A", allows the upper carbon point to descend, whilst the pulley
M, by the same movement, winds up the chain N, O, P, and effecting at the
same time the ascension of the lower carbon point. The toothed wheel K in
combination with the other movable parts serves to regulate the approach
of the carbon points by the aid of the flyer R, RI, which carries the last
wheel. This carries besides a detent C, C¹, which acts to prevent or permit
the approach of the charcoal points.
Thirdly, of an electro-magnei Q, wound round with an isolated conducting
wire, communicated by one of its extremities to the binding stud S, and by
the other to small chains U, P.
Fourthly, the combination of paris, which I will term the oscillating
arrangement, and which forms the particular feature of this improved
regulator; a, b, d, oscillating support, properly so called, which is held by two
arms of equal length, a, e, d, f, jointed at e, f, to the plates or case of the
train; the joints e, f, & a, d, permit of a vertical to-and-fro movement of
about half an inch, which movement is limited by a stop g, oscillating between
two screws h, l.
The pulley O, which is mounted on the oscillating support and disposed to
recieve the chain N, O, P; I call this chain and pulley O the parts of
ascension. The pawl or catch m, also fixed to the oscillating support, engages
with or disengages from the teeth of the detent C, C1, according as it is to be
raised or lowered; thus when the stop g is in contact with the screw h, the
gearing if free; if, on the contrary, it separates itself a fraction of an inch, the
pawl m engages with and stops the train; a, b, n, nl, collars formed on
the oscillating support; they are bushed with ivory, so as to isolate the lower
carbon holder, and serve at the same time to guide the latter in its raising
movement.
.
The armature V, fixed to the oscillating support, is formed of a horizontal
plate, and two vertical plates of soft iron; the horizontal part covers the
electro-magnet Q and the other two are placed at opposite ends of the soft
iron of the electro-magnet, but without touching it; this armature is disposed
in such way that its central horizontal line is higher that the usual lines of
the electro-magnet, thereby assisting the action of the magnet.
The appendix i, P, fixed to the base of the carbon holder i, y, serves to
join it with the chain N, O, P, electrically isolated at P.
The object of the small chains U, P', is for the passage of the electric
current, while at same time they serve as a variable counterbalance by raising
the extremity P, and thereby compensating for the loss of weight that the
lower carbon incurs by being used in combustion. The fixed
support U of

page_text: ACTION OF THE REGULATOR.
The Drawing represents the apparatus in action, and the carbon points
about half used. The carbon points are placed in their supports A", 2, while
theapparatus has no communication with a battery; the electro-magnet being
inactive, the springt should be lengthened in such way that the stop y presses
lightly on the screw h, or in this case the detent C', C", being in gear with
the hook m, is raised to its highest elevation. During this time the gearing is
free, and the charcoal points approach and come in contact. By connecting
the negative pole of the pile or battery to the binding stud S, and the possitive
pole to the screw E, the electricity enters the apparatus by the latter, passes
through the motor, carbon holder, and the carbon itself by reason of contact
which exists between the two carbons, it will continue its course by the lower
carbon, the supports i, g, the small chains P, U, also the friction surface
5, v, and helix »,, to the conductor wound on the electro-magnet, leaving by
the binding screw stud S to re-enter the battery, and so on. At the moment
of connecting the second pole of the battery the electro-magnet becomes
active, and the armature V is attracted and drawn down, thus lowering the
oscillating frame or system, the look then catches the wheel train. By this
action the train is stopped and the upper carbon remains stationary, while the
lower one, being unable to rise, their separation is maintained and the voltaic
arc formed. The are being formed, the carbon points are consumed by transfer
and combustion; therefore the interval between them increases while the
attractive force of the bobbin becomes gradually weaker, and the oscillating
system raises, its motion being complete when the screw study touches the
screw h, the train liberated at same time and acts on the ascending parts,
which thus effect the simultaneous approach of the two carbons; this approach
is effected in relation to the unequal wear of the carbons so as to maintain the
point of light stationary. After the approach of the carbons the electricity
passes more easily, causing the armature to be attracted more strongly and to
overcome the resistance of the suspending spring so as to draw down the
oscillating frame; when the hook gears with the train and prevents the carbous
approaching until the wear again produces. another approach followed by

page_text: another stop, and so on. Thus by the alternate opening and closing of the
circuit, the movements described can be reproduced, and and 'continued at
pleasure, and so forming and determining the voltaic arc by its self-action.
After the preceding, it will be seen that it is the oscillating system or frame
detailed at paragraph 4 of the description which determines all the actions of
the regulator and separation and adjustment of the carbons. The seven
principal pieces of which it is composed produce the different effects under'the
action of electro-magnetic apparatus in communication with the voltaic arc.
The recapitulation of the seven principal parts which compose the oscillating
system or frame are the following:-First, the suspension springt; secondly,
the stop g; thirdly, the electro-magnet Q & V; fourthly, the carbon holder
iq; fifthly, the ascending part O & N, O, P; sixthly, the hook of detent in ;
seventhly, the compensating claim U, P.
The object of each part are:-First, the suspension cháin, which has for its
object to sustain the oscillating frame, to counteract the action of the weight,
and to keep it upright; secondly, the stop, the object of which is to limit the
movement of the oscillating frame in such way that when it is in contact with
the screw the circle described by detent C, C", passes tangently to the
extremity of the hook m; thirdly, the electro-magnet has for object to
communicate to the oscillating frame, according to the intensity of the current,
a to-and-fro movement in opposition to the powerofthe suspension spring, and
to determine the adjustment and the distance between the carbons; fourthly,
the carbon holder, which receives the lower electrode, has for its object to
compensate the wear of that electrode by raising it progressively by the spring
and train, & theascending points. The carbon holder, instead of being movable
in the collars of the oscillating frame, may be fixed and the lifting part
dispersed with, but by that arrangement the light would alter its position}
fifthly, thelifting part has for object to raise by means of the carbon holder i,q,
the lower carbon in proportion to its combustion; it depends at times,
however, on the oscillating frame, and the spring and train in the first placé
when the stop g separates from the screw h, and in the second place when the
stop touches the screw; sixthly, the hook of the detent has for object to
hold or free the spring train, so as to permit or prevent the approach of the
carbons when the stop touches the screw h, or not. In this way, when a space
is produced, the upper carbon becomes stationary, and also the gearing of the
spring and train; the lower carbon is also stationary for the same reason. It
is thus that this one becomes rigid with the oscillating frame, the lowering of
which then produces the separation of the carbons, at the same time
determining the formation of the voltaic are; seventhly, lastly, the compen-

page_text: sating chain; the object of this is, that in being raised at the same time as
the lower carbon, it compensates for the loss of weight which the carbon
has sustained; thus the oscillating frame, notwithstanding the consumption
of the carbon it carries, constantly retains the same weight,and consequently
maintains its original equilibrium. This, as well as the friction surfaces, v,
and the spiral v, r, serves equally as a conductor of electric fluid circulating
in the apparatus.
PRINCIPAL MODIFICATIONS WHICH THE OSCILLATING SYSTEM MAY UNDERGO
WITHOUT DEPARTING FROM THE PRINCIPLES AND NATURE OF THE INVENTION.-
The oscillating system, instead of being applying to the lower carbon, may be
applied to the upper one; it may also be applied to both carbons, and instead
of being placed vertical they may, in certain cases, be placed horizontally or
inclined. Instead of jointed arms to maintain the oscillating support, spring
arms can be applied. Instead of applying a suspending spring to sustain the
oscillating system, the action of a weight rocking on an axis can be employed,
and levers or arms of which carry the one the oscillating frame, the other the
counter balance which is to sustain it. Instead of electro-magnet a solenoide
can be made use of. The armature, instead of being directly fixed to the
oscillating support, may be placed on the arms of a rocking lever to keep the
oscillating frame upright. The magnetic attraction of this case would be from
bottom to top. Instead of making the electro-magnet a fixture and the
armature, movable, it may be raised, thdt is to say, to render the electro
magnet movable and fix the armature. As an oscillating part, instead of a
pulley and chain, a rack and pinion movement can be employed, which would
be also geared with the train for effecting the approach of the carbons. The
hook of the detent may be replaced by a spring acting as a brake on one of
the moving parts of the train. Instead of the detent being produced by the
lowering of the hook, it can be made to rise, or the gearing may be made to
lower on a fixed hoop. Instead of employing wheel gear for the approach of
the carbons and the lifting chain, they can be united in such way as to make
but one, which would be at the same time oscillating and motive or advancing.
Instead of regulating the equilibrium of the oscillating frame by means of a
spring more or less in torsion, weights can be employed or simply small shot,
which would be poured in a cup fixed to the oscillating frame.
From the several examples above it will be understood that the modifica-
tion of apparatus according this Invention can be varied infinitely without
changing the effect. All oscillating systems or frames composedofsimilarpeices,
or having the same object as those indicated in the Drawing and description,
will be regarded as an infringement, as I claim as my Invention not only parts

page_text: PRINCIPAL APPLICATIONS.
As a permanent light this regulator can be applied to lighthouses, fixed
lights, optical experiments, physical & photographic purposes, for lighting
operations by night, for public fetes, ball-roons, theatres, for scenic effects, or
even for lighting streets, squares, doors, or workshops, &c.
As an intermittent light being produced at a distance by the aid of commu-
iators moved by hand or by mechanism, this apparatus can be applied
advantageously to revolving lighthouses, to railways,as signals to marine and
naval purposes, as signals of command, and in general for night telegraphy,
employing the alphabet and manipulator of Morse. By means of a single
source of electricity and a commutator and of several apparatus directed on
different points, another kind of signal can also be formed, or again in certain
cases to light alternately each of these points.
At lectures in medical schools, which are often held at night.this apparatus
would be of great service, not only for projections, with the aid of optical
instruments, but also for lighting the halls between the experiments and the
explanations of the diagrams or in other suitable manner. This point would
be attained by means of a single source of electricity and of two regulators, the
one for the hall & the other shut in the lantern. For the experiments a single
commutator will be sufficient worked by the professor, so that the light may
suddenly light hall or be confined to the lantern, and vice versa.
In this
manner can be obtained the obscurity and light mutually necessary, the one
and the other, alternately in the hall and in the lantern.
This regulator can be used advantageously for certain experiments in a
vacuum orin gas; for these exporiments the light should be hermetically closed
by a shade. Produced in a vacuum the light may be in a few cases upplied, for
instance, for lighting the galleries of coal mines in which foul air is often in
abundance and often the cause of serious accidents, when it is in direct contact
with an artificial light. For this kind of application, instead of producing a
vacuum under the shade or cover which encloses the regulator, it may simply
dip in a circular trough filled with liquid.
This light may be applied in mines to test the presence of foul air before
the workmen return to work, but in this case, as will be understood, the
apparatus should not be covered over.
This apparatus can also be made use of in tunnels; the train itself may

page_text: make the circuit of the regulato's which are arranged in front, and at the
same time breaking the circuit of these placed behind. One of the great
properties of this regulator, based on its extreme sensibility, permits it not only
to work by means of voltaic batteries or piles, but also by means of electro-
magnetic machines without relays, a result which up to the present time has
never been obtained. This light is produced at a nominal cost or at about
one penny per hour for the amount of light equal to two hundred and thirty-
seven candles.
The principle of this regulator renders its management easy, while its form
and limited dimensions conduce to its very general application.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Clark, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Fourteenth day of September, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine.
*Witness,
. W. G. E. SWINNOCK,
53, Chancery Lane, London.
W. CLARK. (L.B.)