IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PRODUCTION OF LIGHT BY ELECTRICITY AND IN APPARATUS THEREFOR
Year: 1883

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Phillips Thompson of the Liverpool and London
Agency for Foreign Patent Solicitors 6 Lord Street Liverpool in the county
of Lancaster Civil Engineer for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
PRODUCTION
OF LIGHT BY ELECTRICITY AND IN APPARATUS THEREFOR
a communication from Robert J. Shechy a person resident in the city, county
and state of New York United States of America
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Phillips Thompson
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 19th June 1883.
WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON of the Agency for Foreign Patent Solicitors,
6 Lord Street Liverpool, in the county of Lancaster, Civil Engineer " IMPROVE
"
MENTS IN THE PRODUCTION OF LIGHT BY ELECTRICITY AND IN APPARATUS
THEREFOR A communication from Robert J. Sheehy, a person resident in the
city, county, and state of New York, United States of America.
This invention relates to that class of electric lights in which the so-called electric
arc is maintained between two carbon electrodes. It particularly relates to a class of
devices or appliances commonly denominated regulators, the function of which is
to automatically maintain said electrodes in that relation to each other which is
essential to the production of a uniform and maximum degree of illumination.
To this end the invention consists in a method of, and apparatus for main-
taining the proper relative positions of said electrodes, which may be described as
follows
First, the carbon electrodes are subjected to the action of a constant force,
preferably that of gravity, operating to bring them together. To facilitate such
action it is preferred to make use of a mechanical device by virtue of which the
said force of gravity is not only exerted to depress the positive, but also simulta-
neously to elevate the negative electrode.
Second, a novel form of clutch (one of the essential features of this invention) is
employed, actuated by an electro-magnet, the function of the clutch being to grasp
(through intermediate mechanism) said electrodes at the proper time, and subject

page_text: them to the mechanical force exerted by said electro-magnet, which by its superior
strength overcomes the normal action of gravity upon said electrodes and maintains
them in the relative positions best suited to the development of a maximum
intensity of light
This clutch may be described as a tongue of metal pivoted within a recess made
in a clutch-lever which moves in a vertical plane under the influence of electro-
magnetism In moving upward this tongue is brought into contact with a fixed
stop. Further ascent of the clutch-lever then serves to open the clutch, and liberate
the supporting mechanism of the electrodes, which is preferably a band of metal
passing between the tongue and the outer end of the recess in which said tongue is
pivoted.
Third, said electro-magnet is vitalized by the light producing current, so that an
increase in the strength of said current produces a separation of the electrodes,
while its decrease causes them to approximate.
The
Fourth, to enhance the efficiency of said electro-magnet an automatic bridge or
cut-out is used for introducing and withdrawing (or shunting) from said light-
producing current, one or more of the convolutions or helices of said electro-magnet,
according as it is desired to increase or diminish its magnetic effects.
automatic bridge is preferably actuated or controlled by a branch of the main
current traversing a shunt-circuit which spans both the electric arc and the
controlling or regulating electro-magnet. Such a current is especially well adapted
for this purpose inasmuch as its strength varies correlatively with the resistance of
the arc between the carbon electrodes.
The invention also includes a device for introducing the lamp into and with-
drawing it from the main circuit, either independently or in company with other
lamps, and this is effected in such manner as to leave the main line complete at all
times.
This part of the invention may be described as a cut-out or switch mechanism,
automatically operated by a predetermined increase in the strength of the current
traversing the main line of conductors; such augmented current is used to develop
a corresponding increase in the attractive power of an electro-magnet, which ucts
to cause the rotary step-by-step advancement of a non-conducting drum or cylinder.
Metallic strips or bridge pieces are carried upon the surface of this cylinder for
making the desired connections between the terminals of the main line and of the
loop-circuit in which the lamp is included. The parts are preferably so arranged
that at every alternate step in the rotation of said drum the said loop-circuit is
withdrawn entirely from the main line, the latter being completed through one of
said metallic bridges. At the intermediate positions of the drum the arrangement
of circuits is changed so as to include the loop in the main line, If, when the loop-
circuit is disconnected, it is desired to reconnect it, it is only necessary to advance
the drum through the distance of one step. To withdraw said loop thereafter, the
drum must be again revolved through a second step.
The advance movement of the drum is effected by an increase in the attractive
force of an electro-magnet, which increase is developed whenever the main current
exceeds a predetermined strength. For this purpose a device may be employed
for transmitting through the circuit an increase of current. The abnormal current
developes sufficient magnetic force to propel its armature through a distance, which
will effect the winding of a spring during its progressive movement, and the
liberation of the said spring at a point near the close of said movement, so as to
transmit the power of said spring to the drum, thereby causing the latter to turn
through a predetermined fraction of its revolution. The retograde movement of
said armature restores the mechanism to a position in which it is prepared to effect
a second step movement.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said William Phillips Thompson in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 18th December 1883.
WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON of the Liverpool and London Agency for Foreign
Patent Solicitors, 6 Lord Street, Liverpool, in the county of Lancaster, Civil
Engineer, "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PRODUCTION OF LIGHT BY ELECTRICITY, AND
IN APPARATUS THEREFOR." A communication from Robert. J. Sheehy, a person
resident in the city, county, and state of New York, United States of America.
This invention relates to that class of electric lights in which the so-called
electric arc is maintained between two carbon electrodes. It particularly relates
to a class of devices or appliances commonly denominated regulators, the function
of which is to automatically maintain said electrodes in that relation to each
other which is essential to the production of a uniform and maximum degree of
illumination.
To this end the invention consists in a method of, and apparatus for main-
taining the proper relative positions of said electrodes, which may be described as
follows:-
First, the carbon electrodes are subjected to the action of a constant force
preferably that of gravity, operating to bring them together. To facilitate such
action it is preferred to make use of a mechanical device by virtue of which the
said force of gravity is not only exerted to depress the positive, but also
simultaneously to elevate the negative electrode.
Second, a novel form of clutch (one of the essential features of this invention) is
employed actuated by an electro-magnet, the function of the clutch being to grasp
(through intermediate mechanism) said electrodes at the proper time, and subject
them to the mechanical force exerted by said electro-magnet, which by its superior
strength overcomes the normal action of gravity upon said electrodes and maintains
them in the relative positions best suited to the development of a maximum
intensity of light.
Third, said electro-magnet is vitalized by the light-producing current, so that an
increase in the strength of said current produces a separation of the electrodes, while
its decrease causes them to approximate.
Fourth, to enhance the efficiency of said electro-magnet, an automatic bridge or
cut-out is used for introducing and withdrawing (or shunting) from said light-
producing current, one or more of the convolutions or helices of said electro-magnet,
according as it is desired to increase or diminish its magnetic effects. The automatic
bridge is preferably actuated or controlled by a branch of the main current traversing
a shunt-circuit which spans both the electric arc and the controlling or regulating
electro-magnet. Such a current is especially well adapted for this purpose inasmuch
as its strength varies correlatively with the resistance of the arce between the carbon
electrodes.
The invention also includes a device for introducing the lamp into and with-
drawing it from the main circuit, either independently or in company with other
lamps, and this is effected in such manner as to leave the main line completo at all
times.
This part of the invention may be described as a cut-out or switch mechanism,
automatically operated by a predetermined increase in the strength of the current
traversing the main line of conductors; such augmented current is used to develop
a corresponding increase in the attractive power of an electro-magnet, which acts
to cause the rotary step-by-step advancement of a non-conducting drum or cylinder.
.

page_text: Metallic strips or bridge pieces are carried upon the surface of this cylinder for
making the desired connections between the terminals of the main line and of the
loop circuit in which the lamp is included. The parts are preferably so arranged
that at every alternate step in the rotation of said drom the said loop-circuit is
withdrawn entirely from the main line, the latter being completed through one of
said metallic bridges. At the intermediate positions of the drum the arrangement
of circuits is changed so as to include the loop in the main line. If, when the loop-
circuit is disconnected, it is desired to reconnect it, it is only necessary to advance
the drum through the distance of one step. To withdraw said loop thereafter, the
drum must be again revolved through a second step.
The advance movement of the drum is effected by an increase in the attractive
force of an electro-magnet, which increase is developed whenever the main current
exceeds a predetermined strength. For this purpose a device may be employed for
transmitting through the circuit an increase of current. The abnormal current
develops sufficient magnetic force to propel its armature through a distance which
will effect the winding of a spring during its progressive movement, and the
liberation of the said spring at a point near the close of said movement, so as to
transmit the power of said spring to the drum, thereby causing the latter to turn
through a predetermined fraction of its revolution. The retrograde movement of
said armature restores the mechanism to a position in which it is prepared to effect
a second step movement.
In the accompanying drawings, Fig. 1 is a theoretical diagram, designed to
exhibit clearly to the eye the general organization of electric circuits employed in
connection with the regulator and the mode of its operation; Fig. 2 is a front
elevation of a convenient form of the improved regulator in actual employment,
exhibiting the details of construction; Fig. 3 is a plan view of the clutch or
clamping device; Fig. 4 is a plan view of the cut-out, and Fig. 5 an elevation of
the system of lazy-tongs for carrying the positive electrode. Corresponding parts
appearing in different figures have similar letters of reference attached.
Referring to Fig. 1, the negative or lower carbon C is suspended loosely from
the axle of the wheel D¹, but insulated therefrom by the hard rubber brushing R.
A pinion R' carried rigidly by the same axle, gears with the rack R³, connected to
the framework of the lamp, and projecting downward therefrom. Around the
wheel D' is coiled a flexible metal band D passing from the wheel D' over the
pulleys Y and Y2, and sustaining the positive or upper carbon O'. The latter is
weighted at C³ and under the influence of gravity tends to descend, thereby causing
the wheel to ascend carrying with it the lower carbon. The normal tendency
therefore of the electrodes is to approximate. This tendency is however subject to
the control of the clutch-mechanism K carried by the lever A, one end of which
co-operates through said clutch with the flexible band D while from the other is
suspended the core O' of the axial electro-magnet M², the coils of which are
represented in theory, that is to say, for each layer of convolutions there is shown
a single turn of the conducting wire.
The clutch K, which is also represented in plan in Fig. 3, is constructed with a
tongue or clamp N pivoted at H, and moving vertically within a recess Q in the
clutch-lever A. In its most elevated position the tongue impinges against the
stop X, and is thereby prevented from ascending into the position which it would
otherwise assume under the influence of the spring Z. This permits the band D to
pass freely up or down. If now the clutch K is depressed, by elevating the core 0¹,
the tongue N will be released from the action of the stop X, and being actuated by
the recoil of the spring Z will tightly bind the band D against the wall of said
recess, and by imparting its own motion to said band will cause the separation of
the electrodes. But the tongue N while ascending, will slide freely along the
band D without binding it, for the reason that the slightest frictional resistance
encountered by the tongue N will tend to depress it and thus open the clutch.
As shown in the diagram, the current traversing the light circuit L L, and
entering by binding-post (+) passes through the switch mechanism B, thence

page_text: through the convolutions of the electro-magnet M², thence to the electrodes and the
arc and then returns to the generator through switch B and binding-post (-).
To render the action of the electro-magnet M¹ exceedingly sensitive and accurate,
an automatic bridge or cut-out is used, operated by an independent electro-
magnet M², placed in the shunt-circuit S S. The axial core 02 of this latter
magnet rises and falls within the helix, as the current in the shunt S S varies in
strength. Said axial core carries on its upper end a bridge I which normally (that
is to say when no current traverses the circuit S S) is inoperative, but in rising it
successively connects the common contact-plate T of said bridge, with the sectional
contact-plates T', T, and T³, thereby shunting from the light circuit one or more
convolutions, or layers of convolutions, of the electro-magnet M¹. The reverse
effect is produced, by the descent of the axial core 0%. It will thus be understood
that when the resistance of the light is abnormally great, the strength of the
current traversing the shunt-circuit S S will operate to decrease the force of the
electro-magnet M¹ by thus shunting its convolutions, and will therefore cause
the descent of the axial core 0¹, the opening of the clutch K, and the approach of
the electrodes; and when the resistance of the light is abnormally small, the
effect will be to separate the electrodes. A uniform and constant degree of
illumination is therefore secured.
In Figs. 2, 3, 4 and 5 there are shown the details of construction of a practical
operative lamp and regulator. The lamp is suspended from a base-board E,
attached by hooks or equivalent devices to a ceiling or other suitable place of
support, and the arc is enclosed within a glass shade or globe G. The heavy parts
of the apparatus are securely attached to metallic base-plates E' and E³, which are
themselves attached to the wooden base E. From the plate E³ guide-rods Es
and E project, the former being insulated from the plate at V³. The positive
carbon is carried by a system of jointed cross-levers or lazy-tongs P, shown in
Figs 2 and 5. These levers are pivoted together at the middle and ends in a
well-known manner as shown, so as to render the system capable of extension or
contraction. This movement affords perfect freedom of motion to the positive
carbon in a vertical line, yet maintains the same rigidly in said line. This lever
system further serves as a conductor to convey the current to the positive carbon.
The drawing shows an electro-magnet M¹ having three layers of convolutions, but
it is evident that this number may be increased or diminished without departing
from the principle of the invention. Each layer is connected to its respective
terminal plate T1, T2, etcetera, in the manner described in connection with Fig. 1.
The cut-out devico B is placed preferably upon the upper face of the base-
plate E as seen in elevation in Fig. 2 and in plan in Fig. 4.
F is a drum or cylinder of suitable non-conducting material, preferably
compressed paper pulp, mounted upon a shaft F' turning in bearings at F³ and F³.
This drum is provided with four longitudinal metallic strips or bridge-pieces
J1 J2 J3 J4, arranged parallel to its axis and placed at equal intervals apart upon
its convex surface. The upper face or end of said drum is also provided with the
cross-shaped bridge-piece J³, the arms of which extend over the edges of the face
and project downward, as shown in Fig. 2, to a point not quite half the distance
to the lower face.
The electrodes which are to be united by means of the bridge-pieces are shown
at Û¹Û² Û³ Û³. Each consists of a metallic Spring, one end of which is rigidly
connected to a binding-post 1, 2, 3, 4, at which it is united to the conductor of the
circuit of which it forms an electrode, while its other end is free to press against
the metallic bridge-pieces upon the convex surface of the drum.
The arrangement of the circuit is as follows:-The current entering by the
binding post (+) will pass through the electro-magnet M³, electrode U₁, bridge J³,
electrode Us, loop circuit 5 including the lamp, electrode U³, bridge J', electrode U*,
binding-post (-) and main line. Thus both line and loop are included in one
continuous circuit.
If now it be desired to withdraw the lamp from the main circuit, the current is

page_text: increased to a definite strength and the magnet M³ thereby actuated. The manner
of operation is as follows:-
The shaft F' carries a ratchet-wheel I, mounted loosely thereupon, with the
teeth of which a dog I' engages, the latter being held in position by a spring I³,
and both being carried by a lever 13 pivoted to the framework of the instrument
at I, and connected by a link Is to the axial armature-core V of the solenoid or
electro-magnet M³. The several parts of this system are so proportioned that.
under the influence of a current exceeding a predetermined maximum or normal
strength, the augmented attraction of the electro-magnet M³ will cause the armature-
core to be drawn into the magnet a sufficient distance to move the ratchet-wheel I 1
through a determinate fraction of one complete revolution, as for example one-
eighth, as shown in the figure. This movement effects the winding of the spring I,
the ends of which are respectively attached to the ratchet-wheels I and I, and at
the end of the stroke contact is made with the pin W' carried by the escapement W,
whereby said escapement is released from the teeth of the ratchet-wheel 17 1
carried by said shaft and rigidly attached thereto or to the upper face of the
drum, thereby communicating the power of said spring to the drum and
causing the advance of the latter through the same angular distance, namely, one
eighth of a revolution. The retrograde movement of the lever I³ is again utilized
at the end of its downward movement to return the escapement mechanism to
the position necessary for repeating the operation as hereinbefore described.
In place of the usual electro-magnet it is preferred to employ the system shown
in Fig 4 in which a check-piece V₁, provided with a feed-link V³, serves to connect
the movable core V with a separate portion of the core of the electro-magnet M³
which is stationary and contained within the coils. The sensitiveness of the
magnet is materially increased by this arrangement.
If desired a single cut-out device B may be employed to introduce a loop-circuit
in which are included an indefinite number of electric lights instead of only one
as shown.
The cut-out device B is actuated by a slight increase of current, the normal
strength being insufficient. The said increase may be established upon the line in
any desirable manner, as by the introduction of additional battery power, or by
employment of a switch R to shunt a resistance R³, placed in the main line at
the station where the current is generated, or at any other desirable point.
"
Having thus described the nature of this invention and the manner in which it
is to be performed :-
1st. The combination, substantially as hereinbefore set forth, of the electrodes of
an are lamp, the regulating electro-magnet thereof, a clamping mechanism for
subjecting said electrodes to the action of said regulating electro-magnet, and
an automatic switch operating to shunt from the main circuit more or less of the
conductor comprising said helix.
2nd. The combination, substantially as herein before set forth, with the electrodes
of an arc lamp, the clamping device, and the electro-magnet in the main circuit
for controlling and operating said clamping device, of an electro-magnet in a shunt
circuit spanning the electric arc, and a switch operated thereby for short circuiting
more or less of the main circuit wire in the helix of said regulating magnet,
correlatively with variations in the resistance of the arc.
3rd. In an electric arc regulator, the combination substantially as herein before set
forth, of the regulating electro-magnet, the helix thereof, contact-points respectively
connected to the conductor forming said helix at different points, a contact-plate
connected to the main circuit of conductors, a travelling circuit-closer or bridge for
connecting one or more of said contact points directly to said contact-plate, and an
electro-magnet situated in a shunt-circuit spanning the arc for impelling said
switch or bridge.
4th. The combination, substantially as hereinbefore set forth, of the supporting
mechanism of the electrode of an arc lamp, a regulating electro-magnet, its
armature lever provided with a.shoulder, a clutch mechanism combining a tongue or

page_text: clamp pivoted to said lever, a spring maintaining said tongue in a position to bind
or press said supporting mechanism against said shoulder, and a contact-stop for
arresting the upward movement of said tongue.
5th. The combination, substantially as hereinbefore set forth, of an electro-magnet,
a system of circuit-closing devices, a spring first wound up by the action of said
electro-magnet, and subsequently liberated by the action of said electro-magnet,
to cause the actuation of said system of circuit-closing devices.
6th. The combination, substantially as hereinbefore set forth, of a drum carrying
a system of circuit-closing bridges, a spring, an electro-magnet which as its strength
increases winds up said spring, and which when said strength exceeds a
predetermined degree actuates mechanism to release said spring to expend its
energy in revolving said drum.
7th. The combination, substantially as herein before set forth, of a revolving drum
provided with circuit-closing or circuit-connecting bridges, a spring for causing
the advance of said drum, mechanism actuated by electro-magnetism for causing
the winding of said spring, and an escapement mechanism for controlling the
operation of said spring.
8th. The combination, substantially as hereinbefore set forth, of a main circuit,
a loop circuit including one or more electric lights, metallic electrodes for each of
said circuits, a drum capable of being revolved step-by-step in one direction, and
metallic bridges upon said drum which by engaging with said electrodes introduce
said loop into said main circuit with each alternate step movement of said drum.
9th. The combination, substantially as hereinbefore set forth, of a main circuit, a
loop circuit, metallic electrodes for each of said circuits, a drum capable of being
revolved step-by-step in one direction, metallic bridges upon said drum engaging
with said electrodes and thereby introducing said loop into said main circuit with
each alternate step in said revolution, and means substantially such as described
whereby said drum is revolved step-by-step.
In witness whereof I the said William Phillips Thompson have hereunto set my
hand and seal this seventeenth day of December in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and eighty three.
TUM D
THOMPSON