IMPROVED MEANS OF PRODUCING ELECTRICITY AND THE ELECTRIC LIGHT
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Frederick Henry Varley, of Mildmay Park Works,
Newington Green Road, in the County of Middlesex, Engineer, for the In-
vention of "IMPROVED MEANS OF PRODUCING ELECTRICITY AND THE ELECTRIC
LIGHT"
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Frederick Henry Varley at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 15th October 1878.
FREDERICK HENRY VARLEY, of Mildmay Park Works, Newington Green Road, in
the County of Middlesex, Engineer. "IMPROVED MEANS OF PRODUCING ELEC-
TRICITY AND THE ELECTRIC LIGHT."
By this Invention I am able to subdivide the electric light in such a manner as
to enable it to be employed for the general purposes of illumination. Thus instead
of the ordinary electric arcs, such as are produced by the well-known methods,
giving, say, an illuminating power of 1,600 candles, by my Invention I can sub-
divide the current so as to produce 50 distinct lights of 32 candles illuminating
power. It is apparently only a question of detail to carry the same process of sub-
division even further.
The mode in which I carry this Invention into effect is as follows:-In place of
carbon pencils hitherto used I employ a stream, train, or layer of finely-powdered
graphite or carbon, which is constantly renewed as the requirements of the light
Decessitates.
In one form carbon or graphite powder is placed into a conical or funnel-shaped
chamber made with a small orifice, so as to allow the powdered carbon to flow
through in a tine stream, analogous to the sand flowing in an hour glass. At the
opening or neck of the funnels, or in a suitable position in the conducting carbon
stream, conductors are placed so as to close the circuit through the same when such con-
ductors are joined up to the source of electricity, such as that of a powerful battery
or electro-dynamic machine, when the carbon stream becomes intensely heated,

page_text: emmitting a steady light, which can be maintained constant during the flow of the
carbon or graphite stream. This requires a current of lower tension than is
requisite for maintaining an arc which has to pass over a moderated interval of
space. So by this means the current may be divided by branch conductors from
the main supply or source. The branch conductors can be carried into separate
rooms to separate lamps, each lamp burning simultaneously, and being regulated to
equal luminosity.
The carbon intensely heated is consumed by combustion in air; this also
augments the illuminating power. But when for constancy and to save the con-
sumption of the carbon I prefer to enclose the apparatus in an air-tight case, the
contained air is speedily changed into carbonic dioxide and nitrogen; this atmo-
sphere arrests the further consumption of carbon.
Or a
vacuum chamber or
chambers is or are used for the same purpose; but when a vacuum chamber or
chambers is or are used high tension currents are employed to produce light from
the carbon, so that the same carbon powder may be employed over and over again.
The raising of the fallen powder into the upper chamber may be effected by clock-
work, or by magneto-electric contrivances, or other well-known mechanical
methods, so as to maintain a constant flow of the conducting particles. I likewise
increase the resistance of the carbon powder as a conductor for the electric light by
adding to it powders of borax, boraxic acid, alumina, magnesia, silica, or compounds
of the same, intermixed by careful grinding. Some of the substances, and also the
metallic oxides and salts, have the double effect in increasing the resistance and
augmenting the light.
In order to equalize the amount of current flowing through each lamp I employ
in conjunction with the carbon-conducting stream a regulator, which as the current
augments in electro-motive force adds resistance to the circuit.
The simplest form of regulator is that afforded by the conducting stream itself,
which is very readily regulated by shortning or lengthning the circuit by an-
electro-motive balance. The generator of electricity for the light may be that
obtained from any of the well-known forms of dynamo-electric machines. But as
such machines require steam power or gas engines to drive them these arrangements
are in many cases unsuitable for private dwellings.
I have devised a battery suitable for such purposes and economical to manipulate.
It is a modification of the battery patented by me on the 2nd of May 1877, &
No. 1702 in the list of Specifications, the chief alteration being that several porous
cylinders, each to contain the zinc rod or plate, are inserted in the carbon mixture,
instead of one, as herein described; & I employ in addition to the sulphuric acid
added to the carbon & manganese mixture borax or boraxic acid, which increases
the uniformity of current derived. Instead of sulphuric acid I also employ with
the carbon mixture nitric acid. This acid becomes reduced by long continued
action; the nitric acid I then draw off, and reoxidize it by subjecting it to heat
and adding binoxide of manganese to restore the oxygen consumed by the action
of the battery. The lower oxide of manganese thus formed can be re-oxidized by
exposure to the air in contact with graphite or conducting carbon, and thus render
it available for again restoring oxygen to the spent nitric acid; this renders the use
of nitric acid economical. If sulphuric acid be employed in the porous cells or
for acting as the zinc solvent, it is necessary to change it from time to time to prevent
local action.
But if sal ammoniac or nitrate of ammonia be employed the renewal is not
necessarily so frequent.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Frederick Henry Varley in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 15th
April 1879.
FREDERICK HENRY VARLEY, of Mildmay Park Works, Newington Green Road, in .
the County of Middlesex, Engineer. "IMPROVED MEANS OF PRODUCING ELECTRICITY
AND THE ELECTRIC LIGHT."
By this Invention I (inter alia) subdivide the electric light in such a manner as
to enable it to be employed for the general purposes of illumination. Thus instead
of the ordinary electric arcs, such as are produced by the well-known method,
giving say an illuminating power of 1600 candles, by my Invention I can sub-
divide the current so as to produce 50 distinct lights of 32 candles illuminating
power.
It is apparently only a question of detail to carry the process of subdivision even
further.
The mode in which I carry this Invention into effect is as follows :-
In place of carbon points as hitherto used employ a stream, train, or layer of
finely powdered graphite or carbon, which is constantly renewed as the requirements
of the light necessitates. In one form, carbon or graphite powder is placed into a
conical or funnel-shaped chamber made with a small orifice, so as to allow the
powdered carbon to flow through in a fine stream analogous to the sand flowing in
an hour glass. At the opening or neck of the funnel, or in a suitable position in
the conducting carbon stream, train, or layer, conductors are placed so as to close
the circuit through the same when such conductors are joined up to the source of
electricity, such as that of a powerful battery or electro-dynamic machine, when the
carbon stream, train, or layer becomes intensely heated, emitting a steady light,
which can be maintained constant during the flow of the carbon or graphite stream,
train, or layer.
This requires a current of lower tension than is requisite for maintaining an arc
which has to pass over a moderate interval of space; so by this means the current
may be divided by branch conductors from the main supply or source.
The branch
conductors can be carried into separate rooms to separate lamps, each lamp burning
simultaneously and being regulated to equal luminosity. The carbon intensely
heated is consumed by combustion in air; this also augments the illuminating
power. But when for constancy and to save the consumption of the carbon I
prefer to enclose the apparatus in air-tight case, the contained air is speedily
changed into carbonic dioxide and nitrogen. This atmosphere arrests the further
consumption of carbon, so that the same carbon powder or mixture may be employed
over and over again. The raising of the fallen powder into the upper chamber may
be effected by clockwork, or by magneto-electric contrivances, or other well-known
mechanical methods, so as to maintain à constant flow of the conducting particles.
I likewise increase the resistance of the carbon powder as a conductor for the
electric light by adding to it powders of borax, boraxic acid, alumina, magnesia,
silica, or compounds of the same, intermixed by carefully grinding or reducing.
Some of these substances, and also the metallic oxides and salts, have the double
effect of increasing the resistance and augmenting the light.
In order to equalize the amount of current flowing through each lamp I employ
in conjunction with the carbon conducting stream train or layer, a regulator which
as the current augments in electro-motive force adds resistance to the circuit. The
simplest form of regulator is that afforded by the conducting stream itself, which is
very readily regulated by shortening or lengthening the circuit by an electro-motive
balance. The generator of electricity for the light may be that obtained from any
of the well-known forms of dynamo-electric machines, but as such machines require
steam or other power or gas engines to drive them, these arrangements are in many
cases unsuitable for private dwellings. I have devised a battery suitable for such

page_text: purposes and economical to manipulate. It is a modification of the battery patented
by me 2nd May 1877, No. 1702, the chief alteration being that several porous
cylinders, each to contain the zinc rod or plate, are inserted in the carbon mixture.
instead of one as therein described, and I employ in addition to the sulphuric acid
added to the carbon and manganese mixture borax or boraxic acid, which increases
the uniformity of current derived. In addition to the sulphuric acid I also employ
with the carbon mixture nitric acid. This acid becomes reduced by long continued
action. The nitric acid I then draw off, and re-oxidize it by subjecting it to heat,
and adding binoxide of manganese to restore the oxygen consumed by the action of
the battery. The lower oxide of manganese thus formed can be re-oxidized by
exposure to the air in contact with graphite or conducting carbon, and thus rendered
available for again restoring oxygen to the spent nitric acid; this renders the use
of nitric acid economical. If sulphuric acid be employed in the porous cells or for
acting as the zinc solvent, it is necessary to change from time to time to prevent
local action; but if sal ammoniac or nitrate of ammonia be employed the renewal
is not necessarily so frequent.
:
Shows one form or my improved arrangements.
A, cone-shaped receiver.
B, conductor or pole on balanced lever b.
C, electro-magnet.
D, wire surrounding the same; a single layer only is shown for conspicuity.
E, armature attached to lever b.
F, spring for controlling the movement of armature.
G, adjusting screw and nut for regulating the force of the spring F.
H, standard carrying by means of the pivoted axle n the balanced lever b.
out at the
-
To give effect to the above a + current flowing in at D traverses the wire sur-
rounding the iron core C, passing out at d, thence through iron core and on through
the standard H to lever 6 to conductor or pole B, thence through orifice of cone and
terminal O. This current immediately renders the iron core C mag-
netic; the pole B is then drawn away from the mouth of the cone. The train or
stream of carbon powder begins to flow out as soon as the pole B is drawn from the
orifice. The current thus established through carbon stream gives out a very brilliant
light, which can be maintained constant so long as the chamber A is supplied with
conducting carbon powder.
Fig. 2 is one modification of Fig. 1, inasmuch as the pole B is made to move on
a guide rod or stem K, the pole B being fitted into the slide tube L. The cone A
is likewise attached to a cylinder, through the centre of which is made to pass at
rod containing the discs a, a'. The lower disc acts as a valve, and prevents the
carbon powder from flowing out when the current is taken off. It is connected by
means of linkwork and sliding rod m³ and m² to the balanced lever b, so that when
the current is established through the terminals + D and O, the lever drawing
conducting pole B from the orifice of the cone, likewise raises the discs a and a¹,
and admits of the outflow of the conducting stream. The connecting rod passing
through support of the cone cylinder M is insulated from the lever b by a nut of
ivory, bone, or other suitable insulator, as shewn in the Drawings.
-
The foregoing description is applicable to Fig. 3 so far as the controlling effect of
the electro-motive balance is used. It differs however in the mode of feeding the
carbon powder, which is supplied in the form of a cascade. An endless band Q
passes over two rollers P, P₁, which are made to revolve in the direction shown by
the arrows by means of clockwork or other well-known or suitable contrivance,
illustrated in the Figure by a screw spindle R. The powder to be delivered is
placed into the hopper S, through which it passes on to the endless band Q. This
band moving forward carries its layer of powder, and delivers it on to the side of
the inclined-conductors A and A', thence through the opening between the poles

page_text: A, A', of the two conductors in a broad band on to the pole B. This arrangement
not only produces a broad, flat, luminous stream, but affords the means of regu-
lating the rate of the delivery of the carbon powder.
If the rollers P, P', are made to rotate slowly a fine and steady stream of carbon
powder issues; but if the rate of rotation is increased a corresponding increase of
the delivery of the carbon powder ensues.
Fig. 2 is plan of balance lever b (Fig. 2), showing the clutch for actuating the
tube L carrying conductor or pole B.
Fig. 4 shows the positive and negative conductors with a wedge-shaped de-
pression for holding the carbon powder. The are being established between these,
the powder is gradually consumed, and is renewed by the supply from the
reservoir 8.
-
Fig. 5 is similar to the above, but the conducting poles + and are inclined to
each other. This latter form is more suitable for placing the light in a vacuum
chamber, and casts less shadow. When the reservoirs has a fine orifice, and
especially when this latter arrangement is used in vacuum, it is necessary to
maintain a steady vibration to shake loose the carbon powder which would
otherwise close the orifice. This is readily effected by a trembling hammer, which
can be kept in constant vibration by an electric current like the hammer of a
trembling bell. This vibration is sufficient to keep the flow of carbon powder
regular, and is applicable to the regulators in Figures 1, 2, and 4, as shown in
Fig. 6. t, t, are wires led from the trembling hammer T in the vacuum chamber,
the connection from poles + and being obtained through the supports A and B
for producing the electric arc.
-
In Fig. 6 the sides V, V, are formed of glass or suitable transparent or translucent
material. The upper and lower parts of U are closed by air-tight covers V, VI,
through which the terminals A, B, and t, t, are inserted and clamped thereto by any
suitable means. To make the most effective joint between U, V, and V1, I prefer
bands of tin, lead, or zinc, or other suitable metals which are capable of amalga-
mation with mercury. The surfaces of these rings (being carefully amalgamated)
are placed between the covers and the ends of the vacuum chamber U, the mercury
is then forced out by pressure, and the chamber becomes hermetically sealed.
Rubber or other elastic or compressible washers of suitable hardness may be
employed in place of the metal rings. The chamber thus enclosed I prefer to
exhaust through the supports A or B, which are made hollow to admit of connection
with an exhaust pump. When the requisite vacuum is obtained the aperture
leading to the exhaust pump is hermetically sealed, the vacuum chamber being
fitted as shown and as herein-before described.
Fig. 7 represents form of cell of a battery in which four porous cells are shown
for increasing the conducting area, and thereby reducing the resistance of the cell.
This form of battery is a modification of my Patent as before described.
Fig. 8 represents a modification of Fig. 7, in which the carbon pole (granulated
carbon), and manganese mixture are placed in a perforated chamber or cage A,
having perforated tubes a, a, passing through it; B is the outer cell; C and Ci
are the porous cylinders or tubes.
In the outer cell B the exciting fluid for the carbon is placed, whilst that for the
zinc poles is placed in the porous cylinders. In the centre of the perforated tubes
the zinc poles are placed, and so that when this cage is lowered the zinc plates or
poles are immersed in the fluid in the porous cell, and the compound carbon pole in
the outer cell.
The withdrawing of the carbon and the zinc poles simultaneously from the fluid
has the double effect of preventing the zinc from having local action, whilst the
carbon pole so exposed recovers a great portion of its spent energy. This property
of recovery makes the battery economical in working, and it is therefore specially
suited for producing electric light when battery power is employed.
Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating a mode of effecting the principle of sub-division.
The lines + D and O represent the two main circuits from the source of the
-
1

page_text: electric current.
The
A and B show two distinct proportions of subdivision.
regulators, which are represented by 1, 2, 3, 4, to 9, in Fig. 9, having equal
resistance, the circuit included through the multiple and divided circuits 1 to 9 A
collectively have the same resistance as the multiple and divided circuits 1, 2, 3, 4, B.
It is obvious therefore that the proportion of one-ninth of the current flows through
each of the lamps in the system at A, while the proportion of one-fourth flows
through each of the lamps in the system B. The regulators adjusted to work with
the divided current will give respectively a subdivision of the light in a relative
proportion.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature and object of the
said Invention for improved means of producing electricity and the electric light,
and in what manner the same is to be performed or carried out in practice, I hereby
declare that I claim,-
1. The use of carbon powder or resisting mixture with suitable conductors to
establish the circuit for the purpose of producing the electric light, substantially in
the manner herein set forth and described.
2. The use of vacuum chambers in combination with arrangements applicable
thereto, substantially as described.
3. The generation of electricity by means of compound carbon poles made with
granulated or powdered carbon intermixed with binoxide of manganese, such
carbon poles having a carbon terminal or suitable rod or plate for the positive con-
nection or terminal (the same being immersed in sulphuric acid, while diluted sul-
phuric acid or plain water is employed in the porous cell containing the zinc pole)
in combination with the use of two or more porous cells immersed in the carbon
mixture or compound pole of the battery for increasing the effective area or reducing
the resistance of the cell, substantially as herein-before set forth and described.
4. The use of nitric acid with the compound pole in manner substantially as
herein-before set forth and described.
5. When diluted sulphuric acid, solutions of sal ammoniac, or nitrate of ammonia
are employed in porous cells I claim for the purposes of my said Invention the sub-
sequent treatment of the nitric acid with binoxide of manganese to restore the
effective action of the acid, substantially as herein-before set forth and described.
6. The use of a perforated cage to raise the carbon compound poles from the
exciting fluid for the purpose herein set forth and described.
7. And I claim generally the production of electric light by the use of the
various means and arrangements herein-before described when combined and used
substantially as herein-before set forth and described, it being understood that I
do not limit myself to the use of the precise details herein-before described, as the
same are capable of variation without departure from the essential character of the
said Invention.
In witness whereof, I, the said Frederick Henry Varley, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Fifteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-nine.
Witness,
T. MORGAN,
Secretary,
FREDERICK HENRY VARLEY. (L.s.)
Inventors' Patent-right Assn. Limited,
21, Cockspur Street,
Charing Cross,
London, S.W.