The Application of Electricity for the Production of Pyrotechnic and other Effects, applicable also for Signalling and Advertising Purposes, and Apparatus therefor.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 20th Apr., 1891
Complete Specification Left, 20th Jan., 1892-Accepted, 12th Mar., 1892
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
The Application of Electricity for the Production of Pyrotechnic and
other Effects, applicable also for Signalling and Advertising
Purposes, and Apparatus therefor.
1, PIERRE CHARLES EUGENE CHAMPION of 56 Avenue de Neuilly, (Neuilly
sur Seine) France, Electrician, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to
be as follows:-
This invention relates to the application of electricity for the production of
pyrotechnic effects which is accomplished by means of lines or groups of
incandescent lamps, voltaic sparks produced by the breaking of the current at
the desired point and instant, lines of small arcs, and the like, the combination of
these three forms of electric light and the appearance of motion imparted to them,
either separately or in groups, by means of special mechanism herein described,
enabling all the luminous effects, heretofore obtained by ordinary pyrotechnic
compositions, to be realized.
The invention also includes the mechanism and arrangements whereby the effects
of light and movement are obtained.
Amongst the evident advantages of this application of electricity for pyrotechnical
purposes may be mentioned safety, as it will be apparent that ordinary fireworks
discharged near houses, or even the ordinary illuminations of the façades of public
buildings, involve danger of fire, which is entirely avoided by the use of electricity.
Another advantage is immunity from accidents which are liable to occur either
during the transport of the charged fireworks or in letting them off. Moreover, a
shower of rain, or a slight defert in the construction of the fireworks, is often
sufficient to cause a set piece to miss fire. This is entirely avoided by using
electricity. Lastly, the duration of a set piece is rendered unlimited, as the
display may be repeated an indefinite number of times and at very short intervals,
and the same pieces may be transported from place to place and be quickly erected
for display whereas the ordinary fireworks once discharged are useless.
My invention also comprises the application of electricity, not only as a sub-
stitute for powder or pyrotechnic compositions for fireworks or illuminations but
also for the production of telegraphic signals, or marine, military, railway,
advertising, and other, purposes.
My invention also comprises the application of electricity for the production of
pyrotechnical effects in combination with gunpowder or pyrotechnic composition,
wherever this can be done without danger, for the production of combined effects.
Amongst the various pyrotechnical devices which may be produced by means of
ny invention, may be mentioned serpents or rockets, simple or multiple catharine
wheels, cascades, girandoles, fountains, and, in short, all the large pyrotechnical
pieces which have heretofore been stationary as to porition but which by my inven-
tion may be animated with any movements suited to the general effect to be
produced.
I will describe some of these pieces with reference to the accompanying
drawings, forming part of this Specification, in which have represented some
examples, reserving, however, the option of making such changes therein and in the
applications thereof as will not involve a departure from the principal object of my
invention.
Figure 1 shews the general arrangement of a circular com.nutator for serpents or
rockets, and
Figure 2 is a detail of part thereof, on a larger scale.

page_text: Figure 4 is a cross-section through one of the contacts of the commutator.
Figure 5 shews the general arrangement of switch keyboards for operating the
various pyrotechnical pieces.
Figure 6 is a longitudinal section of a simple catharine wheel, and
Figure 7 is a section of the same.
Figures 8 and 9 are similar sections of a multiple catharine wheel having three
revolving annuli; and
Figure 10 is a diagram shewing the transmission of motion thereto.
Figures 11 and 12 shew an elevation and section of a four-cylinder cascade.
Figure 13 shews a simple cascade.
Figures 14 and 15 represent a girandole, and
Figures 16 and 17 shew details of construction thereof.
Figure 16 represents a "Volta's pistol."
Figure 18 shews details of the commutators of the switch keyboard.
Figure 19 shews a group of combined keys for operating my pyrograph, and
Figure 20 represents the pyrograph proper.
Figure 21 is a longitudinal section through a row of contacts.
A serpent or rocket, by my system, is composed of a vertical inclined straight or
curved line (with or without horizontal return) of lamps in parallel or in series of
2, 3, 4, or 5, according to the length of the serpent or rocket. Upon suitable
supports are fixed cross-bars at two or three metres distance, upon which are
mounted the lamp sockets at distances of ten or twelve centimetres apart. One of
the poles of each socket is connected to a common return conductor whilst the other
is connected by a special wire to the circular commutator having as many contacts
as there are derivations. This commutator is shewn in Figures 1 to 4. e is the disc
in which are mounted the circles of contacts connected with the various lamps. fis
the lever handle or key carrying an oblique segmental contact whose length and
obliquity depend upon the number of lamps which it is desired to render
incandescent at the same moment (three in the example shewn in Figure 2). By
rotating this handle with sufficient speed over the circle of contacts h the effect of
a serpent or rocket is produced, the lamps being lighted one, two, or three, at a
time in consecutive order from the bottom upwards according to the inclination of
the segment, the illusion of the effect produced being complete. At the moment
when the last lamps of the series are lighted, the bouquet or bouquets of the serpent
or rocket are lighted either by the same or another commutator. These bouquets
may be composed of a group of lamps of the same or different colors suitably
arranged to represent any given subject, as, for example, birds, flowers, figures, or
diverse objects.
may
be
Instead of the serpent or rocket extending only in the upward direction it
carried horizontally at its upper part on one or more lines extending in various
directions and arranged so as to return above the heads of the spectators, and
similarly in the case of the bouquets. In this case the same point of departure may
be common to all the horizontal members of the serpent or rocket. It will be under-
stood that these horizontal lines of lamps are mounted on a framework, the whole
being supported by a cable stretched between suitable supports, such as masts, trees,
columns, or walls, etc.
When the lamps are in groups of four or five in series it is necessary, in the case
of serpents or rockets of more than thirty yards long, to couple two lamps in one of
the derivations with three lamps in the following derivation, that is to say if the
first wire supplies lamps 1. 2. 3. and 6. 7. for in-tance, the second wire will supply
lamps 4.5. aud 8. 9. 10. and so on, with the object of avoiding, in the case of
breakage of the filament of any one lamp, the extinction of five consecutive lamps
which would cause a break of continuity of about two feet, more or less.
Having described the construction of the serpents or rockets, the bouquets, and
the commutator, I will now refer to the coils of wire by which they are operated.
These coils have a uniform length of about one hundred yards, each of the wires
communicating with the conductive axis connected to the commutator of the

page_text: serpent or rocket, the top of this coil box forming the base of the commutator. On
each side are arranged the commutators of the bouquets of the serpents or
rockets.
In Figure 5, I have shewn a keyboard commutator for serpents or rockets and for
their bouquets which will be specially described hereafter. By providing three or
more banks of keys, the effect of rockets or serpents may be produced, and by
operating them inversely the effect of a rain of fire may be produced, if the lines
of lamps are sufficiently close together and are approximately parallel.
I will now describe the construction of the catharine wheels, which may be fixed
or rotary, simple or multiple, and by means whereof very powerful luminous effects
may be produced. As the stationary catharine wheels are very little used, it is
unnecessary to describe them, as they come within the category of stationary pieces
or form part thereof. Figure 6 is a section of a simple catharine wheel formed of
a single rotary dise. This disc has a sheet iron central portion covered with two
insulating plates of wood jj. It is fixed upon a tubular shaft of iron about one or
two inches in diameter and a yard long, supported by flanges or rings & k² running
on friction rollers, and provided at its rear end with a grooved pulley upon which
runs a belt driven from a corresponding pulley on the dynamo. On the outer
surface of the disc are mounted in the form of radii or of concentric circles
incandescent lamps arranged in parallel, or in series. When the diameter of the
catharine wheel exceeds eight feet, it is preferred to apply to the disc a solid plate
for receiving the lamps. Along the length of the hollow shaft are series of holes or
slits through which pass the lending wires conveying the current to the lamps of the
catharine wheel, these wires also passing through an annular wooden sheathing m
and being connected to rings of copper or brass insulated from one another and from
the shaft by the wooden sheathing m. A brush bears constantly on each brass ring
so as, whatever may be the motion of the catharine wheel, to transmit the current
to the corresponding ring, wire, and lamps.
In order to obtain, from a simple catharine wheel, all the possible effects, it would
be necessary that the lamps should be in multiple and that each lamp should be
operated by a special commutator. As this is not always possible, the lamps are
divided, in mounting them, into groups of colors and arranged in series if necessary
at opposite points of the catharine wheel, so as to avoid considerable gaps, in the
case of breakage of the filament of any one lamp. The ring is removable, in
order to enable the shaft to be dismounted for repairs.
and
Figures 8 and 9 shew a multiple catharine wheel with triple revolving annuli.
The construction is similar to that of the catharine wheel with a single disc. o is
the central disc surrounded with two concentric rings
The disc o is
mounted on a central shaft r, whilst the two rings are respectively mounted on
concentric hollow shafts st, all three shafts being supported by friction roller
bearings as in the former case, the arrangement of the wires being also similar, and
each of these shafts o p and q having a driving pulley which is driven by an open
or crossed belt from a corresponding pulley on the dynamo, as represented in the
diagram Figure 10.
Around the whole of the inner and outer peripheries of the disc and rings are
mounted points, so arranged as to pass one another, during the rotary motion in such
a way that a powerful discharge of sparks will be produced between them.
Figures 11 and 12 represent a cascade of multicolored fires produced by lamps
mounted on revolving discs cylinders or arms. uuuu are cylinders of wood
mounted on horizontal shafts each shaft being constructed in the manner before
described in respect of the catherine wheel shaft the poles being at opposite ends of
the shafts, which are driven by belts from the dynamo. The connections with the
positive poles determine the lighting in lines of the lamps situated on the halves of
the cylinders which are presented to view whilst the lamps which are situated at
the rear of the longitudinal vertical plane are extinguished by the intervention of
segments or gaps in the commutator discs.
Figure 13 represents a simple cascade formed by lamps carried upon an endless

page_text: apron running over guide rollers XXX' the side of the apron presented to
view being inclined. Z is a metallic web in communication with the wires of the
commutators and upon which rub brushes communicating with those of the lamps
which are presented to view, the remainder being extinguished.
A simple girandole is shown in Figures 14, 15 and 16 and consists of a double
endless belt aa' whereon are mounted at sufficiently short intervals cross pieces b
each carrying a certain number of lamps e according to the desired width of the
girandole. At the upper and lower ends of the framework A are mounted guide
rollers d arranged in a semi-circle around which the belt a passes, travelling motion
being imparted to the belts and lamps by rotating the guide rollers.
Figure 15 is a cross section of the apparatus showing the position of the wires.
The wires coming from the commutator connect with metallic strips e either by
means of brushes or otherwise and from each strip a single wire runs along the
cross barb to a lamp and back again to another strip. By suitably operating the
commutator to which all the wires are led, all sorts of beautiful luminous effects
may be produced by lighting up the lamps by groups, lines or colors.
It will be evident that the invention is not limited to the particular applications
described as all sorts of pyrotechnic devices however complicated may be easily
imitated.
I will now describe the mechanism by which the illumination of the various
pieces is controlled. It consists of a series of keys disposed like those of a piano
and forming as many commutators. Figure 5 shows the general arrangement for
controlling several different set pieces in combination with a series of serpents or
rockets.
Figure 18 shows one of these commutators having perfect contacts produced by
electro-magnets and wire cloth pads, specially constructed for application to pyro-
technical purposes.
1 and 2 are the contacts for closing the circuit in each of the
electro magnets X and X, 13 and 14 being respectively the points of ingress and
egress of the current. The current enters the commutator at 3, passes through
wire 4 to the contact 5 movable about the axis 6 of the commutator which is
surrounded by a collar 7 forming a bearing. 8 is a metal arm furnished at its lower
face with a copper wire gauze pad. 9 is a second pad of copper wire gauze, the two
constituting the upper and lower contact plates of the cominutator and the latter
being connected with a terminal 12 at which the current passes out. The armatures
of the electro magnets X X' are covered with an insulating plate 10 so as to
separate the parts of the commutator in which pass the current of the armatures 11
attracted by the electro magnets. 16 is the key of ivory or other insulating
material.
The lever 18 raised in the position shown carries a weight 17 to balance the key
which is depressed under normal conditions as shown.
The same keyboard whether it be the part thereof controlling the operation of
the serpents or rockets or any other part, is connected with a series of any number
of electric pistols whereby to produce a number of powerful reports so as to
complete the effect of an ordinary serpent. Each pistol consists of a chamber
shown in Figure 16 made of iron and closed with a plug of cork. The chamber
is supplied with oxygen and hydrogen through pipes and the gaseous mixture is
exploded at the desired moment by a spark from a metallic point passing into the
chamber.
The apparatus used for advertising purposes and which I designate by the name
of pyrograph is composed like thus fore described of two main parts, is that
which produces the luminous effects desired, and the keyboard mechanism for
controlling its operation. I have represented two modifications of this apparatus.
Figures 19 and 21 show the principle of the apparatus. A is a plate of insulating
material of suitable dimensions for the advertisement required on which are mounted
as closely as possible together a large number of lamps . The positive wires of all
these lamps are connected to a single main lead which after having passed through
a commutator is connected to the generator whilst the negative wire of each lamp

page_text: is connected to the corresponding key of the keyboard, the number of keys being
equal to that of the lamps. These keys a are fitted to work vertically through a
horizontal table, as shown in the section, the lower parts a of the keys being
bulbous and held up by means of springs a. By tracing on the keys the letter or
the word, the same is reproduced in fire on the advertising placard formed by the
lamps. In order to return the keys or plungers thus depressed to their original
position, the current is interrupted by the commutator and the mercury trough C
raised by cams D making a complete turn. The points of the plungers are pushed
upwards by the bottom of the trough without any extra current spark being
produced.
Figure shows a modification of the pyrograph in which the keys or plungers a
are replaced by as many points. As these are not joined together as in the former
case, the characters cannot be traced with the hand and therefore use letters or
characters cut out in a metallic cloth or brush which is in communication with the
negative pole of the keys, this pattern character being placed on the table of points
and pressure applied, all those points which are covered by it will be depressed.
It will be evident that this pyrograph may be similarly applied for marine,
military and other signalling.
Dated this 20th day of dul 1901
P. C. E. CHAMPION,
By A. M. & Win. Clark,
53, Chancery Lane, London, Patent Agents.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
The Application of Electricity for the Production of Pyrotechnic and
other Effects, applicable also for Signalling and Advertising
Purposes, and Apparatus therefor.
I, PIERRE CHARLES EUGENE CHAMPION of 56 Avenue de Neuilly, Neuilly-
sur-Seine, France, Electrician, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and
in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement :-
This invention relates to the application of electricity for the production of
pyrotechnic effects, which is accomplished by means of lines or groups of incan-
descent lamps, voltaic sparks produced by the breaking of the current at the desired
point and instant, lines of small ares, and the like, the combination of these three
forms of electric light and the appearance of motion imparted to them, either
separately or in groups, by means of special mechanism herein described, enabling
all the luminous effects, heretofore obtained by ordinary pyrotechnic compositions,
to be realized.
The invention also includes the mechanism and arrangements whereby the effects
of light and movement are obtained.
Amongst the evident advantages of this application of electricity for pyrotechnical
purposes may be mentioned safety, as it will be apparent that ordinary fireworks
discharged near houses or even the ordinary illuminations of the façades of public
buildings involve danger of fire which is entirely avoided by the use of electricity.
Another advantage is immunity from accidents which are liable to occur, either
during the transport of the charged fireworks or in letting them off. Moreover, a
shower of rain or a slight defect in the construction of the fireworks, is often
sufficient to cause a set piece to miss tire. This is entirely avoided by using
electricity. Lastly, the duration of a set piece is rendered unlimited as the display
may be repeated an indefinite number of times and at very short intervals and
the same pieces may be transported from place to place and be quickly erected for
display, whereas the ordinary fireworks once discharged are useless.
My invention also comprises the application of electricity, not only as a substitute
for powder or pyrotechnfe compositions for fireworks or illuminations but also for

page_text: the production of telegraphic signals for marine, military, railway, and other uses,
as well as for advertising purposes.
My invention also comprises the application of electricity for the production
of pyrotechnical effects in combination with gunpowder or pyrotechnic composi
tion wherever this can be done without danger, for the production of combined
effects.
Amongst the various pyrotechnical devices which may be produced by means of
my invention, may be mentioned serpents or rockets, simple or multiple catharine
wheels, cascades, girandoles, fountains, and in short all the large pyrotechnical
pieces which have heretofore been stationary as to position but which by my inven-
tion may be animated with any movements suited to the general effect to be
produced.
I will describe some of these pieces with reference to Figures 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8,
9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 17, 18 and 21 of the drawings left with my
Provisional Specification (and also with reference to Figures 14, 5, 19 and 20
of the accompanying drawings, forming pars of this Specification which are in the
main similar to the correspondingly numbered figures of the provisional drawings)
in which have represented some examples, reserving, however, the option of
making such changes therein and in the application thereof as will not involve a
departure from the principal object of my invention.
Figure 1 shews the general arrangement of a circular commutator for serpents
or rockets and Figure 2 is a detail of part thereof, on a larger scale.
Figure 3 shews the handle or key of the commutator.
Figure 4 is a cross-section through one of the contacts of the commutator.
Figure 5 shews the general arrangement of switch keyboards for operating the
various pyrotechnical pieces.
Figure 6 is a longitudinal section of a simple catherine wheel, and Figure 7 is a
section of the same.
Figures 8 and 9 are similar sec.ions of a multiple catherine wheel having three
revolving annuli; and
Figure 10 is a diagram shewing the transmission of motion thereto.
Figures 11 and 12 shew an elevation and section of a four-cylinder cascade.
Figure 13 shews a simple cascade.
Figures 14 and 15 represent a girandole, and
Figures 16 and 17 shew the details of construction thereof.
Figure 17 represents a "Volta's pistol."
Figure 18 shews details of the commutators of the switch keyboard.
Figure 19 shews a group of combined keys for operating my pyrograph, and
Figure 20 represents the pyrograph proper.
Figure 21 is a longitudinal section through a row of contacts.
A serpent or rocket by my system is composed of a vertical inclined straight or
curved line (with or without horizontal return) of lamps in parallel or in series of 2, 3,
4, or 5, according to the length of the serpent or rocket (Figure 1A). Upon suitable
supports are fixed cross-bars at two or three metres distance upon which are mounted
the lamp sockets at distances of ten or twelve centimetres apart. One of the poles
of each socket is connected to a common return conductor, a 'a' a² a³, whilst the other
is connected by a special wire to the circular commutator, having as many
contacts as there are derivations. This commutator is shewn in Figures 1' 2, 3
and 4. e is the disc in which are mounted the circles of contacts connected with the
various lamps is the lever handle or key carrying an oblique segmental contact g
whose length and obliquity depend upon the number of lamps which it is desired
to render incandescent at the same moment (three in the example shown in
Figure 2). By rotating this handle with sufficient speed over the circle of
contacts h, the effect of a serpent or rocket is produced, the lamps being lighted
one, two, or three at a time in consecutive order from the bottom upwards,
according to the inclination of the segment, the illusion of the effect produced
being complete. At the moment when the last lamps of the series are lighted, the

page_text: bouquet or bouquets of the serpent or rocket are lighted, either by the same or
another commutator. These bouquets may be composed of a group of lamps of
the same or different colors, suitably arranged to represent any given subject as,
for example, birds, flowers, figures, or diverse objects.
Instead of the serpent or rocket extending only in the upward direction, it may
be carried horizontally at its upper part on one or more lines extending in various
directions and arranged so as to return above the heads of the spectators, and
similarly in the case of the bouquets. In this case. the same point of departure
may be common to all the horizontal members of the serpent or rocket. It will be
understood that these horizontal lines of lamps are mounted on a framework, the
whole being supported by a cable stretched between suitable supports, such as
masts, trees, columns, or walls, etc.
When the lamps are in groups of four or five in series, it is necessary, in the case
of serpents or rockets more than thirty yards long, to couple two lainps in one of
the derivations with three lamps in the following derivation, that is to say if the
first wire supplies lamps 1. 2. 3. and 6. 7. for instance, the second wire will supply
lamps 4. 5. and 8. 9. 10. and so on, with the object of avoiding, in the case of
breakage of the filament of any one lamp, the extinction of five consecutive lamps
which would cause a break of continuity of about two feet, more or less.
Having described the construction of the serpents or rockets, the bouquets, and
the commutator, I will now refer to the coils of wire by which they are operated.
These coils have a uniform length of about one-hundred yards, each of the wires
communicating with the conductive axis connected to the commutator of the
serpent or rocket, the top of this coil-box forming the base of the commutator.
On each side are arranged the commutators of the bouquets of the serpents or
rockets.
In Figures 5 and 18 I have shewn a keyboard commutator for serpents or
rockets and for their bouquets which will be specially described hereafter. By
providing three or more banks of keys the effect of rockets or serpents may be
produced and by operating them inversely the effect of a rain of fire may be
produced if the lines of lamps are sufficiently close together and are approximately
parallel.
k¹
I will now describe the construction of the catharine wheels which may be fixed
or rotary, simple or multiple, and by means whereof very powerful luminous effects
may be produced. As the stationary catharine wheels are very little used it is
unnecessary to describe them, as they come within the category of stationary pieres
or form part thereof. Figure 6 is a section of a simple catharine wheel formed of
a single rotary disc. This disc i has a sheet-iron central portion covered with
two insulating plates of wood jj. It is fixed upon a tubular shaft of iron about two
or three inches in diameter and a yard long, supported by flanges or rings
running on friction rollers and provided at its rear end with a grooved pulley upon
which runs a belt driven from a corresponding pulley on the dynamo. On the
outer surface of the disc i are mounted in the form of radii, or of concentric circles,
incandescent lamps arranged in parallel or in series. When the diameter of the
catharine wheel exceeds eight feet, it is preferred to apply to the disc a solid plate
for receiving the lamps. Along the length of the hollow shaft are series of holes
or slits through which pass the leading wires conveying the current to the lamps of
the catharine wheel, these wires also passing through an annular wooden sheathing m
and being connected to rings of copper or brass insulated from one another and
from the shaft by the wooden sheathing m. A brush bears constantly on each
brass ring so as, whatever may be the motion of the catharine wheel, to transmit
the current to the corresponding ring, wire, and lamps.
In order to obtain from a simple catharine wheel all the possible effects, it would
be necessary that the lamps should be in multiple and that each lamp should be
operated by a special commutator. As this is not always possible, the lainps are
divided, in mounting them, into groups of colors and arranged in sees if necessary
at opposite points of the catharine wheel so as to avoid considerable gaps in the

page_text: case of breakage of the filament of any one lamp. The ring k is removable, in
or ler to enable the shaft to be dismounted for repairs.
,
0 19
Figures 8 and 9 shew a multiple catharine wheel with triple revolving annuli.
The construction is similar to that of the catharine wheel with a single disc.
the central disc surrounded with two concentric rings p
The disc o is
and q.
mounted on a central shaft whilst the two rings are respectively mounted on
concentric hollow shafts, all three shafts being supported by friction roller
bearings as in the former case, the arrangement of the wires being also similar
and each of these shafts and having a driving pulley which is driven by an
open or crossed belt from a corresponding pulley on the dynamo, as represented in
the diagram Figure 10.
Around the whole of the inner and outer peripheries of the disc and rings are
mounted points so arranged as to pass one another, during the rotary motion,
in such a way that a powerful discharge of sparks will be produced between
them.
Figures 11 and 12 represent a cascade of multicolored fires produced by lamps
mounted on revolving discs, cylinders, or arms. uuuu are cylinders of wood
mounted on horizontal shafts, each shaft being constructed in the manner before
described in respect of the catharine wheel shaft, the poles being at opposite ends of
the shafts, which are driven by belts from the dynamo. The connections with the
positive poles determine the lighting in lines of the lamps situated on the halves
of the cylinders which are presented to view whilst the lamps which are situated at
the rear of the longitudinal vertical plane are extinguished by the intervention of
segments or gaps in the commutator discs.
Figure 13 represents a simple cascade formed by lamps mounted on sockets y'
carried upon an endless apron y running over guide rollers X X X the side of
the apron presented to view being inclined. Z is a metallic web in communication
with the wires of the commutators and upon which rub brushes J. communicating
with those of the lamps which are presented to view, the remainder being
extinguished.
Figures 14, 15, and 16, shew a simple girandole formed of a double endless
belt a whereon are mounted at sufficiently short intervals cross-pieces beach
carrying a certain number of lamps e according to the desired width of the girandole.
At the upper and lower ends of the framework A are mounted guide rollers d
arranged in a semicircle, around which the belt a passes, travelling motion being
imparted to the belts and lamps by rotating the guide rollers.
Figure 15 is a cross-section of the apparatus shewing the position of the wires.
The wires coming from the commutator connect with metallic strips e, either by
means of brushes or otherwise, and from each strip a single wire runs along the
cross-bar to a lamp and back again to another strip. By suitably operating
the commutator to which all the wires are led, all sorts of beautiful luminous
effects may be produced by lighting up the lamps by groups, lines, or colors.
It will be evident that the invention is not limited to the particular applications
described, as all sorts of pyrotechnic devices, however complicated, may be easily
imitated.
I will now describe the mechanism by which the illumination of the various pieces
is controlled. It consists of a series of keys disposed like those of a piano and
forming as many commutators.
Figure shews the general arrangement for controlling several different set
pieces in combination with a series of serpents or rockets.
Figure 18 shews one of these commutators having perfect contacts produced by
electro-magnets and wire cloth pads specially constructed for application to pyro-
technical purposes.
1 and 2 are the contacts for closing the circuit in each of the
electro-magnets X and X', 13 and 14 being respectively the points of ingress and
egress of the current. The current enters the commutator at 3, passes through
wire 4 to the contact 5 movable about the axis 6 of the commutator which is
surrounded by a collar 7 forming a bearing. 8 is a metal arm furnished on its

page_text: lower face with a copper wire gauze pad. 9 is a second pad of copper wire gauze,
the two constituting the upper and lower contact plates of the commutator and the
latter being connected with a terminal 12 at which the current passes out. The
armatures of the electro-magnets X X' are covered with an insulating plate 10 so
as to separate the parts of the commutator in which pass the current of the
armatures 11 attracted by the electro-magnets. 16 is the key of ivory or other
insulating material. The lever 18 raised in the position shown carries a weight 17
to balance the key which is depressed under normal conditions as shown.
The same keyboard whether it be the part thereof controlling the operation of
the serpents or rockets or any other part, is connected with a series of any number
of electric pistols, whereby to produce a number of powerful reports so as to
complete the effect of an ordinary serpent. Each pistol consists of a chamber 18
(shown in Figure 17th) made of iron and closed with a plug of cork 19. The
chamber is supplied with oxygen and hydrogen through pipes 21 and 22, and the
gaseous mixture is exploded at the desired moment by a spark from a metallic
point 20 passing into the chamber.
The apparatus used for advertising purposes and which I designate by the name
of pyrograph, is composed like those before described of two main parts eiz:-
that which produces the luminous effects desired, and the keyboard mechanism
(Figures 5 and 18) for controlling its operation. I will describe two modifications
of this apparatus. Figures 194, 20 and 21 show the principle. A is a plate of
insulating material of suitable dimensions for the advertisement required, on which
are mounted as closely as possible together a large number of lamps b. The
positive wires of all these lainps are connected to a single main lead which after
having passed through a commutator is connected to the generator, whilst the
negative wire of each lamp is connected to the corresponding key of the keyboard,
the number of keys being equal to that of the lamps. These keys a are fitted to
work vertically through a horizontal table, as shown in the section Figure 21, the
lower parts a' of the keys being bulbous and held up by means of springs a³. By
tracing on the keys the letter or the word, the same is reproduced in fire on the
advertising tablet formed by the lamps. In order to return the keys or plungers
thus depressed to their original position, the current is interrupted by the commutator
and the mercury trough C raised by cams D making a complete turn.
The points of the plungers are pushed upward by the bottom of the trough
without any extra current spark being produced.
In a modification of the pyrograph the keys or plungers a are replaced by as
many points. As these are not joined together as in the former case, the characters
cannot be traced with the hand and I therefore use letters or characters cut out
in a metallic cloth or brush; this pattern character being placed on the table of
points and pressure applied, all those points which are covered by it will be
depressed. The letters are connected to the positive pole by a flexible cable
provided with an open ring or hook which slides on a positive conducting rod.
The wires from the points connect with the positive wires of the lamps. The
lighting and extinguishing is effected by means of the negative pole which controls
the action of the letters by means of mercurial commutators. It will be evident
that this pyrograph may be similarly applied for marine, military and other
signalling.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. The production of luminous serpents or rockets and bouquets by means of
colored incandescent lamps suitably grouped lighted in rows by means of a
commutator e provided with a lever handle or key carrying an oblique segmental
contact g establishing contact with the contacts h in electrical connection with the
lamps or rows of lamps as described with reference to Figures 1 2 and 3.
2. The production of electric girandoles by means of colored incandescent lamps o
B

page_text: suitably grouped upon cross pieces fixed to endless belts a a', actuated and
guided by rollers & mounted upon a framing A as described with reference to
Figures 14, 15, 16 and 17.
3. The production of catherine wheels by means of colored incandescent lamps
and extra current sparks, the whole being suitably grouped and lighted in rows by
means of a commutator, said catherine wheels having either simple or multiple
movements imparted by means of a belt, the arrangement comprising the disc i
having insulating plates; in combination with rings sheathing m and
rings n, guided by rollers and with wires arranged as described with reference
to Figure 6.
4. The combination of disc », rings y shaft r and hollow shafts at all
guided on rollers and driven by helts as described with reference to Figures 7, 8, 9
und 10.
5. The production of simple luminous cascades by means of incandescent lamps
suitably grouped fixed upon an endless apron y driven and guided by pulleys and
drums X, XX", in combination with a metallic web Z, brushes j and commutators,
as described with reference to Figure 13.
6. The production of multicolored cascades of fire by means of colored incan-
descent lamps suitably disposed and lighted in groups or rows by means of
commutators, said arrangement comprising the cylinders u, u', u², u³, in combina-
tion with shafts and rings guided by means of rollers as described with reference
to Figures 11 and 12.
7. In the application of electricity to pyrotechnics, the mode of construction
and combination of a keyboard and commutator for emitting the current at will
in any given lamps of a pyrotechnic device, as described with reference to Figures 5^
and 18.
8. In the application of electricity to pyrotechnics, producing loud detonations
by means of so called volta pistols, constructed of a chamber 18, plug 19, pipes 21
and 22 and point 20, for producing ignition as described with reference to
Figure 17b¹
Dated thi zuh any of January tanz.
P. C. E. CHAMPION,
By A. M. & Wm. Clark,
53, Chancery Lane, London, Chartered Patent Agents.