IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIO LAMPS
Year: 1884

page_text: "
I, CHARLES ARTHUR ALLISON, of the firm of Allison Brothers, of 52 Chancery
Lane, London, in the county of Middlesex, Patent Agents, do hereby declare the
nature of my invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIO LAMPS a communication
to me from abroad by Doctor Carl Aner von Welsbach, Doctor of Philosophy, of
63 Gumpendorfer Strasse, in the City of Vienna, Austria, to be as follows:-
As the principle on which the present lamp is based is so novel as possibly to
surprise even the 'professional Electrician, I beg before entering on a detailed
description to premise some remarks which may tend to its more thorough
appreciation.
The phenomenon of the spark which arises on interrupting a galvanic current of
sufficient quantity and tension is universally known.
On following up the principles which come here in consideration the method of
producing this phenomenon so as to serve for the construction of an electric lamp.
became apparent and the present models are the result of such researches.
In the first place I beg to notice the general principles and then to add some of
the most important applications.
.
By causing two poles to rub briskly against each other under slight friction
even brilliant arcs of light may be obtained provided that total heating of the
poles be avoided and it is immaterial what form may be given to the poles and
whether they are dry or moistened with other substances.
The closer consideration of the relations here involved are suitable only for a
scientific work and can consequently be only glanced at now.
By this method of producing the galvanic arc (which is the principle of gliding
poles) substances may be employed for the production of light which could not.
have been thought of before, owing to the former high temperature of the poles.
If the poles be formed of metal (e.g. copper) and if they be moistened by
insulating substances of organic origin as tar, resin, petroleum &, these substances
may be employed under the above circumstances as materials for arcs of the most
brillant white light.

page_text: The material for lighting can be supplied to either one or both poles but in the
form just described it is more practical to have it imbibed by the larger pole alone
and for this purpose brushes are arranged as to touch the periphery of the pole at
a point visible in the drawing and hereafter described. :
The notion of the motor M is communicated to the movable parts of the lamp
by toothed wheel and belt. The nature of this motion, of special importance for:
the blameless working of the lamp, must be so that the wheels of the negative pole
ascend the inclined plane of the large wheel rotate during their forward movement
during which they are pressed against the wheel P by the spring spokes on which
they are placed and quit the same at its periphery, at which point arises the
brilliant vapour bridge of the substance employed for lighting as a brilliant arc of
light. The ascent of the smaller carbon wheels is of special importance for slowly
flashing light as thereby the current is closed short the dynamo maschine is
powerfully charged and may be still more so by the employment of an induction
coil of several hundred windings by which a considerably strong current rises at
the moment of opening..
P
The foregoing description has reference to the simplest construction of the lamp.
Several negative poles can be employed in the same way as several positive poles;
in this case extra induction coils are employed for the production of independant
sparks.
All the poles hitherto mentioned can be modified in several ways.
NEGATIVE POLE. The carbon wheels may be replaced :―.
a) by wheels of any conducting substance.
b) or by pieces of spring or other wire eg copper, elastic carbon rods. The
spring supporting the carbon wheels may be replaced.
c) by spiral springs.
d) in case of horizontal position they can replace the spring by their own weight
and are moveable on hinges.
e) the pole in its totality may be constructed of carbon provided with grooves &c,
in which case the positive pole is elastically fixed.
f) The moistening takes place exclusively on the negative pole. "This last
requiring an alteration in the form of the positive pole in which the wheels are
placed excentrically or in elliptical or similar curves.
POSITIVE POLE The carbon wheels may be replaced
a) by massive block or piece of carbon. The same may have also a cylindrical
or prismatic form, it rotates also on its own axis and is touched by the other pole
perpendicularly to its longer diameter.
b) By a cylindrical carbon tube in which case the lighting material can be
pressed into the interior or where fluid is employed the same can be conveyed to
this place of contact by a wick. The tube is sloped and revolves slowly on its
own axis.
a
c) Should the moistening take place on the negative pole it may be formed of
all possible shapes besides those already mentioned, in blocks, rods, plates, & in
which case one part of the positive pole is heated to red heat. Should the wheels
on the negative pole be placed excentrically this is mostly avoided.
In substances rich in carbon the positive pole must be replaced by a wheel with
several spokes.
So under the above circumstances the arc of light is evolved irrespective of the
form and size of course the poles may be submitted to many alterations of form
without any appreciable injury to their effect for instance the position of the large
carbon wheel (Model I) can be changed so that the spark formation may arise on
its periphery in which case a thin wheel suffices, further the positive" pole can adopt.
the form of the negative pole described under e..
In this case the poles pass over each other and the sparks rise on the edge of the
carbon wheels.

page_text: II. Apparatus for the reception of supply of the lighting material. The receiver
for this purpose is of course not confined to any particular form. The method of
supply is more important and we shall consider it in the caso of fluids (the great
majority) under two heads:-
A. The method of producing the outflow of the lighting material from the
reservoir.
B. The method of conveying the same to the pole.
The former can be produced by the pressure either of the air or of the gases
produced by electrolysis. In the former case when the current begins the valve
which closos the reservoir is opened and the latter communicates with the nir.
When the emission is produced by electrolysis the gases produced force the fluid
out of the vessel which is closed on all sidea. The electrodes may be placed either
in the lighting fluid itself or in another vessel in communication with it and the
reservoir containing the lighting material supplied with capillary tubes. In the
opening of the valve in case of atmospheric pressure may take place either by
means of an electro-magnet with lover or by a kind of solenoide as may be seen
from the drawing.
The supply can also take place in several ways:
a) by dropping directly on the pole.
b) by a piece of felt or brush of any material in this case the moistening is more
regular,
°c) a small wheel set in motion by the one pole and formed of felt or similar spongy
substance as asbestos & receives the drops and delivers the same to the other pole.
The material can further be supplied by turning the pole on a spongy substance
kept moist with the lighting material or by placing it direct in a bath or by rubbing
against a piece of the lighting substance which rubs against the pole in the latter
case of course hygroscopic substances are excluded.
Should the positive pole be formed of plates and the negative placed excentrically
the lighting material can be on the surface of the latter or may be supplied as a
solid body or in case of fluid by a wick.
III. The motor does not form part of the patent only its employment.
By a rheostat placed into concuit the movement of the lamp and consequently
the intervals between the formation of the sparks can be regulated.
IV.-Induction coils. Their importance has been mentioned under I.
V. The lighting material. Ita composition varies according to the purpose of the
light and the nature of the body employed. Soluble substances are employed in
mixtures of fixed percentages.
Insoluble substances are employed in the form of powders or of compact piecos..
The former case comes almost exclusively into consideration, the subjoined are
those more especially suitable. The compounds of chlorine with such metals as
when heated to a vapour state possess the property of emitting brilliant light such
as compounds of calcium, bariuin, strontium & all well known scientific data.
Further the carbonates and the compounds of the bodies alone are mixed with
resin and powdered charcoal, the latter alone or impregnated with salts and lastly
resin asphalt, petroleum, tar and all bodies rich in carbon. In the lamp first
described the dimensions of the different parts may vary within wide limits.
Burning does not take place as the total heating of the wheels in no case
exceeds 100 €.
I onņumerate again the parts of this invention specially to be patentod.
1) The use of swinging or rotary poles of carbon or other conducting substance
and of circular cylindrical or other form and in the form, and connexions and
method of being moistened already mentioned.
2) The application of picces or rods or wheels or the other mentioned forms in
connexion with a second rotary pole,

page_text: HOW DECOSsary, the Construction
is evident from the accompanying drawings.
- The essential parts of the lamp in its simplest form are:-
I.-The poles.
II. The spring f in square or cylindrical form with anchor and smaller
continuation.
III. The electro magnets E, E,, for setting same in motion.
IV. The apparatus L for moistening.
I. The positive pole consists of one or more carbon wheels. The negative pole
consists of a carbon cylinder rotating round its axis. An. unlimited number of
positive and negative poles may be placed beside each other the cuppeling is then
as in Model I.
II. This spring carries the negative pole on its elastic continuation and can
like its continuation be formed of any sufficiently elastic material.
IV. This reservoir contains the lighting material which is composed of solutions
of different sorts and degrees of concentration according to the nature of the
substance and of the light desired. The remarks made as to Model I are applicable
in this case also. Only the position of the poles is confined by certain laws, all the
other parts may vary according as the construction is horizontal or vertical. The
poles must be so placed that the oscillation of the negative pole, which moves
always in an elliptical curve must cause the positive to move in rapid rotation.
This latter is of high importance for the proper working of the lamp as the
contrary would occasion an unequal wearing of the poles and the action would be
rendered imperfect. All these conditions are fulfilled by placing the positive pole
so as to be touched by the negative at a tangent as may be seen from the drawing..
With reference to the automatic action of the lamp an apparatus is placed on
one of the positive poles so that on closing the current the pole which when the
lamp is out of action is always in contact with the negative pole is drawn into
proper position by an electro-magnet.
The dimensions and details of the lamp depend on the light desired and may
consequently vary within large limits.
*
The strength of the electro-magnet must be such as to set the spring f in
oscillation and cause it to continue so with ease.
The strength of the spring can be chosen so as to oscillate as desired. It is of
high importance that the stronger spring be of such strength as to easily overcome
the friction of the sliding pole.
The essential parts of this lamp to be patented are as follows:-
1.) The arrangement of the relative positions of the poles.
2.) The adoption and employment of the springs by which the rotation of all
the poles is possible.
3.) All the arrangements and particulars described under Model I, touching the
substance and form of the poles, the lighting material & which are all applicable
in this case also.

page_text: Improvements in Electric Lamps.
I, CHARLES ARTHUR ALLISON, of the firm of Allison Brothers, of 52 Chancery
Lane, London, in the County of Middlesex, Patent Agents, do hereby declare the
nature of my Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC LAMPS," (a communication
to me from abroad by Dr Carl Aner von Welsbach, Doctor of Philosophy, of
63 Gumpendorfer Strasse, in the City of Vienna, Austria), and in what manner
the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and. ascertained in and
by the following statement:-.
As the principle on which the present lamp is based is so novel as possibly to
surprise even the professional Electrician I beg before entering on a detailed
description to premise some remarks which may tend to its more thorough'
appreciation.
The phenomenon of the spark which arises on interrupting a galvanic current of
sufficient quantity and tension is universally known. On following up the principles
which come here in consideration the method of producing this phenomenon so as
to serve for the construction of an electric lamp became apparent and the present
models are the result of such researches.
In the first place I beg to notice the general principles and then to add some of
the most important applications.
By causing two poles to rub briskly against each other under slight friction even
brilliant arcs of light may be obtained, provided that total heating of the poles be
avoided and it is immaterial what form may be given to the poles and whether
they are dry or moistened with other substances. The closer consideration of the
relations here involved are suitable only for a scientific work and can consequently
be only glanced at now.
By this method of producing the galvanic arc (which I name the principle of
gliding poles) substances may be employed for the production of light which
could not have been thought of before, owing to the former high temperature of
the pôles.
If the poles be formed of metal (i.e. copper) and if they be moistened by
insulating substances of organic origin such as tar, resin, petroleum & these
substances may be employed under the above circumstances as materials for arcs
of the most brilliant white light.
The light becomes still more brilliant by the employment of bodies of metallic
basis e.g. compounds of calcium, barium, strontium etc which possess the property
of giving brilliant light when beated to a state of vapour.
Almost all compounds of these bodies may be employed. It is evident that the
more volatile compounds such as those of chlorine & afford a more powerful
light..
All the bodies mentioned can be prepared in any desired mixtures even with
bodies of organic origin and thus serve as material for electrical lighting.

page_text: It is hardly necessary to state that by this means light of every shade of colour
may be produced with equal facility from the purple colour of the calcium are to
the hardly perceptible green of the otherwise white light of the barium vapour.
After the foregoing general observations I beg to call attention to some remarkable
peculiarities.
The are omits principally light. One can allow an are of several thousand
candles to pass between the open fingers without perceiving any appreciable
increase of temperature. As cursorily touched on the whole phenomenon is pro-
duced only by a remarkably small and partial heating of the pole the main body
of which remains almost cold a circumstance attributable also to the small
duration.
II. The apparatus for the reception and supply of the material for Lighting L.
III. The motor for putting the rotary parts in motion M.
IV. Induction coil.
V. The material for lighting.
I. The one pole P generally the positive consists in its simplest form of a carbon
plate either round or polygonal. For slowly intermitting light its form is changed
so as to resemble the lower section of a cone of which the upper surface has a
dinmeter about rd less than that of the base.
For the production of several sparks different poles may be employed, for
flashing light one sullices. The other pole the negative is a compound pole and is
formed of a series of small carbou wheels P, P', P", P, of which strictly speaking
each forms a pole in itself.
The smaller wheels are fixed perpendicularly on the spokes of another wheel
so na to revolve easily round their axle. The axles are formed of small flat
springs.
The method of fastening the several parts may be seen from the drawing. The
number of wheels of such a pole can vary within wide limits, they are generally
two or four. This spoke wheel is movably fixed on the axle. The position of the
several parts hitherto mentioned is evident from the following description.
On the rotation of the spoke wheel the smaller ones move up the sloping edge of
the conical wheel and quit the same at the periphery of the base consequently the
plan of the base of the pole P stands perpendicular to the plane of the spokes.
By the motion of the axle A the endless screw cut in the same comes into play
and communicates its motion to an insulated toothed wheel placed on the carbon
wheel P and consequently the latter rotates but much more slowly whereby newly
moistened parts come to the contact.
The material for lighting can be supplied to either one or both poles but in the
form just described it is more practical to have it imbibed by the larger pole alone
and for this purpose brushes are so arranged as to touch the periphery of the pole
at a point visible in the drawing and hereafter described.
The motion of the motor M is communicated to the movable parts of the lamp
by toothed wheel and belt.
量

page_text: The nature of this motion, of special importance for the blameless working of the
lamp, must be so that the wheels of the negative pole ascend the inclined plane of
the large wheel rotate during their forward movement, during which they are
pressed against the wheel P, by the spring spokes on which they are placed and
quit the same at its periphery, at which point the brilliant vapour bridge of the
substance employed for lighting appears as a brilliant arc of light.
The ascent of the smaller carbon wheels is of special importance for slowly.
flashing light as thereby the current is closed short the dynamo machine is power-
fully charged and may be still more so by the employment of an induction coil of
several hundred windings by which a considerably strong current rises at the
moment of opening. The foregoing description has reference to the simplest
construction of the lamp.
Several negative poles can be employed in the same way as several positive
poles; in this case extra induction coils are employed for the production of
independent sparks.
All the poles hitherto mentioned can be modified in several ways:—
NEGATIVE POLES.-The carbon wheels may be replaced.
a) by wheels of any conducting substance.
b) or by pieces of spring or other wire e.g, copper, elastic carbon rods. The
spring supporting the carbon wheels may be replaced.
c) by spiral springs.
d) in case of horizontal position they can replace the spring by their own weight
and are movable on hinges.
e) the pole in its totality may be constructed of carbon provided with grooves &
in which case the positive pole is elastically fixed.
f) The moistening takes place exclusively on the negative pole. This last
requiring an alteration in the form of the positive pole in which the wheels are
placed excentrically or in elliptical or similar curves.
POSITIVE POLE. The carbon wheels may be replaced:
=
a) by a massive block or piece of carbon. The same may have also a cylindrical
or prismatic form, it rotates also on its own axis and is touched by the other pole
perpendicularly to its longer diameter.
b) By a cylindrical carbon tube in which case the lighting material can be
pressed into the interior or where fluid is employed the same can be conveyed to
the place of contact by a wick. The tube is sloped and revolves slowly on its own
axis.
c) Should the moistening take place on the negative pole it may be formed of
all possible shapes besides those already mentioned, in blocks, rods, plates &* in
which case one part of the positive pole is heated to red heat. Should the wheels
on the negative pole be placed excentrically this is mostly avoided.
In substances rich in carbon the positive pole must be replaced by a wheel with
several spokes.
As under the above circumstances the arc of light is evolved irrespective of the
form and size of course the poles may be submitted to many alterations of form
without any appreciable injury to their effect for instance the position of the large
carbon wheel (Model I) can be changed so that the spark formation may arise on
its periphery in which case a thin wheel suffices, further the positive pole can adopt
the form of the negative pole described under 6. In this case the poles pass over
each other and the sparks rise on the edge of the carbon wheels.
II. Apparatus for the reception and supply of the lighting material-The
reservoir for this purpose is of course not confined to any particular form. The
method of supply is more important and we shall consider it in the case of fluids
(the great majority) under two heads,

page_text: II. A spring fin square or cylindrical form with.anchor and smaller continuation.
III., The Electro Magnets E' E' for setting the same in motion.
IV. The apparatus L for moistening.
I. The positive pole consists of one or more carbon wheels. The negative pole
consists of a carbon cylinder rotating round its axis. An unlimited number of
positive and negative poles may be placed beside each other, coupled as before
described and shown in Model I.
II. This spring carries the negative pole on its elastic continuation and can like
its continuation be formed of any sufficiently elastic material.
III. This reservoir contains the lighting material which is composed of solutions
of different sorts and degrees of concentration according to the nature of the
substance and of the light desired.
The remarks made as to Model I are applicable in this case also. Only the
position of the poles is confined by certain laws, all the other parts may vary
according as the construction is horizontal or vertical. The poles must be so
placed that the oscillation of the negative pole, which moves always in an elliptical
curve must cause the positive to move in rapid rotation.
This latter is of high importance for the proper working of the lamp as the
contrary would occasion an unequal wearing of the poles and the action would be
rendered imperfect. All these conditions are fulfilled by placing the positive pole
so as to be touched by the negative at a tangent as may be seen from the drawing.
With reference to the automatic action of the lamp an apparatus is placed on
one of the positive poles so that on closing the current the pole which, when the
lamp is out of action, is always in contact with the negative pole is drawn into
proper position by an electro-magnet.
The dimensions and details of the lamp depend on the light desired and may
consequently vary within large limits.
The strength of the Electro-Magnet must be such as to set the spring fin
oscillation and cause it to continue so with ease.
The strength of the spring can be chosen so as to oscillate as desired.
It is of high importance that the stronger spring be of such strength as to easily
overcome the friction of the sliding pole.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my inven
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is
1. The arrangement of the relative positions of the poles aubstantially as
decoribed and shown.

page_text: 2. The adoption and employment of the springs by which the rotation of all the
poles is possible substantially as described.
3. All the arrangements and particulars described under Model I touching the
substanco and form of the poles, the lighting material & which are all applicable in
this case also substantially as described and shown.