IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO ELECTRIC LIGHTING APPARATUS WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE PARTLY APPLICABLE FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Year: 1882

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Henry Harris Lake, of the firm of Haseltine Lake
"
& Co, Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings London for an Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO ELECTRIC LIGHTING APPARATUS WHICH
IMPROVEMENTS ARE PARTLY APPLICABLE FOR OTHER PURPOSES Com-
municated to him from abroad by Silvanus Frederick Van Choate of the
City and, State of New York United States of America Electrical and
Telegraphic Engineer
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Henry Harris Lake at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 23rd October 1882.
HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the firm of Haseltine, Lake and Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London, "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO ELECTRIC
"
LIGHTING APPARATUS WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE PARTLY APPLICABLE FOR OTHER
PURPOSES [A communication to him from abroad by Silvanus Frederick Van
Choate of the City and State of New York United States of America Electrical
and Telegraphic Engineer]
This invention relates chiefly to electric lighting and comprises improvements in
incandescent lamps and also in arc lamps when the electrodes of the latter are
partly or wholly hermetically sealed; electrodes or light emitting conductors which
may be used in connection therewith; means for removing and replacing, at
pleasure, the globe of the lamp; and a simple, practical device for measuring and
regulating the current in an electrical circuit and the brilliancy of an electric light,
so that the current and the light may be decreased or increased at pleasure, the
light being as simply and effectually regulated as an ordinary gas light.
One part of my invention relates to incandescent lamps and the means whereby
the glass globe or case may be removed and replaced and the conductor renewed
at pleasure. Another part of my invention relates to arc lamps which are
particularly intended for small lights, for interior lighting, or otherwise, wherein
the electrodes are partly or wholly within an hermetically sealed globe or case.

page_text: Another part of my invention relates to the method of manufacturing conductors
or electrodes for the said lamps or for other electric lamps, from a composition or
alloy; to the construction and shape of the said conductors or electrodes; and to the
process of converting metals, such as pure copper or the like, into the said com-
position or alloy, because the alloy when it is once set cannot be readily re-fused,
and because the material itself is extremely hard and brittle, so that it cannot be
easily worked by ordinary tools; by which method or process I furnish a material
for the purposes of electric lighting that may be used without difficulty in the open
air or at least without a vacuum, and that may be subjected to a current of
sufficient strength to produce the desired light without danger of fusion; the said
material may be used as a substitute for the sticks of carbon and other materials
that have been hitherto employed in the arc light, and it may also be used in the
manufacture of other articles.
Another part of my said invention relates to means for regulating, controlling,
and measuring the flow or passage of the electric current through a circuit or
conductor in such a manner that the light or other effect or development of the
electricity at any point or points in the said circuit may be kept or maintained at
a uniform or stendy rate or flow and also may be increased or diminished without
decreasing, diminishing, or otherwise disturbing, the light or effect at other points
in the said circuit. This part of the said invention will therefore be of very great
importance for electric lighting as it provides the means whereby in a circuit of
any number of lights each lamp may be rendered independent of the others to such
an extent that the lights may be caused to burn with an equal and uniform
'brilliancy, and one or any number of the said lights may be extinguished without
extinguishing, or in any wise disturbing, the other lights in the said circuit.
In constructing an incandescent lamp according to this invention I provide a
glass globe which may be spherical or of any suitable shape, and within which
I place a cylindrical glass tube or globe; the lower ends or necks of the two globes
are fused or cemented together and then ground to the required size, to fit a case or
socket and holder; the said holder is of a conical shape and may be made of glass,
porcelain, or any other suitable material. Studs of copper, brass, or other suitable
metal are mounted in perforations at the top of the said holder and are centred and
steadied by washer or plate, the whole being firmly secured in the holder by a
cement which will absorb heat, such as asbestos, mica, or other suitable substance.
The upper ends of the said studs are provided with sockets or slots to receive and
hold the extremities of the light-emitting conductor, while their lower ends are
flattened into stout springs which press against upright metallic strips, cleats, or
studs. The conical holder is cemented, or otherwise secured, to the upper and of
the inside tube of the case or socket, or it may be ground, or otherwise made to fit
the said tube so that it can be taken off and replaced. It may also be cemented or
fused to one of the globes and a vacuum formed in the globe in which the
conductor is mounted. Either one of the said globes may be dispensed with, if
desired, and either of them may be made at its lower end so as to fit over the
conical holder without projecting downwards into the case or socket. The said
case which has two cavities is formed in one piece and may be porcelain,
glass, brass or any suitable material. The upper cavity serves as a common
holder for the lamp mechanism, and the lower cavity for the shunt mechanism..
The upper cavity is partly filled with a fluid or liquid such as mercury or any
other desirable and suitable fluid or liquid, which acts as a ready and simple means
of scaling the bottom of the globes at their connections with the holder and the
case, or either of them. By this construction it will be seen that the globes can be
easily and readily removed and replaced by the hand without any difficulty and
without disturbing any other part of the lamp. The joints about the neck of the
globes may be quite loose, but held in place by a thumb-screw set in the side of
the case, the mercury or other fluid in the cup at the bottom making an air-tight
joint.
The said lamp is intended primarily to be used without a perfect vacuum being

page_text: formed within the globe, and for that and other reasons, I use two globes one
inside the other; the inner one is of as small dimensions as possible, so that when it
is placed over the conductor the amount of air, and consequently of oxygen
contained therein, is inconsiderable. The outer globe forms an air-cushion to
prevent the external cold air from cracking the inner globe when the light is
extinguished. The inner globe or tube may be slightly enlarged near the
conductor if desired. An arm or tube supports the lamp from the wall or from a
central support as in the case of a chandelier. The end of the said tube fits into a
projection; hub; or socket on the side of the case or socket and is secured by a screw
or pin. Near the end of the tube is an insulation plug which serves to hold and
also to insulate the end of two conducting wires. The ends of these two con-
ducting wires which project into the case are slightly flattened so as to form.
springs, and make electrical contact with upright metallic studs in the manner
herein before described. These contact ends in both cases slide in and out between
their respective studs when the parts are separated or put together. The said studs
are integral parts of three curved metallic contact-pieces; the said curved metallic
contact pieces are secured in dove-tailed or bevelled slots or grooves formed in the
inner circumference of an insulated cylinder arranged within a metallic thimble. or
cylindrical case fitting into the lower cavity or chamber of the case or socket and
secured by a pin or screw. At the lower end of the cylindrical case or metallic
thimble is an opening terminating in a neck or flange into which is fitted, by a
screw-thread, an adjustable hollow nut to regulate the contact-pressure of a shunt
plug; an insulation stem and a metallic thumb-piece are provided for turning and
adjusting the said shunt-plug. Two insulating washers are arranged to insulate
the shunt-plug from the case or socket and the adjustable hollow nut. The electric
circuit is so arranged in connection with the said shunt-plug that when the latter
is turned to make the proper contact a greater or less portion of the said current is
passed through the lamp.
The conductors. of my incandescent lamps are preferably star-shaped but they
may be made in any other shape or form desired, and of any suitable material,
carbonized or otherwise; I use a special metal or alloy, from which conductors may
be cast or moulded directly from a fusion of the various materials, but I prefer to
form them of copper or other metal, or of copper wire shaped as desired and then
converted or changed, in the retort and furnace, into the metal or alloy;
In section the conductors may be of any suitable shape with their extremities so
adjusted as to fit into the holes or perforations drilled or formed in the tops of
the studs projecting through the conical carrier. Instead of having holes, the tops
of the studs may be of any shape desired, or they may be formed with slots or
notches, the extremities of the conductors being made square or flat or any other
shape, to correspond with the holders, whatever may be the shape; the conductor
can be readily placed in, and removed from, the studs with the finger and thumb.
In constructing an arc-lamp according to this invention I provide an inner globe
or casing, and an exterior globe or casing the neck of which is tightly fitted to the
neck of the inner globe and may be hermetically sealed if desired. I also form a
division or sealing partition between the sealed case, or globe and the mechanism,
fixtures, and supports, of the lamp. Whatever shapes or forms the said case or
globe and the said mechanism and supports may assume, there must be a similar
division line between them. Everything ou one side of this division is to be
considered as within the said case or globe and everything on the other side of the
said line is to be considered as outside of the said case or globe. A cup or holder
of brass or other suitable material supports the lamp, and encloses the coil of the
magnet, one pole of which extends beyond the division into the interior of the
inner casing into proximity with an armature which is pivotted in a block or
stopper secured to the head of the magnet coil and filling the neck of the inner
globe so as to close it hermetically. The said stopper may be formed integral with
the core of the magnet-or with the head of the core; connected to, or forming a
portion of, the said armature is a conducting rod or holder for one of the electrodes,

page_text: "
while a metallic holder or support carrying the other electrode is mounted in an
insulating plug seated in a hole bored in the said stopper. A spring seated in a
transverse groove in the said stopper bears against the said armature and tends to
bring the electrodes into contact. When the electric current passes through the
coil, the armature is attracted and thereby separates the electrodes, thus forming
the are which continues to burn so long as the current flows, and the electrodes
endure.
The magnet is bored longitudinally at one side, to receive an insulated con-
ducting wire which is connected to the end of the metallic support or holder. The
other conducting wire is connected directly to the inagnet from which the current
passes to the conducting rod through the stopper which is made of a conducting
material preferably brass, because its ratio of expansion and contraction by heat is
more nearly like that of glass than most other conductors. The coils of the
magnet are placed in circuit with the conducting wires and the electrodes in a well.
known manner.
The armature and the other parts within the inuer globe may be mounted and
supported in other ways, for instance the arinature may be in the form of a bent
lever and the magnet attract the armature through the bottom of the glass globe.
Any suitable means for sealing the said globe may be employed; I generally prefer
to make the exterior globe air-tight, although this is not absolutely necessary, the
iden being to prevent free circulation of the envelope of air which is in contact
with the interior globe, so that the said globe shall not suddenly cool when the
light is put out, and also to protect it from the direct action of exterior currents of
cold air when the lamp is burning.
In manufacturing light-emitting conductors according to this invention I take
from five to six parts of copper, and from two to three parts of arsenic, and when
required a small quantity of nickel, platinum or of iridium or any other suitablo
metal for giving the proper homogeneity or tenacity to the material, a quantity of
chloride of sodium (say about equal in bulk to the other substances) being added
to aid the fusion and combination of the ingredients. The quantity of platinum,
iridium, or other metal or substance required to be used varies with the degree of
tenacity required, and is added for the purpose of overcoming the friability, or
brittleness, which results when the copper and arsenic are combined alone in the
proportions above stated. The copper should be as chemically pure as possible and
finely divided or granulated; if desirable copper in the form of filings or turnings
may be used. I prefer to use the granulated copper. The arsenic and copper should
bo placed in a crucible in alternate layers, the platinum, iridium or other metal, if
used, being added when desired in sufficient quantity to give the desired tenacity or
homogeneity to the alloy. The whole is then covered with a layer of chloride of
sodium and pressed well down into the crucible, which must be hermetically closed.
and sufficiently strong to resist the pressure of the gases or fumes produced by
fusion. The substances are melted together and.combined by means of the electric
current or are, or by placing the crucible in a furnace. On account of the explosive
nature of the mixture, and the deleterious effects of the arsenical fumes, if they
'should escape, the electric current is preferable as it enables the fusion of the
material to be conducted at a distance. As the substances used may vary a little
in purity, the exact proportions to be used may require to be slightly varied. in
order to give the highest and best degree of ductility and non-fusibility combined.
When the above compound is melted it can be cast in the desired shape for electric
conductors. After it is set it can be polished and shaped by the emery wheel or
otherwise. Under some conditions where the friability or brittleness of the
composition is not objectionable, I employ the materials above described in the
proportions named, without the addition of platinum or iridium; such for instance
as for use as a resistance. Such a compound is of high electrical resistance, but its
friability is under some circumstances a disadvantage. It is for the purpose of
overcoming these peculiarities that I add platinum, iridium, or other metals in such
quantity as will give the desired degree of tenacity without materially detracting
じ

page_text: from the refractory nature of the compound.
Other substances can be used to
reduce the friability of the metal and render it more manageable.
1
To convert other pliable metals into the said alloy I take copper, silver, platinum,
nickel, or any other desirable metal, and form it into the desired shapes for electric
conductors or other articles by moulding, forging, drawing, or by any other
mechanical process best adapted to the particular shape required, I then
place them
in a retort or crucible in alternate layers, or otherwise, with from one
ne to three parts.
of metallic arsenic; chloride of sodium being added in a quantity sufficient to
produce the required chemical union of the substances. They may be placed in a
plate or procelain dish, or on a plate of glass, and then submitted to the treatment
in the furnace.
The retort is then sealed and tightly clamped, or otherwise secured, so as to
prevent the escape of the gases from the interior, and then placed in a cupel or
other furnace and submitted to a heat sufficient to vaporize the arsenic and the
chloride of sodium or other flúx; and also to raise the copper, silver or other metal
to a glowing heat, the temperature being so regulated, however, as not to melt the
same or to change its essential form. The materials are subjected to this temperature
for a sufficient time to allow the arsenic to thoroughly permeate and combine with
the copper or other metal. The whole is then allowed to cool. when the burners or
other articles after a little cleaning or washing in an acid or caustic bath are ready
for use, and will be found to have all the characteristics of articles formed by
casting the alloy itself into the desired shape, as in the process herein before
described.
:
It is preferable to arrange separate ovens or retorts, one for the copper or other
metal conductors and one for the arsenic and chloride of sodium, owing to the
comparatively low heat at which the latter substances melt or vaporize. These
ovens or retorts must be connected by piping and fitted with cocks.. The copper
or other metal conductors, and the arsenic, can then be raised to the proper
temperature and the communication of the arsenic with the copper can be made by
the turn cock. To prevent scales of oxide from forming on the surface of the
copper conductors, and to keep them clean, I arrange a flask or reservoir of carbonic
acid gas, connected by piping with the interior of the retort containing the
conductors or metal, and so arranged that a proper amount of gas will circulate
about the conductors until the arsenical vapor is admitted. The furnace for the
copper or metal should be connected with a tall chimney properly arranged as to
ventilation and the regulation of the draught; and when the metal has cooled down
sufficiently, the opening leading into the flue of the chimney should be made to
allow any fumes to pass off before opening the door of the furnace.
In carrying another part of my invention into practice for electric lighting I first
ascertain or determine the number and power of the lights, lamps, or illuminators to
be used in each circuit, I then ascertain and determine the amount of electrical
resistance that will be required at each lamp or point of illumination to produce the
electric arc or light, that is to say, the. amount of resistance necessary to render
incandescent the carbon, metal, or other substance used for giving or developing the
light. The sum of these quantities of resistance, added to the resistance of the wire
or conductor, will be the total resistance in the circuit, that is to say, the strength
of the electrical current required to be generated to produce the desired number
and intensity of the lights.
The peculiar feature of this part of my invention consists in dividing the main
conductor or circuit into two conductors at each point along its length where the
illuminators, lamps, or lights are to be placed, by throwing out a loop or branch
conductor from the main one, and this branch or loop I call the secondary or auxiliary
conductor, and in combining with this double or divided conductor an adjusting
piece so arranged that the whole or any part of the current may be caused to pass
either through the branch or auxiliary conductor in which the light is included; or
through the other main conductor, and these two conductors and adjusting piece
are so arranged with proper resistances that in whatever position the said pièce is

page_text: adjusted the sum of the force or amount of the current passing through the divided
conductor or the two branches of the main conductor will not be changed by the
adjustment of the said adjusting piece, that is to say, the quantity or amount of the
electric current diverted by such adjustment from one of the two conductors or
branches will be exactly equalled by the increased quantity thereby caused to pass
through the other conductor or branch.
I effect this result as follows, that is to say, I divide the main conductor and
circuit at, or near, the lamp or burner, or at the point where the illuminator is to
be placed, into two branches or conductors. One of these conductors includes the
carbon or metal or other substance by whose illumination or incandescence tho
light is given, and the other conductor passes on, and the two branches are brought
together or re-united beyond, or at a point adjacent to, the lamp or lighting point,
or at any other convenient or desired position.
At one or both of the junctions or uniting points of this divided or doublo
conductor I arrange the switch, shunt, key, tap, or other suitable adjusting piece or
current-changer or conductor-divisor fitted to work on a fulcrum or pivot, or to
slide, or otherwise so arranged in connection with fixed plates, pieces, or points of
contact in both parts of the said double or divided conductor, that it can be moved
to and fro or otherwise from one to the other, and provided with insulations and
resistances as required. By the adjustment of the said switch and the adjusting
piece as to resistances and otherwise, the flow or passage of the electric current is
regulated to cause the said current, or any desired proportion of the same, to pass
either through the carbon, metal or other substance which gives the light, or on
through the main conductor. That is to say, I can, by the adjustment of the said
switch or adjustable piece, divert more or less of the current from the main circuit
and conductor to any one of the said lamps or burners or illuminating points.or
from the latter into and through the main circuit or conductor, and thereby
diminish or increase the intensity of the light at such point without disturbing or
affecting any or either of the other lights in the main circuit or conductor. With
this arrangement the lights will remain practically unaffected by any fluctuations
of the current through the main conductor.
I prefer to have the adjusting piece graduated or marked with a scale of divisions.
Or to have a pointer or index arranged in connection with a scale of divisions on
the fixed plates or contact or connecting pieces of the two circuits or conductors
with which the said adjusting piece is combined as above described, for measuring
the currents passing through it or through or over the said main circuit' or a
branch thereof, or suitably connected with the same; I may insert a neter or
device for determining and indicating the amount and force of the electric current
sent through the said circuit or the lamps, burners, or other points of resistance in
the same.
In the arrangement of electrical circuits and the regulation and measurement of
electrical currents circulating through or upon the said circuits, under conditions
whereby the resistance of the electric circuit is maintained constant notwithstanding
the introduction or withdrawal from the said circuit of telegraphic instruments,
electric lights, or other apparatus, or machines, I make use of an electric circuit
consisting of a simple uniform conductor, which I call the main line, extending to
any desired distance on either side of the generator and grounded; the said
conductor being grounded at one end which I assume as the originating point and
near which point the generator of electricity is supposed to be located in the
direct circuit forming the said main line. If desirable this main circuit; may be
wholly metallic, and not connected with the earth at all.
The main line together with the generator or battery has its own definite
specific resistance which for illustration we will say is ten ohms. It being desired
to place the circuit at various points along the said line, say for instance nine
telegraph instruments or nine electric lights, the resistanco opposed to. the main
line current, when each is thrown into circuit being ten ohms, the total resistance
of the circuit or conductor together with that of the instruments or lights will be

page_text: one hundred ohms. This determines the amount of the electro-motive force
required to operate the said instruments, lights, or other apparatus. One of the
important objects of this part of my invention is to introduce into such a circuit,
or withdraw from the same at pleasure, either one or several, or all, of said instru-
ments, lights, or apparatus, without disturbing the normal and determinate
electrical resistance, and without at any time breaking the continuity of the said
main line circuit, and to accomplish this in the most simple, efficient, and
inexpensive manner. For this purpose I employ a shunting switch, which acts,
upon the circuits in a peculiar manner, and which is also of a novel construction,
and is provided with an electrical resistance of a peculiar material.
A disc of wood or other insulating material scives as a base to which are applied
the other parts of the device, a disc of hard india-rubber, ivory, or other insulating.
material and three plates of metal serve as connecting pieces for the several wires
or circuits controlled by the shunting device, and are arranged in radial or other
position about a central hub or plug. The wires of the various circuits are con-
nected to the said plates by means of binding posts or otherwise. One or all of
the said plates may be graduated so as to form a meter to measure and indicate the
amount of electricity passing through the said plate or plates, and thence to the line
or circuit. The pointer can be made long enough to give the desired radius for the
scale to be properly figured, and by starting from a central point or zero, the figures
can extend to the right and left on either side of the zero point. The figures on
one side may represent the current on the main-line circuit or conductor, or one
branch of it, while the figures on the other side may represent the loop or the other
branch of the inaiu-line circuit or conductor. The movement or variation of the
pointer from one side to the. other would then show by the index figures the
relative amount of current on the main-line or conductor and the loop line, or on
both parts or divisions of the main conductor. The arrangement can be varied to
suit various circumstances. The current used to operate or regulate the light or
apparatus is supplied by the main line or conductor, on which the battery, dynamo-
machine or other source of electricity is located or connected thereto. The hub or
plug of the said switch is made of some metal of good electrical conductivity. It
may be constructed in various forms, but I prefer to make it cylindrical and
slightly tapering so that it may be maintained in good electrical connection with
the three connecting plates by means of a screw bolt and tightening and locking
nuts. On two sides of the said plug are two segmental grooves, in which are fitted
pieces of insulating material, while a number of teeth or cogs of a metal that is of
high electrical resistance, and which will be hereinafter described, are also fitted to
the said plug. These pieces of material are first firmly secured to the hub which
is then turned to a slightly tapering form, but to a true circle so as to fit perfectly
in the cylindrical and tapered opening formed to match the plug by the first metal.
plate. The plug is provided with a handle or with a thumb-piece so that it may
be turned in its socket like the plug of a gas or water cock. The arrangement and
the use of the metal teeth or cogs is novel and important. Each of these teeth
separately (of which there are as many as may be required for producing gradual
changes of resistance by the turning of the plug) is made to give a resistance
greater than that of the light or instrument to be used in connection with each
Where, however, a
shunt, in cases where a single light or instrument is used.
number of instruments are used then each tooth or cog might be made to give a
resistance equal to that of a part only of the whole number of instruments used in
conjunction therewith. In either case, however, the sum of the resistance of the teeth,
if joined to one another in series, would be much greater than that of the total electrical,
résistance of the light or lights in immediate connection with the shunt; but when the
cogs or teeth are connected up and used in multiple arc, on the plan of my invention,
as when a number or the whole of them are in contact with the first and second.
metal plates, the total resistance is reduced from a high resistance as in the case of,
a single piece or several in series, to a comparatively low resistance. The several,
resistance pieces or teeth are in contact with the second plate connected to the

page_text: main-line conductor, while one of the insulation segments is in complete contact
with the third plate connected with the light or other apparatus. In this position
of the plug all the teeth being connected to the second plate in multiple are give a
comparatively low resistance to the passage of the current from one portion of the
main line through the plug to the other portion and the interposition of the second
insulating segment between the said. plug and the third plate connected to the
light cuts off the current entirely from the light. The resistance, however, is to be
adjusted and determined by the length or number of the metal teeth and should
be approximately equal to that opposed to the main-line current. When the plug
is turned in one direction metallic contact is made between the hub or plug and
the third plate, when, in case the metallic contact between the teeth and the second
plate were completely severed, the entire current would flow through the instrument
or light and on to the main line, but as long as the teeth are in contact with the
second plate a path for the main line current is maintained and only the desired
portion of the current flows through the instrument or light, although there is
perfect contact between the plug and the third plate, the amount of current passing
through the light being in proportion to the number of teeth withdrawn from the
second plate at the time. As the movement of the plug is continued in the same
direction the teeth are successively carried away or separated from the second plate
while the amount of free metal surface of the plug in contact with the third plate
is increased. The withdrawal of each successive tooth causes increased resistance
to the passage of the current to the second, plate by diminishing the number of
paths for the current in multiplo arc, until, finally, as the plug is turned, a sufficient
number of teeth only remain in contact with the first plate to force the desired
amount of current through the instrument, the balance of the current passing
through the remainder of the teeth in contact with the second plate on the main
circuit undiverted into the loop. By this operation it will be observed that a.
portion of the main current is gradually shunted to the light or other apparatus.
In turning off the current, the resistance at the second plate is gradually
diminished, thus taking the current gradually from the light until finally when the
plug is turned to a position where the circuit to the light is broken tlie resistance
at the second plate has been diminished and adjusted to a point where it is equal,
or approximately equal, to that of the apparatus when the instrument or light is in
circuit as before remarked. Thus in both positions of the plug the resistance in
the main line circuit is the same.
Where a number of instruments, apparatus, or lights are to be used and
regulated, as in the case of several instruments in a telegraph office, or the several
lights in a building, hotel, or theatre, or in a room or group of rooms, the main
line conductor has two shunting devices controlling the loop circuit passing into
the building, or into a room thereof, the various individual instruments, lights, or
other apparatus, in the building or room being each regulated or controlled by its
individual shunting device; while the whole number of lights or other apparatus
in each building or room' is controlled by the main shunting devices.
In a modification of my electrical shunt or balance the resistance pieces extend a
Bufficient distance around the circumference of the plug or cylinder to allow them
to come into contact with two of the plates at the same time, so as to allow a
division of the resistance between the main line connected to the third plate and
the branch or loop lines connected to tho said two plates in any desired proportion.
As the plug is turned in one direction or the other, a greater or less number of the
teeth or resistance pieces are brought into contact with, or withdrawn from, the
Baid two plates respectively, an increase of the number in contact, on the principle
of the multiple arc, giving greater conductivity, and a decrease of the number in
contact adding to the resistance. When the shunt is properly constructed with
relation to two branch lines, or to a branch line, and a continuation of a main line,
or to a loop and a continuation of the main line, by turning the plug in one direction
or the other, the gradual and proper distribution of the current in the main line
and in the branch or the loop may be attained.

page_text: When shunting devices of 'this construction are applied to a number of branch
lines, the various branches containing the lights or other apparatus, are connected
to the earth, thus completing the electric circuit through the ground and back to
the dynamo-machine, or source of electrical energy. If desired, the various branchi
lines, as well as the main line, may be composed entirely of a metallic conductor
instead of the ground forming a part thereof. Any desired number of instruments,
lights, or apparatus may be placed on these branch lines by a proper arrangement
or proportioning of the resistance pieces on the axle of the shunt or bridge
regulating the particular branch line. Any suitable material or metal may be
used for the resistance material in the construction of the resistance teeth or
segments; I prefer, however, the alloy or metal hereinbefore described.
A metallic resistance of this nature possesses great advantages for an electrical
resistance piece where the resistance is varied by shifting or changing the electrical
contact with the resistance piece itself, as in the present case, by making and
breaking contact with a number of individual pieces, or where it is varied by
sliding or shifting a circuit-closing device along a continuous piece of the metal so.
as to include more or less of it in the electric circuit.. The electrical resistance of
this material is quite high, while it is so hard that it is not injured or worn away
by the sliding contact, and it is moreover not readily oxidized by the spark'
produced by breaking of contact or by imperfection of contact.
If desired, in the construction of the shunt, the edges of the plates with which
the teeth make contact may be lined with this metal to prevent corrosion or
fusion.
It is obvious that the mechanical construction of my bridge or shunt may be
varied in many ways. The plug which is only a carrier for the shifting circuit.
connectors, may be made in very many other forms, or the plate or support to
which the plates are secured may be constructed to revolve, and the plug or
equivalent device be held fast. So also, other resistance metals may be used in
place of that herein described, or if a refractory conducting metal like platinum or
iridium be used the teeth may be made to offer a high resistance by making them
very small in cross section.
Instead of the said teeth I may use a continuous segment of resistance
material let into the plug. The effect would be essentially the same as when the
teeth are used, so far as the increase or decrease of resistance, by the turning of the
plug is concerned, but not with respect to the principles of the multiple arc.
A shunting switch of the above construction differs materially from prior forms
in its simplicity and compactness, while it at the same time enables the current to
be shunted gradually into the light or other apparatus. It requires but one
electrical resistance device, where heretofore, a multiplicity of coils and carbon rods
have been used for the purpose of endeavouring to shunt the current into the light
gradually; all of which have only succeeded to a certain degree.
My shunt not only regulates the current by a single resistance device or piece,
but it also preserves a path around the light for the current in case of accident, or
in case of the abnormal working of a lamp or machine.
The particular form herein described may be made to occupy no more space than
an ordinary gas cock, and may be readily placed in chandeliers or gas brackets
near the light, as in the case of gas fixtures; whereas in previous devices of this
nature, the presence of bulky coils, rheostats, and the like, render it necessary to
place them at a point remote from the light.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Henry Harris Lake in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
23rd April 1883.
HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the firm of Haseltine, Lake & Co, Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London, "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO ELECTRIC-
LIGHTING APPARATUS, WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE PARTLY APPLICABLE FOR OTHER
".
PURPOSES A communication to me from abroad by Sylvanus Frederick Van
Choate of the City and, State of New York, United States of America, Electrical
and Telegraphic Engineer
This invention relates chiefly to electric lighting and to the regulation and
control of electric currents therefor and for other purposes and the said invention
comprises improvements in incandescent and are lamps; improvements in the
manufacture of electrodes or light-emitting conductors which may be used in the
said lamps; improved means for facilitating the removal and replacing of the globes
of the said lamps, and a simple practical device for measuring and regulating the
current in an electric circuit and the brilliancy of an electric light so that the
current and the light may be decreased or increased at pleasure, the light being as
simply and effectually regulated as an ordinary gas light, all as hereinafter
described
One part of the said invention relates more particularly to incandescent lamps
and means whereby the glass globe or case thereof may be easily removed and
replaced and the conductor or burner renewed when required
In the accompanying drawings
Figure 1 is a side elevation of an electric incandescent lamp made in accordance
with the present invention.
Figure 2 is a vertical central section of the same.
Figure 3 is a transverse section on the line A', A. Figure 2, and
Figures 4 and 7 are similar sections on the line B, B' Figure 2
Figure 5 is a side elevation of an insulated case for holding and insulating the
two upright studs, the upper ends of which are hollowed out to receive the
extremities of the carbon or light emitting conductor and the lower ends of which
terminate in the form of spring contacts to form electrical connection with the.
circuit
Figure 6 is a vertical central section of the cup or socket for the upper parts of
the lamp.
Connected with Figure 4 is a diagram of part of the electric circuit and the
connections of the wires with the lamp and the regulating shunt.
The remaining Figures, are hereinafter referred to.
A is an exterior pear-shaped glass globe (which globe may however be made
spherical or of other suitable shape), B is an interior cylindrical glass tube or globe;
the lower ends or necks of the two globes are fused or cemented together, and then
ground inside and outside to the required size, shape or bevel to suit the cup or
socket D and the holder C. The conical shaped holder C is made of glass,
porcelain or other desirable and suitable material. The studs a, a are made of
copper or brass wire or other suitable metal, they are mounted in perforations at
the top of the holder and are held in position by a washer or plate b the whole
being firmly secured in the holder C by cement F, preferably such as will absorb the
heat, for example, asbestos, mica or other suitable substance; their upper ends at
c, c are formed with sockets or slots to receive the extremities of the light emitting
conductor, while their lower ends d, d are flattened to form springs which

page_text: press against upright.metallic strips or studs f, f. The conical holder C is cemented
at g (or otherwise secured) to the upper end of the internal tube i of the cup or
socket D, or it may be ground or otherwise made to fit the tube i so that it can be
easily taken off and replaced and will not require to be cemented. It may if
desired be cemented or fused to either of the globes B or A and a vacuum be
formed within the globe in which the carbon or other conductor is mounted.
Either of the globes A, B, may be dispensed with, if desired and either of the said
globes inay be made at its lower end so as to fit over the holder C without pro-
jecting downwards into the cup or socket D. The cup D, which is illustrated
separately in Figure 6, is formed, in one piece, of porcelain, glass, brass or other
suitable material. The upper cavity j serves as a common holder for the upper parts
of the lamp, and the lower cavity for the shunt devices. The upper cavity is partly
filled with mercury, or other desirable and appropriate fluid or liquid, which acts as
a ready and simple means for sealing the bottom of the globes at their connections.
with the holder C and the cup D. By this construction it will be seen that the
globe B or A, or both, as the case may be, can be easily and readily removed and
replaced by hand without any difficulty, and without disturbing any other part of
the lamp. The joints about the neck of the globes may be loose but held in place
by a thumb-screw in the side of the cup D, because the mercury or other fluid or
liquid in the cup at the bottom makes an air-tight joint and prevents the external
air from entering the globe.
This improved lamp is intended to be used primarily without a so called vacuum
being formed within the globe, and for that and other reasons I use two globes one
within the other; the inner one is of as small dimensions as possible, so that when
it is placed over the conductor in the manner herein described, the amount of air,
and consequently of oxygen contained therein is inconsiderable. The air in the
outer globe serves to prevent. the external cold air from cracking the inner globe
when the light is extinguished. The inner globe or tube may be slightly enlarged
at its upper part, if desired.
Figure 3 shows a portion of an arm or tube G for supporting the lamp from a
wall or from a central tube or support, as in the case of a chandelier. The end of
the tube G fits into a projection, hub or socket o, Figures 1 and 3, on the side of the
cup D and is secured by a screw or pin. Near the end of the tube G is an insulating
plug which serves to hold in place, as well as to insulate, the ends of the two
conducting wires., 7, of the circuit. The ends of these two conducting wires which
project into the cup D are slightly flattened so as to form springs, and make
electrical contact with the upright metallic studs n, n, in a similar manner to that
above described with reference to the studs a, a.
The contact pieces or springs, in both cases, slide in and out between their
respective studs when the parts of the lamp are separated or joined. The said
studs are integral with three curved metallic contact pieces p, Figures 4 and 7, and
are cast in the proper shape or bent over into the positions shown in Figures 1, 2
and 3. The curved metallic contact pieces p are secured in dovetailed or bevelled
slots or grooves formed in the inner circumference of the insulated cylinder q,
Figures 2, 3, 4 and 7, hereinafter more particularly described in relation to the
more extended use of the shunt devices, but so far as it relates to the incandescent
and are lamps herein described.it consists of the following parts and is constructed
and operates as follows, that is to say:-H is a metallic thimble or cylindrical
case fitting into the lower cavity or chamber of the cup or socket D, as shown in
Figure 2, and secured by a pin or screw passing through the side of the said cup
or socket. At the lower end of the cylindrical case H is an opening terminating
in a neck or flange r into which is fitted by a screw-thread an adjustable hollow
nut 8 for regulating the contact pressure upon the shunt-plug t; u is an insulating
stem and I a metallic thumb-piece for turning and adjusting the shunt-plug t
Two insulating washers, one w at the top and another at the bottom serve to
insulate the shunt-plug t from the metallic cup or socket D and the adjustable
hollow nuts. The shunt-plug t is shown in plan in Figures 4 and 7. In the

page_text: diagram of connections shown in Figure 4, the double headed arrows show the
route and direction of the main electric current; while the single headed arrows
show the direction and route of the portion of the current through the lamp
When the shunt is turned so as to make the proper contact, the lamp being
indicated at J.
Figures 8, 9 and 10 illustrate another form of electric incandescent lamp con-
structed according to the present invention
Figure 8.is a vertical central section thereof
Figure 9 is a section on the line x, x Figure 8, and
Figure 10 is a vertical central section illustrating a modification of this form of
lamp.
B represents a cup or receptacle (which may be of any suitable shape or
material) supported by a bracket or arm C'; D and E indicate the extremities of
the conductor suitably insulated and cemented in the said cup. A' is the globe,
and a, in Figures 8 and 10, represents the liquid fluid, or other sealing material,
mercury being preferred: Figure 10 shows the bottom of the said cup formed in
a separate piece H₁, and secured to the cup by screw-threads or cement, or both.
The object of this modification will be obvious without further explanation..
The light emitting conductors are shown star slinped in Figures 1 and 2, but they
may be made of other shape or form if desired and of any suitable, material,
carbonized or otherwise.
I prefer, however, to employ a special metal, from which the said conductors
may be cast or moulded directly by means of a fusion of the various materials, or
they may be formed of copper or other metal, or of copper wire shaped as desired
and then converted or changed in a retort and furnace into the desired metal or
alloy as hereinafter described; the latter method is preferable.
I have adopted the star-shape on account of its novelty, and also because it
presents more pleasing and artistic effects: The rays of light being less monotonous
and apparently more brilliant than those from a simple loop or bow
The extremities of the said conductors are so formed as to fit into the round
loles or perforations drilled or formed in the tops of the studs a, a. Instead of
these holes being round they may be of any desired shape or they may be formed
by simply slotting or notching the tops of the studs, the extremities of the
conductors being then made square or flat, or otherwise shaped to correspond with
the said studs; and whatever may be the shape, the conductor can be readily
placed in, and removed from, the studs by the finger and thumb. By this
arrangement and construction, the conductors or burners can be put up in boxes, in
a similar manner to that adopted with tacks, screws, or the like, and sold to
customers, whose servants can replace an exhausted or defective conductor or
burner in a few moments with no other trouble or difficulty than removing the
globe, placing the conductor or burner and replacing the globe, all of which
operations can be performed by the thumb and finger and without the slightest
danger.
It is obvious that my lamps may be employed with light emitting conductors
made of any appropriate material, carbonized or otherwise, and of any desirable
shape, by slightly changing the fittings of the studs or holders to adapt them to
the material and shape of the extremities of the conductor it is desired to use.
Another part of the said invention relates to arc lamps which are particularly
intended for small lights, for interior lighting, or otherwise, wherein the electrodes
are partly or wholly within an hermetically sealed globe or caso.
This part of my invention consists partly in placing a movable magnet armature
within the enclosed and practically air-tight or hermetically sealed case or globe
in which the light is produced, and operating the said armature, for the purpose of
forming an arc, by means of magnetism induced in the core of a magnet placed
either within or outside of the said air-tight or hermetically sealed case or globe.
There are several modes in which the above result can be accomplished, one or

page_text: two of which I will describe, although I do not limit myself entirely to either of
the said modes.
The first and preferable modes consists in mounting the magnet outside of the
hermetically sealed globe or case and allowing the pole of the said magnet to
project into, or through; the casing into inductive proximity to the armature which
moves or controls the electrode or electrodes between which the arc is formed.
I apply to the glass enclosing globe for an electric light, an exterior globe
preferably sealed so as to prevent the circulation of air around the enclosed globe,
the air surrounding the inner globe acts as a cushion to prevent, the cold air from
rushing too suddenly to the inside globe when the light is extinguished, thus
preventing breakage of the inner globe by sudden changes of temperature.
This part of the said invention is illustrated in Figures 11, 12, and 13 of the
accompanying drawings.
Figure 11 is a vertical central section of one form of lamp constructed according
to this part of the present invention.
Figure 12 is a horizontal section on the line.A, A, Figure 11.
Figure 13 is a vertical central section showing a modification of the said lamp.
The reference letters in these Figures do not refer to corresponding parts in
the other figures of the drawings.
C is an inner globe or casing and D is an exterior translucent globe or casing,
the neck of which is tightly fitted to the neck of the interior globe at E-and may
be hermetically sealed at that point if desired.
F, F represent the division or sealing line between the sealed case or globe and
its contents and the other parts of the lamp.
Whatever shape or form the said case or globe and other parts may have, there
must be a similar division line between them. All the parts on one side of this
line are to be considered as within the said case or globe; and all the parts on the
other side of the said line are to be considered as outside of the said case or globe.
G represents a cup or holder of brass or other suitable material supporting the
lamp, and enclosing the spool of the magnet; H represents the magnet, one pole of
which extends beyond the line F, F into the interior of the globe or casing C in
proximity to an armature K which is pivotted in a block or stopper. L, secured to
the head of the magnet spool and filling the neck of the globe C so as to close it
hermetically.
The stopper L may be integral with the core of the magnet or with the head of
the spool; connected to or forming a portion of the said armature is a conducting
rod or holder M for one of the electrodes N, while the metallic holder or support O;
carrying the other electrode, is mounted in an insulating plug seated in a hole
bored in the block or stopper L. A spiral spring, seated in a transverse groove
in the block L, as shown, bears against the said armature and tends to bring
the electrodes into contact. When the electric current passes through the coil the
armature is attracted and separates the electrodes thus forming the arc, which is
maintained so long as the current flows, and the electrodes endure.
The magnet H is bored longitudinally at one side to receive the insulated
conducting wire R which is connected to the end of the support O. The other
conducting wire S is connected directly to the magnet H from which the current
passes to the support M through the plug L, which, in the arrangement of the
connections shown, is made of some conducting material preferably brass, because
its ratio of expansion and contraction by heat is more nearly equal to that of
glass tlian most other conductors. The coils of the magnet are placed in circuit
with the wires R, S, and the electrodes N in any well known manner.
The armature and the other parts within the globe C may be mounted and
supported in other manners if desired.
Figure 13 shows part of a.lamp wherein the armature K is in the form of a bent
lever and the head of the magnet attracts the armature through the bottom of the
glass globe. Any suitable means for sealing the said globe may be employed,
I generally prefer to make the exterior globe D air-tight, although this is not

page_text: absolutely necessary, the object being to prevent free circulation of the envelope.
of air which is in contact with the interior globe, so that the said globe shall
not suddenly cool when the light is put out, and also to protect it from the direct
action of exterior currents of cold air when the lamp is in operation.
Another part of the said invention relates partly to the manufacture of light
emitting conductors for electric incandescent lamps or those in which a rod, strip,
or filament of refractory material of high electrical resistance is heated to
incandescence by the passage of an electric current.
Up to the present time the most suitablo-materials for this purpose have been
found to be either some form of carbon, or one of the highly refractory metals, such
as platinum or iridium. Whatever substance has been employed, however, it has
been found necessary, in order to prevent rapid wasting thereof, to enclose the
refractory strip in an hermetically sealed globe, while, under any conditions, &
current of very great strength will fuse or vaporize the said material.
This part of the said invention also relates to the manufacture of electrodes for
arc lamps. In these lamps the rapid consumption of the sticks or pencils of carbon
or other material necessitates their frequent renewal.
The object of this part of the said invention is to furnish a material for the
purposes of electric lighting which may be used without difficulty in the open
air, that is to say, without a vacuum, and may be subjected to a current. of
sufficient strength to produce the desired light without danger of fusion, and
which may be advantageously used as a substitute for the sticks or pencils of
.carbon or other material that have been hitherto employed in arc lamps; the said
material by reason of its non-combustible nature, wasting slowly and not requiring
frequent renewal.
To this end I make a peculiar combination of substances, such as copper, arsenic,
and platinum or iridium, with chloride of sodium, which when combined in the
manner hereinafter described will produce a very highly refractory metal or alloy
of grent electrical resistance and infusible at a temperature which would vaporize
or fuse almost any other known metal or substance.
In manufacturing the light emitting conductors I take from five to six parts
of copper, and from two to three parts of arsenic, and, when required, a small
quantity of nickel, platinum or iridium or other suitable metal for giving the proper
homogeneity or tenacity to the material, a quantity of chloride of sodium (say
about equal in bulk to the other substances) being added, to aid the fusion and
combination of the ingredients. The quantity of platinum, iridium or other metal
or substance employed varies with the degree of tenacity required, and is added
for the purpose of overcoming the friability or brittleness, which results when the
copper and arsenic are combined alone in the proportious above stated. The copper
should be as chemically pure as possible and finely divided or granulated; if
desirable copper in the form of filings or turnings may be used, but I prefer to
use the granulated copper. The arsenic and copper are placed in a crucible in
alternate layers, the platinum, iridium or other metal, if used, being added, in
sufficient quantity to give the desired tenacity or homogeneity to the alloy. The
whole is then covered with a layer of chloride of sodium and pressed well down
into the crucible, which must be hermetically closed and sufficiently strong to
resist the pressure of the gases or fumes produced by fusion. The substances may
he melted together and combined by means of the electric current or arc, or by
placing the crucible in a furnace. On account of the explosive nature of tlie
mixture and the deleterious effects of the arsenical fumes if they should escape,
I prefer to employ the electric current, as it enables the fusion of the material to be
conducted at a distance. As the substances used may vary a little in purity, the
exact proportions to be used may require to be slightly varied in order to give the
highest and best degree of ductility and non-fusibility.
When the above described compound is melted, it can be cast in the desired
shape for conductors or electrodes for electric lamps. After it is set it can be

page_text: polished and finished by means of an emery wheel, for example, but it cannot be
again melted by any process now known to me.
Under some conditions, where the friability or brittleness of the composition
is not objectionable, I employ the materials above described in the proportions
named, without the addition of platinum or iridiuin; for instance, when it is to be
used, as a resistance. Such a compound is of high electrical resistance, but its
friability is under some circumstances a disadvantage. It is for the purpose of
overcoming these peculiarities that I add platinum, iridium or other metal in such
quantity as will give the desired degree of tenacity without materially detracting
from the refractory nature of the compound other substances can if desired be used
to reduce the friability of the metal and render it more manageable.
Having described the manner of making the new or improved alloy consisting
essentially of copper, arsenic and chloride of sodium, combined by melting in a
tightly sealed retort or crucible, the electric conductor or other object which is to
be composed of the alloy being immediately cast or moulded into the desired shape
before the melted alloy is allowed to cool, I will now proceed to describe the
method of converting other soft, pliable metals into a similar alloy, this method
being preferably adapted because the alloy when it is once set cannot be readily
re-fused, and because the material itself is extremely hard and brittle, so that it
cannot be easily worked by ordinary tools. I first form the conductor or other
article into the shape required for use from the metal which constitutes the base
of the alloy, the said metal is then subjected to the treatment hereinafter described
to convert it into an alloy, without, at any stage of the process, destroying its
proper shape. For example, I take copper, silver, platinum, nickel or other suitable
metal, and form it into the desired shape for an electric conductor or other article
by moulding, forging, drawing, or other mechanical process best adapted to the
particular shape required, I then place the conductors or other articles thus made
in a retort or crucible with from one to three parts of metallic arsenic, chloride of
sodium being added in a quantity sufficient to produce the desired chemical union
of the substances. The conductors or other articles may be placed in a porcelain.
dish, or on a plate of glass and then submitted to the treatment in the furnace.
The retort is then sealed and tightly clamped or otherwise secured so as to prevent
the escape of the gases from the interior, and is then placed in a cupello or other
furnace and subjected to heat sufficient to vaporize the arsenic and the chloride of
sodium or other flux, and also to raise the copper, silver or other inetal to a glowing
heat, the temperature being so regulated, however, as not to melt the same or
change its essential form. The materials are subjected to this temperature for
sufficient time to allow the arsenic to thoroughly permeate, and combine with,
the copper or other metal. The whole is then allowed to cool, and the conductors
or other articles, after a little cleaning or washing in an acid or caustic bath,
are ready for use and will be found to have all the characteristics of articles
formed by casting the alloy itself into the desired shape, as in the above described
process.
This method of making the complete article is more readily practised than the
former because the metal base of the alloy may be easily worked into the desired
shape, whereas the alloy itself when once allowed to cool can only be worked with
great difficulty because of its extreme hardness, and cannot be easily re-melted and
cast into the desired shape; so that, if the articles are cast from the alloy, the
casting must be done at the same time that the alloy itself is manufactured.
In carrying on this process on a practical or commercial scale, it is preferable to
arrange separate ovens or retorts, one for the metal conductors or other articles and
one for the arsenic and chloride of sodium on account of the comparatively low
heat at which the latter substances melt or vaporize. These ovens or retorts must
be connected by piping and fitted with cocks. The metal conductors or other
articles can then be raised to the proper degree of heat to produce the desired effect,
and the communication of the arsenic with the copper can be made by the said
cocks. To prevent scales of oxide from forming on the surface of the copper

page_text: "
conductors and to keep them clean, I provide a flask or reservoir of carbonic acid
gas, connected by piping with the interior of the retort containing the metal
conductors and so arranged that a proper amount of gas will circulate about the
same until the arsenical vapor is admitted. The furnace for the copper or other
metal should be connected with a tall chimney properly arranged as to ventilation
and the regulation of the draught; and, when the metal has cooled down sufficiently,
the passage leading into the flue of the chimney should be opened to allow any
residuary fumes to pass off at the top thereof before opening the door of the
furnace. The details of this operation will be obvious to any one skilled in
chemistry or metallurgy.
Another part of the said invention is designed to afford the means for regulating,
controlling and measuring the flow or passage of the electric current through a circuit
or conductor in such a manner that the light or other effect or development of the
electricity at any point or points in the said circuit may be kept or maintained
uniform and also may be increased or diminished without decreasing, diminishing
or otherwise disturbing the light or effect at other points in the said circuit. This
part of the said invention will, therefore, be of very great importance for electric
lighting, as it provides the means whereby in a circuit of any number of lights each
light may be rendered independent of the other lights to such an extent that the
lamps may be caused to burn with an equal and uniform brilliancy and one or any
number of the said lights may be extinguished without extinguishing or in anywise
disturbing those in the same circuit.
In carrying this part of the said invention into practice for electric lighting,
I first ascertain or determine the number and power of the lamps or illuminators
to be used in.cach circuit. I then ascertain and determine the amount of electrical
resistance that will be required at each lamp or point of illumination to produce
the electric arc or light, that is to say, the amount of resistance necessary to render
incandescent the carbon, inetal or other substance used for giving or developing the
light. The sum of theso quantities of resistance added to the resistance of the
wire or conductor will be the total resistance in the circuit, that is to say, the
strength of the electric current required to be generated to produce the desired
number and intensity of the lights.
The peculiar feature of this part of the said invention consists in dividing the
main conductor or circuit into two conductors at each point along its length where
the illuminators or lamps are to be placed, by throwing out a loop or branch
conductor from the main circuit, which branch or loop, I call the secondary or
auxiliary conductor, and in combining, with this double or divided conductor, an
adjusting piece so arranged that the whole or any part of the current may be
caused to pass either through the branch or auxiliary conductor in which the light
is included or through the main conductor, and these two conductors and adjusting
piece are so arranged with proper resistances that, in whatever position the said
piece is adjusted, the sum of the force or amount of the current passing through the
divided conductor, or the two branches of the main conductor, will not be changed
by the adjustment of the said piece, that is to say, the quantity or amount of the
electric current diverted by such adjustment from one of the two conductors or
branches will be exactly equalled by the increased quantity thereby caused to pass
through the other conductor or branch.
I effect this result as follows, that is to say, I divide the main conductor and
circuit at, or near, the lamp, or at the point where the illuminator is to be placed,
into two branches or conductors. One of these conductors includes the carbon,
metal or other substance by whose illumination or incandescence the light is
developed and the other conductor passes on, and the two branches are brought
together or re-united beyond or at a point adjacent to the lamp or lighting point or
at any other convenient or desired position.
At one or both of the junctions or uniting points of this divided or double
conductor I arrange the switch, shunt, key, tap or other suitable adjusting piece or
circuit-changer or conductor-divisor fitted to work on a fulcum or pivot, or to

page_text: slide upon or otherwise so arranged in connection with, fixed plates, pieces or points of
contact in both parts of the said double or divided conductor, that it can be moved
to and fro, or otherwise, from one to the other and provided with insulations and
resistances as required. By the adjustment of the said switch and the adjusting
piece as to resistances and otherwise, the flow or passage of the electric current is
regulated to cause the said current, or any desired proportion of the same, to pass
either through the carbon, metal or other substance which developes the light or on
through the main conductor. That is to say, I can by the adjustment of the said
switch or adjustable piece, divert more or less of the current from the main circuit
and conductor to any one of the said lamps or illuminating points, or from the
latter into and through the main circuit or conductor and thereby diminish or
increase the intensity of the light at such point without disturbing or affecting
any of the other lights in the main circuit. With this arrangement the lights
will remain practically unaffected by any fluctuations of the current through the
main circuit.
I prefer to have the adjusting piece graduated or marked with a scale of
divisions. Or to have a pointer or index arranged in connection with a scale of
divisions on the fixed plates, or contact or connecting pieces of the two circuits or
conductors with which the said adjusting piece is combined, as above described and
shewn in Figure 14, for measuring the currents passing through it or through the
said main circuit or a branch thereof or suitably connected with the same. I some-
times insert a meter or device hereinafter described for determining and indicating
the amount and force of the electric current sent through the said circuit or the
lamps or other points of resistance in the same.
The division of the main conductor of an electric circuit at a certain point
into two or more parts, lines or conductors, and joining them again at another
point, or connecting them to the earth, and operating, regulating or controlling
electrical machines, 'electric lights electrical devices and apparatus on one or more
of the said divisions, is of vast importance. It is the only means whereby a
number of machines, lights or other electrical devices can be operated and
regulated and maintained successfully without disturbing the main circuit, or the
other machines or lights on the said circuit. It is, moreover, the only means
whereby more than one machine, light, or other device, variable in its operation,
can be successfully maintained and uniformly operated in a main circuit. This
division of the main circuit or conductor is adopted at the commutator, in the best
modern dynamo-electric machines. In dividing the conductor and placing an
electric lamp or coil in one or both branches of the divided circuit, the resistance
of the lamp or coil, is more than compensated for in the main circuit; because the
division converts tension resistance into parallel or multiple arc resistance which
decreases the resistance according to the law of parallel and multiple are circuits.
By my invention the main conductor can be divided into any number of loops or
branch lines or circuits and at any desired number of points along a conductor,
and lamps, coils, machines and other devices operated or controlled on one or all
of them.
Another part of the said invention more particularly relates to the shunt
mechanism and the plan of forming the electrical circuits and branch circuits and
branch lines, and to a meter or apparatus for measuring electric currents.
This part of the said invention comprises the formation of electric circuits and
the regulation of electric currents circulating through or upon the said circuits,
under such conditions that the resistance in the electric circuit is maintained
constant notwithstanding the introduction into, or withdrawal from, the said circuit
of telegraphic instruments, electric lights, or other apparatus, or machines. I make
use of an electric circuit consisting of a simple uniform conductor, which I call
the main line, extended to any desired distance on either side of the generator and
grounded at one end which I assume as the originating point and near which point
the generator of electricity is supposed to be located in the direct circuit forming

page_text: the said main line. If desirable this main circuit may be wholly metallic, and not
connected with the earth at all.
The main line, together with the generator or battery, has its own definite
specific resistance which, for the sake of illustration, we will say is 10 ohins:
Assuming that it is desired to place in circuit at various points along the said line
nine telegraph instruments or nine electric lights, the resistance opposed to the
main line current when each device is thrown into circuit being ten ohms, the
total resistance of the circuit or conductor together with that of the instruments
or lights will be one hundred ohms. This determines the amount of the electro-
motive force required to operate the said instruments, lights or other apparatus.
One of the important objects of this part of the said invention is to introduce
into such a circuit, or withdraw from the same, at pleasure, one or more of the said
instruments, lights, or apparatus without disturbing the normal and determinate
electrical resistance; and without at any time breaking the continuity of the said
main circuit and to accomplish this in the most simple, efficient an inexpensive
manner. For this purpose 1 employ a shunting switch which acts upon the circuits
in a peculiar manner and which is also of novel construction, and is provided with
an electrical resistance of a peculiar material.
Figure 14 is a plan of the said shunting switch or bridge.
Figure 15 is a vertical section thereof on the line a Figure 14.
Figure 16 is a diagram of the main line or conductor together with the
generator, the loops containing the telegraphic instruments, electric lights, or other
apparatus and the two earth connections or terminals, E being the earth, A the
generator, C and D the two terminals, and the figures 1 to 9 the loops for the
various instruments, lights, or other apparatus. The main line is represented as
being connected with the earth at each end; but, if desired, the circuit can be
returned by a metallic conductor. This would be desirable where a great number
of lights or other devices or machines are in the circuit. But to return it
metallically without the addition of many lights or many divisions of the innin
line into loops or parallel or multiple arc circuits would be a waste of electrical
energy.
Figure 17 is a diagram showing more in detail the application of the bridge
or shutit device to loops in which are located two or more lights or other
apparatus
Figure 18 is a diagram showing a modification of the bridge or shunt device:
Figure 19 is a diagram showing the modified device applied to a circuit having
branches to earth or to a return conductor.
Referring to Figures 14 and 15, F is a disc of wood or other insulating material
serving as a base to which the other parts of the device are attached. Ģ is a disc
of hard india-rubber, ivory or other insulating material, and H, H, H" are three
plates of metal serving as connecting pieces for the several wires or circuits controlled
by the shunting device and arranged radially about a central hub or plug I shown
in transverse section in Figure 15. The wires of the various circuits are connected
to the said plates by means of binding posts J or otherwise. One or all of the said
plates may be graduated, as shown at q, so as to form a meter to measure and
indicate the amount of electricity passing through the said plate or plates and
thence to the line or circuit. The pointer can be made long enough to give the
desired radius. for the scale to be properly figured and by starting from, a central
point or zero, the figures can extend to the right and left on either side of the zero
point. The figures on one side mny represent the current on the main line circuit
or conductor, or one branch of it, while the figures on the other side may represent
the loop or the otlier branch of the main line circuit or conductor. The movement
or variation in the position of the pointer from one side to the other would then
show by the index figure the relative amount of current on the main line or
conductor and the loop line or on both parts or divisions of the main conductor.
The arrangement can be varied according to circumstances.
The wires of the main line or conductor are indicated by KK; while K¹ K' are

page_text: the wires which form the loop or shunt line or circuit, the main conductor being
divided at one point and connected again, at another point. The light or other
electrical apparatus L is located on the loop division of the main line or conductor.
The current used to operate the light or apparatus is supplied by the main line or
conductor on which the battery, dynamo-electric machine or other source of
electricity is located. The arrows indicate the direction of the currents.
The plug I is made of some metal of good electrical conductivity. It may be
constructed in various forms, but I prefer to make it circular and slightly tapering,
as shown in section in Figure 15, so that it may be maintained in good electrical
connection with the plates H, H¹, H" by means of the screw-bolt M and the
tightening and locking nuts O and N. On two sides of the plug I are two
segmental grooves 1, ', in which are fitted pieces of insulating material, while at d
a number of teeth or cogs of a material that is of high electrical resistance are
fitted to, or provided upon, the plug. These pieces of insulating material are firmly
secured to the plug which is then turned to a slightly tapering form but truly
circular so as to fit perfectly in the opening formed to receive it. The plug is
provided with a bandle P or with a thumb-piece so that it may be turned in its
socket like the plug of a gas or water cock. The arrangement and use of the
metal teeth or cogs d is novel and important Each of these teeth (of which there
are as many as may be required for producing gradual changes of resistance by the
turning of the plug) is made to offer a resistance greater than that of the light, or
instrument to be used in connection with each shunt device, in cases where a single
light or instrument is used as in Figure 14. Where, however, a number of instru-
ments are used as in Figure 16 then each tooth or cog might be made to offer a
resistance equal to that of a part only of the whole number of instruments used in
conjunction therewith. In either case, however, the sum of the resistance of the
teeth, if joined to one another in series, would be much greater than that of the
total electrical resistance of the light or lights in immediate connection with the
shunt device; but, when the cogs or teeth are connected and used in multiple arc,
for example, when a number or the whole of them are in contact with the
plates H, H', the total resistance is reduced from a high resistance as in the case of
a single piece or several in series, to a comparatively low resistance. As shown in
Figure 14, the several resistance pieces or teeth d are in contact with the plate H¹
connected to the main line conductor K, while the insulating segment is in
complete contact with the plate H" connected with the light L or other apparatus.
In this position of the plug, all the teeth d being connected to the plate H¹ in.
multiple arc offer a comparatively low resistance, to the passage of the current from
one portion of the main line K, through the plug I to the other portion K, and the
interposition of the insulating segment between the plug and the plate H" con-
nected to the light, cuts off the current entirely from the light. The resistance,
however, is to be adjusted and determined by the length or number of the teeth d
and should be approximately equal to that opposed to the main line current,
when L is in the circuit of the main line conductor. When the plug is turned in
the direction of the arrow n metallic contact is made between the hub or plug I
at and the plate H at m, and if the metallic contact between the teeth d and
the plate H were completely severed, the entire current would flow through the
instrument or light at L and on through K' to the main line K; but as long as the
teeth are in contact with the plate H¹ a path for the main line current is main-
tained and only the desired portion of the current flows through L, although there
is perfect contact between the plug and the plate H", the amount of current
passing through L being in proportion to the number of teeth d withdrawn from
the plate Hat the time. As the movement of the plug is continued in the
direction of the arrow the teeth d are successively moved away, or separated from
the plate H, while the amount of free metal surface of the plug at in contact
with the plate H¹ is increased. The withdrawal of each successive tooth causes
increased resistance to the passage of the current to plate H₁, by diminishing the
number of paths for the current in multiple arc, until finally, as the plug is turned,

page_text: •
.
.
a sufficient number of teeth only remain, in contact with EI to force the desired
amount of current through the instrument L, the remainder of the current passing
.through the remainder of the teeth in contact with E on.to the main circuit K
undiverted into the loop. By this operation it will be observed that a portion of
the main current is gradually shunted to the light or other apparatus at L.
By turning the plug in the opposite direction, the resistance at His gradually
<diminished thus taking the current gradually from Luntil finally when the plug
is turned to a position where the circuit to L is broken, the resistance at H' has
been diminished and adjusted to a point where it is equal, or approximately equal,
to that of the apparatus when the instrument or light is in circuit as above
described. Thus in both positions of the plug the resistance in the main line
circuit is the same.
Figure 17 represents a diagram of the arrangement of my shunting device when
a number of instruments, apparatus, or lights, are to be used and regulated, as in
the case of several instruments in a telegraph office or the several lights.in ä
building, such as an hotel or.theatre, or in a room or group of rooms.
L' represents the main line conductor, T, T the shunting devices controlling the
loop circuits passing into the building or into a room thereof, and 11, 12, 13, 14
the individual instruments, lights, or other apparatus, in the building or room, each
regulated or controlled by a separate shunting device; while the whole number of
lights or other apparatus in each. building or room is controlled by the main
shunting devices T.
A modification of my electrical shunt device is shown in Figure 18 wherein the
resistance pieces o axtend to a sufficient distance around the circumference of the
plug or cylinder to allow them to come into contact with the two plates g and hat
the same time so as to permit a division of the resistance between the main line
connected to the plate p, and the branch or loop lines connected to plates g and h,
in any desired proportion. The action of this device is very simple. As the
plug is turned in one direction or the other, a greater or less number of the
teeth or resistance pieces a are brought into contact with, or withdrawn from the
plates gand respectively, an increase of the number in contact, on the principle
of the multiple are, giving greater conductivity, and a decrease of the number in
contact adding to the resistance. Consequently, when the shunt device is properly
constructed in relation to two branch lines, or to a branch line and a continuation
of a main line, or to a loop and a continuation of the main line, by turning the plug
in one direction or the other the gradual and proper distribution of the current
in the main line and in the branch line or lines or the loop may be effected.
Figure 19 is a diagram showing shunting devices of this construction applied to
a number of branch lines. Instruments, lights or other apparatus are assumed to
be located in Figures 18 and 19 at the points indicated, by the figures 2, 31, 41, 5',
and 61
The various branches containing the lights or other apparatus are connected to
the earth thus completing the electric circuit through the ground and back to the
dynamo-electric machine, or source of electrical energy. If desired, the various
branch lines, as well as the main line illustrated in the drawings, may be composed.
entirely of a metallic conductor, instead of the ground forming a part thereof.
Any desired number of instruments, lights or apparatus, may be placed on these
branch lines by a proper arrangement or proportioning of the resistance pieces on
the plug of the shunt device or bridge for regulating the particular branch line.
Any suitable material may be used for the resistance in the construction of the
teeth or segments; I prefer, however, to employ an alloy or metal formed by
combining arsenic and copper in the proportion of from 5 to 6 parts of copper and
from two to three parts of arsenic, chloride of sodium being added (about equal in
bulk to the other materials) for the purpose of aiding the fusion and combination
thereof. The materials placed in layers in a closed crucible,.are melted together by
means of a furnace or by the electric arc as hereinbefore described. The material
is then cast in suitable shape for the particular form of resistanco piece desired.

page_text: A metallic resistance of this nature possesses great advantages for an electrical
resistance piece where the resistance is varied by shifting or changing the electrical
contact. with the resistance piece itself, as in the present case, by making and
breaking contact with a number of individual pieces, or where it is varied by
sliding or shifting a circuit-closing device along a continuous piece of the inetal so
as to include more or less thereof in the electric circuit. The electrical resistance
of this material is very high, while the said material is so hard that it is not
injured or worn by the sliding contact, and it is, moreover, not readily oxidized, by
the spark produced by breaking contact or by imperfection of contact.
If desired, in the construction of the shunt device, the edges of the plates H¹H"
with which the teeth d make contact may be lined with this metal to prevent
corrosion or fusion.
It is obvious that the mechanical construction of the said bridge or shunt device
may be varied in many ways. The plug I, which is only a carrier for the shifting
circuit-connectors, may be made in many other forms, or the plate or support to
which the plates H, H¹, H", are secured may be constructed to revolve, and the
plug or equivalent device be held fast. Other resistance materials may, moreover,
be used in place of that herein. described, or, if a refractory conducting metal like
platinum or iridium or the metal above described be used, the teeth may be made
to offer a high resistance by making them very small in transverse section.
Instead of the teeth or cogs d, I may use a continuous segment of resistance
material let into the plug I. The effect would be essentially the same as when the
teeth are used, so far as the increase or decrease of resistance by the turning of the
plug is concerned, but not with respect to the principles of the multiple arc.
A shunting switch of the above construction differs materially from prior forms
in its simplicity and compactness while at the same time it enables tlie current to
be shunted gradually into the light or other apparatus.
It requires but one electrical resistance device, whereas heretofore a multiplicity
of coils and carbon rods have been used for the purpose of shunting the current
into the light gradually; all of which have only succeeded to a certain extent.
i
$
:
The above described shunt device not only regulates the current by a single
resistance device or piece, but it also preserves a path around the light for the
current in case of accident, or in case of the abnormal working of a lamp or
machine.
The particular form herein described may be made to occupy no more space than
an ordinary gas cock, and may be readily placed in a chandelier or gas bracket near
the light, as in the case of gas fixtures; whereas in previous devices of this nature,
the presence of bulky coils, rheostats and the like render it necessary to place them
at a point remote from the light.
Having thus fully described the said Invention as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondent and the manner of performing the same I wish it understood
that I claim :-
First: An electric incandescent lamp constructed substantially as described with
reference to Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the drawings.
Second: In an electric incandescent lamp, the cup or socket D, substantially as
described and for the purposes specified.
Third-In an electric incandescent lamp, the case or holder C, substantially as
described and for the purposes specified.
Fourth-In an electric incandescent lamp, the studs or holders a, a, substantially
as described and for the purposes specified.
Fifth The combination of the globes A, B, the case or holder C, the studs a, a,
the light emitting conductor E, the cement F and the plate b, forming an upper
system, and the thumb-piece or tap I, the adjusting uut 8, the holder or cup H, the
insulating pin u the metallic plug t, the segmental pieces p, the insulating cylinder
or case q, and the insulating washers v and w forming a lower system in connection
with the cup or socket D, all substantially as described and for the purposes
specified.
:
=

page_text: Sixth In an electric incandescent lamp, the double globe or case forming a
chamber for containing air to serve as a cushion, as, and for the purposes, specified.
Seventh-In an electric incandescent lamp, the studs ff and n, n and the
contact pieces d, d, and l, l, substantially as described and for the purposes
specified.
Eighth-In an electric incandescent lamp, the insulating plug in combination
with the arm G, substantially as described and for the purposes specified.
Ninth The combination of the wires and the formation of the electric circuits
substantially as shown in Figure 4 of the drawings for the purposes specified.
Tenth A light emitting conductor, for an electric incandescent lamp, made in
the form of a star, substantially as described and for the purposes specified.
Eleventh In an electric lamp, sealing the globes or translucent cases in a
liquid or fluid, substantially as described and for the purposes specified.
Twelfth An electric lamp so arranged that its globe or translucent case can be
removed and replaced at pleasure by hand without the aid of other means or
devices, the said globe or case being scaled by means of a fluid or liquid,
substantially as described.
Thirteenth-In an electric incandescent lamp, the conductor and its sockets or
holders so arranged that the former may be withdrawn or separated from the latter
by the fingers and a new conductor substituted, or the same one replaced, at
pleasure, substantially as described.
Fourteenth-The combination, with an electric lamp, of a shunting device,
capable of being operated gradually to regulate the current and the light in the
manner substantially as described.
Fifteenth, A light emitting conductor or electrode, for an electric lamp,
composed of copper, arsenic and chloride of sodium combined in; or about in, tlie
above named proportions (with or without the platinum, iridium or other metal or
substance), all substantially as, and for the purposes, specified.
Sixteenth The movable magnet armature arranged within the practically air-
tight or hermetically sealed case or globe wherein the light is produced, the said
armature being operated by magnetism induced in a magnet core placed either
within or outside of the said air-tight or hermetically sealed case or globe, for the
purposes specified.
Seventeenth-The combination, in an electric lamp, of a sealed protecting
casing, an armature within the casing for forming the are and a magnet on the
exterior of the casing for actuating the said armature.
Eighteenth-In an electric lamp having a sealed case for the light emitting
portion thereof, a magnet whose coil or helix is located outside of the said case,
and whose core, or a portion thereof, extends within the same sufficiently to
actuate an armature located therein, substantially as, and for the purpose,
specified.
.
Nineteenth The combination, with the glass globe or casing for an electric
lamp, of an exterior protecting and enclosing casing, the whole or a portion of
which is transparent, substantially as, and for the purpose, set forth.
Twentieth The combination, in an electric lamp, of two electrodes one of
which is movable to form the arc, an enclosing or protecting casing, a pivoted
armature within the casing carrying or operating the movable electrode and a
magnet exterior to the casing, the pole piece of which magnet projects sufficiently
within the casing to actuate the armature.
Twenty first: The combination of the lamp-globe or casing, the magnet and a
plug attached to the magnet and closing the mouth of the globe, the said plug
supporting the armature and the electrode or electrodes.
Twenty second-The combination, in an electric lamp having a sealed casing,
of a magnet the pole of which projects into the lamp casing, the said magnet pole
being bored longitudinally to form a passage for an insulated conducting wire
connected with the interior portions of the lamp.
Twenty third-The combination, in an electric lamp having a sealed casing, of

page_text: a magnet projecting into the lamp and forming a conducting path for the current
entering the lamp.
Twenty fourth-The combination, with the lamp-globe or casing, of the plug L,
the armature-lever mounted. in the said plug and carrying one of the electrodes,
and the standard O also mounted in the plug and carrying the other electrode.
Twenty fifth-The above described metal or alloy composed essentially of
copper, arsenic, and chloride of sodium in the proportions substantially as stated.
for use in resistance shunts or in other electrical machines, railways or tramways,
or for electric lighting or other electrical purposes.
Twenty sixth-The herein described method of manufacturing electric light
emitting conductors or other articles composed of an alloy, which method consists
in forming the metal which constitutes the base of the alloy into the desired shape,
enclosing it in a retort or crucible with the ingredients which by combining with
the metal form the alloy, tightly sealing the said retort or crucible, and subjecting
the whole to a sufficient temperature to cause a union of the ingredients with the
metal without melting the latter and changing its essential shape, substantially as
described.
Twenty seventh-The herein described method or process of manufacturing
electric light emitting conductors or other articles composed of an alloy of copper
or other metal, metallic arsenic and chloride of sodium in the proportions above
stated, which method or process consists in shaping the copper or other metal into
the desired form by any suitable mechanical process, enclosing the articles when
properly shaped in a tightly sealed crucible or furnace together with the metallic
arsenic and chloride of sodium, raising the same to a sufficient temperature to melt
or vaporize the arsenic and chloride of sodium and to heat the metal to such degree
that the other ingredients will unite with it without, however, destroying its
essential shape, and then allowing the whole, to cool,. substantially as described.
Twenty eighth-Au electric shunt device laving two simultaneously operated
circuit-closing portions, one operating. an adjustable resistance and the other
adapted to make and break contact with a loop or shunt connection leading.
directly to a branch line or to a telegraphic instrument, electric light or other
apparatus, substantially as, and for the purposes, set forth.
Twenty ninth-An electric shunting switch having two simultaneously operated
circuit-closing portions, one an adjustable resistance device consisting of a number
of teeth of resistance material arranged to make contact in multiple arc with an
electrical conducting plate forming a portion of the main line circuit, and the other
consisting of a device, adapted to make and break contact with a loop or shunt
connection leading directly to a branch line or to a telegraphic instrument, electric
light or other apparatus, substantially as described.
Thirtieth-An adjustable resistance device consisting of a number of teeth or
cogs of electrical resistance inaterial arranged side by side and making contact in
multiple arc with a connecting plate or other fixed device, in combination with
mechanism whereby the said teeth may be witlidrawn successively from contact
with the plate or other device, substantially as described.
Thirty First-An adjustable resistance device consisting of a slightly tapering
plug or cock provided at a portion of its circumference with a number of teeth or
cogs or a segment or segments of resistance material, in combination with a curved
contact. plate or other device against which the said teeth or segments bear, and
devices whereby the said teeth or segments. may be withdrawn in succession from
contact with the plate or other device, substantially as described.
Thirty second-A shunting switch consisting of a slightly tapered plug of good
conducting, metal, provided at one-portion of its circumference with a series of
teeth or cogs or a segment of high electrical resistance and at two other portionis
with insulating segments or equivalent open spaces, in combination with three
contact plates arranged about the plug, substantially as, and for the purposes, set
forth
Thirty-third In an adjustable electrical resistance apparatus in which

page_text: variations are produced by shifting contact with a body of resistance material, a
resistance plug, cogs or segments, composed of copper arsenic, and chloride of
sodium in the proportions above stated.
Thirty-fourth-In combination with a shunting, switch serving to keep the
electrical resistance of the main line in which it is placed constant, a loop or shunt
circuit in which are placed two or more shunting switches, each controlling a sub-
loop, and each acting to preserve the constancy of the resistance in the main loop
and main circuit, substantially as described.
Thirtyfifth-An electric shunting switch having two simultaneously operated
circuit-closers, one controlling an adjustable resistance in the main lino, and the
other controlling the connection leading to a branch line, or to an electric light or
other apparatus, whereby the amount of current sufficient to operate such line, light:
or apparatus may be diverted from, or into, the said line, light, or apparatus
without in any instance breaking or interfering with the continuous flow of the
main line current on either side of the said shunt or switch, substantially as set
forth.
Thirtysixth-The combination, with an electric shunting switch placed in a
main line circuit, and a loop or branch circuit leading therefrom, of means sub-
stantially as described whereby a portion of the electric current is shunted or
diverted into such loop or branch without in any manner breaking or disturbing
the continuity of the main line circuit on either side of the said loop and without
changing the strength of the general current upon such main line.
Thirtyseventh-The combination of the main circuit or conductor and the
loops as shown in Figures 14, 16 and 17, and having connected therewith a
resistance apparatus for regulating the current, as described and for the purposes
specified.
Thirty-eighth-The combination of the main circuit or conductor and the
branches as shown in Figures 18 and 19, and having connected therewith resistance
apparatus for regulating the current or currents, in the manner described and for
the purposes specified.
Thirty ninth-The electric circuits, loops and branches formed as described
with reference to Figures 14, 16, 17, 18 and 19, and combined with resistance
Apparatus to regulate the current or currents, for the purposes specified.
Fortieth-The combination, with a main circuit part of which is formed by the
earth or by metallic conductors, of branches diverging from the said main circuit
and also connected with the earth or returning in metallic conductors and having
apparatus for regulating, the resistances and the amount of current drawn from the
said main line in the manner described and for the purposes specified.
Forty first: A shunting device substantially as described, whereby when
employed on a main line or conductor divided or separated at a certain point into
two or more lines or conductors and then joined again, the main current may be
shifted from one part of the divided line or conductor to the other part without
disturbing or changing the strength of the current on the main line on each side
of the said division and whatever amount of current is taken from one branch is
simultaneously added to the other and vice versa
Forty second shunting device substantially as described and as shown in
Figures 2, 4 and 7, wherein a central or movable metallic conducting portion,
supplied or fitted with a simultaneously moving piece or segment or with cogs or
teeth of a greater resisting quality than, but integral with, the said metallic con-
ducting portion, is arranged in relation to two or more metallic contacts, each
connecting with a conductor, so that on moving the said resistance segment, cogs
or teeth from one contact to another, whatever resistance or conductivity is
withdrawn from the one is simultaneously added to the other or others, and vice
versa.
Forty third The employment of the switch or shunt device herein described or
other suitable device composed of resistance material anbatantially no "dovanihad

page_text: for regulating the current in electric lighting apparatus or for working, regulating
and controlling other electrical machines, devices or apparatus.
Forty-fourth-Dividing a prime or main electric conductor, line or wire into
two or more parts or circuits at one point or at any number of points, and uniting
the said parts, conductors, lines, wires, or circuits again at another point or points,
the generator or generators producing the main current being located on the said
main conductor either on one side or both sides of such division or divisions or
circuits, and operating or controlling electrical apparatus, or producing desired
electrical effects on one or more, or all of the said parts or circuits of the said
divided conductor, line or circuit, for the purposes specified.
Forty-fifth-Regulating, controlling or operating electric lamps, dynamo-electric
machines or other electrical apparatus or devices by a division of the main
conductor as above described for the purposes specified.
Forty-sixth-Dividing a main conductor at any point or at many points into
two or more parts or conductors and connecting them again, thus forming loop
circuits, or auxiliary circuits, and locating or operating or controlling in the said
loop circuits electric lights, dynamo-electric machines, coils and other electrical
devices.
Forty seventh-Dividing electrical conductors into parallel and multiple are
circuits when electrical machines, lamps and other devices are operated or controlled
thereon, or within the said circuits, for the purposes specified
Forty-eighth-The index or pointer and the scale a combined with a movable
hand or knob P and carrier I for moving or varying the position of the said
pointer for the purposes specified.
Forty-ninth-An indexed meter substantially as described, for measuring or
indicating approximately the amount of current turned on or passing through or
upon an electric circuit or conductor for the purposes specified.
-
Fiftieth: An indexed meter substantially as described which, when placed at
the junction of a divided conductor or circuit, shall, by its position and movement,
determine and indicate approximately the amount of current in or circulating
through the said conductor or circuit, or one or all of the divisions of the said
conductor or circuit.
Fifty-first-An indexed meter substantially as described placed at the junction
of a divided conductor or circuit, whereby a part, or the whole, of the current can
be shunted or shifted from one branch of the conductor or circuit to the other, and.
at the same time, by the variations in the position of a pointer or index, the
approximate amount of current in, or passing through, each branch, conductor or
circuit can be known.
Fifty-second-In combination with a shunting device substantially as described
and located at the junction of a divided conductor or circuit, an indexed meter
arranged in relation to the said shunt, so that, by the variation in the position of a
pcinter or index, the amount of current turned on or through one branch of the
divided conductor, as well as the amount remaining on the other branch, may be
known.
In witness whereof I the said Henry Harris Lake have hereunto set my
hand and seal this Twenty third day of April in the year of our Lord
One thousand
11.
HENRY H LAKE (L.S.)