IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC LIGHTS AND communicated him by FITTINGS AND FIXTURES THEREFOR Thomas
Year: 1881

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Peter Jensen of 33 Chancery Lane in the County of
Middlesex for an Invention' of "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC LIGHTS AND
communicated to him from abroad by
FITTINGS AND FIXTURES THEREFOR
Thomas Alva Edison of Menlo Park in the State of New Jersey United
States of America,
:
"
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Peter Jensen at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 26th April 1881.
"
"6 IMPROVE-
PETER JENSEN of 33 Chancery Lane in the County of Middlesex
MENTS IN ELECTRIC LIGHTS AND FITTINGS AND FIXTURES THEREFOR
A com-
munication to me from abroad by Thomas Alva Edison of Menlo. Park in the Slate
of New Jersey United States of America.
In the so-called Edison system of electric lighting where the lamps used consist
of an incandescing conductor hermetically sealed in a glass enclosing globe, it is
desirable that the lamp and its supporting socket should be so constructed that the
lamp may be readily removed from or placed in the socket, and that at the same
time by the act of placing in or removing the lamp from the socket the appropriate
circuit connections to the conductor, subject however and only to the control of a
suitable circuit controller for throwing the current through the lamp when desired
shall be completed.
In such the lamp is held to the socket by the friction between the neck of the
lamp and the socket. It is desirable however to sometimes reverse the ordinary
relation in space of the lamp and socket, that is to hang the lamp from the socket,
or to support the lamp horizontally in order that the light therefrom may be
unimpeded beneath the lamp by any shadow producing parts.
In such an event a more positive and reliable connection than friction is desirable
between the lamp and its socket or holder, to furnish which is the object of a
portion of this invention.
This may be accomplished in the following manner; secured to the glass neck
of the lamp is a second neck, designated hereinafter, the neck, made of any suitable

page_text: insulating material, upon the exterior of which are fastened two metal bands one
clamp of the incandescing conductor being connected electrically to one band and
the other clamp to the other band. One of the bands is formed with a male screw
thread.
'
The socket is also made of insulating material, hollowed out to receive the neck
from one end, and formed with a screw thread at the other end by which it may
be attached to any ordinary gas fixture chandelier or bracket.
The socket is provided with a suitable circuit controller, preferably such a one
as is hereinafter described to which one of the main conductors is connected.
Upon the interior of the socket is a metal band which may be formed into a female
screw thread and to which leads the other main conductor. One or two turns of
the screw thread is sufficient and the parts are so arranged and proportioned that
when the lamp is placed in position, one of the metal bands upon the neck takes
upon and forms contact with one within the socket, while the other band upon
the neck is in position to be impinged upon by the circuit controller when
manipulated.
Another method instead of forming one of the neck bands into a screw thread
is to make it concave and to attach to the band or ring within the socket, curved
spring fingers which shall take therein, and. hold the lamp firmly within the
socket.
On the insulated neck may be bevelled slightly, and two concavities made
therein, one on either side, in the bottoms of which are metal plates, to which lead
the wires from the two clamps of the incandescing conductor. From the bottom
of the interior of the socket, two spring fingers rise, terminating in small balls,
which take and are held into the concavities by the resistance of the spring
fingers.
.
Or upon the exterior of the neck a ledge or projection may be formed, over
which slip spring fingers, attached to the outside of the socket.
All these forms serve to carry out the idea of this invention, holding the lamp
securely within the socket irrespective of the relative position of the two.
A circuit controller is also desirable in which arrangement or provision is made
to indicate when it is in best position to complete or to break the circuit, and to
retain it securely in such position, until it be positively and designedly moved
therefrom, to furnish which is the object of another portion of this invention. This
may be accomplished in the following manner: The circuit controller is seated in
The wall of the socket and forms the socket terminal of one of the conductors
leading thereto.
The part seated thereon should be screw-threaded for attachment to the socket
and is made hollow for a portion of its length. Through it and its otherwise solid
outer head passes a rod carrying the contact point upon its inner end and
terminating upon the outside in a suitable thumb piece of insulating material.
The solid outer head has two grooves or indentations extending across the diameter
at right angles to each other one being somewhat deeper than the other. These
have bevelled sides in order that a pin secured to and extending from the rod
before mentioned may be easily forced therefrom by force applied to a thumb-
piece.
Near the inner end of the rod is a washer against which takes a spiral spring
wound around the rod so that it forces the rod inwardly so far as is permitted by
the pin thereon. When the rod is turned by the thumb-piece so that the pin takes
in the deeper indentation the spring forces the rod inwardly sufficiently to close
the circuit while when the pin takes in the shallower, the circuit remains open in
either event however the stress of the spring holding the pin in the indentation or
groove into which it has been turned against any accidental displacement:
Another portion of this Invention relates to improved means for, hanging pendant
electric lamps in an incandescent system so that while applicable to a single lamp
they may readily when desired be grouped into a chandelier.
In the so called "Edison system it is desirable that there be interposed in the

page_text: lamp circuit pieces of conductors which are not affected by the current normally
passing to a lamp but which when the lamp circuit is short circuited, or is
otherwise affected to permit an abnormal flow of current, melts and so breaks its
particular circuit a device now sometimes called a "safety-catch."
A part of this Invention relates to the arrangement of such a safety-catch" in
position to control the circuit of a pendant lamp or of a group or chandelier thereof
and of the conductors leading to the lamp or chandelier in such way as that the
connections are protected and the molten metal of the " safety catch caught by a
removable cap.
"
To this end, upon the ceiling or other support is fixed a base piece arranged to
receive and support the stem of the chandelier, and upon which are fastened the
conductors, in one of which is inserted a small piece of safety catch" wire,
preferably lead wire and from which base, the conductors pass to the interior of the
lamp or chandelier standard.
Such an arrangement of the lamp neck and socket has been heretofore described,
as will permit of the lamp being placed in any desired position relatively to the
socket in order that the lamp may be so placed in use that all shadow producing
portions are above the light giving part. It is desirable when lamps are so used,
that the shade or reflector be so arranged that all its supporting mechanism, does
not interfere with the reflection of the light. A part of this invention relates to
such an arrangement and the end may be attained as follows:-
A shade or reflector is used having a flange around the edge of its upper or
smaller portion, on which take the fingers of a spider suspended from the chandelier.
arm.
°
Or a shade or reflector may be made, conical' in shape and solid at the top
except for a small opening large enough to pass over the screw threaded tip upon
which the lamp socket is to be secured. So made, the shade or reflector is slipped
over the tip, and the socket screwed into place, the shade or reflector being
nipped between the two, and held in position, the lamp depending from the
interior and its light giving part being below any shadow producing portions.
L
In a system of electric lighting such as the so called. Edison system wherein the
lamps are intended to normally give only the volume of light of a standard 16
candle power gas jet, it is desirable that fittings for carrying and supporting the
lamps should be devised as nearly resembling those which experience has shown to
be most desirable in gas lighting, as the difference in the lighting agents will
admit.
Ono
Among the most useful devices used in gas lighting is the swinging bracket, as
it enables the position of the light to be adjusted within certain limits.
object of this Invention is to provide a device having similar adjustability for
electric lamps, to do which it is necessary to connect two arms by a pivotted
connection so constructed that two complete circuit connections may be maintained
through the pivotal connections in any position of the arms relatively to each
other.
One of the arms is provided with a box or casing of suitable size at its end, in
which the pivot proper is to turn: To the other arm is secured the pivot made of
insulating material upon which is secured two separate metal bands or rings which
form the terminals of the conductors passing through the arm.
The pivot passes
into the interior of the box or case on the outer arm through an aperture in its
top the sides of the, aperture forming a bearing for the pivot, the bottom of the
pivot resting, upon the bottom of the box or case, and there secured by a screw
passing through the bottom of the box into it, and forming a centre upon which it
may turn.
The conductors in the arm carrying the box pass through the arm into the box
and terminate therein, each in a spring, the two springs being insulated from each
other and secured at one end to the interior of the box from which they are also
insulated their other ends bearing upon the metal bands or rings of the pivot one

page_text: on each. As each spring then bears upon its ring or band during the entire rotation
of the arm it is evident that the circuit is always completed, from one arm to the
other irrespective of their relative positions and so an electrical lamp bracket is
made possible. The bracket may consist of any number of such arms pivotted
together in like manner.
an
Instead of springs within the box, an insulating cylinder with interior metal
rings arranged to coincide with the rings upon the pivot may be used or the box
itself may be of insulating material with such pivotal cavities, or to an insulating
pivot, or spindle, springs may be fixed to bear upon rings in the interior of
insulated cylinder or pivot receptacle, or one ring and one spring may be 'used; a
single conductor passing through the bracket, the metal of the bracket and system
of pipes being used for the other conductor; but such modifications would only be
equivalents of the springs and rings as described.
fustead of having a circuit controller located upon the fixed support of tho
bracket, as is the gas cock upon a gas light bracket, it may be preferable to have it
at the lamp itself. In such case a projecting key or circuit controller such as has
been before described would be in danger of accidental displacement or breakage.
Another object of this Invention then is to provide a circuit controller which
shall have no projecting parts and in which all the electrical connections are so
placed as to be protected and to be free from all danger of accidental displacement
or contact.
To this end a circuit controller is made in which the movable part accessible to
the user is simply a plain band or ring of insulating material:
A socket for the lamp is used, such as has been before shown consisting of a
piece of insulating material, hollowed out at the top, and provided at its base with
means for its attachment to a pipe bracket or chandelier arm.
Upon the interior of the socket are two metal rings or bands, or plates forming
terminals of the conductors leading through the pipe or otherwise to the socket.
Upon the neck or base of the lamp are two rings, sockets or plates, forming
terminals to the conductors, leading from the incandescing conductor of the lamp,
and so arranged that they coincide with the rings, bands, or plates of the socket,
when the lamp is placed therein, so that the circuit is completed except as modified
by the circuit controller, by the act of placing the lamp in its socket.
The conductor leading to one of the rings bands or plates, is interrupted or
broken, the conductor leading to a pin upon the exterior of the sockel, while a
second pin is placed above.and.contiguous thereto which is connected to one of the
rings bands or plates of the socket.
The socket is shouldered upon the exterior and upon. this shoulder rests a ring
of insulating material larger than the part of the socket it encloses, but with a
flange extending inwardly at the top so as to approach closely the upper part a
chamber being formed thereby, the socket forming its inner wall, the shoulder its
base and the Hange its top: Upon the interior of this ring is fixed a wedge which
may be solid but which is preferably made of a. spring piece of metal bent back
upon itself, and of such size that its extreme edges contact with and close circuit
between, the two pins before noted.
Upon the socket within the ring a spring pawl may be fastened taking into
recesses cut upon the interior of the ring so as to limit the movement of the ring
upon the socket and also indicate by the click of the pawl passing into a recess
when the necessary amount of movement has been given. Or a screw may pass
through the ring and play in a slot in the socket or Fice ersa to determine the
movement which may be given the socket. By this arrangement a reliable circuit
controller is furnished, which may be placed at the lamp itself or in exposed
situations without danger of accidental manipulation or breakage.
In an electric lighting system using incandescent lamps it is often desirable to
group a number of them two or more for which purpose a device like the ordinary
gas chandelier is exceedingly useful, and this portion of the invention relates to
what may be called an electrical chandelier.

page_text: A chandelier consisting of a body and two or more arms often highly ornamented
is not in good shape for packing and shipment hence it has become customary to
make the ordinary gas chandeliers so that they come apart into many pieces which
may be packed securely and compactly for shipment and then re-assembled.
Manufactured goods of all classes are so made and are usually designated in the.
trade as knock down goods.
66
"
With chandeliers the task is an easy one, as the "circuit
so to speak for the
fluid is simply a pipe and it is only necessary to see that the junctions are tightly
Screwed together. With an electrical chandelier a complete electrical circuit must
be made to each lamp or burner.
The object of this portion of this invention is to furnish an electrical knock
down" chandelier so arranged with circuit connections and contacts upon or in its
yarious parts that the act of assembling the parts to form the chandelier shall at
the same time complete the necessary electrical connections.
A further object of the invention is to utilized wood or any suitable. insu-
lating material capable of economical manipulation and ornamentation in the
manufacture of chandeliers and other electric lamp fixtures.
.1
Suppose that the chandelier is to be of metal, or that an ordinary. gas chandelier
is to be changed into a knock down" electrical chandelier. The chandelier. is
composed of three elements; the arms carrying the lamps or burners of which there
may be any desired number; the standard and attached base into which the arms
are fästened and the ornamentation usually of stuck-up metal. or ornamental
castings slipped over or fastened upon the standard and arms..
: 7
Through each arm the two conducting wires are passed being either left free at
the outer end for attachment. to the lanip socket, or if the socket is. then in
position attached thereto. The inner end of the arm is screw. threaded for
attachment to the base beyond the screw threaded end extends an insulating
block or tube terminating. in a metal tip to which one of the conductors is
fastened. Upon the exterior of the block is a metal ring to which the other
conductor is led.
i
Within the base attached to the pendant or standard of the chandelier is fixed
a block of insulating material serving as a base for the parts to be therein placed,
or they may be insulated from each other by a special insulation to each. Near
to the location of each arm and in such position within the base that the metal tip
and ring shall impinge thereon when the arm is put in position are two springs
one is somewhat shaped with its longer member bent at right angles forming a
shoulder by which it is fastened to, and depends from, the base, its free or spring
member being towards the periphery of the base. The other is a curved or bowed
spring of sheet metal, rigidly fixed at one end to the base and secured at the other
by a screw passing through a slot so that it may be more or less bowed. The
main conductors pass down through the standard of the chandelier to the base, at
which point they branch at each arm, a branch from one main conductor being
connected to the pendant spring while a branch from the other is connected to the
curved spring.
When the arm is screwed into place the metal-tip upon its end impinges against
the pendant spring, while the ring takes upon the curved spring the resistance of
these parts ensuring good contact so that the necessary circuit connections are
immediately and automatically formed.
It has been found that tasteful and inexpensive chandeliers may be made of
wood, which may be ornamented with the ordinary metal ornamentations: when
desired.
Such however may be turned or curved so that the ornamentations of the
standard and base are integral therewith and the base hollowed out to form a
chamber for receiving the circuit completing devices described.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Peter Jensen in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 26th October
1881.
"
PETER JENSEN of 33 Chancery Lane in the County of Middlesex, "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN ELECTRIC LIGIITS AND FITTINGS AND FIXTURES THEREFOR A com-
munication to me from abroad by Thomas Alva Edison of Menlo Park in the State
of New Jersey, United States of America.
:
In a system of electric lighting where the lamps used consist of an incandescent.
conductor hermetically sealed in a glass enclosing globe, it is desirable that the
lamp and its supporting socket should be so constructed that the lamp may be
readily removed from or placed in the socket, and that at the same time by the act
of placing in or removing the lamp from the socket the appropriate circuit con-
nections to the conductor, subject however, and only to the control of a suitable
circuit controller for throwing the current through the lamp when desired, shall be
completed.
Such an arrangement of a separate complete removable electric lamp, and
suitable socket or holder is shown in British Letters patent granted February 10—
1880 No. 578.
In such the lamp is held to the socket by the friction between the neck of the
lamp and the socket. It is desirable however to sometimes reverse the ordinary
relation in space of the lamp and socket, that is to hang the lamp from the socket,
or to support the lamp horizontally in order that the light therefrom may be
unimpeded beneath the lamp by any shadow producing parts.
In such an event a more positive and reliable connection than friction is desirable
between the lamp and its socket or holder, to furnish which is the object of a
portion of this invention.
This may be accomplished in the following manner:-Secured to the glass neck
of the lamp is a second neck designated hereinafter the neck, made of any
suitable insulating material, upon the exterior of which are fastened to metal
bands, one clamp of the incandescing conductor being connected electrically to one
band, and the other clamp to the other band. One of the bands is formed with a
male screw thread.
The socket is also made of insulating material, hollowed out to receive the
neck from one end, and formed with a screw thread at the other end by which it
may be attached to any ordinary gas fixture, chandelier or bracket.
The socket is provided with a suitable circuit controller, preferably such a one
as is hereinafter described, to which one of the main conductors is connected.
Upon the interior of the socket is a metal band which may be formed into a
female screw thread, and to which leads the other main conductor-One or two
turns of the screw thread is sufficient, and the parts are so arranged and
proportioned that when the lamp is placed in position one of the metal bands upon
the neck takes upon, and forms contact with, one within the socket, while the other
band upon the neck is in position to be impinged upon by the circuit controller
when manipulated.
Another method,-instead of forming one of the neck bands into a screw thread,
is to make it concave, and to attach to the band or ring within the socket, curved
spring fingers, which shall take therein, and hold the lamp firmly within the
socket.
'
.
I
Or the insulated neck may be bevelled slightly. and two concavities made
therein, one on either side, in the bottom of which are metal plates, to which lead

page_text: the wires from the two clamps of the incandescing conductor. From the bottom
of the. interior. of the socket two spring fingers rise, terminating in small balls
which take and are held into the concavities, by the resilience of the spring
fingers.
Or upon the exterior of the neck, a ledge or projection may be formed, over
which slip spring fingers attached to the outside of the socket.
All these forms serve to carry out the idea of this invention, holding the lamp
securely within the socket, irrespective of the relative position of the two.
A circuit controller. is also desirable in which arrangement or provision is made
to indicate when it is in the best position to complete or to break the circuit; and
to retain it securely in such position until it be positively and designedly moved
therefrom to furnish which is the object of another portion of this invention.
This may be accomplished in the following manner. The circuit controller is
seated in the wall of the socket, and forms the socket terminal of one of the
conductors leading thereto.
The part seated therein should be screw threaded for attachment to the socket
and is made hollow for a portion of its length. Through it and its otherwise solid
outer head passes a rod carrying the contact point upon its inner end, and
terminating upon the outside in a suitable thumb piece of insulating material. The
solid outer head has two grooves or indentations extending across the diameter at
right angles to each other, one being somewhat deeper than the other. These
have, bevelled sides in order that a pin secured to and extending from the rod
before mentioned may be easily forced therefrom, by force applied to the thumb
piece:
Near the inner end of the rod is a washer against which takes a spiral spring
wound around the rod, so that it forces the rod inwardly so far as is permitted by
the pin thereon. When the rod is turned by the thumb piece so that the pin takes
in the deeper indentation, the spring forces the rod inwardly sufficiently to close
the circuit, while when the pin takes in the shallower, the circuit remains open;
in either event however the stress of the spring holding the pin in the indentation
For groove into which it has been turned, against any accidental misplacement. ;
The construction of the neck and socket for the lamp, and of the circuit controller
is clearly shown in the drawings; in which;
Figures 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. and 6. show the forms of neck and socket; and Figures
7. 8. and 9. details of the circuit controller.
In Figures 1, 2. 3. 4. 5 and 6-S. is the socket made of insulating material,
hollowed out to receive the neck B of lamp L; the lamps in Figures 2, 3. 4. 5. and 6
being indicated by lines representing their lower portion only. The socket is
provided with the screw threaded end F, made of a separate piece attached to the
socket, or made integral with the socket, for attachment to any suitable support or
.fixture.
Secured in the socket is the circuit controller C. formed as follows:- its stem
is a cylinder of insulating material, screw threaded at one end e. for its securement
to S. over which if desired, may be a sleeve of insulating material as shown in
Figure 7. The outer end of the cylinder is a head o solid except for an aperture,
through which passes the rod .e. carrying the contact point w. Upon the rod r. is a
head or washer u. filling the inner end of the cavity in and forming a bearing
against which takes the spring . wound around and serving to force n. u' out
from t. Upon the head of of t are cut the diametrical grooves E. E of which
one E is much deeper than the other as shown, both having inclined or bevelled
sides. A pin . attached to, and extending out from a takes in these grooves.
Upon its extreme outer end the rod should be provided with an insulating
thumb piece D.
'
From this it will be seen that as D. is turned, the stress of the spring pulls.
into, one of the grooves, and holds it there, unless force be applied sufficient to raise
it therefrom, so that when the pin y. falls into E the extra depth thereof permits

page_text: the spring to form u out further that when the pin takes in E and these distances
are so proportioned that when the pin y is in E the circuit shall be closed, and
broken when the pin y is in E'.
In Figure 1. two metal bands or rings a. b. are put upon the neck B. one of
which is formed into a male screw thread; from these bands, in all the forms
shown, wires 3. 4. lead to the clamps c. c. of the incandescing material.
•
Upon the interior of the socket is the metal band e. (Figure 1.) formed into a
female screw thread, to which is connected the main conductor 1. the other main
conductor 2. being connected to c. The act of placing B within S, and fastening it
therein by the screws a. e. completes also the circuit connections, one branch then
being 1. e. a. 3. c. the other being 2. C. b. 4. c.
In Figure 2. d' are the rings or bands upon the neck, connected to c. c, the
Screw thread being formed separately therefrom at h. and integral with the body of
the neck, if desired.
When placed in position the band or ring takes upon and contacts with f. in
the socket, completing the circuit 1. f. d¹. 3. c. while d is in position for Č. to
complete the circuit 2. C. d. 4. c.
•
In Figure 3. k. are the rings or bands upon the neck being formed with a
concavity. is a ring within S. from which extend curved springs m. rounded at
their outer extremities..
i
When placed in position the fingers m. take in the concavity of k. holding the
two parts together, while at the same time a circuit 1. 7. m. k. 4. c is completed
and is in position for C. to control the circuit 2, C, 2, 3. c.
In figure 4. the bands o. p. on B. are plain, a screw s. being turned to take
against p. completing circuit 1. s. p. 3. c and at the same time holding the lamp
and socket together, while o. is put in position for r. a simple screw circuit closer, to
control the circuit 2. r. o. 4. c.
It is to be noticed that the arrangement of the bands in these forms, one above
the other ensures proper connections irrespective of the relative position of any
two points in the same longitudinal or transverse plane of the lamps and socket,
and obviates the necessity of a careful adjustment, present when the contact-plates
are in the same longitudinal or transverse plane.
In Figure 5. a shoulder el is formed upon the exterior of B. over which slide and
take fingers f attached to S. whereby the two are held together.
In Figure 6. the lower part of B. is bevelled; at the top of the bevel grooves or
concaves a¹.. being made upon opposite sides, in the bottom of which are metal
plates connected to c. c. by conductors 3. 4. Extending upwardly from the base
of S. are spring fingers c. d. ending in small balls (or the ends thereof may be
When the
simply curved), to one of which, c¹ is connected the main conductor 1.
parts are placed in position, the round or ball ends of c. d. take into the concavities
of B. holding the two parts together, while one circuit is completed via 1. cl..a'.
3. e and is in such position that may control the other 'via 2. r. d'. 4. c.
By any of these forms, the lamp is held to its socket in so firm a manner that
the lamp may be placed in any desired position relatively to its socket, or holder,
while the act of placing or removing the lamp completes or destroys automatically
the circuit, connections therethrough.
Another portion of this invention relates to improved means for hanging pendant
electric lamps in an incandescent system so that while applicable to a single lamp,
they may readily, when desired be grouped into a chandelier.
It is desirable that there be interposed in the lamp circuit, pieces of conductors
which are not affected by the current normally passing to a lamp, but which when
the lamp circuit is short-circuited, or is otherwise affected, to permit an abnormal
flow of current, melts and so breaks its particular circuit, a device now sometimes
called a "safety catch."
"
A part of this invention relates to the arrangement of such a safety catch" in
position to control the circuit of a pendant lamp, or of a group or chandelier

page_text: thereof, and of the conductors leading to the lamp or chandelier in such way as
that the connections are protected, and the molten metal of the "
caught by a removable cap.
safety catch"
To this end upon the ceiling or other support is fixed a base piece arranged to
receive and support the stem of the chandelier, and upon which are fastened the
conductors, in one of which is inserted a small piece of " safety catch" wire.
preferably lead wire, and from which base the conductors pass to the interior of
the lamp or chandelier standard.
• Such an arrangement of the lamps, neck and socket has been herein before
described as will permit of the lamp being placed in any desired position relatively
to the socket, in order that the lamp may be so placed in use that all shadow
producing portions are above the light giving part.. It is desirable when lamps
are so used, that the shade or reflector be so arranged that all its supporting
mechanism does not interfere with the reflection of the light.
A part of this invention relates to such an arrangement, and the end may be
attained as follows:
A shade or reflector is used having a flange round the edge of its upper or
smaller portion, on which take the fingers of a spider, suspended from the chandelier
arm.
Or a shade or reflector may be made, conical in shape and solid at the top, except
for a small opening large enough to pass over the screw threaded tip upon which
the lamp socket is to be secured.. So made the shade or reflector is slipped over
the top, and the socket screwed into place, the shade or reflector being nipped
between the two and held in position, the lamp depending from the interior and
its light giving part being below any shadow producing portion.
These points are illustrated in Figures 10. 11. 12. 13. 14 and 15 of the
drawings, in which
Figure 10. is a view of a chandelier with dependant lamps;
Figure 11. a section of the base piece and cap.
Figure 12. an elevation of the base piece.
Figures 18. and 14. a plan and section of a shade or reflector; and
Figure 15. a section of the same shade or reflector with the lamp in position.
In Figures 11. and 12. A is the base piece of insulating material to which the
conductors 1. 2. lead, 2. ending in a block 5. to which one of the wires 7. of the
chandelier is connected, so that a circuit cia 2. 5. 7 is made. 1 ends in a block 3.
while the other wire of the chandelier 8. terminates, in a block 4. these blocks 3. 4
being electrically connected to complete the other portion of the circuit by the bit
of "safety catch" wire 6. which is preferably a lead wire.
This base piece has a central screw threaded aperture to receive and support the.
stem H. of the single lamp or chandelier as the case may be.
B. is an ornamental or plain cap of metal, made by any suitable process, and
having, a central aperture permitting it to be moved along the standard of the
chandelier D. Bayonet catches or slots are made at several points in the side
of B. taking upon pius in the side of A; so as to hold it thereto, although any other
effective fastening may be used.
The cap B. thus hides and protects the connections upon the base piece, and is
in position to catch the molten metal, should the "safety catch" 6. ever be melted.
Attached to the arms of the chandeliers, are lamps provided with necks and
sockets made as hereinbefore described so that the lamps may be reversed as
shown.
Above the sockets are secured spiders F with fingers f. rigidly connected but
springy in one case, pivoted in the other.
The ends of these fingers f. take under the flange i. at the top of the shades or
reflectors S. and so support them from above.
In Figures 13. 14. and 15. a shade or reflector is shown in which the flanged
opening of the shades or reflectors in Fig. 10. is closed by material c. homogeneous
with and forming part of the shade. or reflector, in the centre of which is left the

page_text: small'aperture which takes over the end of the pipe M and rests against. the
usual shoulder thereon. The socket E is then screwed upon the end of M. and
holds S in place as shown in Fig. 15.
It is evident that S. in this case may be made, without the flange i.
By such an arrangement as has just been described the lamps and shades may be
placed in any desired position, so that the light, unimpaired by shadows may be
thrown in the proper direction.
In a system of electric lighting wherein the lamps are intended to normally
give only the volume of light of a standard 16 candle power gas jet, it is desirable
that fittings for carrying and supporting the lamps should be devised as nearly
resembling those which experience has shown to be most desirable in gas lighting
as the difference in lighting agents will admit.
Among the most useful devices used in gas lighting is the swinging bracket, as
it enables the position of the light to be adjusted within certain limits. One
object of this invention is to provide a device having similar adjustability for
electric lamps. to do which it is necessary to connect two arms by a pivoted
connection so constructed that two complete circuit connections may be maintained
through the pivotal connection in any position of the arms relatively to each
other.
One of the arms is provided with a box or casing of suitable size, at its end, in
which the pivot proper is to turn. To the other arm is secured the pivot made of
insulating material, upon which is secured two separate metal bands or rings which
form the terminals of the conductors passing through the arm.
The pivot passes
into the interior of the box or case upon the other arm, through an aperture in its
top, the sides of the aperture forming a bearing for the pivot, the bottom of the
pivot resting upon the bottom of the box or case, and there secured by a screw
passing through the bottom of the box into it, and forming a center upon which it
may turn.
The conductors in the arm carrying the box, pass through the arm into the box
and terminate therein, each in a spring, the two springs being insulated from each
other and secured at one end to the interior of the box, from which they are also
insulated, their other ends bearing upon the metal-bands or rings of the pivot, one
on each.
As each spring then bears upon its ring or band during the entire
rotation of the arm, it is evident that the circuit is always completed from one arm
to the other, irrespective of their relative positions, and so an electrical lamp bracket
is made possible.
The bracket may consist of any number of such, arms pivoted together in like
manner.
Instead of springs within the box, an insulating cylinder with interior metal
rings arranged to coincide with the rings upon the pivot may be used; or the box
itself may be of insulating material with such pivotal cavities; or to an insulated
pivot or spindle, springs may be fixed to bear upon rings in the interior of an
insulated cylinder, or pivot receptacle; or one ring and one spring may be used, a
single conductor passing through the bracket: the metal of the bracket and system
of pipes being used for the other conductor; but such modifications would only he
equivalents of the springs and rings as described.
Instead of having a circuit controller located upon the fixed support of the
bracket as is the gas cock upon the gas light bracket, it may be preferable to hay
it at the lamp itself. In such case a projecting key or circuit controller would
be in danger of accidental displacement or breakage.
Another object of this invention then is to provide a circuit controller which
shall have, no projecting parts, and in which all the electrical connections are so
placed as to be protected and to be free from all danger of accidental displacement
or contact.
To this end a circuit controller is made in which the movable part accessible to
the user. is simply a plain band or ring of insulating material.
A socket for the lamp is used as before shown, consisting of a piece of insulated

page_text: material hollowed out at the top and provided at its base with means for its
attachment to a pipe, bracket or chandelier arm. Upon the interior of the socket
are two metal rings, or bands, or plates forming terminals of the conductors leading
through the pipe or otherwise to the socket. Upon the neck or base of the lamp
are two rings, sockets, or plates, forming terminals to the conductors leading
from the incandescing conductor of the lamp, and so arranged that they coincide
with the rings, bands or plates of the socket, when the lamp is placed therein, so
that the circuit is completed, except as modified by the circuit controller, by the
act of placing the lamp in its socket.
The conductor leading to one of the rings, hands or plates is interrupted or
broken, the conductor leading to a pin upon the exterior of the socket, while a
second pin is placed above and contiguous thereto, which is connected to one of the
rings, bands or plates of the socket.
The socket is shouldered upon the exterior, and upon this shoulder rests a ring
of insulating material larger than the part of the socket it encloses, but with a
flange extending inwardly at the top, so as to approach closely the upper part, a
chamber being formed thereby, the socket forming its inner wall, the shoulder its
base and the flange its top.. Upon the interior of this ring is fixed a wedge which
may be solid, but which is preferably made of a spring, piece of metal bent back
upon itself, and of such size that its extreme edges contact with, and close circuit
between the two pins before noted.
Upon the socket within the ring, a spring pawl may be fastened taking into
recesses cut upon the interior of the ring so as to limit the movement of the ring
upon the socket, and also indicate by the click of the pawl passing into a recess,
wlien the necessary amount of movement has been given. Of a screw may pass
through the ring and play in a slot in the socket, or cice versa, to determine the
movement which may be given the socket. By this arrangement a reliable circuit
controller is furnished which may be placed at the lamp itself, or in exposed
situations, without danger of accidental manipulation or breakage.
These various arrangements are clearly illustrated in Figures 16. 17. 18. and 19.
of the drawings, of which
Figure 16. is a view of the socket and controller in section and of the base or
neck of the lamp in elevation.
Figure 17 a view of a bracket arm partly in section with socket thereon, the
movable circuit controller ring being removed therefrom, while
Figure 18. shows the removed ring in perspective and,
Figure 19. shows the pivot, rings, and springs.
A. Figure 17 are two arms of a bracket, of which A supports at its outer end
the lamp socket C. while at its inner end there is secured to it the pivot Kof
insulating material, upon which are the metal bands or rings . . the conductor 7
being attached to . and 8 to r.
This pivot is placed and rotates in a box or casing L. upon the end of the arm F.
being secured thereto by a screw M. passing through the bottom of the box or
casing into the pivot. K, the screw M serving as a center of motion therefor.
To the interior of the box are secured, insulated from it and each other, the
springs H. G to which are secured the conductors 1. 2. as shown, 1 to G and 2, to H.
This relation of the springs and rings is clearly shown in Figure 19.
It is evident from this that L. G. . 7 are always electrically connected and
that so are 2. H. r. S. no matter what the relative positions of A and F may be.
It is evident also that as many arms as desired may be connected in this way,
and that they may be connected to work at right angles, so that the lamp may be
placed in any desired position within the limits of the net length of the bracket
arms.
It is also evident that the modifications and changes herein before noted, may be
made without departing from the spirit of this portion of the invention.
E Figure 16. is the base or neck of the lamp 1 (partly shown) of insulating
material and having upon it the metal platesy to which are connected

page_text: respectively the conductors 3.4. leading to the incandeseing conductor. Of these y
is formed with a screw thread to engage with d. upon the interior of the socket C.
so that the lamp be positively held therein. One of the main conductors 8 leads
and is connected to . so that when the lamp is in position, one portion of the
circuit is completed via 8. d. y. 4.
The socket is formed with a shoulder . extending out from it as seen in
figures 16. and 17. Upon the exterior of the socket and one above the other are
two pins a. b. the main conductor leading and connected to b. while a. is
connected to the plate f. within the socket, with which a contacts when the lamp is
in position upon the socket. Upon the shoulder is placed a ring B. having at its
top an inwardly extending flange o. closing around the top of the socket, a chamber
being left between the flange o. and shoulder .
Upon the interior of the ring is secured a wedge n. seen in Figure 18, which
may be of solid metal, but which is preferably, as shown, made of a strip of springy
metal bent back upon itself, and of a size to fill the space between a and b and
made contact with both when forced between them.
To determine the movement of the ring B. and to hold it from coming off, a
screw passes therethrough, and plays in a slot or recess 7. cut in the side of C.
If desired to indicate audibly when the proper amount of movement has been
given B. a spring pawl c. when bevelled or wedge shaped end. may be attached to C.
and corresponding recesses el cut in the interior of B at proper points, whereby the
movement of B would be limited as well as an audible indication given.
7.71
As before stated when the lamp is in position, the connection 8. d. y. 4 is
complete, but the connection 7. b. a. f... 3. is broken between a and b. If now
the ring B. be turned in the proper direction (and from the limiting action of
or of c. c if the latter be used it can be turned in no other direction) the spring
wedge, is carried between the pins a. b electrically, connecting them and
completing the connections 7. b. a. f. 3. while movement in the other direction
removes the spring wedge from between them and breaks the circuit..
As the manipulative part of the circuit controller is a simple ring B. with no
projecting parts to receive a blow, or to catch upon or be caught by anything,
there is no danger of accidental operation or disarrangement of the circuit
controller.
In an electric lighting system using incandescent lamps, it is often desirable to
group a number of them, two or more, for which purpose a device like the ordinary
gas chandelier is exceedingly useful, and this portion of the invention relates to
what may be called an electrical chandelier.
A chandelier consisting of a body and two or more arms, often highly orna-
mented is not in good shape for packing or shipment, hence it has become customary
to make the ordinary gas chandeliers so that they come apart into many pieces,
which may be packed securely and compactly for shipment and then reassembled.
Manufactured goods of all classes are so made, and are usually designated to the
trade as ** 'knock-down *** goods.
"
With gas chandeliers the task is an easy one as the " circuit so to speak, for
the fluid, is simply a pipe, and it is only necessary to see that the junctions are
tightly screwed together. With an electrical chandelier, a complete electrical
circuit must be made to each lamp or burner.
The object of this portion of the invention is to furnish an electrical
<< knock
'down" chandelier, so arranged with circuit connections and contacts upon or in its
various parts, that the act of assembling the parts to form the chandelier shall at
the same time complete the necessary. electrical connections.
A further object of this invention is to utilize wood, or any suitable insulating
material capable of economical manipulation and ornamentation, in the manufacture
of chandeliers and other electric lamp fixtures.
Suppose that the chandelier is to be of metal, or that an ordinary gas chandelier
is to be changed into a "knock down" electrical chandelier. The chandelier is
composed of three elements; the arms carrying the lamps or burners, of which

page_text: there may be any desired number; the standard and attached base into which the
arms are fastened, and the ornamentation, usually of struck up metal or ornamental
castings, slipped over or fastened upon the standard and arms.
Through each arm the two conducting wires are passed, being either left free
at the outer end for attachment to the lamp socket, or if the socket is then in
position, attached thereto. The inner end of the arm is screw threaded for attach-
ment to the base; beyond the screw threaded end extends an insulating block or
tube terminating in a metal tip, to which one of the conductors is fastened: Upon
the exterior of the block is a metal ring to which the other conductor is led.
Within the base attached to the pendant or standard of the chandelier is fixed a
block of insulating material serving as a base for the parts to be therein placed, or
they may be insulated from each other by a special insulation to each. Near to
the location of each arm and in such position within the base that the metal tip
and ring shall impinge thereon when the arm is put in position, are two springs.
One is somewhat shaped with its longer member bent at right angles, forming a
shoulder by which it is fastened to and depends from the base, its free or spring
member being toward the periphery of the base. The other is a curved or bowed
spring of sheet metal rigidly fixed at one end to the base and secured at the other
by a screw passing through a slot, so that it may be more or less bowed.
The main conductors pass down through the standard of the chandelier to the
base, at which point they branch at each arm, a branch from one main conductor
being connected to the pendant spring, while a branch from the other is connected
to the curved spring.
When the arm is screwed into place, the metal tip upon its end impinges against
the pendent spring, while the ring takes upon the curved spring, the resilience of
these parts ensuring good contact, so that the necessary circuit connections are
immediately and automatically formed..
Tasteful and inexpensive chandeliers. may be made of wood, which may be
ornamented with the ordinary metal ornamentations when desired. Such however
may be turned or carved so that the ornamentation of the standard and base are
integral therewith and the base hollowed out to form a chamber for receiving the
circuit completing devices described.
Figures 20. 21. and 22. of the drawings represent these devices;
Figure 20 being a section, and
Figure 21. a bottom view of part of a chandelier constructed as a
electrical chandelier; and
Figure 22, shows a wooden chandelier.
knock-down"
A is the standard or leading tube of the chandelier, through which pass the main
conductors 1. 2. and which is surrounded by an ornamental casing C. or other
desired ornamentation. Attached thereto is the base B. for the reception and
support of the burner or lamp carrying arms D. D₁ of which there may be any
necessary number.
Upon its interior is the insulating base b. to which are attached springs E.EL.G.H.
there being one spring E and one spring G. for each arm. E is made as a pendent -
spring secured at one end, with its free end bent upward toward the periphery of
the base, while G. Hare bowed flat springs rigidly secured at one end, and at the
other by slots in which take screws g. h. so that their height or bow in the centre
may be varied. To each spring E. El and G. H. a branch from a conductor leads,
care being taken that the branches leading to the springs E. G. or E¹. H of each
set shall be from different main conductors.
The arms are all alike and the description of one answers for all.
The arm D. is arranged to be screw seated in the base and it carries upon its
inner end the insulating block d. at whose end is fixed the metal tip F. in contact
with one of the conductors 4. leading through the arm to the lamp. Upon the
exterior of the block d. is secured a metal band or ring c. to which the other
conductor 3. is secured.

page_text: The springs E. G. and the tip F. and ring c. are so arranged relatively to each
other that when the arms are put in position, the parts shall he as shown in
Figure 20. . with F and E in contact and G and e. these contacts being rendered
firm and reliable by the resilience of the springs E. G.
In these figures the conductor L. branches to spring E of one arm, and to spring II.
in the other, and conductor 2. to spring E. in one case and spring G in the other.
One conductor however may branch to all the springs of one type and the other
branch to the springs of another type.
One set of springs and one conductor may be used, where metal chandeliers are
used, the metal of the chandelier and its connected system of pipes being used for
the return system, although it is preferable in systems of incandescent lighting, to
use a complete wire circuit.
It is evident that many modifications may be made in the forní and arrangement
of the contacts and springs, the feasibility of making a knock down" electrical
chandelier being here shown.
For instance the tip F. may be a hug upon to strike against a shoulder, or G.
may be a semi-circular projection upon the base, in which e. is to take, or F. may be a
spring. The number of such modifications evident to all ingenious minds is almost
beyond cataloguing.
In Figure 22. is shown a chandelier made of wood or other insulating material,
in which the standard A is turned or carved into proper shape. The base B. may
he a piece separate from or integral with A and the arms D. D₁ may be of wood
or metal as desired. The base B being of wood, the insulating piece b. can be
dispensed with.
The arms D. D' and base and standard may each he made and sold as separate
articles of manufacture, so that repairs of any broken or damaged part of the
chandelier may be readily made without its removal from its location.
What is claimed is:
First: The combination with a lamp and a socket detachable from each other,
of controllable means for positively holding them together, and means for
automatically completing the necessary circuit connections through the lamp, by
the act of placing them together, substantially as set forth.
Second. The base or neck of the lamp, provided with contact plates or rings,
arranged in different longitudinal or transverse planes, substantially as set forth.
Third: The socket or holder provided with a contact plate or ring and a circuit
controller arranged in different longitudinal or transverse planes, substantially as
set forth.
i
*....
Fourth. The combination with a separate removable lamp and a socket, of means
for holding them positively in position relatively to each other, substantially as
set forth.
Fifth. A circuit controller for an electric lamp to make or break the circuit,
provided with means for retaining it in either position as desired, against
accidental displacement, substantially as set forth.
Sixth. A circuit controller consisting of a spring seated rod within a cylinder.
and means for limiting and determining at will the action of the spring upon the
rod, substantially as set forth.
Seventh. In a circuit controller for electric lamps, the combination of a cylinder
with grooves as described, upon its head, a spring seated contact rod passing
therethrough, and a pin attached to the rod and taking in the grooves, substantially
as set forth.
'
Eighth. The combination of a base piece.. adapted to receive and support the
standard of a lamp or chandelier, a lamp or chandelier standard and means upon
the base piece for completing the circuit connections to the lamp or lamps,
substantially as set forth.
Ninth. The combination of a base piece such as described, a lamp or chandelier

page_text: Standard, a Sately caren an a cap covering the Dase piece, Stustambay as
set forth.
Tenth. The combination of a chandelier or bracket arm, a lamp and means for
attaching the lamp thereto, and maintaining it in a .reversed or other than upright
position, substantially as set forth.
Eleventh. The combination with an electric lamp and a shade or reflector, of
means located above the lamp and supporting and holding the shade, substantially
as set forth.
Twelfth. A shape or reflector for an electric lamp constructed and adapted to
be held in position above the lamp by the socket of the lamp, substantially as
set forth.
Thirteenth. The combination of two bracket arms and a pivotal connection
therefor arranged to constantly maintain electrical connection from a conductor in
one arm, to a conductor in the other, substantially as set forth.
Fourteenth. The combination of two bracket arms, one pivoted upon or within
the other so as to rotate freely, and means substantially as described for constantly
maintaining electrical connection between a conductor or conductors in each arm,
substantially as set forth.
Fifteenth. The combination of a bracket arm provided with an insulated pivotal
piece having thereon one or more metal rings, and a bracket arm having
a box
or casing to receive the pivotal piece and provided with a spring or springs,
constantly bearing upon the ring or rings, and electrical conpections from the
spring or springs, and ring or rings, substantially as set forth.
Sixteenth. A swinging electrical lamp bracket composed of two or more armis,
provided with means for constantly maintaining the proper electrical connections
therethrough, substantially as set forth.
Seventeenth. A circuit controller for an electric lamp, in which the manipulative
portion is a simple band or ring substantially as set forth.
Eighteenth. The combination with a broken electrical circuit, of a circuit closer
attached to the interior of a band or ring, substantially as set forth.
Nineteenth. The combination with the socket of an electric lamp, of a circuit
controller operated by a ring or band encircling the socket, substantially as
set forth.
Twentieth. The combination with an electric circuit, of two pins whereat the
circuit is broken, and a wedge for closing such break attached to the interior of a
band encircling and hiding the pins and circuit connections, substantially as
set forth.
Twenty-first. The combination with a circular or ring circuit controller, of means
for limiting its motion, substantially as set forth.
Twenty-second. The combination with a circular or ring circuit controller, of
means for audibly indicating when the proper amount of movement has been given,
substantially as set forth.
.
Twenty-third. An electrical "knock down" chandelier substantially as shown
and described.
Twenty-fourth. The combination with the standard and base of an electrical
chandelier, of circuit terminals for completing the circuit to the arms, when placed
in position, substantially as set forth.
Twenty-fifth. An electrical chandelier arm, provided with conductors and circuit
terminals for completing the circuits when placed in position, substantially
as set forth.
Twenty-sixth. The combination in an electrical chandelier of a base, an arm or
arms for carrying the lamps, suitable conductors and means for completing the
circuit connections throughout the chandelier automatically upon the proper
joining of the base and arms, substantially as set forth.
Twenty-seventh. The arrangement within the base of a chandelier, of circuit

page_text: terminals and contacts for completing the circuits throughout the chandelier
substantially as set forth.
Twenty-eighth. An electrical chandelier made principally of wood and provided
with necessary electrical conductors, substantially as set forth.
In witness whereof I the said Peter Jensen have hereunto set my hand
and seal this Twentyfourth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and eighty-one."
- בבד
PETER JEDEN.
(་s་ཀ}
L.S.,