IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND ARRANGEMENT OF LAMPS OR APPARATUS ADAPTED TO THE ELECTRIC LIGHT, PARTS OF WHICH ARE APPLICABLE TO OTHER LIGHTS.” PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Prosser, of the Parish of St. Luke, Chelsea, in the
County of Middlesex, Esquire, and William Edward Moore, of Brixton Rise, in
the County of Surrey, Esquire, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
CONSTRUCTION AND ARRANGEMENT OF LAMPS OR APPARATUS ADAPTED TO THE
ELECTRIC LIGHT, PARTS OF WHICH ARE APPLICABLE TO OTHER LIGHTS.”
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Prosser and William
Edward Moore at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 5th
July 1877.
•
WILLIAM PROSSER, of the Parish of St. Luke, Chelsea, in the County of
Middlesex, Esquire, and WILLIAM EDWARD MOORE, of Brixton Rise, in the County
of Surrey, Esquire. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND ARRANGEMENT
OF LAMPS OR APPARATUS. ADAPTED TO THE ELECTRIC LIGHT, PARTS OF WHICH
ARE APPLICABLE TO OTHER LIGHTS."
Our improvements relate to the construction of lamps or apparatus adapted to the
exhibition of the electric light, and particularly refers to the electrodes and the mode
of bringing them into and maintaining them in efficient action.
The improvements which we herein contemplate consist in the modes of combining
and mounting the electrodes, also in the mode of forming them, and in the means of
bringing them successively into action in such manner as to prevent the suspension
of the current of electricity and consequent extinction of the light, arising either
from defective electrodes or other accidental causes. The extinction of the light
would therefore be entirely avoided, and the electric current, together with the
light, be automatically maintained. As by our ordinary modes of arranging the
electrodes we require only two electrodes to be in action at one and the same time,
we cause those not in immediate action (where we employ a plurality of them) to be
completely insulated, and cause the electric current to pass through the opposing
electrodes, the electric fluid being conducted through an ordinary feeder from the
battery, and connected with the electrodes by means of a spring commutator or
Price Gd 1

page_text: other connector of platinum or other suitable metal, which, preserving contact by
pressing upon the electrodes in immediate action, is so arranged and adjusted that
when it is necessary to change or shift the electrodes from any cause, contact shall at
once be effected with the succeeding electrode, so that the perfect continuity of the
electric current, and consequently of the light, shall be maintained.
We employ the electrodes in a variety of forms, either as solid or annular discs,
or drums of carbon mounted on axes or otherwise supported, and give to them a
rotative movement by means of springs, clockwork, or other convenient and
suitable device, and enclose them in suitable metallic or other frames or carriers to
protect them from disruption or other injury, the electric conductor being applied at
any suitable and convenient part of the apparatus.
In arranging for a plurality of electrodes we adopt circular, polygonal, or other
suitable forms of carriers for holding them, which may be constructed of metal or
other suitable material; and with the view of incurring as little waste as possible we
make the consumable portion of the carbon points as short as possible, which can be
readily replaced as they are consumed, leaving the tail pieces or ends as permanent
appendages to the carriers. Any desired number of electrodes may be employed.
Where a continuous light of unusually long duration is desired, the positive
electrodes may be set or arranged on the periphery of a cylindrical frame or wheel
in the form of a star of any number of points, such frame being moved rotatorily by
clock work or other device. In this case a negative electrode of the like description
with similar appliances may be used, or an electrode (which we prefer) in the form
of.a wheel. having a tire of carbon of a sufficient width, the wheel being arranged to
rotate freely on its axis and advanced longitudinally by a screw movement so that
the light may be made to trace a spiral path on its surface.
Where a multiplicity of lights is required, or a large volume of light desired, a
system of electrodes may be so employed and their effects combined that a great
volume of light may be concentrated upon one spot, and this to almost any extent,
being determined and limited only by the number of electrodes in action and the
strength of the battery employed.
The carriers containing the electrodes may be placed in any desired relative
position, either opposed to each other, edge to edge, side by side, or in any way
angularly disposed, so that however the light may be so used all obstruction to the
radiation of the light is obviated.
By these arrangements we obtain continuous intermittent flashing or other
signal lights, either of which is simply effected by preserving contact, or making and
breaking it to any prescribed time.
Where a piece of carbon of suitable size and form cannot conveniently be obtained
we form the electrodes to any desired configuration and size by pulverizing the
carbonaceous material of which the electrodes are to consist, and mix therewith
metallic manganese or siliceous dust to ensure a perfect and uninterrupted bril-
liancy of light.
In some cases we propose to enclose the carbon in suitable metallic coverings
with a similar object. We thus obtain uniformity of quality, and finish them to the
desired form by pressing them in suitable moulds by means of hydraulic or other
convenient and suitable power.
We provide also proper adjustment for the electrodes in order that a maximum
amount of light may at all times be ensured. .
We sometimes give to the electrodes an independent rotatory movement to
facilitate their uniform consumption.
The several systems of mounting and moving the electrodes, as used for the
electric light as herein described, may be applied successfully to the oxy-hydrogen
light, wherein lime in its various combinations or other suitable. materials are
employed, by which the perfection of the light will be much enhanced.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said William Prosser and William Edward Moore in the Great Seal
Patent Office on the 5th January 1878.
WILLIAM PROSSER, of the Parish of St. Luke, Chelsea, in the County of
Middlesex, Esquire, and William Edward Moore, of Brixton Rise, in the County of
Surrey, Esquire. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND ARRANGEMENT OF
LAMPS OR APPARATUS ADAPTED TO THE ELECTRIC LIGHT, PARTS OF WHICH ARE
APPLICABLE TO OTHER LIGHTS."
To effect the objects contemplated under this Patent, the several arrangements
herein-after described will suffice to shew the general and distinctive character of
our Invention.
As the general character of our Invention we would designate it as an improved
application of certain means, whereby they are adapted more successfully, and with
greater certainty to the requirements of the electric light, by which a more reliable
light is thereby produced than has heretofore been obtained.
Want of stability, coupled with the necessity for unremitting attention, in
order to maintain the light in action, have hitherto been the great drawbacks of
electric lights.
In most instances where electric lights are desirable to prevent accidents at sea,
or as permanent signals for a variety of purposes, the foregoing defects are altogether
inadmissable; and although they have been tolerated under special circumstances,
the instruments are, nevertheless, very imperfect, which it is our object to remedy,
and to render them as simple and efficacious as oil lamps.
Hitherto the nearest approach to a perfect light is the oxyhydrogen, or lime
light, arranged according to a previous Patent taken by William Prosser, which,
although inferior in point of brilliancy to the electric light, is capable of any amount
of volume of light.
The objects which we propose to embrace in our present Patent are twofold:-
Firstly. To supply the means to afford the greatest intensity to the electric
light.
And, Secondly. To the simple light that permanence which it does not at present
possess.
The improvements which we herein contemplate refer more particularly to the
mounting and combining of the electrodes in various ways, whether fluid or solid,
so that by suitable arrangements of mechanism a continuous and steady light may
be maintained, unattended by those casualties which arise from suspended action,
or other incidental causes.
To obtain an automatic supply of an electrode in a simple form we employ a stick
or strip of carbon, or other suitable material, partially enclosed in a metallic or
other case, so that it may not be disrupted by the intense heat of the light. This
strip or stick of carbon being exposed on its front face to the action of the electric
current will, by means of a continuous and progressive motion, communicate to it
by suitable clockwork, or other device, maintain the focus of the light without its
brilliancy being materially impaired. The speed of the stick electrode will be so
adjusted to its rate of combustion as that the focus of the light will not be practically
affected thereby; as the carbon or other material may be employed of any diameter
or shape, it is obvious that more than one spark may be used thereon, so as to
produce a multiple light of considerable volume.
Where from the velocity given to it only a slight impression has been made upon
the strip of carbon or other material during one traverse in front of the spark
it may be raised until so far impaired as to unfit it for further employment. To
reduce the suspension of the light to a minimum, we arrange a number of electrodes,
so that they can each be brought into successive action with rapidity and
certainty. To effect this object we mount several electrodes in frames or carriers,

page_text: the number of electrodes being adapted to the time for which the light is required
to be exhibited:
In ordinary cases the carriers may be arranged to mount twenty, thirty, or even
more electrodes, the number depending on the interval of action assigned to each
electrode, such intervals being determined by the rate of consumption of the
material of which the electrodes are composed without causing a practical diminution
of the light. Some slight variation of the light will unavoidably ensue even from
the slight combustion of the electrodes by which the distance between them will
be somewhat increased; but this may be minimised so as to render it practically.
of no material consequence. The interval between the shifting of the electrodes
may be taken, say, at every ten minutes, according to the material used and the
strength of the current. These carriers may be made of iron or other suitable
material, and are mounted on axes (or their equivalents), a rotatory motion is given
to them by means of clockwork or other suitable device, and where an intermittent
action is necessary it may be obtained by single tooth or other suitable gear well
known for such purposes.
The positive and negative electrodes may either be placed in the same plane, or
may be arranged round their axis in any other convenient manner, as may best suit
the character of the light required. A circular or other form of carrier may be
combined with a revolving drum of carbon or other suitable material, having a
slight longitudinal motion given to it by means of a screw or other suitable move-
ment, whereby the focus of the light may be constantly maintained by the
changing of the position of the point of incandescence effected by the spark
describing a spiral course on the surface of the said drum, the circumferential speed
of which is to be regulated in the same manner as stated for the solid electrodes
with continuous motion.
To obtain increased volume of the light the lamp may be placed in the focus of a
parabolic or other reflector, or it may be enclosed in a dioptric apparatus, whereby
the light may be diffused and rendered more discernible at a distance, as requisite
for lighthouse service. We sometimes employ fixed electrodes in the carriers when
only a face light is required, but when the light is required to be radiated laterally
as well, we may cause the electrodes to recede into the cells of the carriers when not
in action, being only protruded at the point where they are required to complete
· electric circuit. This may be done by means of a cam which will admit of the
electrodes receding after passing the point of action. We propose sometimes to give
to the electrodes a slight rotatory movement for the purpose of insuring uniformity
in the consumption of the material.
. The carriers may be of any form most suitable for bringing a series of electrodes
successively into action, as, for instance, a chain of cells fitted with electrodes and
mounted on two rollers (in the manner of a chain pump) may be adopted, and they
may be employed in lieu of the circular form of carriers, either together or singly,
in combination with either of the other forms of carriers herein specified, the same
object being attained, videlicet, the successive action of the electrodes.
Where we employ continuous motion for one or other or both of the electrodes,
we sometimes use plain circular discs of carbon or other suitable material, and cause
them to revolve slowly, so as not to allow the edges of the discs to he appreciably
consumed by the electric current. We sometimes find it convenient to employ
serrated discs for one or both electrodes as being a simple form well adapted to
face lights. The teeth forming the electrode points may either be formed of the
same piece as the disc, or may be mounted separately in carriers, and insulated from
each other.
In some cases we propose to enclose the electrodes in copper or other suitable
metallic cases with the object of adding to the brilliancy of the light.
It may be found desirable generally to insulate the electrodes from each other
in cases where the carriers themselves are not made of insulating material, in
order that the electric current shall pass only through those electrodes which are
in juxtaposition;

page_text: Figure 1 is a strip or stick of carbon or other material a, partially enclosed in a
metallic case b, as seen in section, Figures 2, 3, 3*; it may be moved in its frame
longitudinally by clock work or other convenient arrangement, and its progressive
motion regulated by a screw c; d is the other electrode, either positive or negative
(as may be arranged). One or more of these electrodes d may be used, and, if
necessary, the carbon strip a may be divided in its width into as many parts as
there are other electrodes, being insulated from each other as seen in section, Figure 3,
each part having separate conductors and feeders.
Figures 4 and 5 are front view and section of a lamp constructed with two plain
carbon disc electrodes e, e, which may be caused to rotate continuously by means of
clockwork or other suitable movement f, the positive and negative poles of the
instruments being, as may be arranged, the movement being insulated as at g.
Figures 6, 7, and 8, are discs 1, i, serrated on the edges, the teeth forming
electrode points, which are successively brought into action at arranged intervals
intermittently by means of a single tooth pinion working into a toothed wheel on
the axis of one of the discs, the wheel having as many teeth as there are teeth or
electrodes points in each disc, so that each revolution of the pinion may move the
wheel, and consequently the discs through the space of one tooth or electrode point
circumferentially, the discs being held in their position by a detent and notched
rim, as seen at Figure 10, which applies to all the Figures where intermittent
motion is used.
Figure 8 shews a portion of a built disc constructed with separate teeth or
electrode points enclosed or held together between two plates forming a carrier,
each tooth being insulated, and a spring conductor acting only on the electrode
point in action.
Figure 9 shews a series of electrodes arranged. and mounted in carriers 1, 1,
having the requisite number of cells disposed round their peripheries. These carriers
may be made of metal or any suitable material, insulating or otherwise; if the latter,
the cells must be lined with ivory or other insulating material, so that the electric
circuit will be confined to the pair of electrodes m, m, which are in juxtaposition,
and to which suitable conductors n, n, are directly applied.
Figure 10-is a mode of using the carrier 1, Figure 9, combined with à revolving
drum o, to which a slight longitudinal motion is given by means of a screw 2 or
other suitable movement, so that the focus of the light may be continually 'main-
tained by the constant changing of the surface of the revolving drum electrode o,

page_text: the speed of the drum being regulated in the same manner as directed for the
electrodes, having continuous motion.
Figure 11 shews two electrodes in carriers placed at an angle with each other.
Figure 12 shews a combination of a carrier p, having an intermittent motion
action with a disc electrode q, having a continuous motion, and placed horizontally.
Figure 13 shews a combination of a carrier p with a disc q, placed vertically.
Figure 14, shewing an arrangement of carriers round a cylinder of carbon or
other material, having a slight longitudinal motion, whereby the lights from a
number of electrodes are combined to form a circle of light of any diameter; if
necessary the central cylindrical electrode may be built or composed of several pieces
of the material (one for each carrier), and insulated or not to suit the character of
the batteries employed.
Figure 15 shews a lamp constructed with two fluid electrodes crossing or passing
by each other; 7, 7, are two tubes with suitable adjusting valves to regulate the
flow of the mercury which is contained in the cisterns or heads 8, 8. The light is
produced at the point t where the streams of mercury cross or pass by each other.
The spent mercury is received in a cup u beneath the light from whence it is
conveyed into the chamber v by a small tube.
Figure 16 shews the two streams of mercury arranged so that they intersect each
other in the same plane instead of passing each other, as in Figure 15, the light
being produced at the point of intersection.
Figure 17 shews the two streams of mercury in opposition to each other, the light
being at the point of collision w:
Figure 18 shews a series of carbon or other, electrodes enclosed in a tube x, and
moved towards the other electrode by a screw or other movement, dislodging the
foremost piece of carbon, and advancing a fresh piece. These may be used in pairs
or separately in conjunction with other electrodes.
Having now illustrated several modes of carrying our Invention into effect wo
would have it distinctly understood that we do not claim as new any of the
individual parts comprised in our several combinations, as set forth in this
Specification, but we claim as our Invention the several combinations and arrange-
ments, substantially as herein described, which constitute the distinctive character
of our Invention, that is to say,—
Firstly. We claim the use and application of strips of carbon or other suitable
material arranged in combination with other electrodes, whether moved by
continuous or intermittent motion, as the case may require, and whether acted upon
by one or more currents of electricity, whereby we obtain a single or compound
light, as herein described.
Secondly. We claim the use and application of carbon or other suitable electrodes
arranged in circular or other frames or carriers, whereby they are brought
successively into position and action by suitable clockwork or other motor, whether
used as positive or negative electrodes, or both, and anyhow placed with respect to
each other, and whether used in combination with disc or other electrodes, or with
circular drums.
Thirdly. We claim the use and application of two or more flowing electrodes of
mercury, such electrodes being anyhow combined or disposed with respect to each
other, so as by their crossing or passing each other or by the intersection or
opposition of the streams of mercury (the one positive, and the other negative),
light is produced substantially in the manner herein described, the said electrodes
being enclosed in one or more glass shades or cases for preventing the escape of the
mercurial fumes therefrom in the manner described in William Prosser's Patent of
1875.
Fourthly. We claim the use and application of moulded electrodes of any desired
form, consisting of carbonaceous material combined and compressed into the desired
form by suitable power as herein described.
Fifthly. We claim the use and application of electrodes consisting of short
5
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page_text: detached pieces of carbon or other suitable material enclosed in metallic or other
suitable tubes, as herein described.
Sixthly. We claim the use and application of any of the foregoing arrangements
in whatever manner they may be combined, so as to produce a large volume of light
for lighthouse or other signalling purposes, substantially as herein described.
Seventhly: We claim the use and application of disc electrodes, whether as plain
or serrated discs, and whether used together or in combination with any of the
other forms of electrodes herein described, the motion of such discs being continuous
or intermittent, as the case may be, as herein described.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Prosser, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Fifth day of January, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and seventy-eight.
Witness,
ELT & Coy.,
British & Foreign Patent Agents,
33, Southampton Buildings, Holborn,
London, W.C.
W. PROSSER. (LS.)