Improvements in and relating to Electric Arc Lamps.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 5th Mar., 1891
Complete Specification Left, 5th Dec. 1891-Accepted, 5th Mar., 1892
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Electric Arc Lamps.
I, OCTAVE PATIN, of 95, Boulevard Beaumarchais, Paris in the Republic of
France, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
My invention relates to an electric arc lamp which is arranged for operating
either in tension or in derivation, in a continuous or an alternating current circuit,
the lighting and regulation being effected by means of a simple coil mounted in
derivation at the poles of the arc.
This lamp may have a variable or a fixed luminous point.
In principle the improved lamp constructed according to the aforesaid invention
comprises a solenoid placed in derivation at the terminals of the arc which acts upon
a small cylinder of soft iron and thus causes the ascending or descending movement
of this cylinder.
Through the medium of a very simple mechanism this movement of the cylinder
is transmitted to the carbons which approach or recede from each other according
as the electromotive force augments or diminishes.
Prior to the operation the carbons are separated, in the lighting, the current
passes through the coil alone, the core is attracted, a brake is relaxed, and the
carbons come in contact.
At the moment when the current flows entirely through the carbons the core
descends again and causes the separation, that is to say the lighting.
The regulation is effected in the following manner.' When the electromotive
force augments, the core of soft iron is attracted and causes the approach of the
carbons, whilst when the electro-motive force diminishes the core descends again
under the action of its weight and separates the carbons.
If the lamp operates in a continuous current circuit the coil placed in derivation
has a great resistance and the intensity of the current passing through the arc is
very great as compared with that of the current which passes through the
coil. This coil attracts an iron cylinder which causes the lighting, that is to say,
the separation of the carbons, each time when the electro-motive force decreases
below the desired point, and the regulation, that is to say, the approach of
the carbons, each time when the electro-motive force rises above the desired
point.
From this follows that when a safety plug, which will hereinafter be described, is
included in the wire of the shunt coil, it will protect the coil in case the lamp is
extinguished, will short-circuit this lamp, and enable the lamp to be replaced in the
circuit by an equal resistance if desired.
If the lamp operates in an alternating current circuit, the coil placed in derivation
serves to act upon the soft iron which actuates the carbons, as above explained for
the operation in a continuous current circuit.
Moreover the current flows through the coil in case the arc is extinguished that
is to say if the lamp operates under normal conditions the greatest part of the
current passes through the arc, but if from any cause the arc is extinguished the
coil can without danger allow the passage of the total current without occasioning
any disturbance in the general operation. Despite this accident the lamps included
in the circuit remain steady. It is one of the most remarkable results obtained by my
invention that the coil placed in derivation can be made of a wire of sufficient
sectional area for allowing the passage of the total current whilst during the normal
operation it offers such a resistance owing to self-induction that the greatest part of
the current will pass through the arc.
The lamp can also be regulated by using coils of fine wire made of any section,

page_text: but calculated to merely cause the attraction needed for the electro-motive force
which is employed for the regulation. By an arrangement similar to that devised
for lamps operating in a continuous current circuit a resistance can be produced in
the circuit breaker having a fusible plug, and the lamp can be short-circuited or
resistance can be put in by the same means. The lamps may also be operated in
tension in an alternating current circuit, and all the above-mentioned results may
be realized by placing a second self-induction coil in derivation at the terminals of
the lamp, this coil being independent of the one which serves to effect the regulation
of the lamp.
An arc lamp with a variable luminous point, comprises a solenoid which serves for
effecting both the separation of the carbons for the lighting and the approach of the
carbons in proportion as they are consumed.
In the interior of this solenoid, placed in derivation at the two terminals of the
arc, is suspended a core compused of wires of soft iron, and having a greater weight
than that of the movable carbon holder. To this core is attached an air pump placed
at its lower part and supported upon the frame, which pump has the effect of
counteracting the abrupt oscillations of the core.
The cord by which the core is suspended passes over a large grooved pulley and
is attached on the other side of the pulley to a small rod drawn by a spring fixed to
the frame of the lamp so as to exert a pressure or rather act as a break upon the
grooved pulley. This small rod carries a pin and slides in a fixed piece pierced with
a cylindrical hole.
Upon the axis of the large pulley is fixed another small grooved pulley
over which passes a cord, one of the extremities of which is fixed to the upper
carbon holder. The other extremity is attached to the frame of the lamp
and through the medium of a pulley keeps suspended a counterweight designed
for maintaining the tension of the cord and also for partly counteracting the weight
of the movable carbon-holder. The lower carbon rests upon a part which forms a
piece with the frame of the lamp. Two pulleys and two counterweights may be
employed.
An arrangement which is used for lamps having either a fixed or a variable
luminous point enables the weight of the core to be counteracted and the regulation
to be facilitated. This arrangement comprises a lever pivoted upon a pin fixed to
the frame.
To this lever is fixed one end of a spring the other end of which can be displaced
at will by means of a slide which serves to put it under tension by moving upon the
rod of the frame. The extremity of the said lever acts upon the core communicating
to it part of the force exerted by the spring.
This force tends to lift the core. The extremity of the above-mentioned lever
presents an eye in which slides a pin fixed upon the rod of the core.
The carbon holder of the improved lamp, which is applied to both kinds of
lamps is of peculiar construction. The upper carbon holder comprises a metallic
sphere pressed between an elliptic plate and a rectangular plate. The latter plate
rests upon an insulating plate which in turn is placed upon the plates of the carbon
holder. Screws serve to press the sphere. In this manner a kind of knee joint is
obtained.
At a terminal ends a soft wire which conducts the current.
Through the aforesaid sphere passes a rod the sectional area of which increases
at the lower part. The latter has a central hole into which the carbon is
inserted.
For fixing the carbon I provide a ring with a screw by means of which the said
ring is forced against the carbon when displaced in an incision formed in the afore-
said rod. A second screw which serves for fixing the first screw is screwed into
the lower part of the rod.
The lower carbon holder is not arranged in the same manner as the upper carbon
It is held upon the plate of the carbon holder generally used with the aid
of a screw and nut.
holder.

page_text: The mechanism of the lamp herein before described acts as follows:
When the lamp is not in action the core of the solenoid is not attracted and
acts with its whole weight which is greater than that of the movable carbon
holder and always keeps the movable upper carbon separated from the. fixed lower
carbon.
As soon as the current is sent through the lamp it passes entirely through the -
coil, the core of soft iron is attracted to the interior of the solenoid and the cord
by which it is suspended is caused to move upwards, being kept stretched by the
spring fixed to the frame and sliding in the guide likewise fixed to the frame, whilst
in a backward movement it turns the grooved pulley. This movement may be
sufficient for causing the contact of the carbons. However if the distance between
the carbons is too great' the backward movement is continued until the pin on the
said rod rests upon the fixed guide. At this moment the cord ceases to act as a
brake upon the pulley, the shaft is turned by the weight of the upper carbon holder,
the two carbons come in contact, the entire current Hows through the carbons thus
ceasing to pass through the coil, the core being no longer attracted falls by reason
of its own weight and as its weight is greater than that of the upper carbon holder
(partly balanced by a counterweight) it carries away the upper carbon holder and
causes the separation of the carbons and consequently the lighting. As the
core descends a shorter distance than that which it had been raised the arc is
maintained.
When in the operation of the lamp the length of the arc increases by reason of
the consumption of the carbons the electro-motive force at the terminals of the lamp
and therefore at the extremities of the solenoids augments also, and the attraction
of the solenoid taking place in the same proportion raises the core again. The cord
by which it is suspended follows the same upward movement carrying slowly with it
the grooved pulley in a return movement. This movement causes the approach of
the carbons and it continues till the above mentioned pin fixed to the rod rests
upon the fixed part.
From this moment the upward movement has the effect of relaxing the cord
which will then discontinue to exert pressure or act as a brake upon the grooved
pulley which becomes free to turn being acted upon by the weight of the upper
carbon holder.
As the arc assumes its normal length the electromotive force at the terminals of
the lamp and therefore at the extremities of the solenoid diminishes and obtains its
normal value; the core of soft iron descends again and passes back to its original
position.
If for any reason the carbons approach each other below the determined limit
the electro-motive force at the terminals of the lamp diminishes and the same is
the case in the solenoid. The core of soft iron under the action of its own weight
descends and turning the pulley re-establishes the normal distance between the
carbons.
In the same manner as in the lamp with a variable luminous point the solenoid of
the lamp with a fixed luminous point serves both for causing the separation of the
carbons for the lighting and the approach of the carbons according as they are
consumed.
This solenoid and the accessory parts used for the regulation are arranged in the
same manner as in the lamp with a variable luminous point.
The lighting and the regulation of the lamp are likewise effected in a similar
manner. The only difference consists in that the movement of the grooved pulley is
transmitted to two carbon holders which are both movable. The rods of these carbon
holders are fixed to the extremities of two cores adapted to be displaced upon two
grooved pulleys which are fixed upon the same shaft as the large pulley, so that
when the upper carbon descends the lower carbon rises.
The safety plug herein before referred to in describing the operation of the lamp
acting by a continuous current, is also applied to lamps operated by alternating
currents. It comprises a pallet forming a spring and put in communication with.

page_text: j
terminal which is insulated and kept raised by a fusible plug or by any kind of
fusible wire. In case the wire breaks the said pallet establishes communication
with a second terminal which is insulated. Between the second terminal and a third
terminal is inserted a resistance which is equal to the resistance of the lamp. The
first terminal is insulated and communicates with the aforesaid pallet. On the other
hand the coil communicates by one of the extremities of its wire with the first
terminal through the medium of the fusible plug, and the other extremity of the
wire communicates directly with the third terminal which is in communication with
the lower carbon of the lamp. The first terminal is connected with the upper carbon.
At the first and third terminals end the two line wires.
The advantages presented by these arrangements consist in that the lamp operates
with the electro-motive force strictly necessary for producing the arc, that the
absorption of part of the total electro-motive force of the current for effecting the
regulation is obviated and that thus the expenditure of energy necessary for effecting
the regulation can be reduced to a minimum.
These arrangements present moreover the advantage of ensuring almost an
absolute regularity and obviating in the case of lamps operating in tension the
disturbances which are produced in the whole lighting installation either by reason
of the bad operation of one or more lamps or by reason of the extinction of some
amongst them.
It may be added that the lamps constructed in accordance with my said invention
can operate either in tension or in derivation in a continuous or an alternating
current circuit, irrespective of the system of distribution with a constant electro-
motive force and a variable intensity, or with a variable electromotive force and a
constant intensity.
Dated this 5th day of March 1901
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.
.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Electric Arc Lamps.
I, OCTAVE PATIN of 95 Boulevard Beaumarchais Paris in the Republic of
France, Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in`
and by the following statement :-
My invention relates to an electric arc lamp which is arranged for operating
either in tension or in derivation, in a continuous or an alternating current circuit,
the lighting and regulation being effected by means of a simple coil mounted in
derivation at the poles of the arc. This lamp may have a variable or a fixéd
luminous point.
In the accompanying drawings
Figure 1. shows the improved arc lamp provided with a variable luminous point.
Figure 2 represents an arrangement applied to a lamp having a fixed or variable:
luminous point and enabling the core to be relieved and the regulation of the lamp
to be facilitated.
Figure 3 indicates the details of construction of the carbon holder of the
.improved lamp.
Figure 4 represents the arc lamp having a fixed luminous point.
Figure 5 shows the details of a fusible safety plug included in the wire of the
coil and which puts the lamp in short-circuit, by fusing in case of accident.
In principle the improved lamp constructed according to the aforesaid invention
comprises a solenoid placed in derivation at the terminals of the arc which acts
upon a small cylinder. of soft iron and thus causes the ascending or descending
movement of this cylinder.
Through the medium of a very simple mechanism, this movement of the cylinder

page_text: is transmitted to the carbons which approach or recede from each other, according
as the electromotive force augments or diminishes.
Prior to the operation the carbons are separated; in the lighting the current
passes through the coil alone, the core is attracted, a brake is relaxed, and the
carbons come in contact with each other.
At the moment when the current flows entirely through the carbons the core
descends again and causes the separation, that is to say, the lighting.
The regulation is effected in the following manner. When the electro-motive
force auginents, the core of soft iron is attracted and causes the approach of the
carbons, whilst when the electro-motive force diminishes the core descends again
under the action of its weight and separates the carbons.
If the lamp operates in a continuous current circuit the coil placed in derivation
has a great resistance and the intensity of the current passing through the arc is
very great as compared with that of the current which passes through the coil.
This coil attracts an iron cylinder which causes the lighting, that is to say, the
separation of the carbons, each time when the electromotive force decreases below
the desired point and the regulation, that is to say, the approach of the carbons,
each time when the electromotive force rises above the desired point.
From this it follows that when a safety plug, which will hereinafter be described
is included in the wire of the shunt coil, it will protect the coil in case the lamp is
extinguished, will short-circuit this lamp, and enable the lamp to be replaced in
the circuit by an equal resistance if desired.
If the lamp operates in an alternating current circuit, the coil placed in derivation
serves to act upon the soft iron which actuates the carbons, as above explained for
the operation in a continuous current circuit.
Moreover, the current flows through the coil in case the arc is extinguished, that
is to say, if the lamp operates under normal conditions, the greater part of the .
current passes through the arc, but if from any cause the arc is extinguished the
coil can, without danger, allow the passage of the total current without occasioning
any disturbance in the general operation. Despite this accident the lamps included
in the circuit remain steady. It is one of the most remarkable results obtained by
my invention that the coil placed in derivation can be made of a wire of sufficient
sectional area for allowing the passage of the total current whilst during the
normal operation it offers such a resistance owing to self-induction that the greater
part of the current will pass through the arc.
The lamp can also be regulated by using coils of fine wire made of any section,
but calculated to merely cause the attraction needed for the electro-motive force
which is employed for the regulation. By an arrangement similar to that devised
for lamps operating in a continuous current circuit a resistance can be produced in
the circuit breaker having a fusible plug, and the lamp can be short circuited or
resistance can be put in by the same means. The lamps may also be operated in
tension in an alternating current-circuit and all the above-mentioned results may
be realized by placing a second self-induction coil in derivation at the terminals of
the lamp, this coil being independent of the one which serves to effect the regulation
of the lamp.
The improved arc lamp with a variable luminous point, comprises a solenoid S
which serves for effecting both the separation of the carbons for the lighting and
the approach of the carbons in proportion as they are consumed..
In the interior of this solenoid, placed in derivation at the two terminals of the
arc, is suspended a core n, composed of wires of soft iron, and having a greater
weight than that of the movable carbon holder. To this core is attached an air
pump placed at its lower part and supported upon the frame, which pump has
the effect of counteracting the abrupt oscillations of the core.
The cord by which the core is suspended passes over a large grooved pulley c
and is attached on the other side of the pulley to a small rod t acted on by a
spring r fixed at X to the frame of the lamp so as to exert a pressure, or rather act

page_text: as a break upon the grooved pulley. This small rod carries a pin g and slides in a
fixed pieces provided with a cylindrical hole.
Upon the axis of the large pulley is fixed one or more small grooved pulleys p pl
over which passes cords, one of the extremities of each of which is fixed to the
upper carbon holder P. S. The other extremity is attached at A to the frame of
the lamp and through the medium of a pulley keeps suspended a counterweight D
designed for maintaining the tension of the cords and also for partly counteracting
the weight of the movable carbon-holder. The lower carbon rests upon a part B
which forms a piece with the frame of the lamp.
An arrangement (Figure 2) which is used for lamps having either a fixed or a
variable luminous point enables the weight of the core to be counteracted and the
regulation to be facilitated. This arrangement comprises a lever L pivoted upon a
pin a fixed to the frame.
At a point of this lever is fixed one end of a spring R the other end c of which
can be displaced at will by means of a slide D which serves to put the spring
under tension by moving the slide upon the rod of the frame. The extremity of
the said lever I acts upon the core n, communicating to it part of the force exerted
at by the spring.
This force tends to lift the core. The extremity of the above-mentioned lever
is formed with an eye, in which slides a pin fixed upon the rod of the core.
The carbon holder of the improved lamp, which is applied to both kinds of
lamps, is of peculiar construction. The upper carbon holder (Figure 3) comprises
a metallic sphere S pressed between an elliptic plate A and a rectangular plate B.
The latter plate rests upon an insulating plate which in turn is placed upon the
plate of the carbon holder, K (Figure 4). Screws V, V serve to press the sphere S.
In this manner a kind of knee joint is obtained.
At a terminal E ends a soft wire which conducts the current.
Through the aforesaid sphere S passes a rod F the sectional area of which
increases at the lower part. The latter has a central hole into which the
carbon I is inserted.
For fixing the carbon, I provide a ring J with a screw V₁ having a collar J' by
means of which the said ring is forced against the carbon when displaced in an
incision L formed in the aforesaid rod F. A second screw which serves for
fixing the first screw V is screwed into the lower part of the rod F.
The lower carbon holder is not arranged in the same manner as the upper carbon
holder. It is held upon the plate of the carbon holder generally used with the
aid of a screw and nut.
The mechanism of the lamp hereinbefore described acts as follows:-
When the lamp is not in action, the core of the solenoid is not attracted and acts
with its whole weight which is greater than that of the movable carbon holder and
always keeps the movable upper carbon separated from the fixed lower carbon.
As soon as the current is sent through the lamp it passes entirely through the
coil, the core of soft iron is attracted to the interior of the solenoid, and the cord
by which it is suspended is caused to move upwards, being kept stretched by the
spring fixed at a to the frame and sliding in the guide S likewise fixed to the
frame, whilst in a backward movement it turns the grooved pulley. This move-
ment may be sufficient for causing the contact of the carbons. However if the
distance between the carbons is too great the backward movement is continued
until the pin g on the said rod rests upon the fixed guide. At this moment the
cord ceases to act as a brake upon the pulley c, the shaft is turned by the weight
of the upper carbon holder, the two carbons come in contact, the entire current
flows through the carbons, thus ceasing to pass through the coil S, the core n being
no longer attracted falls by reason of its own weight, and as its weight is greater
than that of the upper carbon holder P. S. (partly balanced by a counterweight D)
it carries away the upper carbon holder and causes the separation of the carbons
and consequently the lighting.

page_text: As the core descends a shorter distance than that which it had been raised the
arc is maintained.
When in the operation of the lamp the length of the arc increases by reason of
the consumption of the carbons the clectro-motive force at the terminals of the
lamp and therefore at the extremities of the solenoid augments also, and the
attraction of the solenoid taking place in the same proportion raises the core again.
The cord by which it is suspended follows the same upward movement, carrying
slowly with it the grooved pulley in a return movement. This movement causes
the approach of the carbon and it continues till the above-mentioned pin fixed to
the rod rests upon the fixed part.
From this moment the upward movement has the effect of relaxing the cord
which will then discontinue to exert pressure or act as a brake upon the grooved
pulley which becomes free to turn, being acted upon by the weight of the upper
carbon holder.
As the arc assumes its normal length the electromotive force at the terminals of
the lamp and therefore at the extremities of the solenoid diminishes and obtains its
normal value the core of soft iron descends again and passes back to its original
position.
If for any reason the carbons approach each other below the determined limit
the eléctromotive force at the terminals of the lamp diminishes and the same is the
case in the solenoid. The core of soft iron under the action of its own weight
descends and turning the pulley re-establishes the normal distance between the
carbons.
In the same manner as in the lamp with a variable luminous point, the solenoid
of the lamp with a fixed luminous point serves both for causing the separation of
the carbons for the lighting and the approach of the carbons according as they are
consumed.
This solenoid and the accessory parts used for the regulation are arranged in tlic
same manner as in the lamp with a variable luminous point.
The lighting and regulation of the lamp are likewise effected in a similar
manner. The only difference consists in that the movement of the grooved pulley
is transmitted to the carbon holders which are both movable. The rods of these
carbon holders are fixed to the extremities of two cords adapted to be displaced
upon two grooved pulleys ppl which are fixed upon the same shaft as the large
pulley c, so that when the upper carbon descends the lower carbon rises. The
safety plug Figure 5 hereinbefore referred to in describing the operation of the
lamp acting by a continuous current, is also applied to lamps operated by alternating
currents. It comprises a pallet c, forming a spring and put in communication
with a terminal k which is insulated and kept raised by a fusible plug or by any
kind of fusible wire p. In case the wire breaks the said pallet c, establishes
communication with a second terminal h which is insulated. Between the second
terminal and a third terminal d is inserted a resistance R which is equal to the
resistance of the lamp. The first terminal k is insulated and communicates with
the aforesaid pallet cg. On the other hand the coil communicates by one of the
extremitiese of its wire with the first terminal k through the medium of the fusible
plug, and the other extremity of the wire communicates directly with the third
terminal D which is in communication with the lower carbon b of the lamp. The
first terminal k is connected with the upper carbon. At the first and third
terminals and d end the two line wires.
The advantages presented by these arrangements consist in that the lamp
operates with the electro-motive force strictly necessary for producing the
arc, that
the absorption of part of the total electromotive force of the current for effecting
the regulation is obviated, and that thus the expenditure of energy necessary for
effecting the regulation can be reduced to a minimum.
These arrangements present moreover the advantage of ensuring almost an
absolute regularity, and obviating in the case of lamps operating in tension the
disturbances which are produced in the whole lighting installation either by reason

page_text: of the bad operation of one or more lamps or by reason of the extinction of some
amongst them.
It may be added that the lamps constructed in accordance with my said invention
can operate either in tension or in derivation in a continuous or an alternating current
circuit, irrespective of the system of distribution, with a constant electromotive
force and a variable intensity, or with a variable electromotive force and a constant
intensity.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
First. An arc lamp operating either in tension or in derivation or by a continuous
or alternating current, and characterized by a simple mechanism by means of which
the approach or recession of the carbons and the consequent automatic lighting and
regulation of the lamp is effected, the said mechanism comprising a single bobbin
in derivation which, in the case of alternating currents allows without danger the
total intensity of the said current to pass at the moment when the arc is extinguished
without occasioning any disturbance in the general operation.
Second. In an arc lamp as above described the employment of a bobbin of fine
wire for determining the regulation by arranging adjacent thereto in the case of
the alternating current, a self induction bobbin or self induction equilibrium bobbin
in derivation at the terminals of the lamp, designed to allow without danger the
passage of the total intensity of the current in the case of the extinction of the
lamp.
Third. In an arc lamp as above described the employment of an air cylinder or
buffer and a lever actuated by a spring for retarding the movements of the core, a
wire connected to the core, in combination with a rod carrying a pin and sliding in
a guide or collar and a spring connected to the said wire this arrangement enabling
an exceedingly sensitive and gentle regulation to be obtained.
Fourth. In an arc lamp a carbon holder having a kind of knee joint and provided
with a ring, part of which is adapted to fit into an eccentric recess in the said
holder, the said ring being provided with a clamping screw, for fixing the carbon in
the holder substantially as above described and shown in the drawing.
Fifth. In an electric lamp the employment of a circuit breaker consisting of a
spring which is retained in its lifted position by fusible wine, in combination with a
resistance by which the fusion of the wire effects the short-circuiting of the lamp
or the putting in circuit of the resistance, the whole being combined and operating
as herein before described.
i
Sixth. An arc lamp constructed and arranged substantially as hereinbefore
described and shown in the drawings and operating as above specified.
Dated this 5th day of December 1891.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane.