Year: 1887

page_text: I, HOWARD LAWRENCE PYLE of the City of Akron, State of Ohio, United States of
America, Electrician 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 improvements in electric lighting apparatus for locomotive
Engines, one portion thereof relating to an electric arc lamp of the "focussing" type
which is placed in a large lantern carried in front of the Engine, and to modifications
thereof. The remaining portion of my said Invention relating to mechanism for
pivotally supporting the lantern and causing it to be automatically moved and
adjusted to throw the beam of light across the cord of the circle as the engine begins
io turn a curve, so that the track will be illuminated in front of the train even on the
sharpest curves.
In the accompanying drawings-Fig. 1 is a side elevation of my improved electric
are lamp. Fig. 2 is a side elevation in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 1. Fig. 3
is a side elevation in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a top view of the
lamp. Fig. 5 is a horizontal section on the line 5, 5, of Fig. 3. Figs. 6 and 7 are
enlarged detail views illustrating the carbon separating devices. Fig. S is a top view
in detail of the feeding devices with the motor omitted. Figure 9 is a diagram
illustrating the electric construction of the lamp. Fig. 10 is a modified diagram.
Fig. 11 is a view in elevation of a modified form of my improved head light focussing
lamp, a portion of the base and the devices controlling the vertical adjustment being
shown in section. Fig. 12 is a side elevation of the lamp viewed in the direction of
the arrow in Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is an enlarged detail of a portion of the lifting
magnets. Fig. 14 is a transverse section on the lines 14--14 of Figs. 11 and 12.
Fig. 15 is a diagrammatic view of the circuits, and Figs. 16 and 17 are modifications
thereof. Fig. 18 is a view in elevation showing the front portion of a locomotive
provided with my improved automatically adjusted head light. Fig. 19 is an enlarged
view of the head light, with the exterior casing removed. Fig. 20 is a central
transverse section through the reflector shown in Fig. 19. Fig. 21 is a top plan view
exhibiting a modification of the arrangement shown in the three preceding figures.
Fig. 22 is an elevation of the devices shown in Fig. 4, a portion of the reflector being
broken away for convenience.

page_text: .
Similar letters or numbers denote like parts throughout.
At
The number 12, indicates a base piece in which is dovetailed the horizontal slide, 13,
carrying a vertical socket piece, 14, rendered adjustable by screw, 15, which passes
through bridge, 16, and is provided with nuts 15, on opposite sides of said bridge.
In the socket piece 14, is inserted the shank or lower portion of a pedestal, 17, which
is vertically adjustable as in Figs. 1, 2, 3, by means of a screw, 18, swiveled in a
lug, 181, projecting from the pedestal and taking into a threaded lug, 19, on the socket
piece. As in Figs. 11 and 12 the pedestal is itself screw threaded and passes through
anut 191, mounted in the upper end of the socket piece, which also carries a set
screw d, taking into key way to prevent the pedestal from turning. At the top of
the pedestal 17, is a table 20, carrying vertical tubular guides, 21, 22, coinciding with
openings in the table, 20, through which, and the table, pass carbon operating
rods, 23, 24, having the projecting insulated arms, 25, 26, provided with the carbon
holders, 27, 28, in which are inserted the upper and lower carbon pencils C, and O¹.
Between the tubular guides, 21, 22, is arranged a horizontal shaft, 31, one end of
which is loosely supported in a bearing 32, projecting from the guide, 21, while its
other end is supported by a standard 33, and is capable of a slight vertical movement
in an elongated bearing or vertical slot 34, formed in the top of said standard.
about its middle portion the shaft, 31, carries a pinion 35, the teeth of which
project through a slot 36, in the tubular guide, 22, and engage with a rack, 37, on
carbon rod, 24. The shaft, 31, carries another pinion, 38, half the diameter of
pinion, 35, and having its teeth projecting through a slot 39, in the guide tube 21, to
engage with a rack, 40, on the carbon rod, 23. It will be observed that when this
shaft is rotated the carbon rods are driven in opposite directions, the rod, 24, moving
twice as rapidly on account of the difference in diameter between the pinions, 35, and 38;
the shaft 31, also carries a worm wheel 41, which at proper times is caused to engage
with a worm 42, which worm is carried by a shaft, 43, having one end mounted
loosely in a bearing in the outer end of an arm, 44, which projects from the tubular
guide 22, or table 20, and may have a slight vertical play in said bearing. The other
end of this shaft 43, has its bearing in a bracket 45, projecting from the lower portion
of a leg, 46, which at its top carries a horizontal armature 47, and at its lower end
terminates in a toc 48, having a slight vertical movement in a socket 49. The shaft 43,
also carries a worm wheel 50, which engages with a worm 51, fixed upon the shaft
of an electric motor, E, supported by a suitable frame work 52, attached to one side
of the pedestal. This motor need not be further described than to say that 53,
indicates its single field magnet, 54, its armature, 55, its vertical shaft carrying the
worm 51, 56, its commutator, and 57 and 58, the commutator brushes. The only
peculiarity of the motor is that both its field magnet and armature are wound for high
resistance and they are connected in series or multiple arc, and included in a shunt
around the arc and connecting the two main binding posts, P, and N, of the lamp.
At one side of the rack, 46, is a hook, 59, just below the shaft, 31, and adapted to
form à bearing for said shaft though it does not engage the same except when the
lamp is in operation.
The letter, M, indicates a lifting magnet the function of which is to separate the
carbons for establishing the are which it does by attracting armature, 47, from its
normal position, in which the toe, 48 of the leg, 46, rests at the bottom of the socket 49,
and at this time the worm 42 is out of engagement with the worm wheel 41, the hook
bearing does not touch the shaft 31, said shaft rests at the bottom of the bearing 34,
and there is a slight distance between the armature 47, and the poles m, of the lifting
magnet, M, this distance being such that through the intermediate mechanism a proper
separation of the carbons will take place for establishing the arc when the magnet M,
attracts its armature.
The electrical connections of the lamp are as follows: From binding post P, by
wire, w, to lifting magnet M, thence by wire, w², to upper carbon holder 28, through
carbons and to lower carbon holder 27, thence by wire to binding post N.
When no current is passing through the lamp the lifting magnet, M, is demagnetized,
its armature at its lowest point, and the gear train entirely disconnected when the

page_text: pinions 35, 38, are free to be rotated by the weight of the upper carbon and its rod,
bringing the points of the carbons together, no matter what the amount of separation.
The same action will take place should a carbon prove defective while the lamp is in
operation or a piece be broken out by the movements of an engine at high speed.
The junction of the carbons being thus always affected by gravity it is certain to
occur rapidly whenever the circuit is broken, and without the addition of circuits and
apparatus for that purpose. The working circuit being closed the magnet M, is
instantly energized, the feeding train is connected and put in working condition, and
at the same time the carbons are separated and the are established.
When the leg, 46, completes its upward movement it has lifted the worm 42, into
engagement with the worm wheel, 41, and thus an operative mechanical connection is
formed between the vertical shaft, 55, of the motor, E, and the shaft, 31, carrying the
pinions, 35, and 38, which control the feeding of the carbon. This motor is included
in a shunt around the are as follows: From binding post, P, by wire, w, to one
terminal of the motor field magnet, 53, from the other terminal of which the wire,
leads to the brush 57, while from the other brush 58, and wire, e, leads to the binding
post, N.
I prefer ordinarily that the resistance of the shunt including the motor, E, shall be
about one hundred times that of the normal are the resistance, R, being used or not
according to circumstances.
In the modified form shown in Figs. 11-17, the slide 13, is adjusted by an arm, a,
pivoted to the base, 12, and connected to the slide by pin, , a suitable set screw, a¹,
passing therethrough to hold it in position.
In order to obtain the maximum effect of the lifting magnets M, I prefer to
construct them with their pole pieces K, made sloping at the outer sides as at J¹ K¹.
The armature 47, is then turned up at its ends so as to lap said pole pieces and to be
partly in the magnetic field even when at its lowest point where it is additionally
supported by pin, k, extending from the pole pieces through said armature.
Instead of the rotating electric motor heretofore described, I prefer to use the
hereinafter described vibrating motor.
Various devices may be employed for this purpose but for the sake of illustration I
have shown an arrangement comprising a flanged wheel or disk, L, which is
substituted for gear wheel, 50, on shaft 43, of the feeding train. Upon the axis of
said disk is pivoted an arm, M³, which extends upward and is at its outer end pivotally
connected to an armature N³. From the lower portion of the arm, M³, extends a
link, m³, to the end of which is pivoted a block, m³, formed with a slot in one side
that fits over the flange of the disk, I, so that when pulled upon by the link, m³, it
will grasp said flange and partially rotate the disk. A spring, n, is attached to the
arm, M³, and arranged to bear upon the block, mt, and move it downward, or forward,
upon the flange of the wheel, L, at each vibration of the arm, M³.
The armature, N³, is supported by a flat spring, n², depending from the outer end
of a frame O, which extends upward and forward from one side of the table, 20, and
to the vertical portion of which is secured an electro magnet formed of the two coils Q,
of high resistance which are connected between the binding posts, P, and N, by the
conductors, 1 and 2, constituting a shunt of high resistance around the arc and at the
same time are so located and the conductor 1 is so arranged, that their poles, y,
actuate and control the armature, N, and the mechanism for operating the carbon
feeding train.
The conductor 1, is connected to an insulated arm, R', secured to the frame, O, and
extending to a point in front of the armature, N³, where it is provided with a platinum
contact, P. The armature, N, carries a spring arm, S, which is suitably insulated
therefrom and provided at its lower extremity with a second platinum contacts, which
strikes against the fixed contact, r, at each vibration of the armature. A conductor, 3,
extends from the vibrating arm, s, and is permanently connected to one terminal of
the shunt magnet, Q, the other extremity thereof being connected to the negative
binding post by conductor 2.
The spring, n², normally holds the armature, N³, away from the poles, 2, 4, and

page_text: against the contact, », completing the shunt circuit. As the carbons are consumed
the resistance of the arc is increased and the shunt becomes more and more energized,
finally overcoming the tension of the spring, n², attracting the armature, N³, vibrating
the arm, M³, and turning the disk, L, and through it the carbon feeding train, causing
both carbons to approach each other. Being controlled by the electrical condition of
the shunt coils this movement will at all times be sufficiently frequent to maintain the
carbons in their best and most favorable relative positions.
As shown and described my modified lamp contains a shunt circuit which is broken
by means of a vibrating armature the movements of which operate the feed mechanism.
I contemplate further modifying this arrangement in several ways, as for instance as
shown in Fig. 17, where two shunt circuits are shown. When the resistance of the
are is normal the magnet Q, is demagnetized, its armature held against its back stop
by the tension of its spring, n², and the circuit controlled by the said vibrating
armature is open. During this time a second shunt circuit of higher resistance than
that through the magnet, Q, always closed and including an electro magnet, T, carries
the current to be shunted. A second armature actuated by the auxiliary magnet, T,
carries the second contact », connected to the conductor, 1, and when it is drawn
against its magnet, T, (during abnormal resistance at the arc) the contacts, s, and 2',
are brought together, the circuit through the magnet, Q, is established, the armature
vibrated, and the carbon feeding devices actuated.
In Fig. 16, is shown an arrangement similar to that of Fig. 15, except that a
resistance, U, somewhat smaller than that of the coils of the magnet, Q, is interposed
and so arranged that as the magnet, Q, draws in its armature and operates the clutch,
a second shunt circuit is closed therethrough demagnetizing the magnet, Q, but
through a smaller resistance; the current normally passing through the clutch operating
magnet as soon as the armature, N, is moved in opposition to the action of the
spring, n, and the resistance, U, cut out.
In Figs. 18 to 22, A5, represents the front portion of the smoke box of a locomotive
upon which is mounted in the usual, or any well known manner, a head light or
lantern, B. Within the lantern, B, upon suitable base, C5, is a parabolic reflector, D³,
supported thereon in any suitable manner, as for instance by the post, d³, at its rear
end, and an angle plate, de, at its front edge, said front portion being covered and
protected from the weather by the usual glass screen. A suitable aperture, E³, is
provided near the rear end of the reflector, D³, through which the carbons, C, of the
electric arc lamp already described, are introduced.
Close to the front edge of the reflector is placed a small vertically pivoted rod, F5,
to which is secured a thin light metallic blade, or vane, /, which extends from its
support, F, rearwardly to a point near the focus of the reflector, and is rounded at its
edges so that by means of its support it can be swung from side to side within the
reflector. The vane is to be either composed entirely of, or covered with, some metal
capable of receiving and retaining a high polish and forming a good reflector. The
base, C³, is a fixture, and to it is secured the longitudinal shaft, G, from which extends
a crank arm, g, which engages an arm, H, which is secured to and projects laterally
from the vertical rod, F. A pendulum, 15, is secured to and depends vertically from
the shaft, G, lying in front of the end of the boiler extension in which position it is
free to swing to one side as the engine leans over on leaving the straight track and
rising onto the high rail placed on the outside of all curves. The swinging of the
pendulum, 1, is communicated to the shaft, G, oscillating the crank, g, rotating the
rod, F, and moving the vane towards that side of the reflector nearest the outside of
the curve, the effect of which will be to divert the beam of light, ordinarily projected
directly in front of the train, to one side, and in the direction of the curve being
traversed. The ordinary rocking of the locomotive while in some instances both
frequent and severe, is usually as much in one direction as the other and will not
materially affect the described arrangement as there will not be a sufficient amount of
time between the movements from one direction to the other to allow of any important
shifting of the vane, f, or pendulum, 15. Being very thin, and polished on both sides,

page_text: the vane, when in its central position will absorb little or no light and not interfere
to any material extent with the light thrown forward.
In Figs. 21 and 22 I have shown a modification of the foregoing, in which the
base, K, is pivoted at its forward end and provided with suitable anti-friction rollers
to support its rear portion. A fixed base, L, supports the movable one, K³, and is
provided with a track, L, for the rollers, attached to the under side of the movable
base and a suitable socket, M³, for the pivot, m³, secured to the under side of the
aforesaid movable base, K. In a suitable support, N³, attached to the boiler extension
or some fixed portion of the casing of the head light is formed a bearing, within which
is pivoted a weight, 06, arranged to swing horizontally therein.
To the base, K, is secured the holt, P, which projects downward through a radial
slot in the fixed base, L, and into a longitudinal slot in the weight, O. Tension
springs, Q, are attached at each side of the weight, 0, near its outer extremity and
are adjustably secured in suitable brackets fixed at the under side of the fixed base, L'.
A frame or frack, 15, depends from the base, L', and supports the roller, Rs, on the
under side of the weight, O'.
With this form of construction the direction of the lamp as a whole instead of only
the vane, is altered and made to correspond to that of the curve upon which the
locomotive is running the centrifugal action of the weight Os, propelling the reflector
in the opposite direction and producing the desired result whenever the direction of
the locomotive varies from a direct line By means of the tension springs, Q, the
weight is always brought back to a central position and the vibration and ordinary
movements of the locomotive caused by slight irregularities in the track are absorbed
and prevented from affecting the direction in which the light issues.
It will be obvious that many modifications and changes may be made in the above
described apparatus without in any way departing from the spirit of the invention-
as for instance, it is immaterial where the pendulum, I, or weight, 0%, are placed.
The positions shown are convenient, but they may equally well be placed above,
behind, inside, or at the side of the exterior casing of the head light. So also with
the movable vane, it may be placed outside and in front of the casing and may be
centrally pivoted instead of as shown.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed 1 declare that what I claim is :-
1. The herein described electric focussing lamp having carbon regulating or feeding
mechanism operated by an electrically propelled motor, whether the same be rotating
or vibrating.
2. The herein described method of operating carbon feeding or regulating motors
by means of the power of a high resistance shunt around the arc.
3. The herein described vertically and laterally adjustable lamp support and frame.
4. The tubular guides and cylindrical carbon operating rods moving in said guides,
and having racks projecting through slits therein, for connection with the motor train.
5. The special armature J, and tapering pole pieces K.
6. The herein described head light or lantern with its automatically operating
mechanism as described.
7. The lantern having the pivoted vane, for automatically directing the beam of
light away from the normal plane of projection.
5. The lantern arranged to be moved radially with respect to its support.