A Method of and Apparatus for Repairing Incandescence Electric Lamps.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application (in United Kingdom), 20th June, 1899
Complete Specification Left, 15th Mar., 1900-Accepted, 20th June, 1900
A Method of and Apparatus for Repairing Incandescence Electric
Lamps.
I, MARCEL DUMONT, of 5, Boulevard Clichy, Paris, in the Republic of France,.
Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to a novel method of repairing incandescence electric
lamps, by means of which, when the filament becomes decomposed, it may be
replaced by a fresh filament.
The said novel method of repair comprises in principle the following
operations.
1. The opening of the lamp whilst only permitting gradual admission of air
within the bulb.
2. The cutting off of the old filament, which is effected by means of the pro-
duction of a small electric are at the point at which the filament is to be cut.
3. The attachment of the new filament, which is effected by successively placing
the two branches of this latter in communication respectively with the two ends
reserved for that purpose and then causing the current to pass, union being
effected either by means of the fusion of the metal when the new filament is
mounted upon metal fittings, or by means of a deposit of carbon, when the lamp
is filled with hydrocarbon in which the filament is immersed. Whilst this union
is being effected, the filament is suspended from a support and is manipulated
by means of a pneumatic pliers of a special kind.
4. The strengthening (or reinforcing) of the fittings or attachments of the
filament with the connections.
In order that my invention may be readily and clearly understood I have
represented in the accompanying drawing, but by way of example only, the
arrangement as a whole which I have devised for putting the same into practice
Figures 1 and 2 represent in front and side elevation respectively the circular
knife employed for opening the lamp.
Figure 3 shews the cutting off of the old filament.
Figure 4 is a general view of the welding installation.
Figure 5 is a detail view of the hook intended for the support of the filament
whilst the welding operation is taking place.
Figure 6 is a detail view of the pneumatic pliers.
Figure 7 is a horizontal section taken upon the line A-B of Figure 6.

page_text: Figure 8 is a detail view of the tool serving to strengthen or reinforce the
attachments of the new filament.
Figure 9 is a detail view of the cock with its constant-level adjutage.
Figures 10 and 11 shew modifications, in the method of fixing the new fila-
ment, and
Figure 12 shews a special form of pliers.
In the various figures similar letters of reference are employed to designate
like parts.
In order to replace, in an incandescence, electric lamp, a filament which has
become spent, the first operation to be effected is the opening of the lamp.
This opening should be effected in such a manner as to allow the air to enter
the lamp in a gradual manner, as a sudden admission would cause the rupture of
the filament and possibly that of the bulb also; in my process it is important
to preserve the old filament for further treatment.
In order that the admission of the air may take place gradually, the aper-
ture formed in the bulb should be imperceptible at the commencement..
For this operation the lamp a is placed upon a cushion or pad provided with
a plate capable of horizontal displacement in all directions upon a second
fixed plate (Figures, 1 and 2); the plate is maintained in the desired posi-
tion by means of a winged nut or in any other suitable manner. The fixed
plate is rigidly attached to a vertical slide upon which a block e is capable
of displacement: this block is provided with a bearing in which rotates the
spindle of the disc f constituting the circular knife.
The spindle of this disc, which should rotate at a high speed, is driven in any
suitable manner by means of flexible transmitting gear for example to which
movement is imparted from an electric or other motor.
The slide block e is operated by means of a balanced lever g enabling the
disc f to be lowered into contact with the lamp which it is desired to open.
By depressing the lever g the knife is brought into contact with the point
of the bulb of the lamp, and owing to the rapid movement of rotation which is
imparted to it, it enters the glass progressively and admission of the air thus
takes place gradually.
It is then necessary to cut off the point which has been half cut through and
to open at that place an orifice for effecting the operations which remain to be
carried out by means of a gas blow-pipe.
The next operation consists in withdrawing, the old filament from the lamp.
The filament is cut at the desired point by producing a small electric are at
this point by means of a special tool constituted by a sheath or casing h, re-
sembling a pencil case, which encloses an electric rod or pencil i, (Figure 3).
The tool is connected to one pole and the two contact pieces of the lamp to the
other pole by means of a variable resistance.
The electric rod or pencil i, which is introduced into the lamp by way of the
orifice formed in the manner previously described, is applied against the fila-
ment at the desired point, in such a manner that in causing the current to pass,
a small electric arc is produced which cuts the filament at this point.
Two small portions of the old filament are reserved as connections above the
filament holder, in such a manner that the welding by means of a carbon deposit
may be readily effected when the new filament is fixed in position.
The old filament is then withdrawn through the aperture in the lamp and
replaced by the new filament.
The new filament having been introduced into the glass bulb, the latter is
then filled with hydrocarbon and brought to the welding station (Figure 4).
The lamps filled with hydrocarbon and containing a new filament are placed
in a box within reach of the operator. The base of the lamp to be repaired
is engaged in a socket the form of which corresponds with that of the lamp
and which is supported in a cup 7 mounted by means of a ball and socket joint
in a support m.

page_text: The filament is supported during the welding operation by means of a hook a
(Figures 4 and 5) held by the two jaws of a pair of pliers arranged at the
extremity of a telescopic tube suspended by means of a universal joint.
The two jaws, which are respectively pivoted on axes o¹ have a constant ten-
dency to approach each other under the influence of a spring y.
In these conditions, the operator is able to readily manipulate the hook n
and place it exactly in the desired position in such a manner that the extremities
of the two branches of the new filament just touch the two ends upon which
they are to be welded.
The filament being thus suspended from the hook # at a suitable height I
have devised the following form of pneumatic pliers in order that the branches
of this filament may be readily manipulated without danger of breaking them
(see Figures 6 and 7).
This pneumatic pliers is constituted by a hollow rod r capable of sliding
within a tube upon which is arranged a valve, which, when the tube is
lowered, enables the interior of the tube r¹ to be placed in communication with
an appliance of any kind adapted to create a vacuum.
This tube is engaged in a spring cups and which is supported by means of
a flexible thread along which the electric current enters the tool. This flexible
thread is also provided with a counter weight which enables the suspended tool
to be raised or lowered with ease.
At the extremity of the hollow rod r.is jointed a part upon which
capable of rotating freely the nose in this latter is formed a recess into
which opens a tapering passage communicating with the interior of the hollow
rod r.
Owing to the mobility of the nose and the articulation of the part, the
operator is able to direct, in all desired positions, the recess into which the
filament is intended to enter under the action of the suction caused immediately
the valve is depressed.
During this operation a small quantity of liquid is also sucked in and this
is returned to the hydrocarbon reservoir.
The operator is thus able to successively seize each of the branches of the fila-
ment, place them in contact with the respective ends and cause the current to
pass; the branch is then fixed by a slight deposit of carbon.
When one of the branches has been fixed the same operation is effected with
respect to the other.
In order to finally fix the filament, it is only necessary to strengthen or
reinforce the points of attachment of this filament with the connecting ends,
causing the electric current to pass into these points by means of a spirally
wound platinum wire t mounted at the extremity of a rod which is engaged
between the jaws of the telescopic support 2 (Figure 8).
Although the lamps reach the welding station in a filled condition, it is neces;
sary, in the course of the operation, to recuperate the quantity of hydrocarbon
sucked in or evaporated; for this purpose the welding station is provided with
a cock mounted upon a pipe or system of pipes leading from the hydrocarbon
reservoir (Figures 4 and 9).
In order that the operator may be able to manipulate this cock readily it is
mounted at the extremity of a balanced beam pivoted at the extremity of a
hollow rod which is suspended by means of a universal joint; the hydrocarbon
coming from the reservoir thus passes into the hollow rod and into the arm
of the beam upon which is arranged the cock w. This beam terminates in a
supply adjutage ² (Figures 4 and 9) for producing a constant level; the
tube through which the hydrocarbon is distributed is traversed by a tube 3
communicating with the interior of the hydrocarbon reservoir and of which
the lower extremity descends to the level to which the lamp should be filled. It
will readily be understood that when the level of the liquid in the lamp has not
attained the extremity of this tube 3, the air passes freely, acts upon the sur-

page_text: face of the liquid in the reservoir and the hydrocarbon runs through the
small holes in the tube ²; on the other hand, when the level of the liquid in
the lamp has reached the lower portion of this tube ³, the air no longer passes
equilibrium is established and hydrocarbon ceases to flow.
In order that the level may be varied at will, the tube is mounted so as
to slide with considerable friction in the tube u².
The extremity of the tube is provided with an obturator mounted upon
a ring surrounding this tube; when the ring is raised, this obturator enables
the tube to be closed when the lamp is filled to the desired level. Under
these conditions, it is possible to withdraw the adjutage from the
lamp without introducing a fresh quantity of hydrocarbon.
The electric current should be sent (according to the operation to be effected)
either into the telescopic tube por into the tool holding tube s; and for this
purpose it traverses a two-way switch adapted to direct the current to the
desired point.
:
In order that the operator may be able to cause the current to pass at the
exact moment without its being necessary to use his hands, a pedal-operated
interruptor w is inserted in, the circuit.
This interruptor comprises two contact pieces one of which is fixed whilst
the other is carried by a lever provided with a counter-weight and terminated at
one of its extremities by a pedal; the whole is enclosed in a box.
According to the type of lamp to be repaired, the current should vary in
power with this object a resistance is interposed in the circuit. This resistance,
which is hydraulic, is operated by means of another pedal in order to leave the
hands of the workman at liberty.
This resistance comprises two plates of carbon or other, suitable material, the
plate being fixed and the plate movable; this latter plate is mounted upon
the shaft to which a movement of rotation is imparted when the pedal is
depressed; a counter-weight tending to cause it to constantly resume its initial
position.
the
The current enters at the terminal, which is insulated from the body of the
apparatus and electrically connected with the fixed plate ; it leaves at the
terminal, which is in electric communication with the movable plate
Under these conditions, when the operator presses upon the pedal
movable plate approaches the fixed plater and the resistance diminishes.
The electric current supplied by the source of electricity thus traverses the
pedal interruptor w, is directed by the switch either to the telescopic tube p
or to the tool-holding tube s, passes along the wire branching off from the lamp
hase and after having traversed the hydraulic resistance returns to the source of
electricity (Figure 4).
When the new filament is completely welded, the lamps are placed in the
box in an inverted position, in such a manner that the hydrocarbon runs
down the inclined double bottom into the passage.
My novel method of repairing electric lamps comprises 'first of all the two
following preliminary operations.
1. The opening of the lamp, whilst allowing the air to enter progressively, by
means of the disc f which the operator causes to penetrate the glass gradually,
manipulating it by means of the lever g, then cutting off the point of the lamp
and forming, by means of a blow pipe, an aperture which enables the following
operations to be effected.
2. The cutting off of the old filament by producing an electric are at the
desired points by means of the electric pencil i.
The welding of the new filament is then effected.
For this purpose the lamp filled with hydrocarbon is placed upon the foot m
and the filament is suspended from the hook n, the operator then seizes, by
means of the pneumatic pliers, one of the branches of the filament and places
its extremity in contact with the part reserved for its reception. The switch v

page_text: being in position for causing the current to pass through the pneumatic pliers,
the operator bears upon the pedal of the interruptor w and closes the circuit,
acting at the same time upon the pedal in such a manner as to introduce into
the circuit the desired resistance; the current supplied through the body of
the pliers passes from the filament to its attachment and the point of contact
of the filament and its attaching part become covered with a slight deposit of
carbon.
This operation being repeated for the second branch of the filament, the
operator replaces the hook n by the rod t which is provided at its extremity
with a spirally wound platinum wire t; for the purpose of strengthening or rein-
forcing the two points of attachment of the filament.
During this operation the switch is directed in such a manner that the current
traverses the telescopic tube.
In the course of the operation, the operator may, if necessary, introduce a
fresh quantity of hydrocarbon into the bulb without disturbing the lamp, by
means of the cock provided with a constant-level adjutage 2.
91.
The new filaments may also be fixed upon the ends of the old filament with-
out the employment of hydrocarbon.
In this case, there are mounted at the two extremities of the new filament,
in the ordinary manner, two small metallic fittings y (see Figure 10), of plati-
num for example, which are mounted upon the platinum leading-in wires of the
old filament in any suitable manner, either by means of autogenous soldering,
or by causing the passage of a, powerful current capable of softening the metallic
parts in contact, or finally by means of the voltaic arc.
The new filament holders may also be constituted by small tubes which are
passed upon
the old metal connections; the joint is then made good by means
of the plaster or cement ordinarily employed for fixing the filaments.
The filament holders may also be constituted by a platinum wire the
extremity of which is wound spirally in order that it may be passed upon the
metallic connection of the old filament, as shewn in Figure 11. These two parts
are then welded together by fusion produced by the voltaic arc.
This method of mounting the filament upon platinum connections enables
the filament to be manipulated much more readily without danger of breaking
it, as the extremities, being of metal, may be held by pliers.
For the purpose of effecting this manipulation, I have devised a special form
of pliers, the two branches of which terminate in two serrated jaws (see
Figure 12).
When the new filament has been soldered upon the lamp, the bulb is closed
a vacuum being again formed within it in the ordinary manner.
Old lamps, which at the present time are useless, may thus be renewed, and
cleaned in such a manner that they will possess as long a life as in the first
instance.
The different operations above specified are less numerous, less difficult and
less costly than those necessary in the manufacture of a new lamp.
My novel method for the repair of electric lamps thus enables an innumer-
able quantity of lamps to be renewed which would otherwise be useless, whilst
these renewed lamps may be sold at a lower price than lamps which are actually
new.
•
D
1
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.

page_text: A Method of and Apparatus for Repairing Incandescence Electric
Lamps.
I, MARCEL DUMONT, of 5, Boulevard Clichy, Paris, in the Republic of France,
Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascer-
tained in and by the following statement:-
This invention relates to a novel method of repairing incandescence electric
lamps, by means of which, when the filament becomes damaged, it may be
replaced by a fresh filament.
The said novel method of repair comprises in principle the following
operations.
1. The opening of the lamp whilst only permitting gradual admission of air
within the bulb.
2. The cutting off of the old filament, which is effected by means of the pro-
duction of a small electric arc at the point at which the filament is to be cut.
3. The attachment of the new filament, which is effected by successively placing
the two branches of this latter in communication respectively with the two ends
reserved for that purpose and then causing the current to pass, union being
effected either by means of the fusion of the metal when the new filament
mounted upon metal fittings, or by means of a deposit of carbon, when the lamp
is filled with hydrocarbon in which the filament is immersed. Whilst this union
is being effected, the filament is suspended from a support and is manipulated
by means of a pneumatic pliers of a special kind.
4. The strengthening (or reinforcing) of the fittings, or attachments of the
filament with the connections.
In order that my invention may be readily and clearly understood I have
represented in the drawings accompanying my Provisional Specification, but
by way of example only, the arrangement as a whole which I have divised for
putting the same into practice.
Figures and 2 represent in front and side elevation respectively the circular
knife employed for opening the lamp.
Figure 3 shows the cutting off of the old filament.
Figure 4 is a general view of the welding installation.
Figure 5 is a detail view of the hook intended for the support of the filament
whilst the welding operation is taking place.
Figure 6 is a detail view of the pneumatic pliers.
Figure 7 is a horizontal section taken upon the line A-B of Figure 6.
Figure 8 is a detail view of the tool serving to strengthen or reinforce the
attachments of the new filament.
Figure 9 is a detail view of the cock with its constant-level pipe or adjutage.
Figures 10 and 11 shew modifications in the method of fixing the new fila-
ment, and
Figure 12 shows a special form of pliers.
In the various figures similar letters of reference are employed to designate
like parts.
In order to replace, in an incandescence electric lamp, a filament which has
become spent, the first operation to be effected is the opening of the lamp.
This opening should be effected in such a manner as to allow the air to enter

page_text: the lamp in a gradual manner, as a sudden admission would cause the rupture of
the filament and possibly that of the bulb also; in my process it is important
to preserve the old filament for further treatment.
In order that the admission of the air may take place gradually, the aper-
ture formed in the bulb should be imperceptible at the commencement.
For this operation the lamp a is placed upon a cushion or pad provided with
a plate capable of horizontal displacement in all directions upon a second
fixed plate (Figures 1 and 2); the plate b is maintained in the desired posi-
tion by means of a winged nut or in any other suitable manner. The fixed
plate is rigidly attached to a vertical slide d upon which a block e is capable
of displacement: this block is provided with a bearing in which rotates the
spindle of the disc f constituting the circular knife.
The spindle of this disc, which should rotate at a high speed; is driven in any
suitable manner by means of flexible transmitting gear for example to which
movement is imparted from an electric or other motor.
The slide block e is operated by means of a balanced lever g enabling the
disc f to be lowered into contact with the lamp which it is desired to open.
By depressing the lever g the knife is brought into contact with the point
of the bulb of the lamp, and owing to the rapid movement of rotation which is
imparted to it, it enters the glass progressively and admission of the air thus
takes place gradually.
It is then necessary to cut off the point which-has been half cut through and
to open at that place an orifice for effecting the operations which remain to be
carried out by means of a gas blow-pipe.
The next operation consists in withdrawing the old filament from the lamp.
The filament is cut at the desired point by producing a small electric are at
this point by means of a special tool constituted by a sheath or casing, re-
sembling a pencil case, which encloses an electric rod or pencil i, (Figure 3).
The tool is connected to one pole and the two contact pieces of the lamp to the
other pole by means of a variable resistance.
The electric rod or pencil i, which is introduced into the lamp by way of the
orifice formed in the manner previously described, is applied against the fila-
ment at the desired point, in such a manner that in causing the current to pass,
a small electric arc is produced which cuts the filament at this point.
Two small portions of the old filament are reserved as connections above the
filament holder, in such a manner that the welding by means of a carbon deposit
may be readily effected when the new filament is fixed in position.
The old filament is then withdrawn through the aperture in the lamp and
replaced by the new filament.
The new filament having been introduced into the glass bulb, the latter is
then filled with hydrocarbon and brought to the welding station (Figure 4).
The lamps filled with hydrocarbon and containing a new filament are placed
in a box within reach of the operator. The base of the lamp to he repaired
is engaged in a socket the form of which corresponds with that of the lamp
ard which is supported in a cup 7 mounted by means of a ball and socket joint
in a support m.
The filament is supported during the welding operation by means of a hook
(Figures 4 and 5) held by the two jaws of a pair of pliers arranged at the
extremity of a telescopic tube suspended by means of a universal joint.
The two jaws, which are respectively pivoted on axes o¹ have a constant ten-
dency to approach each other under the influence of a spring q.
In these conditions, the operator is able to readily manipulate the hook n
and place it exactly in the desired position in such a manner that the extremities
of the two branches of the new filament just touch the two ends upon which
they are to be welded.
The filament being thus suspended from the hook » at a suitable height I
have devised the following form of pneumatic pliers in order that the branches

page_text: of this filament may be readily manipulated without danger of breaking them
(see Figures 6 and 7).
This pneumatic pliers is constituted by a hollow rod capable of sliding
within a tube upon which is arranged a valve, which, when the tube is
lowered, enables the interior of the tube to be placed in communication with
an appliance of any kind adapted to create a vacuum.
This tube is engaged in a spring cup sand which is supported by means of
a flexible thread along which the electric currents enters the tool. This flexible
thread is also provided with a counter weight which enables the suspended tool
to be raised or lowered with ease.
At the extremity of the hollow rod r is jointed a part 3 upon which is
capable of rotating freely the nose 4; in this latter is formed a recess into
which opens a tapering passage communicating with the interior of the hollow
rod r.
Owing to the mobility of the nose and the articulation of the part 3, the
operator is able to direct, in all desired positions, the recess into which the
filament is intended to enter under the action of the suction caused immediately
the valve is depressed.
During this operation, a small quantity of liquid is also sucked in and this
is returned to the hydrocarbon reservoir.
The operator is thus able to successively seize each of the branches of the fila-
ment, place them in contact with the respective ends and cause the current to
pass the branch is then fixed by a slight deposit of carbon.
When one of the branches has been fixed the same operation is effected with
respect to the other.
In order to finally fix the filament, it is only necessary to strengthen and
reinforce the points of attachment of this filament with the connecting ends.
causing the electric current to pass into these points by means of a spirally
wound platinum wire mounted at the extremity of a rod t which is engaged
between the jaws of the telescopic support (Figure 8).
Although the lamps reach the welding station in a filled condition, it is neces-
sary, in the course of the operation, to recuperate the quantity of hydrocarbon
sucked in or evaporated; for this purpose the welding station is provided with
a cock mounted upon a pipe or system of pipes leading from the hydrocarbon
reservoir (Figures 4 and 9).
In order that the operator may be able to manipulate this cock readily it is
mounted at the extremity of a balanced beam pivoted at the extremity of a
hollow rod which is suspended by means of a universal joint: the hydrocarbon
coming from the reservoir a thus passes into the hollow rod and into the arm
of the beam upon which is arranged the cock u. This beam terminates in a
supply pipe or adjutage (Figures 4 and 9) for producing a constant level; the
tube through which the hydrocarbon is distributed is traversed by a tube 3
communicating with the interior of the hydrocarbon reservoir and of which
the lower extremity descends to the level to which the lamp should be filled. It
will readily be understood that when the level of the liquid in the lamp has not
attained the extremity of this tube 3, the air passes freely, acts upon the sur-
face of the liquid in the reservoir and the hydrocarbon runs through the
small holes in the tube ²; on the other hand, when the level of the liquid in
the lamp has reached the lower portion of this tube 3, the air no longer passes
equilibrium is established and hydrocarbon ceases to flow.
:
..
In order that the level may be varied at will, the tube is mounted so as
to slide with considerable friction in the tube ².
The extremity of the tube 3 is provided with an obturator 4 mounted upon
a ring surrounding this tube; when the ring is raised, this obturator enables
the tube to be closed when the lamp is filled to the desired level. Under
these conditions, it is possible to withdraw the pipe or adjutage ² from the
lamp without introducing a fresh quantity of hydrocarbon,

page_text: The electric current should be sent (according to the operation to be effected)
either into the telescopic tube 2 or into the tool holding tube s; and for this
purpose it traverses a two-way switcn v adapted to direct the current to the
desired point.
In order that the operator may be able to cause the current to pass at the
exact moment without its being necessary to use his hands, a pedal-operated
interruptor w is inserted in the circuit.
This interruptor comprises two contact pieces one of which is fixed whilst
the other is carried by a lever provided with a counter-weight and terminates at
one of its extremities by a pedal; the whole is enclosed in a box.
According to the type of lamp to be repaired, the current should vary in
power; with this object a resistance is interposed in the circuit. This resistance,
which is hydraulic, is operated by means of another pedal in order to leave the
hands of the workman at liberty.
This resistance comprises two plates of carbon or other suitable material, the
plate being fixed and the plate movable; this latter plate is mounted upon
the shaft to which a movement of rotation is imparted when the pedal is
depressed; a counter-weight tending to cause it to constantly resume its initial
position.
The current enters at the terminal, which is insulated from the body of the
apparatus and electrically connected with the fixed plate; it leaves at the
terminal, which is in electric communication with the movable plate a¹.
Under these conditions, when the operator presses upon the pedal ³ the
movable plate approaches the fixed plate x and the resistance diminishes.
The electric current supplied by the source of electricity thus traverses the
pedal interruptor w, is directed by the switch v either to the telescopic tube P
or to the tool-holding tube s, passes along the wire branching off from the lamp
base and after having traversed the hydraulic resistance returns to the source of
electricity (Figure 4).
When the new filament is completely welded, the lamps are placed in the
box in an inverted position, in such a manner that the hydrocarbon runs
down the inclined double bottom into the passage.
My novel method of repairing electric lamps comprises first of all the two
following preliminary operations.
1. The opening of the lamp, whilst allowing the air to enter progressively, by
means of the disc f which the operator causes to penetrate the glass gradually,
manipulating it by means of the lever g, then cutting off the point of the lamp
and forming, by means of a blow pipe, an aperture which enables the following
operations to be effected.
2. The cutting off of the old filament by producing an electric are at the
desired points by means of the electric pencil i.
The welding of the new filament is then effected.
For this purpose the lamp filled with hydrocarbon is placed upon the foot m
and the filament is suspended from the hook n, the operator then seizes, by
means of the pneumatic pliers, one of the branches of the filament and places
its extremity in contact with the part reserved for its reception. The switch v
being in position for causing the current to pass through the pneumatic pliers,
the operator bears upon the pedal of the interruptor w and closes the circuit,
acting at the same time upon the pedal in such a manner as to introduce into
the circuit the desired resistance; the current supplied through the body of
the pliers passes from the filament to its attachment and the point of contact
of the filament and its attaching part become covered with a slight deposit of
carbon.
This operation being repeated for the second branch of the filament, the
operator replaces the hook by the rod t which is provided at its extremity
with a spirally wound platinum wire t; for the purpose of strengthening or rein-
forcing the two points of attachment to the filament,

page_text: .
During this operation the switch is directed in' such a manner that the current
traverses the telescopic tube.
In the course of the operation, the operator may, if necessary; introduce a
fresh quantity of hydrocarbon into the bulb without disturbing the lamp, by
means of the cock u provided with a constant-level adjutage u²:
The new filaments may also be fixed upon the ends of the old filament with-
out the employment of hydrocarbon.
In this case, there are mounted at the two extremities of the new filament,
in the ordinary manner, two small metallic fittings y (see Figure 10), of plati
num for example, which are mounted upon the platinum leading-in wires of the
old filament in any suitable manner; either by means of autogenous soldering,
or by causing the passage of a powerful current capable of softening the metallic
parts in contact, or finally by means of the voltaic arc.
The new filament holders. may also be constituted by small tubes which are
passed upon the old metal connections; the joint is then made good by means
of the plaster or cement ordinarily employed for fixing the filaments.
The filament holders may also be constituted by a platinum wire y¹ the
extremity of which is wound spirally in order that it may be passed upon the
metallic connection of the old filament, as shewn in Figure 11. These two parts
are then welded together by fusion produced by the voltaic arc.
..
This method of mounting the filament upon platinum connections enables
the filament to be manipulated much more readily without danger of breaking
it, as the extremities, being of metal, may be held by pliers.
For the purpose of effecting this manipulation, I have devised a special form
of pliers, the two branches of which terminate in two serrated jaws (see
Figure 12).
When the new filament has been soldered upon the lamp, the bulb is closed
a vacuum being again formed within it in the ordinary manner.
Old lamps, which at the present time are useless, may thus be renewed, and
cleaned in such a manner that they will possess as long a life 'as in the first
instance.
The different operations above specified are less numerous, less difficult and
less costly than those necessary in the manufacture of a new lamp.
My novel method for the repair of electric lamps thus enables an innumer-
able quantity of lamps to be renewed which would otherwise be useless, whilst
these renewed lamps may be sold at a lower price than lamps which are actually
new.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:-
1. The novel method of repairing incandescence electric. lamps, consisting:
(a). In opening the lamp to be repaired, in such a manner as to permit
only of the progressive admission of the air, by means of a circular knife to
.which is imparted a movement of rotation and which the operator causes
to gradually enter the glass by depressing this knife by means of an operat-
ing lever; the lamp having thus been opened, the point is turned back or
removed, and an aperture formed, by means of a gas blow pipe enabling
the introduction of the tools intended to effect the following operations.
(6). In cutting off the old filament by causing the production of an elec-
tric arc at the desired points by means of an electric rod or pencil.
(c). In fixing the new filament upon the leading-in connections of the old
filament, either by means of a deposit of carbon or by metallic welding; in
the first case, the glass bulb being filled with hydrocarbon, the filament
being supported by a hook and each of the branches being successively
maintained in contact with the connection intended for its reception by 5
means of pneumatic pliers of special construction, this pneumatic pliers

page_text: being in electrical communication with the source of electricity in such a
manner as to enable the passage of the current to the point of contact of
the filament with its connection, each point of attachment being then
strengthened or reinforced by the passage of the electric current conducted
by a rod in communication with the source of electricity and terminating in
a spirally wound platinum wire; in the second case, the filament being
mounted upon metallic connections which are welded upon the metallic
leading-in wires of the old filament.
2. For carrying into practice the method of repairing incandescence electric
lamps as claimed above, the general arrangement of the welding installation,
comprising a support mounted upon a ball and socket joint and serving for the
reception of the lamp to be repaired-above this support a telescopic tube for
the reception either of the hook which supports the filament during the welding
operation, or the tool employed for strengthening or reinforcing the points of
attachment--a tool-holding tube for the reception of a pneumatic pliers and
which is suspended from a flexible wire with a counter-weight in such a manner
s to be capable of being raised or lowered; the telescopic tube and the flexible
vire of the tool-holding tube being connected to the two terminals of a two-way
witch in communication with the source of electricity-a supply cock provided
vith a constant-level adjutage carried by a tube suspended upon a universal
oint, communicating with a reservoir containing hydrocarbon-a pedal current-
nterruptor and a hydraulic resistance also operated by means of a pedal, in such
manner that the operator is able to close or break the circuit or introduce any
esired resistance, whilst always having his hands at liberty.
3. In the device described above the special arrangement of the pneumatic
liers constituted by a hollow rod terminating in a nose capable of turning in all
irections and presenting a recess into which opens a tapering passage com-
unicating with the interior of the hollow rod which is provided with a valve
nabling it to be placed in communication with an apparatus adapted to create
vacuum.
4. In the novel method for repairing incandescence electric lamps as above
aimed, the fixing of the new filament by welding upon the metallic leading-in
arts metallic connections mounted at the extremity of each of the branches
f the new filament.
5. The method of and apparatus for repairing incandescence electric lamps
bstantially as herein described, with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Dated this 15th day of March 1900.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.