Improvements in Methods of and Apparatus for Giving Increased Life and Efficiency to Arc Light Carbons.
Year: 1891

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Methods of and Apparatus for Giving Increased
Life and Efficiency to Arc Light Carbons.
I, NATHAN MORRISON GARLAND, Electrician, of No. 527 West 34th Street,
New York, City New York, United States of America, 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 is directed particularly to improvements in arc lights of the type
in which carbons are fed forward towards each other as the arc elongates through
the agency of gravity acting upon the upper carbon, although it is equally applicable
to all forms of are lamps wherein two carbons are made to approach each other as
the arc increases in length.
It has for its object :
First. The increased length of life of the carbons.
Second. The prevention of the combustion thereof through the combined effects.
of atmospheric air and the intense heat produced at the arc.
Third. The utilization of means which travel with the moving carbons as they
are consumed for decreasing the resistance offered to the electrical current as it
passes through the lamp.
Fourth. The diffusion of heat created at the arc whereby a decrease in the
general temperature of the entire lamp and of the space in its immediate vicinity is
effected.
Fifth. The construction of a cheap and efficient cut-out for arc lamps.
I accomplish these several objects by the practice of the methods and the use of
the apparatus hereinafter described, but particularly pointed out in the claims which
follow this Specification.
Figure 1, is a side elevational view of an electric arc lamp of well known form
showing my improvement attached thereto.
Figure 2, is a similar view of a modified form of my improved apparatus.
Referring to the drawings in detail
M represents the base of the lamp provided with a carbon holder D¹ which
supports the lower carbon C¹ in vertical alignment with the upper carbon C
suspended from the usual form of carbon feeding device D extending through the
top of the lamp E into a housing B which contains any well known form of feeding
and regulating apparatus, the top E and the base M of the lamp being united by
the usual side rods F.
It will be understood, of course, that the electrical connections through the
feeding apparatus and the carbons are of any well known construction, and so
arranged that the upper carbon C is fed forward as long as the arc continues.
R represents a pair of hoods or caps made of refractory material, such as
porcelain or any other non-friable material, having an interior bore of substantially
the same diameter as the carbons C and C¹, said bore being slightly diminished near
the points of the carbons, as shown, so that the conical portion of the lower
carbon C will have frictional bearing against the inner shoulder thereof, and the
same conical portion of the upper carbon will have a like bearing against a similar
shoulder of the upper hood or cap.
These refractory hoods or caps are each held in place and surrounded by or
attached to perforated metallic sleeves H, the interior diameters of which are
substantially the same as that of the carbons C and C¹, so that they have good
electrical contact therewith. The perforations give increased radiating effect.
The upper sleeve H is provided with a pair of ears e, to which are attached
conducting cords or chains a passing over pulleys P secured by standards to the top.

page_text: portion E of the lamp, the free ends of said conducting cords or chains being
provided with counter-balances W of sufficient weight to balance the weight of
the sleeve H and its hood or cap R, while the lower sleeve H is provided with
ears e', which in turn are connected by conducting chains or cords K to the metallic
base M of the lamp.
The modified form shown in Figure 2, is identically the same in construction with
the form shown in Figure 1, except that the pulleys P which support the counter-
balances W and the sleeve H are all carried by and move with the carbon holder,
this arrangement being especially adapted for gravity feed lamps, the arrangement
being such as will be readily understood, that the sleeve H, counterbalances and
pulleys will offer no impedence to the forward feed of the carbon and its attached
parts, while with the arrangement shown in Figure 1, slightly increased power is
required to force the upper carbon forward, and this form may be used in any type
of arc lamp in which the upper carbon is fed forward by the combined influence of
gravity and a propelling power or by a propelling power alone.
The operation of this form of the apparatus is as follows.
The arc having been established in the usual way, the current, which enters. the
lamp through the upper portion thereof, passes directly through the upper carbon C
to the arc and through the lower carbon C¹ and out to line.
As the arc continues to glow intense heat, as is well known, is developed at this
point, and, as a result, the entire lamp is often heated to dangerous degrees to such
an extent that, where violent drafts of air are admitted the carbons are actually
badly damaged by combustion.
With my improved apparatus the refractory hoods or caps R absorb the heat,
and at the same time prevent any possibility of combustion affecting those portions
of the carbon which are shielded by them, while the metallic sleeves H which
surround said hoods or caps are connected by conducting cords or chains a, at the
top with the metallic portion of the frame, and similar cords K to the metallic base
of the frame, thereby conducting the heat to the metallic portions of the frame
where it is rapidly radiated or dissipated.
By thus decreasing the temperature of the carbons through the agency of the
conductors a and K united to metallic surfaces of large radiating capacity, I am
enabled to offer decreased resistance to the path of the current, a feature which in
itself gives increased efficiency to the lamp, and at the same time largely decreases
the temperature of the entire lamp and its adjacent area by dissipating heat which
would otherwise produce injurious effects.
With the modified form shown in Figure 2, I am enabled to conduct the current
from the carbon holder D through the metallic cords or chains a to a point near
the arc, thereby avoiding the necessity of conducting the current through the high
resistance medium of the carbon.
I am aware that it has been heretofore proposed to use a protective tip or shield
of refractory material for increasing the life and efficiency of an electric are light
carbon, and I make no claim broadly to such a feature; I am not aware however,
that any one has heretofore devised an arrangement by which the life of the carbon
is increased by protecting it from the evil effects of unusual drafts of air, and at
the same time provided means for diffusing or conducting away the useless heat
generated at the carbon's points and not utilized in giving light, and I desire it
understood that my claims hereinafter made are directed broadly to accomplishing
the several features herein before referred to.
Figure 3, of the drawings illustrates a side elevational view of an arc lamp of
well known form, showing another modified form of my improvement attached
thereto partly in elevation and partly in section, and
Figure 4, is a sectional detail view, showing a pair of carbons provided with.
my preferred form of cap or hood, as will be hereinafter more particularly
described.
*The several parts, of the lamp are the same as in Figures 1 and 2 heretofore
described.

page_text: R represents a pair of refractory caps or hoods of porcelain or any analogous
nou-friable material which will not fuse or disintegrate under the intense heat of the
arc, said caps or hoods having an internal diameter substantially that of the carbon,
the conical portions being adapted to fit on the coned ends of the carbons, as clearly
shown.
The upper hood R is united to a metallic sleeve H which surrounds it and
extends some distance above, the interior diameter of which is substantially that of
the carbon C, so that good electrical contact is had between it and the carbon.
This sleeve H is connected at its upper end directly to a spiral conducting
wire S, which in turn is adjustably connected to the carbon holder D, so that when
the hood is first put in place the spring S will exert a maximum strain between the
collar H and the carbon holder D, always tending to slide or move it in an upward
direction as the carbon burns away, the tensile power of the spring S being such
that when the carbon is finally exhausted the sleeve will be lifted to a point in the
neighbourhood of the carbon carrier D.
If desired, this carbon carrier D may extend downward to a point such that
when the sleeve H is in its uppermost position the carbon is entirely exhausted.
The lower hood R is connected in a similar manner by a conducting spiral
spring S', which is adjustably secured to the lower carbon holder D¹.
It will be understood, however, that there need be but little retractile influence
in the spring S for this houd, inasmuch as it falls by gravity as the lower carbon
burns away. This hood may also be provided with a conducting sleeve H, if
preferred.
In Figure 4, I have shown a preferred form of hood in which the refractory
material is grooved or recessed around the tip of the carbon Cat e, and similarly
grooved or recessed at e³ around the tip of the carbon C¹, the lower hood being cut
away at o, so as to avoid, as far as possible the shadow of the arc.
I find that with a cap or hood which is grooved as shown in Figure 4, increased
life is also given to the carbon by reason of the fact that the protecting rim
prevents the action of atmospheric air on the lower end of the carbon by preventing
combustion.
In other words, the depending groove offers a protecting shield against drafts of
air, thereby allowing the are to be more steady in its flow, and causing the carbon
to be consumed more evenly.
The operation of this modified form of the apparatus is as follows:-
When the arc is established the hoods or caps, of refractory material R prevent
any possible combustion of the carbons through the agency of the intense heat of
the arc and any increase in combustive effect due to the presence of gusts of
atmospheric air, and at the same time the spiral springs S and S', being good heat
conductors and also electrical conductors, convey the heat to the carbon holders D
and D', where it is radiated or dissipated, and also offer diminished electrical
resistance to the passing current.
As the carbons continue to burn away under the influence of the arc the upper
hood or cap R is lifted under the influence of the spiral spring S, always exposing
the conical portion from which the arc emanates; similarly, the lower hood R,
resting on the conical portion of the lower carben falls by gravity and the influence
of the spring S³.
This continues until the carbons are entirely consumed, or until the sleeve H is
brought into contact with the carbon carrier D.
Further modified forms of my invention are shown in Figures 5 and 6, the lamps
being like those shown in Figures 1 to 4.
R represents a pair of refractory caps or hoods as before.
H represents a metallic conducting sleeve fixedly secured to the upper hood R,
and having substantially the same internal diameter as the carbon C, the upper
portion of said sleeve being connected by a pair of conducting cords K with the
upper carbon carrier D, while the lower cap or hood R is similarly connected by a
pair of conducting cords K₁ with the metallic base M of the lamhp.

page_text: The two hoods R are connected together by one or more resilient springs s, said
springs being of such diameter as to afford little or no obstruction to the light of
the arc, and of such resiliency as to just permit the carbons to touch under the
normal pressure of the upper carbon holder and its attached parts, so that the
entire weight of the upper hood R and its sleeve H will be carried by the springs &
and hood R resting on the coned shoulder of the lower carbon.
In the modified form shown in Figure 6, the upper conducting cords or chains K
are connected directly to the frame of the lamp, so as to give large heat conducting
and radiating capacity thereto, and it will be noted that there is a slight difference in
the construction of the upper refractory hood or cap R in that its interior diameter
is throughout the same as that of the largest diameter of the carbon C, in order
to permit said carbon to slide freely therethrough, so that the lower hood or cap R
and its connecting springs S will never be called upon to sustain a greater weight
than that of the upper hood R and its attached sleeve H.
Still other modified forms of my invention are shown in Figures 7 to 14
inclusive.
Figure 7 of the drawing represents a side elevational view of the upper portion
of any well known form of arc lamp, such as is shown in Figures 1 and 2 as herein-
before described, this form of my improved apparatus being disclosed in connection
therewith.
Figure 8, is a sectional elevational view of an arc light carbon protector con-
structed in accordance with this form of my improvement.
Figure 9 is a plan view of the same, and
Figure 10 is a side elevational view thereof showing a carbon in position.
Figure 11 is a sectional view of the carbon as taken on a plane through
Figure 10, in such position as to show the grooves or channels cut by the screws
near the tip of the protector, as the carbon is fed forward.
Figure 12, is a sectional elevational view showing the application of the
invention to a positive feed arc lamp, where the carbon is fed forward under
pressure.
Figure 13 is a side elevational view of a modified form of the same.
Figure 14, is a sectional view of my improved protector provided with a
modified form of feeding or regulating apparatus which supplants the screws shown
in the remaining figures of the drawings.
Figure 15 is a side elevational view of my improved carbon adapted for use in
connection with the apparatus illustrated in the other figures of the drawings.
Referring now to Figures 7 and 14
B, represents a housing such as encloses any well known feeding apparatus for
are lights, and
D the carbon carrier therefor.
C the carbon provided with a diminished shouldered end S³ adapted to be held
in the carbon holder D.
R represents my improved apparatus for protecting the tip of the carbon and
giving to the latter increased life and efficiency. Said apparatus consists of a
short hollow tube R having substantially the same internal diameter as that of the
carbon C, which it is to protect.
It is made of any highly refractory material, preferably of metal, and is pro-
vided at its upper end with a pair of pins e to which are attached cords or
chains K K, one running over a pulley P, and both to a spring-actuated drum D*,
said pulley and drum being carried by a two arm support N attached to and moving
with the carbon carrier.
The lower end of the tube R is perforated in two or more places, as shown
at a a, and pointed adjustable screws & s¹ are secured in said perforations at the
lower sides thereof, and adapted when in place, to prevent the upward movement
of the sleeve or tube R as said screws bear against the coned end of the carbon, as
clearly shown in Figures 7, 8 and 10.
The interior diameter of the protecting sleeve or tube R should be as nearly

page_text: that of the exterior diameter of the carbon C at all points above the screw
pins as possible and is preferably larger below those pins, as shown in
Figures 8, 10, and 12, in order to admit of the free egress of the disintegrated
carbon powder as the arc advances and the carbon is consumed, and also to protect
the exposed end of the carbon so far as possible from the air and at the same
time prevent any injurious effects upon said sleeve or tube, due to the intense heat
at this point.
The vent holes a, should be directly above the screws s¹ s' in order to convey
the air directly to the points of said pins or screws, as shown by the arrows in
Figure 13.
The carbon C having been secured in place, as shown in Figure 13, and the
protecting sleeve or tube R located in position at the point thereof so that the
pointed screws ¹s rest against the coned end thereof with sufficient bearing to
prevent the sleeve or tube R from being drawn upward by the cords or chains K K
under the stress of the coiled spring in drum D*; the apparatus is then in con-
dition for operation.
After the arc is established, as the point of the carbon burns away, the lower
portion of the sleeve or tube R acts as a protector therefor, and at the same time,
air is admitted, as shown by the arrows in Figure 13, through the perforations a,
above or near the points of the screws & s¹, the air impinging upon the carbon at
these points and acting in conjunction with the intense heat at the carbon points to
disintegrate the carbon in grooves or channels, as shown in Figure 11, so that the
sleeve is drawn forward under the influence of the spring actuated cords or
chains K K, as these channels or grooves are formed.
Under this action, the point of the carbon C assumes a regular rounded end and
is protected by the sleeve or tube R, the latter being fed forward, as already
described, as the carbon is consumed.
In the modified form shown on Figures 12 and 13, I have shown my improved
apparatus in the one instance as integral with a carbon guiding tube R, which is
fixed at its upper end to some support not shown, while the carbon is fed forward
under the influence of a weight W resting on its upper end.
It will be understood of course, that a spring might supplant the weight, or, the
carbon might be fed by its own weight and the arc established in this form of lamp
by any well known arc establishing device acting upon either carbon, said device
not being shown.
In Figure 13, the protecting sleeve or tube R is attached to the lower end of a
fixed carbon guiding tube through the agency of a pair of hooks / carried by the
sleeve and a pair of pins p carried by the tube, the sleeve or tube R being
shouldered at g, as shown, so as to insure secure alignment of the two.
In the modified form shown in Figure 14, is shown a pair of V-shaped
rollers & journalled in position in the perforations a a, and adapted to perform
the same function as the screws s¹ s'. These screws s¹ s' or rollers are made
preferably of platinum, iridium or some highly refractory metal and are made
adjustable, as shown in order to regulate the delicacy of the feed to be transmitted
to the protecting sleeve or tube.
In Figure 15, I have shown my preferred form of carbon which is of the usual
type, save that it is made smaller in diameter at its upper end, as shown at S³.
I make the carbon thus of diminished diameter at its upper end so that when
the protecting sleeve or tube R reaches its uppermost position under the tension
of the cords or chains K K, there will be no danger of evil effects of the arc upon
said sleeve or tube as the carbon is nearly consumed, by reason of the fact that the
former will be drawn against the carbon carrier E leaving only the short end of
the carbon to be consumed.
In the forms shown in Figures 12 and 13, it will be readily understood that when
the carbon is nearly consumed the diminished diameter will permit the weight W to
force it forward after the screws pass the shouldered end thereof and thus force the

page_text: Cations into contact with each other, thereby acting as a short circuiting or cut-out
device.
Although I have shown the above apparatus in connection with Figures 7 to 14,
as applicable to the upper carbon of an arc lamp, it is obvious that it might be
applied to the lower carbon as well, or to both, if preferred.
When used in connection with the lower carbon, the sleeve or tube R would of
course, rest by its own weight upon the upward projecting coned end of the carbon,
as it consumes away, thereby permitting the sleeve or tube R to descend.
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. The described method of prolonging the life of an arc light carbon,
consisting in protecting the end of the carbon next the arc from draughts of air,
and at the same time conducting away or dissipating, as far as possible, the heat
emitted by the arc.
Second. The described method of increasing the efficiency of an are light
carbon, consisting in protecting it from draughts of air and at the same time
dissipating or conducting away, as far as possible, the surplus heat of the arc.
Third. The described method of preventing combustion of an arc light carbon
due to the undue influence of draughts of atmospheric air, consisting in causing as
far as possible the surplus heat evolved near the tip of the carbon to be absorbed
by an absorbing medium and then conducted away or dissipated.
Fourth. The described method of increasing the efficiency of an arc light
carbon, consisting in protecting the carbon from the surrounding air, and in
causing as far as possible, the surplus heat evolved at the arc to be conducted
away.
Fifth. An arc light having its upper carbon provided with a movable protecting
cap or hood of refractory material of substantially the same internal diameter as
the carbon, but shaped to bear against the coned end thereof and adapted to
move in the direction of the support of the carbon, as it burns away, substantially
as described.
Sixth. An arc light having its upper carbon provided with a movable protecting
cap or hood of refractory material which is held in position against the coned end of
the carbon and adapted to move i. the direction of the support thereof as it burns
away, substantially as described.
Seventh. An arc light having its upper carbon provided with a movable pro-
tecting cap or hood of refractory material, said cap or hood having a sustaining
bearing against the coned end of the carbon and adapted to move in the direction
of the support thereof as it burns away, substantially as described.
Eighth. An arc light carben provided with a movable protecting cap or hood
connected by yielding conductors to the frame of the lamp, substantially as
described.
J
Ninth. An arc light carbon having a movable protecting cap or hood of refrac-
tory material connected to a metallic sleeve which surrounds the carbon and is
connected in turu to the frame of the lamp by one or more good conductors of
heat, said cap being adapted to move in the direction of the support of the carbon
as it burns away and the heat conductors being of yielding material, substantially
as described.
Tenth. An are light carbon having a protecting cap or hood held in place against
the shouldered end of the carbon and provided with counterbalances for sustaining
its weight substantially as described.
Eleventh. An arc light carbon provided with a refractory hood or cap attached
to a metallic sleeve which in turn is connected by conducting chains to counter-
balances sustained by pulleys, substantially as described.
Twelfth. A pair of arc light carbons provided with a pair of movable protecting

page_text: caps or hoods, each of said hoods having an internal diameter substantially the
same as that of the carbon it surrounds but slightly contracted at one end, so as to
rest normally against the cone of the carbon, substantially as described.
Thirteenth. In an arc light, a pair of carbons having a pair of protecting hoods,
one of which is held in position by two or more chains or cords and counterbalances,
and the other by its own weight, substantially as described.
Fourteenth. A cap or hood for an are light carbon, having a shouldered bearing
against the coned end of the carbon, in combination with a retractile device which
tends normally to keep the hood in placc as the carbon burns away, substantially
as described.
Fifteenth. A movable cap or hood for an arc light carbon which surrounds the
tip thereof and has a shouldered bearing against the coned end of the carbon, in
combination with means for holding said cap or hood always in position, substan-
tially as described.
Sixteenth. A pair of carbons provided with movable protecting caps or hoods
having shouldered bearings against the coned ends of the carbons, in combination
with means for forcing said hoods continuously against the ends of the carbons as,
they burn away, substantially as described.
Seventeenth. A carbon for an electric lamp, provided with a movable refractory
tip and a conducting sleeve connected by one or more yielding conductors with the
lower end of the carbon carrier, substantially as described.
Eighteenth. In an electric arc lamp a cap or hood of refractory material adapted
to enclose the tip of the carbon, in combination with a conducting sleeve connected
to the hood and surrounding the carbon, said conducting sleeve being provided with
perforations substantially as described.
Nineteenth. An arc light carbon provided with a protecting cap or hood sustained.
in position by a spiral spring connected to a point in alignment with the carbon
substantially as described.
Twentieth. A movable cap or hood for the tip of an arc light carbon in com-
bination with a sustaining spring attached to a point near the base of the carbon,
substantially as described.
Twenty-first. A cap or hood for an arc light carbon having a coned bearing
against the coned end of the carbon, in combination with a retractile spring
attached to the hood and to a point in alignment with the carbon and tending
normally to keep the hood in place as the carbon burns away, substantially as
described.
Twenty-second. A pair of arc light carbons provided with protecting caps or
hoods having shouldered bearings against the coued ends of the carbons, in com-
bination with coiled springs, one for each hood, said springs being connected to the
hoods and to points in alignment with the carbon and tending to hold the hood in
place as the carbons burn away, substantially as described.
Twenty-third. A cap or hood for an arc light carbon consisting of refractory
material surrounded by a conducting sleeve which has contact with the carbon, in
combination with a spiral spring uniting the sleeve and the base of the carbon
holder, substantially as described.
Twenty-fourth. A cap or hood for an are light carbon made of refractory
material and provided with a groove around the tip of the carbon, substantially as.
described.
Twenty-fifth. A cap or hood for an arc light carbon having a shoulder or ledge
adapted to bear against the coned end of the carbon, and a depression or groove
as e³ or e³, substantially as described.
Twenty-sixth. A pair of arc light carbons provided each with a cap or hood of
refractory material, said hoods having each a shouldered bearing against the coned
end of its carbon and a circumferential groove. substantially as described.
Twenty-seventh. An arc light, having a protecting cap or hood for each carbon,
said hoods being mechanically connected together by a resilient or yielding support

page_text: and provided each with one or more conductors of heat for dissipating or con-
ducting away as far as possible the surplus heat evolved at the arc, substantially as
described.
Twenty-eighth. An arc light having a pair of protecting caps or hoods one for
each carbon made of refractory material in combination with a conducting sleeve
attached to one hood, and conductors of heat connecting the sleeve and both hoods
to the frame of the lamp, said hoods being united together by one or more
sustaining springs, substantially as described.
Twenty-ninth. A pair of protecting caps or hoods for the carbons of an arc
lamp, said caps being united together by a resilient or yielding support, and each
seated or resting against the coned end of the carbon it protects, substantially as
described.
Thirtieth. The described apparatus for increasing the efficiency and life of an
arc light carbon, consisting of a protecting tube having substantially the same
inner diameter as that of the carbon, one or more perforations or air vents and
groove forming retaining devices extending into the path of the carbon, near the
lower end of the tube, substantially as described.
Thirty-first. The described apparatus for increasing the efficiency and life of an
arc light carbon consisting of a protecting tube of substantially the same inner
diameter as that of the carbon, provided at one end with adjustable groove forming
retaining devices and air vents one for each retaining device, substantially as
described.
Thirty-second. The described apparatus for increasing the efficiency and life of
an arc light carbon, consisting of a removable or detachable protecting tube
adapted to surround the tip of the carbon and provided with one or more groove
forming retaining devices and air vents one for each retaining device for admitting
air at the junction of the carbon and retaining device or devices substantially as
described.
Thirty-third. A protector for the tip of an arc light carbon, consisting of a
hollow sleeve or tube of substantially the same internal diameter as the carbon,
slightly enlarged at its lower end and provided with perforations or air vents and
retaining devices, the latter extending inwardly into the path of the carbon, sub-
stantially as described.
Thirty-fourth. A protector for the tip of an arc light carbon consisting of a
movable hollow sleeve or tube of substantially the same internal diameter as the
carbon provided with one or more adjustable groove forming retaining devices in
combination with mechanism for giving to the protector a forward motion as the
carbon is consumed, substantially as described.
Thirty-fifth. A protector for an arc light carbon, consisting of a movable hollow
sleeve or tube of substantially the same internal diameter as the carbon and pro-
vided with two or more radial perforations and adjustable groove forming retaining
devices, substantially as described.
Thirty-sixth. An are light carbon having a shouldered upper end in combination
with a carbon protector provided with retaining devices at its lower end, substan-
tially as described.
Thirty-seventh. The described apparatus for automatically cutting out an arc
lamp, consisting of a conducting carbon retaining. tube having means at one end for
sustaining the carbon against movement; a carbon located in said retaining tube
having a diminished upper end and a lower carbon in alignment therewith, whereby,
when the retaining means reach the diminished portion of the carbon, it will drop
through and short circuit the lamp, substantially as described.
3
1001
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.