IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC LAMPS AND IN THE ELECTRIC CIRCUIT CONNECTIONS AND DEVICES FOR THE SAME
Year: 1883

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Henry Edmunds Jr, temporarily residing in the City
and State of New York, United States of America for an Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC LAMPS AND IN THE ELECTRIC CIRCUIT
CONNECTIONS AND DEVICES FOR THE SAME"
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Henry Edmunds Jr, at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 10th April 1883.
HENRY EDMUNDS Jr, temporarily residing in the City and State of New York,
United States of America "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC LAMPS AND IN THE
ELECTRIC CIRCUIT CONNECTIONS AND DEVICES FOR THE SAME."
The insulated wires leading the electric current to the lamps are received in
metallic cases to prevent injury or accident from fire. The cases are formed in
two parts the cover being applied after the wires are in place.
Where the wires cross each other and where branch wires are taken off, a
junction box of insulating material is used and a removable portion is perforated
for the passage of the conductors in such a manner that the conductors are kept at
the proper distance from each other. Curved cases and T connections are made of
two separable parts and the connections of branch and main wires are made by
channelled clamping plates.
To prevent accident from short circuiting and heating of any wire, I use a
circuit fuse composed of a layer of mica or similar insulating material with lead or
other easily fused metal upon its surface, so that when the current becomes too
great and liable to heat the wires, this circuit fuse melts and the circuit is broken;
the melting foil contracting into globules that adhere to the mica or other
insulating material instead of falling in a melted state as heretofore usual.
The lamp itself is of glass with the incandescing filament within it, and with
electroliers having imitation candles the glass for holding such incandescing
filament is in the shape of the flame of a candle.
The exhausted glass is supported upon a spring: the contacts for the wires are
made by conducting pins inserted into holes in insulating material into which
holes the conducting wires pass.

page_text: At the joints in the brackets or electroliers supporting the lights there are
circular spring contacts which allow the brackets to be turned around partially or
entirely without breaking the electric contact.
The circuit is closed or broken by a circular ratchet having alternate conducting
and non conducting teeth that are brought into contact with pins or electrodes in
the circuit.
The wires pass through pipes similar to those used in gas fixtures, and the
switch which turns the current on or off is to take the place of the plug in the gas
cock. The circuit fuse before named is to be introduced at the wall plate
supporting the bracket.
In order to make a very reliable switch for turning the electric current on or off
I sometimes use two springs upon an insulated plate with a metal key between
them having an insulated handle. When turned so that the edges press against
the springs the electric contact and circuit are complete and when turned the
other way the contact is broken and one of the springs holds the key from turning
accidentally.
At the base of the electric lamp there is an insulating block, a locking device to
hold the base into a cup, and the electric circuit is through metal studs and spring
contacts, and in some instances these devices also are used for making and breaking
the electric circuit by giving a partial rotation to the base of the lamp.
Where these improvements are introduced into chandeliers or electroliers the
circuit wires are brought to a ceiling block and thence to a circuit fuse block upon
which are the circuit fuses for the branch circuits in the electrolier.
These branch circuits pass to the respective lamps and the electrolier is suspended
by a
"bail" and insulating sheavo so as to prevent any electric connection to pipes
having ground contacts.
The circuit fuses may be in the return branch wires of the circuit, and at the
junction of the arms with the central tube of the electrolier there is a distribution
box for the circuit wires.
This box can be opened by removing a cap.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent
filed by the said Henry Edmunds Junior in the Great Seal Patent Office
on the 10th October 1883.
HENRY EDMUNDS Junior temporarily residing in the City and State of New
York United States of America "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC LAMPS, AND IN
THE ELECTRIC CIRCUIT CONNECTIONS AND DEVICES FOR THE SAME
"
The present Invention relates to certain improvements in Electric Lamps and in
lamp supports and fittings appertaining thereto. The invention also relates to
improvements in the electric circuit connections and to various novel devices
whereby the application of electricity to the lighting of houses and other structures
may be greatly facilitated
The several improvements which I will now describe in detail may be applied
in whole or in part to new work, as well as to what is known as "adapted
fittings"
.
The first of my improvements relates to a peculiar arrangement of spring
terminals for incandescent electric lamps which are adapted to be brought in
contact with terminal studs and open or close the circuit when a partial rotation
is given to the base of the lamp, and to means for enabling the lamp to be readily
disconnected from the bracket to which it is fitted.
In the accompanying drawing Fig: 1 is an elevation of the lamp complete.
Fig: 2 is a section of the base. Fig: 3 is an inverted plan of the base and Fig: 4
is a plan of the cup.
The electric lamp A is of any desired construction. I have shewn the same as
provided with a coiled filament within a glass globe, that is supported by a
spring C, and there are spring hooks d. at the ends of the conductors within the
base B to which the wires of the lamp are hooked but these devices for con-
necting the lamp with the base B are well known and I make no claim in respect
of them.
F is a metallic cup which, with its enclosed insulating block S, is screwed upon
the tubular support G; and within the cup and upon the upper surface of the
block S are the contact plates 7. l' having terminal studs o. o¹ projecting from their
faces, and these contact blocks or platos are attached by screws i which also serve
to clamp the naked ends of the insulated conductors k. that pass through the
tube G; the naked ends of the wire being twisted around and under the screw
heads.
Upon the under surface of the base B which is of insulating material, there are
the spring contact plates n. n', and the conductors d. are connected with these
spring contacts by being passed through holes in the said plates n. n', and around
under the screw heads t. and clamped thereby.
The lower end of the insulating base B fits into the cup F and there is a
shoulder at 2. around this base and a helical spring p. is introduced between the
top edge of the cup F and this shoulder 2.
There is a tubular case m. around the cup F and base B. At the lower part the
said case is attached to the cup F by screws 3. or by bayonet lock pins 4, and
screws 3. to prevent the parts turning and to allow of the said parts being
separated with facility when necessary.
In the upper part of the case m. there are slots 5 placed diagonally, and screws 6.
passing into the base B. The slots 5. are slightly enlarged or recessed at their
lower ends so that the screws 6. may be held in the downward position when forced
fully home.

page_text: By this construction I am able to turn on the current by giving the base Ba
partial rotation thus rendering a separate switch unnecessary; or to instantly
detach the lamp, together with the base B and sleeve m, from the bracket. In the
normal position of the parts, with the screws 6. at the upper ends of the slots 5.
the electric lamp is upheld by the spring p. in the position indicated by dotted
lines Fig 1, and the spring terminals n. n¹ are held out of contact with the
terminal studs o. o' and hence the circuit is broken. When the base B is partially
rotated the parts will be brought into the positions shewn by full lines, the
screws 6. passing down the inclines of the slots and bringing the springs n. n¹
into contact with the studs o. o'. with a rubbing action that ensures perfect metallic
contact and also keeps the contact surfaces clean.
By disengaging the sleeve m. from the cup F the lamp, together with its base B
and sleeve m, may be removed.
A modification of this arrangement for attaching lamps to brackets or other
fixtures is shewn in Figures 5 to 8 of the Drawings.
This modification is specially intended to ensure efficient metallic contact of the
terminal studs in the act of attaching the lamp to the bracket, and a separate
switch, for turning the current on or off while the lamp is in position on the
bracket, is intended to be used as indicated in the Drawings. Fig: 5 is an
elevation of the lamp complete Fig: G is a vertical section of the socket containing
the contacts. Fig: 7 is an inverted plan of the spring contacts and Fig: 8 is a
plan of the contact studs.
In this modification of the fittings the sleeve m. and spring p. shewn in
Figures 1. 2 and 3 are rendered unnecessary; and the lamp base B of insulating
material is connected with the cup F containing the terminals o. 0¹. by means of
pins r. entering a bayonet catch in the cup F as shewn clearly in Fig: 5. In all
other respects the construction and arrangement of the parts are identical with
those already described.
Each spring terminal n. n'. is bent away from the base B so that its free end
can yield; and the several parts are so situated that when the base B is inserted
into the cup F and the studs r. of the base enter into the bayonet lock slots of the
cup the springs n. n² will come over the contact studs o. o¹ and as the base B is
partially revolved to turn the studs r. into the horizontal portions of the bayonet
lock slots the springs n. n¹ come into contact firmly with the studs o. o¹ with a
rubbing action that prevents any particles of foreign matter remaining between
the metallic surfaces. By this arrangement perfect metallic contact is ensured
between the terminals in the act of fitting the lamp to the bracket.
The next head of my Invention relates to an improved construction of switch
for turning on and off the electric current in incandescent electric lamps, and the
same may be applied to chandeliers or brackets in either new work or what are
termed "adapted fittings."
The object of my improvements in switches is to make the switch positive in its
action simple in construction, and to ensure that the key shall be held firmly in
position both when it is turned so as to switch the current "on," and also when it
is turned to switch the current "off"."
To this end I employ a metal cup having a connection at one or both sides for
the chandelier or bracket and the incandescing electric lamp.-Into this cup I
place a base of non-conducting material such as rubber, gutta percha or vulcanite
fibre with a hole through it for the passage of one circuit wire. Upon the surface
of this non-conducting material I secure plates of metal with binding screws for
the circuit wires, and spring arms; and provide a key for making and breaking
the electric circuit between these springs. There is a cover to the said cup and
through it the spindle of a turn button or handle passes for operating the said key
in lighting or extinguishing the lamp. The arrangement of the spring armis
relatively to the key will be understood on reference to the accompanying drawings
in which Fig 9 is an elevation of an incandescent electric lamp, holder, socket
and switch.
Fig: 10 is an elevation or face view of the switch with the cover

page_text: removed. Fig: 11 shows the inner surface of the cover. Figures 12 and 13 are
modifications in the form of the switch springs, and Fig: 14 is a section of the
switch shown in Fig: 13. Fig: 15 represents my improved switch as attached to
the barrel of the cock in a gas pipe, and Fig: 16 represents my switch as adapted
to the distribution box of an electrolier.
:
Fig 9 illustrates a lamp, its holder or socket and the exterior form of the switch
handle and case; the lamp itself however may be of any desired character. The
body of the cup a and the pipes b. bl. are preferably made as one but they may be
separate as hereafter shewn, and the front part of the cup is screw threaded to
engage with a thread upon the cap or cover c.
The non-conducting base d. fits into the cup a. and it is fastened tightly and
preferably has a hole through it for one circuit wire 4. to pass, as seen in fig: 14
In figures 10. 11. 12 and 13 the non-conducting material is indicated by the close
vertical parallel lines.
.
In fig: 2 the spring arms e. e¹ are coiled around the posts f. f'set in the non-
conducting material and pass to the clamping screws g. g'. The plates of metal
h. h¹ connect the clamping screws g. g' with the binding screws . and to these
binding screws i. i. the circuit wires 2. are attached.-The spring arm e'. is limited
in its inward movement by the stop k.
In Fig: 12 the plates h. h'. are shown of larger size and made as segments of a
circle, and the binding screws i. ¿¹ to which the circuit wires 2. are secured are
shewn upon the said plates.
In this figure tho spring arms e. e¹ are sustained by the posts f. f¹ but are of a
different shape from those of fig: 10, and the springs . which are held and
supported by lugs and pins m. m¹ formed upon the plates h. h. press upon the
arms e. e. but allow them to yield. The arm e¹. is retained by the stop k. as in
Fig: 10.
In figure 13 the plates h. h¹ are made of a similar shape to those in fig: 12, and
the binding screws 2. ¹ for the circuit wires 2. are secured upon the said plates in
the same manner.-The arm e. is made double as shown, and passes around the
clamping screws g. and partly around the binding screw i; the free ends of the
said arm e. act as springs and yield to the pressure of the key when turned.
The spring e¹. is of curved or bent form and is held in position by the clamping
screws The plate h. of this figure forms a support for the centre of the key n.
and the position of this key when turned "off" is shewn in figures 10, 12, and 13,
by dotted lines. The position of the key when turned "on," will be at right angles
thereto. It will be seen that when turned on the key is held firmly in position
between the spring arms e. el. and prevented by their conformation from accidentally
working loose, and that when turned off, one of the said arms, or it may be a pair
of arms, press against one side of the key and prevent it from accidentally working
loose or shifting into the turned on position.
For this purpose the axis of the key is conveniently set nearer to the one set of
spring arms than to the other.
The spindle o. passes through the cover c. into a block p. of insulating material
to which the key n. is also secured by projections that pass into the block p. at a
distance from the spindle o. This cover c, key n, and block p, are shown in
Fig: 11. The spindle o is provided with a handle o¹.
The main or positive wire in all of these forms is continued through the non-
conducting base d. and the return or negative wire is divided and carried to the
binding screws the circuit being made as the key n. is turned between the
springs or arms e. e¹ and its edges brought forcibly into contact with such springs or
arms to partially press them apart and thus ensure perfect metallic continuity for
the electric circuit. When the key is turned so as to stand in the position repre-
sented in figures 10. 12. 13 by dotted lines the circuit is broken, and the spring, or
pair of springs, e hold the key in an inoperative position by pressing closely against
one of its sides.
My improved switch can be used at the ordinary gas cock as shewn in fig: 15

page_text: in which case I remove the plug of the cock and provide a spindle upon the base
of the cup a. and this spindle is passed through the barrel of the gas cock, the said
spindle and cup being secured by a nut 6. as shewn. The wires for the electric
circuit are passed through the barrel as illustrated in the said figure.
My improved switch can also be employed at the distribution box of an electrolier 5
as shewn in fig: 16, the switch case forming the ornamental base of the said distri-
bution box cover. In this instance I divide the direct conductor carrying it
through the said switch so that the turning on or off of the switch either lights or
extinguishes all of the lamps upon the electrolier. I prefer to employ this switch
at the distribution box in addition to a switch for operating each individual lamp 1
in an electrolier.
The next head of my Invention relates to the wiring and the forming of circuit
connections upon chandeliers, electroliers and other fixtures, either when applied
to new articles or to what is termed "adapted work."
I employ a connection to the gas pipe at the ceiling of a room, and a hook and
block or button of non-conducting material connected therewith for suspending the
chandelier, and I use insulating blocks in connection with these suspending devices
upon which the circuit connections and circuit fuses or safety switches for the
electrolier are placed; and I carry through these blocks the direct wire for lighting;
and in the distribution box from which radiate the tubular arms of the chandelier
1 take wires to each lamp and connect them with this direct conductor.
The return wires are brought one from each light through their respective
switches to the distribution box, and thence they are led either singly or grouped
in pairs up the tubular stem of the chandelier to the safety switch block, and here
each separate wire is secured to a binding screw and connected by a metal plate
and circuit fuse to a union ring from which one wire leads to a binding screw and
circuit fuse in the ceiling block and so away to the line.
By this construction I am enabled, while firmly attaching the chandelier to the
ceiling to insulate it completely from all metallic contact that is likely to cause a
leak of current or a false circuit, and by my arrangement of circuits I can control
each incandescent lamp independent from any other lamp on the electrolier, and
where any circuit fuse is melted it only affects the lamp in the branch circuit
containing such fuse and a new circuit fuse can be put in without disturbing any
of the wiring.
In the drawings fig: 17 is an elevation of a two-light electrolier.-Fig: 18 is a
section of the ceiling block, suspending bail or hoop and insulating roller and an
elevation and partial section of the suspending block. Fig: 19 is an elevation of
the ceiling block and cross-section of the suspending block. Fig: 20 is a plan of
the suspending block and Fig: 21 is a section of the distribution box at the
junction of the tubular arms of the electrolier.
The electrolier B, may be of any desired construction or ornamentation, and of
any desired number of incandescent lamps A; my system of circuit connections
being equally adapted to all.
The electrolier is suspended from the disused gas pipe in the ceiling as follows:
a coupling tube a¹. having projecting lugs a². is screwed on the gas pipe a³. secured
in the ceiling. Passing through these lugs a². is an axis or pin b. carrying the
insulating roller b³, which is by preference made of porcelain, although other simila
material will answer equally well. a hoop or loop c'. is suspended from this rolle
its ends passing through the fuse block D. and through a metal ring held by
nuts c³.
In the top of this block D. is an internally threaded socket or bushing d. secured
by screws to the said block, and into this socket the tubular stem e. of the
electrolier is screwed as seen in fig: 3.
The head block C and fuse block D, each have an exterior case of plain o
ornamental sheet metal, corresponding in appearance with the electrolier, and the
same can be removed to give access to the circuit connections.
The distribution box E is by preference a spherical or globular casting, into th

page_text: upper part of which the tubular stem e. of the electrolier is screwed, and into the
sides of which the tubular branches e'. are screwed; its lower side is open and a
plate f. with a spindle f'. is screwed to the same, and this spindle has screwed upon
it the ornamental end g. of the electrolier.
The circuit connections are made as follows.-
There is a recess in the ceiling block cat c' and this contains a plate of metal g².
and binding screws 5. 6, and the main or direct circuit wire b. comes from tho
ceiling through a hole in the block c to the binding screw 5. the current passing
through the wire b. to the said screw 5. and to the plate g¹. from thence to the
binding screw 6. and by a second wire b. to binding screw 8. plate g². and binding
screw 9. These binding screws 8 and 9 and plate g. are upon the top of the fuse
block D.
From the binding screw 9. the circuit wire 4. descends through the tubular
stem e of the electrolier to the distribution box E. At this point independent
direct circuit wires leading to each incandescent lamp are connected to the circuit
wire 4, thus completing the positive connection to the lamps.
The return wires 2. from the incandescent lamps A, are carried through the
switch H through the tubular branches e'. to the distribution box E, and there
I prefer to connect them in pairs and so conduct them up the chandelier or
electrolier and to the outside of the fuse block D through the holes h. or they may
be led up the stem of the electrolier singly.
Upon the fuse block D each of the wires 2. is connected to a binding screw 7:
and electrode or plate v. and figures 18. 19. 20 and 21 represent the fittings as
wired for and belonging to an electrolier having six incandescent electric lights, the
plan view fig: 20 being hexagonal; but the number may vary.-Around the
block D is an electrical "union ring" v¹., and each circuit wire 2. is electrically
connected with it through the binding scrows 7. electrodes or plates v, and circuit
fuses t; thus putting an independent safety switch or "circuit fuse" in the branch
electric circuit of each incandescent lamp. From this union ring v. the wire b'.
passes from the binding screw 12 up into a recess c² in the ceiling block c. and is
connected with the binding screw 17 and from this binding screw 17 the electric
current passes to the electrode or plate v²., circuit fuse t³., electrode or plate v³.,
binding screw 18. (see fig: 19) and so away to the return line wire.
"
The great advantage of connecting the circuit wires and using circuit fuses in
each branch circuit is, that the burning out of one fuse only affects one lamp,
and the connections being upon the surface of blocks, as setforth, are easily got
at to replace the fuses and also to adjust the wires. if required.
These improvements in circuit connections for electroliers are especially useful in
what are known as "adapted fittings," where gaseliers or chandeliers are formed
into electroliers retaining the fixtures as a whole, but adapting them for electrical
lainps.
I remark that the fuse block D. is to be furnished with as many circuit fuses
and connections from the return wires 2. as there are incandescent lamps upon the
electrolier.
Chandeliers and brackets for gas lights are frequently made with an ornamental
end in imitation of a candle, the gas burner tip and flame occupying the position of
the candle flame.-These ornamental ends are generally made of porcelain or
similar material.
The next part of my Invention relates to improved devices whereby these
imitation candles upon chandeliers or brackets may be utilized for the reception
of electric lamps.
This I effect by providing an electric light in an exhausted glass of about the
size and shape of a candle flame and provided with a neck or stem adapted to
partially enter and firmly engage with the end of the imitation candle, and be
held in an upright position by the tension of the electric wires within the same,
the gas tip having been of course first removed. I also provide means for readily

page_text: detaching the flame-shaped glass from the end of the candle when it is desired to
replace it by another.
In Fig: 22 of the drawings I have represented by an elevation and partial
section an imitation candle to which my improvement is applied.
The imitation candle a may be of any desired material and ornamentation, and
may form part of a chandelier bracket or other fixture.-It is upon a holder f and it
is provided with a central orifice through which the gas or gas pipe ordinarily
passes, but in which with my improvement the electric wires are run.
The hollow exhausted glass b for containing the incandescing carbon filament
is made with a rounded base and of a slender elongated tapering form resembling
somewhat the base of a wick and candle flame, and it is retained in place by the
electric wires and their spring ends c, to which the said globe is fastened by the
loops and hooks at d.-The wires c and hooks or loops d are entirely within
the tubular candle and concealed from sight.-The base of the candle I fit to slide
within a collar or sleeve carried by the bracket or electrolier, and I provide a
simple catch as shown, or a spring by which the candle may be held up or lowered
when it is desired to slacken the tension of the springs c to remove the lamp or
attach a new lamp to the candle.
It is preferable to have the end of the imitation candle recessed to receive the
rounded lower end of the glass b so that the imitation flame lamp rises directly
from the candle, and greater security of attachment results; but if strong springs
are used the connection might be flush with the top of the candle.
The hollow glass b may be made in any colour desired, or its slender stem only
may be coloured, and when the filament is incandescent the glass reflects the light
and being of the shape of a flame this electric candle appears similar to an ordinary
candle and its flame, and hence the electric lamp has the proper appearance and the
harmony of the chandelier or fixture is not marred.
The next part of my Invention relates to improved means for laying the
electrical conductors, and guarding against injury or accident from fire:
Electric conductors have been introduced into grooved strips of wood and
fastened to the walls and ceilings of buildings.-In fastening these in place and in
erecting woodwork near these conductor cases, it often happens that a careless
workman allows the point of a nail or a screw to penetrate the covering of the
conductor and injure the insulation or draw off a portion of the current or short
circuit the same, and heat the nail or screw and sometimes set fire to the
woodwork.
To obviate this, the conductors have been placed in metallic tubes, but the
trouble of threading the conductors through the long lengths of tubes is con-
siderable and the insulation is liable to be injured, and it is almost impossible to
enclose the conductor by the various lengths of tubes required for the different
turns and bends in putting up the wires; hence short lengths of conductors are
sometimes used but the numerous joins that are necessary seriously interfere with
the reliability of the conductors.
Conductors have also been placed in metal cases with covers for underground
lines but these are entirely unsuited to be applied to walls, ceilings and internal
installations generally.
This part of my improvements is intended to avoid these difficulties and consists
in combining with the covered insulated conductors a two part metallic case that
is divided longitudinally so that the foundation portion of the case can be
permanently fitted against or be embedded in the wall or ceiling, after which the
wires can be laid in place and the covers of the case applied to enclose the con-
ductors and prevent them being injured; at the same time preventing injury or
risk of fire in a building, because the case having a greater conductivity than the
enclosed wires can never become heated by any current passing through the same
from accidental contact or short circuiting of the parts.
In the drawings Fig: 23 represents a portion of a case for two separate

page_text: conductors Fig: 24 is a cross section of the same at the line x¹ x³-Fig: 25 is an
elevation of a case for the two conductors in one compartment. Fig: 26 is a cross
section of the same at the line xx. Fig: 27 represents a bend in the case.
Fig: 28 shows a T or branch connection. Fig: 29 is a representation of parts of
two cases and a junction box at the point where they cross. Fig: 30 is a section
of the same, and Fig: 31 is a cross section of a form of case with a filling of
cement.
The conductors a a¹ are of ordinary character covered with insulating material.
The case is made of the stationary portion & that is fastened against the wall or
ceiling by screws or nails, and the cover portion d' that is removable and is
attached after the wires are in place, and securely held by bands m which serve to
bind both parts of the case together, and to the wall or ceiling.
It is advantageous to perforate the case & at intervals either at the middle of the
trough-shaped portion, or at the web e between the two parts d d, Figures 23
and 24; so that nails or screws may be employed in attaching the back parts of
the case to the wall before the conductors are introduced into the same.
It is generally preferable to employ small filling pieces at intervals to hold the
conductors centrally within the case, or suitable cement may be used for the same
purpose; and the outer half of the case when applied snaps over or into the
stationary portion of the case when pressed into place; the bands m being also
preferably employed across the case.at intervals to be screwed to the wall and hold
the case firmly in place.
When the wire is to be bent at right angles, it is passed through a curved case d¹
see Fig: 27 each part of the curved case being of a corresponding sectional shape to
the other parts d d' of the case.
The T-shaped case shown in Fig: 28 is intended for taking off branch circuits,
it is similar in section to the adjoining cases d d and is secured in place by
screws.
Where there are branch wires b 6' passing off in both directions, the junction
box c shown in Figures 29 and 30, allows the conductors to pass entirely across
each other without either one interfering with the other.-In this case the main
conductors are bent up and down on either side of a grooved block of wood or
other suitable material, so as to allow the branch wires to be taken off above and
below without approaching near to each other, thereby avoiding any risk of short
circuiting or a spark passing from one to the other.
The cap o serves to cover the junction box.
When the case is filled in with cement it is generally preferable to employ the
shape of case shown in Fig: 31, so that the cap plates may bo put on in sections
as the filling progresses, the edges of the cap plates being retained behind ribs or
projections at the edges of the case d.
In order to avoid risk of fire from the electric spark passing from one wire to
another when placed within buildings, it is desirable that the conductors which
are often laid in wooden insulating cases shall be kept at least half an inch apart.
This part of my Invention relates to improved means for securing this object
especially at the places where one set of wires cross another, and where one or two
sets of branch wires are taken off from the main conductors.
I also ensure a strong connection between the main and branch conductors that
will not become heated, and will not require to be soldered; and I employ a circuit
fuse that will separate and break the circuit without producing a number of drops
of melted metal as heretofore usual, that are liable to fall and produce injury to
the furniture or other article upon which they may strike.
In the Drawings Fig: 32 is an elevation representing one of the simple forms of
my junction box.-Fig: 33 is a section of the same, Fig: 34 shows a single
branch circuit, Fig: 35 represents double branch circuits and the junction box
and circuit fuses.-Fig: 36 is a section of the parts shown in Fig: 35.-Fig: 37
represents the joint clasp, and Figures 38 show in face and edge views the
circuit fuse.

page_text: The conductors a a³ are laid into the grooves of the wall strips d in any usual
manner, and at e a similar grooved wall strip is shown for the branch conductors
bb; this branch may be single and extend off at one side as seen in Fig: 34 or it
may be double and extend off as seen in Figures 32 and 35.
My junction box is made of a block of insulating material c the underside of
which is preferably grooved to receive the ribs of the wall strips or slats, so that
the projections of the junction box enter the grooves of the wall strips or slats and
hold the conductors back into their places in the grooves.
Through this junction box there are holes at h for the conductors bb¹ to be
passed forwards out of the grooves in the strip e to the outer surface of the junction
box so that these conductors b b¹ may be kept at a sufficient distance from the
conductors a a¹ to ensure the required safety from sparks.
In order to connect the respective conductors a¹ and b¹, a and b, I make holes
through the junction box at the place of intersection, and either carry the branch
wire or wires back to the respective conductors and wind the one around the other
and solder the same as shewn at 2; or by preference I use the junction clip seen
in Fig 37. This clip is composed of two plates n n having grooved jaws for
grasping the conductor at the place where the covering is removed, and a screw 3
passing through these plates serves to clamp the parts firmly upon the conductor.
At the back end of the plate n¹ there is a lip or offset 4, extending towards
the plate n so as to form a rest or fulcrum as the jaws are screwed together.―
The branch conductor is either placed between the offset and the plate nas seen
in Fig: 37 and clamped by the screw 3, or else it is passed around under the head
of a screw ŏ that is passed into a flange at the end of the plate nas seen in
Figures 35 and 36.
All the branch wires may be connected by clips of this character and the same
pass out through the holes in the junction boxes as shewn.
In some instances it is important to apply at the junction boxes circuit fuses to
separate and break the circuit when there is a short circuit or other improper
connection that developes too great heat in the wires.
I make the circuit fuse with a flat piece of nonconducting material such as
hard rubber or mica, the latter preferred, and I cement upon the same a layer of
metal foil t, or I wrap such foil around the layer and I attach this circuit fuse to
the electrodes or plates vu' by means of screws 7.-In Fig: 35 I have shown two
of these circuit fuses, one in each branch circuit.-In Fig: 34 I have shown one of
such circuit fuses.
In case of short circuiting or the passage of too great heat through the conductors
of a circuit or branch circuit to an electric light, the circuit fuse which has more
resistance than either of the circuit wires becomes heated and as soon as the
temperature is sufficient to melt the lead or tin or similar metallic foil, such foil
contracts as it melts and the globules of metal draw away from cach other and
break the circuit, but the globules of metal cool instantly, and the metal does not
become sufficiently detached from the broad extent of surface to which it is
attached to run off in melted drops, hence the risk of injury from drops of melted
metal is very much lessened.
I apply eyelets at the points where the screws pass through the foil for the
purpose of holding the same firmly and preventing the screw head from injuring
the foil as it is turned.
It is usual to cover the grooved slats de with a thin slab of wood or similar
material, and I employ a cover c² shown in section in Figures 33 and 36 to
protect the conductors at the junction boxes.
By applying the circuit fuses in the manner specified at the junction boxes I am
enabled to make the connection of the main and branch conductors, and at the
same time to introduce the circuit fuses where they will be the most efficient in
protecting the branch conductors and where they are easily repaired or replaced
if melted

page_text: The last of my improvements relates to means for enabling wall and other
brackets having a moveable arm or arms to be utilized for electrical purposes.
The object in view is to exclude the conductors from sight and to allow the arms
of the brackets to be revolved or turned more or less without injury to the
conductors and without breaking the metallic circuits
In the drawings Fig: 39 is an elevation of the bracket and electric lamp with
the wall plate in section. Fig: 40 is a section of the lamp base Fig: 41 is a
section of the joint at the base of the bracket arm. Fig 42 is a section of the
switch Fig 43 is a full view of the wall plate Fig 44 is a plan of the switch
ratchet. Fig: 45 is an inverted plan of the ratchet contact pins Fig 46 is a
perspective view of the switch ratchet, and Fig 47 is a plan of the joint contacts
The electric lamp A is of any desired character, and at A' I have shewn a shade.
The bracket may be provided with two or more joints in the arms. I have shewn
one joint at c between the arm D and the stationary portion of the fixture, and
I have described hereafter the construction of such joint and would remark that
each joint in the arms of the bracket will be made in the same manner
At a I have represented the end of an ordinary gas fixture: upon this the wall
plate H is fastened, but the said wall plate however may be screwed to the wall
where there is not any gas pipe. The conductors 661 pass along the grooved
strips e to the wall plate H', where they are fastened to binding plates v, and
screws 7, and at t there is a circuit fuse or safety switch that melts and breaks
the circuit when there is too much current in the line or branch circuit
The wires 6 6 pass from the plates to the rings 6³ 6* respectively. These are
fastened concentrically to the hub of the wall plate H, and upon this hub the
secondary wall plate or base K is screwed.
The parts through which the wires pass are made of insulating material and
within the recessed back of K, there are insulated rings secured, similar to
the rings 6 6 so that when the base K is screwed upon the hub of the wall plate
the bracket will be in position for use.
The conductors bb₁ pass off from the respective rings c³ and of through the
switch H and joint c³ to the base of the burner, and to the filament in the
incandescent lamp.
The base B of the burner is of insulating material; the upper part 2 slips over
the lower part , and these two parts are connected by the pins o o' passing into
holes above and below the point of junction. The conductors from the spring
hooks d for the lamp pass through separato holes in the part 1, and their ends are
brought out and passed into the holes for the respective pins o o¹, and the naked
ends of the covered conductors bb' are passed into the holes for the respectivo
pins before these metal pins are driven in; hence the conductors and pins are
permanently connected and the base piece is to be attached at the end of the
arm D, but the part l can be lifted on or off the pins o o¹, and when in place the
metallic contact will be completed in the circuit by the pins o o'
The joint at c³ in the fixture is made with the two hollow parts e³ and e' of the
fixture, through which passes a pivot bolt k with nuts k' at the respective ends to
apply the necessary pressure and friction
Between the two parts e³ and e there is the cup piece 8 and the cap 8' to the
saine; the bolt k passing centrally through these, and within the cup there are two
discs of insulating material o² and o³ which are grooved concentrically; and the ends
of the covered wire conductors b and b' are scraped bare, passed through holes at the
bottoms of the respective concentric grooves and bent into a circle or nearly so, in
order that they may lie in the bottoms of such grooves as seen in Figures 41 and 47,
and into the respective grooves there are placed short helical springs d³, preferably of
flat sheet metal, each one having about two convolutions so as to press upon the
respective conductors as they lie in the bottoms of the respective grooves, and form
metallic spring contacts between the same.-This construction allows for the arm
of the bracket being turned entirely or partially around, and for the respective
positive and negative conductors remaining perfectly connected

page_text: My switch is intended to take the place of the plug of a gas cock. I have
shown the portion c as the barrel of the said cock into which the plug 10 of
insulating material is inserted and secured by the screw and washer 11.
There is a hole through the plug for one of the circuit wires (6¹) and the other
circuit wire b is separated and passed through the plug to the contact pins 12. 13
that extend across an annular recess in the lower end of the said plug.
Outside the plug, the case c is screwed, and within it there is a stem 14 with
a bead 15 outside the case by which the stem can be revolved. The inner end of
the stem is squared and passes through the ratchet switch n³ which is made of
vulcanite or other insulating material.
There are four teeth to this ratchet switch; the two teeth 17. 18. are of vulcanite
and the other two teeth 21. 22 are covered with a metal plate that is cup shaped
in the middle and extends across from one tooth to the other as seen in Figures
44 and 46 and there is a spring 19 by which the ratchet switch is pressed towards
the contact pins 12. 13. When the vulcanite teeth are in contact with the pins
the current is interrupted, but when the teeth that are of metal are in contact with
the pins 12. 13, the current passes from one pin to the other and the circuit to the
lamp is completed
The spring 19 allows the ratchet switch to yield as the spindle is turned and the
springing of the ratchet switch forward as the teeth clear the pins indicates the
completion of a movement for turning the current on or off.
Having now described the nature of my Invention of "Improvements in Electric
Lamps and in the Electric circuit connections and devices for the same," and
having explained in what manner the same may be carried into practical effect
I wish it to be understood that I claim,
First The combination with the plug or base B supporting an electric lamp, and
a cup such as F fitted to the end of a bracket or other fixture, of the spring
terminals n n³, terminal studs o o¹, case or sleeve m adapted to engage with the
cup F and readily detachable therefrom, and means for drawing together with a
rubbing action or separating the said torminals when the plug or base B of the
lamp is partially rotated substantially as described with reference to Figures 1 to
of the drawings, by which combination the necessity for a separate switch is
obviated, and access to either pair of terminals is facilitated, as set forth
Second The combination with the plug or base B, cup F and terminals n n'
oo of the bayonet fastening described with reference to Figures 5 to 8 of the
drawings, whereby perfect metallic contact between the two pairs of terminals is
ensured in the act of attaching the plug or base B to the cup F, and a rapid coupling
is effected substantially as set forth
Third The electric switch constructed and arranged as described with reference
to Figures 9 to 16 of the Drawings, in which spring arms serving as terminals are
employed to hold the key firmly in position whether turned "on" or "off" and
prevent its accidental displacement
Fourth The adaptation to existing gas fittings of the means described with
reference to Figures 17 to 19 of the drawings for securely attaching electroliers or
other electric lamp supports in place while completely insulating them from ground
contact
Fifth The arrangement of circuit connections for electroliers described with
reference to Figures 17 to 21 of the drawings, for the purpose set forth
Sixth The arrangement of ceiling and fuse blocks for the circuit wires in an
electrolier, as described with reference to Figures 17 to 19 of the drawings.
Seventh The adaptation to electroliers at the junction of the hollow stem and
branches, of an easily accessible distribution box, whereby facilities are afforded for
threading the wires and making the necessary electrical connections, as described
with reference to Figures 21 and 22 of the drawings.
Eighth The adaptation to porcelain or other imitation candles, carried by pendent
or other supports, of incandescent electric lamps having approximately the contour,

page_text: and presenting when alight the appearance of a candle flame, as described with
reference to Fig: 22 of the drawings
Ninth The Metallic safety boxes or receptacles constructed and fitted as described
with reference to Figures 23 to 31 of the drawings, whereby the laying and repair
of the electric wires in houses and other structures, is greatly facilitated, and
security from fire due to accidental short circuiting is ensured.
Tenth The combination with the divided metallic cases d d, and insulated
electric conductors enclosed, therein of the junction boxes described with reference
to Figures 28. 29 and 30 of the drawings, for the purpose set forth.
Eleventh The means described with reference to Figures 32 to 37 of the Drawings
for ensuring the proper spacing of the electric conductors at places where sets of
wires cross, or where branch wires are led off from the main conductors, and for
ensuring a simple and efficient electrical connection between the said branch and
main wires, substantially as set forth
Twelfth The improved safety fuse described with reference to Figures 34. 35
and 38 of the drawings, the said fuse being capable of secure attachment to the
electrodes by means of screws without risk of injury to the metal foil
Thirteenth The means described with reference to Figures 39 and 43 of the
drawings for attaching electric lamp brackets to walls and electrically connecting
the conducting wires in the said brackets with the fixed branch wires or leads from
the electrical generator, as set forth
Fourteenth The adaptation to brackets and supports for electric lamps of the
ratchet switch described with reference to Figures 39. 42. 44. 45 and 46 of the
drawings.
Fifteenth The construction and arrangement of concentric. spring contacts
described with reference to Figures 39, 41 and 47, of the drawings, whereby
provision is afforded for turning or rotating the arm of the bracket or other fitting,
while maintaining perfect electric connection between the wires contained in the
two parts thereof.
In witness whereof I the said Henry Edmunds Junior have hereunto set my
hand and seal the eighth day of October in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and eighty three.
TERMI
TATURA