Improvements in Arc Lamps.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 20th Sept., 1898-Accepted, 26th Nov., 1898
[Communicated from abroad by the MANHATTAN GENERAL
CONSTRUCTION CO.,
of No. 11, Broadway, New York, United States of America.]
Improvements in Arc Lamps.
I, WILLIAM GEORGE HEYS, of 70, Market Street, Manchester, in the County of
Lancaster, Chartered Patent Agent, 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 :-
This invention relates to electric are lamps of that type in which the arc is
enclosed in a small and practically sealed globe. The improvements have reference
to the arc regulating mechanism to the construction whereby the lamp may be
readily taken to pieces and assembled and to the mechanism for facilitating the
"trimming" of the lamp, all of which will be described with reference to the
accompanying drawings in which :-
Figure 1 represents a vertical central section through the upper and arc
regulating mechanism.
Figure 2 is a section on line 3, 3, of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a section on line 4, 4, of Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a view of the bottom of a combined nut and wrench.
Figure 5 is a view of a retaining ring.
Figure 6 is a view of a coil supporting ring.
Figure 7 is a side view of the lamp with parts removed.
Figures 8 and 9 show the carbon sheath and contact device in elevation and
section respectively.
Figure 10 is a side view of the lower portion or trimming mechanism of the
lamp, showing, in dotted lines, the inner globe lowered.
Figure 11 represents a detail of one of the telescoping side rods.
Figure 12 is a section through line 5, 5, of Figure 10.
Figure 13 is an enlarged sectional view of the mechanism for lowering the inner
globe.
Figures 14 and 15 illustrate other forms of lamp trimming mechanism.
With reference to the upper part of the lamp, A is an iron magnet frame consisting
of top and bottom dises a and a connected by oppositely disposed side uprights a².
The upper disc is perforated centrally and threaded to receive the lower threaded
end of a tube b, by which the lamp is suspended and which contains the carbon
enclosing tube b¹. The lower disc a¹ is also provided with a large central opening a³
which is threaded to receive the supporting devices for the magnet and its armature,
as will hereinafter be referred to.
To the underside of the disc a¹, a flanged ring c is permanently secured by means
of screws c¹, suitable non-conducting bushings c¹ being interposed to effectually insulate
the ring from the frame A. The ring thus insulated is provided with threads c³,
adapted to receive a threaded ring d, from which all the lower portions of the lamp
depend. The positive current of the lamp traverses the frame A and the other upper

page_text: parts, while the negative current passes through the lower parts supported by the
ring c, the two circuits being effectually insulated and the construction of the lamp
being such, as will be seen, that it is never necessary to disturb the insulation in any
manipulation of the lamp while it is on the line.
A single magnet coil E is used in this lamp, and it is located between the uprights
a² axially in line with the discs a, a¹. The coil surrounds a brass sleeve e, which
carries at its upper end a fixed iron core e¹, and at its lower end, a fixed iron ring e².
The core e¹ is conical in shape and projects downward into the coil. To the core is
attached a brass tube b¹, passing axially through it and extending downward to a
point near the lower end of the coil, and upward through the tube b. This tube
encloses the upper carbon and furnishes a guide therefor. The armature of the
magnet is a cylinder of iron F having a conical cavity in its upper end corresponding
to the conical shape of the core, over which it will fit it also has a central passage
into which the tube b' enters, and through which the carbon passes. The armature
thus fills the annular space between the cylinder e and the tube b', the air in the
space between the core e, and the armature being confined, forms a cushion to retard
the movements of the armature. The lower end of the armature has formed in it a
cylindrical cavity in which is placed a pan f, containing a conical chamber through
which the carbon rod passes. The bottom of the pan is closed except for a central
opening through which the carbon rod passes axially. A loose sleeve g surrounds the
carbon and projects upward towards the tube 6¹, and downward through the bottom
of the pan.
This sleeve is provided with three lateral openings g¹ and the pan contains three
metallic balls h, one extending into each of the lateral openings g¹ and adapted to
bear against the surface of the carbon rod, passing through the sleeve. The upward
movement of the sleeve, with respect to the armature, lifts the balls toward the
widest diameter of the conical chamber in the pan and so removes them from contact
with the surface of the carbon, while on the other hand, the upward movement of
the armature and pan will throw the balls into the narrower diameter of the conical
chamber and force them into contact with the carbon, causing the carbon to be
clamped and to travel upward with the pan. The pan is secured in the armature by
a screw f. The lower end of tube 6¹ serves as a stop against which sleeve g may
strike to limit the "pick up" of the carbon when the current is turned on. When
the lamp is not burning the sleeve and armature both rest on the table j', the balls
being in the upper or widest part of the conical chamber. When the current is turned
on,
the armature rises independently of the sleeve until the balls grip the carbon,
whereupon the sleeve and carbon follow until the sleeve strikes the end of tube b¹.
With this arrangement different sizes (diameters) of carbons may be used, for with
the smaller sizes, the armature travels further before the carbon is gripped and with
all sizes the length of the "pick up" is the same.
The magnet coil E is supported on three feet or spacing blocks e³, of insulating
material, carried on the top of the ring e2, the latter being attached friction tight to
the sleeve e. The magnet coil is thus elevated from the ring, which permits a current
of air to pass under it, and upward through a space between the coil and the cylinder e,
to ventilate the parts. The ring e² and the parts which it carries are supported
in place by a nut i, the ring having a smooth periphery, and passing upward into the
opening in disc a¹ without engaging with its threads, and the nut being screwed into
place behind it until it is supported at the position indicated in Figure 1. j repre-
sents a device having several functions: it is a cup-shaped casting having a central
opening in its bottom, through which the carbon rod passes and around which a hori-
zontal rim j is formed to receive the end of the clutch sleeve g and limit the move-
ment of the latter. The upper edge of the casting is surrounded by a screw thread
adapted to enter the opening in disc a¹ behind the nut i, it being thereby supported
in place. The cup thus supported forms an air chamber protecting the upper parts
of the lamp from the heat of the arc. In dismantling the lamp, the cup is used as
a wrench to remove the nut i. For this purpose it is provided on its under side with

page_text: three pins j. When the cup has been removed the armature is next taken out by
drawing it downward, and then by reversing the cup and adjusting its pins to the
holes in the nut, the latter may be unscrewed and removed, after which the ring e²,
with the cylinder e, the core e¹, and the tube b¹, may be lowered through the opening
in the disc a. The coil comes out laterally through one of the openings between
the uprights a². The reverse of these operations re-assembles the parts described.
Refer now to Figures 8 and 9 for an illustration of the carbon sheath and the
device for conveying the current to the upper carbon rod. The fixed tube b¹ is
represented in dotted lines. The carbon sheath consists of two portions k and
respectively the former carries the contact device, and the latter is merely a split
cylinder adapted to fit over the end of the carbon rod. The two parts are held
together by a screw ', which enters the plug i, the former being attached to the
part k, while the latter is attached to the part 1. Thus when either part becomes
destroyed or injured, it is not necessary to renew the entire sheath. The contact
device consists of four balls m of magnetic material contained in the tubular part k,
and projecting partially outside thereof through lateral openings in the tube. The
balls are arranged in pairs, each pair standing across the diameter of the tube at right
angles to each other, and with a larger ball between the two pairs and in contact with
each of the others. The conical plugs o, and o¹ enter the opposite ends of the tube,
and project between the members of each pair of balls, thus preventing them from
falling inward. One of these plugs is spring supported, as shown, to keep the balls
in contact and prevent rattling. When the magnet of the lamp is energized the
balls are attracted outward and maintain a good rolling contact with the inner
surface of the brass tube b¹. This tube being in electrical connection with
the positive side of the circuit, the current is conveyed from it through the sheath
to the upper carbon electrode. A contact device of this character offers the least
resistance to the movements of the carbon rod, and cannot bind in the tube b¹,
because the balls individually yield to any sidewise pressure. Depending from
the ring d, are two hollow side rods p, p, braced at their lower ends by a
ring p. See Figures 7, 10 and 13. Inside of these rods are two other rods
9, 9, the lower ends of which pass out of the rods p, and are connected together
by a yoke q', at the centre of which the arc enclosing globe r, and the lower carbon
holder and electrode, are supported. Inside of the tubes q, are rods 8, 8. These rods
have enlarged lower ends which engage with inwardly turned lips q², at the upper
ends of the rods q, to prevent them from passing entirely through the open ends of
the latter. Likewise the upper ends of rods 8, have enlargements ¹, provided with
shoulders 2, adapted to be engaged by latches t, pivotted to the ring p¹. The
enlargements 81, are elongated and fit nicely in the tubes p, so as to form a guide and
steadying device for the rods. From what has been said, it will be seen that the are
enclosing globe is supported upon double telescoping rods which permit of the
dropping of the smaller globe to a very low position for trimming. As a means for
raising and lowering the globe, the yoke q¹ is provided with a downwardly projecting
stem u, having a knob u, of insulating material at its lower end, and screwing at its
upper end into the yoke. By using this stem as a handle, the globe and telescoping
rods may be lifted and lowered.
In order to retain the globe in its elevated position and to release it at will for
lowering, the following described device is employed. t, t, represents U-shaped
latches pivotted at their extremities to the ring p¹, and embracing the ends of
yoke q. The latches normally rest against rods q, or s, but when the yoke is below
them and is lifted, its extremities force the latches outward and upward until they
fall by their own weight over the ends of the yoke and against the rods
in which
position the yoke will rest upon the latches and so support the globe and rods. To
release the latches for lowering the globe, I have provided a cross-arin w, having
forked ends which embrace the two rods q, immediately below the ends of yoke q¹.
These forks, at the extremities of the arm w, are provided on each side with a cam-
shaped upward projection w³, which normally stands just beneath the latches, when

page_text: in their locking position. By lifting this cross-arm the cam strikes the underside of
the latches, throwing them upwards and releasing the yoke. For the purpose of
thus lifting the cross-arm, it is connected with a sleeve w³, surrounding the stem u,
the sleeve being screw threaded into the arm for the purpose of adjustment. The
lower end of the sleeve carries a knob w³, by grasping which, the sleeve and cross-
arm may be moved vertically independent of the stem. To insure the return of the
cross-arın to its lower position, shown in Figure 13, after it has once been lifted to
release the latches, a spring w, is used, which bears at one end against the shoulders
of the sleeve w², and at the other end against the cover of the outer globe.
The outer globe is represented by Z. See Figures 10 and 13. It is provided with
an opening through which the inner globe is lowered, the outer globe not being
disturbed in trimming the lamp. This opening is normally covered by the plate 2,
of spring metal, which is provided with a flange to bear against the bottom opening
in the globe. This cover has a hub ¹, of porcelain or other suitable material, which
surrounds the sleeve w², and is provided with an internal chamber to accommodate
the spring w, and to furnish a bearing for one end of the spring. Thus when the
knob w³, is lifted the spring is compressed since the cover plate is held against the
flange of the outer globe. This power stored in the spring will then be exercised to
lower the cross-arm w, to prevent its sticking in its elevated position. The operation
of lowering the inner globe consists in grasping the knob w³, (which is of porcelain)
lifting it to release the latches and allowing the inner globe, the cover z, and the
connected parts, to descend through the opening in the outer globe, to the position
shown in dotted lines in Figure 10. After the lamp has been trimmed, the parts are
returned to their normal position by pressing upward upon the lowermost knob u¹.
If it is desired to detach the trimming mechanism of the lamp entirely from the
other parts, this may be done by lifting both latches while the inner globe is
lowered, whereupon the telescoping rods may be drawn entirely out of the stationary
rods P, P.
Inside of the outer globe and arranged annularly above the inner globe is a
reflector v. This consists of a split ring having a curved surface v¹, coated with
white enamel and having an upwardly extending flange v2, which rests upon a ledge
on the upper frame of the lamp. The reflector is made of spring metal so that its
outer edges rest snugly against the inner side of the globe to support the same, and
exclude air. At the same time the reflector and globe together form an annular air
chamber, which protects the upper works from the heat of the arc.
In the modified form of lamp illustrated by Figures 14 and 15 the are regulating
mechanism is contained in the easing 1 as shown. To the bottom of this casing is
secured in any suitable manner, either air tight or not, as desired, an outer globe 2.
The bottom of this globe is provided with an opening covered by a dropping lid or
pan 3, hinged at the point 4, and held in place by a snap catch 5. This lid is
preferably made of glass and curved to form a continuation of the sides of the
globe.
Projecting downward from the base plate of the casing 1 into the outer globe, are
two hollow side rods 6, 6, connected together at their lower ends by a yoke 7, in the
form of a ring. 8, is the inner or are enclosing globe provided with the usual cap or
glass check 9, and supported upon a lower carbon holder 10. This carbon holder is
normally embraced by the ring 7, and it forms the middle portion of a yoke 11, the
extremities of which are attached to the lower ends of the two rods 12, 12. These
rods telescope upward through the side rods 6, and serve as guides for the movement
of the inner globe and the parts supporting it. The upper extremities of the rods 12
are provided with knobs or other enlargements which rest upon the flanges formed
at the lower ends of the rods 6. Latch hooks 13 or other suitable means are provided
for sustaining the inner globe and the parts supporting it, in the elevated
position.
To trim the lamp, the lid 3 is unlatched and dropped, then the latches 13 are
lifted, and the inner globe, the yoke 11, and the rods 12, are lowered to the position

page_text: shown in Figure 2, and there left suspended while the carbons are changed and the
trimming completed. After trimming, the parts are again raised to the position
shown in Figure 14, and the lid 3 is closed.
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:-
1. In an arc lamp, a magnet coil supported above a floor upon feet or spacing
blocks which permit of ventilation, substantially as hereinbefore described and as
illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
2. In an arc lamp, a magnet coil supported above a floor upon feet or spacing
blocks, in combination with an armature, an air space being provided between
the coil and armature, substantially as hereinbefore described and as illustrated
by the accompanying drawings.
3. In an arc lamp, the combination of an electro-magnet, a magnet frame, a
tube connected therewith and extending upward therefrom and by which the lamp
is suspended, and a second tube inside of the first and permanently fixed in the core
of the magnet and constituting a guide for the carbon electrode, substantially as
hereinbefore described and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
4. In an arc lamp, the combination of an electro-magnet, a magnet frame, a tube
connected therewith and extending upward therefrom and by which the lamp is
suspended, a second tube inside of the first and permanently fixed in the core of the
magnet and constituting a guide for the carbon electrode, and a carbon sheath
running in said second tube making electrical contact therewith, substantially as
described, and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
5. In an arc lamp, a magnet frame consisting of uprights, connected above and
below by discs or cross-pieces, in combination with a frame supporting the lower
carbon holder, the two frames being positively connected together but insulated
from each other, substantially as described and as illustrated in the accompanying
drawings.
6. In an arc lamp, a magnet frame consisting of uprights connected above and
below by discs or cross-pieces, in combination with a frame supporting the lower
carbon holder, the two frames being positively connected together but insulated from
each other, and means for disconnecting the two frames without disturbing the
insulation between them, substantially as described and as illustrated by the accom-
panying drawings.
7. In an arc lamp, the combination of a magnet frame, a threaded ring c attached
to but insulated therefrom a second frame carrying the lower carbon holder and
provided with the threaded ring d adapted to engage ring c, substantially as
described and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
8. In an are lamp, the combination of a magnet coil, a frame embracing it and
having an axial threaded opening, a ring loosely located in said opening and upon
which the magnet coil rests, and a nut screwing into the said opening and holding
the ring in place, substantially as described and as illustrated by the accompanying
drawings.
9. In an arc lamp the combination of a magnet coil, a hollow cylinder enclosed
thereby and carrying the magnet core and a carbon guiding tube, a magnet
frame embracing the coil and having an axial threaded opening, a ring loosely located
in said opening and upon which the cylinder and its parts rest, and a nut
screwing into said opening and holding the ring in place, substantially as described
and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
10. In an arc lamp the combination of a magnet frame, a magnet located therein,
a lower carbon supporting frame, and an axial ring by which the two frames are
connected together all constructed and arranged substantially as described and
as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
11. In an arc lamp, the combination of an axial magnet, a magnet frame embracing

page_text: it, a cup-shaped casting screwing into the opening of the frame and enclosing the
lower end of the armature, a carbon rod passing through the armature and cup-
shaped casting, and a clutch releasing sleeve carried by the armature and projecting
into the cup-shaped casting, the bottom of which serves as a stop for the sleeve in
releasing the clutch, substantially as hereinbefore described and as illustrated by the
accompanying drawings.
12. In an arc lamp, the combination of an axial magnet, an arinature having a
cylindrical cavity in its lower end, a pan located in said cavity and having a conical
chamber, clutch balls located in said chamber, and a cylindrical sleeve passing through
and projecting above and below the pan and provided with lateral openings through
which the balls project to grip the carbon rod, substantially as herein before described
and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
13. In an arc lamp, the combination of an axial magnet, an armature having a
cylindrical cavity in its lower end, a pan located in the said cavity and having a conical
chamber, clutch balls located in conical chamber, a cylindrical sleeve passing through
and projecting above and below the pan and provided with lateral openings through
which the balls project to grip the carbon rod, and a stop limiting the upward
movement of the sleeve without limiting the movement of the armature,
substantially as hereinbefore described and as illustrated by the accompanying
drawings.
14. In an arc lamp, the combination of an axial magnet, a magnet frame
embracing it and provided with an axial threaded opening, a nut screwing into
the said opening and supporting parts of the magnet, and a cup-shaped casting also
screwing into the said opening and enclosing the carbon clutch, this casting being
provided on its lower end with means for engaging the nut whereby the latter may
be unscrewed, substantially as hereinbefore described and as illustrated by the
accompanying drawings.
15. In an arc lamp, a carbon sheath made in two parts, one part carrying the
carbon holder or clamp, and the other the contact device for conveying current to
the carbon constructed and arranged substantially as herein before described and
as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
16. In an arc lamp, a carbon sheath made in two separable parts, one part carrying
the carbon holder or clamp, and the other the contact device for conveying current
to the carbon, substantially as hereinbefore described and as illustrated by the
accompanying drawings.
17. In an arc lamp, a contact device for conveying current to the carbon, consisting
of a plurality of conducting balls adapted to roll on the surface of a part carrying the
lamp current, constructed and arranged substantially as herein before described and
as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
18. In an arc lamp, the combination of a carbon sheath, a plurality of conducting
balls carried thereby and a tube through which the sheath moves and with which the
balls make contact, substantially as and for the purpose set forth, and as illustrated
by the accompanying drawings.
19. In an arc lamp, the combination of a carbon sheath, a plurality of conducting
balls carried thereby and a tube through which the sheath moves and with which
the balls make yielding contact, substantially as and for the purpose set forth,
and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
20. In an are lamp, the combination of a carbon sheath, a plurality of balls located
therein and projecting through lateral openings in the sides of the sheath, and a tube
through which the sheath passes and upon which the balls roll, substantially as
herein before described and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
21. In an are lamp, a contact device for conveying current to the carbon rod,
which consists of a tube containing a plurality of balls projecting through lateral
openings in its sides, in combination with two conical plugs entering the respective
ends of the tube and bearing against the balls, substantially as and for the purpose
set forth, and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
22. In an arc lamp, a contact device for conveying current to the carbon rod, which

page_text: consists of a tube containing a plurality of bills projecting through lateral openings
in the sides thereof, in combination with two conical plugs entering the respective
ends of the tube and bearing against the balls, one of the plugs being yieldingly
supported, substantially as herein before described and as illustrated by the accom-
panying drawings.
23. In an arc lamp, the combination with a lower carbon holder of two
hollow stationary side rods and double telescoping side rods upon one set of which
the carbon holder is supported, constructed and arranged substantially as herein-
before described and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
24. In an arc lamp, the combination of a stationary outer globe having a bottom
opening, a cover for the said opening, telescoping side rods inside of the outer globe,
an inner globe designed to be raised and lowered and to be supported on the telescop-
ing rods, means for sustaining the inner globe in its normal or elevated position, and
mechanism located outside of the outer globe whereby the inner globe may be
released and lowered through the opening in the outer globe substantially as herein-
before described and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
25. In an arc lamp, the combination of a stationary outer globe having a bottom
opening, a cover for the said opening, stationary side rods inside of the outer globe,
latches supported thereby, an inner globe, a raising and lowering frame carrying the
inner globe and normally supported in its elevated position by the latches, and means
whereby the latches may be released from outside of the outer globe, substantially as
described and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
26. In an arc lamp, the combination of a pair of stationary side rods carrying
latches, a pair of telescoping rods therein carrying the lower carbon holder, means
for disengaging the latches consisting of a reciprocating cross-arm acting upon both
latches simultaneously, and means for manually moving the cross-arm to release the
latches, all constructed and arranged substantially as described and as illustrated by
the accompanying drawings.
27. In an arc lamp, the combination of a pair of stationary side rods carrying
latches, a pair of telescoping rods carrying the lower carbon holder, means for dis-
engaging said latches consisting of a reciprocating cross-arm acting upon both latches
simultaneously, means for manually moving the cross-arm to release the latches, and
a spring for returning the cross-arm after it has been thus moved, all constructed and
arranged substantially as described and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
28. In an are lamp, the combination of an arc enclosing globe, a pair of telescoping
rods connected by a yoke upon which the globe is supported, retaining latches for
the said yoke, a stem secured to the yoke by which it may be raised, a sleeve sur-
rounding the stem and carrying a cross-arm, and means for reciprocating the sleeve to
release the said latches, substantially as described and as illustrated by the accom-
panying drawings.
29. In an arc lamp, the combination of a globe having an opening, a cover for
the said opening, a fixed stem passing axially through the cover, a sliding sleeve on
the stem, and a spring interposed between the cover and sleeve, substantially as
herein before described and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
30. In an arc lamp, the combination of an inner and an outer globe, and a reflector
located annularly above the inner globe and forming an air chamber protecting the
lamp from the heat of the arc, substantially as described and as illustrated by the
accompanying drawings.
31. In an arc lamp, the combination of a fixed outer globe provided with an
opening in its bottom, a cover movably attached to said opening, a movable inner or
are enclosing globe and a support for the same wholly enclosed within the outer
globe, means for lowering the inner globe with its support through the opening in
the outer globe, and means for sustaining it in its lowered position, substantially as
described and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
32. In an arc lamp, the combination of a fixed outer globe provided with an open-
ing in its bottom, two hollow side rods extending into the globe, an inner or are
enclosing globe, a yoke or bracket supporting the same, a pair of rods attached to

page_text: said yoke or bracket and telescoping into the hollow rods, and means for lowering the
inner globe and the parts supporting it through the opening in the bottom of the
outer globe and for sustaining it in its lowered position substantially as described and
as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 19th day of September A.D. 1898.