IMPROVEMENTS IN REGULATING ELECTRIC LAMPS, AND IN APPARATUS SPECIALLY DEVISED FOR THE PURPOSE."
Year: 1882

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Ernest de Pass, of the Office for British and Foreign
Patents, GS, Fleet Street, in the City of London, Patent Agent, for an
Invention of 28
IMPROVEMENTS IN REGULATING ELECTRIC LAMPS, AND IN
APPARATUS SPECIALLY DEVISED FOR THE PURPOSE." A communication from
abroad by Bruno Abdank, commonly called Abakanowicz, of 17, Boulevard
Saint Martin, Paris, France.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Ernest de Pass at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 23rd January 1882.
ERNEST DE PASS, of the Office for British and Foreign Patents, 68 Fleet Street,
in the City of London, Patent Agent, IMPROVEMENTS IN REGULATING ELECTRIC
LAMPS, AND IN APPARATUS SPECIALLY DEVISED FOR THE PURPOSE A coin-
munication from abroad by Bruno Abdank, commonly called Abakanowicz, of 17
Boulevard Saint-Martin, Paris, France.
This Invention has for its object to regulate electric lamps, by means of novel
apparatus, or resistance balances, and which may be placed at any convenient
distance from the lamps.
By the employment of these apparatus, or balances, the following effects are
attained.
Each lamp is rendered entirely independent as to resistance of the voltaic arc of
all the other lamps, even when they are arranged in a single circuit.
The possibility of effecting at any moment, and even at any distance, without
extinguishing the lamp, a ready change of resistance in the voltaic arc, without
disturbing the resistances of the other lamps in the same circuit.
The electric force required for regulating the lamp, by this apparatus is reduced
to a minimum and passive resistance in the regulating mechanism is avoided.
The regulation is rendered so sensitive that it takes place precisely at the
required moment.
The disturbance of equilibrium of two magnetic forces (principal and derived
solenoids) must show itself instantly by a mechanical movement as soon as.
equilibrium is broken.
The resistance of the arc is regulated, and the resistance only, without influencing
the intensity.
Having at the lighting part of the lamp but the least possible mechanism capable
of obscuring the light, and further regulating, at a distance, so as to modify, when
desired, the working of the light of the lamp.
The cost of construction of regulators is considerably reduced, and at the same

page_text: time, frequent repairs are avoided, while obtaining the most delicate regulation
without influencing the light obtained.
For regulating the resistance of the voltaic arc, according to this invention,
resistance balances, which are apparatus measuring the resistance interposed in a
circuit, are employed.
The principal of the regulation is as follows:-a resistance balance, interposed in
the circuit of the lamp, measures the resistance of the voltaic arc. It can be
constructed in such way that the resistance of the arc, in Ohms, can be ascertained
at any moment.
Whenever the resistance exceeds the desired limits, the regulation becomes
effective, either by contact of the index of the balance with a suitable device, or by
the rupture of the equilibrium in a balance otherwise constructed, causing either
fresh contact which effects the change of resistance of the arc, or acting directly so
as to move the carbons.
By way of example, I proceed to describe two forms of resistance balances
constructed according to the invention, which are, however, capable of modification.
The balance consists essentially of two solenoids, moving on a carriage, one for
the direct current, and the other for the derived current. Through these passes a
soft iron core having non-magnetic extensions which rest in bearings on the outer
ends of the pair of solenoids. The core must be very light and move freely so that
its motion when influenced by the varying attraction of the solenoids shall not
depend on the intensity of the current. If these parts be properly made, tho
slightest difference in the attraction of the solenoids will cause a sudden movement
of the core, the course of which is limited by a set screw, inserted in the box or
case, enclosing the balance, and which box or case is provided with a glass top.
The current from the dynamo electric machine flows through a terminal on the
---box-and-passes-into-the-solenoid for the direct current, through an undulated metal
strip, or band, it leaves this solenoid by a similar strip or band, and passing through
a second terminal on the box and another wire flows to the lower carbon of the
lamp (or on to the upper one, according to the pole of the machine).
Another wire from the dynamo electric machine communicates through another
terminal on the opposite side of the apparatus, with the balance and with the other
carbon.
The derived current taken from the terminal through which the current leaves
the direct current solenoid passes through a terminal traverses suitable resistances
in the box, enters a moveable indicator, travelling over a graduated scale, through
a rod (insulated at one end) on which the indicator travels, to a terminal at one
end of the rod, and traversing a wire enters the derived circuit solenoid, flowing
thence through a wire in the nut of a screw, then through a rod held by a spring
and on to a terminal in connection with the machine.
By means of this apparatus a resistance interposed in the main circuit can be
measured.
Suppose that on the introduction of such resistance the core approaches the
derived current solenoid. If then, by means of the moveable indicator, additional
resistance be inserted into the circuit of said solenoid, the attraction of the direct
current solenoid will be at a certain moment, stronger than that of the derived
current solenoid and the core will suddenly move towards the former. By
diminishing the resistance thus inserted (by altering the position of the indicator)
the resistance required to produce equilibrium will be ascertained. The figure so
found will be the value of the resistance inserted in the main circuit, and will be
found sufficiently accurate for ordinary purposes.
Moreover, by moving the solnoids on their carriage the attraction they exert
upon the core is altered. This reciprocal position (indicated on a scale) in
combination with a short travel of the core will also serve to measure the
resistance introduced into the main circuit.
When this balance is employed for regulating electric lamps a fine wire connects
a terminal of the balance with the lamp.

page_text: Suppose that it be desired to have in a lamp a constant resistance of a given
number of Ohms, then the indicator is set to show such number of Ohms on its
scale. Whilst the resistance of the arc is less, the core will be on the side of the
direct circuit bobbin, but at the moment that this limit is exceeded the core passes
suddenly in the direction of the derived circuit bobbin and one of its extensions
strikes the rod, above referred to, and interrupts the electrical communication of
said rod with the solenoid.
By these means a coil or bobbin, on the lamp, is introduced into the derived
circuit, and causes an appropriate movement of the carbon.
The intensity of the current in the derived circuit solenoid immediately becomes
sensibly less by the introduction of increased resistance, and the core suddenly
returns to the direct circuit solenoid. If the diminution of the resistance in the
are be insufficient, the coro would effect the same movement, and cause the carbon
to descend still further.
By giving a very slow movement to the carbons, an almost continuous regulation
can be obtained.
The movements of the core follow each other in rapid succession; each movement
corresponds to a minute travel of the carbons towards one another. Now, as the
resistance of the bobbin is very great (its wire being extremely fine) and as it is
only there that the partial variation of the current shows itself during the regu-
Intion of the carbon, the light is in no way affected. The variations are offected
in limits restricted to a minimum.
At the moment of regulation a greater or less portion of the derived current is
added to the main current.
The reciprocal position of the solenoids (which may be changed at pleasure on
the carriage) must be so regulated that the movements of the core may be more
or less quick under the influence of greater or less attraction, which is increasing,
or lecreasing, and to arrange it in such a way as to avoid all loss of motion.
The direct current solenoid being moveable, the attractive power may be
diminished without reducing the number of coils and without introducing
resistances which has to be avoided for this solenoid.
Instead of introducing the bobbin effecting the feeding of the carbons into the
derived circuit, the contacts may be differently arranged, by taking directly, a
greater or less portion of the derived current, or by differently arranging the
introduced resistances.
The general arrangement of the balance may be varied at will by employing
armatures placed in front of electro magnets, instead of the coro in the solenoid;
or by placing the solenoids opposite one another, or else by coiling them on the
same bobbin; these arrangements will be found useful in some cases.
In another arrangement, or modification, the balance consists of a rod or index
moveable on an axis; on this rod or index is fitted a curved soft iron coro which
core is acted upon by two bobbins, or solenoids, one of which is a direct, and the
other a derived, current solenoid. Springs force the rod to return to its normal
position, its free end travels over a graduated scale.
The deviation of the index is in this case also an effect of the resistance
introduced into the main circuit. By means of contact screws and devices
similar to those hereinabove described this balance is adapted for regulating
electric lamps.
The index indicates on the scale the resistance in the voltaic arc, it moves
slowly from one side to the other in proportion to the burning of the carbons, as
soon as the limit is exceeded contact is effected and the carbons are fed.
By providing resistance balances for lamps having a feed motion for the carbons,
a monophote lamp can be converted into a polyphote lamp.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Ernest de Pass in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 21st July
1882.
ERNEST DE PASS, of the Office for British and Foreign Patents, 68 Fleet Street,
in the City of London, Patent Agent. IMPROVEMENTS IN REGULATING ELECTRIC
LAMPS AND IN APPARATUS SPECIALLY DEVISED FOR THE PURPOSE. A coin-
munication from abroad by Bruno Abdank, commonly called Abakanowicz, of 17
Boulevard Saint-Martin, Paris, France.
The object of this invention is to regulate electric lamps, by means of novel
apparatus, termed resistance balances, which may be placed at any convenient
distance from the lamps.
By the employment of these regulating apparatus, or balances, the following
effects are attained.
Each lamp is rendered entirely independent as to resistance of the voltaic arcs
of each of the other lamps, even when they are arranged in a single circuit.
The possibility of effecting at any moment, and even at any distance, without
extinguishing the lamp, a ready change of resistance in the voltaic are, and without
disturbing the resistance of the other lamps in the same circuit.
The electric force required for regulating the lamp by this apparatus is reduced
to a minimum, and passive resistance in the regulating mechanism is avoided.
The regulation is rendered so sensitive that it takes place exactly at the required
moment.
The rupture of the equilibrium between two magnetic forces (principal and
derived or shunt solenoids)-shows-itself instantly, by_a_mechanical movement, as
.soon as equilibrium is broken.
The resistance of the arc is regulated, and the resistance only, without influencing
the intensity.
Having at the lighting part of the lamp, but the least possible mechanism capable
of obscuring the light, and further, regulating at a distance, so as to modify, when
desired, the working of the light of the lamp.
The cost of construction of regulators is considerably reduced, and, at the saine
time, frequent repairs are avoided, while obtaining the most delicate regulation,
without influencing the light.
Regulating the resistance of the voltaic arc, by employing resistance balances,
which are apparatus measuring the resistance interposed in a circuit.
The principle of the regulation is as follows:-a resistance balance is interposed
in the circuit of the lamp, and measures the resistance of the voltaic arc.
It can be so constructed that the resistance of the arc, in Ohms, can be ascertained
at any moment.
Whenever the resistance exceeds the desired limits, the regulation becomes
effective, either by contact of the index of the balance, or, by the rupture of the
equilibrium (in a balance otherwise constructed) causing either fresh contact,
which effects the change of resistance of the arc, or acting directly, so as to move
the carbons.
By way of example, I proceed to describe with reference to the accompanying
drawings, two forms of resistance balances constructed according to this invention,
but which are capable of modification.
Fig 1, is a view, partly in section, and Fig 2, an elevation of one arrangement.
The balance consists essentially of two moveable solenoids A and B, one for the
direct current, and the other for the derived or shunt current. Through these,
passes a soft iron core C, D, having non-magnetic extensions C, E, and D F, which
slide freely in bearings G, H.
The core C, D, must be very light (that shewn in the figure is nearly full size)
and move very freely, otherwise the more or less rapid movement, when influenced

page_text: by the difference of the magnetic attractions of the solenoids, would depend on the
intensity of the current, which must be avoided. The slightest difference in the
attraction of the solenoids will show itself by a sudden movement of the core, the
course of which is limited by the screw, y,
a, b, c, d, is a box, or case, enclosing the balance, and provided with a glass top.
The dynamo-electric machine, the lamp, the feed mechanism of the carbons, and
the connections are shewn in fig. 1.
The current passes from the terminal I, of the dynamo-electric machine, to the
terminal of the balance, and into the coil A, through an undulated metal strip or
band r, enters the terminal Q', by a similar strip or band r', and flows to the lower
carbon (or to the upper one according to the pole of the machine.)
The terminal II, communicates with the terminal S, of the apparatus, and then
with the other carbon.
The derived or shunt current is taken from the terminal Q¹, and passes thence to
the terminal N it traverses the resistances R (a portion only of which are shewn)
in the box enters a moveable indicator Z (travelling over a graduated scale) and
passes through the rod O, O¹, (insulated at O') to the terminal q traverses the
wire h, h, h, enters the derived or shunt circuit solenoid B, passes through the wire k,
into the nut of screw t, then through a rod i, i, held by a weak spring, and on to
the terminal S.
By means of this apparatus, n resistance interposed in the main circuit can bo
measured.
Suppose that on the introduction of such resistance the core C, D, approaches
the derived or shunt current solenoid B, if then, by means of the moveable
indicator Z, additional resistances R R be inserted in the circuit of the said
solenoid B, the attraction of the direct current solenoid A will become greater than
that of the solenoid B, and the core C, D, will make a sudden movement in this
direction.
By diminishing the resistances, by altering the position of the index Z, the
resistance required to produce equilibrium will be ascertained. The figure so found
will be the value of the resistance inserted in the main circuit, and will be found
sufficiently accurate for ordinary purposes.
Moreover, the two coils are moveable on a slide, and their position, with regard
to the core C, D, changes their attractive force upon this core.
This reciprocal
position, indicated on the graduated scale of the slide, in combination with a short
travel of the core C, D, also allows the resistance, introduced into the main circuit,
to be measured.
When this balance is employed for regulating electric lamps, it is arranged as
shewn in fig 1.
Fig 3, shews, by lines only, the general arrangement of the conductors. These,
in passing upwards to reach the lamp, pass below to a suitable depth, so that the
terminals of the balance can be clearly seen.
A fine wire connects the terminal a (fig 1) of the balance with the lamp.
Suppose that it be desired to have in a lamp a constant resistance of n Ohms,
then, the index Z, is set to show such number of Ohms on its scale.
All the time the resistance of the arc is less, the core C, D, will be on the side of
the bobbin A, but at the moment that this limit is exceeded the rod or coro C, D,
passes suddenly in the direction of the coil B, and the extension C, E, strikes the
rod i, i, and contact at i, is broken.
The bobbin B, is introduced into the derived or shunt circuit, by means of the
wire 2, 2, 2, and causes the release of the carbon.
At the same moment the intensity of the current in the solenoid B, becomes
sensibly less, by the introduction of increased resistance, and the core C, D, suddenly
returns to the bobbin A.
Then, if the diminution of the resistance in the arc is insufficient, the core C, D,
would effect the same movement, to release the carbon, and to cause it to descend
still further.

page_text: By giving a very slow movement to the carbons, an almost continuous regulation
can bo obtained.
The movements of the core follow each other in rapid succession, to each move-
ment corresponds a minute travel of the carbons towards one another.
Now, as the resistance of the coils is very great, (its wire being extremely fine)
and as it is only there that the partial variation of the current shows itself, during
the regulation of the carbon, the light is in now way affected. The variations are
effected in limits restricted to a minimum.
At the very moment of regulation a greater or less portion of the derived or
shunt current is added to the main circuit.
The reciprocal position of the solenoids, (which may be changed at pleasure on
the slide) must be so regulated that the movements of the core may be more or
less quick, under the influence of greater or less attraction, increasing or decreasing,
and that the core be arranged in such a way as to avoid all unnecessary
movements.
The direct current solenoid being moveable, the attractive power may be dimin-
ished without reducing the number of its coils, and without introducing resistances
which are not desirable for this solenoid.
Instead of introducing into the derived or shunt circuit, the coil effecting the
release of the carbons, the contacts may be differently arranged, by taking directly
a greater or less portion of the derived or shunt current, or by differently arranging
the introduced resistances.
The general arrangement of the balance may be varied at will, by employing
armatures placed in front of electro-magnets, instead of the cores in the solenoids, or
by placing the solenoids opposite to one another, or else by winding them on the
same coil; these arrangements will be found useful in special cases.
Fig. 4, shews-another-arrangement,-or-modification, of the balance. On a rod, or
index, A, B, moveable on the axis A, is fitted a curved soft iron core C, D, which
core is acted upon by two coils, or solenoids, one of which is a direct, and the other
a derived or shunt-current-solenoid. Two springs R R, force the rod A B to return
to its normal position, its free end B travels over a graduated scale.
The deviation of the index B, is always an effect of the resistance introduced into
the main circuit. By means of contact screws H, and G, and devices similar to
those herein above described with reference to figs 1 and 2, this balance can be
adapted for regulating electric lamps.
The index B, indicates on the scale, the resistance in the voltaic arc, it moves
slowly from one side to the other, in proportion to the burning of the carbons,
as soon as the limit is exceeded contact is made, and the release of the carbon is
effected.
By providing resistance balances for lamps having a feed or release motion for
the carbons, a monophote lamp can be converted into a polyphote lamp.
Having now described the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the
same may be performed, I declare that I claim, as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondent,
1. The novel application, (for regulating electric lamps) of apparatus measuring
the resistance, which apparatus, or "resistance balances," are capable of various
constructions, and niny either directly indicate the resistance interposed in the
circuit, in units, or may permit this resistance to be measured in a manner analogous
to that of weighing with an ordinary scale (by rupture of equilibrium) or may
announce by the rupture of equilibrium that the predetermined limit of resistance
is exceeded, substantially as set forth. The said balance as soon as it indicates
that the limit of resistance is exceeded, automatically effects the regulation, and
may also directly effect the regulation as a motor, or else it can set free any
suitable auxiliary force or device.
2. The arrangement and construction, substantially as herein set forth, for an
electric lamp, of special apparatus denominated a "resistance balance" capable of

page_text: being placed at any distance from the lamp and fulfilling the conditions and
functions set forth in the first claim.
3 The novel application to electric lamps of resistance balances substantially as
and for the purposes herein set forth, viz:
(a) of resistance balances variable at will (according to the desired number of
Ohms) in the derived or shunt current bobbin, The introduction of these
resistances being applicable for regulating the resistance of the voltaic are which
can be changed at any moment, or for mensuring the resistances interposed in the
circuit.
(b) of two bobbins readily moveable in the direction of their axes the respective
positions of which are indicated on a graduated scale their displacement fulfilling
the functions described at a, and furthermore, permitting the solenoids to bo so
arranged that when equilibrium is broken, the soft iron core or rod moves in the
direction of its axis, or under the action of forces which may increase, decrease, or
remain nearly constant throughout the course.
(c) of the employment for the balance, and not for the release of the carbons, of
very small derived or shunt current coils or bobbins of very great resistance, and
therefore of very small noveable cores and armatures, thus reducing to a minimum
the expenditure of energy for the purposes of the regulation, and entirely obviating
the danger of heating of the derived or shunt wire.
(d) of the armatures and magnetic cores possessing a force of direction always
tending to return in a predermined direction, and moving in an arrangement of two
bobbins (direct and derived or shunt currents) and indicating at each moment, by
their position, the resistance interposed in the principal circuit.
(e) of the arrangement permitting any portions of the derived or shunt current
to be sent apart from the resistance balance, or of momentarily changing the
resistance of this current thereby increasing the rapidity of the regulation and its
sensitiveness.
4. The novel application of the current sent through the balance, and taken from
the derived or shunt current, for regulating the lamps, said current becoming
effective in the balance as soon as, and at the same moment that the limit of resistance
of the arc is exceeded, substantially as set forth.
5. The novel application of resistance balances for regulating all electric lamps
having a release movement of the carbons, substantially as set forth.
6. The means (by employing resistance balances) of converting any nonophoto
lamp into a polyphote lamp, that is to say, into a lamp capable of being placed in
the same circuit with several others.
7. In an electric lamp, the means of placing the resistance balance at any distance
from the lamp, without employing special batteries, and of thus being always
informed of what is taking place in the lamp, as the balance can be placed under
the supervision of an attendant.
8. The special arrangement of the principal and derived or shunt conductors as
herein described, and as shewn in fig. 3 of the drawings.
9. The means herein described of regulating at any moment, and even during
the lighting, the resistance of the arc of each lamp independently of one another.
10. The various arrangements, substantially as herein described and as shewn in
the drawings for the purposes set forth.
In witness whereof I the said Ernest de Pass, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this 19th day of July, in the year 1882.