IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC LIGHT APPLIANCES
Year: 1882

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Herbert John Haddan, of Kensington, Middlesex for an
Invention of IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC LIGHT APPLIANCES A communi-
cation to him from abroad by H. A. Seymour, of Washington, District of
Columbia, United States of America
:
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Herbert John Haddan at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 17th July 1882.
HERBERT JOHN HADDAN, of Kensington, Middlesex, "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC
LIGHT APPLIANCES, a communication to me from abroad by H. A. Seymour,
of Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America,
This invention relates to Electric Light Appliances and is sevenfold in its
nature, the first part of the invention comprehending an improvement in arc lamps;
the second part an improvement in towers for supporting electric lights, the third
part an improvement in switching systems, the fourth part an improvement in
incandescent lamps and the fifth, sixth and seventh parts improvement in carbons
for incandescent lamps.
The invention consists in the combination with an electric lamp and adjustable
supporting conductors connected with the lamp whereby the same may be raised
and lowered, of a switch mounted on the lamp and devices for automatically
operating the switch when the lamp is elevated to its position for use and causing
the current to pass through the lamp and for automatically shunting the current
around or past the lamp when lowered out of position for use.
Also in the combination with a vertically adjustable electric lamp and flexible
supporting conductors connected therewith of a switch mounted on the lamp, a
spring or equivalent device for moving the switch in one direction and a stationary
stud or projection arranged to automatically move the switch in the opposite
direction when the lamp is raised to its position for use
Also in the combination with a vertically adjustable electric lamp and conductors
arranged to be in electrical conuection therewith in its different positions of adjust-
ment of a switch mounted on the lamp and devices for automatically opening the
sbunt circuit and closing the lamp circuit when the lamp is raised to the proper
position for use, and for automatically closing the shunt circuit and opening the
lamp circuit when the lamp is lowered.
Also in the combination with a vertically adjustable electric lamp and flexible
supporting conductors connected therewith, of a pivoted switch mounted on the
lamp, a contact point at each end of the switch one being the terminal of a short
Dis 101

page_text: circuit and the other being one of the lamp terminals, a spring or equivalent device
for moving the switch in one direction and a stationary stud or projection arranged
to automatically move the switch in the opposite direction, when the lamp is raised
to its position for use.
Also in the combination with a vertically adjustable electric lamp and flexible
supporting conductors connected therewith, of a supporting casing provided with
spring actuated drums to which the upper ends of the flexible conductors are
attached, said casing being constructed with an opening within which the tube of
the lamp may enter when the lamp is raised to its position for use.
Also in the combination with pulleys electrically connected with the main con-
ductor and a switch for opening and closing the circuit between said pulleys said
switch provided with devices rendering it self closing, of an electric lamp having
flexible conductors connected with its terminals, and carried over said pulleys and
attached to nonconducting connections, said lamp being arranged to have its
chimney or tube open the switch when the lamp is raised to the desired position
for use.
Also in the combination with the pulleys placed in electrical connection with the
main conductor, of an electric lamp having short flexible conductors electrically
connected with its terminals, said conductors extending around said pulleys and
hemp or equivalent rope attached to the other ends of the short flexible
conductors.
Also in the combination with pulleys placed in the circuit of the main conductor
and a switch for opening and closing the circuit between the pulleys of an electric
lamp arranged to automatically open the circuit when elevated to its proper
position for use, said lamp having short flexible conductors attached to its terminals
and extending over said pulleys, and hemp or equivalent rope attached to the
other ends of the short flexible conductors.
Also in the combination with the main circuit of an electric lighting system of a
switch and suitable devices constructed and arranged to automatically cut out of
circuit the electric conductors extending through a building when the temperature
therein exceeds a predetermined degree, and short circuit the current through the
inain conductor.
Also in the combination with the main conductor of an electric lighting system
and a switch constructed and arranged to electrically connect the main conductor
with the electric conductor of a building and when shifted to cut out of circuit the
conductor of the building and divert the current through the main conductor, of
means located with the building provided with the conductor and adapted to be
actuated by abnormal heat in the building and automatically shift the switch and
short circuit the current.
Also in the combination with the main conductor of an electric lighting system
and a switch constructed and arranged to electrically connect the main conductor
with the electric conductor of a building and when shifted to cut out of circuit the
conductor of the building and divert the current through the main conductor of
fusible links or connections located in different parts of the building and means for
shifting the switch upon the fusing of any one of said links, thereby cutting the
conductor of the building out of current and diverting the current through the
main conductor.
Also in the combination with the main conductor of an electric lighting system
and a switch constructed and arranged to electrically connect the main conductor
with the electric conductor of a building and when shifted to cut out of circuit
the conductor of the building and short circuit the current through the main
conductor of a wire connected with the switch lever and extending through the
building and connected or jointed at intervals by fusible joints or links and a weight
or its equivalent for shifting the switch and short circuiting the current when the
safety wire is parted.
Also in the combination with the vacuum bulb or globe of an electric lamp and
the conductors for supporting the carbon or burner of a yielding diok hermetically

page_text: sealed to the neck of the bulb and a nonconducting disk or button, preferably
a glass button, secured within an aperture in said yielding disk, the conductors
being sealed within said button.
"
Also in the combination with the bulb of a corrugated metal disk sealed to the
neck of the globe and provided with the nonconducting button for supporting the
conductors.
Also in an electric lamp incandescent carbon composed of paper or paper-like
substance having two sets of long fibres arranged in layers, and the long fibres of
one portion of the layers being at an angle to those of the other layer.
Also in the method of manufacturing incandescent carbons for electric lamps, the
same consisting in cutting layers or elementary filaments in different positions from
paper having its long fibres parallel with each-other and combining a number
of these layers having the fibres in different positions to form a complete blank or
filament and then carbonizing the whole.
Also in the manufacture of curved or bent carbons, the method of varying the
conductivity of the different lengthwise layers of the carbon proportionate to their
respective lengths consisting in subjecting the outer and longer portion of the
carbon to greater pressure than its inner or shorter portion.
Also in a bent or curved carbon having its outer portion or edge more com-
pressed or dense than its inner portion or edge so as to compensate for the difference
in length between the outer and inner edges of the carbon.
Also in the method of manufacturing carbons for incandescent lamps consisting
essentially in subjecting pulp or sheet fibre to great pressure and compressing and
condensing the same and forming the carbon blank from such compressed and
condensed fibre and afterward carbonizing the blank.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Herbert John Haddan in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
17th January 1883.
HERBERT JOHN HADDAN, of Kensington, Middlesex, IMPROVEMENTS IN
ELECTRIC LIGHT APPLIANCES, a communication to me from abroad by H. A.
Seymour, of Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America,
This invention relates to an improvement in electric light appliances and is
sevenfold in its nature, the first part of invention comprehending an improvement
in are lamps; the second part an improvement in towers for supporting electric
lights, the third part an improvement in switching systems; the fourth part an
improvement in incandescent lamps and the fifth, sixth and seventh parts improve-
ment in carbons for incandescent lamps.
In the following description the several parts of this invention will be described
in the order in which they are above recited, the drawings and reference letters of
each part to be considered as entirely independent of the drawings and reference
letters of the other parts.
The first part of this invention relates to an improvement in arc lamps the object
of the invention being to provide vertically movable or adjustable electric lamps
with devices for causing the current to pass through the lamp when it is lowered
for cleansing, and renewing the carbons or extinguishing the light. By shunting
the current around the lamp when it is lowered, it enables the different parts of

page_text: the lamp to be handled by inexperienced attendants without danger of injury from
electric shocks. A further object of this invention is to provide electric lamps with
devices for raising the lamp to the greatest possible height in the room when it is
to be used, experience having shown that in the use of electric lights in stores,
factories and other like places, the effect of the light is much more agreeable when
it is situated at the highest possible point in the room where it is to be employed.
With these ends in view the invention consists first, in the combination with an
adjustable electric lamp and electric conductors connected therewith, of a switch
mounted on the lamp and devices for automatically opening the switch when the
lamp is raised to its position for use and causing the current to pass through the
lamp, and for automatically closing the switch when the lamp is lowered and
thereby shunting or short circuiting the current around or past the lamp. The
invention further consists in the combination with an adjustable electric lamp and
electric conductors connected therewith, of a switch mounted on the lamp and
devices for automatically opening the switch when the lamp is raised to its position
for use and causing the current to pass through the lamp and for automatically
closing a shunt circuit and opening the lamp circuit when the lamp is lowered and
thereby short circuiting the entire current around the lamp. The invention further
consists in certain details of construction and combinations of parts as will herein-
after be described and pointed out in the claims.
In the accompanying drawings, Fig 1 is a view partly in side elevation, and
partly in vertical section of one form of electric light apparatus embodying this
invention, the lamp being shown in its raised position. Fig 2 is a similar view of
another form of apparatus constructed in accordance with this invention, the lamp
being shown in its raised position. Fig 3 shows the lamp illustrated in Fig 2 when
lowered for the renewal of the carbons or other purpose. Fig 4 illustrates another
construction and arrangement of parts in electric light apparatus embracing the
improvement, the lamp being shown in its raised position. Figs 5 and 6 show the
improved apparatus wherein counterweights are employed in lieu of springs for
retaining the lamp at any desired point of adjustment.
In the several figures A represents the electric lamp which may be of any desired
type, form or construction. In Fig 1 the lamp is suspended by flat metal
ribbons B B, which are good conductors of electricity and constitute part of the
lamp circuit. The lower ends of the metallic ribbons B B¹ are fastened to the
staples or hooks a a¹ constituting the terminals of the lamp, the current passing
through one of the ribbons and one of the hooks to the lamp, and passing from
the lamp through the other hook and ribbon. The metal ribbons B B are wound on
drums CC mounted on stationary journals bb' supported in non-conducting
blocks cc suitably secured to the casing D. The drums C Care hollow and
are provided with springs d for retaining the lamp at any desired point of
adjustment. E E¹ represents the main wire of the circuit, portion E of the wire
being secured to the axle of the drum C, and portion E' of the wire to the axle of
the drum 0 In order that the lamp may be raised to the highest point possible,
the casing D is inserted in the ceiling between the joists dd, and constructed
with the outwardly projecting flanges e e' by which it is firmly secured to the
ceiling and practically flush therewith. The central portion of the casing is
constructed to form a receptacle F for the lamp tube G when the lamp is in its
raised position. This construction and arrangement of the raising and lowering
apparatus is such that the ceiling is not disfigured, and the lamp may be
raised to the highest possible point. The fat metal ribbous offer but little
resistance in coiling and uncoiling, and when coiled, the current passes over
the surface of the coil to the lower ends of the ribbons and thence to the lamp
thereby offering but little resistance to the passage of the current.
A metal strip
or plate H is attached at one end to the hook or staples and at its other end
is bent upwardly and then horizontally as at h. The frame of the lamp has a
metal projection ' extending upwardly therefrom. To the hook or post a¹ is
pivoted the lever or switch I, the arm i of which is forced in electrical contact

page_text: with the part h and the arm i with the part by the spiral spring J when the
lamp is lowered. When the lamp is raised, the stud K made of any non-conducting
material, or conducting material insulated from the casing, and fastened to the
casing, strikes the arm i of the switch or lever I depressing it as illustrated in
Fig 1 and thereby opening the circuit between the parts h and i and closing the
circuit from the part a' through the arm i' and contact point ' causing the current
to pass through the lamp. When the lamp is lowered, the spring closes the circuit
from the post a¹ through the arm i, and contact point h¹ and metal strip or con-
ductor H to the post a, thereby short circuiting the circuit and also depresses the
arm and breaks the contact with h¹ and opens the circuit through the lamp.
Hence when the lamp is lowered no portion of the current can pass through the
lamp, the entire current being automatically diverted through the shunt mounted
on the lamp, thus rendering it perfectly safe to handle the lamp in cleansing and
renewing the carbons. The lamp being raised, the shunt is opened and the current
caused to pass through the lamp and produce the light. In Figs 2 and 3 the
casing containing the winding drums is suspended from the ceiling, it being
fastened thereto by means of screws inserted through the outwardly projecting
flange at the upper end of the casing. In this form of construction, the lamp is
suspended by wire cables or cords L L'. Instead of a two armed lever or switch,
as shown in Fig.1, for opening and closing a shunt circuit between the terminals
of the lamp, a switch M is used, which is depressed by the stud when the lamp is
raised as illustrated in Fig 2 and causes the current to pass through the lamp, and
when the lamp is lowered as in Fig 3, the spring closes the shunt and thereby
short circuits the current around the lamp. As the short circuit affords a path of
very slight resistance to the passage of the current, practically all of the current
will flow through the shunt and around the lamp, and hence no provision is made
in this case for opening and closing the lamp circuit when the shunt circuit is
opened and closed. Either form of construction may be used as may be deemed
preferable, this invention including both forms. In Fig 4 the construction and
arrangement of parts is the same as illustrated in Fig 1 with the exception that
the casing D is located below instead of above the ceiling. In Figs 5 and 6 I
have represented this improvement as embodied in lamp raising and lowering
apparatus, provided with counterweights instead of springs for retaining the lamp
in any desired position, and showing the employment of chains as the flexible
conductors for suspending the lamp. In Fig 5 the chains N N pass over sprocket
wheels 001 which are in electrical connection with the main line and hence the
current passes from one sprocket wheel and over one chain to the lamp, and from
the lamp by the other chain and sprocket wheel. Chains N N¹ are secured at one
end to the lamp terminals a a¹ and at their other ends to hooks, staples or pins
n n insulated from the counterweights P. The counterweights in both Figs 5
and 6 are provided with depending studs made of non-conducting material said
studs serving to open the shunt circuit when the lamp is raised. In Fig 6 the
chains pass over the sprocket wheels O O¹, thence downwardly around pulleys o o'
journalled on insulated axles mounted on the counterweights and thence upwardly,
their upper ends being attached to insulated hooks or pins. This construction
of lamp is adapted for use in places having very high ceilings and in which the
lamps are not raised to the ceiling as in R R depots, Halls, and similar places.
Instead of employing flexible conductors for supporting the lamp, I may use
telescopic supports, or stationary columns or guide bars might be used and the
automatic shunt combined with the lamp.
It is evident that many slight changes in the construction and relative arrange-
ment of parts might be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the
invention, and hence I would have it understood that I do not restrict myself to
the exact construction and arrangement of parts shown and described.
The second part of the invention relates to an improvement in Electric Light
Apparatus, the object of this invention is to provide a mast or tower for supporting
electric lamps at a considerable height which will be simple, durable and economical

page_text: in its construction and adapted to sustain the light at any desired elevation, and
occupy but little space at its foundation.
A further object of this invention is to provide simple and efficient means for
automatically diverting the electric current through the lamp when raised to its
proper position for use, and for automatically cutting the lamp out of circuit and
shunting the current around the lamp when the latter is lowered.
With these ends in view this invention consists first, in a mast or tower for
electric lights, composed of a mast or pole, provided with outwardly extending
braces or supports at its upper end, and a skeleton tower secured at its lower end
to said braces or supports the top of said tower being provided with pulleys, the
construction being such that the electric lamp (one or more) may be raised or
lowered within the skeleton tower.
The invention further consists in a mast or tower for electric light embodying
certain features of construction and combinations of parts as will hereinafter be
described and pointed out in the claims.
The Invention further consists in the combination with the main conductor of an
electric lighting system pulleys placed in the circuit of said Main conductor and a
switch for opening and closing the circuit between said pulleys of an electric lamp
having the ends of short flexible conductors electrically connected at one end with
the terminals of the lamp and arranged to extend over the pulleys in the main
circuit and lamp cotton or other rope or cord made of fibrous material secured to the
other ends of said flexible conductors. The Invention further consists in certain other
features of construction and combinations of parts as will be hereinafter described and
specified in the claims. In the accompanying drawings, Figure 7, is a view in side
elevation of one form of construction embodying this invention. Figure 8 is a modifi-
cation. Figure 9 is an enlarged view of the upper portion of the tower or support
showing the lamp in circuit and Figure 10 is a similar view showing the lamp cut out
of circuit. A represents a pole or mast constructed of wood or metal and preferably
provided with the foot supports a to enable the attendant to readily ascend the mast.
B represents the outwardly projecting braces or supports secured to the upper end
of the mast or pole they have their inner ends mortised into the upper end of
the pole or they may be made of cast or wrought metal and secured to a sleeve B¹
fitting over the upper end of the pole and resting on a shoulder b formed thereon.
To the outer ends of the brace or supports are secured the lower ends of the
uprights C of the skeleton tower D. These uprights may be made of tubular metal·
or of angular iron rods and may be braced in any desired manner horizontal
braces d are shewn as being secured to the uprights but if desired diagonal braces
may also be employed. In Figure 7 the skeleton tower is composed of three uprights
arranged in the form of a triangle while in Figure 8 four such uprights are employed.
The braces or supports may be strengthened by the rods d to the upper ends of
the uprights is secured a cap D¹ to the under side of which are journalled the
pulleys E E which are insulated from the caps and uprights by having their
bearings mounted in insulated or non-conducting supports F is a hinged switch
its ends f being hinged to the metal strip f¹ which is placed in electrical connection
with the pulley E' while its free end f' closes against a metal strip f³ placed in
electrical connection with the pulley E. Tho switch is retained in its closed
position by means of a spring G, or a weight might be used for this purpose.
H represents one end of the main conductor which is electrically connected with
the pulley E, and H is the other end of the main conductor placed in electrical
connection with the pulley E'. Thus it will be observed that when the switch is
closed the electric current will flow from the end H of the conductor to the pulley E
over the metal strip f³ the switch F metal strip f' and pulley E¹ to the other
end H of the main conductor. I will now proceed to describe the construction
and arrangement of parts for operating the lamp; I, represents an electric lamp
and K K are flexible metal conductors preferably wire rope, having their ends
secured in electrical connection with the terminals L L of the lamp The flexible
metal conductors pass over the pulley E E' and in electrical connection therewith

page_text: The other ends of the conductors K. K'..are secured by jointed couplings M to the
hemp or cotton ropes or cords N N which extend down and are preferably attached
to the windings drums O O¹ secured to a shaft P mounted in suitable bearings
fastened to the top of the mast or pole. When the lamp is raised the non conducting
block O on the chimney or tube Q strikes the switch and raises it thereby opening
the short circuit and causing the current to pass from one of the pulleys over one
of the flexible conductors to and through the lamp and from the same through the
other flexible conductor and pulley when the lamp is lowered the switch is closed
by the spring or weight thereby short circuiting the current around the lamp and
as the lamp continues to descend the flexible metal conductors are disconnected
from their pulleys thereby rendering it impossible for any current to flow through
the lamp, when it is in its lowered position for cleaning or the renewal of the
carbons. By employing the ordinary hemp or cotton rope for raising and lowering
the lamp the operation rendered much easier than would be the case if the entire
rope were inade of flexible metal, and further the cost is reduced and the safety of
the apparatus enhanced. The complete mast or tower may be made of any desired
length the parts thereof being arranged to secure ample strength and stiffness
while it occupies but little space, at the side walk or spot where it may be erected.
The third part of the Invention relates to an improvement in switching systems.
One of the most serious objections urged against the adoption of the electric light,
both by the users and the owners and insurers of buildings in which it is desired
to locate such lights is the increased danger of loss by fire, owing to the great
reluctance of firemen to enter and work in a burning, building provided with
electric lights. The apprehended and real danger is that a fatal shock might be
received from the terminals or the wires or from one grounded wire, should the
conductor in the building become broken from any cause. The object of this
invention is to obviate all danger from the causes specified by providing a switch
and suitable devices to be actuated by heat of a fire originating in any part of a
building provided with electric lights whereby the electric current will be
automatically cut off from the conductor leading through the building in case of
fire and thereby enable the Firemen to work in the burning building with absolute
safety so far as the electric current is concerned. With these ends in view the
invention consists essentially in combination with the main circuit of an electric
lighting system of a switch and suitable devices constructed and arranged
substantially as hereinafter described and adapted to be operated by heat and
automatically cut out of circuit the electric conductors extending through a building
when the temperature therein exceeds a predetermined degree. This invention
further consists in combination with the main circuit of an electric lighting system
of a switch and suitable devices constructed and arranged to automatically cut out
of circuit the electric conductors extending through a building when the temperature
therein exceeds a predetermined degree and short circuit the current through the
main conductor. This Invention further consists in certain features of construction
and combinations of parts as will be hereinafter explained and pointed out in the
claims In the accompanying drawings, Figure 11 is a vertical section of a building
provided with one form of this improvement. Figure 12, is a view in side
elevation of one form of switch. Figure 13, is a plan view of the stationary
portion of the switch. Figure 14, is a similar view of the oscillating disk
of the switch. Figure 15 represents the switch showing the contact plates in
position for conducting the current through the conductor of the building. Figure 16
is a similar view showing contact plates in their position when the switch is
operated to cut off the current from the conductor in the building and short circuit
the current through the main conductor. Figure 17 is a view in vertical section
of the switch. Figure 18 is a transverse section of another form of switch.
Figure 19 shows one form of fusible connections. Figure 20 represents another
form of fusible connections and Figure 21 represents the lighting circuit extending
through the building. A represents a building and B B the two ends of the
electric conductor of an electric light circuit within the building. The ends of the.

page_text: conductor are located at any desired point. They may lead to a closed switch box
or casing placed on the outside of the building near the side walk or they may
extend down to a switch box located in the basement of the building or on the
first floor near the front the switch being arranged so that it may be operated by
a key from the outside or inside. The switch may be placed on an iron casing or
one made of masonry of any fire proof material. The end B is electrically connected
with the stud or plate a of the switch board D and the other end B¹ with the stud
or plate a. One end C of the main conductor through which the electric current is
supplied to the circuit in the building is electrically connected with the stud or
plate b and the other end C with the stud or plate b¹ of the switch board. The
portion D of the switch board is provided with a pin D¹ on which is journalled the
moveable part D² the latter being retained in close contact with the part D by
means of a spiral spring c the tension of which may be regulated by the nut c¹.
The moveable portion D2 of the switch is provided with the conducting plates E E¹
When the current is being conducted through the circuit in the building the
parts of the switch will be in the position illustrated in figure 15, the current flows
from the end C of the main conductor, through the stud b, plate E stud a building
circuit B B¹ back through stud a plate E¹ stub 61 and to the other end C¹ of the
main conductor-I will now proceed to describe one arrangement of devices for
automatically operating the switch in case of fire in the building The moveable
portion D2 of the switch is provided with an arm F from the outer end of which is
suspended a weight G. A comparatively fine wire H is secured to the end of the
arm F of the switch lever. This wire may extend over every ceiling of the building
as illustrated in the drawings At the bends I provide bell crank levers I to enable
the wire H to work freely as will be explained. The wire H is cut into any number
of sections which are united by a metal alloy fusible at a low temperature. These
connections may be made of strips K of metal fusible at a low temperature as
represented in Figure 19 or they may be connected by metal strips L L united by
fusible solder as represented in Figure 10. The fusible alloy may be made to fuse
at any degree of heat but is preferably made to fuse at from 110° to 150° Fahrenheit
-After the Wire H with its fusible connections has been arranged throughout the
building it is drawn taut to uphold the switch lever and weight and the end of the
wire is securely fastened. Under the ordinary working of the system the switch
will be in the position illustrated in Figures 12 and 15 causing the current to pašs
through the circuit in the building and operate the lamps L'. Should a fire
originate in any room of the building the fusible connection therein will be melted
allowing the wire H to part and the weight G to drop and shift the switch to the
position illustrated in Figure 16, thereby completely cutting out of circuit the
conductor extending through the building and causing the current to flow from the
end C of the main conductor to the stud b across plate E to the stud b' and thence
to the other end C of the main conductor. Thus it will be observed that the
conductor in the building is automatically cut out of circuit while the current flows
uninterruptedly through the main conductor. Instead of employing the form of
switch described, the switch may be constructed as represented in figure 18 wherein h
is a plug of non conducting material, and is provided with a crank arm (not shown)
to which the weight and wire are attached. The plug is provided with the metal
plates E E¹ so that the current flows from the end C of the main line through
the contact plate 6 plate E plate a to end B of the building circuit and back
through B¹ plate a plate E' plate b¹ to the other end C₁ of the main conductor.
By turning the plug the current will be cut off from the building circuit,
and be caused to flow from the end C of the main conductor through plate b
plate E plate b¹ to the other end C of the main conductor. Again the ordinary
fortn of switch plug may be employed and a lever arranged so as to withdraw the
plug in the case of fire. As various forms and constructions of switch might be
employed for the purpose in view I do not restrict myself to the employment
of any particular construction of switch mechanism. In the foregoing I have
described one arrangement of parts whereby the switch is actuated mechanically,

page_text: This system has an advantage in that it will operate at all times the presence or
absence of the electric current being immaterial to its operation I will now
proceed to describe one arrangement of parts for operating the switch by the
current. In Figure 21 is represented the lighting circuit extending through the
building. This circuit is broken at any desired number of points and enclosed by
a Lever R which latter is retained in its closed position by a wire R¹ provided with
a fusible alloy connection R³ one end of the wire being attached to the lever R.
and the other end to a lever R³ the opposite end of which is depressed by a sprig
spring T In case of fire, the fusible connection R³ will melt allowing the
spring to pull down the lever R and thus open the lighting circuit. The two
ends C C of the main conductor are connected to a switch of the construction
hereinbefore described. S is a shunt circuit connecting the two ends C. C. of the
main conductor around the switch, and provided with a resistance T which is
greater than the resistance of all the lamps on the circuit within the building.
A solenoid U is placed in the shunt circuit, the movable core t of which is pivoted
to the arm t¹ of a bell crank lever the other arm of the bell crank lever
extends through a slot u in a sliding bolt V which sustains the switch lever F.
The core t is upheld by the spring the tension of which is regulated by the
screw v¹. A fire originating in the building melts the fusible connections and
breaks the circuit thereby causing the current to be diverted through the shunt
and energize the solenoid and pull the cord down which in turn retracts the
sliding bolt and allows the switch lever to fall and cut off the current from the
circuit in the building and cause it to pass directly from one end C of the main
conductor through the switch to the other end C¹ of the main conductor Instead
of this plan a fine wire may extend throughout the building and a current of
electricity be supplied thereto from a local battery and by means of fusible
connections and suitable devices the switch may be operated either by opening
or closing this separate circuit. If the switch is to be operated by breaking the
circuit fusible connections will be employed and if by closing the circuit any
thermostal suitable for this purpose may be used. When the generator is located
in the same building as the lights, a current from the generator may be cut off
in the manner described which would in effect short circuit the current or the
circuit may simply be opened near the generator.-In buildings already provided
with an automatic fire extinguishing system operated by fusible connections the
switch lever may be connected with the lever of the water regulating valve so
that in the event of a fire the water is automatically turned on to the system of
distributing nozzles and at the same instant the electric current is automatically
cut off from the lighting circuit extending throughout the building. Instead of
using a weight for turning the switch a spring might be used for such purpose.
It is evident that many changes in the construction and arrangement of the
various parts of the system might be resorted to without involving a departure
from the spirit of the invention and hence I would have it understood that I do
not restrict myself to the arrangement and construction of parts shown and
described so far as I am aware this is the first improvement yet devised in
a system of electric lighting for automatically cutting out of circuit the electric
conductors of a building in case of fire and hence I make broad claim to such a
system The fourth part of the invention relates to an improvement in Incan-
descent Lamps. One of the admitted obstacles to the successful introduction of
incandescent lighting, up to the present time is the great expense incurred in
keeping the lamps in condition for use. The globes of such incandescent
lamps as are in use are made of very thin and fragile glass and ordinarily
the conducting wires are sealed therein. When the lamps are in operation
the globes become heated more or less and in the event that a draft
of cold air is allowed to suddenly come in direct contact with one side
of the globe, the unequal strain on the parts of the globe due to uneven
contraction, operates in many instances to shiver the globe in pieces
and thus completely destroy the lamp. Again when the conducting wires

page_text: are sealed into the globe, the latter is often broken owing to the strain to which it
is subjected, owing to the fact that it does not expand and contract in unison with
the expansion and contraction of the conducting wires. Again in incandescent
lamps having the conducting wires sealed into the glass globe the carbons or
burners soon become disintegrated or broken and after a comparatively short time
the lamp must be taken out and replaced by a new one. One prominent cause for
the breakage of the carbon or burner is the strain to which it is subjected by reason
of the expansion and contraction of the conducting wires to which the carbon is
attached. If one wire does not expand and contract in exact unison with the
other wire the carbon is subjected to a transverse breaking strain in one direction
as the conducting wires expand and in the opposite direction as they contract. As
the carbons or burners are necessarily very fragile in order that they may offer
sufficient resistance to the current to render them incandescent, they will be broken
twain after having been in use a comparatively short time by reason of the
constant breaking etrains to which they are subjected by the unequal expansion
and contraction of the conducting wires as hereinbefore explained. The breaking
of the carbon renders the lamp valueless and when the conducting wires are sealed
into the glass globe but an insignificant portion of the lamp can be again utilized in
a new lamp. Hence the great expense that is necessarily incurred in operating this
type of incandescent lamps. The object of this invention is to obviate the defects
above noted, and to provide for the expansion and contraction of the glass bulb or
globe and prevent from breaking when subjected to drafts of cold air, or by reason
of the unequal expansion and contraction of the conducting wires as compared
with the expansion and contraction of the glass itself. A further object of
the invention is to prevent the breaking of the carbon or burners by providing
against any undue expansion or contraction of the conducting wires inside of the
globe or bulb. With these ends in view the invention consists essentially in the
combination with the transparent globe or bulb, and conducting wires of an electric
lamp, of a yielding disk hermetically sealed to the neck of the bulb, and a non-
conducting button secured to said disk through which pass and are sealed, the con-
ducting wires. The invention further consists in certain other features of construc-
tion and combinations of parts as will be hereinafter described and pointed out in
the claims. In the accompanying drawings, Figure 22 is a vertical section of an
electric lamp embodying this invention. Figure 23 is a detached view of the
stopper or disk, the non-conducting button, conducting wires and carbon or burner.
Figures 24 and 25 are modifications. A designates the transparent bulb or globe
usually made of glass and provided with the neck a through which the burner or
carbon B and its supporting conductors c, c¹ are inserted. D is a disk of thin
sheet metal preferably brass or steel, though it may be made of platinum or any
other suitable metal, having its outer periphery or margin bent or struck up to form
a collar d which encircles the neck of the bulb and is hermetically sealed thereto
in any suitable manner. An aperture e round, square or other form is formed at
the centre of the disk in which is inserted and hermetically sealed a button or
disk E of glass or other non-conducting substance which is impervious to air, and
around the central aperture an annular corrugation ƒ (one or inore) is formed in
the disk for the purpose of allowing it to contract and expand. The conductors
cc are passed through suitable apertures in the button or disk E and are herme-
tically sealed therein, the burner or carbon B being secured to the inner tips or
ends of these conductors by clamps g or in any other suitable manner. When the
bulb and its closing disk or head become heated, the elasticity of the disk permits
either to expand without reference to the heat expansion of the other, and they may
also contract independently on becoming cooled so that the danger of breaking the
bulb is practically obviated. The heat transmitted from the burner to the sup-
porting conductors is transmitted to the button E and from thence to the
yielding disk, wherein the heat will be diffused and a considerable portion
radiated so that much less heat will be imparted to the globe than is the case
when the conductors are sealed directly within the neck of the globe. As the

page_text: to a
metal disk absorbs a considerable portion of the heat transmitted to the conductors
the degree of expansion and contraction of the latter is much lessened, and owing
to the fact that the metal disk is capable of yielding whereby its contraction and
expansion will operate to alightly raise and lower the burner without subjecting it
breaking strain. The glass button or disk may be of any desired size, but is
preferably of nearly the same diameter as the neck of the globe in order that it
may constitute a transparent stopper or head for the globe and hence not intercept
the downward rays of light. Figure 24 shows a metal disk having radial
corrugations h to give it increased capacity for expanding and contracting.
Figure 25 shews the nonconducting button having the disk secured to its underside
instead of being secured to its edge. When the burner or carbon becomes ruptured
or broken and is thus rendered inoperative the metal disk may be removed from
the neck of the globe, the old carbon removed and replaced by a new one, and the
metal disk again secured to the neck of the globe, thus enabling the carbons to be
renewed at a slight expense. It is evident that many slight changes in form
construction and relative arrangement of parts might be resorted to without
involving a departure from the spirit of the invention and hence I would have it
understood that I do not restrict myself to the exact form construction and
arrangement of parts shewn and described. The fifth part of the invention has
for its object the strengthening of the incandescent carbons of electric lamps;
especially those carbons, the blanks or filaments for which are cut from paper or
paper like substance formed from fibrous pulp and which have a curved or bent
configuration. Most of the incandescent carbons are curved or bent into graceful
shapes in order that they may have their illuminating surface within a small
compass and not require the use of enclosing bulbs having one dimension much in
excess of their others. The curves and angles of these carbons are known to be
the portions most likely to be broken by expansion and contraction from the fact
that lines of strain centre or meet at and emanate from such points. Even
however in a straight carbon made from paper as heretofore prepared, there are
liable to be weak points owing to the lack of uniformity in the arrangement of the
fibres of the paper; these fibres being at some points parallel and at others arranged
at various angles to each other. In accomplishing the end I have in view I form
cach carbon filament, a blank of several layers of especially prepared paper or
nearly dried pulp, each layer having the general design of the complete carbon and
all being compressed into practically one filament or blank which may be after-
ward carbonised. In preparing the paper from which are to be cut the layers for
composing a carbon I use preferably a long fibre pulp, and so comb or otherwise
treat it that the long fibre shall lie parallel or nearly parallel with each other.
From the paper thus prepared I cut the layers or elementary filaments from which
the complete blank is built one half of the whole number of layers being cut with
their main portions parallel with the direction of the long fibres of the paper while
the other half are cut in a position at right angles to the direction of the fibre.
The result is that when the complete carbon is formed from the two sets of layers
equal numbers being preferably used for each set the fibres will lie in one
direction in one half of the carbon and at right angles thereto in the other half.
The resistance to strains of expansion and contraction are thus approximately
equalized throughout the carbon and there is certain to be at all curves and angles
an arrangement of the paper fibres adapted to oppose a disruptive strain at such
points the fibres of one layer reinforcing those of another or others adjacent. I
prefer to dry the pulp to paper under pressure after it has been combed.
In the accompanying drawings
Figure 26 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the fibres of the paper
and the manner of cutting the layers or elementary filaments therefrom.
Figures 27 and 28. are perspective views of the superposed of piled layers to be
compressed to form the complete blank ready for carbonization.
Referring to Figure 26 the letter A designates a strip of paper, and a, a, the long

page_text: fibres of the same. These fibres as will be seen are arranged practically parallel
with each other, this parallelism being secured by combing the pulp in a manner
well known to paper makers.
The letters b, and 61 indicate the positions of two horse-shoe shaped layers or
elementary filaments to be cut from the paper strip.
The fibres lie across the arms or side portions of the layer b, and longitudinally
with respect to the corresponding portions of the layer b¹. In Figure 27 four of
these layers two of b and two of bi are alternately arranged in the pile marked B,
and when firmly compressed and condensed into one blank, this blank will have
two sets of fibres at right angles to each other, one set reinforcing the other as
before explained.
The letters c and c¹ designate zig-zag layers having the fibres in positions at right
angles when the layers are piled alternately as shown at C, the effect being the
same as in the horse shoe shape.
The sixth part of the invention relates to an improvement in bent or curved
incandescent carbons for electric lamps its object being to equalise the conductivity
of such carbons throughout their surfaces, in respect to both heat and electricity
and thus to prevent breakage from expansion and contraction from changes of
temperature and to obviate unequal wasting of the carbons at various points on
account of an unequal division of heat resulting from differences of conductivity of
the electric current over different portions of the carbon surface
Referring to the common horse-shoe form of carbon for example it is well known
that in such carbons as ordinarily prepared the interior or concave surface being
shorter than the convex or outer surface furnishes the most direct route for the
current between the extremities of the Carbon and that a preponderance of the
current will therefore flow over this surface and it will be raised to incandescence
sooner and expand more rapidly than the outer surface, the result being a tendency
to break the carbon as the inner portion expands against the resistance of the outer
portion. An inverse relation of opposing strains is set up when the carbon begins
to cool after the current is turned off having however an equally disruptive
tendency. Should the carbon withstand the breaking strain from unequal
expansion the preponderance of current still flows over the inner or concave
surface which consequently is subjected to more intense heat and wastes more
rapidly than the outer surface so that the strength of the carbon as a whole
decreases much more rapidly than it would were the conductivity equal in the
several surfaces. The same disadvantages attend bent or curved carbons whatever
may be their form as the concave and convex surfaces have the same relation.
In overcoming these disadvantages I so construct a bent or curved carbon
that as its outer or convex surface increases in length it also increases in
density and strength to resist strain and in conductivity both of heat and
electricity.
This I accomplish by forming the carbons from a plastic pulp or compressible
carbonaceous substance and subjecting it to a pressure which gradually increases
from the inner or concave to the outer or convex surface.
In the accompanying drawings.
Figure 29, is a view in side elevation of one form of carbon constructed in
accordance to the invention
Figure 30, is a cross section of one form of blank before compression.
Figure 31, is a cross section after compression.
Figure 32, is a cross section of another form of blank before compression.
Figure 33, a cross section after compression.
In Figure 30, A, represents a cross section of a blank conposed of pulp of any
desired kind of vegetable fibre and practically uniform in density. This blank is
placed under a suitable die and its outer margin compressed in a greater degree
than its inner margin or portion so that its outer portion or edge a will be more
dense and consequently stronger, and a better conductor of electricity than its inner

page_text: portion or edge o the increase of strength and conductivity compensating for the
difference in length.
Figure 33 shows another form of blank before being subjected to pressure and
Figure 34 the resulting carbon blank after having been subjected to pressure.
The blank after compression may be carbonized in any suitable manner or instead
of compressing the outer edge of the carbon blank before carbonization, it may be
done after carbonization.
The blank may be cut from sheets of pulp or from paper, or the pulp may
be placed in a forming die and the blank formed and pressed in a single
operation.
The seventh part of the invention relates to carbons or burners for use in the
class of electric lamps in which the illumination is caused by the incandescence of
the carbons. These carbons have heretofore been formed of carbonized paper and
other fibrous material or other substance and so far as I am aware the most
suitable carbon thus far produced is made from the fibre of bamboo on account of
its great strength tenacity and elasticity and its small section. Carbons made from
paper in order to possess the requisite strength have necessarily been made of
such size or bulk that very strong currents are required to render them incandescent
and even when used of the largest practicable size such carbons as hitherto
prepared are exceedingly fragile and become broken and useless after having been
in use but a comparatively short time paper carbons may be made of any desired
design while bamboo carbons are limited in the forms that may be imparted to
them as in bending them into short or sharp curves they are placed under
unequally distributed strain which tend to separate the fibre on the outer or
convex surface and close or crush the fibre on the inner surface which results in
speedy rupture when the carbons become expanded by the heat. The rapid
destruction of the carbons is due to several causes among which is the unequal
strain to which the fibres are subjected and also the unequal expansion and con-
traction of the outer or convex and inner or concave surfaces or portions of the
Carbon. As the inner or concave edge of a bent or curved carbon the form
ordinarily imparted to the bamboo carbon offers a shorter part for the electric
current than the convex or outer surface it follows that the inner edge will be
raised to a higher degree of heat than the outer edge and thus render the expansion
and contraction unequal which effect is increased by reason of the fact that in
bending the fibre the concave edge or portion is rendered of greater density than the
outer or convex edge or portion and thus the inner surface is of greater conductivity
of electricity than the outer. The bamboo fibres require great care in their selection
and preparation and are therefore expensive. The object of the invention is to
produce incandescent lamp carbons of great strength density and of any desired
form and at the same time of such limited extent in cross section that they will
offer sufficient resistance to electric currents of moderate strength to cause the
carbons to be readily heated to incandescence. To this end I form the carbon blanks
of fibrous material either by stamping them from sheets or molding them from
the pulp direct. In either case the fibre is subjected to a high degree of pressure
which may be obtained by the employment of an ordinary hydraulic press. By
subjecting the sheets of fibre or pulp to great pressure the carbon blanks are of
much more density than paper or bamboo and may be made of any desired design
which when carbonized in any well known and suitable manner possess the
tenacity of structure to resist the action of a high degree of heat and to withstand
the strains resulting from expansion and contraction following the turning on and
off the electric current
In the accompanying Drawings
Figure 34 represents a sectional view of a sheet of fibrous material
Figure 35 is a similar view after the sheet has been subjected to great pressure
as for instance in a hydraulic press.
Figure 36 is a plan view of one form of carbon blank stamped or cut from the

page_text: Figure 37 is a sectional view of the blank
Figure 38 shows a die and plunger for forming the compressed blanks direct
from fibre pulp and
Figure 39 is a vertical section of the die and plunger
A represents a sheet of fibrous material or a sheet of paper I prefer to operate
on the fibrous material before it is made into paper as the sizing employed in the
manufacture of paper may be dispensed with altogether or if any binder is deemed
preferable the character and quantity of the binder may be made to suit the
particular purpose for which the fibre is to be used that is to say in the
manufacture of paper sufficient quantity of sizing is employed to impart an
apparent solidity to the product but in carbonizing the paper much of the sizing
is consumed thereby leaving the resulting carbon quite porous and fragile Hence
I prefer to employ little if any binding material and if a small quantity is used
it will be made of a carbonaceous fluid so that it shall be carbonized in the pores
or interstices of the fibres of the carbon. The sheet A is placed in a hydraulic
press and subjected to great pressure so as to thoroughly compress and condense
the fibres The sheet is then reduced in thickness as illustrated in Figure 36.
From the compressed and condensed sheet the blank B shewn in Figure 37 is cut
or stamped or any other form of blank may be cut or stamped therefrom. A cross
section of the Blank B is represented in Figure 38. Instead of forming the blanks
from sheet of fibre they may be formed from the pulp direct. Figure 39 represents
a die C which is filled with pulp which is then subjected to the pressure by means
of the plunger D and is thereby compressed and condensed. The blank is then
carbonised in the ordinary manner or it may be carbonized under pressure. The
sheet of fibre or the pulp may first be dried and afterwards subjected to pressure
or it may be subjected to pressure and heat at the same time. This latter process
could be effected by heating the platens or dies by steam. Any suitable fibre may
be used in forming the improved carbons. The compressed and condensed carbons
may be formed so as to have a very limited area in cross section and yet possess
the required strength and tenacity for withstanding the action of the electric
current for a great length of time.
1" The combination with an electric lamp and adjustable supporting conductors
connected with the lanp whereby the same may be raised and lowered of a switch
mounted on the lamp and devices for automatically operating the switch when the
lamp is elevated to its position for use and causing the current to pass through the
lamp and for automatically shunting the current around or past the lamp when
lowered out of position for use substantially as set forth.
2" The combination with a vertically adjustable electric lamp and flexible
supporting conductors connected therewith of a switch mounted on the lamp a
direction and a
spring or equivalent device for moving the switch in one
stationary stud or projection arranged to automatically move the switch in the
opposite direction when the lamp is raised to its position for use substantially as
set forth.
3" The combination with a vertically adjustable electric lamp and conductors
arranged to be in electrical connection there with in its different positions of
adjustment of a switch mounted on the lamp and devices for automatically
opening the shunt circuit and closing the lamp circuit when the lamp is raised to
the proper position for use and for automatically closing the shunt circuit and
opening the lamp circuit when the lamp is lowered substantially as set forth.
4" The combination with a vertically adjustable electric lamp and flexible
supporting conductors connected therewith of a pivoted switch mounted on the
lamp a contact point at each end of the switch one being the terminal of a short
circuit and the other being one of the lamp terminals a spring or equivalent device
for moving the switch in one direction and a stationary stud or projection arranged

page_text: to automatically move the switch in the opposite direction when the lamp is raised
to its position for use substantially as set forth.
5. The combination with a vertically adjustable electric lamp and flexible
supporting conductors connected therewith of a supporting casing provided with
spring actuated drums to which the upper ends of the flexible conductors are
attached, said casing being constructed with an opening within which the tube of
the lamp may enter when the lamp is raised to its position for use substantially as
set forth.
6. The combination with pulleys electrically connected with the main conductor
and a switch for opening and closing the circuit between said pulleys said switch
provided with devices rendering it self closing of an electric Lamp having flexible
conductors connected with its terminals and carried over said pulleys and attached
to non conducting connections, said lamp being arranged to have its chimney or
tube open the switch when the lamp is raised to the desired position for use
substantially as set forth.
7. The combination with the pulleys placed in electrical connection with the
main conductor of an electric lamp having short flexible conductors electrically
connected with its terminals said conductors extending around said pulleys and
hemp or equivalent rope attached to the other ends of the short flexible conductors
substantially as set forth.
8. The combination with pulleys placed in the circuit of the main conductor and
a switch for opening and closing the circuit between the pulleys of an electric
lamp arranged to automatically open the circuit when elevated to its proper
position for
use said lamp having short flexible conductors attached to its
terminals and extending over said pulleys and hemp or equivalent rope attached to
the other ends of the short flexible conductors substantially as set forth.
9. The combination with the main circuit of an electric lighting system of a
switch and suitable devices constructed and arranged to automatically cut out of
circuit the electric conductors extending through a.building when the temperature
therein exceeds a predetermined degree and short circuit the current through the
main conductor substantially as set forth.
10. The combination with the main conductor of an electric lighting system and
a switch constructed and arranged to electrically connect the main conductor with
the electric conductor of a building and when shifted to cut out of circuit the
conductor of the building and divert the current through the main conductor of
means substantially as described located within the building provided with the
conductor and adapted to be actuated by abnormal heat in the building and
automatically shift the switch and short circuit the current substantially as set
forth.
11. The combination with the main conductor of an electric lighting system and
a switch constructed and arranged to electrically connect the main conductor with
the electric conductor of a building and when shifted to cut out of circuit the
conductor of the building and divert the current through the main conductor of
fusible links or connections located in different parts of the building and means
substantially as described for shifting the switch upon the fusing of any one of
said links thereby cutting the conductor of the building out of circuit and diverting
the current through the main conductor substantially as set forth.
12. The combination with the main conductor of an electric lighting system and
a switch constructed and arranged to electrically connect the main conductor with
the electric conductor of a building and when shifted to cut out of circuit the
conductor of the building and short circuit the current through the main conductor
of a wire connected with the switch lever and extending through the building and
connected or joined at intervals by fusible joints or links and a weight or its
equivalent for shifting the switch and short circuiting the current when the safety
wire is parted substantially as set forth.
13. The combination with the vacuum bulb or globe of an electric lamp and the
conductors for supporting the carbon or burner of a yielding disk hermetically sealed

page_text: to the neck of the bulb and a non conducting disk or button secured within an
aperture in said yielding disk the conductors being sealed within said button
substantially as set forth.
14. The combination with the vacuum bulb or globe of an electric lamp and
conductors for supporting the burner of a yielding disk hermetically sealed to the
neck of the bulb and a glass button secured within an aperture in said yielding
disk the conductors being sealed within said glass button or disk substantially as
set forth.
15. The combination with the bulb of a corrugated metal disk sealed to the neck
of the globe and provided with the non conducting button for supporting the
conductors substantially as set forth.
16. An electric lamp incandescent carbon composed of paper or paper-like
substance having two sets of long fibres arranged in layers and the long fibres of
one portion of the layers being at an angle to those of the other layer.
17. The method of manufacturing incandescent carbons for electric lainps
substantially as described the same consisting in cutting layers or elementary
filaments in different positions from paper having its long fibres parallel with each
other and combing a number of these layers having the fibres in different positions
to form a complete blank or filament and then carbonizing the whole.
18. In the manufacture of curved or bent carbons the method of varying the
conductivity of the different lengthwise layers of the carbon proportionate to their
respective lengths consisting in subjecting the outer and longer portion of the
carbon to greater pressure than its inner or shorter portion.
19. A bent or curved carbon having its outer portion or edge more compressed
or dense than its inner portion or edge so as to compensate for the difference in
length between the outer and inner edges of the carbon substantially as set forth.
20. As a new article of manufacture a bent or curved carbon in which the
conductivity of its different lengthwise layers is in proportion to their respective
lengths substantially as set forth.
21. The method of manufacturing carbons for incandescent lamps consisting
essentially in subjecting pulp or sheet fibre to great pressure and compressing and
condensing the same and forming the carbon blank from such compressed and
condensed fibre and afterward carbonizing the blank substantially as set forth.
22. A Carbon for incandescent lamps consisting of compressed and condensed
fibrous carbon substantially as set forth.
In Witness whereof I the said Herbert John Haddan have hereunto set my
hand and seal this seventeenth day of January A.D. 1883.
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