IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC
Year: 1882

page_text: · LETTERS PATENT to John Rapieff, of No 35, Queen Victoria Street, in the
City of London, Electrician, for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC
:
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Rapieff at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 21st February 1882.
JOHN RAPIEFF of No 35 Queen Victoria Street, in the City of London,
Electrician. "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC LAMPS, APPLICABLE ALSO TO OTHER
PURPOSES"
For the purpose of forming the are for the production of light in an Electric.
Lamp between the points of carbon, and for feeding the carbons together as they
burn away I connect by any suitable means or appliances one or both carbon
holders to one moveable axle, piston, or equivalent mechanism, in such a way that
the movement of this mechanism in one direction shall bring the carbons together.
and the movement in the other direction shall separate them; I operate this axio
by means of one or more weights or springs, or other source of power, in connection
by suitable mechanical means with the above named axle, or its equivalent, in.
such a way that by acting through the medium of suitable Electrical or Electro-
magnetic appliances I can effect the rotation of this axle, or the movement of its
equivalent, in either direction by opening or closing one of the two distinct parts.
of this mechanical connection.
I do not propose to confine myself to the use of one moveable axle only, on the
contrary I use if necessary any number; this also applies to the use of carbon.
holders.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said John Rapieff in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 21st August
1882.
JOHN RAPIEFF of 35 Queen Victoria Street in the City of London Electrician
"IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC LAMPS APPLICABLE ALSO TO OTHER PURPOSES."
To obtain the maximum economy of light given by an electric current through
the means of a Voltaic arc it is necessary to convert that current, as fully as
possible, into light and to put aside all unnecessary consumption of the same,
utilizing the smallest possible portion for the regulation of the mechanism, which
is made capable of bringing together and separating the carbons.
The actuating force I use in this mechanism is the force of gravity or springs,
or hydrostatic pressure &c. As it is necessary to obtain two distinct functions of
the lamp, namely:-the bringing together and the separating of the carbons it is
also necessary to have two distinct regulating parts of the mechanism and I now
proceed to describe how I propose to effect this.
Figures 1 to 17 Illustrate different arrangements and dispositions for the afore-
mentioned purpose. Figures 1, 2, 6, 7 and 8 shewing arrangements in which two
weights are the actuating powers and Figures 3, 4, 5 and 10 where a single weight
only is used.
I will now explain each of these Figures separately.
In Figure 19 shews the weight and r another smaller weight-a b c d are
pullies on shafts fixed to a suitable frame-n and mare also pullies attached to
the weight r, an endless cord or chain g h passes round these pullies in such a way
that it cannot ship 'round the pullies a or b without revolving them, the weight q
is attached to this cord by means of a clutch in such a way that it can be easily
raised by hand during the time of charging the lamp.
For the same purpose the pullies a and b are provided with ratchet wheels and
pawls. The pullies a and b are also provided either directly, or by means of a
train of wheels or other suitable means with a break or escapement actuated by
an electro magnetic appliance whereby the rotation is checked or impeded.
So long as the pullies a and b are held stationary both weights remain suspended.
By releasing the pulley b the weight r is allowed to descend. But so soon as the
pulley b is checked and the pulley a released the weight q will descend at the
same time raising the weight r. Now, if I connect directly or by suitable
mechanical means this weight r with one or both of the carbons of my electric
lamp it is easily understood that in the one case the carbons will be brought
together and in the other case separated.
To ensure proper action of the mechanism the endless chain or cord should be
tightened and for this purpose the shafts of one or more pullies for instance c or d,
or both, are fixed in the moveable frame or fork which is tightened by means of a
spring or springs the tension of which is regulated by one or more set screws.
The same end is obtained by an eccentric disposition of the axles of the pullies n
and m with respect to the centre of gravity of the weight as shewn in Figure 9.
Figure 2 shews the same arrangement but without endless cord or chain and in
this case tension should be brought upon the branch h of it by means of a weight f
or otherwise.
In another arrangement to obtain the same effect the axle of the pulley m may
be fixed to the weight and the pulley n connected to it by means of a spring.
It will be evident that other pullies besides a and b may be used as regulating
onllica

page_text: In order to release or check the rotation of these punes and for this purpose
only I use the electric current which acts through the medium of the solenoid or
electro-magnet suitably arranged and acting on the said pullies or their equivalents
by means of suitably arranged levers or otherwise.
Figures 6 and 7 are modifications of Figure 1 and can be easily understood
without further explanation, I should however mention that pulley p cannot
rotate in the direction of arrow shewn and is used only for winding the system
that is lifting the weight q.
Figure 3 shews an arrangement in which the problem is solved by means of one
weight q only.
a and b are similarly constructed pullies for the purpose of regulating the descent
of the weight q so that by releasing the pulley a the weight q will descend pulling
after it the cord or chain which will cause the pullies & and t to rotate in one
direction. By checking the rotation of the pulley a and releasing the pulley b the
direction of rotation of the pullies 8 and t will be reversed.
If I connect the carbons or carbon holders directly or by other suitable means
to one or two branches of this cord or chain or to the pullies 8 and t or their
axles the said carbons or carbon holders will be caused to approach or separate as
required. This arrangement can also be modified-for instance Figure 4 shews
that the branches g and h of the endless chain are connected directly in the loop
which is tightened by the weight for, as Figure 5 shews, the chain need not be
endless and in that case the branches and are tightened by means of separate
weights or these branches may be made fast and wound round separate drums
fixed to the pullies a and b.
Figure 8-Shews an arrangement which obtains the same end in the following
manner.
The weight r is fixed to the axle of pulley a and at the same time to an endless
chain which passes in succession over the pullies kn ba cm and d and after that
returns again to the weight r from whence it began.
The weight q to which is fastened the axles of the pullies n and m is so
calculated that acting together over the pullies band k it will easily overcome
the gravity of the weight r although the latter is heavier than half of the
weight q.
It is easy to understand that the action of this system which will be at rest
when the pullies a and b are both stopped, but so soon as the pulley a is released
the weight will descend lifting at the same time the weight q. By stopping
pulley a and releasing pulley b (pulley k being loose) the weight q acting by
its whole force over the pullies band will descend, lifting at the same time the
weight r.
Carbon holders or friction rollers which drive the carbons being mechanically
connected to one of these weights or other part of system will approach or
separate.
Figure 10 shews another disposition to obtain the same end by means of only
one weight q.
An endless chain passes over the pulleys and one or several times around the
pulley a afterwards round the pulley and one or more times round pulley b which
like pulley a is directly connected to the weight q. These pulleys a and b as in
the previous case are regulating pullies and have an arrangement to release or check
or retard their rotation for instance a train of wheels endless screw ratchet or
star wheel &c. in connection with a suitable lever stopping piece, escapement, brake
or other arrangement.
By an electrical or electro-magnetic arrangement releasing or stopping of the
pullies a or b may be effected.
Any or all of these arrangements may be attached to the weight and descend
with it or may be connected to it by means of an oscillating rod which has a
section of any form except plain round. A. loose collar slides on this rod and
always rises and falls with this weight. To this collar is fixed a lever escapement

page_text: or any other suitable arrangement which acts through the medium of suitable
gearing upon either or both the pullies a and b. The fall of the weight can also
be retarded by suitable mechanical means connected to the pullies 8 or t.
The easy lifting of the weight 9 by hand is obtained through the medium
of ordinary ratchet wheels and pawls fixed to the pullies a and b or to the
weight itself.
The action of this system is as follows:-By releasing the pulley b the whole of
the weight of q is suspended on only one branch g of the endless cord, and as the
other branch of the cord is free the weight q will descend causing rotation of the
pullies 8 and t. By stopping the said pulley b and releasing the pulley a
the weight q being attached to the branch h of the endless cord will cause the
pullies 8 and t to rotate in an opposite direction.
It is evident that by connecting through suitable mechanical means one or both
carbons or carbon holders to the endless.chain g h or pullies 8 and t or their axles,
the said carbons will approach or separate.
It ought to be understood that the number and disposition of the pullies may be
different from that shown on the drawings and varied according to circumstances.
They may have one or more grooves and may be either fixed or loose on the axles
and also may be disposed on a common or on separato axles.
By no means should the cords or chains be allowed to be slack or slide on the
regulating pullies and for this purpose when chains are used the said pullies are
provided with suitable projections.
In some cases particularly when I use cords, straps, tapes, or ropes I cover the
grooves of the pullies or drums for the purpose of increasing the friction between
them and the cords &c. with leather india rubber, buff gutta percha or other
suitable material.
The carbons or carbon holders can have any suitable disposition and may move
in any direction in space.
Beside the aforementioned arrangement in which cords or chains are used the
force of gravity or springs may be transported or transferred to the carbons by
means of liquid.
In this case the construction is very much simplified.
Figure 11 shews two cylindrical vessels D and E made from suitable material
and filled with suitable liquid as glycerine, oil, parafin, spirit &c.
Pistons A and B are placed in these cylinders the force of a weight or spring
directly or indirectly acts upon the piston a which presses on the liquid in the
cylinder.
This pressure is so calculated that it can when allowed easily raise the piston B
in the other vessel.
These pistons divide each cylinder into two compartments, making four in all.
These compartments are connected as shewn by means of pipes or tubes h which
all join to the several ways cock or tap 9.
It is necessary to distinguish three quite different positions of this tap. When
it is in a first position the compartment 6 is connected to the compartment c and
compartment & with a.
In second position all the compartments will be separated from one another and
the tap is closed.
This takes place when the voltaic arc has a normal length.
In the third position the compartments b and d are connected, and also the
compartments a and c.
If the piston B is sufficiently heavy this arrangement may be modified so that
the tap in its first position will connect compartments c and d and compartments a
and b will be separated.
The second and third positions will be as previously mentioned.
Suitable electrical or electro-magnetic arrangements acting by means of one or
more suitably shaped, polarized, or ordinary armatures, and connected mechanically
with the tap q will cause it to rotate in one or the other direction.

page_text: When the tap q is turned into the first position the liquid being pressed by the
piston A will pass from the compartment b to the compartment c and from the
compartment d to the compartment a resulting in the fall of both pistons.
When the tap q is turned into the third position quite a different result will take
place. The liquid will be pressed by the piston A from compartment 6 to com-
partment & will raise the piston B and will force the liquid from compartment c
into compartment a.
In the above mentioned modified arrangement when the tap 7 is in the first
position the liquid being forced by the weight of the descending piston B will pass
from the compartment & into the compartment c. Piston A remaining stationary
because compartments 6 and a are separated.
Figure 12 shows another modification of this arrangement.
Here compartment a is removed from the vessel D to vessel E.
In all cases the distance between the vessels D and E is unlimited.
Figure 13 shows another modification.
The vessels D and E are placed near each other and even may be made in one
body. In this case compartment a is connected to c by means of a port or tube N¹
and compartment b with compartment & by means of another port or tube N. In
all the annexed Drawings letter N' shows port which may or may not have a valve
and N shows port which must unquestionably have one.
The necessary opening and closing of this valve may be obtained by either a
reciprocating linear, circular or rotary motion, which is obtained and regulated by
means of a suitable electrical or electro-magnetic appliance, or, instead of these
valves, suitable taps with one or more ways may be used. It must be understood
that any mechanical arrangement herein mentioned may be replaced by its
equivalent, for instance in the same figure is shown the compartments c and d
connected by means of an external or internal tube h with tap q or by means of
a port or opening N with a valve K made in the body of the piston B.
This valve K is fixed to the collar which slides always together with the
piston B up and down the rod o o which has a section of any shape except plain
round.
The movements of the valve K are obtained by the oscillations of the rod oo
which are effected by means of suitable electrical or electro-magnetical appliances,
similar to that herein described.
Figures 14 and 15 show modifications which can easily be understood from the
drawings.
In Figure 15 the external tubes h h are replaced by internal ones f and f'.
The tube connects the compartments b and d and has a valve K' which is fixed
to the rod o o in such a way that the oscillation of the said rod in one direction
will open the valve K in the piston B closing at the same time the valve K¹ in the
tube f. This will make connection between the compartments & and c which will
allow the piston B to descend. Oscillation of the rod o o in the opposite direction
will reverse the effect viz. by closing the valve K in the piston B and opening at
the same time similar valve in the tube ƒ piston A will descend lifting at the
same time piston B.
The liquid from the compartment c will be forced through the tube f¹into the
compartment a.
Either or both the carbons or carbon holders may be directly or indirectly by
means of any suitable mechanical arrangement connected to the rod of piston B
the reciprocating movement of which will cause their approach or separation.
Figures 16 and 17 show further modifications. To simplify the description these
figures show that the carbons or carbon holders are fixed to the rods of the pistons B
and B¹ but the arrangement may be differed if desired.
Figure 16 shows that three vessels D, E and El are used and accordingly three
pistons A, B and B. The weight of these pistons is so calculated that the descent
of the piston A can easily cause the piston B to rise and the latter in its turn will
then cause the piston B¹ to rise.
'
•

page_text: These vessels are connected by means of the ports N with suitable valves, so
that by opening the one between D and E the compartments band & are connected,
and the piston A. descends causing a corresponding rise in the piston B.
By closing this port and at the same time opening the one between Ę and E'
the compartiments d'and d³ will be connected the piston B will descend and B' will
rise.
By one of the described actions the carbons will be made to separate and by the
other made to approach.
Figure 17 shows this last arrangement so modified that the compartments a c
and care constantly connected, so that the liquid contained therein passes
freely from one to the other, other parts and connections and actions being the
same.
All or any portions of the herein before mentioned arrangements may be so
constructed as to act in any position or direction in space; and the numbers of
them may be varied according to demand. Instead of using ports taps or valves
with one opening I may substitute two or more openings as desired.
In order to effect the easy charging of this mechanism which consists principally
in lifting the pistons to their normal position I use one or more auxiliary pipes or
ports the opening of which by means of a valve or tap is effected either by hand
or automatically by pressing a suitable button or lever or by turning or by the
forced lifting of the piston rods.
In order to retard the speed of the rotation of the pullies in the aforementioned
arrangements and to better regulate the action of the described mechanism I use a
piston with or without port or ports which can be made to open more or less either
by hand or automatically by means of a suitable mechanical arrangement which
may be regulated by the electric current.
This piston is placed in a short cylinder filled with liquid or gas in which it
moves to and fro and is connected by means of a piston rod, connecting rod and
crank or eccentric to one of the before mentioned pullies or its shaft, or its
equivalent.
This mechanism can if necessary be multiplied in which case the relative
positions of the cranks or eccentrics must be at proper angles to ensure the
maximum effect. I may also apply it to any other mechanism.
As I have said before the releasing and stopping or controlling the rotation of
the regulating pullies in one style of arrangement herein described and opening
or closing the valves or taps in another is effected by means of the controlling
electrical or electro-magnetic appliance.
This electrical or electro-magnetic appliance consists of one or more solenoids or
electro magnets and armatures of suitable form and dimensions connected to
Buitably shaped, and arranged levers, escapements brakes &c. which act on the said
pullies taps, or valves, or their equivalents.
These electro-magnets or solenoids have two coils one made of thick wire and
forming part of the main or Voltaic arc circuit, the other made of thin wire is
placed in derivation to the Voltaic arc. The current in each passes in opposite
directions so as to more or less neutralize one another.
Instead of thick wire thin may be used and then it is placed in derivation of
the main circuit.
The resultant of the actions of these currents on the armature is such that when
the length of the Voltaic arc increases beyond a certain limit or the arc should be
broken; The armature with the escapement or lever connected to it will attain
such a position that one of the regulating pullies will be released and allow the
carbons to approach:
But, if on the contrary the Voltaic are becomes too short or the carbons come
into contact the relative strengths of these currents will change and the resultant
of their action together with the action of a counteracting spring or weight
connected to the armature and escapement levers &c. will cause them to assume

page_text: another position by which the aforementioned regulating pulley will be stopped
and another released which will effect the separation of the carbons.
When the length of the Voltaic arc is normal the position of the armature,
escapement, levers &c. is such that both the regulating pullies are stopped; the
taps or valves in the liquid arrangement are also closed.
Instead of one armature two or more may be used and they can be temporarily
or permanently polarized.
One or both coils of the electro-magnets or solenoids may be made of iron wire
and then in addition to the action of the currents on the core or armature the
developed magnetism in the coil itself shall be utilized.
Instead of this differential arrangement I sometimes use an electro magnet and
solenoid with one coil only and then it is placed either in the main circuit, in
derivation to it, in the Voltaic arc circuit, in derivation to it, or in a Wheatstone
bridge one side of which is formed by the Voltaic arc and the others by proper
resistances, which can be adjusted.
Similar appliances can be used to rotate or move the taps or valves in the
arrangement wherein liquids are applied.
All these arrangements and their modifications can be used, not only in conjunction
with electric lamps, but also for other purposes, such as signal and telegraphic
apparatus, indicators of the levels of liquids degrees &c.
Having now described and ascertained the nature of my said Invention and in
what manner the same is or may be performed
I claim as secured to me by the herein before in part recited Letters Patent :-
Firstly. In Electric Arc Lamps, the arrangements as shown in Figures 1 to 10
inclusive for operating the carbons by means of a weight or weights or their
equivalents working through two distinct parts the action of which is governed by
the current of electricity, substantially as described.
Secondly. In electric arc lamps the arrangements as shown Figures 11 to 17
inclusive for operating the carbons by means of a fluid, or its equivalent, under
pressure, the action of which is controlled by the current of electricity substantially
as specified.
Thirdly. The use of the several arrangements or their parts and their modifica-
tions substantially as herein specified, not only in their application to Electro Arc
Lamps but to other purposes for which they may be found applicable.
In witness whereof I the said John Rapieff have hereunto set my hand and
seal this Nineteenth day of August in the Year of Our Lord One thousand
Eight hundred and Eighty two.
JOHN KAPIEFT. (L.S.)