IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC LIGHTING AND IN APPARATUS AND FITTINGS TO BE USED THEREFOR."
Year: 1882

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thomas Tayler Smith of Circus Place, Finsbury in the
City of London Architect for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC
LIGHTING AND IN APPARATUS AND FITTINGS TO BE USED THEREFOR."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Thomas Tayler Smith at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 31st August 1882.
THOMAS TAYLER SMITH, of Circus Place Finsbury in the City of London,
Architect. "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC LIGHTING AND IN APPARATUS AND
FITTINGS TO BE USED THEREFOR'
The object of this Invention is to facilitate and economize the use of electricity
for illuminating purposes, whereby houses and other structures may be lighted in
any desired part, while employing only a certain given number of lamps in the
house.
According to the existing method, supposing a private house to require a total
of 100 incandescent or other lamps for its adequate illumination, a charge is made
by the Company based either on the actual consumption as ascertained by an
electrical meter, which is a source of expense and trouble, or upon an average of a
certain number of lamps, say for example 80, in estimated constant use.
In the one case there is the necessity for using a meter of some kind, and in the
other the tenant is liable to be charged for more lamps than he uses, or the
Company to be paid for fewer lamps than are burned.
Now by my Invention a certain total number of lamps will be supplied and
charged for, and that number only will be at the disposal of the tenant, but the
electrical fittings and connections will be such as to render the lamps interchangeable
and removable at pleasure to any part of the house, without any dangerous or
unsightly sockets being left projecting from the walls or other surfaces whence the
said lamps have been removed.
I am aware that in most systems of incandescent lighting means are provided
for readily renewing the lamps, or detaching them from one socket or holder, and
attaching them to another socket or holder, but in all these systems the socket or

page_text: its equivalent from which the lamp has been detached is left exposed to touch and
view, and is both dangerous and unsightly.
Now according to my Invention I mount the lamps on brackets or supports so
constructed as to fit into suitably formed sockets preferably embedded in the wall
or other places before the papering or painting of the room, so as to lie flush with 5
the wall and be concealed. To the back of each of the lamp brackets or stands,
or equivalent supports for the lamps, I fit a plate of ebonite or equivalent non-
conducting material, and to this insulating plate I attach two hooks or pins of
copper or other good conductor, and I connect the insulated wires from the lamp
with the two metallic hooks or their equivalent at the back or other part of the
bracket or stand, by inserting their uncovered ends into holes drilled in the said
metallic hooks, or by other suitable means. In the wall or table or other surface
to which the bracket is to be attached, and preferably flush therewith, I embed or
mount a pair of insulated metallic shoes or sockets formed to receive the hooks or
pins on the lamp bracket or support, which shoes are preferably provided with a
spring for ensuring close contact of the parts when in place. The branch wires
from the battery, accumulator, or other source of electricity, communicate
respectively with the insulated metallic shoes or sockets, and in the case of new
houses may be conveniently embedded in the wall, and hence the lamp will be
caused to burn so soon as the bracket or stand is fitted or slipped into its socket
and the current passes. When the lamp with its bracket or support is detached,
two small apertures in the wall or other point of attachment will alone be visible,
and the brackets or supports may therefore, without danger to children and others,
or disfiguring the walls, be shifted from room to room and moved upstairs or
downstairs as required.
1
By the facilities thus afforded a bracket of new design can be substituted for an
old one, by fixing the bracket plate containing the hooks or their equivalent to the
new bracket, moreover the fixtures in the house will in no way be disturbed, nor
will it require an electrical engineer to execute the work. The bracket can be
changed while the current is on, and as frequently as desired.
As a modification of the foregoing I may use brackets or stands fitted with push
buttons or buffers of conducting material, which buffers will coincide with
corresponding buffers or their equivalent countersunk in the block or its equivalent
in the wall or other surface.
The bracket may thus be supported on a nail, hook or its equivalent, a spring
serving to keep the contact buffers apart until the lamp is required, when the
bracket will be pressed inwards and secured by a suitable catch or locking device;
contacts being effected through the buffers, and the catch serving as a switch when
desired. These brackets, or stands similarly constructed, may be shifted as before
described to other parts of the room or premises prepared for their reception.
To further facilitate the lighting of houses and other structures in any part by
electricity, I propose to utilize the picture rods, cornice poles, and also parts of
dados and ceilings, as points of attachment for the incandescent or other lamps,
fitting and arranging them in such a manner as to allow of the lamps being slidden
along or readily connected with or disconnected from the rods, dados or ceilings.
To this end I provide a rod having one side slotted longitudinally and I support
the slotted rod in suitable brackets.
Within the rod and suitably insulated from it is a race or channel to receive a
travelling carriage, means being provided for traversing the carriage along the
said race or channel to any desired position. This insulated race or channel may
consist of two continuous surfaces of copper or other metal in electrical connection
with the battery, or dynamo, by means of wires passing through the bracket
supports, or ends of the rod; and similarly the travelling carriage has two insulated
metallic cheeks or side pieces which make electrical contact with the continuous
metal race and are also in electrical connection with the lamp or bracket wires.
The lamp, or it may be a frame or fittings to receive one or more lamps, may
' be suspended to this travelling carriage by rigid or pliable connections, and maj

page_text: be provided with guard pieces for additional safety and if necessary with anti-
friction bowles. A similar arrangement of travelling connection or carriage may
be adapted to various parts of dados, or to the edges of the beams or framework of
panelled and other ceilings. The lamps in this, as in the previously described
arrangements, may be connected or disconnected at pleasure, and be shifted from
place to place.
To enable the lamps to be moved from place to place or even carried about a
room or passage without extinguishing them, I adapt to each lamp a case
enclosing a spring reel or bobbin, on which a cord containing both the flow and
return wires suitably insulated, is wound. The lamp (it may be a bracket lamp
or a hanging lamp) can thus be detached by hand, and while still alight be moved
to any distance limited by the cord which will be given off from the reel or
wound up as the lamp is moved about, the unwinding of the reel being regulated
by a pawl or its equivalent; thus avoiding the inconvenience of a long line of wire
lying on the floor. The spring, reel or bobbin may also be fitted in the base of a
standard, or other lamp. The reel if not fitted with a spring will be provided with
a winch-handle for winding up the cord by hand.
A portable electrical hand-lamp may be conveniently made by mounting a
lamp on one end of the winch spindle, a handle projecting from the winch case
serving to carry it by. A lamp thus fitted will be of great use to librarians and
others for bringing a light to bear on book shelves, and in odd corners.
An important use moreover can be made of such an arrangement in the case of
a movable hanging cluster or corona of lamps, which may be provided with a
double pulley, on one half of which the insulated cord from the lamps may be
wound, and on the other half the connecting wires from the ceiling, also insulated;
the one being arranged to give off as the other is drawn down, and vice versa.
Or a simple spring pulley may be adapted to support the corona and connect the
lamps, while preserving the insulation of the wires.
The insulated connecting wires may be also led from the ceiling around pullies
and the wires may also serve to carry weights to balance the corona.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent and of
an Order of the Lord Chancellor filed by the said Thomas Tayler Smith in the
Great Seal Patent Office on the 30th April 1883.
"
THOMAS TAYLER SMITH of Circus Place, Finsbury in the City of London,
Architect IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC LIGHTING AND IN APPARATUS AND
FITTINGS TO BE USED THEREFOR
»
The object of this Invention is to facilitate the lighting of private houses and
other buildings in any desired part by electricity, while employing only a certain
given current and a certain given number of lamps in the said houses or building,
thereby enabling the suppliers of electricity to make a definite and fair charge for
the current supplied without in any way inconveniencing the householder by
restricting the supply of light in any part of his house.
According to my Invention a certain total number of lamps and a certain given
current of electricity will be supplied and charged for and only that number of
lamps and that current of electricity will be at the disposal of the tenant at any
one time, but the electrical fittings and connections will be such that he will be
able to shift the position of his lamps in the manner to be hereafter set forth and
obtain a light at a moments notice in any part of his house or grounds without
in any way disfiguring his walls or house.
The facilities thus afforded for lighting any desired part of the house, or of the
grounds around the house will be so great as to offer no inducement to a fraudulent
use of the lights beyond the number agreed upon and charged for; but existing and
well known means may be provided as an additional safe guard against any
attempt to make use of a current beyond that agreed upon.
According to the first part of my Invention I mount one or more incandescent
or other electrical lamps on brackets or supports, and to the backs or bases of
these lamp brackets I attach plates or blocks of ebonite or equivalent insulating
material, the said plates or blocks being fitted each with a pair of metallic hooks
projecting therefrom preferably in a downward and rearward direction.
These insulated metallic hooks or their equivalent are in electrical connection
with the lamp sockets or carbons by means of wires leading from the said sockets
or carbons of the lamp or lamps on one end of the lamp brackets through the
hollow stems of the lamp bracket or support to the insulated metallic hooks at the
other end, or base, of the lamp brackets.
To receive the metallic hooks and to afford a support for the lamp bracket to
which the said hooks are attached, I construct and fit in the walls or skirting
boards at various points around the rooms, or in the hall and passages, insulating
blocks of wood or ebonite provided with metallic contact surfaces, or electric
terminals, of such a shape as will serve to securely hold the metallic hooks or their
equivalent and sustain the bracket and its lamp or lamps when in place; and will
also afford a large contact surface and make an efficient electrical connection.
Guard plates also are provided for keeping the fixed contact surfaces protected
from accidental touch, two small apertures being made in the guard plate for the
insertion of the hooks.-These fixed contact surfaces are embedded in the walls or
skirting boards of the apartments and passages at various points, wherever in fact
they are likely to be required; and the branch wires from the dynamo, accumulator
or other source of electricity are also embedded in the walls and are connected with
the several fixed contact surfaces preferably before the painting and papering of
the said walls.

page_text: When the lamp brackets are not in place upon the walls, nothing will be visible
to indicate the presence of the fixed electric terminals but two small apertures in
the rose or guard plate covering each pair of such fixed electric terminals or contact
surfaces in the wall or other surface; and in order to obtain a light it will only be
necessary to take a detachable bracket carrying one or more incandescent or other
electrical lamps and lamp sockets, and fitted as above described at its base or rear
with a pair of insulated metallic hooks, and pass the said hooks through the small
apertures in the rose or guard plate allowing the hooks to seat themselves firmly
within and against the hidden fixed electric terminals or contact surfaces. So soon
as this is done the current, if flowi, will be free to pass to the carbons and the
lamp or lamps on the bracket will be aused to burn.
If desired the lamp bracket may b instantly shifted to a similar pair of fixed
contact surfaces in another part of t room or in another room, or to a similar
pair of protected contact surfaces fixed in the hall or passage.
This part of my Invention is illustrated in Figures 1 to 6 of the accompanying
Drawings Fig: 1 being a side elevation partly a section of a lamp bracket sup-
porting an Edison lamp, and detachably connected to a wall or other surface
according to my Invention. Fig: 2 is a side view of the insulating plate or bracket
back fitted with the projecting metallic hooks. Fig: 3 is a back view of the
bracket back and its hooks; Figures 4 show one of the hooks detached from the
bracket back in side and back view, Fig: 5 is a back view of the insulating block
or bracket back the hooks and an insulating washer being removed, and Fig:
represents the guard plate covering the fixed contact surfaces.
In these figures A is the detachable bracket shown here as supporting a single
incandescent lamp socket a and lamp a¹ of the Edison type. The bracket A
might however be branched or forked to carry two or more sockets and lamps of
the Swan, Maxim or any other suitable and well known system.
In any case however the flow and return wires from the said lamp sockets a or
lamps a will be suitably insulated and be led through the hollow stem of the
bracket A to the metallic hooks B B of the insulating block or bracket back b,
the wire or wires for the positive current being connected to one hook and those
for the negative current to the other hook. b Figures 1 and 3 is a washer or
disc of vulcanite or other non-conducting material which serves to complete the
insulation of the metallic hooks B B the one from the other.-This disc or washer
of insulating material b¹ is cut so as to fit closely around the bases of the metallic
hooks B B and is secured to the block b by screws as shewn in Fig: 3, or other-
wise. Fig 5 shews the back of the block b without the hooks or insulating
washer b'.
;
The wires from the lamp sockets are threaded through the bracket A and
brought through the hole 62 in the block b and are unravelled to expose the fine
copper strands of which they are made, and these copper strands are made fast to
the binding screws b³ 63 respectively.-The hooks B B are then laid across the
naked copper ends of wire and are secured in place by screws; thus making a firm
and close contact with the flow and return wire or wires respectively leading from
the lamp and carbons or from the lamp sockets a.
Fig 1 shews in section the nature of the electric terminals or fixed contact
surfaces adapted to receive the hooks B B and support the bracket A, and make at
the same time a good electrical contact directly the said bracket is adapted to its
proper position against the wall or other surface containing the protected contact
surfaces D D.-C is a block or box of wood or other suitable insulating material
provided with recesses c within which are mounted the fixed metallic contact
surfaces DD, one for each hook B B.-These fixed contact surfaces preferably
consist of broad metal springs for insuring a close and efficient electrical contact,
and the branch flow and return wires from the dynamo or other source of
electricity are respectively connected to the said insulated fixed contact surfaces as
will be readily understood.
These electric terminals or fixed contact surfaces D D are protected by a guard

page_text: plate E in which are two small apertures e e to admit of the insertion of the
hooks B B.
The guard plate E may take various forms such as an ornamental rose; or it may
lie flush with the wall and be papered or painted over, only the two small apertures
e e being left uncovered.
こ
I would here remark that I am aware that in most systems of electrical incan-
descent lighting means are provided for readily renewing the lamps proper or
detaching them from one socket or holder and attaching them to another socket or
holder, but in all these systems the socket or its equivalent from which the lamp
proper has been detached, is left exposed to touch and view and is both dangerous
and unsightly.
By my Invention however, not only can the lamps be detached from their sockets
on the end of the bracket, but the entire bracket itself may be instantly unshipped
and detached from the wall or other surface, and only two small apertures in the
said surface will be left visible.-The bracket therefore with one or more lamps
and lamp sockets upon it, of any desired kind (whether those of Edison, Swan,
Lane-Fox, Maxim or others) may be shifted from one room to another and be
moved upstairs or downstairs as required without leaving any dangerous or
unsightly brackets, sockets, or projections exposed.
Moreover if a bracket or other support for an electrical lamp or lamps is fixed in
place upon the wall, as is usually the case; it cannot be detached without severing
the branch wires and these must be carefully connected again whenever another
bracket is required to be fixed up in its place-This requires skilled labour and
some time to effect.-Further, assuming the current to be passing and that the
branch wires to the bracket in question are not provided with a switch it would
be impossible to make a proper connection or change the bracket until the current
was stopped.
By the facilities, however, afforded by my Invention a bracket of new design
may be readily substituted for a bracket of old design by providing each with a
bracket plate or back such as b, fitted with its hooks B B or their equivalent.-An
Electrical Engineer will not be needed to execute the work and the bracket with
the lamps upon it can be changed while the current is on, and as frequently as
desired.
When a carbon is burnt out or breaks the lamps a¹ can be disconnected from
their sockets a at the end of the bracket or support, and new lamps can be fitted to
the said sockets according to any of the well known or suitable systems, and I
would have it understood that my Invention does not relate in any way to any such
means for connecting or disconnecting the electric lamps a¹ with or from their
sockets a on the end of a wall bracket or similar support.
I will now proceed to describe a modification of my detachable bracket which
modification is illustrated in Figures 7, 8, and 9 of the Drawings, and will require
but little further explanation. It consists of a bracket or support A for one or more
electrical lamps carried as before by or upon a block of ebonite or other suitable
material b fitted with insulated metallic push buttons or buffers B B, of conducting
material which serve like the metallic hooks shown in Figures 1 to 4 to complete
the electrical circuit when required and are connected with the insulated flow and
return wires from the lamp sockets a, or with the carbons of the lamps a¹ in a
manner similar to that already described.
This modification is especially suited for use with lamp brackets or supports of
considerable weight inasmuch as the chief weight of the bracket A is in this case
borne by a loop or eye of metal attached to the block 6 passing over a hook, nail, or
screw driven into the insulating block C of wood or equivalent material in which
are the recesses c c fitted with the fixed metallic contact surfaces D D, composed
as before of broad springs, protected from accidental touch.
These contact surfaces D D might also be made of spiral springs suitably mounted
within a block or box of wood or other insulating material the buffers B B having
suitably enlarged heads engaging therewith.

page_text: E is the guard plate provided with apertures e e as before, to admit the push
buttons or buffers B B as clearly shewn in Figures 8 and 9.
When not required for use, a light spring b serves to thrust the bracket back b
away from the guard plate or its equivalent E, and prevents contact of the buffers
BB with the fixed protected contact surfaces D D.
When required for use it is simply necessary to push the bracket back 6 of the
bracket A close against the wall or other surface, on or against which it is hanging
or supported, whereupon the buffers B B will be pressed firmly against the fixed
contact surfaces DD and the electrical connection will be completed.—In this as
in the preceding case the entire bracket A with its lamp or lamps on it, can be
readily detached from the wall or other surface and be transferred to a similar pair
of protected contact surfaces in another part of the room or house. When the
bracket is thus detached from the wall two small apertures only will be visible to
indicate the position of the fixed contact surfaces, and perfect safety from acoidental
shock will be ensured.
A spring catch e' serves to hold the bracket back in place when pushed against
the wall as long as it is required to use the light.
The insulated wires from the hooks or buffers of the bracket backs or blocks b b
above described may be united in a single cord and serve to support a pendent
socket and lamp (such as a a¹) or the said cord may be led around a reel or bobbin
and serve to convey the electrical current to a table lamp or to a reel in the base of
a standard lamp supporting a cluster of incandescent lamps on a sideboard or
mantel-piece, instead of passing through a rigid bracket such as A in Fig: 1.
The flexible cord which I prefer to use in connection with my electrical fittings
is such as is manufactured by Mess" Phillips Brothers of Homerton, London.-In
this cord the flow and return wires are each composed of numerous fine strands of
pure copper and are each suitably insulated from one another.
In Fig: 2 a flexible cord of this kind containing both the flow and return wires
suitably insulated the one from the other is indicated as attached to a detachable
bracket back or block b provided with metallic hooks B B, and in Figures 10 to 16
is illustrated a novel construction of table lamp provided with a reel or bobbin
adapted to receive such a flexible cord according to another part of my Invention,
which I will now describe.-Fig: 10 is a side elevation and Fig: 11 a front view of
a table lamp fitted according to my Invention with a reel or bobbin for winding
up the flow and return wires by which the electric current may be supplied to the
lamp. This enables the lamp to be moved about a room or table without the
inconvenience of a long line or cord of wire trailing upon the floor.
Fig: 12 is a vertical section of the lamp taken on the line 1, 2 of Fig: 11-
Fig 13 is an insulating block or bracket back b constructed and fitted with
metallic hooks B B in the manner and for the purpose already described above.
Figures 14, 15 and 16 are detail views to be presently explained. It will be
understood that a lamp socket is intended to be screwed onto the hollow standard A
of the said table lamp and that any well known or suitable socket and lamp may
be so attached either on the Edison, Swan or Lane-Fox systems.
Referring now to Fig: 12, A is the hollow standard of the lamp mounted upon a
base or pedestal B.
Fitted to the lower part of the standard A. which is partially cut away to receive
it, is a disc or block of wood or other non-conducting material A¹. from which
projects the spindle C.-This spindle has a head c which fits closely against a strip
of conducting metal D secured to the wood block A¹ by screws, and it is prevented
from turning by the squared portion of its head (see the detail view Fig: 14).-On
this fixed spindle C is mounted so as to rotate freely, the bobbin E, and the bobbin
is so constructed as to maintain electrical contact with the wires passing through
the hollow stem A.
For this purpose the reel has a brass bush or sleeve e adapted to fit around the
fixed axle, which axle is preferably of steel, and one of the wires contained in the
cord to be wound upon the reel E is connected with this brass bush or sleeve e,

page_text: and hence is brought into electrical connection with the spindle C and one of the
wires from the lamp within the stem A.
To the face of the disc or block of wood A¹ is attached a ring of metal A³ (see
Fig 15) Against this metal ring A³, two or more metallic spring fingers or
brushes secured to the inner disc E of the bobbin or reel E, make rubbing contact.
The face of the inner disc E' fitted with four of such metallic spring fingers fis.
shewn in Fig: 16.
The second of the two wires in the cord wound upon the reel E passes through
the hole f¹ in the reel E, and is connected to the metallic fingers f by a screw;
it will thus be seen that when the reel is in place upon its spindle the said wire
is brought into electrical connection with the metal ring A³ (Figures 12 and 15)
which ring A is connected with the second of the two lamp wires within the
stem A.
As an obvious modification of the foregoing a projecting. rim or ring of metal
may be secured to the face of the inner disc E¹ of the bobbin E, and fixed springs
or rubbers may be attached to the block or disc A³, and be adjusted to bear against
and make constant electrical contact with the said rim or ring of metal on the
reel E, the current passing in one direction by this channel and in the other
direction by the metal bush and spindle as in the previous case.-It has not been
thought necessary to illustrate this modified arrangement.
When it is desired to use this table lamp, it will merely be necessary to slip the
projecting hooks B B of the insulated block b into a pair of the protected fixed
contact surfaces in connection with the branch wires from the dynamo, when the
lamp on the stem A will be caused to burn and the lamp may be freely moved
about whilst alight upon the table or in the rooms or passages. The reel in the
lamp just described is adapted to be turned by hand but a spring reel may be used
for this purpose and such a spring reel will be described hereafter as applied to a
hanging or pendent lamp, and also as adapted to a standard lamp.
To further facilitate the lighting of houses and other structures in any part by
electricity I propose to utilize the picture rods, cornice poles, architraves, overhead
beams and also parts of ceilings and dados as points of attachment for the incan-
descent or other lamps fitting and arranging them in such a manner as to allow
of the lamps being slidden along while alight or readily connected with or discon-
nected from the said rods, dados, ceilings or other points of attachment.
This part of my Invention is illustrated in Figures 17 to 32 inclusive of the
drawings.
In applying my Invention to cornice poles and picture rods I use a hollow pole
or rod having a longitudinal slit running throughout its entire length, and I support
this hollow rod or pole slit downwards, upon brackets projecting from the wall at
the required height. The cornice pole G and bracket H are shewn in front and
sectional side view in Figures 17 and 18 and in enlarged plan view at Fig: 184,
and one end of the pole or rod G is shewn on an enlarged scale in longitudinal
section and end view respectively in Figures 18 and 18°. Within the rod G and
suitably insulated from it is a metallic race or channel consisting of two continuous
surfaces g of metal such as copper, in electrical connection with the battery or
dynamo by means of wires h h passing up through one of the brackets H and
connected respectively with the metal strips or their equivalent g g within the
pole or rod G. For this purpose a portion H' of the top of the bracket H is made
removable, and a hole is made through the top of the pole G just below the said
moveable portion H¹, so that by removing the said portion or lid H¹ the branch
wires may be threaded through the bracket and be led along and within the top of
the pole G to the end thereof, where they are secured to the turned-down ends of
the metal strips gg as best shown in Figures 183 and 18°-The removable portion H'
is then secured in place by the screw h¹ and a cap-piece or cover H³ lined with
vulcanite is fitted onto the end of the pole G.
A travelling carriage K of the construction shewn in Figures 19 and 20 is adapted

page_text: to be inserted at one end of the hollow pole or rod and to be slidden along
within it.
The travelling carriage K consists of two metallic cheeks or side pieces k of brass
or copper separated by a block or strip of vulcanite or other insulating material k¹,
and these side pieces k are so shaped and inclined as to correspond with and lie
closely against the two insulated strips of copper g g.
.
The lamp, or it may be a frame or fittings to receive one or more lamps, may be
suspended to this travelling carriage K by rigid or pliable connections. A flexible
cord or cords containing the flow and return wires properly insulated is shewn in
the drawings at Fig: 19, as serving to support a lamp socket and lamp.
The open end of the hollow rod or cornice pole G is closed after the insertion of
the travelling carriage K by the cap or end piece H2, by which means protection
against accidentally touching the strips of metal g. g. (which cannot be got at
through the narrow longitudinal slit in the rod G) is secured.
A lamp suspended from a travelling carriage, such as K, may be moved hori
zontally by sliding the carriage along within the rod to any desired position.
The same kind of fitting may be applied also to overhead beams or mouldings
as shewn in sectional view in Fig: 21, in which the same letters of reference
indicate corresponding parts to those just described-K. is the travelling carriage
having metallic side pieces k. insulated the one from the other by a block of
vulcanite or equivalent substance k'; g. g. are the strips of metal constituting a
hidden and protected race or channel within the moulding or beam of wood, which
corresponds to the pole or rod G in Figures 17 and 18. The cheeks g. g. are
respectively connected with the flow and return branch wires from the dynamo,
and the side pieces k. k. in contact with the said cheeks are respectively connected
with the flow and return wires within the flexible cord or cords l. leading to the
lamp or frame or other support adapted to receive one or more electric lamps.
In this case also the lamp or lamps, or it may be a looking glass or other frame
supporting the electric lamp or lamps, may be slidden along and its position
adjusted horizontally so as to bring the light into the desired position.
When it is simply required to rapidly connect or disconnect a hanging lamp or
cluster of lamps to or from the ceiling or other overhead point of attachment. I use
the fitting shewn in Figures 22 to 27 inclusive of the drawings. This fitting
consists of a block or rose L of wood or ebonite secured to the ceiling or other
point of attachment, to which block I, are attached two insulated metal cheeks g.g
corresponding to the metal strips g. g. shewn in Figures 19 and 21, and adapted to
receive and support the carriage K having the cheeks or side pieces k. k insulated as
before described by the block of vulcanite k¹.
The wires from the lamp are connected respectively to the side pieces k. k. of the
carriage or support K, and the wires from the electric Generator are connected to
the metal cheeks or lugs g. g. When therefore the support K is slipped into place
electrical contact will be made, and the pendent lamp or lamps will be lighted. A
spring stop-piece g¹. (see Figures 24. 26 and 27) prevents the carriage or support K
from slipping out at one end of the fixed channel, and a catch g² (see Figures 23.
24. and 27) keeps it in place when inserted. To protect the hands from shock by
contact with the metal cheeks or lugs g. g, the said cheeks may be covered on the
outside and ends with vulcanite or equivalent material, and similarly those parts
of the support or carriage K exposed to touch while the fitting is being put in place,
may be covered by a non conducting material. I preferably however employ a
Screw-cap guard of the form shewn in side and plan views Figures 22. and 25.
This guard G has a central aperture and it is threaded on the flexible cord or
other support for the lamp before the said cord or support is attached to the
carriage or fitting K, and after. the said carriage or fitting K has been slidden into
place the guard is screwed on and accidental contact with the exposed metallic
surfaces is impossible.
Referring now to Figures 28 to 32 inclusive. I will describe the mode of adapting
my Invention to dados and similar projecting mouldings, the principle being the

page_text: same as that described with reference to the cornice pole or rod, only inverted. It
will therefore need but little further explanation.
Within the dado G or similar moulding is formed a longitudinal channel or box
provided with strips of metal g. g. preferably copper, insulated the one from the
other and connected respectively with the flow and return branch wires from the
electric generator.
K is the travelling carriage, on which is mounted the support or standard for the
electric lamp or lamps. A portion of the top plate of the dado G is detachable to
admit of the carriage K being inserted in place, and the detachable plate is then
screwed down. It has not been considered necessary to indicate this plate in the
drawings.
The carriage K has metallic side pieces or cheeks or strips of metal k. k at top
and bottom, for making electrical contact with the strips of metal g. g. within the
dado G, and it is furnished with a spring or springs k2, 2. for ensuring close contact
between the metal surfaces and firmly holding the lamp support in place. l. l. are
the insulated wires leading to the electric lamp or lamps, and these may be divided
and be led in part to a socket for a lamp of the Swan type, as shewn at a².
Fig 30, and in part to a socket for a lamp of the Edison, or other suitable type as
shewn at a. Fig: 30, the lamps being of course selected and arranged according to
their resistance.
Figures 31 and 32 are detached end views of two forms of carriage suitable for
the above purpose.
In one case the lamp wires are connected each to one of the side springs k² k²,
and through these springs are in electrical communication with the cheeks or strips
of metal k, k. In the other case, Fig: 32, the wires are connected directly with
the cheeks or strips of metal k. k. In both cases the springs serve to hold the
carriage steady in its place, while allowing it to be slidden freely lengthwise when
desired.
Cords of any suitable material may be used to draw the travelling carriage K
along the channel in the rod or dado containing the protected metallic contact a
surfaces.
The next part of my Invention relates to means for enabling electric lamps to be
raised or lowered, or moved from place to place, without extinguishing them. To
this end I adapt to each lamp or lamp socket a case containing a spring reel
or bobbin on which a cord containing both the flow and return wires suitably
insulated from one another is wound.
The lamp, it may be a hanging or other lamp, can thus, while still alight, be
moved to any distance limited by the length of cord which the reel can
contain and which will be given off from or wound up upon the spring reel as
the lamp is moved about, or the reel may be fitted with a winch handle for
winding up the cord by hand as described with reference to the drawings of a
table lamp Figures 10 to 16.
In Figures 33 to 36 of the accompanying Drawings I have shewn my spring reel
arrangement as adapted to a hanging lamp. Fig: 33 being an edge view thereof,
Fig: 34 a side view, Fig: 35 a sectional view on the line 1. 2 of Fig: 34, and
Fig: 36 a side view thereof, one of the covering plates being removed.
Referring now to the sectional and side views. Figures 35 and 36 shewing the
interior of the spring reel, N is a cylindrical case for containing the spring reel
and its connections; n, is a nozzle serving as a guide for the flexible cord as it is
wound up or given off, n¹ is a screw attached to the case and intended to receive a
lamp socket a, and lamp a¹, as shewn in Fig: 33 and made hollow to allow of the
wires from the interior of the case passing to and being properly connected with
the said lamp socket and lamp-Secured within the case N are two cheeks or
frames of metal n² adapted to carry the metallic stud axles n³ on which the spring
wheel rotates.
These cheeks or frames of metal n² are conveniently made of the form shewn
best in side view at Fig 36 which combines strength and lightness. They also

page_text: serve as conductors of electricity to the respective lamp wires as will be explained
directly.
O is the spring reel mounted between the cheeks n² and turning on the stud
axles n³. This reel is of wood or other nonconducting material and it is fitted on
one side with a metallic spring box P and on the other with a disc of metal P¹, or
with another spring box such as P, each concentric with the said reel and secured
to its sides by screws.
One end of the spring within the spring box or boxes P is attached to the fixed
stud axle n³ at that side and the other end is attached to the inside of the
spring box.
The flexible cord passes through the hollow guide n and is divided at or about
the point o, one wire or set of wires passing through a hole to the metal cover of
the spring case P on the one side and the other wire or set of wires leading to the
disc of metal P¹, or other spring box, on the other side.
Fixed to the stud axles and concentric therewith are two discs of metal n¹ n¹
which make close rubbing contact with the metal cover of the spring case P and
disc of metal P¹, or second spring box, respectively. Hence it will be seen that
the current from the pair of insulated wires within the flexible cord is divided
at o and one half is led to the side frame n² on the right, the other to that on the
left. To these side frames the wires leading to the lamp socket and lamp are
respectively attached.
The periphery of the spring reel O is notched in one or more places and a spring
pawl is fitted to the case N so as to arrest the reel at any desired point. It will
thus be seen that on grasping the case N the case and lamp may be lowered and
left suspended at any desired level, and that by simply pressing down the end of
the pawl lever (which projects for that purpose through the case) the pawl will be
raised out of action, the spring will be free to act and the cord will be wound up
as the lamp and case are raised
It will be understood that this arrangement of spring reel may with but slight
modification be adapted to the base of a standard or support for one or more
electric lamps or to the base of a table lamp such as has been described above:
a sectional elevation of such an arrangement is shewn at Fig: 37 and will be
readily understood from the foregoing description.
In order still further to add to the utility of this spring reel arrangement I
attach an insulating block and pair of hooks such as is shewn in Fig 13 to the
free end of the flexible cord containing the flow and return wires, and thus the
spring reel pendent, or other lamp may be readily and securely connected with or
disconnected from a pair of hidden contact surfaces protected by a rose or guard
plate in the manner fully described above A pair of such protected contact
surfaces may be conveniently situate immediately above a dressing table or
midway of the lintel of a window, and the lamp may be raised or lowered while
still alight and set at any desired level, or may be instantly disconnected together
with its cord and its connecting block b, and be shifted and attached to another
pair of protected contact surfaces wherever such protected contact surfaces are
provided.
Two of such spring reels may be used in combination to support one or more
lamp sockets and lamps as shewn in side view, partly in section, at Fig: 38; or a
spring pulley may be used of the form and in the manner shewn in Fig: 39. In
Fig: 38 the flow and return wires are each enclosed in a separate cord instead
of both being combined in a single cord. One of the wires from the ceiling
is led through a guide in the case of the top pulley, and entering a hole in
the lower pulley is wound around a spring reel contained therein and is in
electrical rubbing contact with a side piece on the stud axle, from which the
current passes to the lamp.-The other wire from the ceiling is in electrical contact
with the stud axle of the top pulley and this is electrical connection with the
wire of the cord around the upper spring pulley which cord passes through a
guide in. the case of the lower pulley and so to the lamp. .

page_text: In the arrangement shewn in Fig: 39 a single unbroken cord is used containing
both wires suitably insulated-This cord is passed through the drum pulley, O,
which rotates freely around a practically fixed axle suspended from ceiling pulleys
by ordinary cords and weights. When the axle is pushed up the drum will be
rotated by the spiral spring within it, and the flexible cord will be wound up on
both halves of the drum-When the axle is drawn down the said cord will pay
off from both halves of the drum and hence the lamp attached to the lower end of
the flexible cord may be raised or lowered without breaking circuit.
The next part of my Invention relates to a portable electric hand lamp which I
make by mounting a lamp and lamp socket on one end of a winch spindle or
upon a winch case, a bandle projecting from the winch case serving to carry it by.
This part of my Invention is illustrated in section in Fig 40 of the drawing.
In this figure Q is the winch case provided with a hollow handle or guide Q',
through which the flexible cord containing both the flow and return wires suitably
insulated passes to the reel R.-This reel R is mounted to rotate freely within the
case and is keyed fast to a hollow axle R¹, which is fitted at one end with a lamp
socket a and lamp a' of any suitable type and at the other with a winch
handle R². The flexible cord is passed through a hole in the wooden reel body
and through a hole in the hollow spindle R¹ and thence goes to the lamp socket a
where the suitably insulated flow and return wires separate, and are properly
connected so as to supply a current of electricity to the carbon filament
n
The free end of the flexible cord is fitted with a block b fitted with hooks BB
according to the first part of my invention. By means of the insulated hooks BB
the wires of the flexible cord may be instatly connected with a pair of protected
contact surfaces in the hall, passages or other parts of the house as above fully
described, and the current will cause the lamp to burn..
While still alight the lamp may be carried about the house and passages, and
down the carriage drive, or along the paths and about the grounds adjacent to the
house
Such a portable hand lamp will be of the greatest use to Librarians, and
others.
In this case the connection between the wires in the cord and the lamp socket
is unbroken and the lamp rotates with the reel.
A hollow handle or guide may be also readily adapted to a lamp and reel such
as are described with reference to Figures 11 to.16 and in that case the lamp
will not be caused to rotate as the winch or reel is unwound or wound up, since
the reel is mounted to rotate around a fixed spindle and convey a continuous
current to a fixed lamp socket and lamp.
Motion may be imparted to the winch or reel by bevil or other gearing actuated
by a handle set at right angles to the stem of the portable lamp and axis of the
winch or reel.
I also in some cases fit a simple spring click to the hand or spring reels on which
the flexible cord is wound in order to attract attention should the cord be
accidentally pulled or caught.
I have now described in detail the nature of my several improved appliances
and fittings for facilitating the lighting up of houses and other structures in any
part by electricity, and in Figures 41 and 42 of the accompanying Drawings
I have shewn, in a diagram form, two rooms or parts of rooms in which I have
indicated the position in which most of the said fittings are intended to be, or
may be, used.
In these figures A. is a push bracket or support for electric lamps in the shape
of a mirror hung against the wall. It is fitted with push buttons as shown in the
side view A¹, adapted to make contact with a pair of protected contact surfaces
contained in boxes embedded in the wall, and its frame is provided with a pair of
protected contact surfaces adapted to receive and support a double bracket or
support for incandescent lamps by means of the bracket back or block of insulating
substance fitted with a pair of metallic hooks as shewn at B B¹ and at C C),

page_text: At D is represented a standard lamp, the base of which is fitted with a reel or
winch for winding up a flexible cord containing the flow and return wires suitably
insulated, as described in detail in reference to Figures 10 to 16; b being the block
at the end of the said cord and fitted with the metallic contact hooks in connection
with a pair of protected contact surfaces.
At E is shewn a table lamp with flexible cord leading from a block b with
hooks B B in connection with a pair of protected contact surfaces fitted in or
behind the skirting board.
Findicates the position of another pair of such contact surfaces.
G represents a lamp supported by a cord or hollow rod pendent from a block
such as b fitted with insulated hooks in connection with a pair of protected contact
surfaces midway of the lintel of a window.
It will be understood that each pair of such protected contact surfaces is intended
to be properly connected with the branch flow and return wires from the source of
electricity and that pairs of such protected contact surfaces are fixed at a number
of different points in and about the house, wherever in fact a bracket back or block
such as b is required to be attached.
In Fig: 42 H is a picture rod fitted internally according to my Invention
in the manner fully described above: I have here shown an ornamental mirror
bracket or frame carrying four incandescent lamps the current for which passes
down through the insulated wires which depend from and are supported by a
travelling carriage within the picture rod.
H shews the arrangement in side view.
I indicates a lamp suspended by a cord from a travelling carriage adapted to the
beam of a ceiling in the manner fully detailed above.
K shews the invention as applied to a dado along which the lamp bracket
or support may be shifted while the lamps are alight, also as fully described
above.
L represents a hanging lamp fitted with a case containing a spring reel and
pawl according to another part of my invention, and suspended from a travelling
carriage adapted to a slide within a curtain or cornice pole while maintaining the
electrical connection. The remaining Figures of the diagram represent various
sorts of hanging lamps fitted with spring pulleys and adapted to be raised or
lowered without breaking contact or exposing to accidental touch any dangerous
contact surfaces.
These diagram Figures are not intended to explain the construction of the
several appliances but will give some idea of the facilities which my invention
affords for shifting the electrical lamps to any required position and thereby
diminishing the number of separate lamp brackets or supports for lamps necessary
for the adequate illumination of a house by electricity in any desired spot.
I would observe that I am aware that flexible conductors of electricity of
various kinds have been made and used for conveying electric currents from one
spot to another, and I make no claim to any novelty in the construction of the
flexible conductor which I employ, nor do I make any claim to its use per se; for
the purpose of conveying the electric current from a generator or accumulator to a
lamp or lamps; nor to any means for coupling together two or more lengths of cord
containing the insulated conducting wires; but what I do claim and desire to
secure to myself under the above in part recited Letters Patent is.
1-The application to walls, skirting boards and other surfaces in the rooms or
passages of dwelling houses and other structures, of pairs of electric terminals or
contact surfaces in the manner set forth, and the adaptation to such fixed electric
terminals of detachable brackets or supports for one or more electric lamps, the
said brackets or supports being so fitted that they may be readily attached to the
wall or other surface or be entirely removed therefrom substantially as set forth.
2-Fitting brackets or supports for electric lamps to walls and other surfaces in
the manner above described, whereby an entire bracket or support, whether adapted
to carry one or more lamps, can be instantly and entirely detached from the said

page_text: wall or other surface, and as quickly attached to another part of the wall, or be
replaced by a lamp bracket of entirely different size or design and fitted to carry
fewer or more lamps.
3. The combination with a detachable bracket or support or with a flexible
cord containing both the flow and return wires for one or more electric lámp
stands or sockets, of a block or slab of insulating material such as b fitted with
metallic hooks or pins B B for the purpose of rapidly and securely attaching the
said detachable lamp bracket or flexible cord to a pair of protected fixed terminals
or contact surfaces embedded in a wall or other surface as described with reference
to Figures 1 to 6 of the drawings
4-A bracket-back or support for one or more incandescent lamps adapted to be
hung or sustained against a wall or other surface and fitted with projecting push
buttons in electric connection with the lamps; the said push buttons being adapted
to enter holes in a guard plate or rose situate behind the said bracket back and to
make contact with a pair of protected fixed electrical terminals when desired
substantially as described with reference to Figures 7. 8 and 9 of the drawings.
5-The electric table lamp provided with a wheel or winch for winding up or
paying out a flexible cord containing both the flow and return wires suitably
insulated by which the electric current is conveyed from the branch terminals to
the lamp, substantially as described with reference to Figures 10 to 16 of the
drawings and for the purpose set forth.
6-The adaptation to hollow rods and poles, and to covered channels in dados or
horizontal beams, of a pair or pairs of insulated metallic conductors or rails in
electrical connection with the branch wires from a dynamo or other source of
electricity, and a travelling carriage serving to support one or more electric lamps,
or a frame for electric lamps, the said carriage being adapted to slide or move
within the said rod, pole, channel or beam, and maintain electrical connection
between the fixed metallic conductors or rails and the flow and return wires
leading from the said carriage or support-to the electric lamp or lamps, as and for
the purpose described.
7 The means described with reference to Figures 17 to 21 and 28 to 32 inclusive
of the drawings, for supporting electrical lamps and enabling them while still
alight to be adjusted horizontally along a given line of traverse without exposing
any dangerous terminals or surfaces, substantially as set forth.
8-The adaptation to pendent electric lamps supported by a flexible cord con-
taining both the flow and return wires suitably insulated, of a spring reel or pulley
and a pawl or other retaining device whereby the said lamps while still alight may
be adjusted vertically and retained at any desired level substantially as described
with reference to Figures 33 and 36 of the Drawings.
9 The combination with a bracket attachment or block such as b fitted with a
pair of metallic hooks adapted to be rapidly and securely connected with a pair of
protected fixed electric terminals or contact surfaces such as D D, of a flexible cord
or cords containing the flow and return wires suitably insulated for conveying the
current to an electric lamp or lamps, a spring reel or bobbin adapted to wind up or
give off the said flexible cord or cords, and means for arresting the motion of the
said reel when desired, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
10 The combination with a travelling carriage such as K adapted to be slidden
horizontally and maintain electrical connection with a pair of protected metal rails
situate within a hollow rod or horizontal beam or nioulding, of a flexible cord
containing both the flow and return wires suitably insulated, and serving to support
a lamp or lamps and convey a current of electricity from the said protected rails to
the said lamp or lamps, and a spring reel for winding up or giving off the said
flexible cord, whereby the position of the hanging lamp or lamps may be adjusted
both horizontally and vertically.
11 The combination with a table or standard lamp for one or more electric
lamps and a flexible cord containing both the flow and return wires suitably
insulated for conveying a current of electricity to the said lamp or lamps, of a

page_text: winch or spring reel adapted to wind up or pay out the said cord as required, and
a bracket-back or block of non-conducting material such as b, fitted with a pair of
projecting contact pins or hooks substantially as and for the purpose described
with reference to Figures 10 to 16 and Fig 37 of the Drawings.
12 The combination with a pair of insulated electric terminals such as g g fixe.!
to the ceiling or other horizontal surface, an electric lamp or lamps and a flexible
cord or cords or other lamp support containing both the flow and return wires
suitably insulated, of a carriage or fitting such as K attached to the said lamp
support and adapted to engage with and be supported by the fixed terminals,
means for retaining the carriage K within the said fixed terminals, and a guard
such as G for preventing shock from accidental touch, all substantially as described
with reference to Figures 22 to 27 of the Drawings, and for the purpose set forth.
13. The adaptation to hanging electric lamps of the spring pulley or reel
arrangements described with reference to Figures 38 and 39 of the Drawings.
14 The portable electric hand lamp described with reference to Fig: 40 of the
Drawings.
15. The combination with a portable electric hand lamp and a flexible cord
containing both the flow and return wires suitably insulated of a hand winch for
winding up or paying out the said flexible cord, and means for guiding the said
cord as it is wound up or payed out, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
16. The combination with a portable electric lamp, a flexible cord conveying
the current to and from the said lamp, and a hand winch for winding up or
paying out the said cord as the lamp is moved about, of a block of insulating
material such as b. provided with a pair of contact pins or hooks B. B, for the
purpose of enabling the hand lamp to be rapidly and securely connected with a pair
of electric terminals or contact surfaces fixed in the hall, passage or other place
substantially, as set forth.
In witness whereof I the said Thomas Tayler Smith have hereunto set my
hand and seal the twentyeighth day of April in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and eighty three.
THOMAS TAYLER SMITH.
(L.S.)