Download Flash light and recharging device for the battery thereof

‘May 26, 1925.
I
1,538,992
-
N. M. HOPKINS
FLASH LIGHT AND RECHARYGING DEVICE FOR THE BATTERY THEREOF
Filed Dec. 20, 19,20
Fig]
2
2 Sheets-Sheet l
44
Z6
INVENTOR. ,
7Q“;. 771M “477%.
@731, W 9 619%’
ATTORNEYS.
May 26, 1925.
1,538,992
N. M. HOPKINS
FLASH LIGHT AND RECHARGING DEVICE FOR THE BATTERY THEREOF
Filedv Dec. 20, 1920
2 Sheet's-Sheet 2
INVENTOR.
.
Am
_74W) + /
A TTORNEYS.
‘1,538,992
Patented May 26, 1925.
UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.
NEVIL MONROE HOPKINS, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNORTTO NATIONAL CARBON
COMPANY, INC., A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.
FLASH LIGHT AND RECHARGING DEVICE FOR THE BATTERY THEREOF.
Application ?led December 20, ‘1920. Serial No. 432,021.
T0 all whom it may concern:
Be it known that I, NEVIL MONROE Hor
KINs, a citizen of the United States, resid
ing at New‘ York, in the county of New
York and State of New York, have invented
certain new and useful Improvements in
trical connection of the charging means to
the battery only when the charging means
is in operation and only when the battery
is arranged so that the liquid acid electro~
ly'te thereof will not leak out during charg
mg.
~
Flash Lights and Recharging Devices for ‘ Another object of this invention is to
the Batteries Thereof, of which the follow provide a compact portable converter adapt
ing is a speci?cation.
10
'
ed for recharging storage batteries, which '
This invention relates to portable electric will alternatively convert relatively high 65
lighting devices, known- generally as ?ash voltage ~direct current or relatively high
lights, and battery hand orpocket lanterns. voltage alternating current electrical energy
into relatively low-voltage direct current
cerned with ?ashlights in which miniature‘ electricity suitable for charging storage bat
The invention is more particularly con
1
storage or other rechargeable batteries are
employed as the source of current for light
pocket and hand lanterns, ?ashlights, and
constitute a combined portable out?t em
general application.
Rechargeable batteries, such as storage
batteries, have heretofore been employed in
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spects than the dry cells generally in use in bodying a ?ashlight and a recharging means
such lighting devices. But ?ashlights and for the miniature battery thereof.
lanterns equipped with miniature storage
The above and other important objects
batteries have not attained general popular and novel features of this invention will be
ity principally because it has been practi apparent --from the following description
cally impossible for the average user to re taken with the drawings which are a part
charge the battery himself, making its main of this application and in which—
tenance about as expensive and inconven- .
35
1o
the like, and are more desirable in some re
ever, some of the novel features are of more
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~
Another object of this invention is to pro
vide a recharging device of the above type
comprising converting means or potential
reducing and rectifying means of a size
adapted to be incorporated in a ?ashlight 75
structure to provide a unitary portable elec
tric lighting device, or so that it may be
otherwise associated with the ?ashlight to
ing the ?ashlight lamp, and with means for
readily recharging such batteries. How
20
teries.
80
Fig. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of
ient as the replacement of dry cells.
a portable electric lighting device or ?ash
One of the primary objects of this in light of a well known type, embodying my
vention is, therefore, to provide a portable invention,
90
electric lighting device embodying a battery
Fig. 2 is a partial view of another ?ash- '
that shall be, readily rechargeable, especial light embodying my invention,
- ly by persons unfamiliar with electrical de
40
vices and circuits.
Another object of this invention is to pro
vide a portable recharging'device for ?ash
light storage batteries which may be con
Figs. 3 and 4 are diagrams of-the connec
tions of the electrical circuits in the lighting
devices disclosed in Figs. 1 and 2,
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Figs. 5 and 6, are, respectively, a side
elevation and a longitudinal sectional view
veniently carried about with’ the ?ashlight of another type’ of charging device or con
4
50
and adapted and arranged for connection to verter embodying my invention, Fig. 5
the usual electric supply circuit of a resi showing ?ashlights on a smaller scale, asso
dence, hotel or other building, soth'at the ciated with the charging device disclosed,
?ashlight battery may be recharged as de-W' Fig. 7 is the bottom plan view of the
sired by an inexperienced person wherever charging device shown in Fig. 5, parts be
electric current is available.
ingillustrated in dotted lines and
Another object of this invention is to
Fig. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of
provide a portable electric lighting device another charging device embodying my in
of the above type that shall embody a ?ash vention.
light or hand lantern. charging means for
In its broader aspect-s, my invention com
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105
the storage battery thereof, and suitable prises a portable electric lighting device
' switch means arranged "to complete the elec
embodying a rechargeable battery, such as a 7"“
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miniature storage battery, and means where
the electrolyte within which the positive and
by the battery may be readily recharged by negative plates P are disposed. The vent
persons who are unfamiliar with electrical V desirably comprises a J or L shape capil
devices and circuits. Such charging devices lary passage in a suitable tube sealed in the
may be combined with the portable lighting cover 16 of the battery case, being designed
device in such a manner as to form a unitary
20
herein but it will be understood that the in
ever it becomes desirable or necessary to
vention comprehends other suitable types of
do
portable devices comprising means for con
25
to permit the escape of gas that is generated
device that may be conveniently carried about during the charging or recharging of the
with practically the same ease as the well battery, but during use preventing the'leak
known flashlight or portable lantern. On age of electrolyte therethrough, even when
the other hand, the charging device may be the ?ashlight and battery are inverted. The 75
housed in a portable casing that is separate positive and negative plates or electrodes
may be of any desired or‘ preferred form
from the casing of the ?ashlight but of such
size that it may be conveniently carried about and have their terminals suitably connected
with the portable lighting device and as in circuit in a manner to be described. The
sociated with such lighting device more or miniature storage battery is accordingly a
less temporarily, by suitable electrical con permanent part of the portable electric
ductors through which charging current is lighting device and is not discarded when it
supplied to_ the battery of the lighting de has become discharged, but, on the contrary,
vice. Several desirable forms of charging it may be recharged to substantially its in
devices of the above character are disclosed itial condition of current and voltage when
so.
'
i
.
Suitable recharging apparatus and auxili
verting relatively high-voltage electrical aries thereof are located in the compartment
energy into relatively low-voltage direct cur~ 0 of the ?ashlight casing, or only a part of
90
such recharging apparatus may be housed in
the compartment C and the other parts of
ture storage batteries. _
Referring to the drawings, and particular the recharging apparatus may be provided
ly to Figs. 1 and 3, A designates a unitary with means whereby they are attachable to
rent electricity suitable for charging minia
portable electric lighting device embodying said casing or with other means whereby
95
my invention and of the type generally they may be permanently or temporarily
known as a ?ashlight or pocket lamp, the structurally associated with said ?ashlight.
term “?ashlight” as herein employed, de As before stated, various types of devices
signating generally pocket and hand lamps may be employed for the purpose of recharg
35
and lanterns, and the like, usually employed ing the storage battery B. Inasmuch as
100
as portable electric lighting devices for pro- ' electric current supply circuits, either direct
viding a more or less temporary light. The current or alternating current of relatively
?ashlight A has a cylindrical or other suit high-voltage are now very generally avail
40
45
able casing 10 which in the present instance, able, the more advantageous ‘embodiments
is somewhat longer than the casings gen of my invention employ av recharging de 105
erally employed in ?ashlights carrying dry vice that may be electrically connected to
cells, the extra length of the casing forming such a supply circuit, taking therefrom a
a compartment C to house the recharging comparatively small amount of electrical -‘
device or a portion thereof, and suitable energy of relatively high-potential and con
automatically acting switch means. The verting such energy to relatively low-poten 110
forward end of the casing 10 carries a bell tial direct current suitable for charging the
shaped portion 11 that is closed at its outer miniature ?ashlight battery. The term
end by a lens 12. The bell-shaped portion “electric current converter” or “electric cur
11 of the casing contains the re?ector 13 rent converting device” is herein employed
to designate generally those devices adapted
candescent lamp 14 mounted concentrically and arranged to receive either direct cur
behind the lens 12 and a miniature in
with and in the focus of the reflector.
116
rent or alternating current and deliver direct
The electricity for energizing the in
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current of the desired potential, whether
candescent electric lamp 14 is supplied by a employing resistance or other potential-re
suitable miniature battery B disposed in the ducing means or not and whether employing
120
casing 10, and in the present arrangement rectifying means or not. The principles of
such battery is of a type that is readily re this invention are applicable to converters
chargeable, that is, one which may be re which only convert direct current of high
stored to substantially its normal condition potential to direct current of a suitable
60
of current and voltage by suitable recharg potential to charge the miniature storage
65
ing means. The battery B is most desirably
a miniature secondary or storage battery and
may be of any suitable or preferred type,
having a casing 15 sealed throughout, ex
cept at a vent V, to prevent the escape of
125
battery, to converters which only convert
alternating current of relatively high-poten
tial to direct current of low-potential, and to
converters which are adapted to alternative
ly convert either direct or alternating cur 180
‘1,533,992
8
rent of high—potential to direct current of employed for residence lighting and it is,
low-potential for charging.
therefore. desirable that the apparatus for
The particular recharging device or con
converting high-voltage electrical energy to
verter illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3 is an ad low-voltage direct current for charging the
vantageous construction and consists of a battery shall be adapted to be connected to 70
miniature n'iotor-generator set 'which is and operate from a relatively high-voltage
adapted to alternatively convert relatively alternating current electrical supply circuit.
high-voltage direct current or relatively “There both direct current and alternating
highw'oltage alternating current electrical current circuits may be available for charg
10 energy into relatively low-voltage direct cur ing purposes, it is desirable that a single 76
rent electricity suitable for charging the bat motor be employed which may be connected
tery B. The generator G of this motor-gen alternatively to either alternating current or
erator set consists of an armature 17 that
direct current relatively high-voltage cir
comprises a bipolar or multipolar laminated
core. provided with a winding 18 of ?ne wire
connected to the segments of a commutator
19 from which brushes 2O collect low-volt
cuits. ‘Vith this end in view, in the present
converting apparatus, I employ an electric
80
motor to rotate the generator armature that
‘is capable of operating satisfactorily and
age direct current of 2. 4 or 6 volts, as the e?iciently from either direct current or al
20
case may be, to be supplied through suitable ternating current supply circuits, that is, a
electrical conductors and switches to the motor which is generally known as a “uni
positive and negative poles of the battery B. vcrsal” motor. Any-suitable or preferred
The shaft 21 of the generator armature is form of universal electric motor may be em
rotatably ‘supported in suitable bearing ployed.
The universal motor illustrated in ‘
members 22 and 23 carried in the compart Fig. 1 comprises an armature core 26 built
ment C of the casing 10 so as to rotatably up ‘of slotted laminations in the usual man~
support the armature 17 in the ?eld ‘pro ner and provided with an armature winding
duced by the permanent horse-shoe electro 27 that is connected to the segments of a
magnet 24 secured in the compartment C commutator 28, all carried by the armature
and having its N and S poles on opposite shaft 29 that is mounted in suitable bearings
30
35
sides of the generator armature. WVhile I
employ and have illustrated a permanent
magnet because of its simplicity, it will be
understood that the core of the magnet may
be otherwise magnetized, as for example,
it may consist of laminations carrying a suit
in the motor casing 24 and the inner end of
which may be angular and project into a
similar angular socket in the outer end of
the generator armature shaft 21 to thereby
couple the shafts 21 and 29 together. The
field core 30 of the motor M is also lami 100
able winding connected in circuit with the hated. being desirably built up of annular
generator to set up the desired ?eld ?ux.
Suitable means may be employed for ro
40
tating the generator armature at the proper
speed to generate the desired direct current
ot a relatively low-voltage to be supplied to
the battery B. “There electric current is
slotted laminations so as to eliminate eddy
currents and heating when the motor is con
nected to an alternating current supply cir
cuit.
The core 30 carries a suitable ?eld 105
winding 31 desirably connected in circuit
with the armature winding 27 in a manner
available. an electric motor is most desirably well understood. The conductors of the al
45
employed for this purpose and in Fig. 1 I ternating current supply circuit may be con‘
have illustrated an electric motor M di nected to suitable binding posts 32 on the 110
rectly coupled to the armature shaft of the motor casing and by suitable conductors
generator G to drive the latter at the proper shown in the diagram, Fig. 3. the circuits
generating speed. The motor comprises a are completed within the motor casing to
Casing 25 that is detachably secured by suit the ?eld winding 81 and to the brushes 33
r‘
n
50 able means such as screws to a brass bushing which bear on the commutator 28.
The mo 115
member 25’ threaded on or otherwise mount; tor casing and the flashlight casing may he
ed on the rear end of the casing 10. but it provided with openings. and suitable cool—
will be understood that if desired, the ?ash
ing means such as a fan blade 34 on the ar
light casing 10 may be extended so as to form mature shat't 29 may be employed to circu
55
a continuous casing for housing the entire late air through such openings and through
charging vdevice including the motor.
the converting apparatus to prevent over
“There relatively high-voltage direct cur heating thereof. but in some types of con—
rent. common on direct current distribution verting apparatus such cooling means may
systcn'is, for example 60, 100. 110 or 120 be omitted without sacri?cing .any advan
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60
volts. is the only source of electricity avail
125
tages of the invention.
When the battery 13 is charged. the lamp
direct ‘curl-(mt electric motor designed for l-t may be lighted or flashed by operating
able. the motor M may consist of a miniature
the higlevoltage direct current circuit upon the usual or any preferred torm of switch
which it is to be used. However, alternating 36 that is carried by the casing 10 and is
05 current around no volts is now generally arranged to close the electrical circuit in
130
4:
1,538,992
’ cluding the storage battery and lamp. This
circuit contains another switch 37, which
by the aid of a spring 38 or other suitable
means, is normally held in position to elec
will leak out of the battery casing, and in
the present instance, this object is attained
by supporting the battery so that its vent
is at the upper end or uppermost during
trically connect the conductor 39 leading the time that the battery is being charged.
from the batteryi to the contact 40 con A simple means for holding the battery in
nected to one terminal of the switch 86, so a correct chargingposition comprises a de
that normally the operation of the switch vice for suspending the lighting device, as
36 will serve to complete the battery-lamp
circuit and light the lamp. When it. is de
sired to recharge the battery, suitable means
may be provided for temporarily complet~
ing the charging circuit between the low
voltage generator or other electrical device,
'15 that supplies low-voltage direct current, and
the storage battery to be charged. For this
purpose, a switch is employed in the charg
10
20
cured to the outer side ofthe enlarged up 75
per end 11 of the ?ashlight casing. Such
suspension eye may be folded out of the way
and when in extended position, may be used
to hang the lighting device on a nail or
other suitable support while the battery is
that the inner end of the vent will be un
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40
tomatically to interrupt the charging cir from while the lighting device is in use,
cuit when the charging device no longer even when the battery and lighting device
functions, so that the storage battery will are inverted.
not discharge through the electrical device
Inasmuch as attempts may be made to
ing device is idle. In the portable convert right position, say when it is lying on its
ing device shown in Fig. 1, the switch 37 side, or inverted. an arrangement is pro
is automatically operated and pulled away vided whereby it will be impossible to
from the contact 40 against the tension of charge the battery under such conditions
the spring 38 by a small electro-magnet 4]. and whereby the battery may only be
which is controlled by the operation of the charged when its vent is in such a position
charging device. In the present instance that the inner end of the vent is uncovered
the coil of the magnet 41 is electrically con so that the electrolyte will not be expelled
nected in series with the motor M so that therefrom during the charging operation.
when current is supplied to the latter, the Various means may be employed to accom
electro-magnct 41 will be energized. caus plish this purpose, the one herein disclosed
ing the switch member 37 to open the cir~ comprising a simple and effective gravity
cuit through the contact 40 and to engage operated switch means inserted .in the charg
a- contact 42. thereby connectingr the latter ing circuit, and as shown, includes an in
which is in the charging circuit. to the con verted frustro-conical conducting shell 45
ductor 39 which leads to one pole of the suitably mounted in'the casing 10 and con
storage battery. Accordingly. the comple
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erated within the electrolyte and a suitable
vent such as the vent V is usually pro
vided in the cover of the storage battery
as a relief port for such gases. The liquid
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95
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105
nected by a conductor 45’ to the contact
tion of the charging circuit depends upon 42. A switch member in the form of a
the operation of the charging device or ball 46 of conducting material, is disposed
converting means.
in the shell 45 and is of such size as to
\Vhile the storage battery is being roll freely therein and to partly project
charged. as is well known, gases are gen from the loweropen end of the shell, to
50
85
structed that no electrolyte will ?ow there
employed for charging it when the charg charge the battery while it is not in an up
30
80
being charged, thus arranging the device so
ing circuit which completes the electrical covered and no electrolyte will be expelled
connection of the converting device to the from the vent while the battery is gassing.
battery only when the converting device is The vent is of such minute size and so con
in operation, that is, one which will act au
25
for example, a suspension eye 44 that is se
110
engage a contact 47 that is electrically con
nected to the charging device. This gravity
115
switch is arranged so that the ball 46 en~
gages the contact 4;? to close the circuit only
electrolyte in such batteries is usually sul when the vent V of the. battery is arranged
phuric acid and the leakage or expulsion or disposed so that no electrolyte will cover
of even a small amount of the same, is the inner end thereof and be expelled there
very undesirable, especially in portable from when the battery is being charged and
lighting devices of the type herein described is gassing. In case the directions are not
which are often carried about in clothing followed and an attempt is made to charge
that is likely to be ruined by such acid. the battery while the device is lying on its
Accordingly. in order to prevent the ex side, or inverted, the ball 46 will roll out
pulsion of electrolyte while the gas is be— of contact with the contact 47 and the charg
ing evolved during charging, it is desirable ing circuit will be incomplete. No current
125
to have the battery so arranged that the will then ?ow to the battery and no‘ elec
inner end of the vent is open to allow the trolyte will be expelled therefrom. thus
gas to escape freely so that no electrolyte avoiding the objectionable leakage of elec 130
1,638,992
5
trolyte which would otherwise occur by an small bevel pinion 57 on a shaft 29’ coupled
accumulation of pressure due to gassing.
to the generator armature shaft 21 and
The operation of my improved portable meshing with a large beveled gear 57’ that
electric lightingdevice will be apparent is arranged to be rotated by a crank 57”
10
from a consideration of the diagram shown secured thereto, thus providing a speed mul 70
in Fig. 3. Normally, the parts of the appa tiplying device whereby the generator arma
ratus are in the position illustrated, except ture can be driven at a comparatively high
that the ball member 46 may be in some speed. The gears 57, 57’ and their shafts,
other position, depending upon how the are suitably. mounted in a bracket 58 that
lighting device is held but this is imma is threaded at its forward end or otherwise 75
terial while the device is in use. In this arranged to be readily attachable to a co
normal position, the lamp 14 may be lighted operating part on the rear end of the flash
by closing the switch 36 to complete the elec light casing.
trical circuit as follows: Positive terminal
In the lighting device of Fig. 2, the charg
of the battery B, conductor 39, switch 37, ing circuit is also normally open so as to
contact 40, conductor 48, switch 36, con prevent the discharge of the battery through
ductor 49, lamp 14, conductors 50 and 51 the generator. The main switch of‘ the
20
to the negative terminal of the battery B.. charging circuit may be, controlled by a
When the battery B is to be recharged, the suitable device that will close the charg
lighting device is ?rst suspended from the ing circuit when the charging device is in
eye 44 or arranged so that the vent will be condition to supply current to the battery
80
85
at the upper end of the battery or uppermost and that will open the charging ‘circuit .
to uncover the inner end of said vent and when the battery has become charged or
25
30
thereby prevent discharge of electrolyte whenithe charging device has completed the
from the battery during the gassing inci
charging of the battery. The particular
dental to recharging. In this position, the means employed in the electric lighting de
ball member 46 of the gravity switch will vice illustrated in Figs. 2 and 4 may coin
engage the contact 47. When either a rela prise a‘governor device 59 of well known
tively high-potential alternating current or construction operatively associated with the
a relatively high-potential direct current armature shaft of‘ the generator and having
_ supply circuit is connected to the terminals connected thereto a switch lever 59’ pivoted
32, 32 of the motor M, current will ?ow at 59” so that a part thereof is movable into
90
95'
through the motor to operate it and at the engagement with the contact 60 when the
same time current will be supplied to the generator is driven at generating speed, as
electro-magnet 41 by conductors 52 and 53, illustrated in dotted lines in Fig. '4. When 100
energizing the latter to attract the armature the charging device or generator is idle, or
of the switch 37, moving the same to the the battery has been charged, the governor
dotted position in Fig. 3 to complete the device restores to its normal position and
‘charging circuit as follows: Positive brush opens the charging circuit automatically,
of the generator G, conductor 54, contact thereby preventing a return flow of current
47, ball 46, shell 45, conductor 45’, contact from the battery to the generator. A grav
42, switch 37, conductor 39', battery B, con ity or other suitable switch similar to the
ductors 51 and 55 to the negative brush of one illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3, is also em
the generator G. “Then the battery has ployed to control the connection of the gen
been recharged, and the electric current sup erator to the battery so that the latter may 110
ply is interrupted or disconnected from the only be charged when the vent of the stor
binding posts 32, 32, the magnet 41 willbe age battery is arranged so there will be sub
de-energized and the spring 38 will restore stantially no leakage of electrolyte there
from while the battery is gassing. ' A single‘
gagement with contact 40, thereby prevent~ switch to control the connection of the lamp
the switch 37 to its normal position in en
ing the discharge of the battery through, to the battery B may be employed as illus
the generator and also restoring the battery trated in Fig. 3, but in Fig. 4 I have shown
lamp circuit to the condition inewhich the another desirable arrangement which com-.
lamp 14 may be lighted by the operation of prises a three-way switch 36’. In one posi
the switch 36.
tion, the conductor 39’ from the positive
Where no electrical supply circuit is pole of the battery B is not connected to
available, for the operation of an electric‘ either the lamp or the charging device and
motor, other suitable means, such as a me
15
120
in the other two positions the positive pole
chanical device, may be employed to rotate of the battery may be connected to either
the generator at the required generating the conductor 49 or the conductor 45’ which
a portable electric lighting device embody charging device.
'
speed. In Figs. 2 and 4 I have illustrated respectively lead to the lamp and to the
ing my invention in which the generator
Figs. 1 to 4 disclose a portable electric
armature is rotated‘ by a mechanical device lighting device in which an electrical con
that is manually operable and comprises a verter for recharging a flashlight storage
130
6
1,538,992
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battery is so combined with the casing and with the windings of the motor M by suit
other elements of the ?ashlight as to form a able conductors. The lower end of the arma
structurally unitary device that is adapted ture shaft 211 of the generator may operate
to be carried about with the low-voltage di
rect current generator in permanent electri
cal connection with the storage battery and
the switches controlling the electrical con
nections, and in addition the generator driv
ing means is associated with the ?ashlight
or carry a suitable device such as fan blades
341 by means of which air may be circulated
70
through openings 64 and 65 in the casing
and past the parts of the apparatus therein.
Flashlight batteries to be charged may
either be removed from the ?ashlight case
either permanently or detachably. For some and mounted with the vents thereof sub 75
purposes it is desirable to arrange the electric stantially uppermost in a position to prevent
converting device in an independent port expulsion of liquid electrolyte through such
able casing having terminals adapted to be vents, as heretofore set forth, or the same
electrically connected with the storage bat may be retained in the case, as in the forms
tery of the ?ashlight by suitable electric con illustrated in Fig. 5, and the ?ashlight sup
80
ductors, but such portable converting device ported in a position so that the battery vents
for charging the ?ashlight storage battery will be at the upper end of the battery, or
may nevertheless be of a size adapting it in other words, so that the battery is dis
to be carried about with the ?ashlight so posed with its vent substantially uppermost.
that the latter may be recharged whenever
or example, in the ?ashlight L’, the vent
85
desired. A converter or charging device of V’ of the battery B’ is at the base end of the
this type may be electrically and mechani ?ashlight casing or the end remote from the
cally disconnected from the ?ashlight after lamp 141, and in order to support this ?ash
charging so that the latter will be free of light for charging, it may be mounted in an
the additional weight otherwise imposed on inverted position as shown the lens 121
the ?ashlight when the charging apparatus thereof having a ?at outer face adapted to
is unitarily combined therewith.
serve as an enlarged base, enabling the ?ash
Figs. 5 to 8 illustrate types of portable light to be set on a ?at support S, such as a
electric lighting devices and charging de table. In another example, a ?ashlight L"
00
vices embodying the foregoing features, may be provided with a suspension eye or
showing ?ashlights with which the charging book 441 whereby it may be hung from suit
35
or converting device may be temporarily
associated by means of electrical connections
between the two. In the arrangement il
lustrated in Figs. 5 to 7, a substantially tub
ular converter casing T comprises an upper
able means, such as a nail, so that the vent_
V" of its battery B", which vent is adja
cent the lamp end of the ?ashlight, will be
adjacent the amp 142 and uppermost when
the ?ashlight is suspended as shown. Suit
portion T’ which is made somewhat larger able switch means may be arranged to con
in diameter than the lower portion T", to trol the lighting of the lamps 141, 142, the
house the universal electric motor M of the electrical connection of the charging device
motor-generator set which constitutes the to the battery, and to prevent the discharge
10C
105
converting apparatus for supplying the of the battery through the charging device,
charging current.
45
50
The universal electric and in all essential respects, these switches
motor and the low-voltage direct current may be similar to those disclosed in Figs.
generator coupled to it may be substantially 1 to 4. The gravity operated switches illus
of the same construction as the set illus trated comprise tapering conducting shells
trated in Fig. 1, the generator being disposed 451 and 452 having cooperating conducting
in the lower, contracted portion T” of the balls 461 and 462 in the ?ashlights L’ and
casing. A suitable ?eld winding F may be L” respectively. Terminals or bindinrr posts
provided on the ?eld magnet core 61 also P, N and P’, N’, may be arranged on t e bot
disposed in the smaller part of the casing tom ends of the ?ashlight cases or elsewhere
110
115
which, when energized, furnishes the ?eld thereon so that the terminals 66, 66', re
?ux for the generator armature. The frame spectively, of the charging device may be
of the motor and generator and other parts electrically connected through suitable con
are so combined into a structural whole as ductors to the ?ashlight batteries in said
to be readily inserted in the casing T. Suit cases. In this manner, a ?ashlight and its
able means may be provided for connecting battery embodying the present invention,
the converter to an electric current supply may be temporarily structurally associated
circuit, and in the present arrangement, the with the charging set and when recharged,
upper end of the casing T is shown provided may readily be disconnected from the charge
00 with a threaded neck contact 62 and a center
65
ing device and used independently thereof.
125
contact 68 whereby a suitable electrical and
The polarity of the low-voltage direct cur
mechanical connection may be made with an rent delivery terminals may be readily de
electric lamp socket or receptacle of well termined by suitable means associated with
known construction. The contacts 62 and the binding posts 66, 66’. For this purpose
63' may be electrically connected in circuit an electrically operable indicating device
130
1,638,992
"7
may be located in the lower end of the electrically ' connected to the converter
smaller portion of the converter casing, the winding. The converter may be embodied
same comprising a segmental window 68 in a ?ashlight as a unitary part thereof,
which may be in the bottom of the casing similar to the electric machine of the device
and through which a ?ag or indicator 69 is illustrated in Fig. 1, for example, or the 70
visible.
The side of the casing may also same ma
have a window 68' through which an indi
be housed in a separate case to
be assoclated with the ?ashlight battery
cator 69’ is visible. The indicators 69 and when the latter is to be charged. An ex~
69’ may be mounted on a pivoted rod 70 ample of the latter type of device is broadly
10 and' a magnetic needle or head 71 at one end. similar to the charging device shown in 76
of the rod is disposed in the path of the Figs. 5 to 7,'as illustrated in Fig. 8 in which
?ux between the north and south poles of the rotary converter K is ‘housed in a sub
a permanent magnet 72, which normally stantially tubular metal casing 80, the
maintains the same in a balanced position upper end of which may carry suitable ter
and the indicators 69 and 69’ in a position minals such as a screw threaded contact.
20
intermediate the terminals 66 and 66’. The
head 71 of the indicator is also subject to
the in?uence of an electro-magnet 73, the
winding of which may be electrically con~
nected in series circuit with one of the low—
.voltage direct current supply conductors
leading to the binding posts 66, 66’. Low~
-voltage direct current supplied by the charg~
ing device will thus ?ow through the wind
25 ing 73, inducing a magnetic ?eld, the po
shell’ 621 and a center contact 631, adapted
to make electrical contact with the usual
screw and center contacts of a lamp socket.
The contacts ‘621 and 631are respectively,
electrically connected to the brushes 75 by
suitable electrical conductors. The termi
nals of the generating winding of the con
verter may be connected to a suitable com- .
mutator 213 on the armature ‘shaft 212,
from which the desired low-voltage direct
larity of which depends on the direction of the . current is delivered through brushes 81, 81'
currenttherein and which ?eld will act on the to exterior binding posts 82, 82 electrically
needle 71 to turn the same and unbalance connected to said brushes. For supplying
the pivoted rod 70. This swings the indi
30
the required ?eld excitation, a permanent
cators 69 and 69’. to one side or the other ?eld magnet may be employed or a suitably
of their intermediate position and opposite connected ?eld Winding F’ on the ?eld mags
net core may be provided. Fan blades 342
on the armature shaft 212 may be provided
cated adjacent opposite ends of the windows. to induce a circulation of air through the‘
or adjacent one or the other of the low
_voltage direct current terminals 66, 66' lo
The indicators 69, 69' are desirably arranged casing and throughopenings 651. Means
to designate the positive terminalof the may be provided to manually start the
charging device, and may be marked with miniature rotary'converter illustrated and
a plus sign, as shown.
.
‘for this purpose the armature shaft 212
Other types of electrical devices may ad may be provided with a projecting lower
40
vantageous y be employed to supply the de
end upon which a knurled head 214 may be 105
sired. low-voltage direct current for re secured. The head 214 may be gripped and
charging storage batteries of portable elec the armature spun rapidly, bringing it into
tric lighting devices, such as ?ashlights. synchronism with the high-voltage alternat
For example, a miniature synchronous ro
ing current supply after which it will op
tary converter may be designed ‘to operate
from alternating current supply mains of
the voltage commonly in use in residences
and to deliver low-voltage direct ‘current
The charging device illustrated in Fig. 8,
erate as a synchronous rotary converter. 110
may also be equipped with suitable switches
and a polarity indicator similar to the one
suitable for charging ?ashlight batteries. employed in the charging device or con
The essentials of the theory, construction verter shown in Figs. 1 to 7.
c 116
and operation of such rotary converters, as
The operation of the several devices will
well as those of the motor-generator sets be understood from the foregoing descrip
already described, are well understood by tion. The present invention may be em~
those skilled in the art to which this in bodied in other types of portable electric
vention pertains, and it is therefore unnec lighting devices and recharging devices for 120
essary to describe them in detail. Gen the batteries thereof, and various changes
erally speaking, the rotary converter K, may be made in the devices herein illus
shown somewhat diagrammatically in Fig. trated and described without sacri?cing the
60
-8 to illustrate this embodiment of the advantages of the invention or departing
present invention, is designed to operate from the principles set forth. The inven
synchronously from the alternating current tion is therefore, not to be limited to the
mains which may be suitably electrically details herein shown and described.
I claim:
connected to the winding of the converter,
as through brushes 75, 75 which bear upon
1. A portable electric lighting device
collector rings 76, 76, rotatable with and comprising an electric lamp and a storage
no
I
8
1,538,992
battery in circuit therewith having a vent,
in combination with means for charging
said battery, and means adapted to elec
trically connect said charging means to said
storage battery only when the vent of said
battery is arranged so as to prevent dis
direct current electricity suitable for charg
ing said battery, and means for connecting
such charging means in circuit with said
55
battery only when the vent of said battery
is arranged so as to prevent the leakage of
electrolyte therefrom during the gassing in
charge of electrolyte therefrom during the cidental to charging.
gassing incidental to charging.
10
'
6. A portable electric lighting device
2. A portable electric lighting device, comprising an electric lamp, a rechargeable
comprising an electric lamp and a storage battery in circuit therewith, and a casing
battery in circuit therewith having a vent, carrying said lamp and said battery, in com
in combination with electric current con
60
bination with means for charging said bat
verting means for recharging said battery, tery comprising an electric machine carried '05
and means adapted to electrically connect by said casing, and driving means detachably
said converting means to said storage bat mounted on said casing and adapted to be
tery only when the vent of said battery is operatively coupled to said electric machine.
disposed so as to prevent discharge of liquid
7 . A portable electric lighting device
electrolyte therefrom during the gassing in comprising the combination of an electric 70
cidental to charging.
lamp, a vented storage battery in circuit
20
3. A portable electric lighting device, with said lamp, a casing for said lamp and
comprising an electric lamp and a storage battery, terminals on said casing to which
battery in circuit therewith, having a vent, a suitable battery charging device may be
in combination with means for charging electrically connected, switch means con 75
said storage battery, and automatically actu trolling the electrical connection of said ter
ated switch means arranged to complete the minals to said battery, and means whereby
electrical connection of said charging means said lighting device may be supported with
to said'battery only when said charging the vent of said battery disposed so that
means is operating and only when the vent no electrolyte will leak therefrom during 80
of said battery is arranged to prevent leak charging.
15
30
age of electrolyte therefrom during charg
ing.
’
8. The combination with a rechargeable
battery containing an electrolyte and hav
4. The combination with a portable elec ing a vent for the escape of gases, of means
tric lighting device comprising a lamp, a for recharging said battery, and switch
vented storage battery connected in circuit means operable to electrically connect such
35
40
85
with said lamp, and a casing containing said recharging means to said battery only when
lamp and battery, and-recharging means said vent is disposed so as to prevent leak~
associated with said lamp and battery and age of electrolyte therefrom during charg
comprising current converting means, and mg.
switch means operable to electrically con
9. The combination with a storage bat
nect said converting means to said storage tery containing a liquid acid electrolyte and
batiery only when the vent thereof is dis having a vent for the escape of gases formed
posed so as to prevent leakage of electrolyte during charging, of electric current con
90
therefrom during charging.
45
50
verting means for recharging said battery,
5. An electric lighting device comprising and automatically operable switch means
an electric lamp, a storage battery in cir
cuit therewith having a vent, in combina
tion with means adapted for charging said
battery, such charging means being con
for electrically connecting said converting
means to said battery only when said vent is
disposed so as to prevent the discharge of
liquid electrolyte therefrom during the gas’
structed and arranged to alternatively con sing incidental to charging.
vert relatively high-potential direct current
In testimony whereof, I a?‘ix my signa
or relatively high-potential alternating cur ture.
rent electricity into relatively low-potential
NEVIL MONROE HOPKINS,
100