GB1036390A - Lamp changing device - Google Patents

Abstract

1,036,390. Lamp changing apparatus. R. L. SEIDLER. July 1, 1965 [July 6, 1964], No. 27909/65. Heading F4R. A device for replacing a burned-out lamp by a good lamp comprises a lamp carrier 12 (Fig. 1, not shown) rotatably mounted on a base 10, a plurality of flat electrically conductive lamp supports 18 secured at spaced positions around the carrier and in contact with one terminal of each respective lamp, a plurality of resilient metal conductors 17 secured to the carrier and in contact with the other terminal of each respective lamp to hold the lamps resiliently in position in the supports, a spiral spring 19 connected between the base and the carrier for turning the carrier, an escapement mechanism 20, 27 (Fig. 4, not shown) permitting step-bystep rotation of the carrier to bring the lamps in succession to the operative position, an electrical transducer, preferably a solenoid 30, for operating the escapement means when a current pulse is applied thereto, and at least one electrical contact arm 26 mounted on the base for making contact with the lamp support of the lamp in the operative position. The lamps 22 are of the prefocused type formed with rims 23 around their bases, and are seated in keyhole slots 21 in the supports 18 with their rims held in contact with the undersides of the supports by the resilient conductors 17. When a lamp burns out a current sensing circuit actuates the solenoid 30 which rotates the ratchet 27 of the escapement mechanism free of one tooth of the wheel 20 and permits it to engage the following tooth. The spring 19 can then rotate the carrier to bring the next lamp to the operative position. Means are provided for rendering the current sensing circuit inoperative when all the lamps have burned out. Preferably the escapement wheel 20 is made of insulating material and the lamp supports 18 are secured directly thereto. The shaft 13 on which the carrier turns is insulated from the base 10 by means of an insulating hub 14.