Lewis Latimer, employed at the time by Edison, developed an improved method of heat-treating carbon filaments which reduced breakage and allowed them to be molded into novel shapes, such as the characteristic "M" shape of Maxim filaments. On 17 January 1882, Latimer received a patent for the "Process of Manufacturing Carbons", an improved method for the production of light bulb filaments, which was purchased by the United States Electric Light Company. Latimer patented other improvements such as a better way of attaching filaments to their wire supports.
Who developed a heat-treating method that allowed carbon filaments to be molded into shapes? When did Latimer patent his "Process of Manufacturing Carbons"? Which company purchased Latimer's patent? Who employed Latimer when he developed his first patent?