Patent GB-190111293-A (GB)
Title: Improvements relating to the Utilization of Electromagnetic, Light, or other like Radiations Effects or Disturbances transmitted through the Natural Media and to Apparatus therefor.
Inventor: TESLA NIKOLA
Filed: 1901-06-01
Granted: 1901-11-02
Abstract: 11,293. Lake, H. H., [Tesla, N.]. June 1. Signals, electric.-Relates to methods of and apparatus for utilizing or investigating electromagnetic radiations, or solar, terrestrial, or other natural disturbances or effects, transmitted through the natural media. Two methods of transmitting the electrical impulses are described. By one method, the potential of a point or region of the earth is varied by imparting to it intermittent or alternating electrifications through one of the terminals of a suitable source of electrical disturbances, the other terminal of which, to heighten the effect, is connected to an insulated body, preferably of large surface and at an elevation. The disturbances so produced through the earth act on a sensitive receiver similarly arranged. By the other method, the atmospheric air is made to become, and is employed as, a conductor, by the influence of currents or impulses of enormously high electromotive force. At the receiving-station, the disturbances are intensified by a condenser or other means of storage, so that weak impulses may be readily detected and utilized. In the apparatus shown in Fig. 1, the condenser 3 is charged directly by impulses received through the plates or electrodes 1, 2, which may both be in the ground, or in the air, &c. The condener is discharged at predetermined adjustable intervals through the receiver 4 by means of the rotating cylinder 5, the conducting-portion 6 of which is connected through the shaft 8 to the brush 13, and is provided with segments 9, which are separated by the insulating- portion 7, and are adapted to make contact with the adjustable brush 10 as the cylinder rotates. When the impulses are alternating, a commutator 14 is employed for the purpose of conveying charges of the proper quality and order of snccession to the terminals of the condenser. The plates 1, 2 are connected to brushes 17, 18 which bear on the conducting-rings 15, 16, the arms 19, 20 of which make contact periodically with the adjustable double brushes 21, 22. fhe commutator is rotated uniformly by clockwork &c., in synchronism with the periodicity of the impulses. For intermittent impulses of short duration, the brushes 21, 22 are shifted to obtain the proper connections, or one pair of the double brushes, say 21, may be removed, the plate 1 connected directly to the terminal 27 of the condenser, and the brushes 17, 18 connected together. For transmitting signals or intelligence, the transmitted impulses are varied, e.g., in longer or shorter successions, corresponding to the dashes and dots of a telegraph code, and the receiver responds to and indicates such variations. With the apparatus shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the impulses received are employed to control an independent source of energy, which operates the receiver. The terminals of the condenser 3, Fig. 2, are connected through the receiver 4 and discharging-cylinder 5, and, in parallel with the receiver, through the battery 30, resistance 32, and a suitable sensitive cell 31. For impulses of light, the cell 31 may be of selenium, in which case a reflector 33 should be used to intensify the action. Normally, the resistance of the cell is so great that the condenser is not charged sufficiently to operate the receiver, but, when the cell is under the action of transmitted impulses, the resistance of the cell is lowered and the receiver is operated. The receiver may indicate variations in the intensity of the impulses, irrespective of variations in their durations. The cylinder 5 may be arranged to control both circuits of the condenser, or a separate cylinder may be employed for each circuit. The cell 31 may be arranged in shunt to the condenser, in which case increased intensity of the impulses diminishes the effect on the condenser, and the cell may also be in shunt to the resistance 32 &c. Fig. 3 shows another arrangement for feeble impulses, the energy stored in the condenser 3 being passed through the primary 34 of a transformer, the secondary 35 of which is in circuit with the receiver 4 and a sensitive cell 36 similar to the cell 31, which may be of the coherer type. The cell 31, the three resistances 37, 38, 39, which are preferably inductive and adjustable, and the condenser are connected, as shown, on the plan of a Wheatstone bridge, adjustments being so made that normally there is no effective difference in potential between the terminals of the condenser. The non-inductive resistance 41 is also adjusted so that normally the resistance of the cell 36 is strained almost to the point of breaking down. Under the action of the impulses, the resistance of the cell 31 is lowered, the condenser discharges through the coil 34, and the current so induced in the secondary coil 35 actuates the receiver. Fig. 4 shows another apparatus, which depends for its action on the property possessed by certain radiations, such as ultra-violet light, cathodic, or R÷ntgen rays, of charging and discharging electric conductors. One terminal of the condenser 3 is connected to the insulated plate &c. 43, which is to be exposed to the action of the rays or radiations, while the other terminal is connected to a plate 44, which may be connected to one of the poles of a battery &c., so that it is supplied with electricity of the required sign. Positive electricity may be supplied to the plate 44 by connecting it to an insulated plate supported at some height in the atmosphere, or negative electricity may be supplied by connecting the plate to a grounded conductor. The condenser terminals are also connected through the receiver 4 to a suitable circuit controller. The controller shown comprises two very thin and mobile conducting-plates 45, 46, placed close together, and preferably enclosed in a receptacle from which the air is exhausted. In the receiver shown, the armature of the electromagnet carries a pivoted spring pawl 48, which engages a ratchetwheel 47. Parts of the apparatus illustrated are also applicable to ordinary telegraphic and telephonic systems involving the use of artificial lines.