Patent GB-196577-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in locomotives
IPC: B61C7/00
Filed: 1923-01-29
Abstract: 196,577. Ingersoll, H. L. April 24, 1922, [Convention date]. Electric locomotives; electromechanical apparatus.-A steam locomotive carries turbines each driving an electric generator and the wheels of the locomotive and tender are driven by electromotors supplied with current from the generators or from track or overhead collectors. The turbines are automatically put in or out of operation by means of electrically-operated valves when the locomotive runs off or on an electrified track. The locomotive, Fig. 1, is carried on two and the tender on one truck 23, each truck consisting of two axles and a bogie. The two turbines 17 are arranged on the forward truck and each drives its generator 18 through reduction gearing 19. The turbines are controlled simultaneously by a handoperated valve 31, Fig. 3, and separately bv centrifugal governors and steam relays 35. The turbines are also automatically started and stopped singly or together by steam relay apparatus actuating valves 70, the relay apparatus being operated by electromagnets 74 supplied with current from auxiliary circuits 76. The main circuit 50 to the motors is supplied with current from a conductor 49 connected to the track collector 48 or the overhead collector 47 or from the circuit 41 of the generators 18 which are arranged in parallel. The change over from the track to the generator circuits and vice versa is effected automatically by the switch 52, 53 which is acted on by a spring tending to connect the generator circuit 41 and is operated to connect the track &c. circuit 49 by a solenoid 62 whenever the track circuit is energized. The circuit 41 of either generator is opened whenever the current falls below a. certain limit by self-opening switches 42 which are closed by solenoids 43 in auxiliary circuits in parallel with the circuit 42 whenever the current rises above this limit. The Specification as open to inspection under Sect. 91 (3) (a) comprises also means to ensure economical working of each turbine generator set in which they are stopped alternately by automatic electric controls whenever the current requirements fall below a certain limit and are automatically restarted when required. The generator circuits are also opened automatically whenever the current in either falls below a certain limit. The auxiliary circuit 76 by means of which the turbines are started or stopped automatically is supplied with current from the generator circuit 41 when either generating set is in operation or from a battery 82 when both are stopped. This arrangement is shown in Fig. 3 (Cancelled). The battery circuit is closed by a self-closing switch 83 and is opened by a solenoid 84 when the generator circuit 41 is energized. The circuit 76 is adapted to connect with either or both of the turbine control circuits 76<a>, 76b according to requirements. To avoid unequal wear of the generator sets, they are arranged to alternate when in sole operation. To effect this, a drum 90 is adapted to rotate through one-sixth of a revolution every time there is a change from single to double operation, this rotation being effected by a connection to a ratchet wheel 99 and a pawl 98 connected to a switch lever 97 operated against gravity by a solenoid 100. The auxiliary circuit 76 is connected to a rubbing ring on the drum having three equally-spaced contacts 93 so that rotation of the drum 90 through one-sixth of a revolution ensures alternate operation of the generator sets when only one is required. When the current from one generator rises above a certain limit, for instance 10 per cent overload, the solenoid 100 raises the switch lever 97 and closes the contacts 104, 105 so that current from the circuit 76 nowe through the lead 96 to another rubbing ring on the drum having three equallyspaced contacts 94 which alternate with the contacts 93 so that the idle generating set is started. When the current from the two sets falls below a certain limit, for instance 10 per cent underload, the switch lever 97 falls, cuts out one motor and turns the drum 90. This subject-matter does not appear in the Specification as accepted.