IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRO MAGNETS AND ARMATURES FOR THE SAME AND MECHANISM CONNECTED THEREWITH FOR PRODUCING ELECTRO-MAGNETIC MOTORS AND ENGINES"
Year: 1882

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to George Little of Passaic, in the State of New Jersey,
United States of America, Electrician for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS
IN ELECTRO MAGNETS AND ARMATURES FOR THE SAME AND MECHANISM
CONNECTED THEREWITH FOR PRODUCING ELECTRO-MAGNETIC MOTORS AND
ENGINES"
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said George Little at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 1st February 1882.
GEORGE LITTLE of Passaic in the State of New Jersey United States of
America, Electrician "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRO MAGNETS AND ARMATURES
FOR THE SAME AND MECHANISM CONNECTED THEREWITH FOR PRODUCING ELECTRO-
MAGNETIC MOTORS AND ENGINES
"
My Invention relates first, to an improved method of constructing electro
magnets and electro magnet armatures, for rapid action, whereby great power
combined with great speed and economy are obtained, by reason of swift alternating
direct surface contacts being effected between the armatures and the improved pole
faces of the electro magnets.
My second improvement-consists in a method of attaching armatures on one, or
both sides of the driving wheel or pulley, or belt wheels of electro magnetic
motors.
My third improvement relates to an improved mode of mounting the electro
magnets and armatures so as to effect the best results for speed and power.
My fourth improvement has reference to a more compact and economical use of
helices whereby the flow of current is economized, and made to develope with a
given weight of iron, much greater dynamo effects.
My fifth improvement has for its object, the discharging of residual magnetism,
or the prevention of retardation of speed and power of electro magnets or electro
magnet armatures
My sixth improvement is designed as an improvement upon my fifth improve-
ment for effecting still more rapid discharges of electro magnets, or electro magnet

page_text: .
armatures, and for this purpose my fifth and sixth improvement may be used
separately or in combination.
My seventh improvement relates to a more reliable and simple means for
conducting the electric flow of current, for the purpose of the simultaneous dual
action in driving the armatures or electro magnets, with the sudden cutting off of
the after effects of inductive charge, before the acquired power of momentum is in
any way arrested.
My eighth improvement, has for its object the method whereby the discharging
of electro magnets or electro magnet armatures, is self proportioned in order that
the electro magnets or armatures are both caused to become passive at all speeds.
My ninth improvement has for its object a method whereby my dynamo electric
engine is made reversible in its movements for locomotive or other purposes.
I employ two revolving devices, one of which is a rotary magnet, the other a
rotary armature.
The rotary magnet is made up of helices through which electric currents are
directed in succession.
Each electro-magnet has poles in the form of short cylinders and the surfaces of
these are made as a range of triangular magnetic poles the armature cylinder and
these poles roll in contact with each other and the rotation is effected by the
attraction of the pole faces upon the cylindrical armature, the poles being
magnetized in succession so as to attract the cylindrical armature and cause the
magnet poles and armature to revolve together.
I would remark that I do not confine myself to any particular source of current
supply, but simply to state that any available method for furnishing a suitable
electric current supply may be a adopted and that my engine or engines may be
worked by connecting the same with suitable conductors, leading from a central
station.
In order to carry out my Invention and put the same in practical operation I
construct-for said purpose, electro-magnets or electro-magnet-armatures, by the use.
preferably of suitable lengths of extra thick or double extra thick, or for very
large engines, specially prepared thick wrought iron tube composed of the best
annealed iron, in the ends of said tubes non-magnetic bearings are secured and
through which passes a rod or shaft preferably of steel upon which the tube or
tubes is made to revolve, 1 remark that these tubes must be turned true,
with great accuracy, tubes so prepared I designate revolving armatures. The
electro magnet or magnets, around which said armatures are caused to revolve
preferably in actual contact, and with great speed and power, is constructed by
attaching radial ends to preferably two lengths of wrought iron tubes heretofore
referred to, and said radial end pieces may be whole or in segments of the best
soft cast iron, or of specially prepared soft wrought iron for best results, said
radial end pieces must have a suitable number of arms indentations or openings,
at properly arranged distances from each other around the circumference of each
end piece to correspond with the number of armatures suitable for the purpose,
preferably three in number to each magnet and I remark that the diameter of said
tubular armatures should be so proportioned to the radial cylindrical magnet
around which the same revolves so as to effect the best results preferably armatures
one inch in diameter to revolve around the main electro magnet having a diameter
of three inches to extreme face end of its radial arms with proportioned increase
for all larger sizes of engines; I would observe that the radial end faces are to be
turned true, and parallel with the armatures that revolve upon the same. Between
said radial ends are wound the convolutions of insulated wire of suitable size, I
remark that for some purposes several of said radial pieces may be in divisions
several to tubes of suitable length and provided with armatures of suitable
length.
I prefer to construct the pulley or driving wheel for said engines by so forming
the same that each half of the axis shall protrude equally on each side of the wheel
for stationary engines each half of the main shaft passing through the end.

page_text: bearings and entirely through the electro magnet tube so that an electro magnet
tube with its radial ends shall be one on each side of the driving wheel.
The relative positions of each magnet being diagonal or screw form.
The revolving armatures of any suitable number each set acting simultaneous
on each side of the pulley or driving wheel, the steel rods upon which said
armatures revolve are in like manner passed through suitably bored bosses cast or
formed upon or with said wheels or pulleys each half of said preferably steel
carrier rods of suitable length and diameter for strength, projecting each half on
each side of the driving wheel, or pulley. The outside end of each main electro-
magnet tube is secured firmly by its non-magnetic and extended bush end, to an
upright standard firmly bolted to its base. For locomotive purposes each set of
revolving armatures are preferably connected to the inside of each driving wheel.
The tubular axles of said locomotive engine being utilized for attaching the iron
radial end thereto at suitable distances apart, and between which are wound the
suitable size insulated wire. The helices surrounding each main electro-magnet,
being composed of such suitable length wound in one piece so that the same one
helice is made to perform the function of one or one hundred, or any suitable
number of electromagnets I would remark that the iron tube or tubes may bo
furnished inside with a suitable tubular ring, or tubular ring of tinnod best iron
wires. The dynamo effects and rapid functions of electro magnets so constructed
possess great practical value.
Oue method for effecting the discharge of this form of electro-magnet consists
in bevelling off one side of each radial arm face, so that each set of revolving
armatures, shall roll off each alternating set of radial arms to a point and thereby
break up the lines of force of residual magnetism.
My next and more rapid method for discharging the magnets consists in so
winding the convolutions of wire between each set of radial arms that there shall
be a loop of wire left out as an extension of the driving helice situate upon tho
iron core or tube if cach driving helice constitutes a length of say fifty yards of
wire a continuation of winding of said wire from the loop is preferably one hundred
and twenty five yards long or a proportion of three to two but I do not confine
myself strictly to such proportions, as the same may be varied, and said outside
convolutions of wire constitutes preferably the rapid discharge medium and is
made operative by the same sign of current that effects the driving power through
a further continuation of the convolutions of wire situate more close to the core of
each magnet. The said two methods of discharge may be used in combination or
otherwise.
The flow of current is controlled by means of a tempered steel cam, or spur
wheel of small lift movement operating a proportional duplex headed pawl, mado
also of tempered steel. This spur or cam wheel, one being secured to each end of
the main shaft, may work partly in oil cups said spur or cam wheel performs the
double function of transferring by means of a broad yielding steel plate, a con-
tinuation of the duplex pawl having a heavy coating of copper upon the same
connected with the plus sign current which alternates by a very small movement
to one or the other of two additional broad adjustable yielding steel plates, one on
each side and parallel with the one sign current duplex pawl plate, said plates are
also coppered and connected one to one end of the driving convolutions of wire, the
loop heretofore referred to being connected to the less sign current, the other or
discharge contact plate being connected to the extremo end of the outside pro-
portioned convolutions of wire, by this means rapid and effective proportioned
discharges are effected.
The principles involved in the construction of said engines admits of many
modifications and of the use of a double set of duplex pawls, spur or cam wheels
connected by suitable levers so connected as to reverso the movements of this class
of engine especially when adapted to locomotive purposes, in this case the first
described method of discharging the electro magnets is preferably dispensed with,
I would bere remark that the duplex pawl with the spur or cam device may with

page_text: advantage be applied to other forms of electro magnetic engines or motors, and
that one of the helices on one leg of the ordinary electro magnet, may with the
helice of the other leg, or core of the magnet be used in combination therewith,
one helice of said horse shoe magnet to effect the driving power the other helice to
effect the rapid discharge, said helices being reversed with one sign current con-
stant to a central loop, the other sign current being caused to alternate between
the free ends of the helices by the proportional duplex headed pawl and broad
plate controlled by the spur, or cam, wheel heretofore referred to; I do not confine
myself to the precise methods here described, but claim any substantial modifications
or equivalents, for effecting the objects hereto set forth in this my Provisional
Specification.
In some instances both the magnets and the cylindrical armatures revolve, their
journal bearings being stationary. In other instances the electro magnets will
stand still and two or more armature cylinders roll around upon the cylindrical
surfaces of the magnet poles, such armature cylinders being supported in heads
that are revolved by the armature cylinders and in which heads the journals of
the armature cylinders have their bearings.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said George Little in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 1st August
1882.
GEORGE LITTLE of Passaic in the State of New Jersey, United States of America,
Electrician "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRO-MAGNETS AND ARMATURES FOR THE
SAME AND MECHANISM CONNECTED THEREWITH FOR PRODUCING ELECTRO-
MAGNETIC MOTORS AND ENGINES"
It is well known that magnetic attraction is the most efficient where the
armature is in close contact with the magnet-poles and that the force of the
magnetism is very much weakened by interrupting the actual contact of the
metallic surfaces.
In magnetic engines as ordinarily constructed the actual contact of a free
moving armature with the poles would defeat the objects for which the machine
was constructed by causing the armature to adhere.
In my improvement I avail of a rolling motion given to the armature whereby
the metallic surfaces of the poles are brought into actual contact for obtaining the
maximum magnetic force, and the magnetism is neutralized or partially or entirely
reversed as the rolling armature passes the place of greatest magnetic action, so as
to prevent any sticking of the armature to the pole, and to avail of the passive
state of the poles as the armature rolls off them.
In the Drawings
Fig. 1. is an elevation of a revolving magnet with rotating-armature rollers.
Fig. 2. is a separate view of the circuit changer.
Fig. 3. is a section of the magnet and armature.
Fio 4 is a detached section of one of the moonet beada

page_text: Fig. 5. is a side elevation of a magnetic engine in which the magnets aro
stationary and the armatures roll around them and the continuous non-magnetic
bearing rings or guides.
Fig. 6. is an end view of the circuit changers adapted to the machine shown in
Fig. 5, and.
Fig. 7. is a diagram of the circuit connections.
The magnet is composed of two heads upon a metal tube, with a helix wound in
between the heads, and each head is divided up into pole-faces that are either a
single or a double V shape. In Fig. 1, tho magnet heads A. A. are provided with
double shaped poles, and in Fig. 5. the pole-faces are single V shaped, as shown.-
For locomotive motors the V shape magnet-faces in some cases may be dispensed
with, and square, oblong, or other forms used and these should be in actual metallic
contact with the armatures. The circuit mechanism herein described, may be used,
but for reversing the locomotive, it will be preferable to use a second set of circuit
closing devices acting in the reverse direction and mechanism for bringing in one
set of devices and throwing the other out of action.
The armature or armatures are cylindrical and adapted to roll around the
circular magnet-heads A. A. or else the armatures stand in one position and the
electro magnet and armatures revolve in contact with each other. The armature B.
is shown in Fig. 1. as a cylinder on a shaft in stationary bearings and in Figs. 5
and 6. there are three revolving armatures B. upon arbors b. that extend out
laterally from the central wheel c. from which a belt or gear extends to the
machine or device to be rotated.
If desired the arbors b. Fig. 5. may be supported at their outer ends by rings
of non-magnetic metal; the revolving armature B. may be nickel plated. The
pole-faces of the magnet-heads are to be of the proper size and number with
reference to the armature cylinder or cylinders, and the helix of such magnot is
preferably to be charged just before the armature in its rolling movement comes
into contact with such pole-faces, and the current through the inside convolutions of
the helix is to be stopped and then reversed through the outside convolutions as
and just before the armature rolls across the center of the pole-face. This will
prevent any back pull or reaction of the magnet on the armature and the
reversing of the polarity will neutralize the magnetism of the electro-magnet
poles, producing a momentary passive state that delivers the. armature from the
one pole-face and permits it to continuo its movement towards the other pole-face,
where the magnetic attraction is acting to promote a rapid movement of the
armature as it rolls into contact with the magnet-poles.
The magnets are to be charged by the action of a circuit closing device that
admits the electric current to the helix, and at the time of making and breaking
circuit is to be such that the current will pulsate as many times in each revolution
of the electro-magnet or the armature around the electro magnet as there are pairs
of pole-faces.
In Figs. 1. and 2. each magnet-head is represented with three pole-faces and
hence there will be three pulsations in each magnet every revolution.
The magnet-poles are placed so as to operate progressively so that as the pole-
faces of the magnet 1, are censing to act, the pole-faces of the magnet 2. are coming
into action. Then the pole faces of the magnet 3. come into action and as these go
out of action the pole-faces of the magnet 1. again come into action.
In Fig, 2. there is shown a circuit closing wheel with nine insulated plates. ƒ.
The current passes from the arm e. to one plate and to the magnet 1. and returns
by the frame and the battery or generator wire e² From the second plate f. the
current passes to the second magnet and so on. It is to be understood that these
magnets acting in succession, exert a powerful force to roll the armature around in
contact with the pole-faces and the power is constant and uniform or nearly so, in
consequence of the progressive action of the magnets.
The magnets and armature roller will revolve in the direction shown in Fig. 3.
but if the arm g is brought into contact with the circuit closing wheel instead of

page_text: the arm e the parts will revolve in the reverse direction in consequence of the
order in which the electro-magnets are energized being reversed, the magnet 3.
being first magnetized, then 2. then 1. and so on, instead of the reverse, as aforesaid.
The arms e. and g. are upon a shaft that can be turned by a handle g³. to bring into
action either the arm e. or the arm g.
A wheel is shown by dotted lines at k. Fig. 1. to indicate that this motor may
be applied to the propulsion of cars by electricity; or a belt or gearing may be used
to convey the power to any machine that is to be operated. In some cases it will
be preferable to work this motor in a shunt circuit especially when operated
as a stationary engine.
The machine shown in Figs. 5, and 6, is operated the same as before described;
but the magnets are held stationary upon tubular shafts i. preferably of steel
supported by the frames K. and the shaft h. revolves within such tubular shafts
and it carries the belt or gear wheel C. and the studs b of the armature rollers B.
as aforesaid, and at the ends of the shaft h there are the circuit closing wheels r.
that operate a contact spring s. that is between two spring contact blocks t. and u.
Cases (shown sectionally in Figs. 5 and 6) should partially surround_the
wheels to contain lubricating material. Each wheel r. has as many teeth as
there are pairs of pole-faces to each magnet and the wheels are placed upon the
shaft in such a manner that the energizing currents are admitted to the helices H. H'.
at the proper time, which is preferably just before the rolling armatures reach the
pole faces.
Six pairs of pole-faces are shown in each magnet and hence the
wheels . have six projections.
The spring contact-blocks t. u. are insulated; so also are the springs 8. but the
springs 8. may if desirable be connected to the metal frame
The spring contact blocks are adjusted by screws as shown so as to compensate
for wear and cause them to operate correctly in opening and closing the respective
circuits.
The helices of the electro-magnets are wound in the usual manner except that a
connection is made from or about the middle part of each helix to the negative
binding-post 20. and the current comes from the positive binding post 21. to the
springs 8. and the extreme ends of the helices H, H', are connected to the respective
springs t. u. the outside convolutions of each helix constituting the neutralizing
portion of the helix.
The actions are alike in both electro-magnets. I will only describe the operations
of one.
When the wheel r. is in the position shown in Fig. 6. the current passes by
8 to t. and thence through part of the helix to the loop connection and to the
binding post 20. thence to the battery or generator. This energizes the electro-
magnets and their pole-faces attract the revolving armatures. As soon as the
rolling surfaces of the armatures in contact with the pole-faces nearly arrive at the
middle of the pole-faces, the turning of the wheel r. causes the spring s to fly off
the point of the tooth and instantly close contact between 8. and u
This sends a
current through the other portion of the helix in the opposite direction to the first
named current as illustrated in the diagram Fig. 5. and hence the previous
magnetism is neutralized instantly and the armature-rollers instead of being
detained and the rotary motion checked are caused to pass freely off the. pole-faces
and pass into the magnetic field of the next pair of pole-faces.-This reverse
current must be but momentary to neutralize the residual magnetism of the pole-
faces. Otherwise, if prolonged, it would re-magnetize the cores or pole-faces and
attract the armature roller. I therefore provide a projection at 30. on the spring 8.
against which the next tooth of 2. acts and breaks circuit with u; but the teeth
of 1. are so shaped that the circuit is not again closed with t. until the rolling
armatures have nearly arrived at the edge of the next pole-faces.
The method herein described for bringing into action momentary reversals of
electric current, and thereby effecting the release of electro-magnet armatures from
the poles of electro magnets when moving in metallic contact with each other,

page_text: is preferred, but condensers, separato electric batterics, and secondary electric
batteries might be used but are preferably avoided as adding unnecessary bulk, as
also cost.
It is to be understood that the pole-faces of one magnet are intermediate to those
of the next, so that one is at its maximum intensity while the armature of the other
is passing from one pole face to the other.
The tubular shafts i. being within the respective helices, are in the most intense
portion of the magnetic field, and the magnet-heads and their pole faces have their
magnetism intensified by being formed with or connected to such tubular shafts
forming the cores.
The V shape of the pole-faces lessens the abrupt separation of the armature and
pole-faces, and should there be any residual magnetism in the pole-faces the
effect will be lessened as the armatures roll toward the narrowest parts of the
pole-faces.
The helices when wound in the manner indicated in Fig. 7. operate with the
momentary reverso current to neutralize the residual magnetism in the pole-faces;
a similar effect will be produced if there are two wires wound together through
the whole or a portion of the helices such wires being connected up with the
respective contact springs substantially as represented, so that the neutralizing
reverse current will be momentarily applied for the purposes before mentioned.
If the conducting wires Fig. 7, are cut at x. x. then separate and independent
sources of electric currents are to be employed for each separate magnet-head.
The wheel C. may receive around it a band saw, such saw passing also around a
distant wheel or pulley so that such saw may be driven directly by such magnetic
motor.
The armature cylinders B may be made hollow to contain oil for lubricating the
journals; in this case the holes passing in from the outside for supplying such oil
should be provided with tubes as seen in Fig. 8. to prevent the oil being thrown
out by the centrifugal action.
The tubular shafts i. may be provided with passages for air to be forced through
to keep the parts cool.
In order to develop a given power, motors constructed as herein described
require much less weight in electro-magnets and they are operated with very much
greater economy in current than has been beretofore accomplished with electro-
magnetic engines.
The arrangement herein described of helices and reverse circuit connections may
be employed in electric motors having cores and armatures of the ordinary
character, the current being diverted through a portion of the helix in a revorse
direction to neutralize the residual magnetism as before set forth.
Rings of brass or similar non-magnetic metal al. introduced into peripheral
grooves in the pole-faces support the rolling armatures as they pass from one pole-
face to the next and form a track for the same; there may be one of these at each
edge of the pole-face which will give opportunity for heat to pass off from the
pole faces freely.
The recessed surfaces of the iron pole-faces may be filled with copper or other
non-magnetic metal and the surface turned off true.
Having now described and ascertained the nature of the said Invention and
in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that I claim as my
Invention
First. The combination with the magnet having heads and pole-faces, of a
revolving armature the surface of which rolls in contact with the pole faces, and
circuit changing connections substantially as specified, whereby reverse currents
are employed to neutralize residual magnetism, substantially as specified.
Second. In an electro-magnet having circular ends the V shaped segmental
pole-faces of such circular ends, in combination with the revolving cylindrical
armatures, substantially as set forth.
Third. In combination with the electro magnets having circular ends and

page_text: segmental pole-faces, the springs 8. t. u. and wheel r. and circuit connections,
substantially as set forth.
Fourth. In an electro-magnetic engine, the helix having circuit connections to its
ends and to an intermediate loop, in combination with circuit closing springs and
connections substantially as set forth, whereby the residual magnetism is
neutralized by a current passed in reverse direction, substantially as set forth
Fifth. The combination with the rolling armature and the magnet-heads with
pole faces, of the rings of brass or other non-magnetic metal surrounding the
magnet-beads, substantially as specified.
Sixth. Electro-magnet motor armatures revolving upon arbors or shafts
secured on one or both sides of a wheel or its equivalent, said armatures rolling
in metallic contact with electro-magnet pole-faces, and operated by reverse electric
currents
Seventh. Electro-magnets with circular V shaped pole faces formed preferably
out of one piece of iron.
Eighth. Electro-magnetic motors with V shaped poles, whereby iron armatures
operating in metallic contact with said V shaped poles, separate freely from the
poles, substantially as specified
Ninth. Electro-mangetic motors with V shaped poles, having iron armatures
operating in metallic contact with said V shaped poles, said iron armatures baving
their motion accelerated by the use of momentary reverse electric currents
substantially as specified.
In witness whereof I the said George Little have hereunto set my hand
BUY SCOR IDay of July A.D. 100%..
Witnesses
CHAS. H. SMITH 140 Nassau St. New York
J. STAIB
ย
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GEO. LITTLE. (ES.)