IMPROVEMENTS IN OR CONNECTED WITH TRAM RAIL AND ROAD CARS AND OTHER VEHICLES AND IN MACHINERY FOR DRIVING SAME BY ELECTRICITY
Year: 1883

page_text: Filed 22nd December 1883.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME I MICHAEL
RADCLIFFE WARD of Northumberland Street Strand in the County of Middlesex
Send Greeting WHEREAS Her Most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria by Her
Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain and Ireland bearing
date at Westminster the Thirty first day of January in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and eighty three in the 46th year of Her Reign did for
herself her heirs and successors give and grant unto me the said Michael Radcliffe
Ward my executors administrators or assigns her special License full power sole
privilege and authority that I the said Michael Radcliffe Ward my executors
administrators or assigns or such others as I the said Michael Radcliffe Ward my
executors administrators or assigns should at any time agree with and no others
from time to time and at all times thereafter during the term therein expressed
should and lawfully might make use exercise and vend within the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland the Channel Islands and Isle of Man an
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN OR CONNECTED WITH TRAM RAIL AND ROAD CARS
AND OTHER VEHICLES AND IN MACHINERY FOR DRIVING SAME BY ELECTRICITY
"
for and during the term of Fourteen years thence next ensuing AND WHEREAS
in pursuance and performance of a proviso in the said Letters Patent contained
I the said Michael Radcliffe Ward did within six calendar months next after the
date of the said Letters Patent namely on the Thirty first day of July One
thousand eight hundred and eighty three cause a Specification in writing under
my hand and seal purporting to particularly describe the nature of the said
Invention and in what manner the same was to be performed to be duly filed inthe
Great Seal Patent Office AND WHEREAS since the filing of the said Specification
I have been advised that certain of the claiming clauses in the said Specification
contained might be construed as claims to or including matter which was not new
at the date of my said Patent and that others of the claims as made in the said
Specification are too wide and may be held to comprise matters which extend
beyond the Invention which can properly be claimed under the grant of the said
Letters Patent and your Petitioner is therefore desirous of amending the said
Specification and claims and also the title of the said Letters Patent for the

page_text: "
"
SO
وو
purpose of limiting the claims of the said Letters Patent to the Invention claimed
in the third claim of the said Specification and your Petitioner is also desirous of
transposing the phraseology of the said third claim for the purpose of more clearly
defining the Invention thereby claimed in the manner hereinafter more fully
a pearing NOW KNOW YE that I the said Michael Radcliffe Ward by and
with the consent of Her Majesty's Attorney General and for the reasons herein-
before stated do amend the said title Specification and Claims in manner fo lowing
that is to say I amend the said title by striking out therefrom the words
"and in machinery for driving same and substituting therefor the word
"driven' that the said title when so altered will read ag fo'lows
'Improvements in or connected, with tram rail and road cars and other
vel icles driven by electricity" I also amend the said Specification and claims as
follows. I strike out the words " part of the Invention" which occur at line 31
of page 3 of the Queens printers copy of the said Specification published at the
Commissioners of Patents Sale Departinent in One thousand eight hundred and
eighty three I also strike out the words "this part of my Invention" which occur
at line 35 of page 4 of the said copy of the said Specification and I substitute
therefor the words "the transmission gear" I also strike out the words "carried
into effect which occur at the said line 35 and I substitute therefor the word
"arranged I also strike out the first and second claiming clauses commencing
with the words "first :-On electric railway" which occur at line 7 of page 8 of the
said copy of the said Specification and ending with the words "
purposes set forth
which occur at line 14 of the said page 8 I also strike out the word "third" which
occurs at line 15 of the said page 8 I also insert the words "held in one fraine
between the words " gear and "for" which occur at line 16 of the said page 8
and I strike out the words "held in one frame" which occur at line 17 of the said
page 8 I also strike out the fourth fifth sixth seventh and eighth claiming clauses
commencing with the words "Fourth-The use of the switch arrangement" which
occur at line 19 of the said page 8 and ending with the words " accompanying
Drawings" which occur at line 38 of the said page 8.
"
"
"
"
And in order that the effect of the said Disclaimer and Memorandum of
Alteration may be clearly understood I annex hereto a copy of the said Specifi-
cation as it will appear when so amended the preamble and testing clause being
omitted.
In applying electricity as a motive power for working tram cars I have found
from practical experiments that there were several mechanical and electrical details
required to be worked out before the practical application can be brought to a
state applicable for every day working.
I have found it
necessary to be able to vary the driving arrangements for ascending inclines for
instance when the car comes to a steep hill the sp-ed will be reduced and so what
may be termed the electric resistance of motor decreased.
The object of this Invention is to overcome these difficulties.
battery
A
.
Now the result of this is there will be an increase in the quantity of current
through the motor and an increase in the rate of discharge from the accumulators
or primary batteries whichever are used on the car as the source of electricity.
Now this is to be avoided because it is detrimental to the accumulators or
primary to be discharged at more than a certain rate still as the car is ascending
an incline it is desirable to have as much as power as possible and yet not to
diminish the speed too much. In order to obviate this difficulty I have devised
means to regulate or adjust the speed of the motor as required without sensible
increase in current. This result I obtain by an arrangement for altering the
proportions of speed or in other words by an appliance to obviate great change in
resistance of motor at different speeds of car I prefer to arrange the connection
between the electric motor and the main driving axle by means of some suitable
speed reducing gear This may be frictional wheels, belting ropes of various
classes. or tooth wheels and with a view of making the electric motor small and

page_text: getting the power out by high speed. one or more intermediate shafts carrying the
necessary tooth wheels or pulleys may he u-ed.
A convenient way of carrying this into effect which applies to speed changing
gear is or may be arranged as follows. On the main driving axle of the car or
rigidly fixed to the wheel of the car are toothed wheels one toothed wheel on each
side of the axle or on each car driving wheel or wheels In some cases it may be
more convenient to fix the toothed wheels on to the car wheels themselves rather
than to the axles, These two toothed wheels are of different diameters. Gearing
into these wheels are other and sinaller toothed wheels of corresponding different
diameters on an intermediate shaft these are loose on the shaft that is to say they
are free to move on and round the shaft unless held fast by a clutching arrange-
ment such as that presently to be described.
The wheels are secured by collars and the necessary lubricating arrangements
are provided. On the said intermediate shaft there is provided at each end a
strong sliding piece or wheel fitted on the end next the toothed wheel with which
it is to engage with a series of radial projections corresponding with radial slots on
the tooth wheel or the slots may be on this sliding piece and the radial strips on
the toothed wheel. These sliding pieces are free to move laterally on the shaft
but not circumferentially without the shaft. To these sliding pieces are fitted
claws connected with a lever or levers or screw gear so that when one is in
gear with its toothed wheel this lever or screw gear worked by the driver of the
car therefore changes the relation of speed of the electric motor to the main axle
The toothed wheels on the motor shaft gear into other wheels on the intermediate
shaft.
In some cases where great margin for ascending very steep inclines or other
causes is desired I provide a speed changing appliance as above described on the
shaft of the electric motor a so.
To carry these wheels and shafts I arrange a frame which by means of bearings
is secured to the main driving axle 1 thus get over the difficulty of the variation
in height of the body of the car from the ground level due to varying weight on
springs.
have
In order to overcome any difficulty in the shape of "Board of Trade" stipulations
or otherwise and in order to maintain the speed within certain limits
devised a "Governor" which works automatically, this consists of balls or weights
operating by centrifugal force on either a special governor shaft or on the electric
motor shaft or on some other shaft in connection therewith. In connection with
the balls or rods which are connected with a sliding gripping arrangement forming
a frictional electric contact on the shaft there are different contact pieces in con-
nection with corresponding resistances or in connection with cells. Or it may be
operated by cutting out coils on the magnets of the motor so that either resistance
can be put into the circuit or the electro motive force of the battery of cells used
for driving the car diminished or I may cause it to vary the number of bobbin
coils of motor used or it may shift the position of the brushes.
For road cars i.c., cars not running on rails I have devised a steering apparatus
the main features of which are that a vertical shaft in connection with the front
wheels or in the case of one wheel only as the steering part of the car with the
fork carries a worm wheel this has a screw shaft gearing into it having a crank
handle which is operated by the driver and easily worked and steady steering
appliance is thus provided so as to reduce the friction in steering as much as
possible I arrange rollers and bearings between the moving and tixed plates of the
fifth wheel."
I provide current indicators and speed indicators on the "foot plate" of the car
In order that my Invention may be fully understood I will now proceed to
describe the same with reference to the accompanying drawings-
Figure 1 shews in side elevation sufficient of the machinery to illustrate the
manner in which the transmission gear may be arranged and illustrating four
clutching points

page_text: Wheel arrangemen
For transmission gear prefer the friction
Figures 1. 2. 3 and 4 but other driving gear may be substituted such as mentioned
in my Provisional Specification provided that the whole driving gear is contained
in one fraine
Figure 2 is a side elevation of same or of as much of same as is necessary partly
in section and drawn on a somewhat different scale to that of the other figure
Figure 3 shews the loose friction wheels and portion of frame
detached in plan
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the portion of the friction gearing
work
woodwork
Figure 5 is a section through the line x y of Figure 1 of the clutch showing
clutch pieces
Figure 6 is a view showing clearly the face of one of the clutches
Figure 7 is an elevation of the Governor
Figure 8 is a diagram view of the special switching apparatus in connection
with the speed changing lever
Figures 9. 10 and 11 are views of the steering gear
Figure 12 is a diagram view of the current and speed indicator switch board
etcetera
Figure 13 shews diagrammatically the switch for altering the current
Similar letters of reference refer to like parts in all the Figures
a is the main driving axle, b. b are the toothed or frictional wheels keyed on
this axle a C. C. C. C are intermediate friction wheels between the friction
wheels bb and the friction wheels & d' which latter are free to revolve on the
shaft e; the friction wheel & can be made to revolve with the shaft e by means of
clutches ff. g g are the other friction wheels keyed on the shaft e
hhhh are intermediate friction wheels between the friction wheels g g and the
friction wheels ii which latter are loose on the shaft k
11 are the clutches for gearing the wheels ii with the shaft k
mno is the frame carrying the friction wheels cc; this frame may be made as
also shewn at Figure 3 for example the part n fixed to the framework of the
axlen
A
machine while the parts m and o carry the wheels of the wheels c, c; p is the
spring which brings together the axles of the wheels c, c, causing the same to act
or to press more or less tightly on the friction wheels corresponding therewith
In carrying out one of the arrangements mentioned for communicating the
motion videlicet the friction wheel arrangement instead of putting two friction
wheels together the ordinary way, I place them a little distance apart the shafts
on which they revolve being parallel to each other, the exact distance which I
leave between the two rims of the wheels depends on the convenience of different
sizes of intermediate wheels and on the general conditions of the particular engine
or driving gear which may be under construction Now between these two friction
wheels say d and b for example the one driving and the other driven I place the
two loose wheels c c as shown in Figures 1. 2. 3 and 4-These wheels c c are free
to turn loosely on their own bearings and they are kept together with the
spring p-I prefer though I do not limit myself to this to construct these
intermediate wheels of compressed paper, as when properly made they are very
durable and have advantages they are noiseless or as nearly so as may be
.
In Figures 23 and 4 the method of holding these wheels together is shown and
the spring which keeps them up to their work; this spring p can be tight or loose
according to the amount of pressure required to transmit the necessary power in
each case-Any wear of the friction wheels can also be compensated for by means
of this spring ? I could keep all the wheels together by a different arrangement
of springs but the one shewn has the advantage of simplicity and compactness
q is the friction piece or disc cast in the piece with or attached to the friction
wheels dd; the wheels i have sim.lar pieces q' cast thereon or attached
thereto
the clutchoo with the frictional gripping arrangements

page_text: The method of operating is as follows-Suppose the car is set to run at
aximum speed the motor and consequently the motor shaft & running at its
ormal average speed the car arrives at an incline its speed falls off or would fall
f and at the same time reduces the speed of the motor now the driver operates
he speed changing gear and alters the relation of speed between the motor and
he main axle a to such extent as the particular conditions at any given time
equire so as to keep the working conditions correct for example
I will now describe the method of working the car fitted with my appliances
Suppose that the car is running freely loaded on the level at its maximum speed
he levers are over in each case on that side where the largest friction pulleys
ommunicate the power for instance the catch is over against the pulley i
herefore the intermediate shaft e las with a certain speed of the motor shaft k
ts quickest speed, likewise the largest pulley d gives the motion to the main
xle a so with the given speed of the motor the main axle is running at its
astest
Now when say a moderate incline is reached one or other of the levers is put
over to the pulley i which gives the slower speed on the axle e and if desired both
levers are put over to the slow motion so that there is with great speed on motor
the slow motion of car suitable for heavy inclines-The driver judges how to do
this by the indicators which denote the current speed et cetera The indicator
shewing the discharge current from the cells will shew the driver which levers to
operate and when.
Another friction method which I arrange is this-On the main driving axle or
attached to the wheel is a disc say 9 inches more or less small in diameter than the
wheels of the car-At right angles to the line on which the disc rotates is a shaft
carrying a friction wheel; this friction wheel is movable lengthwise on the shaft
by screw gear so that it works on the disc at graduated distances from the centre.
The shaft carrying the friction pulley which works on the disc is in direct
connection with an electric motor or motors or connected thereto with speed
reducing arrangements-I keep the friction between the shaft wheel and the disc
sufficient by means of a spring with tightening screws
According to a modification of this arrangement I place a friction wheel on each
side of the disc; in this case the disc is placed towards the middle of the axle or
midway between the two wheels, or thereabouts, giving sufficient space between
the wheel of the car and, the disc to allow of the friction wheel and springs-In
this arrangement the pressure is on each side of the disc and balanced
In climbing steep inclines the lowest rate of speed for the axles with the normal
average of speed of the motor would be used-It will be seen that the driver has
by this means great power at his command to suit his electric engine to different
Now before the clutches are released it is necessary to cut
conditions of the road.
off the current from the motor otherwise there would be a tendency in the motor
to "fly off" because during the brief interval of time between the contact with
the two clutches the motor would be free to run without effecting the motion of
the car I can arrange the clutches that the interval is almost inapplicable but in
5 order to obvinte any difficulty I pass the current through contacts in connection
with the lever as shown diagrammatically in Figure 8.
0
Referring to this Figure 8 it will be seen that when the lever 4 is hard over on
either side there is contact but the first movement of the lever to release the
clutches on either side breaks the circuit.
Figure 5 shows the grip part of the clutch in connection with the lever with
block pieces f¹ to which are attached the pieces operated by the lever and which
allow of the revolution of the moving parts without undue friction.
Figure 6 shows one form of the frictional part of the clutch with concentric
grooves cut therein and the corresponding concentric projections on the other part
55 of the clutch fit them. This gives great friction surface and is a convenient form
though it must be understood that I do not limit myself to the particular form
shown.

page_text: As when electric cars become common it may be desirable to have for stree
running at all events some means of keeping down the speed within certain limit
I have devised a Governor the action being in the first place mechanical an
dependent in its effect on the speed of the car. Figure 7 illustrates this Governo
diagrammatically; it acts by centrifugal force and according to the speed of th
car so is the position of the balls I and so is the position of the electric contact
formed of springs 2 which slide up and down on the contact pieces 3 in connection
with the shaft; these contact pieces 3 may be of any desired number according to
the gradations desired, this may act by putting in resistance in the circuit and s
preventing the passage of more than such quantity of current as will give a
certain speed to the car or it may act similarly by altering the coupling up of the
cells so as to diminish the electro motive force of the battery. 1 thus provide a
device for automatically keeping down the speed, an appliance which depends for
such action on the speed of the car and which then acts mechanically on the
electrical arrangements, adapting the electric conditions to the requirements of
light or heavy londs et cetera I can if desired make the Governor actuate a brake,
for instance if the speed very suddenly increased it might be desirable to apply a
brake as the momentuin might be so great that the car would run some distance
although the current was completely shut off by the Governor. The following is a
method of doing this if the speed goes beyond a certain point contact is made on
special contact pieces which closes a special circuit and this by means of an electro
magnet solenoid or motor operates a brake and pulls up the car.
In cases when the vehicle to be propelled is running on ordinary roads and so
requires guiding I have devised a steering arrangement for cars worked by means
of my gear.
This is shewn diagrammatically in Figures 9 and 10.
In cases where only one wheel is used as the steering means the fork r or its
equivalent is attached to a worm wheels with teeth cut as far round as it is
desired to turn, in some cases completely round. Gearing into the worm wheel is
a shaft t with worm thread, this shaft t is attached to a fixed point supported with
the worm wheel it is worked by means of a crank u or hand wheel or a combination
thereof or their equivalent. By this means the driver of the car has a mode of
steering which allows a necessary attention to the current indicators etcetera, the
wheel and crank being made in proper proportions allow of steering the car with
very little effort and at the same time without extra means of fixing in one
position the wheels remain as placed by the motion of the screw shaft. This
arrangement is equally applicable to one or two steering wheels in either case the
worm wheel is attached to the wheels either by the fork or axles or equivalents.
In order to further reduce the power required to steer and to render as easy as
possible prompt and rapid action of the steering device I place rollers or little 4
wheels or spherical pieces between the two plates of the " fifth wheel" Figure 11
shews this with spherical pieces; in the case of using these latter
channels or grooves to receive them, these channels or grooves may be in either one
or both plates of the "fifth wheel," the spherical pieces may be kept in with outside
guides but the grooves are preferable.
arrange
4
In order to render the operations of the driver as easy as possible and to make
the foot plate of the electric car comparatively as well equipped as that of a Steam
Locomotive I arrange conveniently for the driver to see before him a current
indicator see Figure 12 for instance. x y z represent respectively a current indicator,
an electric pressure indicator, and speed indicator.
altering the electric pressure by varying the coupling of the cells of the battery and
vw represent switches for 50
putting in resistance and breaking the circuit and reversing the current.
On the foot plate or convenient to the driver I place a switch so arranged that
the driver can vary the electro motive force of the battery, but so constructed that
all the cells have always the same quantity of current drawn off, for instance in the 55
ase of a battery of forty cells it may be discharged in one series of forty, in two

page_text: series of twenty, in four series of ten, and so on but alway so that all the cells are
equally discharged simultaneously.
Figure 13 shows diagrammatically the switch for altering the current from the
cells and still keeping the current from such cell the same at the same time.
cc etcetera are the cells, L L the circuit running to the motor, B, B are the
contact points in connection with the positive and negative ends of each series of
cells, the number of contact plates depends on the number of series and the
number of changes that it is desired to make, ggg are pieces which connect
together the cells all in series giving the total electro motive force of all the cells;
a a are connectors to couple all the positive of each row and all the negative,
thus going through the circuit, L. L, to which they are connected; ½ the electro
motive force of the whole battery but four times the current obtainable with the
arrangement of all in series.
Similarly the coupling can be in two double series giving half the electro motive
force of the whole and so on. The moveable pieces are arranged for simultaneously
affecting the desired change.
The mechanical appliances before described for changing the relation of speed
between the electric motor and the main driving axle or wheels of the car is
applicable according to my Invention whether the electricity is derived from
accumulators or from primary batteries or other source on the car or on a car
which collects the current from conductors laid in any manner along the line of
route such for example as an electric locomotive on an underground or other
Railway where the conductors are conveniently arranged for the contacts on the
train.
Having now described the nature of my said Invention and in what manner the
same is to be performed I declare that I claim as my aforesaid "Improvements in
or connected with tram rail and road cars and other vehicles and in Machinery for
driving the same by electricity."
On an electric locomotive rail tram or road vehicle driven by electricity the
arrangement of transmission gear held in one frame for altering the relation of
speed between the electric motor and the main driving axle, substantially as set-
forth.
In witness whereof I the said Michael Radcliffe Ward have hereunto set my
hand and seal this twenty-fourth day of November One thousand eight hundred
and eighty three.
M RADCLIFFE WARD. (L.S.)
To, The Commissioners of Patents for Inventions,
I hereby grant my Fiat giving leave to the above named Michael Radcliffe Ward
to file in the Office of the Commissioners of Patents for Inventions, with the
O specification to which the same relates, the above written Disclaimer and
Memorandum of Alteration.
1st
Darembo 1002
HENRY JAMES
Attorney General.

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Michael Radcliffe Ward of Northumberland Street Strand
in the County of Middlesex for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN OR
.
CONNECTED WITH TRAM, RAIL, AND ROAD CARS AND OTHER VEHICLES AND IN
MACHINERY FOR DRIVING SAME BY ELECTRICITY"
.
.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Michael Radcliffe Ward at
the Office of the Cominissioners of Patents on the 31st January 1883.
MICHAEL RADCLIFFE WARD of Northumberland Street Strand in the County of
Middlesex "IMPROVEMENTS IN OR CONNECTED WITH TRAM, RAIL AND ROAD CARS
AND OTHER VEHICLES AND IN MACHINERY FOR DRIVING SAME BY ELECTRICITY
"
In applying electricity as a motive power for working tram cars I have found
from practical experiments that there were several mechanical and electrical details
required to be worked out before the practical application can be brought to a
state (applicable) for every day working
The object of this invention is to overcome these difficulties I have found it
necessary to be able to vary the driving arrangements for ascending inclines for
instance when the car comes to a steep hill the speed will be reduced and so what
may be termed the electric resistance of motor decreased
Now the result of this is that there will be an increase in the quantity of current
through the motor and an increase in the rate of discharge from the accumulators
or primary batteries, whichever are used on the car as the source of electricity.
Now this is to be avoided because it is detrimental to the accumulators or primary
battery to be discharged at more than a certain rate; still as the car is ascending an
incline it is desirable to have as much power as possible and yet not to diminish the
speed too much In order to obviate this difficulty I have devised means to regulate
or adjust the speed of the motor as required without (sensible) increase in current.
This result I obtain by an arrangement for altering the proportions of speed or in
other words by an appliance to obviate great change in resistance of motor at
different speeds of car; I prefer to arrange the connection between the electric
ID 21

page_text: motor and the main driving axle by means of some suitable speed reducing gear.
This may be frictional wheels, belting, ropes of various classes or tooth wheels
and with a view of making the electric motor small and getting the power out by
high speed, one or more intermediate shafts carrying the necessary tooth wheels
or pulleys may be used.
A convenient way of carrying this part of the invention into effect which
On the main
applies to speed changing gear is or may be arranged as follows.
driving axle of the car or rigidly fixed to the wheel of the car are toothed wheels
one toothed wheel on each side of the axle or on each car driving wheel or wheels;
in some cases it may be more convenient to fix the toothed wheels onto the car
wheels themselves rather than to the axle. These two toothed wheels are of different
diameters. Gearing into these wheels are other and smaller toothed wheels of
corresponding different diameters on an intermediate shaft, these are loose on the
shaft that is to say they are free to move on and round the shaft unless held fast
by a clutching arrangement such as that presently to be described.
The wheels are secured by collars and the necessary lubricating arrangements
are provided. On the said intermediate shaft there is provided at each end a
strong sliding piece or wheel fitted on the end next the toothed wheel with which
it is to engage with a series of radial projections corresponding with radial slots
on the tooth wheel; or the slots may be on this sliding piece, and the radial strips
on the toothed wheel. These sliding pieces are free to move laterally on the shaft,
but not circumferentially without the shaft. To these sliding pieces are fitted
claws connected with a lever or levers, or screw gear so that when one is in gear
with its toothed wheel, the other is out of gear with its toothed wheel; this lever
or screw gear worked by the driver of the car therefore, changes the relation of
speed of the electric motor to the main axle. The toothed wheels on the motor
shaft gear into other wheels on the intermediate shaft.
In some cases where great margin for ascending very steep inclines or other
causes is desired I provide a speed changing appliance as above described, on the
shaft of the electric motor also.
To carry these wheels and shafts I arrange a frame which by means of bearings
is secured to the main driving axle, I thus get over the difficulty of the variation
in height of the body of the car from the ground level due to varying weight on
springs.
"
In order to overcome any difficulty in the shape of Board of Trade stipulations
or otherwise, and in order to maintain the speed within certain limits, I have
devised a Governor" which works automatically; this consists of balls or weights
operating by centrifugal force, on, either a special governor shaft or on the electric
motor shaft or on some other shaft in connection therewith. In connection with
the balls are rods which are connected with a sliding, gripping arrangement
forming a frictional electric contact; on the shaft there are different contact pieces
Or it
in connexion with corresponding resistances or in connexion with cells.
may be operated by cutting out coils on the magnets of the motor so that either
resistance can be put into the circuit, or the electro-motive force of the battery of
cells used for driving the car diminished, or I may cause it to vary the number of
bobbin coils of motor used or it may shift the position of the brushes.
For road car i.e., cars not running on rails, I have devised a steering apparatus,
the main features of which are that a vertical shaft in connetion with the front
wheels or in the case of one wheel only as the steering part of the car with the
fork, carries a worm wheel, this has a screw shaft gearing into it, having a crank
handle which is operated by the driver, an easily worked and steady steering
appliance is thus provided, so as to reduce the friction in steering as much as
possible; I arrange rollers and bearings between the moving and fixed plates of
the "fifth wheel.'
I provide current indicators and speed indicators on the "foot plate" of the car

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Michael Radcliffe Ward in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
31st July 1883.
MICHAEL RADCLIFFE WARD of Northumberland Street Strand in the County of
Middlesex "IMPROVEMENTS IN OR CONNECTED WITH TRAM, RAIL AND ROAD CARS,
AND OTHER VEHICLES AND IN MACHINERY FOR DRIVING SAME BY ELECTRICITY
"
In applying electricity as a motive power for working tram-cars I have found
from practical experiments that there were several mechanical and electrical
details required to be worked out before the practical application can be brought
to a state applicable for every day working.
The object of this invention is to overcome these difficulties. I have found it
necessary to be able to vary the driving arrangements for ascending inclines, for
instance when the car comes to a steep hill the speed will be reduced, and so what
may be termed the electric resistance of motor decreased.
Now the result of this is there will be an increase in the quantity of current
through the motor and an increase in the rate of discharge from the accumulators
or primary batteries whichever are used on the car as the source of electricity.
Now this is to be avoided because it is detrimental to the accumulators or
primary battery to be discharged at more than a certain rate still as the car is
ascending an incline it is desirable to have as much power as possible and yet not
to diminish the speed too much. In order to obviate this difficulty I have devised
means to regulate or adjust the speed of the motor as required without sensible
increase in current. This result I obtain by an arrangement for altering the
proportions of speed or in other words, by an appliance to obviate great change in
resistance of motor at different speeds of car. I prefer to arrange the connection
between the electric motor and the main driving axle by means of some suitable
speed reducing gear. This may be frictional wheels, belting, ropes of various
classes, or tooth wheels, and with a view of making the electric motor small and
getting the power out by high speed, one or more intermediate sbafts carrying the
necessary tooth wheels or pulleys may be used.
A convenient way of carrying this part of the invention into effect which
applies to speed changing gear is or may be arranged as follows:---On the main
driving axle of the car or rigidly fixed to the wheel of the car are toothed wheels;
one toothed wheel on each side of the axle, or on each car driving wheel or wheels.
In some cases it may be more convenient to fix the toothed wheels on to the car
wheels themselves rather than to the axles. These two toothed wheels are of
different diameters. Gearing into these wheels are other and smaller toothed
wheels of corresponding different diameters on an intermediate shaft―these are
loose on the shaft, that is to say, they are free to move on and round the
shaft unless held fast by a clutching arrangement such as that presently to be
described.
The wheels are secured by collars and the necessary lubricating arrangements
are provided. On the said intermediate shaft there is provided at each end a
strong sliding piece or wheel fitted on the end next the toothed wheel with which
it is to engage with a series of radial projections corresponding with radial slots on
the tooth wheel, or the slots may be on this sliding piece and the radial strips on
the toothed wheel. These sliding pieces are free to move laterally on the shaft
but not circumferentially without the shaft. To these sliding pieces are fitted
claws connected with a lever or levers, or screw gear so that when one is in gear
with its toothed wheel this lever or screw gear worked by the driver of the car

page_text: therefore changes the relation of speed of the electric motor to the main axle.
The toothed wheels on the motor shaft gear into other wheels on the intermediate
shaft.
In some cases where great margin for ascending very steep inclines or other
causes is desired I provide a speed changing appliance as above described, on the
shaft of the electric motor also.
To carry these wheels and shafts I arrange a frame which by means of bearings
is secured to the main driving axle, I thus get over the difficulty of the variation
in height of the body of the car from the ground level due to varying weight on
springs.
"
In order to overcome any difficulty in the shape of "Board of Trade" stipulations
or otherwise and in order to maintain the speed within certain limits I have
devised a Governor" which works automatically; this consists of balls or weights
operating by centrifugal force on, either a special governor shaft or on the electric
motor shaft or on some other shaft in connection therewith. In connection with
the balls or rods which are connected with a sliding gripping arrangement forming
a frictional clectric contact, on the shaft there are different contact pieces in
connexion with corresponding resistances, or in connexion with cells. Or it may
be operated by cutting out coils on the magnets of the motor so that either
resistance can be put into the circuit or the electro motive force of the battery of
cells used for driving the car diminished or I may cause it to vary the number of
bobbin coils of motor used or it may shift the position of the brushes.
For road cars i.e. cars not running on rails I have devised a steering apparatus
the main features of which are that a vertical shaft in connection with the front
wheels or in the case of one wheel only as the steering part of the car with the
fork carries a worm wheel, this has a screw shaft gearing into it, having a crank
handle which is operated by the driver; an easily worked and steady steering
appliance is thus provided so as to reduce the friction in steering as much as
possible. I arrange rollers and bearings between the moving and fixed plates of
the "fifth wheel."
I provide current indicators and speed indicators on the "foot plate" of the car.
In order that my Invention may be fully understood I will now proceed to
describe the same with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Figure 1 shews in side elevation sufficient of the machinery to illustrate the
manner in which this part of my invention may be carried into effect and
illustrating four clutching points.
For transmission gear I prefer the friction wheel arrangement shown in Figures
1, 2, 3 and 4 but other driving gear may be substituted such as mentioned in my
provisional specification provided that the whole driving gear is contained in one
frame.
Figure 2 is a side elevation of same or of as much of same as is necessary partly
in section and drawn on a somewhat different scale to that of the other figure.
Figure 3 shows the loose friction wheels and portion of framework detached in
plan.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the portion of the friction gearing.
Figure 5 is a section through the line x, y of Figure 1 of the clutch showing
clutch pieces.
Figure 6 is a view showing clearly the face of one of the clutches.
Figure 7 is an elevation of the Governor.
Figure 8 is a diagram view of the special switching apparatus in connection
with the speed changing lever.
Figures 9, 10 and 11 are views of the steering gear.
Figure 12 is a diagram view of the current and speed indicator switch
board &c.
Figure 13 shews diagrammatically the switch for altering the current.
Similar letters of reference refer to like parts in all the Figures.
a is the main driving axle, b, b are the toothed or frictional wheels keyed on

page_text: this axle a; c, c, c, c are intermediate friction wheels between the friction wheels
b, b and the friction wheels d, d' which latter are free to revolve on the shaft e;
the friction wheel d can be made to revolve with the shaft e by means of clutches
ff; g, g are the other friction wheels keyed on the shaft e.
h, h, h, h are intermediate friction wheels between the friction wheels g, g and
the friction wheels i, i which latter are loose on the shaft k.
1, 2, are the clutches for gearing the wheels i, i, with the shaft k.
m, n, o is the frame carrying the friction wheels c, c; this frame may be made
as also shown at Figure 3 for example the part n fixed to the framework of the
machine while the parts m and o carry the axles of the wheels c, c; p is the spring
which brings together the axles of the wheels c, c causing the same to act or to
press more or less tightly on the friction wheels corresponding therewith.
In carrying out one of the arrangements mentioned for communicating the
motion vist the friction wheel arrangement, instead of putting two friction wheels
together the ordinary way I place them a little distance apart the shafts on which
they revolve being parallel to each other, the exact distance which I leave between
the two rims of the wheels depends on the convenience of different sizes of
intermediate wheels and on the general conditions of the particular engine or
driving gear which may be under construction. Now between these two friction
wheels say d and b for example the one driving and the other driven I place the
two loose wheels c, c as shown in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4. These wheels c, c are free
to turn loosely on their own bearings and they are kept together with the
spring p; I prefer though I do not limit myself to this to construct these
intermediate wheels of compressed paper as when properly made they are very
durable and have advantages, for example, they are noiseless or as nearly so as
may be.
In Figures 2, 3 and 4 the method of holding these wheels together is shown
and the spring which keeps them up to their work; this spring p can be tight or
loose according to the amount of pressure required to transmit the necessary power
in each case. Any wear of the friction wheels can also be compensated for by
means of this spring p. I could keep all the wheels together by a different
arrangement of springs, but the one shown has the advantage of simplicity and
compactness.
q is the friction piece or disc cast in a piece with or attached to the friction
wheels dd; the wheels i have similar pieces q' cast thereon or attached thereto.
ff, l, are the clutches with the frictional gripping arrangements.
The method of operating is as follows-Suppose the car is set to run at its
maximum speed, the motor and consequently the motor shaft k running at its
normal average speed; the car arrives at an incline its speed falls off, or would
fall off and at the same time reduces the speed of the motor; now the driver
operates the speed changing gear and alters the relation of speed between the
motor and the main axle a to such extent as the particular conditions at any given
time require, so as to keep the working conditions correct, for example.
I will now describe the method of working the car fitted with my appliances.
Suppose that the car is running fully loaded on the level at its maximum speed,
the levers are over in each case on that side where the largest friction pulleys
communicate the power, for instance, the clutch is over against the pulley i'
therefore the intermediate shaft e has with a certain speed of the motor shaft / its
quickest speed, likewise the largest pulley d' gives the motion to the main axle a
so with the given speed of the motor the main axle is running at its fastest.
Now when, say a moderate incline is reached one or other of the levers is put
over to the pulley i which gives the slower speed on the axle e and if desired both
levers are put over to the slow motion, so that there is with great speed on motor,
the slow motion of car suitable for heavy inclines. The driver judges how to do
this by the indicators which denote the current speed &°. The indicator shewing
the discharge current from the cells will shew the driver which levers to operate
and when.

page_text: Another friction method which I arrange is this: On the main driving axle or
attached to the wheel is a disc say 9 inches more or less smaller in diameter than
the wheels of the car. At right angles to the line on which the disc rotates is a
shaft carrying a friction wheel; this friction wheel is movable lengthwise on the
shaft by screw gear, so that it works on the disc at graduated distances from the
centre. The shaft carrying the friction pulley which works on the disc is in direct
connection with an electric motor or motors or connected thereto with speed
reducing arrangements. I-keep the friction between the shaft wheel, and the disc
sufficient by means of a spring with tightening screws.
According to a modification of this arrangement I place a friction wheel on each
side of the disc, in this case the disc is placed towards the middle of the axle or
midway between the two wheels, or thereabouts giving sufficient space between the
wheel of the car and the disc to allow of the friction wheel and springs. In this
arrangement the pressure is on each side of the disc and balanced.
In climbing steep inclines the lowest rate of speed for the axles with the normal
average of speed of the motor would be used. It will be seen that the driver has
by this means great power at his command to suit his electric engine to the
different conditions of the road. Now before the clutches are released, it is
necessary to cut off the current from the motor otherwise there would be a
tendency in the motor to "fly off" because during the brief interval of time
between the contact with the two clutches the motor would be free to run without
effecting the motion of the car. I can arrange the clutches that the interval is
almost inapplicable but in order to obviate any difficulty I pass the current
through contacts in connection with the lever as shown diagrammatically in
Figure 8.
Referring to this Figure 8 it will be seen that when the lever 4 is hard over on
either side there is contact but the first movement of the lever to release the
clutches on either side breaks the circuit.
Figure 5 shows the grip part of the clutch in connection with the lever with
block pieces f' to which are attached the pieces operated by the lever and which
allow of the revolution of the moving parts without undue friction.
Figure 6 shows one form of the frictional part of the clutch with concentric
grooves cut therein and the corresponding concentric projections on the other part
of the clutch fit them. This gives great friction surface and is a convenient form
though it must be understood that I do not limit myself to the particular form
shown.
As when electric cars become common it may be desirable to have for street
running at all events some means of keeping down the speed within certain limits
I have devised a Governor, the action being in the first place mechanical and
dependent in its effect on the speed of the car. Figure 7 illustrates this Governor
diagrammatically; it acts by centrifugal force and according to the speed of the
car so is the position of the balls 1 and so is the position of the electric contacts
formed of springs 2 which slide up and down on the contact pieces 3 in connection
with the shaft, these contact pieces 3 may be of any desired number according to
the gradations desired, this may act by putting in resistance in the circuit and
so preventing the passage of more than such quantity of current as will give a
certain speed to the car or it may act similarly by altering the coupling up of the
cells so as to diminish the electro motive force of the battery. I thus provide a
device for automatically keeping down the speed an appliance which depends for
such action on the speed of the car and which then acts mechanically on the
electrical arrangements adapting the electric conditions to the requirements of
light or heavy loads &c. I can if desired make the Governor actuate a brake; for
instance if the speed very suddenly increased it might be desirable to apply a
brake as the momentum night be so great that the car would run some distance
although the current was completely shut off by the Governor. The following is a
method of doing this if the speed goes beyond a certain point contact is made on

page_text: special contact pieces which closes a special circuit and this by means of an electro
inagnet solenoid or motor operates a brake and pulls up the car.
In cases when the vehicle to be propelled is running on ordinary roads and so
requires guiding I have devised a steering arrangement for cars worked by means
of my gear.
This is shewn diagrammatically in Figures 9 and 10.
In cases where only one wheel is used as the steering means the fork r or its
equivalent is attached to a worm wheels with teeth cut as far round as it is
desired to turn in some cases completely round. Gearing into the worm wheel is
a shaft t with worm thread this shaft t is attached to a fixed point supported with
the worm wheel; it is worked by means of a crank u or hand wheel or a com-
bination thereof or their equivalent By this means the driver of the car has a
mode of steering which allows a necessary attention to the current indicators &c
the wheel and crank being made in proper proportions allow of steering the car
with very little effort and at the same time without extra means of fixing in one
position the wheels remain as placed by the motion of the screw shaft. This
arrangement is equally applicable to one or two steering wheels in either case the
worm wheel is attached to the wheels either by the fork or axles or equivalents.
In order to further reduce the power required to steer and to render as easy as
possible prompt and rapid action of the steering device I place rollers or little
wheels or spherical pieces between the two plates of the "fifth wheel " Figure 11
shews this with spherical pieces, in the case of using these latter I arrange channels
or grooves to receive them these channels or grooves may be in either one or both
plates of the "fifth wheel" the spherical pieces may be kept in with outside guides,
but the grooves are preferable.
In order to render the operations of the driver as easy as possible and to make
the foot plate of the electric car comparatively as well equipped as that of a Steam
Locomotive, I arrange conveniently for the driver to see before him a current
indicator see Figure 12 for instance x y z represent respectively a current indicator,
an electric pressure indicator, and speed indicator. vw represent switches for
altering the electric pressure by varying the coupling of the cells of the battery
and putting in resistance and breaking the circuit and reversing the current.
On the foot plate or convenient to the driver I place a switch so arranged that
the driver can vary the electro motive force of the battery but so constructed that
all the cells have always the same quantity of current drawn off; for instance in
the case of a battery of forty cells it may be discharged in one series of forty, in
two series of twenty, in four series of ten, and so on but alway so that all the cells
are equally discharged simultaneously.
Figure 13 shows diagrammatically the switch for altering the current from the
cells and still keeping the current from such cell the same at the same time.
cc & are the cells, LL the circuit running to the motor, B B are the contact
points in connection with the positive and negative ends of each series of cells, the
number of contact plates depends on the number of series and the number of
changes that it is desired to make, g, g, g are pieces which connect together the
cells all in series giving the total electro motive force of all the cells; a, a¹ aro
connectors to couple all the positive of each row and all the negative, thus going
through the circuit L L to which they are connected; /, the electro motive force
of the whole battery but four times the current obtainable with the arrangement of
all in series.
Similarly the coupling can be in two double series giving half the electro motive
force of the whole and so on. The movable pieces are arranged for simultaneously
affecting the desired change.
,
The mechanical appliances before described for changing the relation of speed
between the electric motor and the main driving axle or wheels of the car is
applicable according to my Invention whether the electricity is derived from
accumulators or from primary batteries or other source on the car or on a car which
collects the current from conductors laid in any manner along the line of route

page_text: such for example as an electric locomotive on an underground or other railway
where the conductors are conveniently arranged for the contacts on the train
Having now described the nature of my said Invention and in what manner the
same is to be performed I declare that I claim as my aforesaid "Improvements in
or connected with tram rail and road cars and other vehicles and in machinery for
driving the same by electricity."
First On electric Railway Cars or on electric locomotives or on electric tram
cars or on electric road cars, tricycles or other vehicles driven by electricity the
combination with an electric motor of mechanical appliances for changing the
relation of speed between the electric motor and the main driving axle or wheels of
the car substantially as set forth.
Second-On an electric locomotive, rail tram, or road vehicles driven by
electricity the arrangement of frictional transmission gear shown in Figures 1, 2, 3
and 4 as and for the purposes set forth.
Third-On an electric locomotive, rail, tram or road vehicle driven by electricity
the arrangement of transmission gear for altering the relation of speed between
the electric motor and the main driving axle held in one frame, substantially as
set forth.
Fourth-The use of the switch arrangement shown diagrammatically at
Figure 13 in combination with my speed changing appliance as described for
varying the strength of the current by reducing the electro motive force of the
source of electricity substantially as set forth.
Fifth-On an electrical rail tram or road vehicle the use of a governor to check
the speed constructed and acting substantially as described with reference to
Figure 7 of the accompanying drawings.
Sixth An arrangement for passing the current through the lever which
operates the speed changing gear as described or its equivalent whereby the current
is cut off from the motor or motors during the time of changing from one speed to
another substantially as described with reference to Figure 8.
Seventh-In an electric road car or other vehicle the combination of the
steering appliance with a "fifth wheel" plate running on rollers substantially as
described and shown.
Eighth The general combination and arrangement of parts forming the
changeable speed gear for electric locomotive, rail, tram cars or road vehicles
together with the various devices or appliances in connection therewith forming or
constituting the actuating electrical mechanism all constructed and acting
substantially as and for the purposes hereinbefore described with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
In witness whereof I the said Michael Radcliffe Ward have hereunto set my
hand and seal this Thirtyfirst day of July in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and eighty three.
DADOL THE
ADD