Improvements in and relating to Motor Road Vehicles.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 30th May, 1899-Accepted, 21st Oct., 1899
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Motor Road Vehicles.
I, RUDOLPH MELVILLE HUNTER, of No. 3710, Chestnut Street, in the City and
County of Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania, United States of America,
Mechanical Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement:-
―
This invention relates to automobiles adapted to be propelled by electricity
or other motive power such as oil, air, gas or vapor. The object is more particu-
larly to adapt a suitable motive power for easy attachment to vehicles already in
use, whereby a brougham, phaeton or wagon may be mechanically propelled by
a suitable motive power without material modification or change in the body
portion of the vehicle. Broadly considered, the front wheels and axle of the
vehicle are removed, and my improved motive power mechanism is substituted,
the latter being attached to the vehicle body by a king-bolt or universal pivot
joint. In the preferred form of my invention I employ storage batteries as the
source of electric power and energize motors adapted to drive the front wheels
under suitable control from the seat of the carriage or wagon.
More specifically considered, my invention comprehends a battery compart-
ment or box for housing the electrical accumulators, said box being spring sup-
ported upon a pair of driving wheels and one or more steering wheels. The
electric motors are geared or otherwise connected to the driving wheels by power
transmitting connections. I prefer to employ two electric motors, one to each
of the driving wheels and operating independently. A suitable series-multiple
controller or other means for regulating the speed of the motors is attached to
the vehicle proper or adapted to be operated therefrom and is electrically con-
nected with the batteries and motors so as to permit of their movement about
the king bolt or universal joint by which they are indirectly connected with the
vehicle body. The accumulator cells are preferably arranged in series connec-
tion and the motors and their field coils thrown in series or parallel to vary the
amperes of current and hence the speed. In steering, where sharp turns are
required, as in turning out from a curb, or rounding a corner, or where a quick
turn is necessary to avoid a collision, it is advisable to throw the entire motive
force upon the off" wheel, or that one away from the direction of turning and
this action is combined with the movement of the steering wheel or wheels to
cause the entire propelling mechanism to quickly turn upon the king-bolt while
moving forward. To secure this result I provide a suitable electric switch
device which, under the extreme movements of the steering lever, cuts out one
or the other of the two motors or so controls the motive power so as to confine
the propelling action wholly to one side of the vehicle. The rear wheels and
hody need perform no function in the propelling or steering, and hence are simply
dragged or pulled along; and being supported only on two wheels, offers no
material resistance to the proper swinging of the forward part under the action
of the electro-motive mechanism applied thereto at the king bolt. The electric
switches are preferably so arranged as to cut out or shunt the armatures of the

page_text: motors, but do not come into action in ordinary steering when normally running
as that action is accomplished by the steering wheels alone. When either of
the armatures are cut out the motor circuits may have resistances temporarily
inserted by the switches to keep down the current supplied to the remaining
motor in circuit and prevent too rapid speed when making the sharp turns.
Broadly considered, my invention is an electric motive mechanism, self con-
tained and capable of independent steering, and so combined with a vehicle body
of any usual construction that the latter is propelled and steered under the will
of the operator. It is further evident that in a single "stable" it is possible to
have one electro motive mechanism for a variety of vehicle bodies, so that a
gentleman may have his electric brougham, phaeton, drag, &c., at a moderate
cost, especially so as he can readily adapt his present horse vehicles to use with
my invention.
My improvements will be better understood by reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:-
Fig. 1 is a side elevation of an electric brougham embodying my invention;
Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of the electro motive mechanism of same;
Fig. 3 is a plan of same;
Fig. 4 is a diagram of the electric circuits and controlling devices;
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the steering mechanism; and
Fig. 6 is a sectional elevation of the king bolt or universal joint between the
vehicle body and the electro motive mechanism.
It may
A is the vehicle body and as shown is that of an ordinary brougham.
be the body and the rear wheels of any style of carriage or wagon now in use.
The body is supported at the rear on the usual springs and wheels A¹ and at
the front by the electro-motive mechanism B through a universal joint or king
bolt connection N. It will be observed that the ordinary front wheels and
springs are removed, as is also the usual "fifth wheel" and the space occupied
by them taken up by the electric motive mechanism B. It is evident however,
that in cases where the vehicle body is high from the ground the upper half of
the "fifth wheel" now in use may rest upon the top of the battery box C if so
desired.
The battery box or compartment C is closed on all sides but the front and this
is provided with a door through which the batteries Q may be inserted or
removed. This box C is supported at the front upon an axle e by springs D.
The driving wheels E are journalled upon each end of the axle and have their
felleys or rims provided with internal gears F. The electric motors G, G, are
hinged to or supported by the axle e and are provided on their armature shafts
with pinions I meshing with the gears F. By making the gears F of approxi-
mately the internal diameter of the felley the lightness in appearance of the
wheels is maintained. I would also point out that as the driving wheels are
smaller than usually employed in motor vehicles and the application of power
is near the rim, the motors may be smaller and with two pole fields since their
speed of revolution would be higher. The free end of the motors G are sus-
pended in any suitable manner. As shown they are supported by a long bolt
from the battery box C, as at g and the jarring is taken up by the rubber springs
shown between which the motor bracket is supported.
H, H are two small rubber faced steering wheels journalled on bearings kon
each side of an upright rod or shaft K having capacity for rotation about a
vertical or upright axis. The upper end of this shaft K extends through a bear-
ing K on the box and has a crank arm M by which it may be turned. The
lower portion of the shaft K is provided with a shoulder bearing upon which
a plate J rests and is journaled (Fig. 5). L are transverse springs connecting
the plate with the battery box C, and L' are longitudinal springs also_con-
meeting the plate J with the battery box. By these springs L L' the plate J act-
ing as a lower bearing for the shaft K is made to float and at the same time
transmit part of the weight of the batteries to the steering wheels. While I

page_text: have shown the battery box largely located between the wheels E and H it is
evident that more of the weight may be made to come upon the driving wheels
if so preferred by simply shifting the box forward or placing the motors upon
the opposite side of the axle e. I prefer to use two small steering wheels H H
because the steering action is better and the wheels may be made lighter, but it
is apparent that a single wheel would answer the purpose and hence I do not con-
fine myself to any particular type of steering wheels or mode of moving them.
The forward end of the battery box C is connected at N with the vehicle
body A by a pivot joint, preferably with capacity for universal movement. Ag
shown, this joint is made by a ball head N¹ on the box C fitting into a socket N
on the underside of the vehicle. It may be clamped in place by a removable
plate N³ and bolt n shown in Fig. 6. Any other suitable pivot may be employed
if desired.
The vehicle body A is provided with an operator's seat under which may be
placed the controller P for the motors and this is adapted to be operated by a
handle p. The circuits from the controller terminate in a contact block near
the platform and pivot N. The circuits from the motors and battery are brought
up through the battery box C near the pivot N by a flexible cable and this cable
terminates in a contact block or head T adapted for making connection with
terminal block t. In this manner the motor mechanism is quickly connected
electrically with the controller and permits of free movement for steering. While
it is apparent that the controller P might be attached to the box C and operated
by a rod from the operator's seat, experience has convinced me that it is the
better practice to have the actual controller mechanism so located that it cannot
be affected by any movement such as in steering. It is under more positive con-
trol when located under the operator's seat.
M¹ is the steering lever and extends up through the platform of the vehicle
to which it is pivoted and connects at its bottom with the lever M by a rod m.
The connection between m and M¹ is detachable to permit ready disconnection.
By moving the lever M¹ the steering wheels H will be turned to the proper angle;
and if the controller or handle p be then moved, the mechanism B as a whole
will move on a curve.
The shaft K of the steering gear has an arm S¹ which operates a rod S having
collars s
s on it. S. 82 are two sliding blocks also preferably sleeved on the
rod and held normally in place by springs S³. These blocks S2 are connected
by springs S with the switch levers R1 and R2 respectively as shown in Fig. 4.
These switches control the current in the two motors G. G. As shown in Fig. 4.
the switches are closed to permit the current flowing through the armatures of
both motors when the controller P is operated. Now, in ordinary steering with
the controller P on, the slight shifting of the rod S will not move either block S
across the pivot points of the switch levers R1, R2: but, if a very quick turn
is required, either with the controller on or off, the rod S will be shifted to such
an extent that one of the collars will move one of the blocks S2 beyond the
pivot of the switch lever and it will snap open and then close upon a contact r
of a circuit 5 around the armature. This circuit 5 may contain, if desired, a
resistance as indicated in dotted lines. It is of course to be understood that only
one of the switches R1, R2 can operate at any one time and this always in con-
nection with the motor on the side toward which the turn is to be made. By
closing the shunt r on the side the motor is to be rendered non-propelling before
the armature circuit is broken, excessive sparking will be avoided; and if the
armature is simply maintained in shunted relation it then acts as a dynamo or
electric brake to retard the action of the wheel. but this would only be useful
when running at considerable speed. When the action is taking place upon
one of the switches R1, R2 the other remains closed and the rod S simply moves
through the block S2. If the springs S are of sufficient elasticity the blocks Sª
might be secured to the rod S, in which case the additional spring S³ would be
dispensed with. I do not confine myself to any particular construction of switch

page_text: mechanism R as it may be made in various ways, the only requirement being
that it shall destroy or reduce the propelling action of the motor on the side to
which the vehicle is to move. It is also evident that this switch mechanism R
might be operated by hand in place of being controlled by the steering means,
but for obvious reasons prefer to employ it as an adjunct of the steering means
as set out.
The electric lights of the vehicle may be energized by the current from the
battery through circuits 7 fixed on the vehicle; and likewise the electric heater Y
may be energized and controlled from circuits 6.
The controller P may be of any suitable construction and is supplied with
current from the batteries Q by circuits P2 and delivers it to the motors G, G by
circuits P¹. The motors may have one or two sets of field coils, 2 and 4 repre-
senting two sets of field coils, which may be thrown in series or parallel in
addition to throwing the motors as a whole in series or parallel for varying the
speed. In some cases a single motor may be employed with my invention, in
which case the controller would be differently constructed in detail, and what is
known as a "jack in the box" employed in the driving mechanism, but I pre-
fer to employ two independent motors under most conditions.
It will be evident that while the driving wheels E are preferably in advance
of the steering wheels H, it is not necessary that they should be so arranged,
and this condition may be changed by simply turning the electro-motive
mechanism B around on its pivot N. It is also to be understood that while I
prefer the manner of pivoting the steering wheels here shown, they may never-
theless be made adjustable by employing the more expensive well known knuckle
joints for their bearings. In this latter case the steering wheels H, H, could be
placed farther apart without putting excessive strain upon the operator since the
leverage remains the same.
When it is desired to have the batteries charged, the body A may be discon-
nected and a temporary seat and controller clamped upon the box C by which
the operator may run the electro-motor mechanism B down to the charging
station without necessity of taking the whole vehicle. This is most advan-
tageous in private and general livery stables.
Motors may be arranged to drive the rear wheels A¹ of the body if desired in
place of or in conjunction with the motors G. My invention is also applicable
to cases where other motive power such as oil, air or vapor is applied as the
propelling power.
If engines of any kind are substituted for the electric motors for the purpose
of propelling the front wheels they may be housed in or concealed by the com-
partment C, and the source of energy whether oil, vapor, gas or compressed air,
may also be stored within the said compartment.
The steering of the truck is performed in the same manner irrespective of the
particular motive power employed.
The adjustable steering wheels H are pivoted and turned by connections lead-
ing to a suitable lever, such as M', on the vehicle body and the truck may be
thus steered as previously described. Each of the wheels E may be indepen-
dently driven by a separate engine, or by a single engine with provision in the
shaft such as 61
a jack in the box" gearing to permit the wheels E E to revolve
at different speeds as is well known. The speed may be governed by throttling
the steam, air, or gas when used as the motive power, or by controlling the
supply of gasoline and explosions where a gasoline engine is the motive power.
In either of these cases the lever and'-connections to control the valve lead
from the vehicle body to the truck. The speed may also be varied by employ-
ing an adjustable friction clutch between the engine and wheels or their shaft,
the clutch being operated by a lever extending to the vehicle body. By tighten-
ing or loosening the clutch the speed may be increased or reduced at will. In
the case of a gasoline engine the speed may also be varied by changing the ten-
sion of the springs of the governor so as to vary the time of explosions, the

page_text: adjustment of the governor being accomplished by a handle or lever extending
to the vehicle body. Any of the usual modes of controlling the speed of the
engines for steam, gas, air or gasoline may be employed and operated by a
handle ገ and suitable connections therefrom leading to the engine.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:
1. A self propelled vehicle or automobile embodying the construction
described and illuustrated.
2. In a motor vehicle a self propelled and steered mechanically driven truck
pivoted under the forward part of the vehicle body.
3. In a motor vehicle, the combination of a pivoted mechanically driven truck
having driving wheels and one or more steering wheels adjustable about an up-
right axis, and trailing body portion supported upon wheels at the rear and
having its forward end pivoted to the truck.
4. In a motor vehicle, the combination of a pivoted mechanically driven truck
having driving wheels and one or more steering wheels adjustable about an up-
right axis, a trailing body portion supported upon wheels at the rear and having
its forward end pivoted to the truck, and means extending from the body portion
to the pivoted truck for adjusting the steering wheels and controlling the speed
of the driving means.
5. In an electrically propelled vehicle, a frame having two driving wheels
independently rotated, a rear steering wheel of smaller diameter adjustable upon
the frame about an upright axis, a separate electric motor to rotate each of the
driving wheels sustained by the frame, a trailing body part supported upon
wheels and pivoted at its forward part to the frame of the driving wheels and
motors, and means extending to the body part for controlling the motors and
operating the steering wheel.
6. In an electrically propelled vehicle self propelled battery and motor
mechanism, combined with a body part supported upon a pair of wheels at one
end and pivoted at the other end to the self propelled battery and motor mechan-
ism on a vertical axis.
7. In an electrically propelled vehicle a frame having a pair of driving wheels,
electric motor mechanism to rotate said wheels and an adjustable steering wheel,
combined with a trailing body part supported upon rear wheels, and a pivot
connection between the forward part of the body and the frame carrying the
driving and steering wheels.
8. In an electrically propelled vehicle having a battery supported on driving
and steering wheels, combined with a separate electric motor to rotate each of the
driving wheels, means for adjusting the steering wheels, switch devices under the
control of the steering means, for rendering either of the motors non propelling,
a trailing body part pivoted to the driving wheels adapted to swing laterally,
and means on the body part for controlling the current to both motors and
operating the steering means.
9. An electrically propelled vehicle having a battery supported on driving and
steering wheels, combined with a separate electric motor to rotate each of the
driving wheels, means for adjusting the steering wheels, and switch devices under
the control of the steering means for rendering either of the motors non pro-
pelling.
10. In an electric motive mechanism for vehicles consisting of a battery box
having a pivot connection for attachment to a vehicle body, springs and axles for
sustaining the battery box, a pair of driving wheels, two electric motors for
respectively rotating said wheels, one or more steering wheels also supporting
the battery box, means for adjusting the angles of the steering wheels, a battery
in the box for supplying current to the motors, and electric switches for render-
ing either motor non-propelling.

page_text: 11. An electric motive mechanism for vehicles consisting of a battery box
having a pivot connection for attachment to a vehicle body, springs and axles
for sustaining the battery box, a pair of driving wheels, two electric motors for
respectively rotating said wheels, one or more steering wheels also supporting the
battery box, means for adjusting the angle of the steering wheels, and a battery
in the box for supplying current to the motors.
12. In an electrically propelled vehicle a frame having a pair of driving
wheels, electric motor mechanism to rotate said wheels, and an adjustable steer-
ing wheel, combined with a trailing body part supported upon rear wheels, a
pivot connection between the forward part of the body and the frame carrying
the driving and steering wheels, and means for controlling the electric motors
and adjusting the steering wheels from the trailing body part.
13. In a motor vehicle a self steered truck, provided with electric motor
mechanism to rotate the wheels thereof, combined with a vehicle body sustained
upon wheels at its rear and pivoted at its forward end to the self steered truck,
and means extending to the body for controlling to motors and steering
mechanism.
14. An electrically propelled truck having one or more adjustable steering
wheels, combined with a trailing vehicle body, a detachable universal pivot con-
nection between the forward part of the body and truck whereby they may be
detached when required but are normally inseparable, and detachable means
extending to the vehicle body for controlling the steering gear.
15. In an electrically propelled vehicle, self propelled battery and motor
mechanism, combined with a body part supported upon a pair of wheels at one
end and pivoted at the other end to the self propelled battery and motor mechan-
ism on a vertical axis, a controller for regulating the speed of the motors
arranged upon the body part, flexible circuits connecting the controller with the
battery and motor mechanism, and a detachable electric coupling in said circuits
to permit quick connection and disconnection of the motor mechanism with the
body part.
16. In a motor vehicle a self supporting and steered truck containing the
motive power to rotate its wheels and the source of energy of whatsoever nature
employed, combined with a trailing body part sustained on wheels at its rear and
pivoted at its forward end to the self supporting truck.
Dated this 12th day of May 1899.
RUDOLPH MELVILLE HUNTER,
Haseltine, Lake & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.