Improvements in the Method of and Apparatus for Regulating Electric Currents.
Year: 1889

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Method of and Apparatus for Regulating
Electric Currents.
I, JOSEPH WILHELMUS BALET, of 314, East 23rd Street, in the City, County, and
State of New York, United States of America, 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:-
The object of my invention is to provide a current regulator for dynamos' and
motors by which the current not used and any surplus of current will be sent into
accumulators to be stored for iuture use when the main current from the dynamo
becomes weakened or ceases altogether and to control the charging of the secondary
batteries so that the charging current shall cease in a particular battery when the
maximum charge is reached and be returned to the said battery when it is discharged.
My invention also has for its object to provide a regulator for charging storage
batteries by means of an electric current from any source which will automatically
include a greater or less number of storage batteries in the circuit for charging
purposes, the number of batteries being controlled by the strength of the charging
current and to provide means for cutting storage batteries out of the main circuit
when they have received their maximum charge. My object is further to provide
means for regulating the number of storage batteries included in a circuit, so that the
number of charged storage batteries will correspond with the work to be done by the
batteries. The object of my invention is further to provide a method of regulating
the current in dynamo and motor circuits by which the current not used and any
surplus of current will be sent into storage batteries to be stored for future use when
the main current from the dynamo becomes weakened or ceases altogether and to
control the charging of the secondary batteries so that the charging current shall
cease in a particular battery when the maximum charge is reached and be returned to
the said battery when it is discharged. My invention also has for its object to provide
a method of regulating the charging of storage batteries by means of an electric
current from any source which will automatically include a greater or less number of
storage batteries in the circuit for charging purposes, the number of batteries being
Price Sd1

page_text: controlled by the strength of the charging current, and the method of cutting storage
batteries out of the main circuit when they have received their maximum charge,
while the attendant-is informed when and which set of batteries is charged. My
object is further, to provide a method for regulating the number of cells in
circuit so that the number of cells will correspond to the work to be done by
the cells.
My invention consists in a series of storage batteries and in a combination of a
series of switches under control of the main current and of the motor driven by the
current, also in the combination witli the storage batteries and current controlling
devices of gas-actuated switches to be operated by gases generated in the storage
batteries after the maximum charged is reached, so in the combination with the
series of storage batteries, the current-controlling devices, and gas-actuated switches,
of a switch governed by the switches under the control of the main current to prevent
the series of storage batteries from forming a closed circuit. It also further consists
in a. novel circuit-controller formed of a solenoid containing
a movable core or
armature and a spring arranged to oppose the movement of the core, the armature
being provided with different sets of contacts for shifting the current when too low or
too high. It also further consists in a current regulator connected with the motor
driven by the current and arranged to operate the circuit of the switching mechanism
by the centrifugal action of mercury the said regulator being arranged to complete
one circuit when the speed of the motor is too low, to complete another circuit when
the speed of the motor is too high, and to hold the regulating circuit open when the
speed of the motor is normal. It also further consists in a novel switch actuating
mechanism in which a movable core makes and breaks the circuit in its magnetizing
coil by the vibratory longitudinal movement of said core and causing to turn a roller
and, shaft by friction caused by magnetic induction between the said core and said
roller. It also further consists in novel switch mechanism operated by the switch
actuating mechanism in which two independent switch armis are arranged to touchi
the same or different contact points of a switch board, thus shifting their positions
relative to each other, thereby cutting out the storage batteries so that they will not
receive the charging current or including them in the main circuit for the purpose of
charging, or switching the storage batteries already charged into the main circuit to
assist the main current is doing its work. It also consists in a mercurial circuit-
operating device, formed of two communicating vessels, insulated contact screws
entering the said vessels, a body of mercury contained in the communicating vessels,
pipes connected with the storage batteries and with one of the vessels for conveying
gas from the storage battery to the vessel and thus changing the level of the mercury
so as to shift the electric, contacts and in the combination with one of the communi-
cating vessels of a valve and valve operating mechanism for releasing the gas and
thus restoring the mercury to its normal position. It also further consists in an
escapement operated by an electro-magnet which is excited when the switch above
mentioned works, the said escapement having a plate with as many numbers as there
are sets of storage batteries connected with the regulator, the said plate being
arranged to expose the number corresponding with the filled set off storage batteries,
at the same time giving an audible signal.
My improved method of controlling the current will be described in connection
with the mechanism and will be afterwards pointed out in the claims.
Reference is to be had to the annexed drawings forming part of this specification,
in which Figure 1 shows a side elevation of the circuit-controller, a side elevation
of the current-regulator, a side elevation of the switch-actuating mechanism, a side
elevation of auxiliary switch actuating mechanism, and a plan view of the current
distributor and secondary batteries. Figure 2 is a diagram of a system in which
a dynamo, electric motor, and electric lights are regulated. Figure 3 is a diagram in
which the current of the cells is regulated according to the power required. Figure 4
is a diagram in which the storage batteries are cut out of the circuit when they
have received their maximum charge. Figure 5 is a modification of the gas switch.
Figure is a diagram of the circuits. Figure 7 is an enlarged vertical section of

page_text: the current-regulator, taken on line A-B of Figure S. Figure S is a side elevation
of the current-regulator, taken on a plane at right angles to that of Figure 7.
Figure 9 is a longitudinal section of the circuit-controlling device shewn in Figure 1.
Figure 10 is an enlarged side elevation of one of the switch-actuating devices shewn
in Figure 1. Figure 11 is a vertical section of the same, taken on line E-F
in Figure 10. Figure 12 shews a plan view, partly in section, of the switch
operating and distributing mechanism, the section being taken on lines J-K in
Figure 14 and L M in Figure 15. Figure 13 is a plan view of the entire apparatus,
shewing the relation of the various parts. Figure 14 is a vertical section, taken
on line G-H in Figure 12. Figure 15 is a vertical section, taken on line X-X
in Figure 12. Figure 16 is a plan view of a modified form of circuit-breaking
mechanism. Figure 17 is a vertical transverse section taken on line Z-Z in
Figure 16. Figure 18 is a side elevation of the sounder. Figure 19 is a transverse
section of a portion of the switch; and Figure 20 is a vertical transverse section
of the switch arm.
Similar letters and figures of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the
views.
The electrical connections shewn in the drawings are intended where a very
heavy current is flowing through the main conductor. I do not, however, limit
myself, to such for the connections are to be made according to the strength of
the current flowing through the main conductor.
In figures 1 and 9, is shewn a circuit controller which is dependent for its action
upon the main current. It consists of a solenoid B provided with a tubular core B
to which is fitted a soft iron armature A. The ends of the tubular core B' are
closed, with the exception of a small central" opening through which project the
rods a from the ends of the armature A. Surrounding the rod a and between
the armature A and the closed end of the tubular core B', there is a spiral
spring 1 which opposes the inward movement of the armature A. Opposite the
end of the rod is supported a contact screw e by a standard e secured to the
insulating support Al and opposite the rod b is supported a contact screw d by
the standard also secured to the insulating base A'. The terminals 2, 3, of the
solenoid B are connected with the main conductor 24 at 1 and '4. A branch of
the terminal 2 is connected electrically by the screw 5 with the core B¹ of the
solenoid and is thus in electrical communication with the armature A and rods a b.
The standards e dare provided with binding screws 6, 7. When the current in the
main conductor 24ª energises the solenoid B so that the armature A is held in
equilibrium, as shewn in the drawing, no contact is made between the rods a b
and the screws ed but when the current is too strong, the armature A is drawn
into the solenoid against the pressure of the spring Be and causes the rod a to
make a contact with the screw c. When the current is too weak, the armature A is
released and the spring 12 carries the armature A forward so as to bring the rod
into contact with the screw d.
In figures 1, 7, and 8, is shewn a centrifugal governor which is operated by the
motor driven by the current from the main conductor 24, said motor being indicated
by Z in figure 2. To the motor is secured a frame D containing a spindle D' carrying
at its lower end a pinion D2 which is engaged by a bevel wheel 13 on the shaft D
of the electric motor. To the upper end of the spindle D' is secured a head E to
which is attached a hollow cylindrical shell E of insulating material, the upper end of
the shell being rebated to receive the metallic ring H and to the rebated upper edge.
of the metallic ring is secured an insulating ring H which supports a cap G in the
centre of which is placed the contact screw F. The receptacle thus formed contains a
body F of mercury, and the space above the mercury in the chamber C is filled with
mercurial vapors which prevent the metal from being burned by sparking between
the contact. The mercurial vapor is generated by heat; the mercury being poured
into the chamber C while hot through the hole in which the contact screw Fis
inserted. After the mercury is poured in, and before it cools, the screw F is inserted
and the jam-nut on the said screw is tightened thereby hermetically sealing the

page_text: mercury in the chamber C. The vapor from the hot mercury draws out all the air
and when most of the vapor has condensed there is a partial vacuum in the chamber C
containing mercury vapor only. To the cross arm H are secured two vertical
posts H H which are insulated from the cross arm and are provided with binding
screws km. The posts H are mortised transversely at their upper ends and the
post H³ supports a brush i which touches the metallic ring H and in the mortise of
the post H is secured a brush which touches the metallic cap G. The frame D is
provided with a binding screw h. When the motor is revolving at its normal speed
the mercury in the chamber C assumes the form indicated by the line n and the
circuit remains open, but when the speed of the motor rises above the normal, the
mercury assumes the form indicated by the dotted line n' and establishes communica-
tion between the metallic ring H and the spindle D' and when the speed falls below
the normal the mercury assumes the form indicated by the dotted line, thus
establishing a contact between the end of the screw F and the spindle D'.
In figures 1, 10, and 11, are shewn the switch-actuating devices, which are exactly
alike, the parts being indicated by the same letters of reference, so that a description
of one will answer for all. To the solenoid I is fitted a movable core or armature K
provided with the rod K¹ extending through a cap K² and carrying at its upper end
a flat spring P.
To the frame K attached to, and extending above the top of, the
solenoid is pivoted a switch lever of which is capable of making contact with either of
the contact pieces ef. The lever o is provided with a rectangular projection g¹ and
with notches at opposite sides of the said rectangular projection. The angle of the
projection is opposite the pivot g and when the armature K rises, being magnetized
by the passage of the current through the solenoid I, it causes the spring to enter
one of the notches g³ and push the lever o¹ into contact with one of the contact pieces e f
When the armature K again rises, it causes the spring 7 to engage the other notch g
and shift the lever o to the other connection. In this manner, the lever o alternates
in its movement with every upward stroke of the armature K and makes and breaks
the circuit of the solenoid I. The armature K is prolonged below the solenoid I and
is flattened for engagement with a roller L of magnetic material mounted upon, and
insulated from, the shaft M. Whenever the armature K is magnetized by the current
passing through the solenoid I the said armature is moved upward and the roller L
being magnetized by induction from the armature K, the frictional contact thus
established causes the roller L to turn whenever engaged by the armature in the
manner indicated. While the current passes through either of the solenoids in
Figure 1, the armature K keeps up a continual longitudinal vibration shifting the
lever alternately from one of its electrical contacts to the other and turning the
roller L and shaft M in the direction indicated by the arrow, see figure 1. When
the bar of the controller B makes contact with the contact point d or when the body
of mercury in the centrifugal regulator makes contact with the screw F and the
current flows through the brush and post H to the contact screw, m, the current
enters the coil 1 at 12 and the armature K vibrates. When the bar makes contact
with the contact point c of the controller or the body of mercury in the centrifugal
regulator makes contact with the brush i and the current can flow through the post I³
to the connection k, the current enters the coil 1 at 8 and the armature K of said coil
vibrates. The connections made between the controller, the main current, and the
coils and I are shewn with dotted lines, and the connections between the
centrifugal regulator, the main current, and the coils I and I are shewn with solid
.lines.
The switch operating and distributing mechanism shewn in figures 12, 14, 15, 16,
and 17, is provided with a series of contacts which extend through the frame of the
machine and are arranged to be touched upon their upper ends by the arm Q and
upon their lower ends by the arm N. The arms NQ are placed upon shafts N¹ Q
which are axially in line with each other, but insulated from each other. The shaft Q¹
is provided with a bevel wheel Qº, which is engaged by a bevel pinion Q, on a
shaft M2 journaled in the frame of the machine and extending beyond the said frame
where it is provided with an iron roller L which is engaged by the armature K of the

page_text: solenoid 13, as shewn in figures Land 13. Upon the shaft N which carries the arm N
is placed a bevel wheel N which is engaged by a bevel pinion N3 on the shaft M' the
said shaft extending beyond the frame of the machine, where it is provided with two
iron rollers L L', the ruller L being engaged by the armature K of the solenoid I and
the roller L' being engaged by the armature K of the solenoid as shewn in
figures and 13. The arms Q and N receive the current from the conductor 24
through the medium of their shafts, as shewn in figures 16 and 17.
The con-
ductor 24 is connected with the frame and the current goes from the frame to
the shaft N thence to the arm N. A modification of this connection is shewn in
Figure 20 in which the conductor 24 is connected with the shaft N and the spring
arm N makes contact with the conductor 24 and contacts . With each contact ic
is connected a plate which extends radially from the contact and upon the radial
line of each plate is journaled a shaft which carries a toothed sector S and the
switch arm insulated from the sector S. Each switch arm is connected with
a spiral spring T. which is attached to the bar T forming a conductor for the
current from the shaft to the binding screws. The arm N carries a beveled
turning them so as
After the sector R
sector R which is capable of engaging all the sectors S and of
to throw the switch lever 0 out of contact with the plates g.
passes one of the sectors S. the spring T returns the sector to its normal position
with the switch lever in contact with the plate y. This mechanism prevents
the storage batteries from being short circuited or having the circuit closed upon
themselves.
In the plan of the switch board of Figure 1, the connection of the storage
batteries with the contacts must be continuous, or no continuous operation of
the regulator can be obtained, for when there is a point to start there is a point to
finish and without the contact-breaking mechanism the storage batteries should
make a closed circuit, their current flowing from the contact wo through the plate q
and switch arm 0 to the shaft (see the dotted lines in said figure) then to the
poles, to the storage batteries through the tube t, the contact screw # of the
gas switch, through the mercury of the gas switch to the pole, and from there to
the contact, and following the same way through the storage batteries p, p, etc...
and so all around. The dotted lines in the drawing shew how the contact between
the plate and switch arm 0 is broken, thus breaking the contact between 2 and
7. Two contacts are always broken, as shewn between 2 and 7 and between well
and to prevent dangerous sparking. With each contact is connected electrically
a valve 30 by a wire running from the said contact to the binding screw e. Each
valve is provided with a base piece, in which are inserted tubes 25, 26, of insulating
material and in the base piece is formed a passage connecting the two tubes. To the
top of the tube 25 is fitted a cap 27 in which is inserted a screw and also a pipe &
communicating with the interior of the tube, and in that side of each valve which
adjoins the central part of the device, is formed a valve seat to which is fitted a
valve W, the said valve W being connected with the spring lever W pivotally
supported by the arm 28, the lower end of the lever W being provided with a convex
wearing plate V of insulating material which is engaged by the curved end of the
arm Q. The lever W₁ is pressed by a spring 29 which tends to open the valve W.
The tube 26 is provided with a cap 31 to which is fitted a screw extending down-
ward in the insulating tube 26. The lower part of each tube 25, 26, and the passage
communicating between the two iubes is filled with a body X of mercury.
The space
over the mercury in the tube 26 contains air under sufficient pressure to press the
mercury out of contact with the screw and to cause it to make contact with the
screw . The base in which the tubes 25, 26, are inserted being of conducting
material, the current can pass from the binding screw to the mercury.
The space
above the mercury in the tube 25 communicates through a pipe with the storage
batteries connected with the same contact we that communicates with the valve 30.
Tn the branch of the auxiliary main circuit shewn in figures 2 and 18 is
connected a sounder 24 which indicates when a set of storage batteries have received
their maximum charge, shewing at the same time which set is charged by displaying

page_text: a number. A side elevation of this sounder is shewn, in figure 18. When a current
flows through the coils of the sounder 24, the armature is attracted by the core b
of the electro-magnet and the hammer strikes the bell and the arm of the
anchor E pushes the scape wheel A' forward one tooth. To the scape-wheel A¹ is
attached the plate 33, having as many figures as there are sets of storage batteries,
the number of figures also corresponding with the number of teeth of the scape wheel.
When the current ceases to flow through the coils of the sounder 24", the spring f
returns the armature and bell-hammer, causing the said hammer to strike the bell on
its back stroke and the anchor moves the scape wheel another notch to bring another
figure into view. The throw of the hammer and armature are regulated by the
screws 2.
Surrounding the distributing apparatus is a series of storage batteries PL to P
inclusive, see figures 1 and 2. The current arrives at the distributor through the
conductor 24 which communicates with the arm Q and the current passes from the
arm to the contact, thence to the binding screw of the valve 30, thence through
the mercury X to the screw, and through the pipe to the storage battery P¹ which
may consist of a number of cells, thence through the shaft r through the switch
lever 0, through the contact plate and contact to the lever N, thence by the
conductor 24 back to the generator. The solenoid 12 is placed in the shunt between
the frame Q and the main conductor 24.
When the storage battery PI becomes
charged, it begins to give off gas which passes through the pipe and presses upon the
surface of the mercury X in the tube 25 causing it to recede from the point of contact
screw and make contact with the screw, see also figure 14. By this means the
current is switched out of the battery circuit and into the circuit of the solenoid I³,
the current passing from the binding screw through the mercury X, contact screw 2,
binding posty and frame Q partly to the terminal 16 of the solenoid 12 when the
armature K of the solenoid begins immediately to vibrate and turn the shaft M² so
as to cause the arm Q to pass on to the next contact w, and at the same time to close
the next valve W in order by the engagement of the wearing plate V with the curved
end. U of the arm Q (see also figure 12). After passing the valve 30 belonging to
the storage battery first charged, the curved end of the arm Q-passes the wearing
plate of the spring Wand allows the valve W connected therewith to open,
allowing the gas to escape, thus permitting the mercury to return to its normal.
position in contact with the screw. Also during the operation of the solenoid 12 a
current will pass through the sounder 24 in Figures 2 and 13 and a number is
indicated shewing which set of storage batteries is charged. So long as the current
in the main circuit is normal or the speed of the motor is normal the current, arrives
at the distributor through the conductor 24 which communicates with the arm Q and
the current passes from the arm Q to the contact we thence to the arm N and through
the conductor 24" back to the generator. So long as the current in the main circuit
is above the normal, the rod a in the controller shewn in figures 1, 2, and 9, remains
in contact with the screw c and so long as the speed of the motor is so high as to cause
the mercury F1 contained in the regulator shewn in figures 1, 2, and 7, to make
contact with the ring H, the current flows through the solenoid I and the vibratory
motion of the armature K of the said solenoid causes the shaft M to revolve in the
manner already described constantly turning forward the arm N and bringing in more
and more storage batteries P1, P2, etc. until the current is reduced to its normal state
when the armature A occupies the position of equilibrium between the points e d and
the mercury in the receptacle C takes the form indicated by the line then the current
ceases to flow through the solenoid and the arm N remains stationary. When the
speed of the motor is reduced so that it is less than normal, it causes the mercury F
contained in the regulator to make contact with the screw F and when the current
falls below the normal, the armature A in the circuit-controller being released the
spring 12 carries the armature forward so that the rod b makes contact with the screw d
and the current flows through the solenoid I¹ when the armature of the said solenoid,
by engagenient with the roller L'on the shaft M¹, causes the arm N to move in a
reverse direction- and the storage batteries are shut out. If then the arm continues

page_text: its motion the position of the arms NQ relative to each other is shifted and the
current flows in the opposite direction, as indicated at the left of Figure 2, which
coincides with the direction of the current of the storage batteries, thus assisting the
main current in doing its work. In this manner the current is diverted into the
secondary batteries 1, P2, P3, etc., and a larger or smaller number of batteries
are switched in depending on the requirements of the circuit, as indicated by the
controller B and the regulator C, shewn in figure 2.
In the modified form of the circuit breaking mechanism shewn in figures 16, 17,
and 19, the arm N carries a sector R of non conducting material, and having a curved
surface, which sector slides over the contact springs 02 and raises them from the
contacts win alternation. After the sector R' passes one of the contact springs 02,
the said spring (2 returns to its normal position and touches the contact ic. Thus
the secondary batteries are prevented from being short circuited, or having the
circuit closed within themselves.
When
In figure 6, is shown an arrangement in which Y represents the source of
electricity, 22 the current-controller, 23 the switch-actuating and distributing
mechanism, and the sets of storage batteries. Z is the electric motor, 20 is the
regulator, with the sounder 24 omitted, and 21 represents a series of lamps. When
it is desired to charge storage batteries only, the controller shewn in figures 1 and 9
is substituted for the centrifugal regulator, and in figure 2 at the right hand is shewn
the device for the purpose. The current enters into the regulator by the conductor 24
to the arm Q flows in the manner formerly described through the sets of batteries "
and P upon the arm N and from the arm N back to the dynamo Y while the
controller B and the switch actuating device, indicated in connection with II', regulate
the number of batteries charged and the valve 30 and switch-actuating mechanism
indicated in connection with 12 disconnect the batteries which have received their
maximum charge from the circuit. The sounder 24 then indicates alternately which
set of storage batteries is fully charged. At the left hand of the same figure is shewn
how the sets of batteries P P P and P help the dynamo to run the motor Z. The
lamps 21 are shut in the circuit, said lamps offering less resistance than the motor Z
they will absorb the largest portion of the current of the generator Y.
This arrange
ment also demonstrates how the accumulators are able to maintain an equal light in
the lamps 21 when the dynamo slows down and comes at last to a stop.
storage batteries or any other batteries constitute the source of electricity and the
number switched into the circuit requires to be controlled, the arrangement shewn in
figure is used. The solenoid 1º, the shaft M2, the pinion Q3, the bevel wheel N2, the
arm N; the shaft N¹, and its frame, the gas-switches, the sounder 24", and the contact-
breaking mechanism, can be dispensed with. The pinion N³ engages the bevel
wheel and the centrifugal regulator shewn in figures 1 and 7 or the current
controller shewn in figures 1 and 9 can be used. The cells P1, P2, etc. are directly
connected with the contact land, to prevent short circuiting, the cells P2 are left out.
The conductor 24 is connected with the contact and the conductor 24ª is connected
with the arm Q. When more cells are wanted in the circuit, the arm Q is moved forward
by the operation of the armature K of the solenoid l' and successively the cells PP²,etc.,
are shut into the circuit, when the armature K in the solenoid I vibrates, the arm Q
moves back, and the cells are successively shut out. When it is desired, during the
charging of storage batteries, to be informed when they have received their minimum
charge, the sounder and a resistance coil can be used in combination with the gas
switch in which, for that purpose, the valve W with the spring W₁ are not pivoted on
their support 28 and the valve W operates as a safety valve (this modification is shewn
in figures 3, 4, and 5). The current passes from the electrical source to the pole v.
through the mercury X, the screw u, and the tube t, to the storage batteries, and
from these back to the electrical source and when the storage batteries have received
their maximum charge the connection with the screw is broken and the connection
is made with the screw and the current flows from its source to the pole &, through
the mercury X, the screw, the sounder, and the resistance coil, and back to the
electrical source.

page_text: The advantages of my improvement are that in switching in resistance consisting
of storage batteries for the controlling of the current in the main circuit, I am
enabled to conserve the current for future use to assist the main current or for use
independently of the main current. My improvement finds one of its principal
applications in electric systems. where electric power is distributed during the day and
electric lighting is effected in the evening by the same generator or by the same
circuit. By controlling the current during the day by the use of the storage batteries,
I am enabled, during the interval between the early hours of evening and the closing
hours of work, to supply sufficient current to the main circuit to supplement the
current from the dynamos on the circuit so as to maintain a practically uniform current
although lights and motors may be running at the same time; and when the evening
advances the electric plant gradually acquires more energy than is utilized in producing
the light, and this surplus of energy with my system, can be used for charging storage
batteries for independent purposes, for example for propelling street cars. In addition
to the uniform flow of current secured by my improvement, I effect a more thorough
and equal regulation of the motor and I avoid overstraining the dynamo by frequent
and great fluctuations in the current. Another advantage is that I supplement the
current from the dynamos at the place where the current is most needed. My improved
governing devices switch into the circuit, the exact number of storage batteries
required to assist the main current or to do the work done by the main current.
Another advantage is that I waste no current whatever for governing purposes and
I bring the use of the current to the highest point of economy enabling me to
gain so much that I am able to complete successfully in the generation and distribution
of power with small steam engines, say from 1 to 10 H. P. When my governing
apparatus is applied to the charging of storage batteries only, I secure the following
advantages: first, the avoidance of overcharging the batteries and wasting energy;
second, the avoidance of the batteries overpowering the generator and changing
the polarity of the generator; third, "avoiding the burning of the armature of the
generator by short circuiting; and fourth that the apparatus indicates that the
storage batteries are charged. When my governing apparatus is applied in those
cases where batteries consititute the source of electricity I secure the advantage of
wasting no energy. By my improved gas switch, the storage batteries are not
overcharged and the apparatus informs the attendant when the batteries liave received
their maximum charge.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I claim is:-
1. In a regulator for dynamos and electric motors, the combination of the following
elements, vist.: A controller actuated by a current derived from the main circuit and
adapted to complete another circuit when the main circuit is too weak or too strong,
mechanism governed by the controller for operating the switches, and a series of
storage batteries arranged to receive the current of the main current through the
switch operating mechanism when the main current is too strong and to deliver a
current from the storage batteries to the main circuit when the main circuit is too
weak, substantially as specified.
2. In a regulator for dynames and electric motors, the combination of the following
elements, vit. A centrifugal regulator connected with the motor driven by a current
derived from the main circuit and adapted to complete another circuit when the main
circuit is too weak or too strong, mechanism governed by the regulator for operating
the switches, and a series of storage batteries arranged to receive the current of the main
circuit through the switch-operating mechanism when the main current is too strong
and to deliver a current from the storage batteries to the main circuit when the main
current is too weak, substantially as specified.
3. In a regulator for dynamos and electric motors the combination of the following
elements; viz. A controller actuated by a current derived from the main circuit, and
a centrifugal governor connected with the motor driven by the main current, and both
adapted to complete another circuit when the main current is too weak or too strong,

page_text: mechanism governed by the controller for operating the switches, a second set of
switches governed by the centrifugal regulator for operating the second set of switches,
and a series of storage batteries arranged to receive the current of the main circuit
through the switching mechanism when the main current is too strong and to deliver
a current from the storage batteries to the main circuit when the main current is too
weak, substantially as specified.
:
4. In a regulator for dynamos and electric motors, the combination of the following
elements; is. A controller actuated by a current derived from the main circuit and
adapted to complete another circuit when the main current is too weak or too strong,
switch actuating mechanism governed by the controller, switches operated by the
switch actuating mechanism, switches operated by gas, a sounder adapted to indicate
that the storage batteries are charged, and a series of storage batteries arranged to
receive the current main circuit though the switching mechanism when the main
current is too strong and to deliver a current from the storage batteries to the main
circuit when the main current is too weak, substantially as specified.
5. In a regulator for dynamos and electric motors, the combination of the following
elements viz. A centrifugal regulator actuated by a motor driven by the main current
and adapted to complete another circuit when the main current is too weak or too
strong, switch-actuating mechanism governed by the regulator, switches operated by
gas, and a series of storage batteries arranged to receive the current of the main
circuit through the switching mechanism when the main current is too strong and to
deliver a current from the storage batteries to the main circuit when the main current
is too weak, substantially as described.
6. In a regulator for dynamos and electric motors, the combination, of a controller
actuated by a current derived from the main circuit, a centrifugal regulator driven
by a motor operated by the main current, the controller and regulator both being
adapted to complete other circuits when the main current is too weak or too strong,
switch actuating mechanism governed by the controller, and switch actuating
mechanism governed by the regulator, switches operated by the switch-actuating
mechanism, switches operated by gas, a sounder arranged to be operated when the
storage batteries are charged, and a series of storage batteries arranged to receive the
current of the main circuit through the switching mechanism when the main current
is too strong and to deliver a current from the storage batteries to the main circuit
when the main current is too weak, substantially as described.
7. In a current regulator.the combination of the following elements.ziz.:A controller
actuated by a current derived from the main circuit and adapted to complete another
circuit when the main current is too weak or too strong, switch-actuating mechanism
governed by the controller, switches operated by the switch actuating mechanism, a
series of storage batteries arranged to receive the current of the main circuit through
the switching mechanism so as to make equilibrium between the main or charging
current and the current of the storage batteries, gas actuated switches arranged to cut
out of the main circuit the storage batteries which have received their "maximum"
charge, and a sounder for indicating that a storage battery or set of storage batteries
has received its maximum charge, substantially as described.
8. In a current regulating system, the combination of the following elements, vizt.:
A series of storage batteries arranged to receive a charging current, a gas actuated
switch operated by the batteries, and a sounder operated from the said switch and
indicating when the batteries have received their maximum charge, substantially as
described.
9. In a current regulator, the combination of a controller actuated by a current
derived from the main circuit and adapted to complete another circuit when the main
current is too weak or too strong which actuating mechanism is governed by the
controller, a switch operated by the switch actuating mechanism, and a series of cells
arranged to send their current into the main circuit, the whole being constructed to
switch into the main circuit the number of cells corresponding to the work to be done,
substantially as described.

page_text: 10. In a current regulating system, the combination of a centrifugal regulator
operated by a motor driven by the main circuit and adapted to complete another
circuit when the main current is too weak or too strong, switch actuating mechanism
governed by the centrifugal regulator, a switch operated by the switch-actuating
mechanism, and a series of cells arranged to send their current into the main circuit,
the device being constructed to switch into the main circuit a number of cells
corresponding to the work to be done, substantially as described.
11. In a current regulating system, a controller formed of the solenoid B provided
with the tubular core B', the armature A placed in the tubular core and provided with
contact points ab, the spring 12 arranged to oppose the action of the solenoid on the
armature and the contact points ed, substantially as described.
12. In a current regulating system, the combination with circuit controlling and
switching mechanism, of one or more solenoids I each provided with a switching
mechanism, a. core K, a roller L of magnetic material adapted to be magnetized by
induction from the core K and to be turned by the longitudinal movement of the said
core, and means substantially as herein described for shifting the current passing
through the solenoids so as to cause the core K to vibrate longitudinally and turn the
roller L, substantially as described.
13. In a current regulating system, the combination of a series of contacts w
arranged in a circle and an automatically operated switch arm Q moving periodically
in one direction over the said contacts, substantially as described.
%
14. In a current regulating system, the combination of a series of contacts w
arranged in a circle and the switch arms NQ moving independently of each, other
over the contacts the arm Q moving periodically in one direction and the arm N in
both directions, substantially as described.
15: In a current regulating system, the combination of a series of contacts ic,
contact springs engaging said contacts, and the sector R sliding over the said contact
springs to break the contact between the said springs and contacts w, substantially as
described.
16. In a current regulating system, the combination of a series of contacts 10
arranged in a circle, the contact springs 02, the automatically operated switch arm N
moving over said contacts, and the sector R¹ carried by the said switch arm and sliding
over the springs to break the contact between the said springs and the contacts w
substantially as described.
17. In a current regulating system, the combination with a storage battery and
conductors carrying the charging current of a switch formed of the communicating
tubes 25, 26, of insulating material, the mercury X contained by the tubes, the contact
screws entering the tubes, and the pipe t-communicating with the storage battery
and adapted to convey gas to the tube 25, the tube being filled with air under
pressure, substantially as, and for the purposes, specified.
18. The combination with the communicating tubes 25, 26, the contact points u, è,
inserted therein, and the pipe t communicating with the tube 25, of the valve W
supported on a spring arm and adapted to shut the gas in tube 25, and the arm Q
provided with the curved end U adapted to hold the valve W closed, substantially as
described.
a
19. The combination with the communicating tubes 25, 26, the contact points
inserted therein, and the pipe communicating with the tube 25, of the valve W
closed by a spring arm. W the said spring arm being adapted to operate the valve W
as a safety valve for the relief of pressure within the tube 25. substantially as
described.
20. The combination in a current regulating system of a series of storage batteries
and mechanism substantially as specified for switching the storage batteries into the
main circuit for charging and switching the storage batteries out of the main circuit
after charging, and a sounder to indicate when and which set of storage batteries is
charged, substantially as described.
.
21. In a current regulating system for dynamos and electric motors, the combination

page_text: of the distributing mechanism provided with the contacts w, the arms N Q adapted to
convey the current to different contacts, the sector R, the springs 0%, the storage
batteries P1, P2, etc., the valves 30, the bevel wheels QN, the bevel pinions Q Nº
engaging the said bevel wheels, the shafts M1 M provided with rollers L L', the
centrifugal regulator connected with the motor driven by the main current, and the
electrical connections, substantially as described.
22. In a current regulating system for dynamos and electric motors, the combination
of the distributing mechanism provided with the contacts w, the arms N. Q adapted to
convey the current to different contacts, the sector R, springs 02, the storage
batteries P P etc., the valves 30, the bevel wheels QN, the bevel pinions Q³ Ñ³
engaging the said bevel wheels, the shafts M' provided with the rollers L L', the
controller operated by a current derived from the main circuit, and the electrical
connections, substantially as specified.
23. In a current regulating system, the combination of a series of storage batteries,
switches actuated by a current derived from the main circuit, switches actuated by gas
developed in the storage batteries which have reached their maximum charge, and a
sounder for indicating that. the storage batteries have reached their maximum
charging, substantially as described.
24. In a current regulating system for dynamos and electric motors, the combination
of the distributing mechanism provided with the contacts w, the arms. NQ adapted to
convey the current to different contacts, the sector R¹ and contact springs Othe
storage batteries P1 P2, etc., the valves 30, the bevel wheels Q N2, the pinions QN³,
engaging the said bevel wheels, the shafts MM2 provided with the rollers L L', the
solenoid 12 with switching mechanism, and armature K. connected with the roller L,
the solenoids I 11 with switching mechanism, and armature K connected with the
roller L L, the controller actuated by a current derived from the main circuit the
sounder, and the electrical connections, substantially, as described.
25. In a current regulating system for dynamos and electric motors, the combination
of the distributing mechanism provided with the contacts w, the arms NQ adapted to
convey the current to different contacts, the sector R' and the contact springs 0², the
storage. batteries. 1" P2 etc., the valve 30, the bevel wheels QN², the bevel
pinions Q3N3 engaging the said bevel wheels, the shafts MM² provided with the
rollers L L', the solenoid 12 with switching mechanism and armature K connected
with the roller L, the solenoids II with switching mechanisms, and armatures K
connected with the rollers L L', the centrifugal regulator connected with the motor
driven by the main current, and the electrical connections, substantially as described.
26. In a current regulating system for dynamos and electric motors, the combination
of distributing mechanism provided with the contacts c, the arms N Q adapted to
convey the current to different contacts, the sector R', and contact springs 02, the
storage batteries P P etc., the valves 30, the bevel wheels QN, the bevel
pinions Q№ engaging said bevel wheels, the shafts 1 M2 provided with the
rollers L L', the solenoid 1 with switching mechanism and armatures K. connected
with the rollers L, the solenoids II with switching mechanism and armatures K
connected with the rollers L L, the centrifugal regulator connected with the motor
driven by the main current, the controller actuated by a current derived fom the
main circuit, and the electrical connections, substantially as described.
27. In a current regulating system, the combination of the distributing mechanism
provided with the contacts w, the arm Q, adapted to convey the current to different
contacts, the cells P P etc.. the bevel wheel Q, the bevel pinion N³ engaging the
said bevel wheel, the shaft M¹ provided with the rollers L L', the solenoids II with
switching mechanisms and armatures K connected with the rollers L L', the controller
actuated by a current derived from the circuit of the cells and the electrical
connections, substantially as described.
28. In a current regulating system, the combination of the distributing mechanism
provided with the contacts w, the arm Qadapted to convey the current to different
contacts, the cells P P etc., the bevel wheel Q, the bevel pinion N engaging the
said bevel wheel, the shaft provided with the rollers LL', the solenoids I l' with

page_text: switching mechanisms and armatures K connected with the rollers L L' the centrifugal
regulator connected with the motor driven by the current of the said storage
batteries, and the electrical connections, substantially as described.
29. In a current regulating system, a centrifugal regulator formed of the spindle D',
the head E, the ring E' of insulating material attached to the head, the ring H. of
conducting material carried by the ring E, the ring of insulating material
carried by the ring H, the cap G of conducting material the contact screw F inserted
in the cap G, the body of mercury contained by the receptacle, and the contact
brushes touching the ring H and cap G, substantially as specified.
30. In a current regulator, the combination with the contact screw F and the
body of mercury enclosed in the receptacle C, of a filling of mercurial vapor
contained by the chamber C above the mercury for the prevention of sparking between
the contact screw F and the mercury F, substantially as specified.
31. The method of regulating electric currents automatically, which consists in
conveying, the main current or a portion of the main current into one or more storage
batteries, so as to absorb the surplus energy of the main current when the main
current is too strong to do the work and adding the current of as many storage
batteries to the main current as may be necessary to supply the deficiency of electrical
energy in the main circuit when the main current is too weak to do the work,
substantially as specified.
32. The method of regulating electric currents automatically which consists in
conveying the main current or a portion of the main current into storage batteries so
as to absorb the surplus energy of the main current when the main current is too
strong to do the work, and cutting out the fully charged storage batteries from the
charging current by causing the circuit of the charged batteries to open and
disconnecting the storage batteries from the main circuit when the main current
corresponds to the work to be done, substantially as specified.
33. The method of regulating electric currents automatically, which consists in
conveying the main current or a portion of the main current into storage batteries so
as to absorb the surplus energy of the main current when the main current is too
strong to do the work, and culling out the fully charged storage batteries only from
the charging current by causing the circuit of the charged, batteries only to open
when a charging current will flow through, and disconnecting the storage batteries
from the main circuit when the main current corresponds to the work to be done, and
adding the current of the storage batteries to the main current as may be necessary to
supplement the deficiency of energy of the main current when the main current is
insufficient for the work to be done, substantially as specified.
34. The method of regulating electric currents automatically, which consists in
conveying the main current or a portion of the main current into storage batteries so
as to absorb the surplus energy of the main current when the main current is too
strong to do the work and disconnecting the storage batteries from the main
circuit when the current in the main circuit corresponds with the work and adding
the current of as many storage batteries as may be necessary to the main current to
supply the deficiency of energy of the main current when the main current is too
weak to do the work, substantially as described.
Dated this 5th day of March 1000
J. W. BALET.
By A. M. & Wm. Clark,
53, Chancery Lane, London,
Patent Agents.