IMPROVEMENTS IN REGULATING THE DISCHARGE OF SECONDARY AND OTHER BATTERIES
Year: 1881

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Alexander Melville Clark, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the
County of Middlesex, Patent Agent, for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS
IN REGULATING THE DISCHARGE OF SECONDARY AND OTHER BATTERIES.”
A communication from abroad by Nicolas de Kabath, of Paris, France.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Alexander Melville Clark at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 20th September 1881.
ALEXANDER MELVILLE CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of
Middlesex, Patent Agent. "IMPROVEMENTS IN REGULATING THE DISCHARGE OF
SECONDARY AND OTHER BATTERIES." [A communication from abroad by Nicolas
de Kabath, of Paris, France.]
The discharge of secondary batteries, accumulators, and condensers of electricity
hitherto employed is very sudden and the intensity of the current rapidly
decreases.
E
The object of the present Invention is to automatically regulate the discharge
BO as to obtain currents of constant intensity and equal to any desired fraction of
the total strength of the current which the apparatus is capable of furnishing.
This mode of regulation is based on the following principles :-The intensity of the
current furnished by the apparatus depends on the electro-motive force, which is
greater or less, and on the resistance of the apparatus, the intensity being expressed
by the formula F The electro-motive force E depends on the kind of apparatus,
and is constant for the same apparatus. The resistance R and the intensity F may
be varied at will. To vary the intensity the resistance R is varied generally as
follows:-If with an element furnishing an intensity F = it be desired to utilise
only one half of the current produced the external resistance is increased, the formula
then being F¹ =
being the additional external resistance. If we make
T= R, F¹
=
F
=
R
E
R+
E
a current of one half the intensity is obtained. The disadvantage
of this method is evident, as the electro motive force of the current is in reality
constant, but is divided into two parts, only one of which performs useful work.
[Price 6d1

page_text: The method of this Invention is much more advantageous, and consists in
varying the intensity by modifying the internal resistance of the apparatus, which
is effected by employing columns of liquid, as hereafter described.
The accompanying Drawing illustrates by way of example one method of
effecting the automatic regulation of the level of the liquid in the apparatus, as
will be hereinafter explained. By referring to Figure 1 which represents two
electrodes, ¹, upon which is stored, so to speak, a certain quantity of electricity A,
it will be seen that the portion dx of their surface contains dA of the quantity of
electricity.
=
E
Now if the apparatus be completely filled with liquid a current of a certain
intensity is obtained in the external conductors F R being equal to the
resistance of the column of liquid whose area is equal to the surface x. But the
column of liquid or internal conductor (which we will designate K) is equal to the
sum of the small columns dx, therefore the intensity of the current F may be
expressed by the formula F = The resistance & K is equal to the resistance of
E
ак
E
the column Kx corresponding to d F = and & K = Rx.
E
n
dK
Therefore to obtain a certain strength or intensity of current n d F, it is necessary
to fill with liquid a number n of elements dx of the surface of the electrodes, we
have then nd F = JK. Thus by varying the height of liquid in the accumu-
lator a current of given intensity may be obtained without any expenditure of
the electricity accumulated, so to speak, upon the surfaces not covered by the
liquid. This system of regulation enables the intensity of the current to be
maintained constant by adding during the discharge of the apparatus volumes of
liquid proportionate to the diminution in intensity of the current, so that as the
surfaces d'x in action lose their electricity fresh surfaces dx and fresh charges of
electricity are introduced into the circuit.
Any suitable mechanical arrangement regulated by the current itself may be
employed to vary the height of the liquid in the apparatus, and I have represented
in Figures 2 and 3 one arrangement for the purpose. The lower part of the
secondary battery or accumulator a is provided with a three way cock b, shown
separately in Figure 2. p, n, are the wires of the external circuit; B, C, are two
reservoirs placed one above and the other below the secondary battery or accumu-
lator, the one B to supply the liquid to the accumulator, and the other C to receive
the liquid which escapes. The three way cock b is provided with a lever •
terminating in an armature e¹ situated between two electro-magnets f, f, and
regulated by a spring and wing nut t¹. The current regulator consists of electro-
magnets g, g, with an oscillating armature h between them, having at one end a
pallet i and at the other end a lever m, to which is attached a spring m³ regulated
by a nut s which retains the armature obliquely to the axis of the electro-magnets.
The action is as follows:-The accumulator at first being empty of liquid if the
conductors were united at T no current would pass. To obtain a current the
cock is opened, and cock b being held open to the accumulator by the weight of
armature e the liquid gradually fills the accumulator and a current passes through
the principal circuit p, n, in the derivation x, y, and in the electro-inagnet g, 9.
The latter, if spring m be properly adjusted, immediately attracts armature h and
brings it into a line with the axis of the coils, thereby throwing i against the
contact, the derived current then passing to the electro-magnet f and shutting
the liquid supply cock b. If a more powerful current be required at T, it is only
necessary to distend the spring m² until r is brought against contact k, whereupon
cock b is opened by the attraction of the other electro-magnet f and admits liquid
until the strength of the derived current through the electro-magnet g is sufficient
to balance the tension of the spring and return i to its mid position between K

page_text: and 1. The arrows indicate the direction of the current. Any other mechanical
arrangement may be adopted for opening and closing cock b, operated either by
the principal or the derived current.
The above described method of regulation by means of variable columns of
liquid may be applied to all kinds of accumulators and condensers, and particularly
to the secondary battery or accumulator with electrodes of considerable thickness,
forming the subject of another application for Letters Patent, dated September 19th,
No. 4037. It may also be applied to the discharge of primary batteries. This
mode of regulation may also be applied with suitable modifications when the
internal conductor is other than a liquid, the action depending on the variation of
height, as hereinbefore described.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Alexander Melville Clark in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 17th March 1882.
ALEXANDER MELVILLE CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of
Middlesex, Patent Agent. "IMPROVEMENTS IN REGULATING THE DISCHARGE OF
SECONDARY AND OTHER BATTERIES." A communication from abroad by Nicolas
de Kabath, of Paris, France.
The discharge of secondary batteries or accumulators and condensers of
electricity.is very sudden at first, and the intensity of the current rapidly
decreases.
The object of the present Invention is to automatically regulate the discharge of
these apparatus, so as to obtain currents of constant intensity equal to any given
fraction of the total strength of the current which the apparatus is capable of
furnishing. This mode of regulation is based on the following principles :-The
intensity of the current furnished by the apparatus depends on the electro-motive
force, which is greater or less, and on the resistance of the apparatus, the intensity
being expressed by the formula F The electro-motive force E depends on
=
E
the kind of apparatus, and is constant for the same apparatus. The resistance R
and-the-intensity F may be varied at will, and in order to vary the intensity the
resistance is varied generally as follows:-If with an element furnishing an
intensity F it be desired to utilize only one half of the current produced the
E
R
external resistance is increased, the formula then being F¹ =
E
E
K + r'
wherein is the
additional external resistance. If r = R then F1 = and a current of one half
the intensity is obtained, as required. The disadvantage of this method is evident
as the electro-motive force of the currrent is in reality constant but is divided into
two parts, only one of which performs useful work while the other passes into the
resistance r. The method of this Invention is much more advantageous, and
consists in varying the intensity by modifying the internal resistance of the
apparatus, which is effected by employing columns of liquid calculated and
regulated, as hereafter described. To obtain a current from the accumulator the
circuit is necessarily closed internally by the liquid and externally by the
conductor.
The accompanying Drawing illustrates by way of example one method of
effecting the automatic regulation of the height of the liquid in the apparatus, as
will be hereinafter explained. By referring to Figure 1, which represents two
electrodes x, x¹, upon which is stored a certain quantity of electric energy, it will
be seen that the portion dx of their surface contains d A of the quantity of
electric energy.
E
Now if the cell be completely filled with liquid a current of a certain intensity
is obtained in the external circuit F = R being equal to the resistance of the
column of liquid whose area is equal to the surface x. But the column of liquid or
internal conductor (which we will designate K) is equal to the sum of the small
columns dx, therefore the intensity of the current F may be expressed by the
formula F = K. The resistance d K is equal to the resistance of the column Kx
corresponding to dF =
E
I
E
and dK Rp.
Therefore to obtain a current of a certain strength or intensity nd F, it is

page_text: E
necessary to cover with liquid & number n of the fractions of the total surface
of the electrodes; we have then nd F K. Thus by varying the height of
==
72
liquid in the accumulator a current of given intensity may be obtained without
any expenditure of the electric energy accumulated upon the surfaces not covered
by the liquid.
This system of regulation enables the intensity of the current to be maintained
constant by adding during the discharge of the apparatus volumes of liquid
proportionate to the diminution in intensity of the current, so that as the surfaces
d, x, in action loose their energy fresh surfaces d, x, and fresh charges of electric
energy are introduced into the circuit.
Any suitable mechanical arrangement regulated by the current itself may be
employed to vary the height of the liquid in the apparatus, and I have represented
in Figures 2 and 3 one arrangement for that purpose. The lower part of the
secondary battery or accumulator a is provided with a three way cock b, shewn
separately in section in Figure 2; p, n, are the wires of the external circuit leading
to the point T, where the work is done; B, C, are two tanks placed one above and
the other below the secondary battery or accumulator, the one B to supply the
liquid to the accumulator, and the other C to receive the liquid which is run off.
The three way cock b is operated by a lever e, provided with an armature e'
situated between two electro magnets f, f, and regulated by a spring and wing
nut . The current regulator consists of an electro magnet g, g, placed in a shunt
circuit x, y, with an oscillating armature between its poles, having at one end a
pallet i and at the other end a lever m, to which is attached a spring m' regulated by
à nut a which retains the armature obliquely to the axis of the electro magnet.
The action is as follows:-The accumulator at first being empty of liquid if the
conductors were brought together at T no current would pass. To obtain a current
the cock u is opened, and cock 6 being held open to the accumulator by the weight
of armature e¹ the liquid gradually rises in the accumulator and a current passes
through the principal circuit p, n, in the derivation x, y, and in the electro-
magnet g, g. The latter, if spring m¹ be properly adjusted, immediately attracts
armature h and brings it into a line with the axis of the coils, thereby throwing
the switch against the contact l. One of the electro-magnets fis then included
in the derived circuit and attracts armature e¹, and thus closes the supply cock b.
If a more powerful current be required at T it is only necessary to draw back the
spring m by its nuts until i is brought against the other contact k, whereupon
cock b is opened by the attraction of the other electro-magnet f for the armature e¹,
and more liquid is admitted, until the strength of the derived current through the
electro-magnet g is sufficient to balance the tension of the spring and return i to
its mid position between k and l. The arrows indicate the direction of the current.
Any other mechanical arrangement may be adopted for opening and closing cock b,
operated either by the principal or the derived current.
The above described method of regulation by means of variable columns of liquid
may be applied to all kinds of accumulator and condensers, and particularly to the
secondary battery or accumulator with thick electrodes, forming the subject of
other Letters Patent dated September 19th, 1881, No. 4037. It may also be
applied to the discharge of primary batteries.
This mode of regulation may also be applied with suitable modifications when
the internal conductor is in any other than a liquid form, the action depending on
the variation of its height in the apparatus, as herein before described.
Having described the nature of the said Invention and the manner of performing
the same, I declare that what I claim as the Invention to be protected by the
herein before in part recited Letters
1st. The method of regulating the discharge of primary and secondary batteries,
accumulators, and condensers, as herein described, by varying the height of the

page_text: liquid or other conductor which closes the internal circuit, substantially in the
manner herein specified.
2nd. In automatic apparatus for regulating the discharge of primary and
secondary batteries, accumulators, and condensers, the combination with the two
tanks B and C, cock u, three way cock b, and the lever and armature e, e¹, of the 5
electro magnets f, f, g, g, the armature h, carrying switch i, and the contacts k, l,
the whole arranged in the derived circuit x, y, to operate substantially as above
described and illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 of the Drawings for the purpose
specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said Alexander Melville Clark, have hereunto set 1
my hand and seal, this Seventeenth day of March, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and eighty two.