OBTAINING AND APPLYING MOTIVE POWER BY MAGNETS OR MAGNETISM
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Johann Ernst Friedrich Lüdeke and Arthur James
Thorman, both of St. Benét Place, Gracechurch Street, in the City of London,
Gentlemen, for the Invention of "OBTAINING AND APPLYING MOTIVE POWER
BY MAGNETS OR MAGNETISM."
Sealed the 6th December 1878, and dated the 24th August 1878.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Johann Ernst Friedrich
Lüdeke and Arthur James Thorman at the Office of the Commissioners of
Patents on the 24th August 1878.
JOHANN ERNST FRIEDRICH LÜDEKE and ARTHUR JAMES. THORMAN, both of
St. Benét Place, Gracechurch Street, in the City of London, Gentlemen. "OBTAINING
AND APPLYING MOTIVE POWER BY MAGNETS OR MAGNETISM."
Our discovery or Invention relates to the obtaining and applying motive power"
by means of, or in conjunction with magnets, permanent magnets, or magnetism,
and in order to make the source and means of obtaining the same easy to be under-
stood, we propose to give in the first place a simple example, following the same up
by a practical demonstration.
We make use of a bar or needle, say, made of soft iron; this is balanced on a
centre, so that it will move with the greatest freedom; at or near two points of the
circle which this bar or needle would describe, we place two horse-shoe magnets,
these are placed opposite to one another, so that the north poles of the one are
opposite to the south poles of the other. At or near the inner sides of the poles of
the magnets are stops or studs of brass, or of any non-conducting substance for
preventing the bar. or needle, though alternately attracted by the poles, from coming
into actual contact with them. Over the middle of the bar or needle is suspended
or placed another horse-shoe magnet, which may be attached to a pendulum or,
other equivalent means, this is made to move or oscillate to and fro, so that the
north and south poles are alternately over the middle of the bar or needle; the
effect of this is, that the points or ends of the bar or needle are attracted by one,
.

page_text: pole, and repulsed by the other, the contact being broken and given at one and the
same time, the current of the poles being reversed.
When the north pole of the suspended magnet is over the middle of the bar or
needle, the points of the same are attracted to the south poles, and repulsed by the
north poles of the magnets, and vice versa, and this will take place with considerable
rapidity, as regulated by the suspended magnet.
We propose to attach a crank, lever, or any other equivalent or mechanical
appliance, to the bar or needle for transferring power or motion, and again connect
the same by suitable appliance to the suspended magnet, that the same may move
or oscillate to and fro as described.
Having now described the nature of the discovery or Invention, we proceed to
give a practical demonstration as follows:-We use a shaft or axle, which, by
preference should be of soft iron, fixed to each end of which is a cross, or the ends
of the shaft or axle may be made to branch out in four curved arms. At each end
of the shaft or axle, and facing the two crosses or arms, are arranged a series or
battery of magnets, say for example, four horse-shoe magnets, in each series or
battery; these are placed round a dium, cylinder, or ring, and so arranged that the
poles are alternately north and south at equal distances apart, only just sufficient
room or space being allowed for the four arms of the cross to pass the poles of the
magnets; the shaft or axle works in journals or pivots, and is supported by standards
fixed to a foundation in the usual way, or it may be continued through the centre
of the drum, cylinder, or ring containing the series or batteries of magnets and
wheels, or other machinery may be attached thereto. Above this shaft or axle is
another shaft which is geared to the lower one by toothed wheels or their equiva-
lents. On this shaft is placed, fixed, or keyed, two horse-shoe magnets or four bar
magnets, but if horse-shoe magnets are used, the poles would have to be bent out-
'wards, say, at an angle of 45 degrees, so that the two horse-shoe magnets when so
bent and placed back to back would form a cross, the poles being alternately north
and south, and of course outwards; this cross is placed or fixed on the shaft, and
revolves with the shaft exactly over the middle of the lower shaft or axle at such
an elevation as-just to allow the ends of the poles to pass over or clear the middle
of the lower shaft or axle when both shafts are revolving; we however-propose.to
surround the poles of the magnets composing this cross with a rim of brass or
non conducting substance, and so form the same into a fly wheel, the magnets
forming the spokes, the poles of the same passing through or being flush with the
periphery of the fly wheel. This fly wheel will assist the machine in the regularity
of its motion. The cog or toothed wheels must be such as shall enable the poles of
the cross or fly wheel to operate at the required times over the middle of the lower
shaft or axle, and so break and give the contact, and reverse the current of the.
poles between the crosses on the lower shaft or axle, and the series or batteries of
magnets. The top shaft can be supported by the same standards as, the lower one,
and work in a similar manner. On the lower shaft or axle, a pulley or its equiva-
lent is fixed for driving machinery with the surplus power.
We do not limit ourselves.in the foregoing description of our discovery or
Invention to the number of magnets to be used in the series or batteries, or those
constituting the cross or spokes of the fly, wheel, or the distances at which they
shall be apart, nor the power of the magnets to be used, as these will all necessarily
vary according to the purposes for which the machine is required; in some cases
where desirable we use bar in lieu of horse-shoe magnets.
:
If any other number than four horse-shoe magnets are used in one series or battery;
it will be desirable or necessary in lieu of the crosses fixed to the ends of the lower
shaft or axle to substitute other forms, say for example stars; these should by pre-
ference be made of soft iron, and have points corresponding in number, shape, and
distance apart, to the number of north or south poles, or horse-shoe magnets used.
It is manifestly impossible to describe the various methods by which the principle
of this discovery or Invention may be carried out or made use of; we believe that
the same is adaptable for all purposes where motive power is required or can be

page_text: used, and a great disideratum in it is, that the machino is rotatory and readily
reversible.
We propose to shew however another method practically demonstrating our
discovery and Invention of motive power by magnets or magnetism, but for all
practical purposes, we prefer our former examples.
We make use for this part of our discovery or Invention of a wheel, cylinder, or
disc, in the interior of which grooves or curves are formed of peculiar construction,
say eight (more or less); these grooves or curves radiate from or near the centre to
the periphery; in each of these grooves or curves is placed an iron ball which can
easily move therein, but is prevented from leaving them at the periphery. The
wheel, cylinder, or disc revolves in two centres, or on a shaft either horizontally or
vertically, or at any required angle. A horse-shoe magnet, or two bar magnets, or
magnetic needles; are placed at the side of the wheel, cylinder, or disc. This
magnet or magnets has the effect of attracting the balls from the centre to the
periphery, and repulsing them from the periphery to the centre, both north and
south poles being used for this purpose, and so producing an over leverage and
consequently rotation. The form and number of the grooves or curves would vary
according to circumstances, as also the number of balls, and more than one magnet
inay be used.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Johann Ernst Friedrich Lüdeke and Arthur James Thorman in the
Great Seal Patent Office on the 22nd February 1879.
JOHANN ERNST FRIEDRICH LUDEKE and ARTHUR JAMES THORMAN, both of
St. Benét Place, Gracechurch Street, in the City of London, Gentlemen. “OBTAINING
AND APPLYING MOTIVE POWER BY MAGNETS OR MAGNETISM."
4
Our discovery or Invention relates to the obtaining and applying motive power
by means of, or in conjunction with magnets, permanent magnets, or magnetism,
and in order to make the source and means of obtaining the same easy to be under-
stood, we propose to give in the first place a simple example, following the same up
by practical demonstrations.
We make use of a bar or needle, say, made of soft iron; this is balanced on a
centre, so that it will move with the greatest freedom; at or near two points of the
circle which this bar or needle would describe, we place two horse-shoe magnets;
these are placed opposite to one another, so that the north poles of the one are
opposite to the south poles of the other. At or near the inner sides of the poles of
the magnets are stops or studs of brass, or of any non-conducting substance for
preventing the bar or needle, though alternately attracted by the poles, from coming
into actual contact with them. Over the middle of the bar or needlé is suspended
or placed another horse-shoe magnet, which may be attached to a pendulum or
other equivalent means; this is made to move or oscillate to and fro, so that the
north and south poles are alternately over the middle of the bar or needle; the

page_text: .effect of this is, that the points or ends of the bar or needle are attracted by one
pole and repulsed by the other, the contact being broken and given at one and the
same time, the current of the poles being reversed.
い
When the north pole of the suspended magnet is over the middle of the bar or
needle, the points of the same are attracted to the south poles, and repulsed by the
north poles of the magnets, and vice versa, and this will take place with considerable
rapidity as regulated by the suspended magnet.
We propose to attach a crank, lever, or any other equivalent mechanical appliance
to the bar or needle for transferring power or motion, and again connect the same
by suitable appliances to the suspended magnet, that the same may move or
oscillate to and fro as described.
Having now described the nature of the discovery or Invention, we proceed to
give practical demonstrations as follows:-We use a shaft or axle, which, by
preference should be of soft iron, fixed to each end of which is a cross, or the ends
of the shaft or axle may be made to branch out in four curved arms. At each end
of the shaft or axle, and facing the two crosses or arms, are arranged a series or
battery of magnets, say for example, four horse-shoe magnets in each series or
battery; these are placed round a drum, cylinder, or ring, and so arranged that the
poles are alternately north and south at equal distances apart, only just sufficient
room or space being allowed for the four arms of the cross to pass the poles of the
magnets; the shaft or axle works in journals or pivots, and is supported by standards
fixed to a foundation in the usual way, or it may be continued through the centre
of the drum, cylinder, or ring containing the series or batteries of magnets and
wheels, or other machinery may be attached thereto. Above this shaft or axle is
another shaft which is geared to the lower one by toothed wheels or their equiva-
lents. On this shaft is placed, fixed, or keyed, two horse-shoe magnets or four bar
magnets, but if horse-shoe magnets are used, the poles may be bent outwards, say,
at an angle of 45 degrees, so that the two horse-shoe magnets when so bent and
placed back to back, would form a cross, the poles being alternately north and
south, and of course outwards; this cross is placed or fixed on the shaft, and
revolves with the shaft exactly over the middle of the lower shaft or axle at such
an elevation as just to allow the ends of the poles to pass over or clear the middle
of the lower shaft or axle when both shafts are revolving. We however propose to
surround the poles of the magnets composing this cross with a rim of brass or non-
conducting substance, and so form the same into a fly wheel, the magnet forming
the spokes, the poles of the same passing through, or being flush with the periphery
of the fly wheel. This fly wheel will assist the machine in the regularity of its
motion. The cog or toothed wheels inust be such as shall enable the poles of the
Ecross or fly wheel to operate at the required times over the middle of the lower
shaft or axle, and so break or give the contact and reverse the current of the poles
between the crosses on the lower shaft or axle, and the series or batteries of
magnets. The top shaft can be supported by the same standards as the lower one,
and work in a similar manner. On the lower shaft or axle a pulley or its equiva-
lent is fixed for driving machinery with the surplus power.
i
We also propose to fix electro-magnetic coils to the various poles of the magnets
comprising the batteries. Suitable commutators or apparatus are placed where
desirable for collecting, dividing, or distributing the currents from the electro-
magnetic coils, a portion of which currents may be diverted if necessary to assist in
causing the shaft or axle to revolve at greater speed.
If any other number than four horse-shoe magnets are used in one series or
battery, it will be desirable or necessary, in lieu of the crosses fixed at the ends of
the lower shaft or axle, to substitute other forms, say, for example, stars; these
should by preference be made of soft iron, and have points or arms corresponding in
'number, shape, and distance apart, to the number of north or south poles, or horse-
shoe magnets used.
In some cases we propose to only use one series or battery of magnets, and to
dispense with the upper shaft, and also the cross composed of magnets or fly wheel,

page_text: substituting therefor compound permanent magnets, either with or without electro-
magnetic coils at each pole of the same, which poles or ends of electro-magnetic coils
we place as close as possible to the centre of the cross on the reverse side, that is,
close to the shaft or axle; these compound permanent magnets may be fixed or
stationary, and the poles of which should be equal in number to the poles of the
battery used. These act as reversing magnets, and cause the cross to revolve.
We also propose in some cases, in lieu of fixing the electro-magnetic coils to the
poles of the magnets comprising the battery, to attach them to the cross, and let
them revolve therewith in front of the magnets.
Fig. 1 represents an elevation, and Fig. 2 a plan of the simple or first example;
A being the foundation; B, a standard; C, the soft iron bar or needle; D, D, are
the two horse-shoe magnets; x, x, are the stops or studs; E, the other horse-shoc
magnet as a pendulum.
Fig. 3 is an elevation of our next example; A is the shaft or axle ; B, B, are the
crosses, one of which we shew in detail, Fig. 4; C, C, are the series or batteries of
magnets; D, D, are the standards; E, the foundation; F is the upper or other
shaft; G, G, are the toothed wheels; H, H, are the magnets bent in the form of a
cross, of which a detail is also shewn in Fig. 5. Similarly marked, I is the pulley,
and the electro-magnetic coils are respectively marked K.
Fig. 6 is an end view, shewing the drum, cylinder, or ring, with the magnets and
coils attached, comprising the batteries.
The various poles are marked N for north and S for south.
We now give another example of this discovery or Invention, which is more
compact and economical in its arrangement, see Fig. 7; also two end views of the
same, Fig. 8 and 9.
Fig. 7 is a plan view. In this example we make use of two permanent magnets
A, A; these are placed side by side, or they may be one above the other, sufficient
space being left between them, and they are so arranged that the poles of one sign
are opposite, or above those of the other sign; to each of these poles, as in the
former example, are attached or fixed electro-magnetic coils, marked B, B, one end
of which said coils are respectively in contact with the poles. In front of the other
ends of these electro-magnetic coils is a disc or gyroscope, marked C. We will,
however, for the sake of brevity, call it the latter; this may be of brass or any
other suitable substance. In the middle of this gyroscope is a small bar of soft iron,
or an armature, which we will herein-after call it; this is firmly let in, and extends
right through, and to the periphery on either side, and is flush with the brass or
substance of the gyroscope, of which it really forms the middle section or part.
It should be properly insulated from the brass by vulcanite or other insulating
material; this armature is marked D. Through the centre of this gyroscope is
fixed a spindle, shaft, or axle E; this is set in suitable bearings, and on standards F, F,
to a foundation marked G.
The gyroscope is so placed that one side or face of the armature passes close by
the cores of the outer ends of the electro-magmetic coils, being merely an air space
between. On the reverse side of the gyroscope are placed or fixed two other per-
manent magnets A¹, A'; the poles of these magnets are somewhat closer together,
and are placed similarly to those on the other side of the gyroscope; to each pole is
likewise attached or fixed electro-magnetic coils B1, B¹. The cores of these coils have
likewise merely an air space between them, and the reverse side or face of the
gyroscope, which can therefore revolve between the two sets of coils freely.
In some cases the cores of these last-mentioned coils are made to protrude or
extend out a short distance on the outer side, and the ends are so shaped that they
can conveniently be placed near the centre of the gyroscope; or small pieces of iron,
with diagonal or other shaped ends, may be attached to the cores of the electro-
magnetic coils made as usual. We term these last-mentioned permanent magnets,
for the sake of distinction, "the reversing magnets," as they reverse the currents of
the poles, or assist the armature to freely cut the lines or curves of the magnetic

page_text: force of the first-named magnets or coils; the same effect however takes place with
the reversing magnets in their turn, being action and re-action.
The modus operandi may be said to be this:-Supposing the armature of the
gyroscope to be over the north poles of the first-named magnets and coils, it would
at-the same time be over the north poles of the reversing magnets or coils on the
reverse side; this would cause the armature to. iinmediately and instantaneously
seek the south poles of the first-named magnets or coils. Thereby the armature
would on the reverse side be over the south poles of the reversing magnets or coils,
when again the armature would seek the north poles of the first-mentioned magnets
or coils, and this action would be continuously repeated, the armature of the gyro-
scope being attracted by the poles of one sign, and repulsed by the poles of the
opposite sign, say at a given point at one and the saine time, causing the gyroscope
to revolve, and that with little or no resistance in the magnetic field, so that by the
revolving or passing of the armature before the electro-magnetic coils the currents
of the poles, or the lines or curves of the magnetic force would be alternately
reversed or cut, the contact of the poles or currents being automatically made and
broken.
Suitable commutators or apparatus, marked H, for collecting, dividing, or
distributing the currents, are placed on the spindle, shaft, or axle of the gyroscope,
or the same may be placed on another spindle, shaft, or axle, or in any other
suitable or equivalent manner. Also suitable wheels, pulleys, or other apparatus
for transferring the motion are used as necessary, and binding screws for leading
and joining the wires where desirable. All the magnets and coils in this example
are fixed or stationary, the gyroscope, with its spindle, shaft, or axle, only revolving,
so that friction is reduced to a minimum. Nevertheless we propose in some
instances to attach the electro-magnetic coils to the armature or to fix them in the
gyroscope and let them revolve before the poles of the magnets therewith. If the
magnets and coils are properly arranged and adjusted the gyroscope will revolve at
considerable speed, and this without detracting from the electricity given off or
produced in the electro-magnetic coils; we however propose if necessary or desirable
to divert or make use of a portion of the electricity from these coils for the purpose
of assisting or increasing the movement or rotation of the gyroscope, this can be
effected by making use of two or more of the wires from the said coils, and directing
the currents from them for this purpose to the spindle, shaft, or axle direct, or by
making use of an independent one with a fly wheel, and connecting same by means
of a pulley and band to the main spindle, shaft, or axle, or in any other equivalent
manner; but even in this case there will be little or no loss in so doing, as naturally
the greater speed will tend to generate more electricity in the electro-magnetic coils.
Therefore by magnetism electricity is produced, of which it will be seen we have a
surplus, this is available for motive power, light, or for
any other
purposes.
We also propose to duplicate or form a twin machine, the saine being two of the
above-described machines placed together, as shewn in Fig. 10, which is a plan
view, Fig. 11 and 12 being two end views of the same. The armatures in this
case should be each doubled, that is, they should each be in the form of a cross,
being merely one bar of soft iron laid across the other, a piece being cut out of the
centre of each, say, about half-way through, for this purpose, and a piece of
vulcanite or other non-conducting material placed between (to prevent the current
passing from one to the other), they would, as in the example immediately preceding,
be firmly let in, and flush with the gyroscopes; or we should in inany instances
make use of the cross armatures without the gyroscopes. The cross arinatures,
whether with or without the gyroscopes, must be so placed that they revolve end
to end or periphery to periphery, as close as possible, without actually touching, or
one may slightly overlap the other without however touching, if found advantageous
to do so; this could be effected by lengthening the spindle, shaft, or axle on one
side of one of the gyroscopes or crosses and shortening it at the other, or in any
other equivalent manner. The gyroscopes or crosses may be connected together by

page_text: cranks and rods, or their equivalents. The positions in which the magnets and
coils in this duplicate or twin machine are shown in the accompanying Drawings,
Figure 10, 11, and 12; these however may be somewhat varied, and are merely
shewn as an example. All the parts are marked with letters corresponding to the
example immediately preceding this. The advantages of this duplicate or twin over
the preceding example will be found to be more than double, for this reason, that
as the extremities or ends of the cross armatures pass one another in rotation they
will mutually attract and repulse one another at a given point or points, thereby
respectively increasing their speed, and additionally reversing the currents of the
poles or the cutting of the lines or curves of the magnetic force, and therefore
making and breaking the contact so inuch oftener and with increased rapidity.
A further multiplication of these machines will give still greater results, each
one assisting the other as above described; for instance, if two duplicate or twin
machines be placed one above the other, or side by side, being in reality, four single
machines placed together, they would give greater results than two duplicate or
twin machines would do working separately, provided the gyroscopes, or cross
armatures be so placed that they revolve end to end or periphery to periphery, as
before described. But we would here remark that still more powerful machines on
any of the foregoing examples can be made by increasing the number of permanent
magnets to four on each side of each gyroscope or cross armature; the reversing
magnets so called would be placed near the centres of the armatures, and may be.
on each side of the cross armatures, or all on one side; if the former, the other set
of magnets would be placed outside of them; if the latter, they would all be placed.
on the reverse side; this would therefore give eight-magnets in all, or sixteen poles,
with a like number of electro-magnetic coils to each machine, so forming very
compact and powerful machines.
The position of the magnets and coils in the quadruple machine would be some-
what similar to those shewn in the duplicate or twin machine, Figures 10, 11,
and 12, but like them may be more or less varied.
For purposes of creating or producing electric currents for motive power, light,
and other purposes, such a multiplication, or even a still further multiplication, of
similar machines or magnets and coils would have, as shown, most important
advantages.
We have now only to add that for the sake of brevity and distinctuess we have
mentioned permanent magnets more particularly, we mean however by this either
compound or ordinary permanent magnets; and in some instances we should either
in whole or in part make use of electro-magnets, and in fact any other kind of
magnets, the machinės being adapted for the purpose. We speak of electro-
magnetic coils, but we do not limit ourselves to any particular shape, or the exact
position in which the same shall be placed or fixed. Neither do we limit ourselves
to the number, size, or shape of the magnets or gyroscopes,, and these may be
variously placed without departing from the principles of our discovery or 'Invention,
and they will in a great measure depend on the nature or requirements for which
the machines are required.
We do not give & Drawing of our other example of producing a movement or
motive power as described by us in our Provisional Specification, viz., by the means
of a wheel, cylinder, or disc, with interior grooves or curves, in which balls are
alternately attracted and repulsed by the respective poles of magnets, thereby
causing an over leverage, and consequently a rotation of the wheel, cylinder, or
disc, inasmuch as we believe the same to be far inferior to our other examples, and
in all probability would at best be only a scientific toy.
Having now described the nature of our discovery or Invention, and the manner
in which the same is performed or carried out, we would remark that we do not
limit ourselves to the precise details or configuration of parts as expressed and
shewn, as the same inay be modified, extended, or used in part, without in any

page_text: degree departing from the principles on which the same is based; what we claim and
desire to have secured to us by the herein in part recited Letters Patent are,--
Firstly. The mode or means by permanent, or compound, or other magnets, and
in the manner described, we alternately reverse the currents of the poles or cause
the armatures of the discs or gyroscopes or cross armatures, to more or less freely
cut the lines or curves of the magnetic force, making use of the attraction of one
pole or sign, and the repulsion of the other pole or sign, thereby enabling the
magnets and the electro-magnetic coils to give their full power, so that the
armatures of the discs or gyroscopes or the cross armatures rotate, with little or
no resistance in the magnetic field beyond the ordinary friction of their parts, the
contact of the poles or currents being in this manner and by this means auto-
imatically made and broken.
Secondly. The duplicate or twin, also the quadruple, and further multiplication
of machines, on the herein described principles, also the discs or gyroscopes or cross
armatures being placed so that in rotating they revolve end to end, or periphery to
periphery, or slightly overlapping one another, by which reason in their rotation
the ends or extremities of the armatures of the gyroscopes or the cross armatures
pass one another, thereby mutually attracting and repulsing each other at given
point or points, and so increasing their speed and additionally reversing or aiding
to reverse the currents of the poles or cutting the lines or curves of the magnetic
force.
Thirdly. As relates to the last part of our discovery or Invention set forth in our
Provisional Specification, viz., the rotatory wheel, cylinder, or disc, with its curved
grooves or channels, and balls, with the magnets by which and in the manner
described an over leverage is obtained, and consequently a rotation of the wheel
cylinder or disc.
Lastly. The combination of the parts of the machines or apparatus, or their
equivalent parts, so far as such combination or any part of such combination is novel,
and the manner of obtaining a movement or motive power, and thereby electricity,
and a magnetism, available for power, light, and any other useful purposes, in the
manner, by the means, and for the purposes as herein specified, and as illustrated by
the accompanying Drawings.
In witness whereof, we, the said Johann Ernst Friedrich Lüdeke and Arthur
James Thorman, have hereunto set our hands and seals, this Twenty-second
day of February, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and
Seventy-nine
Witness,
HENRY LUDEKE,
1, Roslyn Villas,
Clifton Crescent,
Peckham.
J. E. F. LÜDEKE. (L.S.)
A. J. THORMAN,
(LS.)