Improvements in the Method of and Apparatus for the Production, Transmission, and Distribution of Electric Currents.
Year: 1888

page_text: Improvements in the Method of and Apparatus for the Production,
Transmission, and Distribution of Electric Currents.
I, HERBERT JOHN ALLISON, of 52 Chancery Lane, London, in the County of
Middlesex, Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention which has
been communicated to me from abroad by Charles Edgar Fritts, of No. 42 Nassau
Street, in the City and State of New York, United States of America, Electrician,
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 :-
These currents have been heretofore produced by any suitable generator of
electricity, as a battery or a machine, and transmitted over continuous conductors to
the place of use, and then returned to the generator over the continuous conductor, or
sent to earth. But in this case, if the conducting circuit is opened, or broken all
the apparatus upon it becomes inoperative, as no current flows unless the circuit is
completed.
In my system, if the circuit is accidentally broken, only the apparatus near the
break is partially disabled, all the others on the circuit continuing to operate perfectly.
Another advantage is that an open circuit does not disable the generator (if a dynamo
electric machine,) as is usually the case. My system also has the advantage of
economy in the cost of producing and distributing electricity, by repeated inductions,
instead of sending the currents bodily over the entire length of the circuit; to render
consumers independent of the original generator as regards the character of the
current they use, by giving them the power to take off a current of any potential or
strength they require, within the capacity of the generator without interfering with
other consumers.
My invention consists chiefly in producing by any suitable or known means a varying
current, whether alternating, undulating, or interrupted, therewith charging an
electrical condenser to its own potential, and by the varying charge of said condenser
inducing currents upon and over one or more sections of the line or circuit, each of
which is inductively united to the adjacent section by a condenser in like manner, and

page_text: the last one to the other pole of the generator, repeating the operation fast enough to
keep the electrical impulses constantly flowing over the line.
It also consists in so combining the before mentioned sectional circuit with the
generator that even if the circuit is broken the generator will furnish substantially
the same current as before; that the current furnished shall be in proportion to the
varying demand; that even when the circuit is broken in every section, the generator
does not break down; that there is not necessarily any complete circuit in the
general acceptation of the term closed circuit either in the generator or outside of it;
that the generator is nevertheless capable, if desired of sending out either varying or
constant currents, or both, over continuous circuits, either in place of the preceding
arrangements or simultaneously therewith; that electrical energy may be utilized in
every section, practically independent of the others as regards the character of the
current used, and in other improvements as fully hereinafter described.
The said invention is simply a new arrangement and organization of elements
already well known and understood by those versed in the art and therefore I do not
give detailed description of their construction further than may be needed for a full
comprehension of my arrangement and use of the same.
The simplest type of my system, Figure 1, I explain as follows:-The generator
is supposed to be a dynamo-electric machine giving alternating currents; M Mare
the field magnets; Å the armature with two brushes leading the currents to
poles P and P, of the machine. The pole pieces and other minor parts are
omitted for the sake of clearness in the drawing, not being necessary to the
explanation. To the poles are attached conductors, leading to the nearest armature
of the condensers K, and K respectively. To the other armatures of the con-
densers are connected two circuits; one is the working or external circuit, divided
we will say into four sections by the condensers K, K³, K, as shown; the
adjacent terminals of each section being electrically connected to the respective
armatures of the condenser between them; the other is the field magnet circuit,
and extends between K' and K' as before, passing through an apparatus St for
straightening alternating currents; the adjusted or straightened currents proceeding
from binding post p¹ through the field magnet coils M. AI of the generator, then back
to post p² and thence through St to the condenser K. When the generator starts
running the residual magnetism in the field magnets, gives rise to a
slight electro-
motive force in the armature, which charges the two condensers K' K', and they send
a like impulse through the field magnet coils; by the process of cumulative effects
or action and reaction between the field magnet and armature, the current gradually
becomes stronger until it reaches its normal or working strength. But this result will
be reached more quickly if the poles P P are connected directly to St as indicated
by the dotted lines to p³p until the field magnets are fully energized and the
generator working properly; then condensers K' K' are connected as shown by
the full lines, and a practically continuous straight current flows through the
field magnet coils M, M, while an alternating current flows through the working
circuit. This is accomplished as follows;-Let us start with a positive impulse
from the armature to pole P¹. It charges the inner half of condenser K'
positively to its own potential. The outer half of K is thereby charged
negatively by induction, to an equal potential, and a positive impulse is sent
from the first section of the circuit and charges the nearest half of K2,
positively to a potential substantially equal to that of K'. By a similar induction
in K, an impulso is sent from K' over the next section of the circuit to K³ and in
like manner over the section between K³ and K and that between K' and K', at the
other end of the circuit. As the positive inductive action from the end at K¹ is rein-
forced by the negative induction from the other end at K³, the loss of potential at the
intervening condensers is very slight, unless the circuit is very long and of high
resistance, or divided into a very large number of sections. But even then the loss
is only in the middle sections and is that due to half the length of the circuit, growing
less towards either end. The next positive impulse is from pole P' which charges
condenser K³, positively and sends a positive impulse over the several sections of the
4

page_text: circuit from K³ to K¹ in the manner already described. Thus there flows over the
several sections of the circuit as many distinct currents each consisting of impulses
in alternately opposite directions substantially like that which would be sent over a
continuous circuit between P1 and P' and it acts in a like manner upon any apparatus
which may be inserted in any of the sections of this circuit. The condensers for my
system must be of sufficient capacity to receive and yield impulses of the required
strength or volume, and the insulations capable of bearing the potential of the initial
generator without injury. They are to be charged and discharged, (the terminal ones
by the generator) with sufficient rapidity to keep electrical impulses passing over the
sections as an ordinary alternating current would do over an ordinary line, and so
that, if the impulses are rectified; that is to say, the current straightened, or "adjusted"
a practically continuous current will be obtained. For very rapid reversals, condensers
with an air insulation are preferable as they discharge quickly. All of which will be
well understood by those versed in the art, and easily carried out and practiced without
further explanation.
The currents passing over the sections consist of the neutral electricity residing in
the section and apparatus (and the earth connections, when any exist) and it is decom-
posed and separated by the inductive action at the condensers which drives the positive
and negative portions over the sections in obedience to its varying status; and the
energy required for this action is very little. Consequently, there is only a small
amount of energy expended beyond that transformed into useful work in the electrical
receivers, in the various circuits and the system is highly economical in addition to its
other advantages pointed out herein.
Figure 1, shows the field magnet in shunt with the external circuit so that the
greater the resistance or the counter electromotive force in the latter the more current
goes to the field magnet circuit and vice versa, thus regulating the yield of current to
the demand therefor; precisely analogous to the action of the like arrangement with
continuous circuits. The field magnet coils may however, be arranged in series with
the external circuit as shown in Figure 2 or they may be arranged after any of the
systems of compound winding, or others, in connection with the armature, as may be
deemed by the electrician or operator best for his purpose. Figure 3 shows them in a
continuous circuit between the poles equivalent to the arrangement in Figure 1,
including the dotted lines, when the magnetic field will be stronger, other things being
equal, than if the connections P¹, p³, P, p, are omitted.
Instead of the arrangement which includes the current straightener St, a dynamo
with two commutators or collectors may be employed, from one of which the brushes
take a straight or "adjusted" current, from the other an alternating one. This con-
struction may be conveniently shown by representing the two collectors as being at
the opposite ends of the armature A, (although they need not be so in practice) as
shown in Figure 4, where P¹ P2, are the poles for the alternating current P³, P, those
for the straight current. This can be accomplished either by devoting separate coils
of the armature for each purpose, by having two armatures or otherwise. Figure 4,
shows the field magnet coils in scries with the external straight currents circuit. But
they may be in shunt with it as in Figure 5 or may be separately excited as in Figure 6
or Figure 7 which latter represents two machines both being on the same shaft and
both magnets energized by one of them while the other furnishes the alternating
current for the external circuit. The exciting armature has also a second commutator
at its other end from which alternating currents may be sent by poles P, P, to either
sectional or continuous circuits to relieve the over tension of the machine when in full
action.
As the coils of the armature and the field magnets would otherwise be in closed
circuit, the intensity of the magnetic field would soon become enormous from the
absence of any external resistance and no waste of current, all being used in exciting
magnetism by constant action and reaction. Consequently, with the arrangement
shown in Figure 5, a very few coils of the. armature would suffice to keep up the
magnetic field.
A continuous current machine may be employed, and an apparatus used to change

page_text: the straight into alternating currents for the condensers. Instead of alternating
currents, interrupted currents may be used in my system, produced in any suitable
or well known way.
Figure 8 represents a revolving circuit-breaker B whoso surface is equally divided
between conducting and non-conducting spaces, (the latter being drawn black) as
indicating that they are not connected to the generator, but grounded or otherwise
arranged for discharging, with two pairs of brushes bearing thereon, having their
ends one space apart. The spaces on the left are connected to the positive generator
pole the right with the negative pole. As B revolves, the current is sent first into
one set of condensers, then into the other. This drawing is intended merely to show
that the condensers are to be alternately charged with electrical impulses, one set
being disconnected from the generator and discharging while the other is connected
and charging, and each line is occupied by intermittent impulses. Any suitable
circuit breaker may be used and with a single divided current, instead of two, if
desired.
Undulating currents may also be sent and utilized in a like manner as alternating
ones, excepting that the condensers will only send a current corresponding to the
difference between the greatest and lowest strengths, or to the amount of the variations
in the initial currents.
My system is not adapted for sending continuous or straight currents, as the con-
densers only act by change of charge, whereby induction is produced to that extent.
But a continuous current may be sent in an indirect way either by first converting it
into an alternating current, sending it as such to the place of use, and there recon-
verting it to a straight current or by first dividing it into two equal interrupted
ones transmitting each over a separate line and by any well known means causing
both to pass through the utilizing apparatus, the impulses of one filling in the
intermissions in the other, and by their union forming a solid current, as illustrated
at V, in Figure 8, which thus supplies a local circuit with a solid current.
My object in showing the foregoing different arrangements, is to illustrate that my
systein is not limited to any particular kind or class of electrical generators, but may
be used with any and to show how this may be done. It will therefore no longer be
necessary to show the complete arrangement of the generators, but in subsequent
drawings only the commutator and brushes will be given, it being understood that the
field magnet coils may be wound and connected up according to any well known or
suitable system preferred, or that any other generator may be connected to the poles
shown in the drawings; also, that regulating devices may be used in either the
external or the field magnet circuit, as usual; and that in taking off currents of
whatever character from the high resistance closing circuit between the poles of the
generator, any desired potential may be given to them by making the connections
nearer to the poles or to the middle or point of zero potential as a higher or a lower
potential is required. This closing circuit is shown more fully in Figure 4 where it
is represented as divided into sections with artificial resistances R between them so
that connections can be made at any desired points by plugs or otherwise all of which
is well understood by electricians.
It will be seen that while on an ordinary or continuous line the points of zero
potential is in the centre (of resistance) of the entire line, in my system it is in the
centre of each section and the points of highest and lowest potential at the ends of
the line are repeated at the ends of each section, so that the consumer may have
virtually an entire line on his own premises, with the corresponding power to take off
currents of such volume and electromotive force as he may require. If he connects
the terminals of bis inductional apparatus to the condenser at each end of his section
he gets substantially the same difference of potential as though connected at the
generator. And if he uses but one conductor between the condensers he gets the
entire volume of currents passing over the circuit. On the other hand if he divides
the current between 2 or 4 conductors containing equal resistance as between K³
and K Figure 10 each will receive or as many amperes as the one would. And
by proper adjustment of resistances be can control the difference of potential at the

page_text: terminals of his apparatus. This can he done in different ways. ric may insert mis
electrical receiver in the single wire of a section and get a difference of potential
corresponding to the resistance as shown in K' and K, in Figure 9. If his receiver El
has the resistance of the entire section, it will have between its terminals the
difference of potential between the condensers. Between K and K³, a conductor
(preferably of high resistance) shown having various electrical receivers connected
in shunts at different points, and receiving currents whose difference of potential will
depend on the respective resistances of the various apparatus and conductors, as will
be readily understood. K and K are connected by two branch conductors, which in
turn are connected by cross-conductors, whose ends are attached at points of different
their potential so that a current flows from the point of higher to that of lower potential
through the cross connecting conductors, in which may be inserted any desired electrical
receivers. If the branch conductors have uniform resistances, and are connected at
uniform distances from their ends, as shown, we obtain a constant difference of potential
between the terminals of the cross conductors, which is uniform throughout the section.
If the entire line is similarly arranged, we thus obtain a constant and uniform difference
of potential at all points in the line, regardless of how near to or far from the generator
the cross conductors may he located. If he wishes to get more or less difference of
potential than could be obtained as described with or without a change in the quantity
or volume of the current for use in a local circuit, he may use some form of induction
coils for that purpose, as the "transformers" of Gaulard and Gibbs, or of Zipernowski
and Deri represented by Tr in Figure 10, where a local circuit is shown containing
receivers fed by the transformed current El and 4, the electrical receiver may be
electric lamps, motors or any other electrical apparatus. The ends may be grounded,
if the line breaks, until repairs are made, as at O in Figure 11, whereby the apparatus
between the next condenser and the earth can still be used although the difference of
potential is only one half as great as before the breakage. A number of circuits may he
run between two condensers, as shown by Figure 12, each receiving a current of the same
potential, and the strength (or amperes) in inverse proportion to the respective
resistances. So also any number of independent condensers may be charged at the same
poles, either connected directly to the poles and charged to a like potential or charged to
any different potential required as explained for Figure 4. The number of sections in a
circuit or the length of them may be largely a matter of choice. The advantage of having
an entire section under control is the great difference of potential available, but as
there is a slight loss by each induction, the number of condensers should not be
excessive. If the potential of the initial current from the generator is very high, it
may be beneficial to connect the ends or the middle of each section or of one or more
of thein to earth, through a suitable resistance as shown in Figure 10. This resistance
may of course be composed of any suitable electrical receivers for utilizing the current
flowing through the grounded circuit. The resistance K should be sufficient to
prevent this circuit from interfering with the charging of the condensers of the line
proper as K and K³. If it should be desirable to have two conductors alongside,
whose currents flow in opposite directions Figure 13 shows how they may be arranged
and connected to the generator poles. Where independence of the currents is
not required, a single condenser at each pole will answer for both circuits. My
invention is also applicable to the 3 wire or multiple wire systems of conductors' as
shown in Figures 14 and 15. If necessary in order to insure that the two (or more)
machines shall produce currents whose alternations (or interruptions) shall be exactly
synchronous, straight currents may be used and led to suitable apparatus for changing
them to alternating (or interrupted) currents as already explained, and all the currents
should be manipulated by the same shaft or vibrator of the apparatus, although the
current from each generator be kept isolated from the others and led to its own line.
Figure 16 illustrates this arrangement when W, is the apparatus adapted to manipulate
the two currents as described. Each current enters the apparatus straight and
emerges alternating. On its return to W, at the other end of the external circuit,
it is straightened again by its passage through W, and returns so to the other pola of
-the-generator, thus completing its circuit. For the system in Figure 15, the

page_text: apparatus should be adapted for manipulating three currents. If two widely separated
generators are caused to produce currents exactly coinciding in their alternations (or
interruptions), as may be done by well known means, they can be arranged at the
two ends of the circuit or circuits; and the distant end of a circuit instead of
returning to the other pole of the same generator will then return to the opposite pole
of the twin generator, as shown in Figure 17. The complete circuit would then
include two generators instead of the one shown in Figures I and 11. The principal
is the same as if the two machines were together connected up in series for the higher
electromotive force and economy. In like manner we may connect together any
number of machines necessary to produce the desired strength of current or inductive
action either as one machine or apparatus at different places in the circuit.
I will now state the general electrical laws involved in the operation of my invention
or system in conventional technical terms, in formulas convenient for use in working.
But first I would observe that although there is a slight loss in the action of
condensers as before stated, it is not so large as is commonly supposed. In fact, with
a properly made condenser, momentarily charged, as is done by my system, the loss
is too inconsiderable to be discovered by ordinary measuring apparatus, and should
not in practice exceed one per cent for each condenser.
The capacity of a condenser is expressed in farads, and designated by the letter F.
When a number of similar condensers are connected in series, as in my system, their
working capacity is reduced in proportion to the number so connected. If ten 1, F
condensers are connected in series as shown in the drawings, with the distant end of
the line connected to earth as in Figure 11, the working or series capacity limit of
force (LF) of each condenser will be F. But that does not imply any waste
energy in working. It merely limits the amount of electrical energy that can be
transmitted by the given size of condensers. Although separately they have a
capacity of 1 F when so connected they act as To F, condensers and that capacity
indicates the amount of electrical energy received and given out by them with the
loss of one per cent or less as before stated.
of
When both ends of the series are connected to the opposite poles of the generator,
which is the normal arrangement of my system, the line so formed virtually consists
of two series of equal capacity, one connected to such pole, and having their distant
ends connected together.
The line or series capacity L. F. is the capacity (in farads) of the polar or terminal
condenser (or any one in the series) when so connected, and is obtained by dividing
the absolute capacity of the individual condensers when alone by the number N. in the
series thing
But when connected in series, each one takes the same charge as the polar condenser
receives from the generator and the formula for each is then
Coul.
=
LF x D. of P of condenser.
(2)
If sufficient time is allowed for charging the D. of P. of the condensers will be
equal to E, the D. of P. between the generator poles, that is to say, when both ends
of the line are connected to the generator poles, which is the bi-polar or normal
arrangement.

page_text: R. of individual section.
Formula 6 will give the approximate strength of the alternating line current. But
when it is important to know precisely the volume of any particular current which
flows or can flow over a given line, it can easily be determined by slowly increasing
the resistance in one of the sections. If the measured D. of P. of the current begins
to drop, it shows that the rate of flow of current A is being cut down, and the
condensers do not become fully charged up to the proper D. of P. in the time allowed
for charging. For it is obvious that if the discharge begins before the condensers
are fully charged, the D. of P. of the condensers will be correspondingly lower, and
the D. of P. of the current will also be lowered.
On the other hand, if the measured D. of P. of the current is increased by lowering
the resistance it shows that the resistance was too high, and that the average volume
of the current is really greater than the mean value.assumed in the formulas. Thus

page_text: the calculated factors of a line may be readily tested and corrected to suit the
peculiarities of any given current, by simply increasing the normal resistance of a
section till the standard measured D. of P. of the current begins to drop, or vice-versa,
and the difference between the calculated and the allowable resistances shows the
deviation of the current from the normal type of such currents as given in formulas 5
and 7.
It is obvious that the resistance in the several sections should be approximately the
same, for this reason. All the condensers charge up simultaneously and at the same
rate, and the same current flows over each section connecting the condensers to each
other or to earth. An excess of resistance in any one section would lessen the rate of
flow in that section and delay the charging of its condensers, and consequently of all
the condensers in the line. The line current A is therefore limited to D. of P.
highest R. in any one section. The line should evidently be arranged so that the
resistances in the several sections will be approximately the same, (or at least not above
the standard resistance of a section), at any particular time, although thoy may be very
different at different times to suit the requirements of the service.
the
As the current is, in my system, produced by variations of charge in the
condensers, each impulse can continue only so long as the charge stored in the
condenser can supply the requisite electricity by discharge. Tho charge must then
be repeated. The frequency of these charges should be such as to keep the impulses
constantly flowing over the line in one direction or the other. This speed of reversing
or varying the charges should be so adjusted that the condensers can be charged up
to the required D. of P. in the time between the reversals or variations, and so that,
at the instant when they become so charged, they will be caused to begin to
discharge. To ascertain the speed required with a given line or series of condensers
we need only find how long the charge stored up in the condensers will sustain the
current which will flow in any given case.
A coulomb of electricity will keep up a current of one ampere for one second, or
a smaller current for a longer time, or a larger current for a shorter time. The
volume of current which will flow through a conductor connecting two condensers
as shown in the drawings, does not depend on the amount of the charge in the
condensers, but is governed by the ratio of the D. of P. of the current to the
resistance of the sections, as given in formulas 6 and 7. We may therefore have any
current we wish, by suiting the resistance to the D. of P. to allow that current A to
flow in the sections.
Then the time T in seconds, during which the charge Coul. will furnish this
current A, is found by dividing the charge by the ratio of flow, thus

page_text: require, (as a general rule) 1000 ohms resistance in the sections, or in the one having
the highest resistance. So, in any other case I suit the resistance to the D. of P. in
formula 6 or 7, to get the current I want. A 1 F condenser charged to 1000 volts
D. of P. (formula 3) contains 1000 coulombs which will supply a lampere current
(through 500 ohms, formula 6) for 1000 seconds (formula 8). Instead of that, it
would supply 1000-amperes for one second, 50 amperes for 20 seconds, 100000 amperes
for 1 seconds, or any desired modification of these quantities, provided that
D. of P. R (formulas 6 and 7) is in each case so adjusted as to permit the desired
current to flow through the conductor.
In order to keep the impulses continuously flowing over the line, in one direction
or the other, I repeat the charges as rapidly as they are discharged, in each case.
For instance, if I want an alternating current of 1 ampere and my condensers are so
small that they will keep up 1 ampere of current for only second, I reverse the
charging current 250 times per second and the successive discharges then supply a
continuous alternating current on the line.
It is commonly supposed that, in order to get a current or impulse of any
considerable volume, a condenser of enormous size is required. The foregoing
formulas prove that such is not the case. A condenser of the size commonly used in
telegraphy, or of only 4 microfarads capacity, charged to 2000 volts D. of P contains
1 coulombs, which will supply a 2 ampere current for second. Thus with a
charging generator reversing 250 times a second, this tiny condenser will keep a
2 ampere alternating current flowing through 500 ohms resistance and transmit
over 2 horse-power in electrical energy. Or a 1F condenser with the same speed
of reversals, the same D. of P. and having bohm resistance in the conductors,
will keep an alternating current of 500000 amperes and 1000 volts flowing, with
electrical energy equivalent to 670,241 horse-power, minus one per cent or less for
loss in the condenser.
The volume of current flowing in the sections being governed by the ratio of
resistance to D. of P. in formulas 6 and 7, any desired volume of current may be
obtained by so varying the resistance as to cause that current to flow and if the
generators are self regulating, as hereinbeforo explained they will supply the current
required. The method of regulating and governing dynamo-electric generators, to
get constant potential and varying current, constant current and varying potential,
or current and potential both constant, either by electrical or mechanical arrange-
ments, is now so well understood by all electricians that it will not be necessary to
explain those points any further than has already been done only to say that the
capacity of the condensers should be sufficient for the greatest volume they will at
any time be required to furnish.
Telegraphic and telephonic lines have been proposed consisting of sections
connected together by condensers, but such a line is connected to one pole only of
the generator, is intended to actuate apparatus at the other end, and to deliver to the
utilizing apparatus an exact reproduction of the initial current, whereas mine is
adapted to actuate apparatus in every section of the line, giving in each one a current
which may be quite unlike that in any other section, or that which the generator
produced and the far end of the line returns to the other pole of the generator and
is connected thereto, so that both poles exert an inductive action over the whole line,
each assisting the other and both poles being virtually repeated at the ends of each
section. Moreover, my receiving apparatus are not connected to earth, but are in the
line, and without the earth connections employed by others. My invention is not the
transmission of identical or unchanged single signalling impulses or currents over a
line having one end connected to the current generating and varying apparatus, for
utilization exclusively in receiving apparatus in the terminal sections of the line, but
the transmission, over a line having one or both ends connected to the charging
apparatus, and adapted for insulated electrical receivers in overy section, of an
aimount of electrical energy in current, whose character may be indefinitely varied
at many points between the poles of the generator as may be required by the electrical
receivers there for purposes of utilization.
:
D

page_text: Another peculiarity of my system is that there is little or no tendency of my
currents to escape from the line to earth, as in all previous systems because these
currents being produced by inductive attractions from both ends of the line, are more
strongly drawn there than to the earth; and there is a greater difference of potential
between any point in the circuit and the ends than between that point and the earth.
Still another peculiarity is that the currents when they arrive at the condensers and
become "charges" are " bound" therein and not liable to escape, even if an earth
connection is provided. These two facts largely remove the danger to attendants
arising with any other kind of apparatus statically charged to a high potential. Even
if the body of the attendant became an earth connection as R at K² in Figure 10,
the currents would have only half the potential and about one-third the strength
of the normal currents over the line. If he touched the line at its centre of
resistance as R. between K' and K', he would receive no current or shock at all.
Hence, by my system, lines with very moderate insulation may carry currents of very
high potential without loss, and much higher, with safety to attendants, than with
any other system.
A further advantage of my system is that, by the duplicating or repeating of the
inductions over sections of line, the resistance of a long line in numerous sections
may be no greater than that of an ordinary line having only the length of one of
my sections, for conveying the same amount of energy and I can use a conductor
that is very much smaller and less expensive, although my line is many times the
longer. This fact will be evident on consideration of the laws governing the
inductions of condensers.
But the great peculiarity of my system is the method of, and economy in the
transmission of power. Supposing a sectional line arranged for example as in
Figure 1, and a certain amount of energy is expended in charging the polar side
of the terminal condenser, say K', that energy will be expended in putting K² in
a like condition. The energy in K2, is then expended in putting K in like condition,
and so on to the cud,-currents being sent over the conductors connecting the
several condensers whose potential depends on the potential of the terminal
condensers, and their quantity or strength upon the capacities of the condensers in
the line and the resistances of the conductors connecting them.
A difference of potential heing established between the two ends of the soction-
conductor, a current flows through it precisely as if the same difference was brought
about by direct connection to the poles of the generator, excepting only that it is
limited by the capacity of the condensers at its ends. This current may be utilized in
overcoming resistance or doing work on the section, like all other currents.
That is to say, the original amount of energy expended by the generator is
reproduced in the several sections by the inductions and electrical attractions and
repulsions in the several condensers, and is consequently repeated as many times as
there are sections in the line, minus the small loss at the condensers.
I do not confine myself to the exact arrangements or details described, for it is
evident that they may be widely varied without departing from the principles of my
invention.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is ;-
First. The method of producing, transmitting and distributing electric currents,
by arranging current-generating and varying apparatus to furnish a current of the
desired volume and electromotive force; connecting thereto a sectional line con-
taining a series of condensers of proper capacity to be charged by said apparatus
to the desired difference of potential in the time allowed; connecting said condensers
by conductors containing a common maximum resistance suitable to cause the desired
volume of current to flow over the sections; arranging said conductors to distribute
said current as required; and actuating the current varying apparatus at the proper

page_text: speed to cause the condensers to charge up to the desired difference of potential and
discharge in the time allowed for each impulse of current over the line.
Second. The method of producing upon a lino alternating currents of any strength
and character required, consisting in dividing the line into sections, inductively
connecting the sections through condensers into a sectional line, connecting said line
to the poles of suitable current-generating and varying apparatus through polar or
terminal condensers, and co-ordinating and adjusting the several elements relatively
to each other to suit the current desired.
Third. In a system such as described the method of adjusting and co-ordinating the
elements to secure a given current over the line, consisting in adjusting the maximum
resistance in the sections relatively to the difference of potential in the condensers to
secure the desired volume of current over the section; adjusting the capacity of the
condensers to contain the necessary quantity of electricity to furnish said volume of
current for a given time; adjusting the rate of reversal or variation in the current-
varying apparatus, relatively to the capacities of the condensers to charge the
condensers with sufficient rapidity to keep the impulses constantly flowing over the
line; and adjusting the electromotive force of the current-generating apparatus to
charge the condensers to the required difference of potential in the time allowed for
each impulse of current.
Fourth. In a system such as described, the method of co-ordinating the elements
thereof to send over the line a current of any volume and electromotive force
required, consisting in the construction and adjustment, relatively to each other, of
the resistance in the individual sections as regards its maximum amount, of the con-
densers with respect to their capacities, and of the current-generating and varying
apparatus with respect to the electromotive forco and the rato of reversal or variation,
to suit the desired current.
•
Fifth. The method of supplying current as required on a sectional line, consisting
in connecting the ends of the line, through polar or terminal condensers, to the poles
of a suitable self-regulating current-generating and varying apparatus; arranging
said apparatus to automatically charge up the polar condensers as rapidly as the flow
of current on the line will permit; and adjusting the maximum section-resistance to
secure the current desired in the sections.
Sixth. The method of transmitting and repeating currents over a number of
sections of a line consisting in connecting the sections through suitable condensers
into a sectional line; connecting the ends of the line to the poles of suitable current-
generating and varying apparatus; and properly charging and discharging the
polar or terminal condensers by the reversals or variations produced by said
apparatus.
Seventh. The method of arranging a line on my system, consisting in adjusting
the capacity of the condensers and the rate of reversal or variation in the charging
apparatus to secure the desired difference of potential in the condensers; and
adjusting the maximum section resistance to the difference of potential in the
condensers, to secure the desired volume of current over the sections.
Eighth. The method of arranging a system to furnish currents of a given volume
and electromotive force, consisting in adjusting the maximum section-resistance to the
difference of potential in the condensers, to secure the desired current ; then adjusting
the electromotive force of the generator, the rate of reversal or variation, and the
line-capacity of the condensers, to keep up said current.
Ninth. The method of regulating the strength of current flowing over a sectional
line, by varying the maximum resistance in that section which contains the highest
resistance to permit the desired current to flow over that section, and thereby limiting
the flow of current in all the sections.
Tentb. The method of securing a uniform rate of flow of current over the line, by
adjusting the maximum resistance in the sections to conduct current at the desired
rate.
Eleventh. The method of maintaining a uniform difference of potential throughout

page_text: the line, by arranging the system as herein described, and maintaining the desired
difference of potential in the polar condenser or condensers.
Twelfth. The method of extending a line or system without increasing the size of
the main conductors and without increasing the electromotive force of the current
employed or lessening its volume, consisting in adding to or inserting in the original
line one or more sections of suitable length and arrangement, connected to each other
and to the original line by suitable condensers, and enlarging the condensers to
maintain the original line-capacity.
Thirteenth. The method of extending a line or system without increasing the size
of the main conductors or lessening the volume of current on the line, consisting in
adding to or inserting in the original line one or more sections of suitable length and
arrangement, connected to each other and to the original line by suitable condensers,
and increasing the electromotive force at the generator in proportion to the diminution
in the line-capacity.
Fourteenth. The method of supplying, for use along the line, currents of different
electromotive force from the normal line currents, consisting in arranging the system
as herein described; inserting in the line, at or near the place of utilization, one coil
of a suitable induction coil; and arranging the secondary coil thereof in a local
circuit conveying the transformed currents for use.
Fifteenth. The method of supplying, for use along the line, currents of different
character from the normal line currents, consisting in arranging the system as herein
described; inserting in the line at the proper point the apparatus for changing the
character of the line currents as desired; and connecting to said apparatus the local
circuit conducting the changed currents for utilization.
Sixteenth. An organized system for the production, transmission and distribution
of electricity consisting of the combination of apparatus for automatically producing
a suitably varying current and one or more external or working circuits connecting
the opposite poles of the current-producing and varying apparatus, said circuit being.
inductively connected to the poles through electrical condensers or devices which
prevent the actual passage of the initial current from the poles over the lines or circuits,
but which transmit a corresponding amount of electrical energy over the circuit by
virtue of induction through said devices from both of said poles.
Seventeenth. A system for the production and distribution of electrical energy,
consisting in the combination of apparatus for producing a suitably varying current
and one or more lines or circuits connecting the opposite poles of the current pro-
ducing apparatus, one or more of said lines being divided into sections by condensers,
each section having substantially the same potential at its ends as the undivided line
would have had, and being substantially a counterpart of said undivided line.
Eighteenth. The combination of apparatus for producing a suitably varying current,
and one or more lines or circuits connected to the opposite poles of said apparatus,
one or more of said lines being divided into sections inductively united by condensers,
each such section being adapted for the utilization of the current passing over it in
electrical apparatus inserted in it.
Nineteenth. The combination of apparatus for producing a suitably varying current
and one or more lines or circuits connected to the opposite poles of said apparatus,
one or more of said lines being divided into sections inductively united by condensers,
and each of said sections being practically independent of the other as regards the
character of the current passing over it or through the electrical apparatus inserted
in it.
Twentieth. The combination of apparatus for producing a suitably varying current,
one or more lines or circuits connecting the opposite poles of said apparatus, one or
more of said lines being divided into sections inductively united through condensers,
whereby each pole acts by induction over the whole line to the other pole, and each
assists and sustains the inductive action of the other.
Twenty-first. The combination substantially as described of dynamo - electric
apparatus for producing a suitably varying current, two or more lines connecting the

page_text: opposite poles of said apparatus through condensers; and a circuit containing the
field magnet coils of said apparatus and means for changing the varying to a straight
current.
Twenty-second. The combination substantially as described of dynamo-electric
apparatus for producing a suitably varying current, one or more lines connecting the
opposite poles of said apparatus through condensers, and a circuit containing the
field magnet coils of said apparatus.
Twenty-third. The combination of apparatus for producing a suitably varying
current;
one or more lines or circuits connected to the opposite poles of said
apparatus; and means in said circuit or circuits, but independent of or separate from
the generating apparatus, for changing said varying to a continuous or straight
current for use therein.
Twenty-fourth. The combination of straight current dynamo-electric apparatus for
producing a suitably varying current and a circuit containing its field magnet coils
in closed circuit with one or more coils of the armature, with one or more external
or working circuits connected to its poles through condensers.
Twenty-fifth. Tho combination substantially as described of apparatus for producing
a suitably varying current; one or more lines connected to the opposite poles of said
apparatus through condensers, for transmitting said current; and electrical receivers
actuated by the impulses or currents induced by or between said condensers.
current ;
Twenty-sixth. The combination of apparatus for producing a suitably varying
one or more lines or circuits connected to the poles of said apparatus
through condensers; apparatus in said circuit for changing this character of the
current flowing over it and sending it through a local circuit connected to said
apparatus, then on over the line; and an electrical receiver in said local circuit for
utilizing said changed current.
Twenty-seventh. The combination substantially as described of apparatus for pro-
ducing a suitably varying current; one or more lines connected to the opposite poles
of said apparatus through condensers, for transmitting said current; means for also
producing a straight current; and one or more lines connected thereto for transmitting
said straight current.
Twenty-eighth. The combination substantially as described of apparatus for pro-
ducing a suitably varying current; one or more lines connected to the opposite poles
of said apparatus for transmitting said current bodily; one or more lines connected to
the poles through condensers for transmitting said current by induction over them
means for producing a straight current; and one or more lines for transmitting said
straight current.
Twenty-ninth. The combination substantially as described of apparatus for producing
a suitably varying current, one or more lines connected to the opposite poles of said
apparatus through condensers, and means for giving any desired potential (within
the capacity of said apparatus) to the current sent over each individual line.
;
Thirtieth. The combination substantially as described of apparatus for producing
a suitably varying current; one or more lines connected to the opposite poles of said
apparatus through condensers, and means for sending a current of the same potential
over each of said lines.
Thirty-first. The combination of apparatus for producing a suitably varying current;
one or more lines connected to the opposite poles of said apparatus through condensers;
means for giving any desired potential to the current sent over each individual
line; one or more lines connected to the opposite poles of said apparatus for
transmitting said varying current bodily, and means for giving any desired potential
to the current sent over each of said lines.
Thirty-second. The combination for producing a suitably varying current; one or
more lines connected to the opposite poles of said apparatus through condensers;
means for giving any desired potential to the current sent over each individual line ;
means for producing a continuous current; one or more lines for transmitting said
current and means for giving any desired potential to the current sent over each
i
of said lines.

page_text: Thirty-third. The combination of apparatus for producing a suitably varying
current one or more lines connected to the opposite poles of said apparatus through
condensers; means for giving any desired potential to the current sent over cach
individual line; one or more lines connected to the opposite poles of said apparatus
for transmitting said varying current bodily; means for giving any desired potential
to the current sent over each of said latter lines; means for producing a straight or
continuous current; one or more lines for transmitting said current; and means for
giving any desired potential to the current sent over each of said lines.
Thirty-fourth. The combination substantially as set forth of apparatus for producing
a suitably varying current; one or more lines or circuits connected to the poles of
said apparatus and divided into sections inductively connected through condensers;
and a conductor connecting one of said sections to earth through a suitable
resistance.
Thirty-fifth. The combination substantially as described of apparatus for producing
a suitably varying current; one or more lines or circuits connected to the poles of
said apparatus and consisting of sections inductively connected through condensers;
and an electrical receiver inserted in one of said sections whose resistance bears the
same ratio to the resistance of said section as the desired difference of potential
between its terminals bears to the difference of potential between the ends of said
section.
Thirty-sixth. The combination substantially as described of apparatus for producing
a suitably varying current; one or more lines or circuits connected to the poles of
said apparatus and consisting of sections inductively connected through condensers;
each section being divided into as many derived circuits and with such resistances
as may be necessary to secure for the electrical receivers in them the proper strength
or tension of current.
Thirty-seventh. The combination of two or more apparatus for producing a suitably
varying current, with a suitable number of sectional lines such as described arranged
on the multiple wire system of conductors, substantially as set forth.
Thirty-eighth. The combination of a line consisting of a conductor whose ends
terminate in the contiguous sides or armatures of condensers; generating apparatus
for producing suitably varying electromotive force; and connections from the two
poles of said apparatus to the opposite sides or armatures of said condensers, enabling
the generating apparatus to give them correspondingly varying electric charges and
thereby inducing currents or impulses over the conductor connecting their opposite
sides or armatures.
Thirty-ninth. The combination substantially as set forth of a line consisting of a
suitable conductor ; two condensers each having one of its sides or armatures
connected to the contiguous ends of said conductor; generating apparatus for
producing suitably varying electro motive force; and connections from the two poles
of said apparatus to the other sides or armatures of said condensers, enabling said
apparatus to decompose or separate the electricity of the conductor and its connections
and to attract the same to the condenser plates attached to its ends, by simultaneous
induction from both poles of said apparatus the whole arranged and operating to
lessen or prevent the tendency of the said electricity to escape from said conductor
to earth..
Fortieth. In a system such as herein described, the combination of a line terminating
in.condensers and consisting of two or more sections connected by condensers; and
electrical receivers in one or more of said sections and between the condensers,
actuated by the currents or impulses induced by said condensers.
Forty-first. In a system such as described, the combination of an electric generator
charging condensers connected to its poles; a lino connected to said condensers and
divided into sections; and condensers inductively uniting said sections into a sectional
line, and caused by the terminal condensers to reproduce the changes occurring therein,
the whole arranged and operating to substitute, in place of the sending of a current over
the whole distance.or. length of the line, the production of corresponding but separate
and independent currents in and over the several sections by the simultaneous. induc-

page_text: tions of the section condensers, whereby the electrical resistance of said line is practically
reduced to a minimum.
Forty-second. In a system such as described, the combination of apparatus furnishing
suitably varying currents, electro motive force or potential; a sectional main line
conveying varying currents therefrom; a local circuit distinct from the circuit
containing the generator; an induction coil having primary coil or coils acted upon
by the currents of said sectional line and secondary coil or coils in the local circuit;
and one or more electrical receivers in the local circuit.
Forty-third. In a system such as described, the combination of a sectional main line;
a conductor therein conveying line currents; a local circuit distinct from the generator
circuit; and an induction coil having primary coil or coils acted upon by the line
currents, and secondary coil or coils in the local circuit.
Forty-fourth. In an organized system for the production and transmission of
electrical energy by repeated inductions, the combination of a generator expending a
certain amount of energy in charging condensers connected to its poles; two or more
sections of conductor arranged in series; condensers inductively uniting said sections
into a line whose ends are connected to the terminal condensers, and having capacities
suitable for discharging over the sections connected to them currents having the
stated amount of electrical energy; and devices properly reversing or varying the
charges of said terminal condensers; the whole arranged and operating to reproduce
the original amount of energy in each of the sections, by the repeated inductions and
electrical attractions and repulsions at the several condensers.
Forty-fifth. The combination of one or more sectional lines consisting of sections
inductively connected through condensors; self regulating apparatus for automatically
supplying suitably varying currents as needed on said line or lines, and connected to
said line or lines through suitable polar condensers; and electrical apparatus in said
line or lines utilizing said currents.
Forty-sixth. The combination of a sectional line consisting of sections inductively
connected through condensers; self regulating apparatus for automatically supplying
suitably varying currents as needed on said line, and properly connected thereto; and
suitable resistances in the sections, having the maximum section resistance properly
adjusted to determine the volume of current flowing over the line.
Forty-seventh. The combination substantially as hereinbefore set forth of current
generating and varying apparatus; a sectional line connected thereto; and resistances
in the sections; having these three elements suitably constructed, co-ordinated and
adjusted relatively to each other according to the method herein described,―the
resistances as to their maximum amount, the condensers as to their capacities, and the
current generating and varying apparatus as to the electromotive force and the speed
of reversal or variation to produce a continuously flowing alternating current on the
line having the strength and character desired in each case.
Forty-eighth. The combination substantially as described of apparatus for producing
a suitably varying current; one or more lines or circuits connecting the opposite poles
through condensers, one of the sections of each wire or line being broken or open;
and a conductor connecting the broken wire to earth.
Forty-ninth. The combination of self regulating apparatus for automatically pro-
ducing a continuous or straight current of such volume and electromotive force as will
meet the demand for current on the line or lines; apparatus for properly reversing or
varying straight current ; and one or more sectional lines connected to the poles of the
current generating and varying apparatus through polar or terminal condensers-the
whole being adjusted and co-ordinated according to the method herein set forth.
TIL 001 1
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1000