Improvements in or relating to the Method and Means employed for Controlling Electrical Devices from a Distance.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 29th Nov., 1893
Complete Specification Left, .29th Aug., 1894-Accepted, 29th Sept., 1894
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to the Method and Means employed for
Controlling Electrical Devices from a Distance.
We, HENRY WALL WILKINSON, Manager, and LEONARD PENSON, Electrical
Engineer, both of The Eastbourne Electric Light Company, Limited, Junction
Road, Eastbourne, in the County of Sussex, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention to be as follows:
Hitherto electric current switches, or similar devices used for making or breaking
electrical connections, varying resistances, or the like, have been operated from a
distance by electrical devices; in which the primary cause or force, used to bring
about motion or change of condition in the switch device, has been due to a current
or currents transmitted through one or more conductors. This current force has
not always been of sufficient power to produce the required motions, or where it is
sufficiently powerful, the complexity, cost, or bulk of the electrical apparatus is
objectionable. Again, it may act at one time, and not at another, owing to the
electrical contacts becoming dirty, or set, or from atmospheric conditions; and con-
sequently such electrical operative devices are not always to be depended upon to
produce a positive mechanical motion where there is great frictional resistance.
By our invention we use fluid pressure-acting upon a piston in a cylinder-for
operating from a distance electric current switches, or devices of a like nature,
instead of the aforesaid electric current force; and this fluid pressure is transmitted
from a central or sub-station, or other suitable and remote place, through one or
more pipes to the said cylinder and piston, and the mechanical motion of the piston
is used to actuate the switch device for the purpose herein stated. The fluid used
may be air or other gas, water, glycerine, or other liquid; due precautions being
taken to avoid difficulties arising from freezing. The said fluid is put under
pressure at the station, or other suitable point, by means of a compressor, pump, or
hydraulic accumulator; and when required, the pressure is communicated to the
pipe or pipes which convey the fluid pressure to each cylinder employed.
The piston rod of each cylinder is arranged and adapted to actuate one or more
switches, either by direct attachment thereto, or through the intervention of levers,
rack and pinion, gearing, or equivalent mechanical devices. To actuate the switch,
the pressure being put on the fluid receiver, a valve is opened therefrom which
communicates the fluid pressure to the service pipe or pipes leading to each cylinder
whose piston is to be put into action. The piston and its rod then acts upon the
switch, in manner aforesaid, and the switch.(for example) is operated to establish
electrical connection for its required purpose. The same pressure may be applied
to more than one cylinder, if required, so as to operate a group of cylinders simul-
taneously; or a single cylinder may work one or more switches, and each switch
may establish more than one electrical connection, so as to operate a group of
electrical devices. These electrical devices may be transformers, or motors, or
other apparatus required to be operated, and the said devices need not be
contiguous to the operating switch, or the cylinder.
In operating a group of cylinders, or switches, a variable mechanical resistance
may be employed, so that the several cylinders or switches are operated successively.
For example, the group of cylinders are connected to one service pipe which
transmits the fluid under pressure. Each cylinder piston in its outward motion, is
caused to compress a suitable spring; but the strength of the spring varies in
degree in each case. Consequently, a small fluid pressure will act upon the piston
having the weakest resistance first, and subsequently an increased fluid pressure

page_text: acts upon the next stronger springs, and so on until all have been operated upon, if
it be so required. Conversely, the gradual removal of pressure in the service pipe
will successively cut off those cylinders having the strongest spring pressures first,
then the next strongest, and so on to those opposing the least mechanical resistance
which are the last to be cut out. The same effect may be produced by combining the
springs with the switches, instead of with the piston and its rod; and the raising of
a weight may be the form of mechanical resistance instead of the compression of a
spring. We may also provide for the piston and its rod in their outward movement
to cut off or reduce the fluid pressure, and to put it on again when the return
movement is produced by spring action or otherwise. Instead of using spring or
other resistance to the motion of the piston, we may employ a pipe transmitting
fluid pressure to the opposite side of the piston; at will, for working the switches.
We may employ our invention to cut out one or more transformers (for example)
at a time when the load is small upon any electrical supply mains, thus saving the
expenditure of much energy. Where a complex network of electrical supply
mains exist, two or more sets of fluid pressure service pipes, with suitable control
valves, are employed; and these can be used independently of each other in the
manner aforesaid.
Dated this 29th day of November 1893.
FAIRFAX & WETTER,
433, Strand, London, Agents for the Applicants.
Improvements in or relating to the Method and Means employed for
Controlling Electrical Devices from a Distance.
We, HENRY WALL WILKINSON, Manager, and LEONARD PENSON, Electrical
Engineer, both of The Eastbourne Electric Light Company, Limited, Junction
Road, Eastbourne, in the County of Sussex, 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 :-
Hitherto, electric current switches, or similar devices used for making or
breaking electrical connections, varying resistances, or the like, have been operated
from a distance by electrical devices; in which the primary cause or force, used to
bring about motion or change of condition in the switch device, has been due to a
current or currents transmitted through one or more conductors. This current
force has not always been of sufficient power to produce the required motion, or
where it is sufficiently powerful, the complexity, cost, or bulk of the electrical
apparatus is objectionable. Again, it may act at one time, and not at another,
owing to the electrical contacts becoming dirty, or set, or from atmospheric
conditions; and consequently such electrical operative devices are not always to be
depended upon to produce a positive mechanical motion where there is great
frictional resistance.
By our invention we use fluid pressure acting upon a piston in a cylinder for
operating from a distance electric current switches, or devices of a like nature,
instead of the aforesaid electric current force; and this fluid pressure is transmitted.
from a central or sub-station, or other suitable and remote place, through one or
more pipes to the said cylinder and piston, and the mechanical motion of the piston
is used to actuate the switch device for the purpose herein stated. The fluid used
may be air or other gas, water, glycerine, or other liquid; due precautions being
taken to avoid difficulties arising from freezing. The said fluid is put under.
pressure at the station, or other suitable point, by means of a compressor, pump,
or hydraulic accumulator; and when required, the pressure is communicated to
the pipe or pipes which convey the fluid pressure to each cylinder employed.

page_text: In the further description of our invention reference is made to the accom-
panying drawings in which
Fig. 1 is a diagram of an electric lighting district, indicating the manner in
which the invention is applied.
Fig. 2 is a vertical section through a vessel adapted to contain air under
pressure, with two way control valves, placed in the communicating service
pipes.
Fig. 3 is a section through a cylinder showing a piston adapted to be moved by
fluid pressure against the pressure of a spring, in order to return the piston to its
normal position when the fluid pressure is removed or reduced.
Fig. 4 is also a section of a cylinder open at one end in which the piston is
adapted to move by fluid pressure conveyed through a suitable pipe to the closed
end of the cylinder; or else the closed end is exhausted and the piston is moved
by atmospheric pressure; or both fluid pressure and exhaustion are produced
alternately at the closed end for a complete backward and forward movement
of the piston.
Fig. 5 is a vertical section through a cylinder and switch apparatus, Fig. 6 is a
plan of the same;
Fig. 7 is an end elevation of the switch portion of the apparatus and Fig. 8 is a
transverse section through the same.
Fig. 9 is a vertical section through a street box containing a transformer,
hydraulic cylinder, and switching apparatus and Fig. 10 is a plan of the same.
The reference letters indicate like parts or parts having like functions.
In these drawings a represents a vessel or receiver containing fluid under
pressure. In Fig. 2 the vessel shown is adapted for containing compressed air,
but in some cases an hydraulic accumulator or pressure pumps are substituted for
the source of the fluid under pressure. The fluid pressure service pipes are indicated
by b, in which are placed (at the station end) two way or other suitable control
valves, and the exhaust pipe or discharge for air by c. The fluid pressure cylinders
are indicated by d, the piston by e, the piston rod by f, connecting rod y, guide h,
switch cross heads i, movable contact piece j, fixed contacts or terminals by k,
frame 1, base m, street box n, transformer o, primary or feeder mains p, and
secondary supply mains by s.
The piston rod of each cylinder d is arranged and adapted to actuate one or
more switches, either by direct attachment thereto as shown in Figs. 5, 6, 7 and 8,
or through the intervention of levers, rack and pinion, gearing, or equivalent
mechanical devices. To actuate the switch, the pressure being put on the fluid
receiver a (Fig. 1) a valve is opened therefrom which communicates the fluid
pressure to the service pipe or pipes b, leading to each cylinder d (Figs. 5 and 6)
whose piston e is to be put into action. The piston e and its rod f then acts upon
the switch contacts by means of the connecting rod g, sliding in the guide h, switch
crossheads i of insulating material carrying movable contact pieces j to establish
electrical connection with the fixed contact pieces or terminals k for the required
purpose. The same pressure may be applied to more than one cylinder d if
required, so as to operate a group of cylinders simultaneously; or a single cylinder
may work one or more switches, and each switch may establish more than one
electrical connection, so as to operate a group of electrical devices. These
electrical devices may be transformers o, or motors, or other apparatus required to
be operated, and the said devices need not be contiguous to the operating switch, or
the cylinder.
In operating a group of cylinders, or switches, a variable mechanical resistance
may be employed, so that the several cylinders or switches are operated succes-
sively. For example, the group of cylinders are connected to one service pipe
which transmits the fluid under pressure. Each cylinder piston in its outward
motion, is caused to compress a suitable spring shown in Fig. 3 as surrounding
the piston rod f, but the strength of the spring varies in degree in each case.
Cousequently, a small fluid pressure will act upon the piston having the weakest

page_text: resistance first, and subsequently an increased fluid pressure acts upon the next
strongest spring, and so on until all have been operated upon, if it be so
required; and these variable pressures are imparted by varying the weights on
hydraulic accumulators, or varying the pressure of air in the receiver, or by other
well known means. Conversely, the gradual removal of pressure in the service
pipe through a suitable valve will successively cut off those cylinders having the
to those
strongest spring pressures first, then the next strongest, and so on
opposing the least mechanical resistance which are the last to be cut out. The
same effect may be produced by arranging a spring around the connecting rod g to
be compressed between the guide and crosshead i instead of combining the spring
with the piston and its rod shown in Fig. 3, or the raising of a weight may be the
form of mechanical resistance used instead of the compression of a spring.
We
sometimes provide for the piston and its rod in their outward movement to cut off
or reduce the fluid pressure and to open the exhaust passage by acting upon a
suitable valve, and to put it on again when the return movement is produced by
spring action or otherwise, in a similar manner to that for making or breaking the
switch contacts. Instead of using spring or other resistance to the motion of the
piston, we employ in some cases an additional service pipe transmitting fluid
pressure to the opposite side of the piston, as indicated in Figs. 5 and 6 for
working the switches, the pressure being applied or released through suitable valves,
in any known manner for controlling fluid pressure.
We also employ our invention to cut out one or more transformers (for example)
at a time when the load is small upon any electrical supply mains, thus saving the
expenditure of much energy.
In the diagram Fig. 1 a network of electrical supply maius are shown, in which
the primary or feeder mains are indicated by p and the secondary supply mains are
indicated by s with transformers o, o', o³, and o between. The transformer o is
shown as directly connected to the primary and secondary mains in order to supply
the secondary mains s with electrical energy when the other three transformers are
cut out of the circuit at periods of low load. Service pipes are shown with
branches to the transformers o¹, 0%, and o³ which are adapted to communicate fluid
pressure to corresponding cylinders and switch apparatus in the manner and for the
purpose already described. The service pipes conveniently consist of lead pipe
capable of withstanding a pressure of say 30 lbs. per square inch, but other pipes
can be used. These service pipes we prefer to lay in the conduits which contain
the electrical mains for convenience and economy. The transformers o' and o³ are
put in or out of action by respectively applying or cutting off the fluid pressure at
a central station through the service pipes and cylinders d, to operate one or
both switches by variable pressure against a variable mechanical resistance, as
already stated.
The effect is to switch on first (for example) the transformer o' with a moderate
fluid pressure in the service pipe b as the demand for electrical energy requires it.
As the demand increases the fluid pressure at the central station is increased, and
the transformer o³ (for example) is switched on, and subsequently o for the maximum
load. By reversing the operation the tranformers are successively cut out in a
corresponding manner. The transformer o² is shown with terminal blocks for
multiple distribution, and it will be seen from the description given that by arranging
the movable contacts; of the switch apparatus to make or break a series of two or
more groups
of secondary terminals, with a variable mechanical resistance between
the said groups, a corresponding number of secondary circuits can be put in or out
of action by one pressure cylinder.
A second service pipe b is shown at o' in Fig. 1 for use where it is required for
applying positive pressure at both ends of the cylinder d as shown in Fig. 5, or
pressure on one side of the piston and a vacuum on the other side as may be
desired; or where a complex network of electrical supply mains exist, two or more
sets of fluid pressure service pipes, with suitable control valves are employed,
independently of each other in the manner aforesaid.

page_text: It is to be understood that in localities where the level of the ground varies to a
material extent any compensating device can be used to produce uniform results
upon the pressure cylinders; and where a high pressure service of air or water-
already exists close to the electric mains it can be used as a relay and brought into
action by smaller service pipes and fluid pressure therein than would otherwise be
necessary. It is also to be understood that while the drawings Figs. 9 and 10 show
the fluid pressure cylinder within the street and transformer box it is sometimes.
preferable to place it outside the same and work the switching apparatus through a
gland in the box to prevent damage by leakage of water from the cylinder. For
the same reason the exhaust from the cylinder must be carefully kept from the.
electrical conductors.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what.
we claim is;
1. The combination of a source of fluid pressure at a relatively remote point,.
such as a central station, with an electrical device or devices in position, an electrical.
ewitching apparatus capable of making or breaking the circuit of the said electrical
device or devices, a fluid pressure cylinder and piston connected to and arranged
to operate the said switching apparatus, a communicating service pipe or pipes.
between the said source of fluid pressure and fluid pressure cylinder, and suitable
operating or control fluid pressure valves at the said remote point, substantially as
and for the purpose herein shown and described.
2. The combination of a fluid pressure cylinder having a piston and piston rod
adapted to work therein with a crosshead of insulating material connected to the-
said piston rod and carrying movable electrical contact pieces, a frame of insulating
material having mounted thereon fixed electrical contact pieces or terminals, means
of communicating fluid pressure from a point remote to the said cylinder, a source
of fluid pressure, and operating or control valves at the said remote point whereby
electrical contact is made or broken between the said movable and fixed contacts,
substantially as and for the purpose herein described.
3. In a fluid pressure system of operating and controlling electrical devices from
a distance the combination of a source of fluid pressure, a communicating pipe or-
pipes, two or more cylinders and pistons arranged in series with mechanical
resistances to the operation of the said pistons varying in degree, and electrical
switching devices connected to the said pistons adapted to be operated successively
by varying degrees of fluid pressure in the said communicating pipe or pipes,
substantially as and for the purpose herein described.
4. In a fluid pressure system of operating and controlling electrical devices from
a distance, the combination of an electrical transformer with a switching apparatus
adapted to make or break the circuit of the said transformer, and a fluid pressure-
operating device connected to the said switching apparatus, substantially as and for-
the purpose herein described.
Dated this 29th day of August 1894.
FAIRFAX & WETTER,
433, Strand, London, Agents for the Applicants..