IMPROVE- MENTS RELATING TO SYSTEMS OF GENERATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRICITY FOR LIGHT, HEAT AND POWER
Year: 1883

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thomas John Handford of 42 Southampton Buildings
in the County of Middlesex Patent agent for an Invention of "IMPROVE-
MENTS RELATING TO SYSTEMS OF GENERATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF
ELECTRICITY FOR LIGHT, HEAT AND POWER" communicated to him from
abroad by Thomas Alva Edison of Menlo Park in the State of New Jersey,
United States of America
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Thomas John Handford
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 7th June 1883.
THOMAS JOHN HANDFORD of 42 Southampton Buildings in the County of
Middlesex, Patent Agent "IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO SYSTEMS OF GENERATION
AND DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRICITY FOR LIGHT, HEAT, AND POWER a communi-
cation to me from abroad by Thomas Alva Edison of Menlo Park in the State of
New Jersey United States of America
This Invention relates to such systems of distribution of electric energy for
illumination, heat, and motive power, for improvements in which I obtained Letters
Patent dated the 28 December 1882 N° 6199; that is to a system in which a
divided source of energy is employed supplying translating devices, arranged in
multiple series, one or more compensating conductors being provided, whereby the
said translating devices are made independently controllable, and the system is
divided into two or more parts. Such a system is termed a "compensating "system
of electrical distribution.
In such a system, as explained in the provisional specification filed with my
application for the said former Letters Patent, when one or more translating
devices are thrown out of circuit in one part of the system so that the numbers in
the different parts become unequal the current which would otherwise be supplied
to the said translating devices, traverses the said compensating conductor in one
direction or the other.

page_text: It is however desirable that as little current as possible should ever traverse a
compensating conductor so that such conductors may be made as small as possible,
and it is therefore desirable to preserve the balance of the system, that is to keep
equal numbers of translating devices in circuit between the compensating conductor
and each main conductor, and also between two compensating conductors, if more
than one of such conductors are used. To accomplish this is the object of the first
part of the present Invention.
One method is applicable in cases where a considerable number of translating
devices are thrown into or out of circuit simultaneously as for instance the lights
in a theatre or similar place; or where a single translating device consuming a
large amount of current, such as a large electro-dynamic motor is placed in or out
of circuit: the balance of the system being thus destroyed and a large amount of
current being caused to traverse the compensating conductor. Or in a shop or any
other place employing a greater or less number of lamps which are not turned off
simultaneously but one or more at a time in different parts of the place this method
is equally applicable.
This method may be described as follows:-
The translating devices in each building are divided, the division being as
nearly equal as possible, between two circuits: one circuit being connected to one
main conductor and the compensating conductor, the other to the other main
conductor and the compensating conductor.
The translating devices are thus divided between the two sides of the system,
and when such devices, are all simultaneously placed in or removed from circuit
there is practically no change in the relative number of translating devices in the
two parts of the system, little or no current traverses the compensating conductor
and a constant balance of the system is automatically preserved.
The building may however be one in which the lights are thrown on and off a
few at a time, as for instance in a shop where at certain hours a large number of
lights are required while at other times less numbers are required and lights are
extinguished in different parts of the place. In this case the lamps are arranged
on the two circuits in such a manner that as lamps are gradually extinguished
about as many will be thrown off on one circuit as on the other, keeping the
numbers nearly equal and preserving the general average in the two parts of the
system or if in this shop, this should not be the case, the lamps are arranged so
that some other shop with its circuits similarly arranged and supplied from the
same main circuit, will in extinguishing its lights, produce the desired compensation,
and preserve the balance.
If the system is one which is divided into more than two parts, three or more
lamps or other devices being placed in each multiple series circuit, and two or
more compensating conductors being employed, the lamps of the building or
locality are divided among three or more circuits, certain of these circuits being
connected with compensating conductors alone. It is evident that the effect when
the lamps are simultaneously placed in or removed from circuit is the same as
though only two circuits were employed.
When a single translating device such as a large electro-dynamic motor
consuming a large amount of current is employed, it also is so arranged that its
addition or removal will not affect the balance of the system. If such a motor
were placed across one of the ordinary circuits of the system its removal would
cause all its current to traverse the compensating conductor. Therefore it is
placed in a multiple arc circuit connected to the two main conductors but not to
the compensating conductor. Thus its removal from circuit still keeps the balance.
on the opposite sides of the system equal, and does not affect the amount of energy
which traverses the compensating conductor.
In lieu of the mode just described of maintaining the balance of the system,
means may be provided for changing, when the numbers in the different parts of
the system become unequal, the connections of a translating device or group of
such devices from the greater side to the less, in order to produce the desired

page_text: equality. Such means may be operated by hand at the point where the device or
devices are placed; they may operate automatically either by the variations in
current in the circuit or by clock-work devices; they may be operated electrically
from the central station of the system; or they may be controlled from the central
station and operated automatically by the current.
For accomplishing the operation by hand one side of the circuit on which the
translating device or group thereof is placed in multiple arc is permanently
connected with the compensating conductor, while the other side is provided with
a suitable circuit controller having two contacts. When placed in connection with
one contact, circuit is closed to one main conductor while the other contact closes
circuit to the other main conductor. The circuit may thus be thrown from one
side of the system to the other in order to preserve the balance.
It is evident that this as well as the other devices for accomplishing the same
object, hereinafter described can be readily employed when the lamps of a buildings
are divided between two circuits, as above set forth, for throwing either of such
circuits from one side of the system to the other.
In order to accomplish the change of connections automatically, electrically
operated devices are provided, which when the current is varied in one side or the
other of the system cause the movement of circuit controllers which act to change
the connections of a translating device or group thereof. The preferred apparatus
consists of two electro-magnets, each energized from one side of the system acting
oppositely upon a circuit controller When the number of translating devices on
one side of the system exceeds that on the other, the current in the former side
declines and its magnet is weakened the opposing magnet therefore acts on the
circuit controller and causes it to make contacts which change the connections of a
certain translating device or group from the weaker side of the system to the
stronger.
Each translating device may be provided with such an apparatus or each house
circuit in the district or only a few of such circuits in convenient situations; and
the magnets and circuit controllers are so constructed, or arranged relatively to
each other, that different amounts of current will be required to cause each
apparatus to operate; so that they will not all operate at once, but will
successively cause one circuit after another to be transferred until the desired
balance is reached.
Another automatic arrangement consists in providing in certain parts of the
district circuit controllers, controlled by clock work mechanism, for throwing
translating devices from one part of the system to another.
It is well known that in systems of electrical distribution, the number of lamps
in circuit varies greatly at different hours of the day, and the average at different
times being determined for a system, the clock work would be set so that at the
proper time it would operate the circuit controllers and throw over a proper
number of lamps.
In order to control the devices from the central station each automatically
operating circuit controlling apparatus may be connected with a circuit running
back to the said station, so that by closing such circuit at the station, the devices
are connected in circuit, and will at once operate according to the preponderance
of current in one side or the other of the system. The apparatus thus operates
automatically while it is controlled from the central station.
Or the apparatus may be both operated and controlled from the central station.
In order to effect this all the operating electro magnets which act in one direction
(they being arranged to act under different amounts of current) are placed in one
circuit leading to the station, while all those which act in the opposite direction are
placed in another circuit. When it is desired to throw one or more circuits
containing translating devices from one side to the other, the circuit including the
magnets which operate in that direction is closed at the station. An adjustable
resistance is provided for varying the current in this magnet circuit, and by
properly regulating such resistance such an amount of current is caused to flow in

page_text: the circuit as will suffice to energize the proper number of magnets to throw the
desired number of circuits over.
It is evident that in lieu of using an adjustable resistance, each magnet may be
placed in a separate circuit means being provided at the central station for closing
the circuit of any magnet as desired.
In applying this Invention to a system in which feeding conductors are used, it
is preferred to place near the extremity of each feeding circuit, a number of
the electrically operated compensating arrangements, indicating circuits being
provided as usual. When the indicators show too much or too little pressure, at
the terminals of any circuit one or more of the magnets at that locality will be
energized and caused to change the connection of the devices controlled by it.
In series systems wherein a main conductor is divided into two or more series of
divisions or branches, each branch containing a translating device, and the source
of energy not being divided, the invention may be applied to change the
connection of a branch from one series to another. It is evident that this
arrangement is the same as that of one of the modifications herein before described,
except that the compensating conductor would not be connected between the
generators, one generator being used alone, or two or more with ordinary series or
multiple arc connections.
In a compensating system if the number of translating devices in the district
becomes at any time so small that it can be supplied by one division of the source
of energy all such translating devices can be thrown on to one side of the district
the system becoming then an ordinary multiple arc system with the unnecessary
generators out of use, and the compensating conductor forming one of the main
conductors of the system.
In connection with any compensating system whether provided or not with either
of the previously described devices or apparatus there may be employed means
for regulating the electro-motive force of each division of the source of energy
independent of the other division or divisions so as to keep the electro-motive force
equal in both or all the divisions of the system which is the object of another part
of the Invention.
Where two or more dynamo electric machines are connected in series, each
forming one division of the source, an adjustable resistance is preferably placed in
the field circuit of each machine for regulating its electro-motive force. Thus if
the drop in electro-motive force is greater on one main conductor than on the
other, if one machine runs faster than the other, or if in any way the electro-
motive force on one side becomes greater than on the other, the resistances in the
field circuits of the machines are independently adjusted to compensate for the
difference so that the same electro-motive force is constantly maintained.
keeps the lamps in the different divisions equal in candle power, and also assists in
preserving the balance of the system, keeping the current equal on the main
conductors, and preventing it from flowing in the compensating conductor or
conductors. If more than one generator is included in each division of the source
of energy such generators may all be regulated simultaneously by. one or more
adjustable resistances.
This
Another part of the Invention relates to the application of the compensating
principle described in the provisional specification to my said former Letters
Patent, to systems of intersecting and connected positive and negative conductors
to which current is conveyed by feeding circuits containing no translating devices;
Such feeding circuits are preferably so arranged that all parts of the system will
practically be electrically equi distant from the central station or source of energy,
so that the same or practically the same pressure or electro-motive force will be
maintained in all parts of the system without the use of adjustable resistances in
the feeding conductors.
In carrying this portion of the Invention into effect, the main conductors of the
system are arranged with all the positive conductors connected together at
intersecting points and likewise all the negative conductors

page_text: The source of electrical energy may consist of any desired number of dynamo or
magneto electric machines or other generators, arranged in series or in multiple
series. If one dynamo or magneto electric machine is used one or more extra
commutator brushes are provided from which the compensating conductors extend
5 for dividing the source of energy into the proper number of parts; and where two
or more generators are placed in series, the compensating conductors are connected
between them, to the conductor which extends from one to another
The several positive feeding conductors which extend from the positive pole of
the source of energy are preferably all connected at different points to the positive
main conductor at one side or boundary of the district supplied and all the negative
feeders are correspondingly connected to the negative main conductor at the
opposite side of the system. By this arrangement all the translating devices
supplied from the same feeding circuit are made electrically equidistant from the
source of energy.
The conducting capacity of the feeding conductors is so proportioned, that all the
points at which they are connected to the main conductors will be electrically
equidistant from the source of energy. That is, those conductors which are
connected at points near the source are made smaller than those which extend to a
greater distance, so that the drop in electro-motive force will be the same on all
the feeding circuits, such circuits although of different lengths being of practically
the same resistance.
Throughout the system, parallel with the intersecting main conductors extends
a system of intersecting compensating conductors connected together at their
intersecting points. The number of such compensating conductors depends upon
the number of translating devices in series, they being used to divide the multiple
arc circuits into a number of parts equal to the number of translating devices
which it is desired to place in multiple series, which number of course varies
according to the electro-motive force of the current used.
Each multiple arc circuit which contains a translating device is connected across
from a compensating conductor to either a positive or a negative main conductor,
the number of translating devices on one side of the compensating conductor being
as nearly equal, as is conveniently practicable to the number on the other. The
translating devices therefore are arranged in multiple series.
At the centres of the system, that is at points midway between the junctions of
the positive and negative feeding conductors with the main conductors are
connected to the intersecting compensating conductors, one or more conductors
which extend to the source of energy being connected at the points of division of
such source. There are termed the main compensating conductors.
When differences occur in the number of translating devices in circuit on each
side of a compensating conductor, the difference of current is taken up by such
compensating conductor such current flowing therein in one direction or the other
according to whether the preponderance is on the positive or on the negative side.
Thus each translating device always receives a constant supply of current, and all
he translating devices are independently controllable although arranged in
pultiple series.
In lieu of connecting all the positive feeders at one side of the system and all
he negative at the other, a portion of the positive (or negative) may be connected
t one side and the remainder at the other, while all of the opposite kind are
onnected midway between them. In this case two sets of main compensating
onductors are employed each set running to points midway between the pairs of
eding conductors, but both sets being connected at the point of division of the
ource of energy.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Thomas John Handford in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
7th December 1883.
"
THOMAS JOHN HANDFORD of 42 Southampton Buildings in the County of
Middlesex Patent Agent "IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO SYSTEMS OF GENERATION
AND DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRICITY FOR LIGHT, HEAT, AND POWER A commu-
nication to me from abroad by Thomas Alva Edison of Menlo Park in the State of
New Jersey, United States of America
The said invention relates to systems of distribution of electric energy for
illumination, heat and motive power, for improvements in which I obtained
Letters Patent dated the 28th December 1882 N° 6199, that is to say to a system
in which a divided source of energy is employed, supplying translating devices
arranged in multiple series, one or more compensating conductors being provided,
whereby the said translating devices are made independently controllable and
the system is divided into two or more parts. Such a system is termed a
compensating" system of electrical distribution.
<<
In such a system, as explained in the specification to the said former Letters
Patent, when one or more translating devices are thrown out of circuit in one part
of the system so that the numbers in the different parts become unequal, the
current which would otherwise be supplied to the said translating devices traverses
the said compensating conductor in one direction or the other.
It is, however, desirable that as little current as possible should ever traverse a
compensating conductor so that such conductors may be made as small as possible
and it is therefore desirable to preserve the balance of the system, that is to say to
keep equal numbers of translating devices in circuit between the compensating
conductor and each main conductor and also between two compensating conductors,
if more than one of such conductors are used. To accomplish this is the object of
the first part of the present invention.
According to one mode of effecting this object, means are provided for changing
when the numbers in the different parts of the system become unequal, the con-
nections of a translating device or group of such devices from the greater side to
the less in order to produce the desired equality and thus maintain the balance of
the system. Such means may be operated by hand at the point where the device
or devices are placed: they may operate automatically either by the variations in
current in the circuit or by clock-work devices, they may be operated electrically
from the central station of the system, or they may be controlled from the central
station and operated automatically by the current.
For accomplishing the operation by hand one side of the circuit in which the
translating device or group thereof is placed in multiple are is permanently con-
nected with the compensating conductor, while the other side is provided with a
suitable circuit controller having two contacts. When placed in connection with
one contact, circuit is closed to one main conductor, while the other contact closes
circuit to the other main conductor. The circuit may thus be thrown from one
side of the system to the other in order to preserve the balance.
Figure 1 (Sheet 1) of the drawings illustrates this arrangement
A, A, are dynamo electrical machines connected in series by a wire r and
feeding into main conductors 1. 2. B is the compensating conductor connected
between the generators. The lamps or other translating devices a are placed
across multiple arc circuits 3, 4, connected with compensating conductor B and
main conductor 2; and translating devices a¹ are placed across the circuit 3, 5,
between said compensating conductor, and main conductor 1.
C represents any suitable switch or circuit controller. It is evident that by

page_text: throwing such switch in one direction or the other to the contact x or y the
lamps a² may be connected with either side of the system-being either in a
circuit 3, 4, or 3, 5 as desired. In the drawing the switch is shewn in an inter-
mediate position. It is evident that each house or building in the system, or any
group of translating devices or single translating device may be provided with
similar connections whereby it can be placed in connection with either side of the
system to maintain the balance.
It is evident that this as well as the other device hereinafter described for
accomplishing the same object can be readily employed when the lamps of a
building are divided between two circuits for throwing either of such circuits from
one side of the system to the other.
In order to accomplish the change of connections automatically, electrically
operated devices are provided which when the current is varied in one side or the
other of the system cause the movement of circuit controllers which act to change
the connections of a translating device or group of translating devices.
The preferred apparatus consists of two electro magnets each energized from
one side of the system, acting oppositely upon a circuit controller. When the
number of translating devices on one side of the system exceeds that on the other,
the current in the former side declines and its magnet is weakened the opposing
magnet therefore acts on the circuit controller and causes it to make contacts
which change the connections of a certain translating device or group from the
weaker side of the system to the stronger.
Each translating device may be provided with such an apparatus, or each house
circuit in the district, or only a few of such circuits in convenient situations and
the magnets and circuit controllers are so constructed or arranged relatively to
each other that different amounts of current will be required to cause each
apparatus to operate: so that they will not all operate at once but will successively
cause one circuit after another to be transferred until the desired balance is
reached.
Another automatic arrangement consists in providing in certain parts of the
district, circuit controllers controlled by clock-work mechanism for throwing
translating devices from one part of the system to another.
It is well known that in systems of electrical distribution, the number of lamps
in circuit varies greatly at different hours of the day, and the average at different
times being determined for a system, the clock-work is to be set so that at the
proper time it will operate the circuit controllers and throw over a proper number
of lamps.
In order to control the devices from the central station, each automatically
operating circuit controlling apparatus may be connected with a circuit running
back to the said station so that by closing such circuit at the station the devices
are connected in circuit and will at once operate according to the preponderance of
current in one side or the other of the system. The apparatus thus operates
automatically while it is controlled from the central station.
Or the apparatus may be both operated and controlled from the central station.
In order to effect this, all the operating electro-magnets which act in one direction
(they being arranged to act under different amounts of current) are placed in one
circuit leading to the station, while all those which act in the opposite direction
are placed in another circuit. When it is desired to throw one or more circuits
containing translating devices from one side to the other, the circuit including the
magnets which operate in that direction is closed at the station. An adjustable
resistance is provided for varying the current in this magnet circuit and by properly
regulating such resistance, such an amount of current is caused to flow in the
circuit as will suffice to energize the proper number of magnets to throw the desired
number of circuits over.
These arrangements are shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4 of the drawings.
Figure 2 (Sheet 2) is a diagram illustrating the preferred automatic

page_text: Figure 3 one showing the mode of controlling the devices from the central
station: and
Figure 4 (Sheet 3) illustrates the mode of both controlling and operating the
devices from the central station.
A, A, are dynamo electric machines connected in series by a wire 7 and forming
the divided source of energy, the compensating conductor B extending from the point
of division. 1, 2, are the main conductors. The circuits containing lamps or
other translating devices a² are arranged to be thrown from one side of the
system to the other. The lamps a a' are connected in permanent multiple are
circuits 3, 4 and 3, 5 each connected to a main conductor and the compensating
conductor.
Referring to Figure 2, E E¹ are electro magnets. Each magnet E is connected
by conductor 11 and conductors 6 and 9 between the main conductor 1, and the
compensating conductor B-Each magnet E' is similarly connected between main
conductor 2 and conductor B by conductors 10, 6 and 9.
Thus the magnet E is affected when there is an excess of current in main
conductor 1 and magnet E¹ when such excess occurs in conductor 2, by reason
of the decrease in the number of translating devices on either side.
Between the magnets E E¹, is the pivoted armature lever b which carries the
two armed circuit controller c, c¹. To the arm c is connected the conductor 7, and
to arm c¹ conductor 8, which form a circuit across which the translating devices
a² a³ are arranged in multiple arc.
Arm c plays between contact d and contact e the latter of which is connected
with main conductor 1 through wire 11. Arm c¹ is placed between contacts d'
and e' the latter being connected to conductor 2 through wire 10.
Both contacts d d are connected to the compensating conductor B, by conductor 9,
f being a metallic cylinder.
When the current in main conductor 1, is in excess of that in main conductor 2
it is desirable to shift a portion of the translating devices from the latter to the
former. The magnet E is energized by the excess of current, and draws the
armature b towards it as indicated in the drawings the ball and spring g assisting
to throw the armature over, the arm c making contact with e and the arm c¹
with d as shown. A circuit is thus formed including the lamps a² from conductor 1
to conductor B via 11, 12, 7, 8 f and 9.
When the current becomes stronger in conductor 2, the magnet E¹ is more
greatly energized and draws the armature b towards it closing circuit at e¹ and d
and thus placing the lamps a³ between conductors 2 and B.
It is evident that as many sets of magnets E E¹, with devices controlled
thereby may be provided as desired. Each house or building in the district
may be so provided or only a few arranged to preserve the balance to a sufficient
extent.
The magnets are arranged to operate with different amounts of current so that
successive changes are made as desired.
It is evident also that the invention can be readily applied if the system
is divided into more than two parts by more than one compensating conductor.
The arrangement illustrated in Figure 3 is the same as that just described
except that the conductor 6 of each set instead of being connected directly with
the compensating conductor, runs to the central station, where it is connected with
a contact plate h. Circuit is completed by the insertion of plugs between the
plates and the plate i which latter is connected by conductor 13, with the
compensating conductor.
Suitable auxiliary circuits are to be provided extending back to the central
station and there including electro dynamometers or other indicating devices in
order that the electrical condition at the various parts of the system may be made
known at the station.
When it is desired to throw any set of translating devices into connection with
the opposite side of the system, circuit is closed at hi to the set of controlling

page_text: magnets E. E¹, which it is desired to operate; and that magnet will be affected
which is in connection with the side having the preponderance of current the
effect being the same as before explained. The electrical devices are thus
controlled from the station but operated automatically.
In figure 4 the two magnets E are placed in series in a circuit 14, 16, and the
magnets E' are similarly arranged in a circuit 15, 16. The switch k¹ closes either
of these circuits at contact or y as desired. The operation of the magnets upon
the devices affected by them is similar to that described with reference to figure 2
R is an adjustable resistance in the conductor z which runs to the switch k¹.
By adjusting this resistance the current in the circuit 14, 16 or 15, 16,―as the
case may be is varied
The magnets E are so arranged either by difference of winding, difference in
distance between magnet and armature or otherwise that a different amount of
current is required to cause each magnet to attract its armature; and the magnets E'
are similarly arranged with relation to each other. Hence by adjusting the
resistance R to different extents more or less of the series of magnets which is in
circuit at the time can be made to act and to throw the circuits controlled by them
into connection with the opposite side of the system to that with which they were
previously connected.
Suitable indicating devices are provided at the central station as before
explained.
As shewn, the magnets E¹ are in circuit but the current is insufficient to cause
both to attract their armatures. By adjusting the resistance, the other magnet
may be caused to act and the circuit controlled by it can be connected across the
other side of the circuit. By this arrangement the devices are both controlled and
operated from the central station.
It is obvious that any desired number of magnets with their accompanying
apparatus may be used.
It is also evident that in lieu of using an adjustable resistance, each magnet may
be placed in a separate circuit, means being provided at the central station for
closing the circuit of any magnet as desired.
In applying this invention to a systein in which feeding conductors are used it
is preferred to place near the extremity of each feeding circuit, a number of
the electrically operated compensating arrangements, indicating circuits being
provided as usual. When the indicators show too much or too little pressure at
the terminals of any circuit, one or more of the magnets at that locality will be
energized and caused to change the connection of the devices controlled by it.
In series systems wherein a main conductor is divided into two or more series
of divisions or branches, each branch containing a translating device and the
source of energy not being divided the invention may be applied to change the
connection of a branch from one series to another. It is evident that this
arrangement is the same as that in Figure 2 except that the compensating
conductor B is not to be connected between the generators, one generator being
used alone, or two or more with ordinary series or multiple are connections
In a compensating system, if the number of translating devices in the district
becomes at any time so small that it can be supplied by one division of the source
of energy all such translating devices can be thrown on to one side of the district
the system becoming then an ordinary multiple arc systein with the unnecessary.
generators out of use and the compensating conductor forming one of the main
conductors of the system.
In connection with any compensating system whether provided or not with
either of the previously described devices or apparatus there may be employed
means for regulating the electro motive force of each division of the source of
energy, independently of the other division or divisions so as to keep the electro-
motive-force equal in both or all the divisions of the system, which is the object of
another part of the present invention.

page_text: Where two or more dynamo-electric machines are connected in series each
forming one division of the source, an adjustable resistance is preferably placed
in the field circuit of each machine for regulating its electro motive force. Thus
if the drop in electro motive force is greater on one main conductor than on the
other, if one machine runs faster than the other or if in any way the electro
motive force on one side becomes greater than on the other, the resistances in
the field circuits of the machines are independently adjusted to compensate for
the difference so that the same electro-motive force is constantly maintained.
This keeps the lamps in the different divisions equal in candle power and also
assists in preserving the balance of the system, keeping the current equal on the
main conductors and preventing it from flowing in the compensating conductor or
conductors. If more than one generator is included in each division of the source
of energy such generators may all be regulated simultaneously by one or more
adjustable resistances.
This part of the invention is illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 hereinbefore
described and also in Figures 5, 6 and 7 to be hereinafter described.
Each generator A has its field coils in a multiple are circuit 17. 18 and each of
such multiple arc circuits contains an adjustable resistance R¹. It is evident that
by separately adjusting these resistances, the electro motive force on each side can
be regulated separately and consequently the candle power of all the lamps in the
system can be kept equal and at the proper point.
When the source of energy is divided into more than two parts each part is
provided with its independent regulating apparatus in the same manner
Another part of the invention relates to the application of the compensating
principle described in the said former Specification to systems of intersecting and
connected positive and negative conductors to which current is conveyed by feeding
circuits containing no translating devices. Such feeding circuits are preferably so
arranged that all parts of the system will practically be electrically equidistant
from the central station or source of energy, so that the same or practically the
same pressure or electro motive force will be maintained in all parts of the
system without the use of adjustable resistances in the feeding conductors
In carrying this portion of the invention into effect the main conductors of
the system are arranged with all the positive conductors connected together at
intersecting points and likewise all the negative conductors.
The source of electrical energy may consist of any desired number of dynamo
or magneto electric machines or other generators, arranged in series or in multiple
series. If one dynamo or magneto electric machine is used; one or more extra
commutator brushes are provided from which the compensating conductors extend
for dividing the source of energy into the proper number of parts; and where two
or more generators are placed in series, the compensating conductors are connected
between them, to the conductor which extends from one to another.
The several positive feeding conductors which extend from the positive pole of
the source of energy are preferably all connected at different points to the positive
main conductor at one side or boundary of the district supplied, and all the negative
feeders are correspondingly connected to the negative main conductor at the opposite
side of the system.
By this arrangement all the translating devices supplied from the same feeding
circuit are made electrically equidistant from the source of energy.
The conducting capacity of the feeding conductors is so proportioned that all the
points at which they are connected to the main conductors will be electrically
equidistant from the source of energy. That is, those conductors which are
connected at points near the source are made smaller than those which extend
to a greater distance, so that the drop in electro motive force will be the same on all
the feeding circuits such circuits although of different lengths, being of practically
the same resistance.
Throughout the system, parallel with the intersecting main conductors, extends

page_text: a system of intersecting compensating conductors connected together at their
intersecting points. The number of such compensating conductors depends upon
the number of translating devices in series, they being used to divide the multiple
arc circuits into a number of parts equal to the number of translating devices,
which it is desired to place in multiple series, which number of course varies
according to the electro-motive force of the current used.
Each multiple arc circuit which contains a translating device is connected across
from a compensating conductor to either a positive or a negative main conductor,
the number of translating devices on one side of the compensating conductor being
as nearly equal as is conveniently practicable to the number on the other.
translating devices therefore are arranged in multiple series.
The
At the centres of the system, that is at points midway between the junctions of
the positive and negative feeding conductors with the main conductors are
connected to the intersecting compensating conductors, one or more conductors
which extend to the source of energy being connected at the points of division of
such source. These are termed the main compensating conductors.
When differences occur in the number of translating devices in circuit on each
side of a compensating conductor the difference of current is taken up by such
compensating conductor, such current flowing therein in one direction or the
other according to whether the preponderance is on the positive or on the
negative side.
Thus each translating device always receives a constant supply of current, and
they are independently controllable, although arranged in multiple series.
Instead of connecting all the positive feeders at one side of the system and all
the negative at the other, a portion of the positive (or negative) may be connected
at one side and the remainder at the other, while all of the opposite kind are
connected midway between them. In this case two sets of main compensating
conductors are employed each set running to points midway between the pairs of
feeding conductors but both sets being connected at the point of division of the
source of energy.
Figure 5 of the drawings is a diagram illustrating a system in which opposite
feeding conductors are connected to opposite sides of the districts.
Figure 6, a diagram illustrating the system in which conductors of one kind
are connected in the centre and those of the other kind at the sides: and
Figure 7, is a diagram illustrating the principle of this part of the invention.
Referring to Figure 7 A, A, are dynamo or magneto electric machines connected
in series by a conductor r. A positive conductor P, and negative conductor N
extend from the respective poles of the series of generators. These may be
considered as feeding conductors as far as the points 8 8¹ the remainder 1. 2
being considered respectively as the positive and negative main conductors.
Parallel with the main conductors 1. 2 is run a compensating conductor B and
a main compensating conductor B¹ runs from the centre of conductor B and is
connected with the conductor r between the generators. The multiple arc circuits
which contain translating devices a extend from the compensating conductor B to
the positive main conductor 1 and the circuits containing devices a¹ extend from
conductor B to negative conductor 2. The translating devices a a¹ are thus in
multiple series but are independently controllable by reason of the compensating
conductors B B as is fully explained in the before mentioned former specification.
It is evident that where currents of high electro motive force are used so that
more translating devices are placed in series, the source of energy is to be
divided into three or more parts and two or more compensating conductors are to
be used.
Referring now to figure 5, it is readily apparent that the complete system of
electrical distribution there shown is merely a multiplication or extension of the
arrangement illustrated in figure 7.
:

page_text: Instead of one positive conductor P and one negative conductor N a number of
such conductors extend from the generators A. A and a series of intersecting
positive and negative main conductors 1 and 2 are arranged surrounding the
blocks F, F, of a town or village or district thereof.
The feeding conductors are connected on opposite sides of the system, those of
each pair terminating at points opposite to each other and at the same distance
from the source of supply.
The conductors of those pairs which terminate near the source of supply are of
smaller mass than those which extend to a greater distance in order that the electro
motive force may be the same in all parts of the system.
A system of intersecting and connected compensating conductors B are arranged
parallel to the main conductors 1, 2, and the connections of the circuits which
contain translating devices are made as illustrated in Figure 7.
The main compensating conductors B¹ are connected to one of the compensating
conductors B midway between the positive and negative feeding circuit terminals;
there being as many conductors B' as there are feeding circuits P N so that all
the interecting compensating conductors are connected to the divided source of
energy, all the conductors B¹ being connected at the same points to the
conductor ?
It will be seen that by this arrangement of conductors the electro-motive force
and consequently the relative candle power of the lamps in every part of the
system will remain equal and constant; while the compensating conductors cause
the lamps in series to always receive the same current although one or more of the
same wires may be thrown out of circuit.
The generators A, A, are provided with means for regulating their electro motive
force according to the whole number of translating devices in circuit throughout
the system as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4.
The arrangement shewn in Figure 6 is similar in principle to that in Figure 5,
In the former a portion of the negative feeding conductors N are connected at one
side of the district, and the remainder at the opposite side; while all positive
feeders P are connected at the middle of the district between the negative ones.
Thus the translating devices on both halves of the district are practically electrically
equidistant from the central station.
Two sets of main compensating conductors are used, connected as shown midway
between the positive and negative terminals and all running to the same point in
conductor r.
It is obvious that in both arrangements, the number of intersecting compensating
conductors is to be increased according to the number of translating devices placed
in series as explained with reference to Figure 7.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of the said
Invention and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried into
effect I would observe in conclusion that what I consider to be novel and original
and therefore claim as the invention secured to me by the herein before in part
recited Letters Patent is :-
-
First In electrical distribution systems of the characters described, the mode
of maintaining the balance of the system by shifting circuits containing translating
devices from one part of the system to another, and the manually or automatically
or both manually and automatically operated devices controlled either from the
central station or at the point of operation for accomplishing this shifting of
circuits substantially as hereinbefore described.
Second The combination with a divided source of energy supplying translating
devices arranged in multiple series as herein set forth, of means for regulating the
electro motive force of each division of such source of energy independently of the
other division or divisions, substantially as herein before described.
Third: The mode of applying the compensating principle to systems of general

page_text: distribution employing feeding circuits and intersecting and connected positive and
negative main conductors substantially as herein before described with reference to
Figures 5, 6, and 7, of the accompanying drawings.
In witness whereof I the said Thomas John Handford have hereunto set my
hand and seal this sixth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and eighty three.
THE J HANDFORD (L.S.)