Year: 1887

page_text: We, JOHN GRICE STATTER, and SIDNEY LINTON BRUNTON, both of the Alliance
Engineering Works, West Drayton, Electrical Engineers do hereby declare the
nature of this invention to be as follows:-
and
ог
Our invention relates to electric regulators and consists of apparatus for automatically
controlling and altering the position of the brushes on the commutator of dynamo
electric machines whether generators motors or what are known as continuous
current transformers so as either alone or in conjunction with other devices or
expedients to regulate their action in accordance with the circumstances required.
the electromotive
That is to say to regulate in the case of a generator the strength
force of the current produced in accordance with the variations of the conditions of
the circuit fed by such generator and in accordance with the variations of speed at
which it is driven and in the case of a motor to vary its speed in accordance with the
variations in the conditions of the current with which it is fed or vice versa to maintain
its speed constant independently of varying conditions of the feeding current.
In carrying our invention into effect we employ a brush bar with brush holders and
brushes which may be of the usual construction and free to turn on a part of that
bearing of the machine which is next to the commutator. Connected with this brush
bar is a spur wheel or segment thereof and gearing with this spur wheel and serving
to actuate it is a pinion mounted on a spindle which extends to and is in rigid
mechanical connection with a pair of ratchet wheels. These ratchet wheels have
respectively their teeth pointing in opposite directions so that they can be actuated by
a bar reciprocating in an arc and fitted with two clicks or pawls placed in different
planes and in rigid mechanical connection with each other one of which serves to
actuate one ratchet wheel and the other the other ratchet wheel. To impart motion to
this reciprocating bar so that, its clicks or pawls may actuate their respective ratchet
wheels we attach it to a lever provided with a slot in which works a pin fitted to the
end of the main spindle or shaft of the machine but eccentric thereto in such manner
as to impart a vibrating motion to the said lever. In order to bring one or other

page_text: pawl or click into gear with its ratchet wheel we connect the above mentioned
reciprocating bar by means of a link with the core or armature of a solenoid or other
convenient form of electromagnet. This electromagnet is arranged in series with or
derived circuit from the main circuit with which the machine is connected so that the
action of the said electromagnet is dependent on the said current and will vary there-
with. That is to say the attraction or pull exerted upon the core or armature by the
electromagnet will vary with the variations of the said current.
The action of our apparatus will now be understood when described as follows:-
When it is remembered that variations in the speed at which a generator is driven
will vary the condition of the current in the circuit fed by such generator and that
variations in the conditions of the current feeding a motor vary its speed and that the
variations in such current vary the pull or attraction of the electromagnet upon its
armature it will be seen that the description of the action of our apparatus may be
made with reference to variations of such current in the circuit and that whether the
machine be acting as a generator or as a motor or as what is known as a continuous
current transformer and for whatever purpose used. A sufficient variation therefore
taking place in the conditions of the current will vary the pull of the electromagnet on
its armature and this pull being transmitted to the reciprocating bar will put one of
its pawls in gear with its ratchet wheel whilst a sufficient relaxation of such pull will
by means of a counterspring or counterweight (the weight of the arinature or core
may act as a counterweight to the pull of the electromagnet) enable the other pawl to
gear into its ratchet wheel. A pawl when in gear with its ratchet wheel will on the
movement of the reciprocating bar turn the ratchet wheel and with it the brush bar
through a certain angular distance and so alter the position of the brushes on the
commutator of the machine.
The pawls or clicks are so constructed and disposed with reference to the ratchet
wheels that when the conditions of the current are normal they are not in gear.
In thus describing briefly the nature of our invention we have referred to specific
details of construction but we desire it to be understood that we do not confine our-
selves to the use of such specific details of construction in a narrow sense but that we
may employ in lieu thereof any convenient well known mechanical equivalents for
such details.
Dated this 1st day of Ontahan 1007
J. G. LORRAIN, M.S.T.E., M.Inst.M.E.,
Norfolk House, Norfolk Street, London, W.Ć.,
Agent for Applicants.

page_text: Improvements in Electric Regulators.
We, JOHN GRICE STATTER and SIDNEY LINTON BRUNTON, both of the Alliance
Engineering Works, West Drayton, Electrical Engineers, 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:-
and
Our invention relates to electric regulators; and consists of apparatus for automa-
tically controlling and altering the position of the brushes on the commutator of
dynamo electric machines, whether generators, motors, or what are known as continuous
current transformers, so as either alone or in conjunction with other devices or
expedients to regulate their action in accordance with the circumstances required.
That is to say to regulate in the case of a generator the strength the electromotive
force of the current produced in accordance with the variations of the conditions of
the circuit fed by such generator, and in accordance with the variations of speed at
which it is to be driven, and in the case of a motor to vary its speed in accordance
with the variations in the conditions of the current with which it is fed, or, vice-versa,
to maintain its speed constant independently of varying conditions of the feeding
current.
or
In carrying our invention into effect we employ a brush bar with brush holders and
brushes which may be of the usual construction and free. to turn on a part of that
bearing of the machine which is next to the commutator. Connected with this brush
bar is a spur wheel or segment thereof; and gearing with this spur wheel and serving
to actuate it is a pinion mounted on a spindle which extends to and. is in rigid
mechanical connection with a pair of ratchet wheels. These ratchet wheels have
respectively their teeth pointing in opposite directions so that they. can be actuated by
a bar reciprocating in an are and fitted with two clicks or pawls placed in different
planes and in rigid mechanical connection with each other; one of which serves to
actuate one ratchet wheel and the other the other ratchet wheel. To impart motion
to this reciprocating bar, so that its clicks or pawls may actuate their respective
ratchet wheels, we attach it to a lever provided with a slot in which works a pin fitted
to the end of the main spindle or shaft of the machine but eccentric thereto in such
manner as to impart a vibrating motion to the said lever. In order to bring one or
other pawl or click into gear with its ratchet wheel we connect the above mentioned
reciprocating bar by means of a link with the core or armature of a solenoid or other
convenient form of electromagnet. This electromagnet is arranged in series with or
derived circuit from the main circuit with which the machine is connected so that the
action of the said electromagnet is dependent on the said current and will vary there-.
with. That is to say the attraction or pull exerted upon the core or armature by the
electromagnet will vary with the variations of the said current.
The action of our apparatus will now be understood when described as follows:-When
it is remembered that variations in the speed at which a generator is driven will vary
the condition of the current in the circuit fed by such generator and that variations in

page_text: the conditions of the current feeding a motor vary its speed and that the variations
in such current vary the pull or attraction of the electromagnet upon its armature it
will be seen that the description of the action of our apparatus may be made with
reference to variations of such current in the circuit and that whether the machine be
acting as a generator or as a motor or as what is known as a continuous current
transformer and for whatever purpose used. A sufficient variation therefore taking
place in the conditions of the current will vary the pull of the electromagnet on its
armature and this pull being transmitted to the reciprocating bar will put one of its
pawls in gear with its ratchet wheel whilst a sufficient relaxation of such pull will by
means of a counterspring or counterweight (the weight of the armature or core may
act as a counterweight to the pull of the electromagnet) enable the other pawl to gear
into.its ratchet wheel. A pawl when in gear with its ratchet wheel will on the move-
ment of the reciprocating bar turn the ratchet wheel and with it the brush bar through
a certain angular distance and so alter the position of the brushes on the commutator
of the machine.
The pawls or clicks are so constructed and disposed with reference to the ratchet
wheels that when the conditions of the current are normal they are not in gear.
We shall now proceed to explain in detail one or more ways in which our invention
is to be or may be carried into effect and in order that this more detailed description
may be more readily understood we have annexed hereunto three sheets of drawings
illustrative of our invention and have inserted in the same figures and letters of
reference.corresponding with those in the following explanation. In these drawings
similar letters of reference refer to similar or equivalent parts.
Figures 1 and 2 are respectively end and side elevations of one form of our inven-
tion: whilst figures.3 and 4 represent similar views of a modification of the form
illustrated in figures 1 and 2. In these drawings the brush holders are not shown but
it will be understood that they are attached to the brush bar A in the usual manner.
Rigidly affixed to the brush bar A is the segment C gearing with the pinion B which
latter is fixed on the spindle D. At the other end of this spindle are affixed the
ratchet wheels EE" the teeth of which are cut in opposite directions. Engaging
these ratchet wheels are the pawls G H which are reciprocated in an are by the rocking
bar F As will be seen; when the pawl G engages the ratchet wheel E the pinion B
is moved in the opposite direction to that in which it is moved when the pawl H
engages the ratchet wheel E. So far this description applies to figures 1, 2, 3 anil 4
of the accompanying drawings.
*
The mechanism for actuating the rocking bar F and for determining the engagement
of the pawls G and Hin the ratchet wheels is different in figures 3 and 4. In
figures 1 and 2 the rocking bar receives its motion from a pin fixed in the gear
wheel K which latter gears with a pinión Lattached to the spindle of the dynamo
machine and rotating therewith. In practice this combination and arrangement of
parts is employed in the case of machines running at a high speed 'in' order that the
rate of reciprocation of the rookingsbar may be reduced. In the case 'however of
machines running at a lower speed and Lare-dispensed with: and the pin which
actuates the rocking bar Fis attached directly to the spindle of the machine as shown
in figures 3 and 4.
In figures 1 and 24tlie link I determines the engagement of the pawls G and H
with the ratchet wheels E and E. This link I is attached to the core of the
solenoid M,which core is partly supported by the spring J, (in-this-case-suspended
from the gallows N); and tistguided by the link P. The spring J, the gallows 'N'and
the link Fimay-in-some cases be dispensed with: and when so dispensed with the
core is preferably attached to a central guide rod working in suitable guides.
The connection between the link I and the core of the solenoid Mis not a rigid
one, a spring (not shown in the-drawings) being, attached to any convenient, part for
the purpose of giving a sufficient play, and of preventing the full weight of the core
being thrown upon the pawls. This spring in extending allows the core to come to
restion stops placed in any suitable position, as 'for example in the barrel of the
solenoid. By adjustment of the tension of the spring J, by means of an adjusting

page_text: screw or the like, the position of the pawls can be regulated so as to engage the ratchet
wheels at the required moment.
In figures 3 and 4 the link I is actuated by the lever O which being of soft iron
serves as armature to an electro-magnet M, whose fixed core is shown at M'. The
function of the spring J in figures 3 and 4 is the same as in figures 1 and 2.
As hereinbefore mentioned the action of our apparatus may be described in terms
of the attraction exerted by the electromagnet upon its armature, whether such
electromagnet and armature take the form shown in figures 1 and 2 or in figures 3
and 4 or otherwise. As has been pointed out this attraction varies with the current
flowing through the said electromagnet. The operations or effects which may take
place either in the main circuit or in any other circuit connected therewith are well
known; and will necessarily alter the position of the armature with respect to the
electromagnet.
When the operation or effect is to increase the current flowing through the electro-
magnet the attraction exerted by the latter upon its armature will be increased; and
by means of the link will bring that pawl into engagement with its ratchet wheel
which will cause the brushes to be moved in a direction to cause, when the machino
is acting as a generator, less current to be produced, and, in the case where it is acting
as a motor, to cause less energy to be absorbed and utilised. So, when the effect or
operation produced or occurring in the circuit lessens the current flowing through the
electromagnet its attractive effect upon its armature is lessened and the other pawl
is caused to engage in its ratchet wheel so as to shift the brushes towards the opposite
direction from that just referred to, that is to say to shift them towards that position
which will allow in the case of a generator a larger current to be produced, and in
the case of a motor.a larger amount of energy to be absorbed and utilised.
As hereinbefore referred to one object of our invention is to maintain the speed of
an electromotor constant independently of varying conditions of the feeding current:
and we have found that we can effect this, not only as hereinbefore described, but by
substituting for the electromagnet a suitable governor, as for example an ordinary ball
governor. The action will be readily understood from the following description and
by reference to figures 5 and 6 which diagrammatically illustrate the carrying out of
our invention in the two cases wherein an electromagnet and a ball governor are
employed with an electromotor for the purpose of keeping the speed constant as
aforesaid. In these figures the field magnets and armature are shown in series, the
current passing in the direction shown by the arrows (R+ and R- being respectively
the positive and negative brushes). Let us assume that there is an increase in the
feeding current. This increase will tend, as is well known, to increase the speed of
rotation of the armature but it will at the same time cause the electromagnet M
to exert a greater attraction upon the core M", and so suck it upwards. In being
so sucked upwards, it will, by means of our regulating mechanism, herein diagram-
matically represented by the line T, cause the brushes to be moved from right to left,
so that less energy will be absorbed and utilised as before mentioned & the speed be
reduced. Similarly when a governor is used as in figure 6 (it being of course under-
stood that the governor is driven by the electromotor) increase of current passing
through the electromotor, and consequent increase of speed of its armature, will cause
the collar of the governor to move upwards, so as, by means of the regulating
mechanism diagrammatically represented in this as in the previous figure, to cause the
brushes to be moved in the same direction as in the case last-beforementioned, and so
cause less energy to be absorbed and 'utilised and the speed to be slackened.
I desire it to be understood that I lay no claim broadly to the use of electro-
magnets and arinatures, ratchet and pawls or centrifugal governors in electric
regulators.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I claim is
1. The improvement in electric regulators consisting in the arrangement and
combination of parts substantially as set forth.

page_text: 2. The improvement in electric regulators consisting in the arrangement and
combination of parts substantially as set forth with reference to figures 1 and 2.
3. The improvement in electric regulators consisting in the arrangement and
combination of parts substantially as set forth with reference to figures 3 and 4.
4. The improvement in electric regulators consisting in the specific form of
regulator illustrated in figures 1 and 2.
5. The improvement in electric regulators consisting in the specific form of
regulator illustrated in figures 3 and 4.
6. The improvement in electric regulators consisting in the arrangement and
combination of parts referred to in claim 1 and a governor substantially as set forth'
with reference to figure 6.
Dated this 2nd day of July 1800.
For the Applicants,
J. G. LORRAIN, M.S.T.E., M.Inst.M.E.,
Consulting Electrical Engineer and Patent, Agent,
Norfolk House, Norfolk Street, London, W.C.