Improvements in or relating to Electric Meters.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 6th Nov., 1891
Complete Specification Left, 5th Aug., 1892-Accepted, 17th Sept., 1892
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to Electric Meters.
We, FRANCIS TEAGUE, Electrical Engineer, and ERNEST FRANCIS MOY,
Electrical Engineer, both of the Acme Electric Works, Ferdinand Street, Chalk
Farm, in the County of London, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to
be as follows:
Our invention relates to improvements in electric meters of the class described
in the Specification to Letters Patent No. 15,489 of 1889, and the Specifications
to applications No. 389 of 1891, and No. 6633 of 1891, all by Francis Teague, one
of the parties hereto. A part or parts of our present invention may be applied,
however, to other meters than those referred to above.
We provide a cast iron base, of rectangular form, with a raised partition
towards one end, leaving the remaining portion about square in plan, and upon
this latter portion we mount a circular magnet case. This magnet case is of a
cylindrical form and is excited, principally, by a shunt winding upon a central
tubular core within the magnet case, the latter-or shell-forming the yoke of
the electro magnet. The bottom of the shell is connected to an iron circular
base, which forms the bottom pole piece of the magnet case, and it has a pro-
jecting face (forming the polar extremity) of annular form, and is bored in the
centre to receive the armature pivot, and to form a central mercury cup. On
the inside of the magnet case, between its walls and the projecting face of the
lower pole, an annular mercury trough is placed, and properly insulated. The
tubular core depending from the top of the magnet case is also provided with
a polar face, a little above the bottom polar face, thus leaving a gap between
the two faces between which a disc armature is arranged to rotate in a horizontal
manner.
The disc, forming the armature, is of some non-magnetic metal-such as copper-
with a circumferential flange turning downward to dip into the annular mercury
trough aforesaid. The armature spindle-at its lower end-is made of sufficient
size to carry the maximum current for which the meter is designed, and it is sup-
ported upon a pivot placed at the bottom of the central mercury cup. A jewel is
lèt into a conical recess at the bottom of the armature spindle, thus resting on the
point of the pivot just mentioned. The enlarged bottom end of the armature
spindle is adapted to receive and support the horizontally placed -disc armature
upon a shoulder or collar on the spindle. The spindle passes through a central
hole in the armature and is reduced in diameter as it extends upward through the
central tubular core of the electro magnet. A worm is cut on the armature spindle
at the upper end to drive the integrating and indicating gear in a manner well
known. The armature, and all its parts liable to come in contact with mercury,
are plated with nickel.
The shunt winding is enclosed within the magnet case (as indicated above) but
we wind a few turns of thick wire-as a series winding-around either the inside
or outside of the case or magnet, at any convenient part thereof. But this series
winding is so arranged that the current passing therein tends to set up poles of
opposite names to those produced by the current passing in the shunt winding, thus
neutralizing-to some extent-the effect produced by the shunt winding.
The magnet case, with its contained armature is securely mounted upon the
square portion of the base before mentioned, and the narrow portion thereof, (with
the raised partition cast solid with the base), is specially adapted to receive the
circuit connections. A main cover is fitted over the square. portion of the base, to

page_text: enclose the magnet case and integrating gear, and this cover is so arranged that
one or more long bolts or screws (hereinafter called a sealing bolt) will pass
through a portion of the main cover, through the raised partition, and through
flanges or lugs cast on the opposite ends of the base. A small cover-separate
from the main cover-is also fitted over the circuit connections at the narrow
portion of the base, so that the small cover may be removed from time to time-if
necessary without disturbing the main cover. When the meter has been tested
by a duly authorized officer, the sealing bolt is secured and sealed in position by
him, thus securely enclosing all the working, indicating, and controlling parts from
improper tampering. The small cover-when the meter is put in position and the
circuit connections made-is also secured against tampering, by a seal of the
company or body supplying current energy. This latter seal is placed upon any
suitable part of the small cover, or fastening thereof, that would necessitate
breaking the seal on the removal of the cover to get at the circuit connections
within.
Any suitable integrating and indicating gear may be used, as desired, and it is
conveniently mounted upon the top of the magnet case and driven from a worm on
the upper part of the armature spindle. The top bearing of the armature spindle
may be in a bracket or cap fitted to the top of the magnet case. But in the inside
of the meter we sometimes put glycerine-or other suitable liquid-sufficient in
quantity to cover the whole surface of the armature, and, through holes therein,
filling in the space between the central and outer mercury cups. The bottom pole
piece is so formed that if the mercury is displaced it will drain back to fill up the
central and annular mercury cups, and if there is a slight excess in either receptacle,
it will not be sufficient to prevent working. We may entirely close the top of the
meter so that it may be upset with impunity--and fit a suitable integrating gear
to the meter and drive a train of wheels by magnetic induction only (instead
of mechanical connection) in the manner described in the Specification No. 6633
.of 1891, aforesaid.
It is well known that in taking the indications or readings of some meters, the
use of a constant number is required in order to convert the indications into any
adopted unit. As meters vary somewhat in their initial speed, we combine, with
a train of wheels. a moveable stud carrying a wheel and pinion, or a moveable
bearing carrying an axle and wheel thereon. By changing the wheel-in either
case for another having the required number of teeth, the readings are connected.
By adjustably mounting the stud or bearing with reference to a curved slot
concentric with the axis of the driven wheel, (like the quadrant plate of a screw-
cutting lathe), any size of driving wheel may be used, and adapted to gear properly,
with great facility.
Dated this 6th day of November 1891.
FAIRFAX & WETTER,
433, Strand, London, Agents for the Applicants.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to Electric Meters.
We, FRANCIS TEAGUE, Electrical Engineer, and ERNEST FRANCIS MOY, 4
Electrical Engineer, both of the Acme Electric Works, Ferdinand Street, Chalk
Farm, in the County of London, 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:-
Our invention relates to improvements in electric meters of the class described 5
in the Specifications to Letters Patents No. 15489 of 1889, No. 389 of 1891, and
No. 6633 of 1891, all by Francis Teague, one of the parties hereto. A part or
parts of our present invention may be applied, however, to other meters than those
referred to above.

page_text: drawings, in which
Fig. 1 is a vertical section through a meter made in accordance with this
invention,
Fig. 2 is a plan of the base upon which the meter is mounted,
Fig. 3 is a plan and Fig. 4 an elevation of one form of wheel gear changing
device, and
Fig. 5 is a plan and Fig. 6 an elevation of another form of device for the same
purpose.
We provide a cast iron base a of rectangular form, having a flange a¹ all round
its sides, with a transverse partition raised above the flange and placed near one
end so as to leave the remaining portion about square in plan. Upon this latter
portion we mount a circular magnet case upon three or more projecting supports c,
cast solidly with the base, and having insulating studs or washers c¹ upon their tops
to receive the magnet case. The narrow portion of the base--with the raised
partition cast solid with the base is specially adapted to receive the circuit con-
nections d. A main cover e, is fitted over the square portion of the base a, to
enclose the magnet case and its integrating gear, and this cover e is so arranged
or adapted that one or more long bolts or screws f (hereinafter called a sealing
bolt) will pass through a portion or connection e¹ of the main cover e, through the
raised partition and through cast flanges or lugs a¹ on opposite ends of the base a.
A small cover g-separate from the main cover e-is fitted over the circuit con-
nections d at the narrow portion of the base, so that the small cover g may be
removed from time to time if necessary, without disturbing the main cover e.
When the meter has been tested by a duly authorized officer, the sealing bolt f is
secured and sealed in position by him, thus securely enclosing all the working,
indicating and controlling parts within the cover e from improper tampering. The
small cover g (when the meter is put in position and the circuit connections made)
is also secured against tampering by a screw h passing through the small cover g
into and engaging with a tapped hole forming a part or connection of the base a
or partition. The screw h, after securing the small cover g, is sealed over by
the seal of the company or body supplying current energy through the meter; and
their seal-together with the fastening screw and the corresponding engaging
part may be placed or arranged at any convenient point with respect to the
cover or fastening thereof that would necessitate breaking the seal on removing
the cover to get at the circuit connections within.
The magnet case i is of a cylindrical form, and is excited principally by a shunt
winding upon a central tubular core, which depends by a flange from the upper
part of the magnet case i to near the bottom thereof, the extremity forming a
polar face. The bottom of the magnet case i is connected to an iron circular base
which has an inward projecting annular face forming the bottom pole, the shell
or case i thus constituting the yoke of the electro magnet. The bottom pole ² is
centrally bored to form or receive a central mercury cup k, or a separate cup k
may be fitted therein (insulated from the pole 2) with the armature pivot mounted
therein as in Fig. 1. Between the inside of the inagnet case i and the projecting
face of the bottom pole an annular mercury trough is bored out, or separately
formed, and properly insulated from the central cup k. Between the depending
polar face and the bottom polar face a gap is left, between which a disc
armature is arranged to rotate in a horizontal manner.
•
The disc armature is preferably of copper, with a circumferential flange
turning downward to dip into the annular mercury trough . The armature
spindle (at the lower end) is sufficient in size to carry the maximum current for
which the meter is designed, and it is supported upon a pivot at the bottom of
the central mercury cup k. A jewel is let into a conical recess at the bottom of
the armature spindle which rests on the pivot 12 just mentioned. The enlarged
bottom end of the armature spindle is adapted to receive and support upon a
shoulder or collar the disc armature 1. The spindle passes through a central

page_text: hole in the armature and is reduced in diameter as it extends upward through the
central tubular core of the electro magnet. A worm is formed on the armature
spindle at the upper end to drive the integrating and indicating gear. m,, in a
manner well known, but special devices used in connection therewith are described
hereinafter. The armature and all its parts liable to come in contact with mercury
are plated with nickel.
'
The, shunt, winding, upon the tubular core i, is enclosed. within. the- magnet
case i, but we wind a few turns of thick wire - -as a series winding at any con-
venient part of the electro magnet, either inside or out. In Fig. 1, the series
winding is shown as wound upon a brass plate which has an internally screwed
boss engaging with the end of the tubular core i¹ of the magnet. This series
winding is so arranged or connected that the current passing therein tends to
set up poles of opposite name to those produced by the current passing in the
shunt winding; thus neutralizing-to some extent-the effect produced by the
shunt winding j..
Any suitable integrating and indicating gear m may be used, as desired, and it
is conveniently mounted upon the top of the magnet case i and driven from a
worm situated on the upper part of the armature spindle . The top pivotal
bearing is in an adjustable screw in a bracket or cap fitted to the top of the.
magnet case. In the inside of the meter we sometimes put glycerine or other
suitable liquid in sufficient quantity to cover the whole surface of the armature/
and (through holes therein) filling the space between the central and outer mercury
cups and . The upper surface of the bottom pole is so formed (as shown in
Fig. 1) that if the mercury is displaced it will be automatically divided and drain
back to refill the respective cups when the meter is again levelled, and if there is a
slight excess in either cup it will not be sufficient to prevent proper working. We
may entirely close the top of the meter and drive the outside integrating gear by
magnetic induction in the manner described in the Specification No. 6633 of 1891
.before mentioned.
As meters vary somewhat in their initial speed we calibrate or correct their
indications by combining with the train of wheels m (as in Figs. 3 and 4) a move-
able bearing bar m' carrying an axle m² with a driving wheel m³ and pinion m*
thereon. The pinion m engages with a wheel of the train m which has its centre
at m, (in Fig. 4), and a downward extension of the bar m' at the train end is
rotatable upon this centre so that the said wheel and pinion m are always in gear.
The two fastening screws serve to secure the bearing bar in position when the
driving wheel në is changed for another having the required number of teeth, and
.by this means the indications on the dials are corrected for readings in the unit
, adopted. The driving wheel m³ engages with the worm of the armature spindle
(shown in Fig. 1); and the fastening screws ms pass through a curved slot in the
frame of the train m (shown in Figs. 3 and 4) into tapped holes in the end of the
bearing bar m'.
3
In the plan Fig. 5, and elevation Fig. 6 another device is shown for the same
purpose as that just described with reference to Figs. 3 and 4. In this case, the
bearing bar m', carrying the axle m² and driving wheel m³, is fixed in its position
by the screw me, unlike the former case. The changeable wheel in this instance
is indicated by n, (in Figs. 5 and 6), which gears into the wheel on the axle m³.
This wheel n is mounted beside a piuion upon a stud a fixed into a quadrant
plate 2 (like a quadrant plate of a screw cutting lathe) which pivots upon the axis.
of the same wheel that engages with the pinion on the stud ' aforesaid. The
wheel n, having the required number of teeth, being mounted on the stud n' and
secured by a suitable nut to the pinion beside it, so as to be locked together,.is
brought into gear with the wheel on the axle m² by moving the quadrant plate
and this being secured by the screw n³, the remainder of the. train is driven at
the proper rate to make the dial indications correct in the adopted unit. One
or more suitable glass panes (not shown) may be placed in the main cover. e
or small cover g through which the dials or other part of the meter may be seen.
2

page_text: 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 base plate a having a flange a¹, partition b, supports c
with an electricity meter mounted upon the said supports, a cover e enclosing the
said meter and fitting down upon the said base, and a sealing bolt f passing through
the cover e, partition and engaging with the flange a' of the base a, substantially
as and for the purpose herein shown and described.
2. The combination of a base plate a having a flange a', partition 6, supports c,
with an electricity meter mounted upon the said supports, a main cover e enclosing
the said meter, a small or supplemental cover genclosing the terminal con-
nections of the said meter, a sealing bolt passing through the cover e,
partition and engaging with the flange a' of the base a, and a sealing screw h
passing through the cover g and engaging with a tapped hole 7' forming a part
or connection of the base a or partition b, substantially as and for the purpose
herein shown and described.
3. The combination of a cylindrical electro magnet case forming a receptacle_for
the actuating parts of an electricity meter with two mercury cups formed or
arranged at the bottom of and within the said receptacle insulated from each
other and having one or more bevelled surfaces between the said cups, an armature
pivotally supported within and from the bottom of the centre cup and at the top
of its spindle, substantially as and for the purpose herein shown and described with
reference to Fig. 1.
4. The combination of a wheel gear changing device, with an integrating and
indicating gear m, and an electricity meter, substantially as and for the purpose
herein shown and described with reference to Figs. 3 and 4.
5. The combination of a wheel gear changing device with an integrating and
indicating gear m, and an electricity meter, substantially as and for the purpose
herein shown and described with reference to Figs. 5 and 6.
Dated this 5th day of August 1892.
FAIRFAX. & WETTER,
433, Strand, London, Agents for the Applicants.