IMPROVE- MENTS IN MEANS OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED IN OR FOR SUPPLYING ELECTRICITY FOR LIGHT POWER AND 'OTHER PURPOSES
Year: 1882

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 IN MEANS OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED IN OR FOR SUPPLYING ELECTRICITY
FOR LIGHT POWER AND 'OTHER PURPOSES " 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 14th July 1882.
THOMAS JOHN HANDFORD of 42 Southampton Buildings in the County of
Middlesex, Patent Agent, "IMPROVEMENTS IN MEANS OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED
IN OR FOR SUPPLYING ELECTRICITY, FOR LIGHT, POWER, AND OTHER PURPOSES
a communication to me from abroad by Thomas Alva Edison of Menlo Park in
the State of New Jersey, United States of America
The object of this Invention is to produce simple and efficient means for
supplying with current the electric lights, motors or other translating devices, of a
system, more or less extensive, such lights or motors being in separate multiple are
or independent circuits, and utilizing a current of high tension in the main
conductors so as to reduce the investment for copper in such main conductors.
Incandescing and arc lamps, motors, and other translating devices, when arranged
in separate multiple are circuits require a current of comparatively low tension,
which, when such lights, motors, and other translating devices, are run directly
from the dynamo or magneto electric machine, or machines, in an extensive system,
including a number of buildings makes it necessary to use large main conductors,
in order to avoid a considerable loss of energy in such inain conductors.
In carrying out this Invention in order to use a current of high tension in the
main conductors secondary batteries are placed between the lights, and the source
of electrical energy, such secondary batteries being first charged from the source of
energy and then discharged through the lamps, motors, or other translating devices.
Paine 77

page_text: A secondary battery may be placed in each house or building, and such secondary
batteries are connected in series in one or more main circuits, or may be arranged
in multiple arc. In order to prevent loss of energy an automatic arrangement is
provided for breaking the charging circuit of each secondary battery, and simul-
taneously completing the circuit to the lamps supplied from such battery when the
battery is fully charged, without breaking the circuit to the other secondary
batteries charged from the same main conductors. The same automatic device will
also open the lamp circuit and complete the charging circuit through the secondary
battery, when such secondary battery has been discharged to a definite extent.
This automatic device may be a centrally supported or suspended beam, carrying a
weight at one end and one electrode of an electro-depositing cell at the other end
having preferably amalgamated zinc electrodes immersed in a solution of sulphate
of zinc. The charging of the secondary battery causes a deposit to be made upon
the suspended electrode of the cell, which, when the battery is fully charged, over-
balances the weight and causes the beam to tip, breaking the charging circuit of
the battery at mercury cups and completing the lamp circuit at other mercury
cups and also completing the circuit through an electro-magnet which moves a
lever closing a shunt around the apparatus. The discharge of the secondary battery
causes metal to be stripped from the suspended electrode of the cell, until the
weight overbalances it and the beam is tipped breaking the lamp circuit, com-
pleting the charging circuit through the battery, and breaking the circuit of the
magnet closing the shunt and making the circuit to another electro-magnet which
opens the shunt circuit. The beam carrying the suspended electrode has a
permanent mercury contact with a standard, which mercury contact permits easy
movement while maintaining the continuity of the circuit at that point. Means
are also provided for measuring the current used by each consumer and this can be
conveniently done by recording the movements of the automatic device, just
referred to by means of an electro-magnetic mechanism through which the current
passes when the beam is in one position, the circuit of the electro-magnet being
broken when the beam is in the other position.
According to a modification of the preceding arrangement the secondary batteries
which are located between the electrical generator and the lamps, motors, or other
translating devices, are arranged in sets of two or more, and thrown automatically
by commutator cylinders into connection with the generator and the translating
devices alternately, or in succession, and the elements or cells of each battery are
charged for intensity and discharged for quantity.
Assuming that two sets of secondary batteries are employed, two commutator
cylinders are mounted upon a common shaft, and have pressing upon them suitable
springs, insulated at their support from each other. Two springs on each cylinder
are connected with the conductors leading from the mains. Between the springs
of this charging circuit, upon each cylinder press polar springs of the secondary cells
or smaller batteries. Three sets of such springs may be employed, one spring of
each set being connected with the positive poles of the cells, while the other springs
are connected with the negative poles, or vice versa. Near the end of each cylinder
press the terminal springs of the lamp or translation circuit. Each cylinder is
provided with rows of contact plates of two characters, there being a number of
such rows of plates upon each cylinder, the rows of one character alternating with
those of the other character. The one set of plates are double plates, each extending
under two of the springs. Where there are three secondary cells for each battery,
four of these plates are provided for each row of such plates upon the cylinders,
and they are so connected that when the springs of one commutator cylinder are
resting on a row of these plates, the cells of the secondary battery will be connected
in series in the main line and will be charged therefrom, and the lamp or trans-
lation circuit will at the same time be broken on the cylinder, since the terminal
springs of the translation circuit will both rest on the insulating surface of the
cylinder. When the springs of one commutator cylinder rest on these plates, those
of the other cylinder rest on the plates of the other character. These plates are

page_text: single plates, one coming beneath each spring, except the charging terminals, the
charging circuit being open at the cylinder. The last mentioned plates beneath
the positive springs of all the cells are connected together and to the plate beneath
one terminal of the lamp circuit; likewise the plates of the same character beneath
the negative springs of all the cells are connected together, and to the plate beneath
the other terminal of the lamp circuit. These secondary cells forming the battery
controlled by this commutator cylinder are thus connected in multiple arc with the
lamp circuit, and discharge in quantity therein through the lamps In this way a
high tension current may be employed to charge the batteries, while they will
discharge in quantity, giving the reduced electromotive force desired
The main conductors are preferably connected on the multiple arc principle, and
the secondary batteries located in each house are arranged in a multiple arc circuit
from the main conductors, so that each set of secondary batteries will be inde-
pendent of all others in the system. The circuit of each set of batteries is
provided with a circuit controlling switch to open or close the circuit as desired.
The lamps supplied by each set of secondary batteries are preferably arranged in
multiple are circuits, and, being constantly in connection with one secondary
battery, they will remain lighted until the circuit is broken.
A meter for measuring the current consumed is placed in the house circuit,
between the secondary batteries and the lamps, or between the mains and the
secondary batteries. The commutator cylinder or cylinders for shifting the relation
of the secondary batteries of each pair are moved automatically by an electro-
magnetic mechanism, the operation of which is controlled by an electro-magnet
located in multiple arc from the lamp circuit and affected the same as a lamp.
When the candle power of the lamps is, normal, the armature lever of this electro-
magnet breaks the circuit of the commutator working mechanism but when the
electromotive force of the secondary battery which is discharging drops a definite
extent, and the candle power of the lamps is reduced, the controlling electro-magnet
will weaken, allowing its armature lever to make its back contact and close the
circuit of the commutator working mechanism. This circuit may be derived from
any suitable source, or be a multiple are or shunt circuit from the conductors of
the house circuit.
It is also proposed whilst retaining the arrangement in which the house circuits
from the main conductors are connected throughout in multiple arc to arrange
the intermediate secondary batteries so that they shall be charged in series from
the main circuit and discharge in multiple arc through the lamps or translating
devices
The object of the Invention may also be accomplished by the use of a secondary
battery or batteries or a condenser or condensers, located between the generator,
and the lamps motors, or other translating devices, and thrown by a continuously
revolving commutator rapidly into connection with the generator and then into
connection with the translating devices. This commutator which is fitted with
plates springs and connections similar to the commutators hereinbefore referred
to, also changes the relation of the elements of the battery or batteries, or con-
denser or condensers, from series when in connection with the generator to
multiple arc, or multiple series when in connection with the lamps; or from an
arrangement in multiple series to an arrangement in multiple arc, or to another
arrangement in multiple series with a smaller number of elements in each series
so that the battery or condenser may be charged with a high tension current, and
in discharging will produce a current of lower tension. An electro motor operated
by the current is preferably used to work the commutator. A meter is provided
to measure the consumption of energy and proper circuit controllers are employed
to make and break the several circuits as desired.
According to a further modification of this Invention incandescing electric lamps
are run froin a circuit having a high tension current and containing arc lights
arranged in series. This is accomplished by locating secondary batteries in series
in the arc light circuit, and charging such secondary batteries when the arc lights

page_text: are not in use, as during the day, the main circuit being turned off of the secondary
batteries and on to the arc lights at night. At that time, the secondary batteries
will be used to supply the incandescing lamps and they will be discharged in
quantity through such lamps. For this purpose, each secondary battery will be
placed in a shunt around one or more arc lights, a switch being used to break the
main circuit, at each shunt and close the shunt circuit so that when the secondary
batteries are being charged, all the arc lamps will be cut out of circuit. Au
automatic switch is preferably used for the purpose of cutting out the secondary
batteries, and throwing in the arc lights; and for this purpose a polarized switch
may be used the arc lights being run with a current of one polarity and the
secondary batteries charged with a current of the opposite polarity. In order to
.maintain a constant electromotive force in the circuits for the incandescing lamps,
there are placed in circuit with each secondary battery a number of extra secondary
cells which are charged with the main secondary battery. When the secondary
battery is first thrown into connection with the incandescing lamps these extra
secondary cells will be cut out of circuit but as the electromotive force of the
main secondary battery decreases, the extra cells will be thrown into circuit as
required, by an electro-magnetic mechanism, the circuit to which is made and
broken by an electro-magnet placed in multiple arc, and affected the same as a
lamp. A switch is provided for breaking the circuit of each set of incandescing
lamps while the secondary battery and extra cells are being charged. An electrical
meter may also be placed in the circuit of each set of lamps if desired to measure
the energy consumed by the lamps. !

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
13th January 1883.
"
THOMAS JOHN HANDFORD of 42 Southampton Buildings in the County of
Middlesex Patent Agent "IMPROVEMENTS IN MEANS OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED
IN OR FOR SUPPLYING ELECTRICITY FOR LIGHT POWER AND OTHER PURPOSES
a communication to me from abroad by Thomas Alva Edison of Menlo Park in
the State of New Jersey United States of America
The said Invention has partly for its object the Production of simple and
efficient means for supplying with current the electric lights motors or other
translating devices, of a system, more or less extensive (such lights motors or other
translating devices being in separate multiple are or independent circuits) and for
utilizing a current of high tension in the main conductors so as to reduce the
investment for copper in such main conductors. Incandescing and are lamps
motors, and other translating devices when arranged in separate multiple are
circuits, require a current of comparatively low tension, which, when such lights,
motors and other translating devices are run directly from the dynamo or magneto
electric machine or machines in an extensive system including a number of
buildings, makes it necessary to use large main conductors, in order to avoid a
considerable loss of energy in such main conductors.
According to one mode of carrying out the said Invention in order to use a
current of high tension in the main conductors, secondary batteries are arranged
between the lamps motors or other translating devices and the source of electrical
energy, such secondary batteries being first charged in series from the source of
energy and then discharged through the lamps, motors or other translating devices.
One of these secondary batteries may be placed in each house or building. In
order to prevent loss of energy, an automatic switching device controlled by
electrolytic action is provided for breaking the charging circuit of each secondary
battery, and simultaneously completing the circuit to the lamps supplied from such.
battery when the battery is fully charged, without breaking the circuit to the
other secondary batteries charged from the same main conductors. The same
automatic switching device also opens the lamp circuit and completes the charging
circuit through the secondary battery, when such secondary battery has been
discharged to a definite extent. This arrangement is carried out in the following
manner viz; A centrally supported or suspended beam is employed carrying at one
end a weight and at the other end one electrode of an electro-depositing cell, having
preferably amalgamated zinc electrodes immersed in a solution of sulphate of zinc.
The charging of the secondary battery causes a deposit to be made upon the
suspended electrode of the cell, which, when the battery is fully charged, over-
balances the weight, and causes the beam to tip, breaking the charging circuit of
the battery at mercury cups and completing the lamp circuit at other mercury
cups and also completing the circuit through an electro-magnet which moves a
lever closing a shunt around the apparatus. The discharge of the secondary
battery causes metal to be stripped from the suspended electrode of the cell until
the weight overbalances it and the beam is tipped, breaking the lamp circuit,
completing the charging circuit through the battery and breaking the circuit of the
magnet which closes the shunt and making the circuit to another electro-magnet
which opens the shunt circuit. Means are also by preference provided for
measuring the current used by each consumer, by recording the movements of the
automatic device, just referred to, by the aid of an electro-magnetic mechanism'

page_text: through which the current passes when the beam is in one position, the circuit of
the electro-magnet being broken when the beam is in the other position.
This part of the said Invention is illustrated in figure 1 of the accompanying
drawings which is a view partly diagrammatic showing two secondary batteries
charged in series from the same main circuit, and discharging through separate
lamp circuits. AA represent secondary batteries which are charged from one or
more dynamo or magneto electric machines B located in a main circuit 1, 2, and
supplying the same with a current of high tension. Each secondary battery is a
group of secondary cells or batteries which are preferably connected in series. The
secondary batteries supply lamp circuits 3, 4, 3, 4 in which are located electric
lamps (incandescing or arc or both) motors or other translating devices C arranged
preferably in multiple are as shown. Each secondary battery has one pole a
connected by wire 7 directly with the main circuit 1, 2, while the other pole b is
connected with such circuit through automatic circuit-controlling and current-
measuring apparatus. This consists of a centrally pivotted beam D carrying
suspended at its forward end one electrode c of a depositing cell E, the other
electrode of which is shown at d. The electrodes of this cell are preferably of
amalgamated zinc and are immersed in a solution of sulphate of zinc.
The beam D, at its rear end carries a counterbalancing weight F, which may be
worked in a dash-pot to prevent it from being affected by jars. Contacts e fin
mercury cups are made by the depression of the beam at its front end, while
mercury cup contacts g h are made by the depression of the rear end of the beam
The beam carrying the suspended electrode c has a permanent mercury contact
with a standard i, which mercury contact permits easy movement while maintaining
the continuity of the circuit at that point. In charging the secondary batteries the
current passes from the main circuit through the wires 7 to the pole a of each
secondary battery, and from the pole b of the secondary battery by wire 8, to the
depositing cell. E, and through the depositing cell to the standard i, and then by
wire 9 to the cup g and from h on the line again by wire 10. In this position
the beam D is depressed at its rear end, completing circuit at g and h and breaking
circuit at e and f. As the secondary battery is charged there is also a definite
deposit made upon the electrode c which deposit is in exact proportion to the charge
of the secondary battery. To this electrode is thus given greater weight, so that
when the secondary battery is fully charged, the electrode will overcome the
weight F, and the beam D will be tipped forward making contact at ef and
breaking contact at gh as shewn in the drawings. This movement breaks the
connection of the secondary battery with the main or charging circuit and
completes the connection with its lamp circuit.* The secondary battery now
discharges providing the switch k of the lamp circuit is closed as shown, the current
passing from a to 3, through the lamps to 4 then through e and f and by
wire 11 to i; then through the depositing cell by the wire 8 to the pole 6 of the
secondary battery. A recomposition takes place in the depositing cell, at the same
time the secondary battery discharges and the metal is stripped from c until the
weight F predominates tipping the beam D to the rear, breaking the lamp circuit
and completing the charging circuit through the secondary battery. Advantage is
taken of this movement to work a recording apparatus or meter which may be
accomplished by locating an electro-magnet in one part of the circuit which electro-
magnet is energized when that part of the circuit is completed, and draws forward
an armature lever which is retracted by a spring when that part of the circuit is
broken. The movement of this armature lever works a meter, having preferably
two or more dials recording in equivalents of a thousand cubic feet of gas and
fractions thereof. G indicates such an electro-magnet placed in wire 9, the
mechanism shown at H representing the recording apparatus or meter worked by
the armature lever ? A shunt 12, 13, may be formed around the depositing cell
and may have a definite resistance, so that only a certain definite part of the
current passing to and from the secondary battery will pass through the depositing

page_text: cell. The secondary batteries are preferably charged in series, and a current of
high tension is used in the main circuit. In order to prevent the automatic circuit
controlling device of one secondary battery from breaking permanently the main
circuit and cutting off the current to other secondary batteries in the process of
being charged, a device is provided for closing a shunt around the secondary
battery and the mechanism connected therewith, when the circuit controller opens
the charging circuit at the secondary battery, and for opening this shunt when the
charging circuit is completed at the secondary battery. For this purpose the
bean D is provided with a spring m which engages with front and back
contacts n o. From these contacts circuit wires 14, 15, run to two electro-
magnets IK, from which there is a common circuit connection 16 with the pole a
of the secondary battery. Conductor 4 is connected by wire 17 with the standard
which supports the beam D. An armature lever p stands between the electro-
magnets I and K and when attracted by I strikes a lever g and pushes it from a
contact 7 as shewn in the drawings A spring s or equivalent device is employed
to hold the armature lever p at the limits of its movement. The main circuit is
connected with the armature lever p and the lever a while the circuit of the
secondary battery is connected by wire 10 with the contact r and by wire 7 with
the main circuit on the other side of the armature lever p. Now it will be seen
that when the beain D tips forward breaking the charging circuit at g h and
closing the lamp circuit at e f as shewn in the drawings the spring m will make
contact at n closing the circuit through electro-magnet I. This magnet will
attract p forcing q from r breaking the connection of the secondary battery with
the main circuit and completing the main circuit by the contact of p and q as
shewn. When the beam D tips to the rear completing circuit at g h and breaking
circuit at ef the spring m will make contact with o completing circuit
through K. The lever p will be attracted by K, breaking contact with q while q
being acted upon by a spring will complete the charging circuit at through the
secondary battery.
According to another mode of carrying out the said Invention the secondary
batteries which are located between the electrical generator and the lamps motors
or other translating devices are arranged in sets of two or more and thrown
automatically by commutator cylinders (having plates and springs and circuit
connections as hereinafter described) into communication with the generator and
the translating devices alternately or in succession and the elements or cells of each
battery are charged for intensity and discharged for quantity. In this manner a
high tension current may be employed to charge the batteries while they will
discharge in quantity giving the reduced electromotive force desired
The main conductors are preferably connected on the multiple arc principle, and
the secondary batteries located in each house are arranged in a multiple arc circuit
from the main conductors, so that each set of secondary batteries will be
independent of all others in the system. The circuit of each set of batteries is
provided with a circuit controlling switch, to open or close the circuit as desired.
The lamps (for example) supplied by each set of secondary batteries are arranged
in multiple arc circuits and being constantly in connection with one of the
secondary batteries they will remain lighted until the circuit is broken. A meter
for measuring the current consumed is placed in the house-circuit, between the
secondary batteries, and the lamps, or between the mains and the secondary
batteries. The commutator cylinder or cylinders for shifting the relation of the
secondary batteries of each pair, are moved automatically by an electro magnetic
mechanism the operation of which is controlled by an electro magnet, located in
multiple are from the lamp circuit and affected the same as a lamp. When the
candle power of the lamps is normal the armature lever of this electro magnet
breaks the circuit of the commutator working mechanism but when the electro
motive force of the secondary battery which is discharging drops a definite extent,
and the candle power of the lamps is reduced, the controlling electro magnet will
weaken, allowing its armature lever, to make its back contact and close the circuit

page_text: of the commutator working mechanism. This circuit may be derived from any
suitable source or be a multiple arc or shunt circuit from the conductors of the
house circuit.
Figures 2 and 3 of the drawings illustrate this part of the said Invention.
Figure 2 is a view partly diagrammatic of one pair of secondary batteries and
connections and Figure 3 a diagrammatic view of a system including three of
such pairs of secondary batteries. The system is supplied from one or more
dynamo or magneto electric machines. One of such machines is shown at A
(Figure 3) and from it run the conductors 1, 2 of the main circuit The house
circuits 3, 4, are multiple arc circuits from 1. 2 Each house circuit is provided
with a circuit controller a The several house circuits are provided with two
Becondary batteries B. C each secondary battery being composed of a number of
secondary cells or smaller batteries b. c. d. Commutator cylinders D. E mounted
upon a common shaft have pressing upon them suitable springs insulated at their
support from each other. Two springs ef on each cylinder are connected with
the conductors 3, 4 leading from the mains 12; Between the springs ef of the
charging circuit upon each cylinder, press the polar springs g, h, of the secondary
cells or smaller batteries. There are shown three sets of such springs g h, the
springs g being connected with the positive poles of the cells while springs h are
connected with the negative poles or vice versa Near the end of each cylinder
press the terminal springs i. k of the lamp circuit 5, 6. Each cylinder is provided
with rows of contact plates 7 m of two characters there being a number of such
rows of plates upon each cylinder the rows of one character alternating with those
of the other character. The plates are double plates each extending under two
of the springs. Where there are three secondary cells for each battery, four of the
plates are provided for each row of such plates upon the cylinders; the first
plate connects the charging terminal e with the positive polar spring g of the
first cell b; the second plate connects the negative polar spring h of b with
spring g of c, the third plate connects the spring h of c with spring g of d; and
the fourth plate connects spring h of d with the other charging terminal ƒ Thus
it will be seen that when the springs of one commutator cylinder are resting on a
row of plates the cells of the secondary battery will be connected in series in the
main line and will be charged therefrom. The lamp circuit will be broken on the
cylinder, since the springs ik will both rest on the insulating surface of
the cylinder. When the springs of one commutator cylinder rest on the plates l,
those of the other cylinder rest on plates m. The plates m are single plates, one
coming beneath each spring, except the charging terminals e f the charging circuit
being open at the cylinder. The plates m beneath the positive springs g of all the
cells are connected together and to the plate beneath the terminal k of the lamp
circuit; likewise the plates m beneath the negative springs h of all the cells are
connected together, and to the plate beneath the other terminal i of the lamp
circuit. These secondary cells forming the battery controlled by this commutator
cylinder, are thus connected in multiple are with the lamp circuit 5, 6, and
discharge in quantity therein through the lamps. In the drawing, the battery B,
is shown as in connection with the lamp circuit and discharging through the
lamps, while the battery C is in connection with the main circuit and is being charged
therefrom. A definite small movement of the shaft carrying the commutator
cylinder will reverse the relation of the secondary batteries. The lamps F are
arranged in separate multiple arc circuits from 5, 6, G represents the meter,
which is preferably an electrolytic meter. It is shown as in the lamp circuit 5, 6,
between the secondary batteries and the lamps,. but it may be placed in 3, 4
between the mains and the secondary batteries. For operating the commutator
cylinders automatically and as required by the necessities of the case the shaft on
which the commutators are placed is provided with a ratchet wheel H, with which
engages a simple pawl I or a pawl rack. This pawl is carried by the armature
lever n of an electro-magnet K which electro-magnet is in a suitable circuit 7, 8,
which may be a multiple arc circuit from 5, 6 and be provided with additional

page_text: resistance R if required. This circuit 7, 8, passes through the armature lever o of
an electro-magnet L and the back contact h¹ of such lever. This electro-magnet L
is located in a multiple arc circuit 9, 10, from 5, 6, and is affected exactly as are
the lamps. A single movement of the lever n, is sufficient to advance the commu-
tators so as to bring the next row of plates beneath the springs and reverse the
relation of the secondary batteries. The making of contact p by lever o closes 7,8
and energizes the magnet K, which attracts the armature on n, and works the pawl
and ratchet giving the commutators the necessary movement. The reversal of the
secondary batteries establishes the proper tension in the lamp circuit, causing L to
attract o and break the circuit 7; 8; Lever n is then retracted by its spring, and
the pawl is brought in position to act on the ratchet wheel. In Figure 3, three
house circuits are shown as run from the main conductors. It will be understood
that at the points M, N, O, the entire apparatus shown in figure 2, will be located.
Only the commutator cylinders with the terminal springs of the charging circuit
are shown, it not being necessary for a full understanding of the invention to
repeat in figure 3, the details of figure 2. While it is preferred to connect the pairs
of secondary batteries in multiple are with the main or charging circuit, they may
be arranged in series therein since the main circuit will never be broken, the main
circuit being always completed through the elements of one secondary battery of
each pair. It will be understood that in that case the conductor 3, of the secondary
battery circuit at M will be connected with the main conductor 2, while conductor 4,
at M, will be connected with 3, at N, and conductor 4 at N with 3 at O, and 4 at O
with the other main conductor.
The object of the said invention may also be accomplished by the use of a
secondary battery or batteries; or a condenser or condensers located between the
generator and the lamps, motors, or other translating devices, and thrown by a
continuously revolving commutator rapidly into connection with the generator and
then into connection with the translating devices. This commutator (which is
fitted with plates springs and connections similar to the commutators before
referred to as fully hereinafter described) also changes the relation of the elements
of the battery or batteries, or condenser or condensers from series when in con-
nection with the generator to multiple are or multiple series when in connection
with the lamps; or from an arrangement in multiple series to an arrangement in
multiple are or, to another arrangement in multiple series with a smaller number
of elements in each series so that the battery or condenser may be charged with a
high tension current, and in discharging will produce a current of, lower tension.
An electro-motor operated by the current last mentioned is used to work the
commutator. A meter is provided to measure the consumption of energy
This part of the said invention is illustrated in figure 4 of the drawings which is
a view partly diagramatic of apparatus embodying the invention, 1, 2 are the
main conductors of a system of electric lighting, supplied with current of high
tension from one or more dynamo or magneto electric machines. The system is
preferably a multiple are system the conductors throughout being connected in
multiple arc; but a series arrangement may be employed, means being provided to
keep the main circuit constantly closed. From the main conductors 1, 2 is taken
a multiple are circuit 3, 4 provided with a circuit controller a. The conductors of
this circuit extend to terminal springs b, c, resting upon a commutator cylinder A.
B, is a secondary battery, or a condenser, one composed of three elements d, e, f,
being shown. These elements are connected with terminal springs g, h resting on
A between the terminals b, c, of the charging circuit 3, 4 The lamp circuit 5, 6,
is connected with terminal springs i, k resting on A. This circuit has electric
lamps C arranged in multiple arc circuits from 5, 6. A circuit controller Z is pro-
vided to make and break the circuit 5, 6 while each lamp circuit has its individual
circuit controller. D is a meter located in 5, 6, for. measuring the current consumed.
It is preferably an electrolytic meter. E is an electro-motor located in a multiple
arc circuit 7, 8, from 5, 6. The shaft of its armature forms a continuation of that of

page_text: the commutator-cylinder, or it may be connected by gearing or belting with such
commutator shaft.
The commutator cylinder has two sets of plates m, n. The plates m, are so con-
structed that when the springs rest upon them the lamp circuit will be broken and
the elements of the secondary battery or condenser will be in series in the charging
circuit 3, 4; the plates n, are of different construction and are so connected that
when the commutator springs rest upon them, the charging circuit 3, 4 will be
broken and the elements of the secondary battery or condenser will be connected
in multiple are with the lamp circuit 5, 6, and will discharge through the lamps.
The lamp circuit is broken by the commutator but the movement is so rapid that
the lamps will give a steady light without flicker.
The secondary battery or condenser in this location acts simply as a pressure
reducer little or no power being lost, since no considerable quantity of energy
stored. With a secondary battery, the most of the work is done with the nascent
gas alone and the initial pressure is reproduced avoiding loss of power. With the
apparatus shown (the battery or condenser having three elements) if the lamps
require a pressure of 100, volts 300 volts, may be used on the main conductors, the
shifting of the connections of the elements, from series to multiple arc, producing
the reduction from 300, volts in the charging circuit to 100 volts in the lamp circuit.
If all the secondary batteries of the system are connected in series in the main
circuit instead of in multiple are therein as shown, each line of plates n, are pro-
vided with connected plates under springs b, and c, so that the main circuit is
closed at each battery when it is thrown into connection with the lamps. Instead
of using a single battery or condenser two or more can be employed for each lamp
circuit (as in figure 2) and be thrown by a commutator in succession into connection
with the generator and with the lamps.
The object of a further part of the said Invention is more especially to run
incandescing electric lamps from a circuit having a high tension current and
containing arc lights arranged in series. This is accomplished by locating
secondary batteries in series in the arc light circuit and charging such secondary
batteries when the arc lights are not in use, as during the day, the main circuit
being turned off of the secondary batteries and on to the arc-lights at night. At
that time the secondary batteries will be used to supply the incandescing lamps
and they will be discharged in quantity through such lamps. For this purpose
each secondary battery is placed in a shunt around one or more arc-lights and in
order to cut all the arc lamps out of circuit when the secondary batteries are being
charged the main circuit is broken at each shunt and the shunt circuit closed in a
semi-automatic manner by the employment of a polarized switch the arc lights
being run with a current of one polarity and the secondary batteries charged with
a current of the opposite polarity. In order to maintain a constant electromotive
force in the circuits for the incandescing lamps, there are placed in circuit with
each secondary battery a number of extra secondary cells which are charged with
the main secondary battery. When the secondary battery is first thrown into
connection with the incandescing lamps these extra secondary cells are cut out of
circuit but as the electro-motive force of the main secondary battery decreases, the
extra cells will be thrown into circuit, as required by an electro magnetic
mechanism the circuit to which is made and broken by an electro-magnet placed in
multiple arc and affected the same as a lamp. A switch is provided for breaking
the circuit of each set of incandescing lamps while the secondary battery and extra
cells are being charged. An electrical meter may also be placed in the circuit of
each set of lamps if desired; to measure the energy consumed by the lamps.
Figure 5 of the drawings illustrates this part of the said Invention
A represents arc lamps arranged in series in a circuit 1, 2 supplied with a
current of high tension by one or more dynamo or magneto electric machines B.
Crepresents secondary batteries, each of which supplies incandescing electric lamps D,
arranged in separate multiple arc-circuits from conductors 3, 4. Each secondary

page_text: battery is arranged in a circuit 5, 6 around one or more of the arc lamps and is
thrown into the main circuit cutting out the arc lamp or lamps by means of an
automatic polarized switch. When the switches are moved to throw in the
circuits 5. 6, all the secondary batteries will be in series in the main circuit and
will be charged therefrom, and the arc lamps will be cut out of circuit; while the
movement of the switches to their opposite limit will cut the secondary batteries
out of the main circuit and throw the current through the arc-lamps; the secondary
batteries will then discharge through the lamps D in their individual consumption
circuits 3, 4. In actuating the polarized switches a positive current is used to
charge the secondary batteries and a negative current to work the arc-lamps, or
vice versa. The positive current works the switch to throw the secondary batteries
into circuit, while the negative current moves the switch in the opposite direction.
The switches are arranged in the following manner:-In the main circuit at each
secondary battery is located an electro-magnet F which has attached to its core
one end of a permanent magnet G, or the core itself is a permanent magnet. The
armature lever a of this electro-magnet in its forward movement strikes a lever b,
and separates it from a contact c, opening the arc-light circuit and completing the
charging circuit through the secondary battery, the lever b and contact c being in
the main line, and the armature lever a in the circuit 5, 6. A positive current
tends to polarize the core of the electro magnet F the same as the permanent
magnet and both forces acting together the armature lever will be attracted. A
negative current opposes the action of G and neutralizes the effect of the permanent
magnet permitting a spring with which the armature lever a is provided to retract
the said lever separating it from 6 and allowing 6 to rest on c as shewn in the
drawings. By means of this automatic switch the secondary batteries can be
charged, and then by simply reversing the connections of the main conductors at
the generator or generators the arc lights will be thrown into circuit. .
In order to maintain a constant electromotive force in each lamp circuit extra.
secondary cells are preferably used which are charged at the same time as the main
secondary battery and these cells are automatically thrown into circuit as required
to maintain a constant electromotive force, the mechanism for this purpose being
controlled or operated by an electro magnet arranged in multiple arc and affected
the same as the lamps. These extra secondary cells, are shown at H, and are
placed in each circuit 5, 6. They are charged with the secondary battery C in the
same circuit 5, 6 and are thrown into the lamp circuit by a contact arm I in the
circuit 3, 4. This arm is carried by a ratchet wheel d, with which engages a pawl
on an armature lever e. The electro-magnet K which attracts this armature lever,
is in a multiple arc or other circuit 7, 8 from 3, 4. It passes through the armature
lever and back contact g of an electro-magnet L, which electro-magnet is in a
multiple are circuit 9, 10 from 3, 4 and is affected exactly as are the lamps. After
the secondary battery is charged, the arm I is on the first contact to the left
cutting all the extra cells H out of the lamp circuit. The magnet L will then have
sufficient strength to hold fon its front contact. When the electro motive force
drops a definite extent, L will weaken and allow f to make its back contact g
closing circuit 7, 8, energizing K and moving the pawl lever e so as to throw
arm I on to the second contact throwing in one cell. This movement reoccurs
until all the extra cells are thrown in. The contact arm I as will be understood
should make one contact plate before it leaves the other. The devices for
maintaining a constant electromotive force are shown complete in connection
with one lamp circuit only, it being understood that they are used with each lamp
circuit.
M is a suitable electric meter which is introduced into each lamp circuit 3, 4 to
measure the consumption of electricity. An electrolytic meter having amalgamated.
zinc electrodes, immersed in a solution of sulphate of zinc is preferred for this
purpose. Each lamp circuit 3, 4, is provided with a switch by which it can be
broken to prevent the current from passing through the incandescing lamps in .

page_text: charging the secondary batteries. It will be understood that each lamp is provided
with its individual circuit controller.
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. The combination with a main or generator circuit of a number of
secondary batteries charged in series therefrom with a current of high tension and
discharging in quantity through separate translation circuits requiring currents of
lower tension, automatic switching devices controlled by electrolytic action for
throwing each secondary battery into connection with the main or generator
circuit and its respective translation circuit alternately, in conjunction or not with
recording apparatus dependent in their action upon the operation of such automatic
switching devices all substantially as herein before described with reference to
Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings.
Second. The combination with a generator or source of electricity, and electric
lamps, motors or other translating devices, of an intermediate secondary battery,
and an electro-depositing cell affected by the current in the same proportion as the
secondary battery and controlling the movement of a circuit-controller for throwing
the secondary battery alternately into connection with the generator or source
of electricity and with the translating devices substantially as herein before
described.
Third-In a system of electric lighting the combination with an electrical
generator and electric lamps motors or other translating devices arranged in
multiple arc of two or more intermediate secondary batteries, thrown alternately
or in succession by commutators (having plates and springs and circuit connections
as set forth) into communication with the generator and the translating devices
each secondary battery being composed of a plurality of secondary cells or batteries
which are charged for intensity and discharged in quantity and the mechanism for
working the said commutators being controlled in its operation by an electro
magnet arranged in multiple arc in the translation circuit all substantially as
herein before described with reference to Figures 2 and 3 of the accompanying
drawings.
Fourth-The combination with a main circuit and a circuit containing lamps
motors or other translating devices of an intermediate secondary battery or con-
denser and a continuously revolving commutator (having plates and springs and
circuit connections as set forth) for throwing the elements of such secondary
battery or condenser rapidly from a connection for intensity with the main circuit
to a connection in quantity with the translation circuit and back again all sub-
stantially as herein before described with reference to Figure 4 of the accompanying
drawings.
Fifth The combination with a circuit having are lamps arranged in series
therein of secondary batteries charged from such arc-lamp circuit; and polarized
switches completing the circuit through the arc-lamps or secondary batteries as
desired, substantially as herein before described.
Sixth-The combination with an electrical generator of a secondary battery
charged therefrom and discharging through translating devices, and means for
maintaining a constant electro motive force in the discharging circuit of the
secondary battery all substantially as herein before described.
Seventh-The combination with a circuit having a current of high tension, of
secondary batteries charged in series in the said circuit and discharging in quantity
through lamps arranged in multiple arc, polarized switches for throwing the
secondary batteries into and out of the charging circuit, extra secondary cells in
the circuit of each secondary battery, electro-magnetic mechanism for throwing

page_text: such extra cells into circuit to maintain a constant electromotive force, and an
electro-magnet, in a multiple arc circuit, controlling the operation of such electro-
magnetic mechanism substantially as hereinbefore described.
In witness whereof I the said Thomas John Handford have hereunto set my
hand and seal this twelfth day of January in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and eighty three.
TH J HANDFORD (L.S.)