Improvements relating to Methods of Measuring, Controlling, and Regulating Electric Currents, and to Apparatus therefor.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 20th June, 1893
Complete Specification Left, 17th Apr.. 1894-Accepted, 25th May, 1894
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements relating to Methods of Measuring, Controlling, and
Regulating Electric Currents, and to Apparatus therefor.
I, ADDISON GOODYEAR WATERHOUSE, of 302 Albany Avenue, Hartford,
Connecticut, United States of America, Electrician, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention to be as follows:-
My invention relates to improved methods of measuring controlling and regulating
electric currents and to apparatus for use in said methods.
The chief feature of my invention relates to the employment of the natural and
constant unit of electro-motive force which an electrolytic cell offers to the passage
through it of an electric current. This electromotive force is independent of the
resistance of the cell but may vary in cells made with different chemical constituents
and remains practically constant in any one kind of cell.
In order to render this clear I will suppose that a cell made up with a particular
solution and plates offers an opposing or counter electromotive force of 1.5 volts.
Under these conditions then it is obvious that no current can be sent through the
If the electro-
cell unless an electromotive force of more than 15 volts be used.
motive force be less than 1.5 volts it will be less than the counter electromotive
force and will not be able to send a current through the cell.
According to my invention I combine with the circuit the current in which I wish
to regulate, which circuit. I will call the main circuit, another circuit in which is
included one or more electrolytic cells made with suitable materials, this electrolytic
cell circuit I will call the regulating circuit. In accordance with the principles
hereinabove stated a current will only flow through the regulating circuit when the
potential difference at the terminals thereof exceeds a certain value, hence I so
arrange that when the current in the main circuit is altered the potential difference
at the terminals of the regulating circuit shall be altered so that a current shall flow
through or cease to flow through the said regulating circuit.
The existence or non-existence of a current in the regulating circuit can obviously
be made a means whereby the electrical conditions in the main circuit may be
changed, this change being therefore indirectly due to changes in the current of the
main circuit itself.
1
In order that the nature of my invention may be more clearly understood, I will
now proceed to describe some particular applications of the above mentioned
principles.
A very simple case is where the regulating circuit containing one or more
electrolytic cells and resistances if desired is placed as a shunt to that part of the
main circuit, the current in which it is required to regulate. The difference of
potentials between the terminals of the regulating circuit then depends directly
upon the changes made in the main circuit or upon the current in the main circuit.
I sometimes arrange that when any current flows round the regulating circuit, an
electromagnetic or other suitable switch shall be operated so as to switch in or cut
out a resistance in the main circuit or switch in or cut out a part or portion of the
main circuit or make or break another different circuit so as to sound an alarm or
for other purposes.
The regulating circuit may be arranged in connection with a dynamo electric
machine in such a manner that any current in the said regulating circuit shall
operate to shift the brushes or alter a switch so as to vary the current in the field
magnet circuit of the machine, or the regulating circuit may itself operate directly

page_text: to magnetize or demagnetize the field magnets. Such a device may be also used
with an electric motor. And it is easily seen that a large field of utility is opened
up. For instance I can by the application of my invention regulate dynamos to
give constant current or constant potential difference and also regulate electric
motors so that they shall run at a constant speed.
I sometimes combine a battery or batteries with the electrolytic cell or cells in
the regulating circuit so as to nearly balance the counter electromotive force of the
cell or cells. The current in the main circuit can then be measured by measuring
the amount of electrolytic action set up in the cells with known resistances in the
main and regulating circuits. I can thus sub-divide the counter electromotive
force of the electrolytic cell, so that a very small difference of potentials at the
terminals of the regulating circuit will cause a current to flow therethrough.
It is plain that my invention is also applicable to circuits worked with alternating
intermittent or undulating currents, since in any case the electrolytic cell will
prevent current flowing in the regulating circuit if the difference of potentials at
the terminals is too low.
By this means therefore I can arrange that non-continuous currents, such as for
instance telephonic currents, shall select so to speak those instruments which they
are to energize. Thus I may so provide that the telephonic currents due to audible
speech shall be able to traverse and thus be shunted by the electrolytic circuit and
that other currents sent along the same wires such as those due to a person singing
into a transmitter shall not be able to traverse the said electrolytic circuit and thus
be sent through the main circuit. Many variations of the above devices are also
included in my present invention.
In the construction of such electrolytic cells as may be adapted for the purposes
set forth in my invention I use electrodes composed of non-attackable material,
preferably such as carbon or platinum, in order to avoid the production of secondary
or reverse currents in the cells and reduce such currents to a minimum so that they
will not materially or practically interfere with the purposes of my invention. Auy
composition which will be subject to electrolytic decomposition by the passage
of a current through it will do for an electrolyte whether in a liquid, dry or
hydrometric form.
It is plain that primary or secondary batteries capable of producing and main-
taining a current would not do for the purposes of my invention for the reason that
if such batteries were used in place of the electrolytic coil such a battery would,
upon a discontinuance of a current upon the main line, set up a current in the
regulating circuit which would soon cause the battery to weaken and destroy
its usefulness.
Again, if the cell were replaced by a current producing battery, it would offer a
counter electromotive force against a current in but one direction, and would assist
or work in series with a current from an opposite direction. This would not only
be objectionable for the reason stated in producing a local current, but would not
apply for offering a counter electro-motive force against a current which would be
liable to change its polarity, or a current of an alternating nature. While in the
case of an electrolytic cell a counter electromotive force would be offered to a current
in both directions, and any polarized or secondary currents which would be produced
in such cells could be reduced by the use of non-attackable electrodes to a minimum,
or to so small a factor as to not interfere with the purposes of my invention.
I sometimes use in place of a cell or cells an electrolytic pile or a series of
electrodes and electrolytes made into the form of washers and held together by
means of a stick or bolt, made of insulating material; the electrodes forming
this pile may be made of carbon discs, or of metal, such as platinum, which is
not easily attackable by the material forming the electrolyte, by having the
electrodes free from chemical or electrical action, the creation of polarization
currents or what are known as secondary currents are reduced to a minimum,
and the resistances of the pile remains constant. Between each of the electrodes,
is interposed a compound or substance, which may be of such material as is

page_text: adapted for dry batteries, but must be a good conductor of electricity and one
that will act as an electrolyte when an electric current is passed through it.
The electrodes are made in any suitable form, cup or saucer shape for containing
the damped washers or electrolytes being very useful. I sometimes place the
whole pile in a tank or arrange that water shall drip on to the pile or be supplied
thereto by capillary action so as to keep the electrolytes moist; with the same
object in view I sometimes suspend the pile over a water tank in which a coil of
wire is placed. When this coil is heated by the passage of the current steam is
given off from the water which moistens the pile above.
As herein before mentioned I sometimes combine batteries with the cells, by
alternating them, or placing them in any other order, but it must be borne in mind
that the number of batteries and cells are to be so proportioned as to cause one to
counteract or predominate over the other, in a way adapted to the uses or require-
ments which may be met.
It will be understood that in place of the cells, any form of electrolytic piles or
arrangement of electrolytic elements may be used.
Dated this 20th der of June 1803
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45. Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements relating to Methods of Measuring, Controlling, and
Regulating Electric Currents, and to Apparatus therefor.
I, ADDISON GOODYEAR WATERHOUSE, 33 Old Broad Street, City and County
of London, Electrician, late of 302 Albany Avenue, Hartford, Connecticut,
United States of America, 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:―
This invention relates to a new and useful method of and apparatus for
measuring, controlling, regulating or directing electric currents and is applicable
for regulating the energy and work of dynamo electric machines, motors or other
electric devices.
The invention consists in the novel manner of employing a natural and constant
unit of opposing force which an electrolytic cell having non-attackable electrodes
offers to the passage through it of an electric current, which opposing force is
independent of the resistance of the cell and acts as a constant counter electro-
motive force to the passage of a current, which force may vary in cells having
different compounds as electrolytes, but remains practically constant in any one
kind of a cell; the resistance of a cell may vary with the material used as an
electrolyte, and the size, separation, and specific resistance of the material used for
electrodes; but for the sake of a clear understanding, we will suppose this
resistance to be reduced to a minimum and to be practically nothing, while the
counter electro-motive force of a cell would be equal to 15 volts. Under this
condition, it is plain that no current having an electro-motive force of less than
15 volts could pass through such a cell, while a current having an electro-motive
force above 15 could readily pass through. With this understanding, I will state
that one part of the invention consists in making use of the counter electro-motive
force offered by an electrolytic cell, or a series of such cells, to prevent the passage
of a current through them when the electro-motive force of such current falls
below the counter electro-motive force offered by such cell or cells, and to offer a
passage for a curient through such cell or cells when the electro-motive force of
such current rises above and overcomes the counter electro-motive force offered by
such cell or cells.
Another part of the invention consists in the novel manner of using electrolytic

page_text: cells in conjunction with primary batteries, or other current generating devices,
for the purpose of regulating or controlling the flow of electric currents, more
particularly alternating currents, as hereinafter more fully set forth.
Figure 1, shows the elements involved in my invention, consisting of a low
resistance conductor having a coil representing work placed upon the same, and a
derived circuit placed around such work, consisting of an electrolytic cell and a
coil of fine wire representing work.
Figure 2, is a modification of Figure 1, in which a main circuit having work
representing a high resistance is shunted by a low resistance conductor, having
several electrolytic cells in series and work represented by a low resistance coil.
Figures 3, 4 and 5, are modified forms of Figures 1 and 2.
Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9, represent resistance coils and work placed on main circuit
conductors, and conductors placed around the resistance, having electrolytic cells,
through which part of the current passes, and various forms of current breaking
and current diverting devices for interrupting and diverting the current from
passing through the work on the main line.
Figures 10, 11 and 12, show applications of my invention for regulating dynamo
electric machines and motors.
Figure 13, shows an application of the same to a motor, adapted to be run on an
arc light circuit.
Figure 14, represents a resistance working device.
Figure 15, shows a set of electrolytic cells arranged in series with a set of
primary batteries, placed in a circuit forming a shunt around part of a main
circuit.
Figure 16, shows a diagram of a divided circuit adapted for an alternating
current, with a combination of electrolytic cells and primary batteries in each
branch.
Figure 17, shows a divided circuit having a combination of cells and batteries in
one branch of its circuit and an electro-magnet and resistance representing work in
the other.
Figure 18, shows a divided circuit with cells, batteries and work in one branch,
and a resistance representing work in the other.
Figure 19 shows a divided circuit with an electrolytic cell in one branch and a
primary battery in the other.
Figure 20, shows part of an electric circuit with a series of electrolytic cells and
primary batteries arranged thereon.
In describing the practical applications of this invention, reference will be first
made to Figure 1, which shows a main conductor M, of low resistance, having
work placed thereon, represented by the coil W. Connected at a, is a conductor
forming part of a shunt circuit leading to an electrode A, in the electrolytic cell E,
then through the electrolytic fluid, to the second electrode C, and out on a
conductor forming coil D, to the point of contact b. A current is supposed to pass
through the main conductor M, from left to right. The counter electro-motive
force offered to the passage as a current by the cell E, is assumed to be 1.5 volts,
and therefore a current passing through conductor M, and work W, of an intensity
below that which would cause a difference of potential of 1.5 volts between
points a and b, would not force a current through the shunt circuit in which the
cell E, is placed, but any increase of current through the line M, and work W,
which would cause a difference of potential between a and b, to exceed 1.5 volts,
would cause a current to pass through the shunt and cell E. Therefore, any
current passing through line M and work W, if below a certain intensity, would
not pass through this shunt, while a current above a certain intensity, would pass
through it, and in doing so, would also pass through coil D, which may be made
use of for the various purposes to be hereafter set forth. Hence the current in
either branch may be regulated or controlled by adjusting the number of cells or
their electro-motive force to the potential or electro-motive force given, at which
it is desired that they should allow current to pass either for the purpose of

page_text: affecting the current flow in the branch containing the cells or in the branch to
which they are a shunt.
Figure 2 shows a main circuit M, of a comparatively high resistance and a
shunt circuit of very low resistance. This shunt circuit being connected at a, and
having placed in it the electrolytic cells E, E', E', and a working coil F. If a
current of a certain intensity should pass through coil M, which would cause a
difference of potential between a and b, less than the counter electro-motive force
offered by the cells E, E¹, E², no current would pass through such cells; but if
the current passing through M, should increase so as to raise the difference of
potential between a and b, to a point above the opposing force offered by these
cells, a current would then pass through them; and in case the resistance of the
coil M, was ten times greater than that of the shunt in which the cells were placed,
any excess of current above that which would overcome the opposing force of the
cells in the shunt circuit or at least the greater part of it would overflow or pass
through the shunt, and therefore any current below or not exceeding a certain
intensity would pass through the coil M, and not through the shunt, while an
increase of current above a certain intensity would mostly overflow or pass through
the shunt, and therefore cause the current passing through M, to be comparatively
constant independent of any current changes on the line from + to -.
Figure 3, shows a main circuit coil M, and an electrolytic cell E, and ampere-
meter V, placed in a derived circuit around M. When the current is increased so
that the voltage between a and b, rises to 1.5 volts, the current just begins to pass
through the cell E and amperemeter V. Below 15 volts none passes, and as the
resistance of E and V, is very low, any considerable increase of current intensity
does not materially increase the voltage between a and b, showing that no more
current is passing through M, while the ammeter V, shows nearly all the surplus
current above that required to raise the voltage between a and b, to 1.5 volts to be
passing through the cell E and instrument V.
Figure 4, shows a double arrangement of the combination shown in Figure 3,
showing two coils, M and M2, on the main line, with a shunt placed around both in
the form of two cells E, E, and the measuring instrument V, while each coil M
and M³, has cells and instruments placed around them as shown in Figure 3.
Figure 5, shows a high resistance coil M, placed between two main conductors P
and N, with a coil E, and instrument V, placed around the part of the coil M,
designated by W, the same as shown in Figure 3.
Figure 6, represents a main circuit beginning at the sign + forming coil M,
then extending down to the pivot bearing St, then across the armature s, to contact
point r,
then up through the conductor, which forms the coil W, then out on the
end of the line marked There is a resistance R, placed around the work W,
extending from the points e to d. Of course, part of this current goes through
resistance R, but the main part is supposed to go through the work W.
Around the coil M, is placed a shunt from a to b, containing an electrolytic
cell E, and electro-magnet T. Any excess of current passing through the main
line overflows through E and T, as described in connection with Figure 3; this
energizing the magnet T, causes it to raise the armature s, from the contact point r,
and this breaks the path of the main current W, and compels it to pass through
the resistance R. This simply shows a means of employing the overflow current
for breaking or diverting the path of the main current.
Figure 7, shows a device somewhat similar to Figure 6, except that the
armatures, which carries the main current, is placed between two contact
points r, r', and simply shows that when the magnet T, raises the armature & so as
to contact with r', the current passes through the work W, and when the current
ceases in magnet T, the armature s, falls on point », and the current passes around
the work W, through conductor e. It is plain that the wires leading from the
points and r¹, may be crossed so that the current will pass through the work W,
when the current ceases in magnet T, and will pass around the work, when the
magnet T, is energized.

page_text: Figure 8, simply shows two devices similar to Fig. 7, placed in series; the
upper one having a single cell E, placed in a shunt around the coil M, while
the lower one shows two cells E, E, placed around the coil M. The device shows
that certain excess of current in the upper instrument will affect or divert the
current in passing through W', while in the lower instrument, having the counter
electro-motive force of two electrolytic cells to overcome, it will take a greater
excess of current to change the current in work represented by W'.
This device shows that two or more instruments may be placed on a line and
each one of them can be separately and independently affected by the changes in
the main circuit current.
Figure 9, is a modification of one of the instruments shown in Figure 8, showing
that the main current in passing through coil M, passes around the magnet T, then
to the pivot S. and armature s. In this way it energizes the magnet T, and holds
up the armature s, to point r', so that the main current passes through the work W.
The shunt circuit around coil M, passes through the three electrolytic jars E, E, E,
then around magnet T, in a direction opposite to that of the main current, so that
when an excess of current passing through coil M, overflows through the cells E,
it neutralizes the magnetism in T, and allows the armature s, to drop to 7, which
diverts the current around work W, to point of contact, while this excess of
current continues. When the current falls to its normal limit so that the overflow
through cells E, discontinues, then the main current acting on magnet T, draws
the armature S, up to point r¹, when the current resumes its course through the
work W.
Figure 10, shows an application of my invention to dynamo electric machines.
This shows a series or arc light machine, showing the pole pieces N and S, field
magnets F and F, armature A', commutator C', and central shaft s', also contact
brushes a and b. The current passing out at a¹, passes around the field coil F',
then around field coil F, in a direction to magnetize the field poles N and S,
as marked, then out on line a, to the lights or work W, then back on brush b'.
Part of the field coils of the main circuit are shunted or have a derived circuit
around the part of it included between y and . This derived circuit starting at
forms a coil around the field magnet F2, so that the current passing through the
derived circuit will pass in an opposite direction to the main circuit on magnet F.
This derived circuit also passes through the electrolytic cells E, E. Any suitable
number of these cells may be used. The derived circuit passing from the cells E, E,
joins the main circuit at z. The operation of this device is the same as shown in
relation to Figure 3; that is, any excess of main current causes an increased
voltage in that part of the main circuit between the points of contact y and 2; this
causes an overflow through the cells E and E, and in the part of the derived
circuit coiled around magnet F, ir a direction opposite to the main circuit on F2.
This counteracts the magnetic strength of the fields and reduces the energy of the
machine in a way to prevent an excess of current above a standard intensity which,
when not exceeded, will not force an overflow of current through the cells E, E,
and therefore, not cripple or reduce the efficiency of the machine at any time
except when the current, by reason of a reduction in resistance on its working
circuit causes it to attempt to generate a current in excess of a fixed intensity,
which excess is instantly prevented or checked by the means described.
Figure 11, shows a dynamo electric machine of the derived circuit type, adapted
for producing a constant electro-motive force. The field magnets Fi and F³, are
energized by derived circuit coils, the terminals of which are fixed to the brushes a¹
and b¹.
Around part of the derived circuit forming magnet F2, that is the part
between y and z, is a shunt which starts from the field coil at contact point y, then
extends upward and forms the superposed coil d', then down on the conductor to
the electrolytic cells E, E, and up on a conductor to the point . where it again
joins the field magnet F2. In case of an excess of current through the derived
-circuit coil F, the voltage would be increased so as to force an overflow current

page_text: through the cells E, E, which current would pass around the coil d', in a direction
opposite to the circuit in coil F, and this would counteract the field magnetism
and prevent such excess of voltage on current.
Figure 12, shows a series or arc light generator similar to Figure 10, in which
the contact brushes a¹ and 6', are held by the rocker K, which is free to swing on
the small shaft s'. Connected to this rocker by the arm K¹, is an electro-
magnet T, with a movable armature T'. Any rise or fall of this armature T¹, will
shift the rocker K, and contact brushes a¹ and b', forward and backward and thus
change the energy of the machine.
The main current starting at brush a', passes around the field magnet coil F1,
ther around the field magnet coil F, then to the lights or work W, then back to
brush. The part of the main circuit forming coil F, between
and z, is
shunted by a derived circuit leading from y to electrolytic cells E, E, then around
the coils forming the electro-magnet T, T, then to the point of contact =.
y
As before explained, an excess of current in the main circuit will increase the
voltage between y and z, and cause an overflow current through the cells E, E, and
electro-magnet T, T. This will energize the magnet T, T, and raise the armature T',
thereby shifting the brush holder K, and moving the brushes ahead so as to reduce
the energy of the machine and prevent an excess of current.
It is obvious that many combinations can be inade, such as causing the overflow
current in the cells E, E, to reduce the field magnetism, as shown in Figures 10
and 11, while at the same time it shifts the brushes as shown in Figure 12; or the
overflow current may be used to divert the main current through instruments
adapted for regulating dynamo electric machines, motors, or any electrical
instruments, as shown in Figure 1 to Figure 9, inclusive; also as shown in
Figure 14, to be hereafter described.
Figure 13, shows an electric motor of the series type, or such as are adapted to
work on arc light circuits, showing that any part of the machine, either the fields,
armature, or all of the same can be shunted by a derived circuit, having exceedingly
low resistance as in Figure 2, which is adapted to drain all the surplus of current
above a certain intensity, or this motor may be regulated by any of the means
shown in Figures 10, 11, and 12.
In this case is shown part of the field magnets shunted by a derived circuit,
having electrolytic cells E, and electro-magnet T, which magnet is used to work a
circuit-breaking device, which diverts the current from around another part of the
field magnet coils. It is obvious that the electrolytic cells E and magnet T, can be
placed as a shunt around a resistance on any part of the working circuit instead of
around a part of the field magnet coils and the overflow of this derived circuit may
be used to work regulating devices of any form whatever.
Figure 14, shows a modification of the instruments shown in Figures 6, 7, 8
and 9. It is simply to show that instead of making a make and break contact for
diverting or interrupting the current, any form of step by step, or a resistance
working device, may be used and operated by the overflow current passing through
the electrolytic cell E and magnet T, T.
In this case the armature T, works the lever L, pivoted at L', and moves the
slide O, on the contact points P, thereby cutting out more or less of the
resistance R.
This or similar devices may be worked by the overflow current which operates a
variable resistance around the field magnets of dynamo electric machines or motors,
or a resistance in series with derived circuit field magnet coils as shown in Figure 11;
or may be used to divert the current by working step by step connections to field
magnet coils belonging to dynamo electric machines or motors or other electrical
devices.
In the construction of such electrolytic cells as may be adapted for the purposes
set forth in my invention, I use electrodes composed of non-attackable material,
preferably such as carbon or platinum, in order to avoid the production of secondary
or reverse currents in the cells and reduce such currents to a minimum so that they

page_text: will not materially or practically interfere with the purposes of my invention.
Any composition which will be subject to electrolytic decomposition by the passage
of a current through it will do for an electrolyte whether in a liquid, dry or
hygrometric form.
It is plain that primary or secondary batteries capable of producing and
maintaining a current would not do for the purposes of my invention for the reason
that if such batteries were used in place of the electrolytic cell, shown in Figure 1,
such a battery would upon a discontinuance of a current upon the main line M
through the resistance W, set up current in the local circuit formed by the main
conductor M, resistance W, and the shunt conductors leading from a and b, to the
battery, which would soon cause the battery to weaken and destroy its usefulness.
And, referring to Figure 10, in case the cells E, E, were current producing
batteries, upon the discontinuance of the current produced by the dynamo, a local
current would be set up by such batteries in the shunt circuit, which would disturb
the residual magnetism in the field magnet F³, so as to reverse the polarity of the
dynamo, or at least, disturb its field magnetism in a way to prevent the dynamo,
when started, from picking up or generating a current.
Again referring to Figure 1, if the cell E, were a current producing battery, it
would offer a counter electro-motive force against a current in but one direction,
and would assist or work in series with a current from an opposite direction.
This
would not only be objectionable for the reason stated in producing a local current,
but would not apply for offering a counter electro-motive force against a current
which would be liable to change its polarity, or a current of an alternating nature.
While in the case of an electrolytic cell a counter electro-motive force would be
offered to a current in both directions, and any polarized or secondary currents
which would be produced in such cells could be reduced by the use of non-attackable
electrodes to a minimum, or to so small a factor as to not interfere with the purposes
of my invention.
By using the electrolytic cell in conjunction with a primary battery or other
current generator, as will be now described, the counter electro-motive force of the
battery to the passage of the current in one direction only through it may be made
use of, the electrolytic cell being employed to prevent the current from the primary
battery or other current generator from flowing on any short circuit through the
two branches formed on the main circuit. Moreover, as the electrolytic cells offers
a counter electro-motive force to the current passing through it in either direction
while the primary battery or other current generator offers a counter electro-motive
force to the passage of a current in only one direction and adds its current producing
capacity to a current passing through it in a direction which corresponds to the
direction of the current which the battery or generator itself is capable of creating
and maintaining, the two may be used in combination for the purpose of controlling
an alternating current as will be now described.
In this case the battery shown and spoken of as a primary battery is meant to
embrace any form of current producing generator, including dynamo electric
machines, thermo electric, or electro chemical, including gas and storage batteries
which are capable of producing a current in one direction and offering a counter
electro-motive force to a current passing through them in a direction opposite to
their own current.
Figure 15 shows one way of combining the electrolytic cell with a current
generator, the said current generator opposing the flow of the current in one
direction on a circuit and the electrolytic generator serving to oppose the flow of
curient from the generator. In this instance the primary batteries or generators
are placed in series on a branch w with the electrolytic cells, while the other branch
contains a working resistance or other form of resistance indicated at W. It will
be understood in all cases that one or more electrolytic cells and one or more
current generators may be employed as circumstances may require. When a
current passes from L to L, it will naturally divide, but if the electro-motive
force between L' and L', is less than the combined counter electro-motive force

page_text: of cells E and batteries B, then no current passes through the branch w, but all
passes through branch W, still at the same time the dead resistance of W, may be
much greater than that of w, but when the current increases so that the voltage
between L' and L³, rises above the counter electro-motive force of cells E, and
batteries B, then part of the excess of current would pass by way of w, and if the
dead resistance of w, was made very small and that of W, comparatively great,
then practically, all the excess of current would pass by w, while the current up to
a certain standard or below would all pass through the branch W. Now in this
arrangement, if all the cells placed on branch r, were current producing batteries,
then in case the current from L' to L³, should stop, they would set up a local
current in the circuit L2, w, L³, W formed by the two branches w and W, meeting,
and in such case would expend their energy and destroy their use; so to prevent
this result or defect, I combine a certain number of electrolytic cells E, with a
number of batteries B, and proportion them so that when no current is passing
from L to L', the current which the batteries would tend to set up will be checked
by the counter electro-motive force offered by the cells E, while at the same time
the cells E, would join their counter electro-motive force with the batteries B, in
the opposite direction in opposing a current from L' to L³.
Figure 16, shows a diagram representing part of a circuit L, L³, divided in two
branches A and C, each branch having thereon a set of cells E, and batteries B;
the direction of polarity or current which the batteries would tend to set up, if not
checked by the counter electro-motive force of the cells E, would be as indicated
by arrows; therefore, the counter electro-motive force which the batteries B, would
offer would be in one, or the direction shown by arrows, while the cells E would
offer a counter electro-motive force in both directions; therefore it is plain that
if a current passed in the direction from L' to L', it would pass around by the way
of A2, while a current yassing from L³ to L2 would pass around by way of C³,
and therefore, if an alternating current should pass on the line L, L³ the
impulse from 1 to L³ would be by way of A', in the direction shown by the arrow,
and the impulse frori L³ to L³, would pass by way of C', in the direction shown
by the arrow, and these two currents would produce in the circuit formed by the
two branches A' ard C, a one way current of an intermittent nature in a direction
from, through A., W, y, W1, C' and back to x, which would give practically a
direct current through what would represent the work W and W, from a source of
energy transmited by an alternating current on the line L, L. I am aware that
alternating currents have been converted into direct currents in a local circuit
formed by two branches of the main, by using the counter electro-motive force of
current producing batteries, but the means have been impracticable for the reason
that when the alternating current ceased, these batteries would set up a local
current in the circuit formed by the two branches into which they were placed, and
this would exhaust or destroy them; and in order to prevent this objection,
I combine the electrolytic cells E with the batteries B, to overcome this defect,
and obtain practical results.
Figures 17 and 18 show diagrams similar to Figure 15. In Figure 17 are
shown the cells E, and battery B, in one branch of a circuit and work M and R
in the other, while Figure 18 shows the cells E and battery B together with
work M in one branch and work W in the other. The work M in these figures
is shown as an electro-magnet which, when a current flows through it, may alter
the electrical conditions of either or both of the circuits. For instance the
electro-magnet may be the field magnet or armature of a dynamo or motor or may
simply be the magnet of an electro-magnetic key or switch or the like.
Figure 19 shows a diagram in which the cells E, are in one branch of a circuit,
while the battery B, is in the other. This arrangement would cause the battery B
to offer a counter electro-motive force to a current passing through its branch in
one way and assist a current in the other, while the cells E would offer a counter
electro-motive force to a current through its branch from either way, and the two
would still be combined in the local circuit formed by the two branches so that
B

page_text: the counter electro-motive force of the cells E would check the current producing
force of the batteries. Of course, work could be placed in either or both
branches of this circuit.
Figure 20 shows how the cells E, and batteries B, can be combined on a circuit
by alternating them or placing them in any other order. It must be borne in
mind however that the number of batteries and cells must be so proportioned as
to cause one to counteract or predominate over the other, in a way adapted to the
uses or requirements which may be met. Or that one or more of the cells may be
short-circuited in order to allow the current producing batteries to prevail over
the cells and produce variations of current which will correspond to the number of
cells short-circuited.
I can very readily vary the electro-motive force or counter electro-motive force,
existing in the circuit by short-circuiting one or more of the electrolytic cells,
thus altering the proportion of the number of batteries to the number of
electrolytic cells. This short-circuiting will not in any way injure the electrolytic
cells but it is obvious that such procedure would be very harmful for primary
batteries.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is
1. The herein described method of controlling an electric current in either of
two branches of a circuit, consisting in opposing the passage of current in either
of them by the counter electro-motive force of one or more electrolytic elements
having non-attackable electrodes, and adjusted as described in their counter
electro-motive force to the potential at which it is desired that currents should
flow or cease to flow, as, and for the purpose, set forth.
2. The method of regulating an electric current by first forming a derived
circuit current and opposing its passage by the counter electro-motive force of
one or more sets of electrolytic elements having non-attackable electrodes, and
second, in employing the magnetic effect of the current in one
or the other
branch for the purpose of regulating a current, substantially as, and for the
purpose, set forth.
3. The combination with a main circuit, the electrical constants of which are
known and the current in which is to be maintained below a fixed limit, of a
regulating circuit placed as a shunt around said main circuit and including an
electrolytic pile having non-attackable electrodes, substantially as described.
4. The combination with a main circuit the current in which is to be regulated
of a shunt circuit including an electrolytic pile having non-attackable electrodes
and an electro-magnetic device which is operated by a current flowing in the shunt
circuit to divert the current in the main circuit, substantially as described.
5. The combination with a main circuit, the current in which is to be
maintained below a fixed limit, of a regulating shunt circuit including an
electrolytic pile having non-attackable electrodes, and arranged in such relation
with the said main circuit that when a current flows in the shunt circuit the
electrical condition of the said main circuit will be altered, substantially as
described.
6. The herein described method of regulating or governing an electric current,
consisting in opposing the flow thereof in either of two branches of a circuit by a
current generator, and opposing the flow of current from said generator on short
circuit through said branches by the counter electro-motive force of an electrolytic
element or elements.
7. The herein described method of converting alternating into direct currents,
consisting in opposing the flow of current of one sign and assisting the flow of
current of the other sign in each of two branches by current generators, and
opposing the flow of current from said generators on short circuit by the counter
electro-motive force of an electrolytic element or elements.

page_text: 8. In the local circuit formed by dividing an electric circuit into two closed
circuit branches, the combination of one or more electrolytic cells with one or
more current generators, the counter electro-motive force of the cells being
approximately equal to the electro-motive force of the generators, substantially as,
and for the purposes, specified.
9. In an electric circuit divided into two branches, electrolytic cells having
non-attackable electrodes in combination with current generators having their
poles arranged in the branches respectively, as described, so that if a current be
flowing in the circuit in one direction the generators assist the electrolytic cells in
opposing the current in one branch but assist the current in overcoming the counter
electro-motive force of the cells in the other branch, substantially as, and for the
purpose, specified.
1.03 $
10. The herein described method of regulating the flow of alternating currents,
consisting in establishing two branches of circuit, opposing the flow of currents
of one sign and assisting the flow of currents of the other sign by a current
generator in a branch of said circuit and balancing the current of said generator on
short circuit through the branches by the counter electro-motive force of lan
electrolytic element.
Dated this 17th day of 2pm 1997.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.