Electrical Apparatus for Automatically Actuating Ventilators, Flue dampers, Throttle Valves, also for Controlling Regulating Sources of Power.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 10th Apr., 1897
Complete Specification Left, 24th Dec., 1897-Accepted, 9th Apr., 1898
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
and
Electrical Apparatus for Automatically Actuating Ventilators,
Flue dampers, Throttle Valves, also for Controlling
Regulating Sources of Power.
-
I, HARRY EDWARD YERBURY, Power Station, St. George, Bristol, Electrical
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
My invention relates to an apparatus whereby any desired temperature can be
maintained in enclosures-such as incubators, hot-houses, conservatories, public
and private rooms and the like.
It consists essentially of an adjustable form of mercury thermometer which may
be set at any desired degree. Electrical contact is made and circuit formed when
mercury rises or falls within the prescribed limit which the adjustable contacts may
at the time be set. The apparatus for controlling the ventilator, flue damper or
throttle valve regulating the supply of steam, gas, hot air, water or other agent
consists of two electro-magnets or solenoids fixed to a frame or board.
To the armature of each magnet a metal rod is attached, which extends each side
of a notched wheel fitted on the valve, flue damper, or ventilator spindle, and is
kept in position by a guide block and spiral spring.
On the end of each rod is a spring catch which corresponds with; and works in
the notches or teeth of said wheel and is kept in position by a small spring, so that
if one of the armatures is attracted by its electro-magnet, the wheel is turned
towards that magnet. Brushes bear on contact strips on either side of wheel,
whereby the circuit is completed to battery or electric lighting mains, or other
source of electricity. The circuit is broken as soon as the toothed wheel has made
one quarter, one half or one complete revolution as the case may be; the brush
on the one side then bearing on an insulated strip. Assume temperature has risen
above that which it is desired to maintain, the mercury rises and makes contact
and the electro-magnet on the one side is energised immediately attracting its arma-
ture, and by a succession of contacts, and breaks, the ventilator is opened, flue
damper actuated or valve closed, as the case may be.
When mercury falls due to temperature lowering, electrical communication is
again made, but to the opposite magnet or solenoid, its extended armature engages
in teeth of said wheel moving it in the reverse direction, thereby closing venti-
lator or opening throttle or other valve or damper as the case may be. In certain
cases I prefer to adopt the principle of expansion and contraction of metals to
effect the making and breaking of electrical communication to apparatus in place
of mercury contacts.
My apparatus is applicable for the prevention of "racing" in marine and all
classes of engines. In governing marine engines a balancing device is fitted at
one end of vessel and in the event of vessel "pitching" causing propellor to be
above water electrical contact is made by the rocking arm before engine has time
to race and communication is made and circuit closed to controlling gear at throttle
valve which instantly cuts off the amount of steam passing to high pressure cylin-
der. (This can be adjusted to any requirement.)

page_text: The moment vessel regains herself the balancing device then in an horizontal
position, contact is again made and the throttle or other valve actuated, but in
the reverse direction which instantly opens valve to its normal position, when the
electrical continuity is broken, as herein before described. The apparatus can be
arranged for the power of an electro-motor to actuate valve, or by the admission
of steam to a small relay cylinder the action of piston rod varying the length of
cut-off, or travel of valve in the main cylinder of engine, or directly controlling
the amount of steam passing through the throttle valve of engine. My apparatus
can be adapted to govern steam, gas or oil engines, also the speed of motor cars
or locomotives also the output of dynamos and motors either by automatically
inserting or cutting out resistances, or coils, or altering lead of brushes according
to load on machine. My device may be used as a 'fire alarm" in which case I
insert an electric bell in the circuit, and at the same time alarm bell is rung, the
water service is opened by apparatus as herein before described.
66
A low water alarm for boilers with automatic feed may be worked in like manner.
The principle of my apparatus is the same in all cases but it is distinctly to be
understood the device with slight modifications is adapted for other purposes than
those herein before stated.
Doted this Oth dow of April 1897
Electrical Apparatus for Automatically Actuating Ventilators,
Flue
also
dampers, Throttle Valves,
for Controlling and
Regulating Sources of Power.
-
I, HARRY EDWARD YERBURY, A.I.E.E., Power Station, St. George, Bristol,
County of Gloucester, Assistant Electrical Engineer, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement, and illustrated by
Figures I, II, III and IV in the accompanying drawings:-
-
My invention relates to an apparatus whereby any desired temperature can be
maintained in enclosures such as incubators, "hot-houses, conservatories, public
and private rooms and the like.
Figue I is a diagrammatical view showing the general arrangement of the appara-
tus for actuating the ventilator, flue-damper or throttle valve regulating the supply
of steam, hot air, water or other agent. It consists of two electro-magnets or
solenoids A and B fixed to a frame or board.
To the armature of each magnet a hollow metal rod D is attached which extends
cach side of a notched or toothed wheel C fitted on the valve, flue-damper or venti-
lator spindle and is kept in position by spring roller guides E which allow the
rod a certain amount of side play, necessary for ratchet wheel moving in either
direction. On the end of each rod is a catch or pawl F which corresponds with,
and works in the notches or teeth of said wheel so that if one of the armatures
is attracted by its electro-magnet the wheel is turned towards that magnet. The
pawls are so shaped in their engagement with teeth of ratchet wheel, that when
one is in action, the pawl on the opposite side is forced out as each tooth comes in
contact with it, the rod D making a slight angle each time against the action
of the spring roller guides E.
Immediately after each attraction of armature, the circuit is broken at point K¹,
and the apparatus being in a vertical position, the rod and pawl falls by its own

page_text: weight into the position shown in Fig. I when it will be seen that the pawl on
either side, is ready to actuate wheel when the circuit is again closed.
Attached to rod D is a circuit-breaker J. On the rim of wheel C is fixed a cir-
cular contact strip of brass H; the two halves of circle being insulated by pieces
of fibre I and I.
Brushes G G and G2 bear on these contact strips on either side of wheel, where-
by the circuit is completed to battery or electric lighting mains or other suitable
source of electricity.
The brushes G¹ and G³ can be lengthened or shortened to bear at different points
on contact strip H. An important feature of this contact making and breaking
device is that by varying the angle and length of brushes G¹ and G2 to bear at
different points on strip (as shown by dotted line Fig. 1) any desired movement of
the wheel may be thereby effected; the circuit being broken when the brush on
the one side bears on the fibre I¹ or I2.
Assume magnet A is energised it immediately attracts armature and circuit
is broken at point K¹.
When apparatus is working in a vertical position, the armature's own weight
causes it to fall and thereby again make contact at point K' and by a succession of
contacts and breaks, the ventilator is opened, flue-damper actuated or valve closed
as the case may be. When working in a horizontal position a small spring L
causes armature to return and again close the circuit through magnet coils.
The path of current is shown by arrow heads.
Fig. II illustrates the adjustable form of mercury thermometer used in con-
junction with Fig. I when the apparatus is applied to maintain a constant tempera-
ture in such places as incubators, hot-houses, public and private rooms and the like.
D is a large bulb filled with mercury with glands E at either end, making a tight
joint with glass tubing F and rod G being free to rise and fall with expansion and
contraction of mercury. C is a float attached to extension rod G made of alu-
minium or other suitable metal, tipped with platinum at either end where contact
is made and broken.
H1, H2 and H3 are terminals with leads communicating to controlling apparatus
and to battery on other source of electricity.
Terminal H is connected to positive pole of battery. Terminal H¹ to magnet A
and terminal H³ to magnet B. (Path of current shown by arrow heads.) A
graduated scale of degrees S1 and S2 is provided so that thumb screws A and B
may be adjusted and set at any desired degree to bring the controlling apparatus
into operation.
The action of the combined apparatus is as follows. Assume a temperature
ranging between 85° and 90° is desired to be maintained. Adjusting screw A is
set at 90° (denoted by scale) and adjusting screw B is set at 85°. As the tempera-
tre rises the mercury expands and raises float until it makes contact with screw A
(at point A). Electrical continuity is then established and magnet A, Fig. I is
energised immediately attracting its armature, and by a succession of contacts and
breaks the ventilator is opened, flue-damper actuated or valve closed as the case
may be.
When mercury falls due to temperature lowering, electrical communication is
again made by the extension rod of float making contact with screw B (at point B¹)
thereby energising magnet B which causes wheel to be moved in the reverse
direction, thereby closing ventilator, valve or other body as the case may be sub-
stantially as herein before described.
It will be readily understood that the apparatus in accordance with my invention
may be modified as regards details, and therefore I do not confine to actual details
described and illustrated, for instance:-When used as a "fire alarm " or other
purpose where a small current only is required I prefer to use a sealed U-shaped
glass tube Fig. III similar to an ordinary spirit and mercury thermometer (gradu-
ated for heat and cold).
The bulb D is filled with alcohol which also occupies a portion of the tube. The

page_text: remainder of tube is partly filled with mercury which occupies the portion shaped
like the letter U; one extremity of the mercurial column being in contact with
the alcohol already mentioned, while the other extremity is in contact with a second
column of alcohol and beyond this (in bulb E) is a small space occupied only with
air, so as to leave room for the expansion of the liquids.
Three wires would be sealed in tubing and connected to terminals H¹ H2 and H³.
To the sealed wires at H¹ and H³ would be connected flexible copper leads, to the
ends of which would be attached contact pieces B and C made of iron or steel
which would be set at any desired degree by the attractive force of a magnet being
applied from outside of tube. Terminals H¹ H3 and H³ are connected in the same
manner as shown in Fig. II.
Assume apparatus Fig. I was required to operate when temperature rose above
90° and also when it fell below 70° contacts B and C would be set at 70°
and 90°. As the temperature rose the alcohol in the bulb D would expand and
push the mercurial column before it, until it made contact at C. Electrical con-
tinuity would then be established and apparatus brought into operation.
As the temperature fell the alcohol would contract and the mercurial column
following it, would break contact at C and rise in the opposite leg of tube and
make contact with B thereby energising opposite magnet of apparatus and thus
actuating valve, ventilator or other body in the reverse direction as herein before
described.
In certain cases the principle of expansion and contraction of metals (of varying
coefficients of expansion) would be adapted to effect the making and breaking of
electrical communication in place of mercury thermometer, and where several revo-
lutions of the ventilator or valve spindle are required; a pinion P (Fig. I) would
be geared and ratchet wheel C would then act as a spur wheel.
My apparatus is applicable for the prevention of "racing" in marine and all
classes of engines.
In governing marine engines a simple balancing device Fig. IV is fixed at or
near the stern of vessel. It consists of a fixed virtical tube B with rocking arm A
pivoted at centre. On one side is fixed a bracket C with adjustable contact D
which is capable of being raised or lowered to any requirement to bring controlling
apparatus at throttle valve into operation when vessel is in a certain inclined plane.
In the event of the vessel "pitching" causing propeller to leave the water,
electrical contact is made and rocking arm is raised and breaks contact at E and
making contact at D completes circuit and actuates valve before engine has time
to race, instantly cutting off steam passing to high-pressure cylinder.
This can be adjusted to any requirement. The moment vessel regains herself,
the balancing arm then in a horizontal position contact is again made at E and
the throttle or other valve actuated but in the reverse direction which instantly
opens valve to its normal position when the electrical continuity is broken as herein
before described. (Path of current shown by arrow heads.)
The apparatus can be arranged to close the circuit to an electro-motor to actuate
valve gear or by the admission of steam to a small relay cylinder, the action of
piston rod varying the length of cut-off or travel of valve in the main cylinder of
engine, or directly controlling the amount of steam passing through the throttle
valve.
My apparatus can be adapted to govern the speed of motor cars or locomotives.
From the axle of car or locomotive a tachometer or speed indicator would be fitted,
with electrical contacts thereby closing circuit, when the index needle or finger
moved beyond or below certain fixed points, so that in the event of a car gaining
a higher speed than that which it is desired to maintain, the controlling apparatus
at valve, switch, or resistance, as the case may be, would be brought into operation
and the motive power thereby reduced, or entirely cut off.
The contact finger would again close the circuit when the speed fell, thereby
energising opposite magnet of apparatus, when the valve, switch, or resistance
would be opened to normal extent.

page_text: The output of dynamos or motors can also be controlled by apparatus.
In certain cases I insert the magnet coils of apparatus in shunt with field coils
of dynamo or motor so that a certain known current will actuate armatures of con-
trolling device and thereby insert or cut-out resistances or coils, or alter "lead"
of brushes according to load on machine; and in certain cases to automatically
increase the field of shunt dynamos so as to produce an effect similar to over-com-
pounding.
My device may be used as a "fire alarm in which case I insert an electric bell
in the circuit and at the same time alarm bell is rung, the water service may be
opened by apparatus as herein before described.
A low water alarm for boilers with automatic feed may be worked in like manner;
in which case the apparatus to actuate valve of injector or pump to feed boiler,
would be brought into operation by a float which would rise and fall with the
level of water in boiler, in the same manner, and with the same connections as that
shown in Fig. II. An electric bell could be connected in the circuit so that an
alarm would be sounded when the water got below a certain predetermined level.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said in-
vention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is:-
:-
1. An electric regulating or controlling apparatus arranged to operate substan-
tially as herein before described, and for the purposes hereinbefore enumerated and
for analogous purposes.
2. Adjustable form of mercury thermometer or other temperature indicator,
with contacts that may be set at any desired degree (either by thumbscrews or
a magnet) operating substantially in the manner and for the purpose hereinbefore
described.
3. An electrical regulating and controlling apparatus consisting of a pair of
electro-magnets or solenoids with armature and extension rod, whereby contact
is made and broken by same; and by the succession of makes and breaks, the
ratchet wheel of valve, ventilator, or other body is actuated; all substantially as
herein before described.
4. In an electrical automatic regulating or controlling device, the combination
of adjustable thermometer and adjustable controlling gear actuating ventilators,
flue-dampers, throttle valves and the like. The apparatus constructed substantially
as described and operating at all times with a positive action in the manner set
forth.
5. In a marine engine emergency governor, the apparatus directly actuating
throttle (or other) valve being brought into operation by an improved adjustable
balancing device, acting only when vessel is in an inclined plane, at such time as
a ships propeller may leave the water, and thus prevent engine racing.
Dated this 23rd day of December 1897.
HARRY EDWARD YERBURY.