Improvements in Electric Inductive Translators or Transformers and in Means for Regulating them.
Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 27th Apr., 1887.
Specification Accepted, 24th June, 1887.
Improvements in Electric Inductive Translators or Transformers
and in Means for Regulating them.
I, WILLIAM MAIN, of No. 857 Marcy Avenue, in the City of Brooklyn, in the
State of New York, United States of America, Electrical Engineer, do hereby declare
the nature of my said invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC INDUCTIVE
TRANSLATORS OR TRANSFORMERS, AND IN MEANS FOR REGULATING THEM," 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 apparatus for translating or converting high-tension
currents on one circuit into low-tension currents on another, or vice versa.
In the distribution of electric energy from a central source to a distant point where
the current is consumed, it is desirable to employ currents of high-tension, in order
that the loss of energy in transmission may be reduced to the minimum, and in order
that the line-conductors may be of small size and consequently inexpensive. The
transmission of such currents is thus conducive to economy both in the first cost and
in the subsequent operation of the installation. But for those purposes wherein the
consumed currents must be of considerable volume and low tension, notably in
electric lighting by incandescence the transmission of high-tension currents over the
line is inadmissable unless some means be provided for converting them into low-
tension currents before they reach the consuming devices.
It is also frequently desirable to feed various current-consuming devices with
electric currents of different character, some of high tension and low volume, others
of low tension and high volume, but all derived from the same source.
These facts have led to the invention of various systems of electric distribution in
which the character of the current is changed by special devices before it is finally
utilized. The following are the most important methods suggested for this purpose.
1. Distribution through secondary batteries. The line or high-tension circuit is used
to charge the accumulators, and when charged they are disconnected therefrom and
connected to local circuits, being at the same time coupled in different order, whereby
they supply to their local circuits currents of low tension and considerable volume,
suitable for incandescence lighting.

page_text: 2. Distribution of alternating currents through induction-coils. The line is fed
with high-tension alternating currents, which traverse in series the fine-wire primaries
of induction-coils. The local circuits are connected in multiple to the coarse-wire
secondaries of these coils, whereby alternating currents-of-high-volume and low
tension are induced in-the local circuits.
3. Conversion of continuous high-tension into alternating low-tension currents.
The line is fed with high-tension currents-which are distributed by a commutator into
the high-resistance primaries of a series of induction-coils-entering them successively,
and being alternately reversed-in-cach coil. The low-resistance secondaries of tho
respective coils each feed a separate local circuit with alternating currents of low
potential.
-4.-Conversion_of_continuous line currents into continuous induced currents of
different character, by means of a series of induction-coils with primary and secondary
commutators. The line is fed with (for example) high-tension currents which are-
distributed through the primary commutator to the primaries of the induction-coils,
which they enter successively, being alternately reversed in each coil. The alternating
currents thereby induced in the secondary coils are collected and rectified by the
secondary commutator, and discharged to the local circuit as continuous currents of
(for examplo) low-tension and considerable volume. The induction-coils may be
proportioned to_convert_any_character of current into a current of any other.
character.
The 4th of these systems affords the best promise of practical success, and it-is-
mainly to this that my present invention relates, although it is in part applicable to
-the 3rd system.
The inductive translator" heretofore designed on which my invention is most
immediately an improvement, may be described as follows:
"
The series of induction-coils consists of a-Gramine-ring wound with primary and
_secondary coils, with their terminals carried to the segments of the respective com--
mutators. The ring and commutator segments are stationary, and the brushes of the
two commutators are both mounted on one shaft, and revolved together, whereby
their synchronous movement is assured (or, the ring and segments may revolve and-
the brushes may be stationary). The arrangement is thus essentially that of a series
of induction-coils with their primaries joined together and connected, between them,
to the segments of the primary commutator, and their secondaries joined together and
connected to the segments of the secondary commutator. The line-current thus flows
-through the primaries around opposite halves of the circle or ring, on opposite sides
of what may be turned a neutral line" which revolves with the commutator-brushes;
'and the currents induced in the secondary coils flow in opposite directions on opposite..
sides of another neutral line, revolving with the first, but at right-angles thereto.
Each primary coil receives the line-current in one direction until the neutral-line, in
its revolution crosses, it whereupon the current is reversed for a half-revolution. The
resulting induced currents are crossed by the secondary neutral line at the instant of
their reversal, and as the secondary brushes at that instant reverse their relation to
the external local circuit, they aro rectified, and discharged to that circuit as con-
tinuous currents. Exterior to the Gramme ring is arranged a magnetic bridge or
body which affords an inductive magnetic connection between the opposite poles of
the ring, thereby intensifying the induction action. This bridgo rotates with the
rotating poles of the ring and with the rotating brushes of the commutators. By
setting it to follow the poles in their revolution it is made the means of imparting
rotary motion to the brushes, thus constituting an electro-motor and rendering the
translator self-propelling.
My present invention constitutes an improvement upon this machine, designed to
perfect it for practical application.
The principal object of my invention is to provide means for regulating the machine
and rendering it self-governing, in order that the character of current which it
gives out may be determined; within reasonable limits, by means of suitable

page_text: adjustments, and that when once thus determined the resulting current shall be
maintained practically uniform.
My invention also has for its object to render the translator equally capable of
receiving high-tension and giving out low-tension currents, or of receiving low-tension
and delivering high-tension currents.
My invention also aims to perfect and develop the mechanical construction of the
translator, in order to render it more efficient and economical.
To these ends I provide the inductive translator with speed-governing devices,
switches, and various electrical connections as will be presently described. I prefer
to construct the translator according to the system herein-above described, and to
make the induction coils and commutator-segments stationary and the commutator
brushes to revolve. I apply a brake to govern the speed of rotation of this shaft, tho
pressure on this brake being regulated by the action of electro-magnets, in such
imanner that the speed of rotation is so proportioned as to attain a uniform potential,
or a uniform volume of current, or other desired result, according to the adjustment.
Switches are provided by means of which various conditions may be effected for the
control of the brake, in order to determine the character of current to be given out
by the machine, and adapt it for various uses.
I will now proceed to describe in detail the preferred form of my translator, with
reference to the accompanying drawings wherein
-
Figure 1 is a plan view of the apparatus, on a reduced scale; Fig. 2 is a vertical
mid-section on a larger scale, cut in the plane of the line 2-2 in Fig. 1, and partly
in elevation; Fig. 3 is a plan view partly in horizontal section cut in the plane of the
line 33 in Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a similar plan in section on the line 4-4 in Fig. 2;
Figs. 5 and 6 are plans of details of the electrical connections, detached; and Fig. 7
is a diagram showing the electrical circuits and connections.
Referring first to Figs. 1 to 4, let A designate the base of the apparatus, on which
is mounted a fixed frame consisting of a horizontal plate A¹ supported rigidly on four
upright posts AA". On the base is fixed the Gramme ring B, and the two com-
mutators and D. In the center of the ring is stepped an
upright shaft E, the
upper end of which is guided by a bearing in the plate A¹. On this shaft are fixed
the brushes cc of the commutator C, and the brushes d d of the commutator D. A
revolving armature or magnetic yoke is also mounted on this shaft, with its
opposite ends or pole-pieces in close proximity to the Gramme ring.
These are the essential parts of the translator, without its governing or adjusting
devices. I will now proceed to describe in detail the parts thus far enumerated.
The Gramme ring B is preferably constructed with a core of soft iron wire
wound into an annular coil. Around this core are wound two series of coils, the high
and low resistance induction-coils. The low resistance coils C C consist of a few
turns of coarse insulated wire, wound directly upon the core. The high-resistanco
coils D¹ D¹ consist of many turns of comparatively fine insulated wire, wound around
the low-resistance coils. The construction is clearly shown in Fig. 2. The several
coils of each series have their terminals connected to one another serially, and to the
respective segments of the corresponding commutator, as is usual in the winding of
Gramme ring armatures. In the construction shown there are 24 coils to each series,
but more or less may be used, as desired. The coils are wound with radial centers
and parallel sides, leaving angular gaps between them on the outer side of the ring.
These gaps are filled with angular core-projections a a, each of which is slipped onto
the core from the outside, having the shape shown at the right in Fig. 2. These core-
projections are built up of thin sheets of iron, stamped out to the outline shown in Fig. 2,
those at the outside being successively shorter, in order to give them a wedge-shape
in plan, to fill the angular gaps between the coils. These projections a a constitute
substantially a part of the core, the effect being analogous to that of a core having
such projections formed upon it, as in the Brush armature.
The low-resistance-coils C C are connected to the segments of the commutator C,
and the high-resistance coils D' D' are connected to the segments of the commutator D.
The method of making these connections is clearly shown in Fig. 2.

page_text: The high-resistance commutator D is swept by brushes d d, which are carried by
arms ee fixed to the shaft E, but insulated therefrom and from each other. Their con-
struction is shown in Fig. 5, the brushes being mounted in clamps, pivoted on the rods, and
pressed against the commutator by the torsional tension of adjustable spiral springs ele.
From the clamp of each brush da wire d' leads, and passes into a vertical groove in
the shaft E (in Figs. 2, 3 and 5) through which it ascends to one or other of two
insulated grooved rings ff carried by the shaft near its upper end. In the grooves
of these rings rest the ends of take-off clamps I 1, (Fig. 2) the construction of
which is shown in Fig. 6. They are divided, the halves coming together to
engage the grooved rings, and being then clamped in place by nuts on screws 11,
which are fixed to but insulated from the plate A. Froin these screws I' I' wires
(not shown) lead eventually to the two high-resistance binding-posts H H².
The low-resistance commutator Cis swept by brushes cc carried by arms g g which
are fixed to the shaft E, but insulated therefrom and from each other, in like manner
to the arms e e. The brushes are mounted in clamps in the same manner as the
brushes d d. The electrical connection is from each brush through its elamp and its
arm g to a screw g¹ (Fig. 4) by which the arm is fastened to the yoke F (Fig. 3).
This yoko consists of a horizontal cross-plate mounted diametrically on the shaft E,
with vertical cores m m extending downward from the end of this plate, and termi-
nating in laterally-extended pole-pieces or plates nn, which come as close to the
Gramme ring B as possible, but do not touch it. On the cores mm are wound
coils G G of coarse insulated wire, which terminate at screws it, which screws pass
through the iron yoke-plate 1. The screws ii near opposite ends of the yoke-plato
make contact with conducting plates h h which extend thence toward and beyond the
middle, their ends being formed with are-shaped slots h h through which project the
screws. The screws and g' and the plates are all insulated from the yoke-
plate 1. The screws g¹y' serve not only to make electrical connection between the
commutator brushes cc and the plates hh, but also to mechanically clamp together
the brush arms gg and the magnetic yoke F. By loosening these screws the arms
and yoke can be adjusted to different relative angles, the screws g' g¹ moving in the
are-shaped slots h¹¹.
From the screws the electric connection is continued through wires jj', the
former of which extends up through a groove in the shaft E to a grooved ring k, and
the latter of which communicates through a plate with a grooved ring k'. In
the grooves of these rings krest the ends of take-off clamps J J (duplicates of the
clamps II) which lead to opposite fastening screws J J (Figs. 1 and 3). From
these screws the connections lead eventually to the low-resistance binding-posts L L
(Fig. 1).
All these circuit-connections may be readily traced in the diagram, Fig. 7. The
high-resistance circuit extends from one post H by wire 5 to take-off clamp I, and
thence through grooved ring f, wire d', brush d, commutator D, to outer coils D' D¹
of ring B, thence back by commutator D, the other brush d, wire d', ring f, and
clamp I, and by wire 6, switch M', wire 7 and wire 8, to the other post H.
The low-resistance circuit extends from one post L by wire 9 to clamp J, thence by
ring k, wire j, screw, through one coil G, by screw i, plate h, screw g¹, arm g,
brush c, commutator (to the inner coils of ring B, thence back by commutator (,
the other brush e, army, screw g', plate h, screw i, the other coil G, serew 2,
wire, ring, clamp J, and by wire 10, switch N', and wires 11 and 12 to the other
post L.
It will be observed that the coils G G receive a continuous current in one direction,
whereby the yoke F is magnetized, the plates n n constituting its opposite poles. The
flow of the primary current through the coils of the Gramme ring B develops
diametrically-opposite poles therein, as is well understood, and these poles revolve with
the commutator brushes. The yoke F is arranged with its N pole adjacent to the S
pole in the ring, and with its S pole adjacent to the N pole in the ring, thereby forming
a magnetic bridge extending diametrically from one pole of the ring to the other, the
effect of which is to establish a closed magnetic circuit, and consequently to intensify

page_text: the magnetic excitation of the ring. This effect will result whether the yoke is an
electro-magnet, or a permanent magnet, or a simple bridge of soft iron, but I prefer
to render it an electro-magnet, by supplying the coils GG, as thereby the magnetiza-
tion of the ring is increased by induction from the yoke.
The yoke is utilized as an electro-motor for driving the commutator-brushes by setting
it on the shaft E with its pole-pieces slightly behind the poles in ring, so that the
latter as they advance will continually attract the yoke, causing it to revolve, and
thereby revolving the shaft E with the brushes. The relative angles of the yoke and
brushes may be adjusted (within reasonable limits) without disturbing the electrical
connections, by loosening the screws g¹ g' and turning the parts to the desired relative
positions, which is permitted by the are-shaped slots h¹³, and then tightening the
screws again.
While I prefer to drive the commutator brushes by means of an electro-motor, I
wish it understood that I am not limited thereto, as it is not essential that the machine
bo self-propelling. In situations where there is shafting turning at uniform speed the
motor may be omitted, and the shaft E may be belted or geared to the shafting, or
other source of power. In that case the yolk F will still be used, either with or
without the coils G G. In that case also it may be necessary to provide some other
means of regulating the machine than the one which I shall presently describe.
In constructing a practical electric translator, it is highly important that it be
made capable of governing or regulating itself, in order not only to give uniform
results when running with uniform conditions in both the primary and secondary
circuits, but also to adapt itself to varying conditions of one or both of these circuits,
in order to compensate for such variations. It should be so constructed that the
electrician in charge may adjust it to any given conditions of primary current and
of consumption of energy in the secondary circuit, and having so adjusted it, he may
leave it running with the knowledge that it will automatically provide (within
reasonable limits) for the maintenance of the required conditions, notwithstanding
considerable change made from time to time in the demands upon the secondary or
consumption circuit. It should also, when desired, be capable of compensating irre-
gularities in the primary or supply circuit, although these are usually less in degree
than those arising in the secondary.
To this end my invention provides an electrically-controlled brake for governing the
speed of revolution of the shatt E. This brake is applied through a lever which
carries the armatures of two oppositely-acting electro-magnets, or groups of electro-
magnets, adjustable springs being provided to press against the lever. The action of
the magnets is controlled by switches, by means of which either group of magnets
may be cut out limb by limb. Other adjustments are also provided.
Before describing the electrical arrangements and operation I will describe the
mechanical construction of this brake and its operating mechanism, referring to Fig. 2.
The shaft E is stepped upon a coned pivot p fixed at the bottom of an oil well or cup K,
which holds a quantity of oil to lubricate the stepped bearing of the shaft. The upper
end of the shaft is reduced at 7 forming a journal which rotates in a sleeve O, which
sleeve is steadied by a tube q', forming part of a cap q", which is fastened to the top
plate A. The sleeve O is stationary, being pivoted by a universal joint to the middle
of a lever P. The bottom of this sleeve is formed with a disk 0, which comes in
contact with a disk E, which is fixed on the shaft E and turns therewith. An oil
cup K' is fixed on the shaft, and encloses the disks E' O' and journal 7, so that these
parts run in oil, thereby reducing friction to the minimum. The disk O' constitutes
the friction brake, being pressed downwardly against the disk E' with a pressure
varying from time to time. This pressure is communicated to it through the lever P.
This lever extends horizontally over the machine, and is jointed at its opposite ends to
rods o o, which extend thence downward, and bear the armatures of the respective
regulating magnets or groups of magnets T'S. The lever P has two fulcrum
hearings and, and is itself formed with coinciding pivot holes, through either
of which a fulcrum pin p' may be passed. In this way the fulcrum may be shifted

page_text: to either side of the center of the lever. Adjustable retracting springs u and u² are
placed under the opposite arms of the lever.
With the fulcrum at the left, as shown in Fig. 2, the magnets S, when excited, acts
to apply the brake, while the excitation of the magnet T tends to release the brake.
If the fulcrum is shifted, the effect of the two magnets is reversed.
The magnets T S each consist of four cores screwed into one base plate, each coro
being wound with an independent coil.
The armatures t s of the respective magnets TS, are magnetically connected with
the base plates thereof through the medium of central cores t' and s¹ respectively.
These cores have the armatures fastened to their upper ends, and are screwed upon the
rods o o, being thus vertically adjustable upon the rods in order to bring the armatures
closer to or farther from the ends of the four fixed cores of the magnets, and thereby
increase, or decrease the strength of the attraction. To permit of their vertical move-
ment they are passed freely through holes in the base plates.
The magnet T is the direct magnet, its coils being installed serially in the primary
and secondary circuits, while the magnet S is the shunt magnet, its coils being installed
in derivation. I will now explain the electrical connections of these coils with
reference to Fig. 7, where the four coils of each magnet are shown as if arranged in
a row, side by side. The magnet T has two coarse wire coils a' a³, for the low tension
circuit, and two coils 6' 62, of finer wire, for the high tension circuit. The magnet S
has four high-resistance fine wire coils ac² d' d. The eight coils make their connec-
nections through four switches MN M' N' (shown also in their preferred form in
Fig. 1). The high resistance switches M M have their levers connected by wires 7
and 8, with the binding post H. The low resistance switches N N' have their lovers
connected by wires 13 12 and 11 12 respectively, with the binding post L. Each
switch has four contact buttons or plates numbered 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively.
Nos. 1 and 2 connect with the liko numbered coils, No. 8 connects with the main
_ circuit cutting out the coils, and No. 4 is a blind contact, having no connection.
The coils of the shunt magnet S are controlled by the shunt switches N and M.
Button No. 1 of the switch N, connects by wires 14 15 with coil c¹, whenco
wires 16 17 lead to main wire 9, and thence to the other binding-post. Button No. 2
connects by wire 18 with coil 2, whence wires 19 15 lead to coil as before. Hence,
if the lever of this switch be turned to button No. 1, one coil c¹ will be in a shunt
of the low resistance circuit, and if it be turned to No. 2, two coils e² and c¹, will be
included serially in a shunt of that circuit. The buttons 1 and 2 of switch M are
connected in precisely similar manner to the coils d' d². Thus it is clear that by a
manipulation of the switches M N, the action of the shunt magnet S may be controlled
at pleasure, either one or two or neither of its coils being excited by a shunt from
either the primary or secondary circuit.
The coils of the magnet T are controlled by the direct switches M' and N¹, which
have their buttons 1 and 2, connected with the coils 62 and a¹ a² respectively, in
precisely similar manner to that already described with reference to switch N, except
that they are connected in series instead of shunt. Thus if switch M' for instance, bo
turned to button No. 1, the entire high-tension current passes through coil, and if
it be turned to No. 2, the entire current passes through coils 62 and 6 in series.
Contacts No. 3 of the direct switches MN are used to cut out the coils of magnet T,
causing the current to flow from one binding-post, through the commutator and
Gramme-ring, to the other binding-post. The contacts No. 3 of the shunt switches M N
are used to short-circuit the commutator and ring, causing the current to flow from
one binding-post directly to the other, and thereby throwing the machine out of
action.
I will now proceed to describe how the regulation of the machine for different con-
ditions is effected. The most important conditions are four in number, namely
A, Translating high-tension currents into low-tension currents of uniform potential;
B, Translating high-tension currents into low-tension currents of uniform volume;
C, Translating low-tension currents into high-tension currents of uniform potential;

page_text: and D, Translating low-tension currents into high-tension currents of uniform volume.
I will state the principal adjustments for these four conditions.
A. High into low-tension, uniform potential. Probably the most frequent use to which
my machine will be put is to operate incandescent lights in multiple-are from an
arc-circuit. The arc-circuit then becomes the primary, and the incandescent-circuit the
secondary. The former has a uniform current of varying tension; the latter must
have a uniform potential with a varying current, which should increase or diminish
in proportion as more or fewer lamps are lighted. In such case the are circuit from
which the machine is to be fed is connected to the binding-posts H H, and the in-
candescent or consumption circuit is connected to the posts L L. To adapt my
machine for this service the fulcrum pin of the lever P is put through the left-hand
hole, the left-hand spring is slackened, and the right-hand spring is tightened
until, the pressure on the brake is relieved, so that the machine will start freely when
the current is turned on. The coils of the magnet T may be shunted out by turning
the switches MN to the contacts 3, 5. The switches M N may be turned to the
contacts 1, 1, thereby shunting one primary and one secondary coil of the magnet S
into derivation with the primary and secondary circuits respectively, or to con-
tacts 2, 2, thereby shunting two coils into each circuit, or otherwise, as may be
required. When the machine is started its speed gradually increases until the
difference of potentials at the binding-posts becomes sufficient to shunt a derived
current through the coils c d sufficient to so magnetize the magnet S as to attract
its armatures, which pulls down on the lever P, overcoming the tension of the
spring, and applying the brake O' which checks the speed of rotation, and
reduces the secondary current to a given potential. The potential of the secondary
current will depend upon (1) the number of coils of the shunt magnet S in circuit,
(2) the proximity of the armature s to its poles, (3) the retractile force exerted
against the magnet S, and (4) the variations that may occur in the primary current.
So long as the primary current remains uniform, and the resistance in the secondary
circuit is unchanged, and the adjustments of the machine are not altered, the potential
of the secondary current will remain constant. A given potential being desired,
the machine must be so adjusted as to supply that potential. If it be too low for the
requirements it may be raised by either one or more of the following adjustments:
(1) by cutting out one or more coils of the magnet S from either the primary or
secondary circuit; or (2), by moving the armature s further from the poles of the
magnet or (3) by increasing the retractile force exerted against the magnets S; and
conversely, to lower the potential the opposite of either of these adjustments may be
made. To increase the retractile force it is necessary either (a) to slacken the
spring u, or (b) to tighten the spring u', or (c) to generate a counter-attraction by
switching one or more of the coils of magnet T into circuit, or, the latter being
already in circuit, (d) to lower the armature & into closer proximity to the poles.
The desired potential having being secured by adjustment, with a uniform
resistance in the secondary circuit, it is necessary to adjust for the compensation
for variations of resistance in that circuit. When more lamps are lighted in
multiple the resistance decreases and the potential falls; hence the magnet S relaxes
and the brake-pressure is relieved, thereby permitting the shaft to revolve faster,
until the original potential is restored. If the brake-pressure is relieved in an
insufficient ratio to effect this, or in a ratio so great as to more than compensate for
it, the adjustments must be altered accordingly until a proper compensation is
effected. It is unnecessary here to give minute directions for these adjustments, as
any competent electrician will be able to meet all practical requirements of adjustment
after a little time given to experimental practice.
Variations in the primary current may usually be ignored. The effect of a rise of
potential in the primary is to increase the excitation of the coils d' d², and so apply
the brake harder, thereby neutralizing the effect of the increase by reducing the
speed of rotation. The effect of an increase in volume is to more strongly excite the
coils, and consequently to relieve the brake and let the speed increase, which
apparently would aggravate the effect upon the secondary current, but in fact the

page_text: magnet S will act so powerfully to apply the brake, that it overcomes the opposing
tension of the magnet T, thus in fact reducing the variations of the attraction of the
latter to simply an automatically-varying retractile force.
B. High into low-tension, uniform volume. The machine might be used under theso
conditions for driving electro-motors of low resistance in series in a secondary circuit
fed by an arc-circuit. The arc-circuit is connected to posts H H and the consump-
tion circuit to posts L L as before. The fulcrum of the lever P will be shifted to the
right, spring will be slackened, spring u tightened, and the coils a' a³ of magnet T
used as the principal regulating coils. The magnet S will be used as a retractile force,
chiefly.
C. Low into high tension, uniform potential. If a circuit feeding incandescent
lamps in multiple were desired to feed higher resistance incandescent lanips or motors
in multiple, or a single are lamp, this condition might be desirable. The feeding or
supply conduit will be connected to binding posts L L and the high-tension consump-
tion circuit to posts H H. The fulcrum of lever P will be at the left, and the coils d³ d'
will be chiefly depended on for regulation.
D. Low into high-tension, uniform volume. This condition would occur if two or
more arc-lamps in series were desired to be fed from an incandescent-multiple circuit.
In such a case it might prove more convenient or economical to install one of my
translators in the circuit, than to erect a high-tension dynamo and drive it from
shafting or from a steam engine. The machine will be fed through posts I Land
will give out its induced currents through posts H H, as in the last case. The fulcrum
of lever P will be placed at the right, and the coils &¹² of magnet T will be chiefly
depended on to effect the regulation.
The regulating device may be modified in various ways, as will be well understood by
electricians. For instance instead of two coils of each kind, as a' a, b, etc., there
may be only one, or there may be three or more. The current through them may be
increased or diminished by switches or by the varying of shunted resistances, or in any
other way known to electricians. Solenoids may be used in place of magnets. The
grouping of the different kinds of regulating coils may be varied in any way desired,
to adapt the machine for any unusual conditions. For instance, instead of having
the shunt coils at one end of the lever P, and the direct-circuit coils at the other end,
the primary-circuit coils may be arranged at one end and the secondary circuit at the
other. These alternations are simply changes as are within the scope of practical
adaptation to suit different conditions, and do not affect the essentials of my
invention.
Nor is my invention limited to a Gramme ring. In Figs. 8 and 9 I have shown a
modification of my invention wherein a Siemens' drum armature is used, in place of a
Gramme ring. Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating the winding of the induction-coil;
and Fig. 9 is a side elevation of a translator with such winding.
Referring to these figures, the drum B is wound with coils of primary and secondary
wire each arranged in the same way as in the ordinary Siemens' drum armatures.
In Fig 8 I have here shown 7 segments to each commutator CD, numbered from 1
to 7. Commencing at segment 1 of commutator C, the coarse wire w passes around
the drum as many times as is desired, and terminates at segment 2. The fine wire v
from segment 1 of commutator D passes around the drum alongside or outside of the
coarse wire, but is wound with more turns, and terminates at segment 2. I have
shown the coarse wires as having only one turn, and the fine wires as having two
turns, around the drum. The yoke F with its coils G G is mounted on the shaft E,
as before, and its pole-pieces mm extend down and come close against the periphery
of the drum. This yoke constitutes as before the motor for driving the shaft, and the
brushes (not shown) are carried by the shaft as before described.
I have shown in Fig. 9 a wheel E' which may serve as a brake-wheel. In Fig. 10
(which is chiefly a diagram of the circuits) is shown a modification of the brake and
regulating mechanism, wherein a brake-shoe O is applied to the rim of such a
wheel E¹. A lever P having interchangeable fulcra ff, is connected at its end to
the core of a solenoid, or rather of two opposing solenoids, S¹ and T'. The former

page_text: is wound with direct and shunt coils in the low-tension circuit, and the latter with
direct and shunt coils in the high-tension circuit. Thus the coils and switches are seen
to be differently arranged from the construction first described. When any of the
coils of the magnet S₁ are being used as the chief regulating coils, the fulcrum will
be at when coils of magnet T¹ are so used, the fulcrum will be at f¹.
The constructions and arrangements of parts shown in Figs. 8, 9 and 10 are shown
simply as examples of the modifications of which my invention is susceptible.
It is not essential to my invention that the regulation of the machine be effected
through the medium of a friction-brake, as other means of controlling the machine
may be applied, as the judgment of the mechanician or electrician may dictate. One
feasible method is to vary the position of the commutator-brushes relatively to the
yoke F. It being remembered that the positions of the poles in the ring B is deter-
mined by the positions of the brushes which deliver the primary current, and that the
rotation of the brushes is due to the "lead" of these poles in advance of tho poles
of the yoke F, it is obvious that the rotative tendency of the yoke may be varied by
increasing or diminishing this lead, and that in this way the speed of rotation may be
controlled. If the magnets T and S bo connected in some way to the brushes, so
that as one or the other is more or less excited, the brushes will be advanced or retro-
gaded until an equilibrium is reached, a practicable method is attained of regulating
the machine.
Figs. 11 and 12 show a construction of translator which is regulated on this prin-
ciple. Fig. 11 is a plan partly in horizontal section cut on the line 11—11 ; and
Fig. 12 is a vertical section, cut on the line 12-12.
The Gramme-ring revolves, carrying the commutator segments, while the yoke F
and the brushes are stationary. The magnets S and T are connected as before to
opposite ends of a lever P, which in this construction is fulcrumed in the middle.
This lever carries brackets V V on which are mounted traction-wheels W W, either
of which if lowered by the descent of its side of the lever may touch an annular
rail X carried by the Gramme-ring. Each wheel W has a pinion w¹ which gears with
a toothed wheel y. The two wheels y y are fixed on opposito ends of a shaft Y,
which is hung in fixed bearings, and carries a worm Y¹. This worm meshes with a
worm-wheel Z which is fixed on a sleeve 2, on which sleeve are mounted the commu-
tator brushes c c and d d. When one inaguet S or T draws down its end of tho
lever P, the corresponding wheel W is moved against the track X, and is rotated
thereby, consequently rotating shaft Y and its worm, and consequently turning the
worin-wheel and the brushes either forward or back. When it is desired to regulate
by the opposite magnet, by S for example if T has been used, the tendency would be
to turn the brushes in the wrong direction. To correct this I provide two worms Y',
one having a right-hand and the other a left-hand thread, and both arranged to slide
like a sleeve on the shaft Y, and to be fastened thereon by a set-screw. In shifting
from one magnet to the other I slide this sleeve until the other worm is in mesh with
the wheel Z. The wheel turns at the same time. The brushes and sleeve may turn
with the wheel, and be afterward set to place, or a set-screw ¹ may be loosened
and the brushes held stationary while the wheel Z turns, after which it is tightened
again.
It is obvious that with my translator it is immaterial whether the coils are stationary
and the yoke and brushes revolve, or the coils revolve while the yoke and brushes are
stationary.
::
By the term "commutator as used herein I mean both the commutator segments
and the brushes. Either of these members may be stationary and the other rotative.
By a rotary commutator "I mean a commutator one member of which is rotative, as
distinguished from a vibratory commutator.
While my invention is designed chiefly for translators wherein the induced currents
are collected and rectified by a commutator, so that a single continuous induced
current is delivered from the machine, yet it is apparent that it is in part applicable to
those translators or transformers wherein there is no secondary commutator, and
which consequently deliver alternating currents to as many distinct secondary circuits
B

page_text: as there are distinct secondary induction coils. Whenever such a machine is desirable
my means of adjustment and control may be applicable, provided only that the electro-
motivo devices in the secondary circuits by which the control is effected are of such
character as to be suited to the alternating currents in those circuits.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention,
and in what manner the same is to be performed, 1 declare that what I claim is :-
1. An electric inductivo translator having a series of induction coils, and a commu-
tator for alternating the current in said coils, combined with an automatic regulating
device controlling the commutator and thereby governing the rapidity of alternation
of current in the coils, substantially as hercinbefore specified.
2. An electric inductive translator having a series of induction-coils, and a rotary
commutator for alternating the current in said coils successively, combined with an
electrically-controlled regulating device acting upon the commutator and thereby
governing the speed thereof and the rapidity of alternation of current in the said
'coils, substantially as hereinbefore specified.
3. An electric inductive translator having a rotary commutator, combined with an
electro-magnetically operated speed regulating device for controlling the speed of
rotation of the commutator, substantially as hereinabove specified.
4. An electric inductive translator having a rotary commutator, combined with a
speed-regulating device for controlling the speed of rotation of the commutator, and
an electro-magnet, installed in the secondary circuit, connected to and actuating said
speed-regulating device, substantially as specified.
5. An electric inductive translator having a rotary commutator, combined with a
speed-regulating device for controlling the speed of rotation of the commutator, and
an electro-magnet installed in the primary circnit, connected to and adapted to influence
said speed regulating device, substantially as specified.
6. An electric inductive translator having a rotary commutator, combined with a
speed-regulating device for controlling the rotation of the commutator, an electro-
magnet installed in the primary circuit, and an electro-magnet installed in the
secondary circuit, both of said magnets being connected to and adapted to influence
said speed-regulating device.
7. An electric inductive translator having a rotary commutator, combined with a
speed-regulating device for controlling the rotation of the commutator, electro-
magnets for actuating said device, and switches for controlling the excitation of said
magnets.
8. An electric inductive translator having a rotary commutator, combined with a
speed-regulating device for controlling the rotation of the commutator, an electro-
magnet for actuating said device, installed in one circuit, another electro-magnet
installed in the other circuit and tending to resist said actuating magnet, and means
such as described for varying the strength of said magnets.
9. An electric inductive translator having a rotary commutator, combined with a
speed-regulating device for controlling the rotation of the commutator, oppositely
acting electro-magnets for actuating said device, and adjustable retractile springs
acting upon said device.
10. An electric inductive translator having a rotary commutator, combined with a
speed-regulating device for controlling the rotation of the commutator, a lever con-
nected at its middle portion to said device, oppositely-acting electro-magnets for
actuating said device connected to said lever, and the fulcrum of said lever adjustable
to either side of its point of connection with said regulating device, whereby the action
of the respective magnets may be reversed.
11. An electric inductive translator having a rotary commutator, combined with a
speed-regulating device for controlling the rotation of the commutator, an electro-
magnet for actuating said device, installed in a shunt of the secondary circuit, and
means such as described for varying the strength of said magnet.
12. An electric inductive translator having a rotary commutator, combined with a
speed-regulating device for controlling the rotation of the commutator, an electro-

page_text: magnet for actuating said device, installed in a shunt of the secondary circuit, another
electro-magnet installed serially in the primary circuit, and adapted to act on said
regulating device in opposition to said shunt magnet, and means such as described for
varying the strength of said magnets.
13. An electric inductive translator having a rotary commutator, combined with a
speed-regulating device for controlling the rotation of the commutator, an electro-
magnet or magnets for actuating said device having two or more coils installed in
shunts of the primary and secondary circuits respectively, and a switch for cutting out
one or more of said coils.
14. An electric translator having a rotary commutator, combined with a speed-
regulating device for controlling the rotation of the commutator, an electro-magnet
or magnets for influencing said device, having two or more coils installed serially in
the primary and secondary circuits respectively, and a switch for cutting out one or
more of said coils."
15. An electric inductive translator having a rotary commutator, combined with a
speed regulating device for controlling the rotation of the commutator, electro-magnets
for actuating said device, with their coils installed in shunts and serially in the primary
and secondary circuits respectively, and switches for cutting out any of said coils,
whereby the apparatus is adaptable to different conditions of use.
16. An electric inductive translator having a rotary commutator, combined with a
friction-brake for controlling the rotation of the commutator, and electro-magnetic
devices for applying said brake.
17. An electric inductive translator having a rotary commutator, combined with a
friction brake for retarding the rotation of the commutator, an electro-magnet tending
when excited to apply said brake, another electro-magnet tending when excited to
release said brake, and means such as described for varying the relative pull of said
magnets.
18. An electric inductive translator having a rotary commutator with its rotating
member mounted on a shaft, combined with a friction-brake constructed to act longi-
tudinally of said shaft, and regulating electro-magnets adapted to press said brake
against said shaft with varying tension.
19. An electric inductive translator having a rotary commutator, combined with a
vertical shaft carrying the rotating member thereof, a stepped bearing for the lower
end of said shaft, an oil cup borne by the upper part of said shaft, a friction-brake
engaging said shaft within said cup, whereby it may be submerged in oil, and
regulating electro-magnets adapted to press said brake downward with varying.
tension.
20. An electric inductive translator combined with an electro-motor driving the
rotative member of its commutator and an electrically-controlled speed-regulator
acting upon the commutator and governing the speed of its rotation.
21. An electric inductive translator having a series of induction-coils, a rotary
commutator for alternating the current in said coils successively, an electro-motor for
driving the brushes of said commutator, and an adjustable connection between the
moving member of said motor and said brushes, whereby the one may be advanced or
retrogaded relatively to the other.
22. An electric inductive translator having a rotary commutator, a shaft carrying
the rotary member of the commutator, and a magnetic bridge reacting against the
coils, and thereby acting as an electro-motor for rotating said shaft, electro-magnetic
regulating devices, and suitable means actuated thereby for advancing or retrograding
the commutator brushes, whereby their lead relatively to said magnetic bridge is
automatically varied, and the speed of rotation is thereby controlled.
23. The combination with an electric inductive translator, its rotary commutator,
and a speed-regulating device for said commutator, of an electro-magnet for operating
said device, constructed with two or more cores connected together and acting on one
armature, and their coils installed in different circuits or branch circuits, and a switch
adapted to control the currents passing through said coils.

page_text: 24. The combination with an electric inductive translator, its rotary commutator,
and a speed-regulating device for said commutator, of an electro-magnet for operating
said device, and the armature of said magnet adjustable toward or from the poles
thereof to vary the pull of said magnet.
25. An electro-magnet consisting of two or more cores connected together through
one base-plate, a single armature receiving the attraction of said cores, and the several
coils connected in different circuits or branch circuits, in combination with a switch
adapted to cut out one or more of said coils.
26. An electro-magnet consisting of two or more cores connected together through
one base-plate, a single armature receiving the attraction of said cores, and a magnetic
connection between said armature and base plate consisting of a core projecting from
the one part and moving freely in a socket in the other.
Signed at New York. U.S.A this Twenty-sixth day of March 1887.
In the presence of
ARTHUR C. FRASER,
Solicitor of Patents,
Temple Court, New York.
WILLIAM MAIN.