Improvements in or connected with Electric Railways or Electric Transport.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 29th June, 1895
Complete Specification Left, 29th Apr., 1896-Accepted, 29th June, 1896
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or connected with Electric Railways or Electric
Transport.
I, JAMES GRIEVE LORRAIN, M.I.E.E., M.J. Mech. E., of Norfolk House,
Norfolk Street, Strand, London W.C., in the County of Middlesex, Chartered
Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention (as communicated to
me from abroad by Frederick C. Esmond, of Brooklyn, in the State of New
York, United States of America, Electrical Engineer) to be as follows:-
This invention relates to an improvement in electric railroads, and particularly
to that class of such railroads where an insulated main conductor, underground, or
elsewhere, is electrically connected with contact points, at suitable intervals
throughout the line, on the surface of the ground or elsewhere, and wherein
electrical connection is established to the motor from said contact points by means
of contact makers, carried by the car, and in electrical connection with the motor,
which are arranged with the movement of the car, to engage and make electrical
connection with said contact points. In electric railroad systems of this class, it
has been usual to interpose in the circuit connection between the main line and
the contact points referred to, circuit controllers operating normally to open the
circuit, but when acted upon by some influence exercised as the car passed over
them, the circuit controllers close the circuit to the motor, through said contact
points, and contact makers, as stated.
These circuit controllers have been operated mechanically, magnetically and
electrically. My invention the nature of which is here disclosed, is intended to
operate in conjunction with a system of electric railroad of the character, generally
speaking, of that described, and is designed more particularly for the purpose of
supplying means whereby the circuit controller may be operated electrically, to
bring in the main line to the motor, as the car passes over the contact points.
The general system of railroad being familiar in the art, it is unnecessary for me
in this application to do more than describe my particular improvement, and make
reference in a general way to those parts of the system with which my invention
co-operates.
My improvement consists in using say two contact points and two contact makers
carried by the car, to make contact with the contact points in combination with a
circuit controller for completing the motor circuit, which is operated by a magnet
whose circuit is closed through one or both of the contact points.
I have by way of a type or example illustrated in the accompanying drawing a
particular design for such contact points, set in the lid of a box, intended to contain
the circuit controller and to be sunk into the ground, until the top of the box is
level with the surface of the ground, these boxes being placed at suitable intervals
throughout the line, and in convenient proximity to the car so that the contact
points can be engaged by the contact makers carried by the car.
lu the drawing Figs. 1 and 2 are vertical sections of the contact box taken in
planes at right angles, and Figs. 3 and 4 are diagrams illustrating the system or
some of the systems included within the invention.
A is a box preferably cast in one piece, and open at the top; it is provided with
shoulders or brackets a' and a' and a² and a³.
B is a lid for the box made to fit closely therein, and to rest on the brackets a'

page_text: and a, a gasket is preferably interposed to secure a tight joint. The lid B is
provided with two apertures or openings to receive the bolts C and C¹ which are
insulated from the lid and at the upper end terminate in heads convex in form,
hereafter referred to as the contact points, and screw-threaded at the other end.
These bolts fit closely into openings in the lid, and preferably have gasket bearings
to make a tight joint.
D and D are bars or braces with central apertures screw-threaded to receive
the screw-threaded end of the bolts C and C¹, their ends which are insulated bear
on the under side of the shoulders a' and a', and when the bolts C and C' are
screwed home, brace the lid firmly in position; c² and care slots to receive a screw
driver.
It will be observed that the bolts C and C are electrically connected with the
braces D and D' respectively, though each point and brace is insulated from the
other, and from the box. Binding posts D and D³ are provided on the braces D
and D'. The box is made practically moisture proof.
E is a plate of insulating material seated in the box and sustained by the
brackets a, a, and e¹ is a similar plate, on the bottom of the box. I may, however,
insulate the entire interior of the box if found desirable.
X is a chamber to receive the circuit controller, consisting of a magnet X¹
and switch X"
This arrangement of box I find to be a convenient form by which I may employ
two contact points in operating the system, as it forms an inexpensive and compact
receptacle for the circuit controller, and the top of the box serves to carry the
contact points, to which electrical connection is made by binding posts in the
interior of the box. But I may vary the form.
In the arrangement of the box described herein I may sink the box into the
earth to a level with the surface thereof, and preferably under the car or in con-
venient proximity thereto; and as heretofore stated these boxes are placed at
suitable intervals throughout the line. I then establish circuit connections
controlled by the circuit controller to one or both of the contact points according
to the character of the circuit controller, that is to say, whether the same is
operated by a shunt or series coil. Any kind of circuit controller adapted for the
purpose, and any arrangement of circuit connections by which my contact point
arrangement may permit a circuit controller to be operated to bring in the main
line, may be employed. When the circuit controller is in position, I then close the
box and screw in the contact points.
As heretofore stated the circuit controller normally holds the circuit connection
to the contact points open, hence these points are, electrically speaking, dead
throughout the line, until the circuit controller is affected electrically and operates
to close the circuit connections, when the contact point or points thus brought into
connection become alive.
The purpose of the double contact point will now be seen, that is to say, to
furnish a circuit connection to the circuit controller, through which a circuit may
be closed to operate the circuit controller, and at the same time, to bring in the
main line to make the corresponding contact point or points electrically alive, and
when suitable contact is made to establish circuit connection to the motor. In the
arrangement shown, I have placed these double contact points in close proximity.
I consider this a convenient arrangement. I also prefer to place the contact points
in a line at right angles to the track.
The form and construction of the contact makers carried by the car, which may
be employed, may also be varied to conform to the character of the circuit con-
troller employed and the source of electric motive force. It is sufficient for the
purpose of this application to state, that in connection with my double contact
point arrangement, I employ two contact makers carried by the car to engage said
contact points, to establish electrical connection between the main line and car as
the latter passes over said points.
It will be manifest that the operation of a system of electric railroad wherein

page_text: my double contact point is employed may be varied according to the character of
the circuit controller and contact makers used to co-operate therewith; and
according to the source of electric motive force employed to operate the circuit
controller. Suffice it to say in this application that, in the operation of such
systems wherein my double contact point is employed, I employ a source of electric
motive force to operate the circuit controller, by bringing either one or both of the
contact makers into the circuit of such electric motive force and employ either one
or both of the contact points to complete the circuit to the circuit controller, that
is to say, should one of the contact makers be caused to make electrical contact
with one of the contact points, a circuit could be made to ground through an
electro-magnetic circuit controller, operating the same to bring in the main line to
the other contact point and thence through the other contact maker carried by the
car to the motor; or a circuit may be completed through said two contact makers
and two contact points and electro-magnetic circuit controller, to operate the same
to bring in the main line circuit to one or both of the said contact points, and
thence to complete the same through the contact makers to the motor.
This operation is of course repeated as the car travels, aud as the contact makers
make electrical contact with the contact points, it will be appreciated, of course,
that as the contact makers leave the contact points they become again normally
electrically dead.
I may also state that the source of electric motive force employed to operate
the circuit controller may be one of several that may be carried by the car to
complete an auxiliary circuit, or the main line may be utilized for the same purpose
in several different ways.
In Figs. 3 and 4 of the drawings there is illustrated the manner of working the
invention more in detail, in two modified ways which have already been referred to.
In Fig. 3, T represents the wheels of an electrically propelled car or
locomotive running upon rails R which are grounded and may form one part of
the circuit, as is now customary. The double contact points or spots are arranged
in pairs, 1, 2, 3, 4, and collectors P, PI, moving with the car bridge from one set
of contacts to the next, so that at all times they rest upon at least one pair of
points.
The motor M has one terminal connected to the collector P1, and the other
grounded at the wheels. ss are switches connected to one set of the contacts,
as 2, 4, and normally standing open under the influence of gravity or a spring, as is
customary in the art. When any one of these switches is closed it connects the
corresponding contact point with an insulated supply conductor or feeder S,
forming the other branch of the main circuit. For throwing the switches,
magnets m, m' are provided, grounded at one terminal, and connected at the
other to the contacts 1, 3, etc., which I sometimes term the auxiliary or switching
contacts. A storage battery U, or other source of electro-motive force upon the
car has one terminal grounded, and the other joined to the collector P. Whenever,
therefore, the two collectors rest on one set of the double contacts, the battery
circuit is completed through the corresponding magnet and the ground closing the
switch between the supply conductor and the other set of contact points from
which the current flows to the motor by collector Pl. As the collectors pass from
one set of points to another, the switching circuit is established, and the magnet-
become energized, lifting the switches of the successive sections so that the motor
circuit is maintained constantly closed.
In Fig. 4 the same parts are shown, with a modifiel arrangement of the switching
circuit. The pick-up magnets are, in this case, permanently connected across the
contact points, making up each pair, and the battery or other generator, is joined
to the two collector bars. The line-closing switches are connected to the maguet
circuit between the contacts, so that when the switch is closed the main currenc
may pass to the motor from both sets of contacts and both collectors, which are
coupled to one of the motor terminals, as indicated. The operation of the invention
will now be clearly understood.

page_text: As an important feature in the invention, I call attention to the fact that contact
points or spots are used as distinguished from rail sections of considerable length.
In practice these points are much superior to the rail sections especially when a
double set is employed, for the difficulty of maintaining the necessary insulation is
greatly lessened, the cost of the structure is decreased and trouble at crossings and
switches is largely avoided. By using contact points they may be located as
shown, in the cover of a switch-box, so that there is comparatively small difficulty
in supporting and insulating them, and the structure as a whole is capable of ready
renewal.
Dated this 29th day of June 1895
J. G. LORRAIN.
Chartered Patent Agent.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or connected with Electric Railways or Electric
Transport.
I, JAMES GRIEVE LORRAIN, M.1.E.E., M.1. Mech. E., of Norfolk House,
Norfolk Street, Strand, London, W.C., in the County of Middlesex, Chartered
Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention (as communicated to
me from abroad by Frederick Carleton Esmond, of Brooklyn, in the State of New
York, United States of America, Electrical Engineer) 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 an improvement in electric railroads, and particularly
to that class of such railroads where an insulated main conductor, underground, or
elsewhere, is electrically connected with contact points, at suitable intervals
throughout the line, on the surface of the ground or elsewhere, and wherein
electrical connection is established to the motor from said contact points by means
of contact makers, carried by the ear, and in electrical connection with the motor,
which contact makers are arranged, with the movement of the car, to engage and
make electrical connection with said contact points.
In electric railroad systems
of this class it has been usual to interpose in the circuit connection between the main
line and the contact points referred to circuit controllers operating normally to
open the circuit, but which when acted upon by some influence exercised as by the
car passing over them, close the circuit to the motor through said contact points
and contact makers as stated.
These circuit controllers have been operated mechanically and electrically. My
invention the nature of which is here disclosed, is intended to operate in con-
junction with a system of electric railroad of the character, generally speaking, of
that described, and is designed more particularly for the purpose of supplying
means whereby the circuit controller may be operated electrically to bring in
current from the main line to the motor as the car passes over the contact
points.
The general system of railroad being familiar in the art, it is unnecessary for ne
in this application to do more than describe my particular improvement, and make
reference in a general way to those parts of the system with which my invention
co-operates.
My improvement consists in using say two contact points and two contact makers
carried by the car to make contact with the contact points in combination with a
circuit controller for completing the motor circuit which is operated by a magnet
whose circuit is closed through one or both of the contact points all as will now be
more particularly described.
I have by way of a type or example illustrated in the drawings left with the

page_text: Provisional Specification a particular design for such contact points set in the lid of
a box, intended to contain the circuit controller and to be sunk into the ground until
the top of the box is level with the surface of the ground; these boxes being
placed at suitable intervals throughout the line and in such position that the
contact points can be engaged by the contact makers carried by the car.
In the said drawings
Figs. 1 and 2 are vertical sections of the contact box taken in planes at right
augles to one another, and
Figs. 3 and 4 are diagrams illustrating the system or some of the systems included
within the invention.
A is a box preferably cast in one piece and open at the top; and it is provided
with shoulders or brackets a' and a' and a² and a².
B is a lid for the box made to fit closely therein, and to rest on the brackets a' and a',
a gasket being preferably interposed to secure a tight joint. The lid B is
provided with two apertures or openings to receive the bolts C and C' which
are insulated from the lid and at the upper end terminate in heads convex iu
form, hereafter referred to as the contact points, and screw-threaded at the other
end. These bolts fit closely into openings in the lid, and preferably have gasket
bearings to make a tight joint.
D and D¹are bars or braces with central apertures screw-threaded to receive the
screw-threaded end of the bolts C and C¹. Their ends which are insulated bear on
the under side of the shoulders a' and a', and when the bolts and C¹ are screwed
home, they brace the lid firmly in position. and ³ are slots to receive a screw
driver.
It will be observed that the bolts C and C¹ are electrically connected with the
braces D and D₁ respectively, though each point and brace is insulated from
the other, and from the box. Binding posts D2 and D³ are provided on the
braces D and D. The box is made practically moisture proof.
E is a plate of insulating material seated in the box and sustained by the
brackets a, a, and e' is a similar plate, on the bottom of the box. I may, however,
insulate the entire interior of the box if found desirable.
X is a chamber to receive the circuit controller, consisting of a magnet X¹ and
switch X".
This arrangement of box I find to be a convenient form by which I may employ
two contact points in operating the system, as it forms an inexpensive and compact
receptacle for the circuit controller, and the top of the box serves to carry the
contact points, to which electrical connection is made by binding posts in the
interior of the box. But I may vary the form.
In the arrangement of the box described herein I may sink the box into the earth
to a level with the surface thereof, and preferably in such a position that it will be
under the car or in convenient proximity thereto; and as heretofore stated these
boxes are placed at suitable intervals throughout the line. I then establish circuit
connections controlled by the circuit controller to one or both of the contact points
according to the character of the circuit controller, that is to say, whether the same
is operated by a shunt or series coil. Any kind of circuit controller adapted for
the purpose, and any arrangement of circuit connections by which my contact
point arrangement may permit a circuit controller to be operated to bring in the
main line, may be employed. When the circuit controller is in position, I then
close the box and screw in the contact points.
As hereinbefore stated the circuit controller normally holds the circuit connection
to the contact points open, hence these points are, electrically speaking, dead
throughout the line, until the circuit controller is affected electrically and operates
to close the circuit connections, when the contact point or points thus brought into
connection becomes or become alive.
The purpose of the double contact point will now be seen, that is, to furnish a
circuit cou.ection to the circuit controller, through which a circuit may be closed
to operate the circuit controller, and, at the same time, to bring in the inain line to

page_text: make the corresponding contact point or points electrically alive, and when suitable
contact is made to establish circuit connection to the motor. In the arrangement
shown, I have placed these double contact points in close proximity. I consider
this a convenient arrangement. I also prefer to place the two contact points in a
Jine at right angles to the track.
The form and construction of the contact makers carried by the car which may
be employed may also be varied to conform to the character of the circuit controller
employed and to the source of electric motive force. It is sufficient for the purpose
of this application to state, that in connection with my double contact point
arrangement I employ two contact makers carried by the car to engage said
contact points to establish electrical connection between the main line and car as
the latter passes over said points.
It will be manifest that the operation of a system of electric railroad wherein my
double contact point is employed may be varied according to the character of the
circuit controller and contact makers used to co-operate therewith and according
to the source of electric motive force employed to operate the circuit controller.
Suffice it to say in this application that, in the operation of such systems wherein
my double contact point is employed, I employ a source of electric motive force to
operate the circuit controller, by bringing either one or both of the contact makers
into the circuit of such electric motive force; and I employ either one or both of
the contact points to complete the circuit to the circuit controller, that is to say,
should one of the contact makers be caused to make electrical contact with one of
the contact points, a circuit could be made to ground through an electro-magnetic
circuit controller, operating the same to bring in the main line to the other contact
point and thence through the other contact maker carried by the car to the motor;
or a circuit may be completed through said two contact makers and two contact
points and electro-magnetic circuit controller to operate the same to bring in the
main line circuit to one or both of the said contact points, and thence to complete
the same through the contact makers to the motor.
This operation is of course repeated as the car travels, and as the contact makers
make electrical contact with the contact points. It will be appreciated, of course,
that as the contact makers leave the contact points these become again normally
electrically dead.
I may also state that the source of electro-motive force employed to operate the
circuit controller may be one of several that may be carried by the car to complete
an auxiliary circuit, or the main line may be utilized for the same purpose in several
different ways.
In Figs. 3 and 4 of the drawings there is illustrated the manner of working
the invention more in detail in two modified ways which have already been
referred to.
In Fig. 3, T represents the wheels of an electrically propelled car or locomotive
running upon rails R which are grounded and may form one part of the circuit,
as is now customary. The double contact points or spots are arranged in
pairs, 1, 2, 3, 4, and collectors or contact makers P, P, moving with the car bridge
from one set of contacts to the next, so that at all times they rest upon at least one
pair of points.
The motor M has one terminal connected to the collector P', and the other
grounded at the wheels. ss are switches connected to one set of the contacts,
as 2, 4, and normally standing open under the influence of gravity or a spring, as
is customary in the art. When any one of these switches is closed it connects the
corresponding contact point with an insulated supply conductor or feeder S, forming
the other branch of the main circuit. For throwing or closing the switches,
magnets m, m³ are provided grounded at one terminal and connected at the other
to the contacts 1, 3, etc., which I sometimes term the auxiliary or switching
contacts. A storage battery U, or other source of electro-motive force upon the
car has one terminal grounded, and the other joined to the contact maker P.
Whenever, therefore, the two collectors rest on one set of the double contacts

page_text: the battery circuit is completed through the corresponding magnet and the ground
and closes the switch between the supply conductor and the other set contact point
from which the current flows to the motor by collector P¹. As the collectors pass.
from one set of points to another, the switching circuit is established, and the
magnets become energized, lifting the switches of the successive sections so that
the motor circuit is maintained constantly closed.
In Fig. 4 the same parts are shown, with a modified arrangement of the switching
circuit. The coils of the pick-up magnets m, m' are, in this case, permanently
connected across the contact points, making up each pair, and the battery, or other
generator U, is joined to the two collector bars. The line-closing switches are
connected to the magnet circuit between the contacts so that when the switch is
closed the main current may pass to the motor from both contacts and both
collectors which are coupled to oue of the motor terminals as indicated. The
operation of the invention will now be clearly understood.
As an important feature in the invention, I call attention to the fact that mere
contact points or spots are used as distinguished from rail sections of considerable
length. In practice these points are much superior to the rail sections especially
when a double set is employed, for the difficulty of maintaining the necessary
insulation is greatly lessened, the cost of the structure is decreased and trouble at
crossings and junctions is largely avoided. By using contact points they may be
located as shown, in the cover of a switch-box, so that there is comparatively little
difficulty in supporting and insulating them, and the structure as a whole is capable
of ready renewal.
It will be obvious that my invention is not confined to railroads in the strict
meaning of the term. The contact points may be set in an ordinary street or road
& rails be dispensed with.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion (as communicated to me from abroad) and in what manner the same is to.
be performed, I declare that what I claim is :-
1. The arrangement and combination of parts and circuits for supplying current
to a moter on a car substantially as set forth.
2. The switch-box substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
3. The combination of switch box and switching mechanism substantially as and.
for the purpose set forth.
Dated this 29th day of April 1896.
J. G. LORRAIN..