IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR REGULATING ELECTRIC CURRENTS
Year: 1882

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake,
& Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for an Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR REGULATING ELECTRIC CURRENTS."
A communication from abroad by Achille de Khotinsky, of Paris, France,
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 17th January 1882.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR REGULATING
ELECTRIC CURRENTS." [A communication from abroad by Achille de Khotinsky
of Paris, France.]
In the application of the energy of electric currents for lighting purposes, either
by incandescence or by a voltaic arc, or for the transmission of power or the like,
it is necessary, not only to regulate such energy but also to economize the motive
force which is to be spent in its production.
This Invention has for its object to provide an automatic current regulator
which is based on the following principles.
First To establish by means of a conductor with variable resistance, a derivation
in the circuit of the current operating upon the bobbin of a dynamo-electric
machine (either an exciting or a generating machine) before its entrance into the
coils of the inducing electro magnets, and so provide means for varying the electro
motive force of the principal current.
Secondly. To establish a derivation with variable resistance, in the circuit of
the current operating upon the bobbin, before its entrance into the coils of the
electro-magnets, and at the same time to place in the circuit of the current which
excites the electro-magnets of the inductor, another resistance whereby variations
in the intensity of the principal current can be obtained.
1
In Figures 1, 2, 3, of the accompanying Drawing I have represented diagrams
illustrating the arrangement of my improved regulator in which the variable
resistance is a liquid column.

page_text: •
Diagram I represents the arrangement of the apparatus, the magnetic field being
produced by an exciting machine. A is an exciting machine; B is a generating
machine. The current of the exciting machine A leaves the brush a, passes through
the induction-coils of the said machine and of the generating machine; it reenters
the coil through the other brush b. From the brushes a and b two conductors lead,
one of which is connected with the conducting plate.c placed at the bottom of a
vessel C and the other ends at a small conducting rod d. The rod d is fixed to
the arm or lever e, f, which is in its turn fixed upon the axis of the coil of an
electric motor.D. The collectors of the motor, D are connected, with the con-
ductors E and F of the principal circuit so that the useful current tends to make
the bobbin of the motor D turn, in the manner of the hand of a watch, for
instance.
Supposing that an equilibrium has been obtained by opposing to the motive
couple a spring with a regulating screw, or a weight P, so long as the intensity
of the current remains the same the arm or lever does not change its position, but
as soon as the electric pressure between the two points g and h changes (increases
for instance) by reason of the diminution in the number of lights, or of motors, the
end of the arm e, f descends like the hand of a watch. The rod d touches the
liquid (acidulated water) in the vessel C; the conductors G and H are then con-
nected, thus establishing a derivation in the current of the coil of the exciting
machine.
The current which goes through the derivation depends on the difference
between the resistance of the conductors coiled round the electro-magnets of the
exciting machine and of the generating machine on the one hand, and that of the
vessel C on the other hand. This last resistance depends on the height of the
liquid in the vessel, the surfaces of the conductors c and d remaining constant.
It will be readily understood that the derivation of the principal current in the
regulator D causes its bobbin to move until the resistance of the vessel C (the
conductors c and d) re-establishes equilibrium. The contrary will take place when
the intensity of the current shall have diminished.
In order to give to the working of the regulator more regularity and sensi-
tiveness, which is necessary in certain cases, I may arrange on the arme of the
arm e, f, another rheostat I, as is shewn in the diagram (Figure 2) and I place it in
the general circuit of excitation. The diminution of resistance of the rheostat C
thus brings about simultaneously the increase of resistance in I, and consequently
in the whole exciting circuit. The angle of inclination of the arm or lever ef can
thus be considerably diminished without diminishing the effect obtained, for the
difference of the resistance increases more rapidly.
The diagram shewn by Figure 3 represents the arrangement of the regulator
applied to a dynamo-electric machine working without an exciting machine. The
letters refer to the same parts in Figures 2 and 3 as in Figure 1.
'
To the arm e, f, is tixed a glycerine-pump p whose piston has an aperture that
can be made to vary at will. The pump serves to ease the movements of
the arm.
Instead of the regulator with hydraulic resistance which I have just described, it
may be preferable in certain cases to use as a resistance, wires or strips of platinum,
or German silver; or other metal. The principle of the regulator will always
remain the same, and the arrangement represented in Figure 4 for instance, may be
employed.
In this Figure A is the exciting machine; B, B are the generating machines.
The useful current passes along the conductors E F. The current of the exciter
leaves the brush a passes around the inductors of the exciting machine, then along
the wire coiled upon the magnets of the generators B B; it enters by means of
the contact-plate c into the half ƒ of the rheostat C, and, traversing the resisting
conductor which surrounds it returns to the exciter A by way of the conductor e, b.
The derivation of the current goes from the brush a towards the other balf of the
rheostat C, passes through the resisting conductor coiled around the insulating

page_text: The
cylinder g and enters the coil of the exciter A by way of the conductor e, b.
rheostat is composed of two cylinders f, g of similar diameter and made of some
insulating material. These two cylinders receive their motion by means of a
pinion h which communicates to them a rotation in contrary directions, so that the
resisting conductor, unc iling from one cylinder, coils around the other. The
terminals of the resisting conductor are connected, one with the axis of the cylinder f,
the other with the axis of the cylinder g. In the part of the resisting conductor
which is free and between the two cylinders, is arranged a sliding contact-plate e
connected with the brush b of the exciter. This contact-plate divides, so to say,
into two parts, the resistance-conductor; one of its parts is in the circuit of the
exciting current and consequently increases its resistance; the other is in the
derived circuit, and there plays the same part but in the contrary direction.
The different lengths which may be given to the resisting conductor on both
sides of the sliding contact-plate e are of essential importance. The regulation
rests upon the fact that by diminishing the length of the wire coiled upon one
cylinder, I increase, by the same length, the portion arranged upon the other
cylinder. If, for instance, all the resistance of the cylinder g is transferred to the
cylinder f, the current produced by the coil of the exciter A, induced by the residual
magnetism, will be derived in the direction a, d, e, b, which presents least resistance
as compared with the exciting circuit a, c, e, b. It is clear that at this moment
there will be hardly any current in the principal circuit E, F. On the contrary
if it be the cylinder g which carries all the resistance the effect obtained will be the
reveise, that is to say, a complete excitation of the electro-magnets of the generator
will be produced, and consequently the maximum of intensity in the useful circuit
obtained. The intermediate positions will produce intermediate effects.
In order that the apparatus may automatically regulate the principal current;
the axis of the pinion h is connected with the electric motor G whose rotary
direction may change with the direction of the current. This double operation is
effected by means of an inverting commu ator H which in its turn is set in motion
by an electric motor K, similar to that represented in Figures, 12 3. It is to the
shaft of this motor that the inverting commutator H is fixed.
In order that, under the influence of inertia, the coil of the resisting motor
(rheostat) G should not go beyond the position of equilibrium, the inverter H closes,
by means of a contact spring, the circuit of a brake L. This brake L is composed
of two halves of a horse-shoe electro-magnet, fixed one upon the other by means of
a hinge s as shewn in Figure 5. In the interior the two branches of this magnet
carry blocks xy which press against the shaft of the motor when the current
traverses the electro magnet, and which consequently moderate the motion of the
latter.
Instead of the arrangement shewn in Figure 5, that represented in Figure 6
may be employed in which x and y are the blocks of the brake, z the electro-
magnet, and w an armature of soft iron guided by two rods w'.
I may, if desirable, operate upon the brake blocks by means of a solenoid or any
other magnetic device acting upon them either directly, or by means of suitable
proper transmitting devices.
It is obvious that the use of this improved regulator economizes the expenditure'
of motive power each time that the useful current diminishes; the magnetic change
of the exciter and generator also becomes less.
The forms, dimensions, and details arrangements of the parts of this regulator,
as also the nature of the resistances which are therein used, may vary without in'
any way changing the nature of my Invention.
;

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said William Robert Lake in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
17th July 1882.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR REGULATING
ELECTRIC CURRENTS." A communication from abroad by Achille de Khotinsky,
of Paris, France.
In the application of the energy of electric currents, for lighting purposes (either
by incandescence or by a voltaic arc), for the transmission of power, or for like
purposes, it is necessary not only to regulate the amount of such energy, but also to
economize the motive force which is to be spent in its production..
This Invention has for its object to provide for the automatic regulation of the
current and is based on the following principles, viz:-
First: To establish, by means of a conductor with variable resistance, a derivation
or shunt circuit in the circuit of the current operating upon the armature of a
dynamo-electric machine (either an exciting or a generating machine) before its
entrance into the coils of the inducing electro-magnets, and so provide means for
varying the electro-motive force of the principal current.
Second. To establish a derivation or shunt circuit with variable resistance in the
circuit of the current operating upon the armature before its entrance into the coils
of the electro-magnets, and, at the same time to place in the circuit of the current
which excites the electro-magnets of the inductor another resistance whereby.
variations in the intensity of the principal current can be obtained.
In the accompanying Drawing:-
-
Figures 1, 2 and 3 are diagrams illustrating different arrangements of the
improved regulator in which the variable resistance is obtained by means of a
liquid column.
Figure 4 represents a modification.
Figures 5 and 6 are detail views.
Figure 1 represents an arrangement of the apparatus, the magnetic field being
produced by the exciting machine A. B represents a generating machine. The
current of the exciting machine A leaves the brush a, passes through the induction
coils of the said machine and of the generating machine, and re-enters the arinature
through the other brush b. From the brushes ab lead two conductors, one of
which is connected with the conducting plate cat the bottom of a vessel C, and the
other terminates at a small conducting rod d. The rod d is fixed to the arm or
lever ef which is in its turn fixed upon the axis or shaft of the armature of an
electro-motor D. The collectors of the motor D are connected with the conductors
EF of the principal circuit, so that the useful current tends to make the armature
of the motor D turn on its axis.
It is clear that the motive couple depends upon the intensity of the current in
the conductors E and F.
Assuming that an equilibrium has been obtained by opposing to the motive
couple a spring with a regulating screw, or a weight P, so long as the intensity of
the current remains the same, the arm or lever will not change its position, but as
soon as the electric tension between the two points g and h changes (increases for
instance by reason of the diminution in the number of lights, or of motors) the
end of the arm or lever ef descends, the rod d touches the liquid (acidulated water)
in the vessel C and the conductors G and H are then connected, thus establishing
a derivation or shunt circuit in the current of the armature of the exciting
machine.

page_text: The current which traverses the derivation or shunt circuit depends on the
difference between the resistance of the conductors coiled around the electro-
magnets of the exciting machine and of the generating machine on the one hand;
and that of the vessel C on the other hand. This last resistance depends upon the
height of the liquid in the said vessel the extent of surfaces of the conductors c and d
remaining constant. It will be readily understood that the derivation or shunt.
circuit of the principal current in the regulator D causes its armature to move
until the resistance of the vessel C and the conductors c and d .re-establishes
equilibrium. The contrary will take place when the intensity of the current
becomes diminished.
In order to give to the working of the regulator more rapidity and sensitiveness,
which is necessary in certain cases, I may arrange, on the arme of the lever ef
another rheostat I, as is shewn in Figure 2, and place on the general circuit of
excitation. The diminution of resistance of the rheostat C thus brings about
simultaneously the increase of resistance in I and consequently in the whole
exciting circuit. The angle of inclination of the arm or lever ef can thus be con-
siderably diminished, without diminishing the effect obtained, because the difference
of the resistances increases more rapidly.
Figure 3 represents the arrangement of the regulator applied to a dynamo-electric
machine working without an exciting machine.
To the lever ef is fixed a glycerine pump p whose piston has an aperture that
can be made to vary at will. The pump serves to ease the movements of the
lever.
Instead of the regulator with hydraulic resistance, above described, it may be
preferable, in certain cases, to use as a resistance, wires or strips of platinum, German
silver or other metal. The principal. of the regulator will always remain the same,
and the arrangement represented in Figure 4 for instance, may be adopted.
In this Figure, A is the exciting machine, B B are the generating machines. The
useful current passes along the conductors E F. The current of the exciter leaves:
the brush a passes around the inductors of the exciting machine, along the wire
coiled upon the magnets of the generators B B and then by means of the contact
plate centers the half.f of the rheostat C and traversing the resisting conductor
which surrounds it, returns it to the exciter A by the conductor e b. The derivation
of the current goes from the brush a towards the other half of the rheostat.C passes
through the resisting conductor coiled around the insulating cylinder g and enters:
the armature of the exciter A by the conductor e b.
1.
The rheostat C is composed of two cylinders f g of equal diameter and made of
some insulating material. These two cylinders receive their motion by means of a
pinion which communicates to them rotary motion in contrary directions, so that
the resisting conductor, uncoiling from one cylinder, coil, around the other. The
terminals of the resisting conductor are connected, one to the axis of the cylinder f.
the other to the axis of the cylinder g. In the free part of the resisting conductor
and between the two cylinders, is arranged a sliding contact plate e connected with
the brush b of the exciter. This contact plate so to speak divides the resistance
conductor into two parts; one of its parts is in circuit of the exciting current, and
consequently increases its resistance, the other is in the derived circuit, and there
plays the same part, but in the contrary direction.
The different lengths which may be given to the resisting conductor on both sides
of the sliding contact plate e are of essential importance. The regulation is based.
upon the fact that, by diminishing the length of the wire coiled upon one cylinder,
I increase by the same length the portion coiled upon the other cylinder. If, for:
instance, all the resistance of the cylinder g is transferred to the cylinder f the
current produced by the armature of the exciter A induced by the residual mag-
netism, will be derived in the direction a de b which presents the least resistance
as compared with the exciting circuit a c e b. It is clear that at this moment there
will be hardly any current in the principal circuit E F. On the contrary, if it be
the cylinder g which carries all the resistance, the effect obtained will be the

page_text: reverse, that is to say, a complete excitation of the electro-magnets of the
generators will be produced, and consequently the maximum of intensity in the
useful circuit. The intermediate positions will produce intermediate effects.
In order that the apparatus may automatically regulate the principal current;
the axis of the pinion h is connected with an electro-motor G whose rotary
direction may change with the direction of the current. These two operations are
effected by means of an inverting commutator H which in its turn is set in motion
by an electro-motor K similar to that represented in Figures 1, 2, and 3.. It is to the
shaft of this motor that the inverting commutator H is fixed.
The apparatus operates in the following manner:-Assuming that at a given
moment all is in equilibrium, that is to say, that there is a proper tension in the
principal conductors, and that then, on account of the diminution of useful resistance
(expenditure for lighting or other purposes) the tension in the principal conductors
increases. The intensity of the current which produces the magnetic field of the
regulator K will increase and the regulator will deviate to the right at the same
time the "inverter" H will touch the contacts mn which will determine the closing
of the circuit between the motor G and the principal current E F; the motor G will
turn, and will diminish the resistance of the derivation; the tension in the principal
circuit will diminish and consequently the magnetic field of the regulator K will
also diminish.
When the magnetic field of the regulator K recovers its primitive value it
enters into equilibrium and opens the circuit in the contacts m n of the inverting
commutator H.
In order that under the influence of inertia the armature of the resistance motor
(rheostat) G should not go beyond the position of equilibrium the inverter H closes
by means of a contact, the circuit of a brake L. This brake Lis composed of two.
halves of a horse-shoe electro-magnet, fixed one upon the other' by means of a:
hinge 8 as shewn in Figure 5. In the interior, the two branches of this magnet
carry blocks xy which press against the shaft of the motor when the current
traverses the electro magnet, and consequently retard the motion of the said shaft.
Instead of the arrangement shewn in Figure 5, that represented in Figure 6 may
be employed in which x y are the blocks of the brake, z the electro-magnet,
and w an armature of soft iron guided by two rods w¹.
I may, if desirable, operate upon the brake blocks x y by means of a solenoid, or.
any other magnetic device acting upon them, either directly or by means of suitable
transmitting devices.
It is obvious that the use of this improved regulator economizes the expenditure
of motive power, because each time the useful current diminishes, the magnetic.
field of the generator and of the exciter also becomes less.
The forms, dimensions and detailed arrangements of the parts of this regulator,
as also the nature of the resistances which are therein used, may be varied without
in any way changing the nature of the said Invention.
"
Having thus fully described the said Invention as communicated to me by my.
foreign correspondent and the manner of performing the same I wish it understood.
that I claim
First. The combination, with an exciting machine A and a dynamo-electric
generator B of a regulator consisting of an auxiliary electro-motor D connected
with the principal circuit and actuating a lever ef tixed on the shaft of the
armature of the said motor,.the said lever being provided with a spring or weight P.
which counterbalances the action of the motor, and carrying at its opposite end a
small conducting rod.d which closes a shunt circuit GH the resistance of which
varies in proportion to the height of the liquid in the vessel C, all substantially as,.
and for the purposes, set forth.
.
Second. The combination, with an exciting machine A and a dynamo-electric.
generator B of a regulating apparatus consisting of an electro motor D connected
with the principal circuit and carrying on its armature shaft a lever e f acted upon
by a spring or weight P counterbalancing the action of the said motor, the said.

page_text: lever being provided with two vessels or rheostats containing liquid and placed
one on each side of the fulcrum of the lever in such a manner that the vessel C
which closes the circuit of the exciting machine causes simultaneously the resistance
of the general field circuit of the generator to be increased by means of the liquid
in the vessel I, substantially as above described in reference to Figure 2 of the
accompanying Drawing and for the purpose specified.
Third. The combination, with a dynamo electric generator working without
any exciting machine, of a regulating apparatus consisting of an electro-motor D,
a lever ef fixed on the armature shaft of the said motor, and a counterbalancing
spring or weight P, a glycerine pump p and a rheostat or vessel containing liquid
and closing a resisting shunt circuit, all operating substantially as above described
in reference to Figure 3 and for the purposes set forth.
Fourth. The combination, with one or more dynamo-electric generators B and an
exciting machine A, of a regulating apparatus consisting of a rheostat having two
cylinders of the same diameter actuated through a pinion h, by an electro-motor
provided with an electric brake L and having its rotary motion controlled by a
second similar motor K, upon the armature shaft of which are fixed a lever with a
counterbalancing spring or weight P and a commutator or inverter having four
mercury cups k l m n, all combined and operating upon the circuit of the exciting
machine and the general field circuit of the generators according to the fluctuations
of the current in the useful circuit, substantially as described in reference to
Figure and for the purposes set forth.
Fifth. An electric brake consisting of two bar electro-magnets pivotted one upon
the other, by means of a hinge and each carrying a block, substantially as above
described in reference to Figure 5 and for the purposes set forth.
Sixth. An electric brake consisting in the combination of two blocks xy with
one or more armatures w guided by rods w¹ in the cores of an electro-magnet zas
shewn in Figure 6 or actuated by a solenoid or other suitable magnetic device,
substantially as, and for the purpose, specified.
In witness whereof I the said William Robert Lake have hereunto set my
hand and seal this Fifteenth day of July in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and eighty two.
WT. ROB. LAKE. (L.S.)