Improvements in Controllers for Electric Motors.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 18th Mar., 1896-Accepted, 9th May, 1896
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Controllers for Electric Motors.
I, JAMES DEVONSHIRE, Secretary of The British Thomson-Houston, Limited,
of 38, Parliament Street, Westminster, London (a communication from abroad by
William B. Potter, Electrical Engineer, of Schenectady, in the State of New
York, United States of America), do hereby declare the nature of this invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly described
and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
My invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which―
Figure 1 is an elevation partly in section of my controller.
Fig. 2 is a series of diagrams showing several circuit connections established
under the various conditions of the controller.
Figs. 3, 4, and 5 are details.
Fig.
6 is a side elevation, partly in section of the controller.
Fig. 7, is a horizontal section on the line a', a of Fig. 1.
Fig. 8 is a plan of the contact cylinder and switch.
Fig. 9 is a diagram showing my controller applied to an electric tram car, so
that the same may be.operated from either end.
Figs. 10, 11 and 12 are details.
Fig. 13 shows a modified form of the invention.
Fig. 14 shows an alternative form of locking device.
Figs. 15 and 16 are details of the same.
Fig. 17 is a detail of the cut-out lock.
Fig. 18 is a series of circuit connections produced by my alternative form of
controller.
Figs. 19 and 20 are diagrams of circuits upon a more extended scale.
My invention relates to a controller known as a "series parallel controller"
by which two or more electric motors acting upon a common load, as for instance,
an electric locomotive, may be coupled either in series or in parallel in order to
give various degrees of speed and power to the driven mechanism.
My invention relates especially to the form of series parallel controller invented
by W. H. Knight and myself, for which a British Patent was granted on the
30th day of July 1892 No. 13920, the characteristic feature of said controller being
that the motors are first placed in series with resistance, the resistance is then
cut out, and the motors changed from series to parallel by first shunting one motor,
leaving the other motor in series with a resistance, and then placing the two
motors in parallel, further regulatiou being effected by modifying the field magnet
strength. The improvements which I have made, are, first, a modification of the
magnet used to extinguish arcs on the contact terminals, second, the application
of arc deflectors to the contact surface, third, an arrangement of the device by
which one motor may be cut out and the controller used to regulate the remaining
motor; fourth, the attachment of a locking device by which it is impossible to
operate the reversing switch except at a time when the controller is in the proper
condition, fifth, an improved reversing switch placed in the same box with the
controller, sixth, means for detaining the switch at certain points selected as
working positions, and lastly, certain details which will be hereinafter described
and claimed.
Referring to the drawings, it will be apparent that my controller consists in
general of a switch of the cylinder type, the rotation of which produces various

page_text: combinations of the circuits terminating at the switch. The circuit terminals
consist of a series of stationary contact springs placed in a line parallel with the
axis of the cylinder and bearing upon suitable contact rings or plates, which are
fastened to the cylinder so as to be rotated. the rewith and suitably insulated there-
from. This switch is inclosed in a suitable case provided with an external handle
for rotating the cylinder. In Figs. 1, 6, 7 and 13 D is the inclosing case which is
rectangular in shape, having one flat side adapted to be placed in position against
the dash board of a car or against any suitable supporting wall.
E is the shaft of the cylinder adapted to be operated by the main handle F.
G is an insulating cylinder having a series of insulating rings G₁ upon which
are fastened contact plates H. These conducting plates are annular in shape,
and form more or less complete rings, upon which a series of contact fingers
respectively bear.
The contact fingers are marked I, and as shown in Fig. 7 are each pivoted in a
bracket I which is attached to an insulating block J and forms a circuit terminal,
a binding post being attached thereto for connecting a line wire. They are, as
shown, composed of strips of metal having a kink or bend in their length by which
the furrowing or grooving of the contact strips is prevented. A spring constantly
presses the contact finger against the contact plate H, and the range of movement
of the finger is regulated by an adjusting screw f. It is obvious that as the
cylinder is turned, a greater or less number of the fingers will be bearing upon
the contact plates at any one time, and that if suitable connection is made between
certain ones of the contact plates, the turning of the cylinder will establish a definite
series of connections between the circuits which terminate at the respective contact
fingers I.
For interrupting any are which may be formed upon breaking contact between
any of the fingers 1 and the contact plates H, I have provided an electro-magnet K
which is placed in the inclosing case adjacent to the switch cylinder at its middle
point and which is provided with a pivoted pole piece N extending laterally in each
direction from the core of the magnet, and terminating at a point adjacent to the
line of contact fingers 1. The opposite end of the magnet core rests against the
back plate of the inclosing case, so that the latter forms a part of the magnetic
circuit. A ridge O is cast on the back plate of the inclosing case D at a point
opposite the pivoted pole piece N. By this arrangement, the point at which the
circuit is broken between fingers I and contact plate H is directly in the line of
the magnetic circuit, and any are will be interrupted, but to assist the magnetic
effect upon the are, I have provided at each finger I an arc deflector P consisting
of a small chute or chimney of insulating material into which the arc is forced by
what may be termed the "magnetic blast.". This deflector P is constructed of two
strips p p of fiber; placed transversely to the line, of any arc that would be
formed, the latter being bolted to the pivoted pole piece N, and the two strips
separated by a series of small partitions p³ which divide the space between the two
strips into a series of cells which form the chutes above referred to. The
partitions p have each two prongs curved to fit the circumference of the insulating
cylinder G, as shown in Fig. 7, so that they may also assist in separating the
successive contact plates H. It is obvious that the deflector P and pole piece N
to which it is attached can be readily swung outward as indicated by the dotted
lines in Fig. 7, so as to give ready access to the interior of the mechanism. The
pivoted pole piece is normally held in position by a set screw k.
:
In operating the controller it is desirable that there should be some means of
noting the different positions of the switch, where definite combinations of
circuits are produced, and for this purpose I in some cases simply attach to
the cylinder a star wheel Q, shown in detail, in, Fig. 4, and provide a. spring
pressed lever Q¹ carrying a friction wheel Q bearing in the notches of the star
wheel. The notches of the wheel will be so shaped that a small amount of
force will be required to turn the cylinder against the pressure of lever Qupon
its periphery, and the cylinder will naturally come to rest at those positions in

page_text: which the friction wheel Qrests in the notches. I usually prefer to combine
with this device a lock for the reversing switch. This switch is operated by a
separate shaft U passing through inclosing case D parallel with the cylinder
shaft E. The switch itself may be placed in the same casing with. the switch
cylinder, as shown in Fig. 13, or it may be placed at a distant point, in which
case the shaft U passes directly through the inclosing case as in Fig. 1, and at
its lower end is provided with connecting devices leading to the reversing switch.
In either case the locking device can be used, an arrangement for this purpose
being shown in Fig. 14. The star wheel Q in this case has attached to it a disk Q³
in which is a socket Q. This socket is adapted to receive one end of a bolt V
when it is rotated to a point opposite the end of the bolt. The other end of
bolt Vis pivoted to a lever a which carries a friction wheel a engaging in a
notched cam a³ on shaft U. The lever a bears against the cam a substantially as
the lever bears against the periphery of star wheel Q, but the cam can only be
turned when the end of bolt V is opposite the socket Q, so as to be forced
into it by the rotation of shaft U, and the consequent action of cam a³ upon
lever a.
There is only one position of the star wheel which will bring the socket Q into
line with bolt V, and that position is the one in which the handle F is in the
upper extreme position, shown in dotted lines in Fig. 14, the lower extreme
position being shown by dotted lines in the same figure and the two positions
indicated show the full range of movement of the handle in both directions
respectively. In the former position, the motor circuit is broken and the reversing
switch can be turned to its intermediate position with the circuit broken. The
friction wheel a' rests then in the middle notch of cam a³, and it will be impossible
to turn handle F, as at that time the reversing switch is turned in one or the other
of its two positions, the bolt V will be withdrawn, and the handle F can be turned.
There is also provided a removable handle for the shaft U, which, however, can
only be taken off when the reversing switch is in its middle position with the
circuit broken. In Figs. 15 and 16, 6 is the handle which has a lug b¹ extending
under a flange 62 on the cover of the inclosing case. This flange is cut away
at its center so that handle b, when in its intermediate position, can be lifted off.
The object of the locking apparatus thus described is to insure that the controller
at one end of the car is left locked with the circuit broken both at the reversing
switch and at the switch cylinder, and also to prevent reversals of the motors
except when the circuit is broken. As only one handle is provided for each car
and there is a controller at each end of the car, it is necessary for the driver, when
leaving one end of the car, to throw his switch to the middle position before he
can remove the handle and proceed with it to the opposite end of the car, and as
above described, when in its middle position the reversing switch is open and the
switch cylinder locked. Upon removing the handle and proceeding to the
opposite end of the car, it is necessary for him to first, throw his reversing
switch in one direction or the other before he can operate his switch cylinder to
control the car.
In Fig. 2, I have shown a series of diagrams illustrating the successive
connections which are established by my controller. These may be modified
somewhat, as for instance, to the series shown in Fig. 18, but the only difference
between the two is that the field magnet strength in the former case is varied by
shortcircuiting a part of the coils, and in the later case by shunting them with a
resistance, either method may be employed. It is hardly necessary to describe in
detail the route of the current in each position of the controller, as it will be
readily understood by any.one skilled in the art, how the contact plates of the
switch cylinder may be suitably arranged to produce the combinations shown in
Fig. 2 or any other combination which may be desired. I have, however, to avoid
any uncertainty, shown in Fig. 8 a plan of the switch cylinder as arranged to
produce the combinations of Fig. 2. In said Fig. 8, the contact fingers I are
numbered from 1 to 11 inclusive, and the heavy vertical lines indicate the

page_text: respective contact plates H, while the successive positions of the fingers on the
plates are indicated by the dotted horizontal lines numbered from 1 to 10.
The plates H are interconnected as indicated in the figure.
Of Fig. 9 it may also be stated that the two motors marked respectively
"No. 1
and "No. 2" are geared to opposite axles of a railway car, and the
two controllers on the two ends of the car respectively, are joined by a cable
containing a number of wires, and from intermediate points of the cable connections
are taken out to the motors, reversing switches, &c.
Fig. 20 is a general diagram combining the partial diagrams of Figs. 8 and 9.
Referring to diagram, Fig. 20 with the brushes on the line 1-1, the circuit will
be as follows; trolley T, switches X and Y, to cut-out Z, lightning-arrester W,
to magnet M, to brush 1, to block H', cross-connected to block H, to brush 2,
through the resistances R, R', to switch A, to field of motor No. 1, to reversing
switch C, to armature of motor No. 1, to reversing switch C, to switch A, to
brush 10 connected to brush 9, to block H¹³, cross-connected to block H°, to
brush 7, to switch B, to field of motor No. 2, to reversing switch C, to armature
of motor No. 2, to reversing switch C, to ground. With the circuits arranged
as above, the two motors are in series with all the resistance in.
With the brushes on the line 2-2, the circuit will be as follows; trolley T,
switches X and Y, to cut-out Z, to lightning-arrester W, to magnet M, to brush 1
to block H', cross-connected to block H, to brush 3 to resistance R', to
switch A, to field of motor No. 1, to reversing switch C, to armature of motor
No. 1, to reversing switch C, to switch A, to brush 10 connected to brush 9, to
block H, cross-connected to block H, to brush 7, to switch B, to field of motor
No. 2, to reversing switch C, to armature of motor No. 2, to reversing switch C,
to ground. With the circuits arranged as above, the two motors are in series
with a part of the resistance cut out.
With the brushes on the line 3-3, the circuit will be as follows; trolley T,
switches X and Y, to cut-out Z, to lightning-arrester W, to magnet M, to brush 1,
to block H', cross-connected to block H, to brush 4, connected to brush 6, to
switch A, to field of motor No. 1 to reversing switch C, to armature of motor
No. 1, to reversing switch C, to switch A, to brush 10 connected to brush 9 to
block H, cross-connected to block H, to brush 7, to switch B, to field of motor
No. 2, to reversing switch C, to armature of motor No. 2, to reversing switch C,
to ground. With the circuits arranged as above, the two motors are in series with
the resistance out.
With the brushes on the line 4-4, the circuit will be as follows: trolley T,
switches X and Y, to cut-out Z, to lightning-arrester W, to magnet M, to brush 1
to block H¹, cross-connected to blocks H and H. Here the circuit divides, one
path being through brush 4, connected with brush 6 to switch A, to field of motor
No. 1, and the other being through block H, to brush 5 to switch A, to loop on
motor No. 1, through a part of the field, and uniting again with the main circuit,
to the reversing switch C, to the armature of motor No. 1, to reversing switch C,
to switch A, to brush 10 connected to brush 9, to block H", where the circuit
divides, one path being through block H', which is cross-connected to block H",
to brush 7, to switch B, to field of motor No. 2, and the other through block H's,
cross-connected to block H", to brush 8, to switch B, to loop of motor No. 2,
through a part of the field and uniting with the main circuit, to the reversing
switch C, to armature of motor No. 2, to reversing switch C, to ground. With
the brushes arranged as above, the two motors are in series with the resistance out,
and a shunt placed around a portion of each motor field.
With the brushes on the line 5-5, the circuit will be as follows; trolley T,
switches X and Y, to cut-out Z, to lightning-arrester W, to magnet M, to brush 1,
to block H', cross-connected to block H³, to brush 3, to resistance R', to switch A,
to field of motor No. 1, to reversing switch C, to armature of motor No. 1, to
reversing switch C, to switch A, to brush 10 connected to brush 9, to block H",
cross-connected to block H", to brush 8, to switch B to loop of motor No. 2,

page_text: through a part of the field, to reversing switch C, to the armature of motor No. 2,.
to reversing switch C, to ground. With the circuits arranged as above, the
resistance is partially out, and motors No. 1 and No. 2. are in series with it, and a.
part of the field of motor No. 2 is open circuited.
With the brushes on the line 6-6, the circuit will as follows; trolley T,.
switches X and Y, to cut-out Z, to lightning-arrester W, to magnet M, to brush 1,.
to block H', cross-connected to block H³, to brush 3, to resistance R¹ to switch A,
to field of motor No. 1, to reversing switch C, to armature of motor No. 1, to
reversing switch C, to switch A, to brush 10, where the circuit divides, one path
being through block H14, cross-connected to block H", to brush 11, to ground, the
other path being from brush 10 connected to brush 9, to block H", cross-connected
to block H", to brush 8, to switch B, to loop of motor No. 2, through a portion
of the field, to reversing switch C, to armature of motor No. 2, to reversing
switch C, to ground. With the circuits arranged as above, the resistance is partially
out, and motors No. 1 and No. 2, are in series with a part of the field of motor No. 2
open circuited, and as shunt placed completely around the motor, thus connecting-
motor No. 1 directly to ground.
With the brushes on the line 7-7, the circuit will be as follows; trolley T,..
switches X and Y, to cut-out Z, to lightning-arrester W, to magnet M, to brush 1,.
to block H¹, cross-connected to block H, to brush 3, to resistance R', to switch A,.
to field of motor No. 1, to reversing switch C, to armature of motor No. 1, to
reversing switch C, to switch A, to brush 10, to block H, cross-connected to-
block H, to brush 11, to ground. With the circuits arranged as above, the
resistance is partially out, and motor No. 1 is in series with it, and connected:
directly to ground; motor No. 2 is open circuited.
With the brushes on the line 8-8, the circuit will be as follows; trolley T...
switches X and Y, to cut-out Z, to lightning-arrester W, to magnet M, to brush 1,.
to block H¹, cross-connected to block H', to brush 3, to resistance R. Here the
circuit divides, one path being to switch A, through field of motor No. 1, to-
reversing switch C, to armature of motor No. 1, to reversing switch C, to switch A,.
to brush 10, to block H", cross-connected to block H, to brush 11, to ground, and
the other from R', to brush 6, to block H, cross-connected to block H, to brush 7,
to switch B, to field of motor No. 2, to reversing switch C, to armature of motor
No. 2 to reversing switch C, to ground. With the circuits arranged as above, the-
resistance is partially out, and the two motors are connected in multiple.
With the brushes on the line 9-9, the circuit will be as follows; trolley T,
switches X and Y, to cut-out Z, to lightning-arrester W, to magnet M, to brush 1,.
to block H¹, cross-connected to block H', to brush 4 connected to brush 6, where the
circuit divides, one path being to switch A, through field of motor No. 1, to reversing
switch C, to armature of motor No..1, to reversing switch C, to switch A, to brush 10,
to block H, cross-connected to His, to brush 11, to ground, and the other from
brush 6, to block H, cross-connected to block H, to brush 7, to switch B, to field
of motor No. 2, to reversing switch C, to armature of motor No. 2, to reversing
switch C, to ground. With the circuits arranged as above the resistance is out,.
and the motors are connected in multiple.
With the brushes on the line 10-10, the circuit will be as follows; trolley T,.
switches X and Y, to cut-out Z, to lightning-arrester W, to magnet M, to brush 1,.
to block H', cross-connected to block H', where the circuit divides, one path being
through brush 4 connected to brush 6. Here the circuit divides again, the main
circuit being to switch A, through the field of motor No. 1. Going back to where-
the circuit first divides at H', there is a shunt path, which is connected to block H',.
to brush 5, to switch A, to loop on motor No. 1, through a part of the field, where
it unites with the main circuit to the reversing switch C, to armature of motor-
No. 1, to switch A, to brush 10, to block H, cross-connected to block H, to
brush 11, to ground. Going back to block H, the circuit is as follows; block H,
to brush 4 connected to brush 6, to block H, cross-connected to block H, and
here the circuit divides again, the main path being through brush 7, to switch B,
:

page_text: to field of motor No. 2, and the shunt path, from block H, cross-connected to
block H, to brush 8, to switch B, to loop on motor No. 2, through a part of the
field, and here it unites with the main circuit, to reversing switch C, to armature of
motor No. 2, to reversing switch C, to ground. With the circuits arranged as
above, the resistance is out, and motors No. 1 and No. 2 are in multiple with a part
of each field shunted. Thus it will be seen that the several conditions of the circuits
indicated in Fig. 2 have been successively brought about by the rotation of the
switch cylinder.
It should be noted at this point that not all the circuit conditions of Fig. 2 are
such that should be maintained for an indefinite period. Certain of these conditions
are only temporary, which exist in passing from one to another of the conditions
which may be comparatively permanent. The latter conditions correspond to those
positions of the switch known as running positions. That is, they are conditions
which afford successive regulating steps, and may be maintained so long as the
driver desires to proceed at the rate of speed that these several conditions give.
The other conditions correspond to what is known as intermediate conditions of the
switch cylinder, and are conditions which should be maintained only for a short
time while the switch is passing from one running position to another. In order
that there shall be no uncertainty as to the running positions, I have so shaped the
star wheel Q, Fig. 4, that the several notches with which the friction wheel Q
engages, shall correspond to the running positions. Thus referring to Fig. 2, the
running positions are those numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10; 5, 6 and 7 being inter-
mediate positions. The wheel Q is therefore so shaped that there shall be no notch
between the positions 4 and 8, and the driver will know that he is not to allow his
switch cylinder to remain for any length of time at the intermediate positions between 4
and 8, but is to turn until he feels that the friction wheel Q' has dropped into a
notch. In Fig. 4, the wheel Q' is in notch No. 10, which is the position giving the
highest speed. An adjacent notch is provided into which the wheel drops when
the motors are at rest with the circuit broken. It is, of course, impossible for the
driver to pass directly from notch 10 to the "off" notch, as the one last described is
designated, as there is a lug on the under side of the bandle which engages with a
projection on the top of the inclosing case, which stops the rotation so that it is only
possible to pass from notch 10 to the "off" notch by a reverse movement of the
handle through the positions preceding 10 until the last of "off" position is reached.
In Fig. 18, I have shown a set of conditions which form a modification of those
in Fig. 2, differing therefrom in respect to the method of changing the field
magnet strength, there being in the latter case a shunt containing a resistance
connected between the terminals of the field magnet to reduce the amount of
current flowing in their coils, thereby reducing their magnetic strength.
In Fig. 19, I have shown a diagram indicating all of the circuits with the
controlling switch, it being understood that the diagram of Fig. 19 presupposes an
arrangement in practice like that shown in Fig. 9, but it is not essential to indicate
for a second time the car body and the motors driving the respective axles. I have
also shown in Fig. 19, a reversing switch like that of Fig. 13, this switch being
included in the same box with the controller switcb, and of the same general
construction. That is, there are a series of stationary contact fingers connected to
the circuit terminals and a corresponding series of contact plates on the cylinder
which serve to combine in any desired manner the circuits terminating at the
contact fingers. This modified series of circuit connections may be traced in detail
with reference to Fig. 19 as follows;
With the brushes on the line 1-1, the circuit will be as follows: Trolley T, to
magnet M, to brush 1 contact block H', cross-connected to block H, to brush 2
to resistance R, R', switch A, to reversing switch C contact 1', armature of
motor No. 1, to reversing switch C contact 2, to field of motor No. 1, to switch A,
to brush 9 cross-connected to brush 8, to block H", cross-connected to block H', to
brush 6, to switch B, to reversing switch C contact 3', to armature of motor No. 2,
to reversing switch C contact 4', to switch B, to field of motor No. 2, to ground.

page_text: With the circuit arranged as above the two motors are connected in series with
full resistance.
With the brushes on the line 2-2, the circuit will be the same as above except
that a part of the resistance is out.
With the brushes on the line 3-3, the circuit will be as follows; trolley T, to
magnet M, to brush 1, to block H, cross-connected to block H, to brush 4
connected to brush 5, to switch A, reversing switch C contact 11, to armature of
motor No. 1, to reversing switch C contact 21, to field of motor No. 1, to switch A,
to brush 9 connected to brush 8, to block H", cross-connected to block H', to
brush 6, to switch B, to reversing switch C contact 31, to armature of motor No. 2,
to reversing switch C contact 4' to switch B, to field of motor No. 2, to ground.
With the circuits arranged as above the motors are in series with the resistance all out.
With the brushes on the line 4-4, the circuit will be as follows; trolley T, to
magnet M, to brush 1, to block Hi, cross-connected to block H, to brush 4
connected to brush 5, to switch A, to reversing switch C contact 11, to armature of
motor No. 1, to reversing switch C contact 21, to field of motor No. 1; here the
circuit divides, one path being through the field and the other through the shunt
resistance S, to switch A, to brush 7, to block H. They unite again through the con-
nection between brushes 9 and 8 and cross-connection between blocks H7, H and H",
cross-connected to block H', to brush 6, to switch B, to reversing switch C contact 3¹,
to armature of motor No. 2, to reversing switch C contact 4', to switch B; here the
circuit divides again, one path being through field of motor No. 2 to ground, the other
through shunt resistance S', to brush 11, to block H cross-connected to block H¹³,
to brush 10, to ground. With the circuit arranged as above, the motors are in series
with the resistance out, and a resistance in shunt placed around each motor field.
With the brushes on the line 5-5, the circuit will be as follows; trolley T, to
magnet M, to hrush 1, to block H', cross-connected to block H, to brush 3, to
resistance R', to switch A, to reversing switch C contact 11, to armature of motor
No. 1, to reversing switch C contact 21, to field of motor No. 1, to switch A,
to brush 9 connected to brush 8, to block H", cross-connected to block H', 'to
brush 6, to switch B, to reversing switch C contact 31, to armature of motor No. 2,
to reversing switch C contact 41, to switch B, to field of motor No. 2, to ground.
With the circuits arranged as above, the two motors are in series with a part of the
resistance out.
With the brushes on the line 6-6, the circuit will be as follows: Trolley T, to
magnet M, to brush 1, to block H cross-connected to block H', to brush 3, 'to.
resistance R', to switch A, to reversing switch C contact 11, to armature of motor
No. 1, to reversing switch C contact 2, to field of motor No. 1, to switch A, to
brush 9; here the circuit divides, one path being through brush 9, to
block His cross-connected to block H, to brush 10, to ground, and the
other through brush 9 connected to brush 8, to block Hu, cross-connected 'to
block H', to brush 6, to switch B, to reversing switch C contact 3', to armature of
motor No. 2, to reversing switch C contact 4', to switch B, to field of motor No. 2,
to ground. With the brushes arranged as above, the resistance is partially out,
motors No. 1 and No. 2 are connected in series with it, and a shunt is placed around
motor No. 2.
With the brushes on the line 7-7, the circuit will be as follows; trolley T, to
magnet M, to brush 1, to block H', cross-connected to block H, to resistance R',
to switch A, to reversing switch C, contact 1, to armature of motor No. 1, 'to
reversing switch C contact 21, to field of motor No. 1; to switch A, to brush 9
to block H cross-connected to block H", to brush 10, to ground. With the brushes
arranged as above, the resistance is partially out, and motor No. 1, is connected in
series with it to ground, leaving motor No. 2 open circuited. The object of having
this long step between 4 and 8 is to give time for the circuit to open when returning
from multiple to series position and thus avoid short circuiting the inotors. This
step will be more clearly seen by referring to Sheet 1 where the star wheel is shown
which regulates the movement of the cylinder step by step.

page_text: With the brushes on the line 8-8, the circuit will be as follows; trolley T,
to magnet M, to brush 1, to block H', cross-connected to block H³, to brush 3, to
resistance R; here the circuit divides, one path being through brush 5,
to block H, cross-connected to block H³, to brush 6, to switch B, to reversing
switch C contact 3', to armature of motor No. 2, to reversing switch C contact 4,
to switch B, to field of motor No. 2, to ground. Going back to resistance R', the
other circuit is as follows: Switch A, reversing switch C contact 1', to armature of
motor No. 1, to reversing switch C contact 21, to field of motor No. 1, to switch A,
to brush 9, to block H cross-connected to block H", to brush 10, to ground.
With the circuit arranged as above, the two motors are connected in multiple with
a part of the resistance out.
With the brushes on the line 9-9, the circuit will be as above with the exception
that all the resistance is out.
With the brushes on the line 10-10, the circuit will be as follows: Trolley T, to
magnet M, to brush 1, to block H', cross-connected to block H³, cross-connected to
block H, to brush 4 connected to brush 5; where the circuit divides, one path
being through switch A, reversing switch C, contact 11, to armature of motor No. 1,
to reversing switch C contact 21; here the circuit divides again, one path being
through field of motor No. 1, to switch A, to brush 9, to block H cross-connected
to block H, to brush 10, to ground; the other path being through shunt
resistance S, to switch A, to brush 7, to block H, cross-connected to block H", to
brush 10, to ground. Going back to brush 5 where the circuit first divides, the
circuit will be as follows; Brush 5, to block H cross-connected to block H³, to
brush 6, to switch B, to reversing switch C contact 3', to armature of motor No. 2,
to reversing switch C contact 4', to switch B; where the circuit divides again, one
path being through field of motor No. 2, to ground, the other being through
shunt resistance ST, to brush 11, to block H cross-connected to block H", to
brush 10, to ground. With the circuits arranged as above, the two motors are
connected in multiple with the resistance out and a resistance in shunt placed
around each motor field.
There remains to be described the cut-out switch, by which either motor may be
cut out of circuit and the cylinder automatically locked, so that it cannot be turned
beyond the fourth notch, whereby the motor that is left in circuit is simply regulated
by means of the resistance. These switches are marked A and B, and are shown
in front elevation in Fig. 1, where they are located on the back plate of the
inclosing case at a point below the cylinder.
The diagrams of the circuit connections of the switches are shown in Figs. 8 and 20
for one form, and Fig. 19 for the other form of the controller.
The switch A which cuts out motor No. 1, consists of three pivoted bars and a
common handle therefor, and the switch B which cuts out motor No. 2 is similarly
constructed with two bars.
The switches are normally in the dependent positions shown in Fig. 1, in which
case they have no influence upon the circuits. When it is desirable to operate
either of them, they are lifted into a vertical position as shown by the dotted lines
in Fig. 8. When either switch is first lifted it throws a stop into the path of
rotation of the cylinder and thus locks it so that it cannot be turned beyond the
fourth notch. The mechanism of this lock is shown in Fig. 1 and more in detail in
Fig. 3. In the latter figure, A", is one of the bars of the switch, and A" the
handle. When the switch is in the elevated position shown, the handle comes into
contact with a bolt A" and forces it inward, so that it forms a stop for an arm A1
(Figs. 1 and 3) on the shaft of the cylinder. The rotation of the cylinder will
therefore be limited, as appears more clearly in Fig. 5, in such a manner that with
one motor only in circuit, it can only regulate that motor by means of the
resistance.
In Fig. 13 is shown another form of lock, the details of which are illustrated in
Fig. 17. In this figure there is simply an intermediate lever between the handle A"
and the bolt A. This intermediate piece is marked A". The outer end of

page_text: piece A is cam shaped, so that the upward movement of the switch bar, and the
consequent engagement of lever handle A" with the can surface of A", forces the
outer end of the said piece down and the inner end up, which acts thereby to put
the bolt A into the path of the arm A". When the form of switch which
produces the circuit connections shown in Fig. 2 is employed, the circuit in detail'
will be as follows, it being understood that the switch A cuts out motor No. 1, and
the switch B motor No. 2 in each instance.
With the switch A, Fig. 8, thrown up into position shown in dotted lines,
motor No. 1 will be cut out and the cylinder can only revolve as far as the
fourth notch on account of the lock. With the switch A arranged as above, and
the brushes on the liue 1-1, (Fig. 20) the circuit will be as follows; trolley T,
switches X and Y, to cut-out Z, lightning-arrester W, to magnet M, to brush 1,
to block H', cross-connected to block H', to brush 2, to resistance R, R¹ to middle
pole of switch A, cross-connected to first pole, to brush 10 connected to brush 9,
to block H, cross-connected to block H, to brush 7, to switch B, to field of:
motor No. 2, to reversing switch C, to armature of motor No. 2, to reversing
switch C, to ground. Motor No. 2 is now connected in series with the resistance.
With the switch B thrown up into position shown in dotted lines, motor No. 2 is!
cut out, and the lock prevents the cylinder from revolving beyond the fourth notch
the same as before, and the circuit with the brushes on the line 1-1 is as follows;:
trolley T, switches X and Y, to cut-out Z, to lightning-arrester W, to magnet M,!
to brush 1, to block H', cross-connected to block H', to brush 2, to resistance R, R¹,
to switch A, to field of motor No. 1, to reversing switch C, to armature of
motor No. 1, to reversing switch C, to switch A, to brush 10 connected to brush 9
to block H, cross-connected to block H, to brush 7, to first pole of switch B, to:
ground. Motor No. 1 is now connected in series with the resistance.
:
With the other form of controller the details of the circuit are as follows; with:
the switch A, Fig. 19, thrown into the position shown in dotted lines, motor No. 1,
is cut out, and the contact cylinder can only revolve as far as the fourth notch on
account of the lock. With the switch A arranged as above and the brushes on the
line 1-1, the circuit is as follows: Trolley T, to magnet M, to brush 1, to block H,
cross-connected to block H2, to brush 2, to resistance R, R₁ to first pole of:
switch A, cross-connected to middle pole, to brush 9 connected to brush 8, to
block H", cross-connected to block H', to brush 6, to switch B, to reversing switch Cr
contact 31, to armature of motor No. 2, to reversing switch C contact to switch B,:
to field of motor No. 2 to ground. With the switch B thrown up into position
shown in dotted lines, motor No. 2 is cut out and the lock prevents the cylinder
from revolving beyond the fourth notch the same as before, and the circuit with
the brushes on the line 1-1 is as follows; trolley T, to magnet M, to brush 1,
to block H', cross-connected to block H, to brush 2, to resistance R-R to
switch A, to reversing switch C contact 11, to armature of motor No. 1, to
reversing switch C contact 21, to field of motor No. 1, to switch A, to brush 9
connected to brush 8; to block H", cross-connected to block H', to brush 6, to
first pole of switch B; to ground. Motor No. 1 is now connected in series with!
the resistance.
It is obvious that many matters of detail which I have shown in connection with!
my controller do not necessarily take the exact form which I have used for
illustration, but may be altered in any way without departing from the spirit of
my invention.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed as communicated to me from"
abroad I declare that what I claim is :-
1. The combination in an electric controller, of a switch having a multiplicity of
contacts, and a blow-out magnet having a common pole piece extending from a
common core to points adjacent to the several circuit-breaking points of the
switch.

page_text: 2. The combination in an electric controller, of a cylindrical switch having a
series of insulated contact plates adapted to engage with a corresponding series of
stationary contact fingers and a magnet having an extended pole piece reaching to
points adjacent to the several circuit-breaking points between the said fingers and
the said plates.
3. The combination in an electric controller, of a switch having a series of
contacts, and a blow-out magnet provided with a pivoted pole piece reaching to-
points adjacent to the points of contact between the respective parts of the
switch.
4. In a series-parallel controller, a cylinder carrying contacts and brushes
bearing upon such contacts, the brushes having kinks or bends in their lengths,
whereby the formation of grooves or furrows in the cylinder contacts is prevented.
5. In a series-parallel controller, a series of contacts upon a cylinder, a series of
fixed contacts co-operating with them, and a series of insulating septa carried upon
an arm and adapted to be interposed between the contacts, as described.
6. The combination in an electric controller, of a switch for connecting two
motors either in series or in parallel, a reversing switch for the motors, and a lock
for each switch controlled by the remaining switch.
7. The combination in an electric controller, of a switch for connecting two
motors, either in series or in parallel, a switch for reversing the motors, a lock for
the former switch, and a connection between the said lock and the latter switch
by which the former is held from moving while the latter is in its middle
position.
8. The combination in an electric controller, of a switch for connecting two
motors, either in series or in parallel, a reversing switch, a lock for the latter
switch, and a connection with the former switch whereby the latter is held
against movement except when the former is in a position to put the two motors
in series.
9. The combination in an electric controller, of a switch for putting two
motors either in series or in parallel, a reversing switch, an intermediate lock for
the two switches, and a removable handle for the reversing switch provided with
a lock preventing its removal when in either of its extreme positions.
10. The combination with a switch, of a magnet having its poles adjacent
to the contact-breaking points of the switch, and an arc deflector also adjacent to
the contact-breaking points of the switch.
11. The combination with a switch of a magnet having its poles adjacent to
contact-breaking points of the switch, and an arc deflector consisting of a chute
or chimney also adjacent to the contact-breaking points of the switch.
. 12. The combination with a switch of a magnet having its poles adjacent to
contact-breaking points of the switch, and an arc deflector consisting of a chute or
chimney also adjacent to the contact-breaking points of the switch, and having its
walls placed transversely to the line of the arc.
13. The combination with a switch having a multiplicity of contact-breaking
points, of a magnet having its poles adjacent to said points, and an arc deflector
consisting of a series of chutes or chimneys adjacent to the respective circuit-
breaking points.
14. The combination in an electric controller, of a switch having a multiplicity
of contacts, a blow-out magnet provided with a pivoted pole piece reaching to
points adjacent to points of contact on said switch and an arc deflector fastened to
Baid pole pieces, provided with walls inclosing each of said contacts and adapted
to be swung outward from said contacts.
15. The combination in an electric controller, of a switch for connecting two
motors, either in series or in parallel, a cut-out switch for connecting one terminal
of the respective motors to the opposite line, and a stop for the series parallel
switch controlled by the cut-out switch.
16. The combination in an electric controller, of a switch for regulating two
motors in series, and then changing them to parallel, a cut-out switch for each of

page_text: the two motors, and a stop controlled by the cut-out switch for limiting the
main switch to its regulating positions.
17. The combination in an electric controller, of a switch for regulating two.
electric motors in series by means of resistance, and subsequently putting them in
parallel, of a cut-out switch for each motor having contacts arranged to leave the
remaining motor in series with the said resistance.
18. The combination in an electric controller, of a switch for regulating two
electric motors by means of a resistance, and then changing, them from series to
parallel, with a cut-out switch for each motor, a stop controlled by each of the-
two cut-out switches, limiting the movement of the main switch to those points at.
which the regulation by means of said resistance is effected.
D
10 1 100s
For the Applicant,
J. C. CHAPMAN,
70 Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Chartered Patent Agent.