IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO DYNAMO OR MAGNETO-ELECTRIC MACHINES FOR REGULATING THE GENERATIVE CAPACITY OF SUCH MACHINES
Year: 1882

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thomas John Handford of No 42 Southampton Buildings
in the County of Middlesex Patent Agent for an invention of IMPROVEMENTS
RELATING TO DYNAMO OR MAGNETO-ELECTRIC MACHINES FOR REGULATING
THE GENERATIVE CAPACITY OF SUCH MACHINES A communication from
abroad by Thomas Alva Edison of Menlo Park in the State of New Jersey
United States of America
"
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Thomas John Handford at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 28th March 1882.
THOMAS JOHN HANDFORD of No 42 Southampton Buildings, in the County of
Middlesex, Patent Agent, "IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO DYNAMO OR MAGNETO
ELECTRIC MACHINES FOR REGULATING THE GENERATIVE CAPACITY OF SUCH
MACHINES.' A communication from abroad by Thomas Alva Edison of Menlo
Park in the State of New Jersey, United States of America.
The object of this invention is to provide methods and means for automatically.
regulating the generation of current by dynamo or magneto electric machines
supplying current for light, power, or other purposes, which methods and means
shall be exceedingly efficient in operation, and shall not depend upon the use of
adjustable resistances, which act to primarily vary the current flowing through the
field of force circuit.
This is accomplished by the use of a rapidly vibrating circuit controller auto-
matically operated by the current generated and serving to control and regulate
the energy of the field magnet by rapidly and successively opening and closing a
circuit. This circuit is preferably the field of force circuit itself, but it may be a
circuit for drawing or shunting current away from such field of force circuit.
The circuit controller is constructed to make and break circuit at a number of
points simultaneously so as to reduce the spark.
The circuit controller is preferably vibrated by an electro-magnet placed in a
multiple are circuit from the main conductors leading from the machine, an
[D7]

page_text: .
additional resistance being preferably placed in the same circuit. The armature
lever of this electro-magnet, which works the circuit controller by its movement is
provided with an adjustable retractor, by means of which the energy of the field
magnet and consequently the candle-power of the lamps supplied from the machine
can be regulated.
In connection with this electro magnet, may be used another electro-magnet
placed in the same, or in a separate multiple arc circuit, and serving to open and
close a shunt circuit, around the first electro-magnet by means of an armature
acting as a vibrating circuit controller, and provided with an adjustable retractor,
or the second electro-magnet when placed in a separate multiple arc circuit may
serve to make and break directly the circuit of the first electro-magnet. By placing
the two electro-magnets in multiple are from the main conductors, they are both
affected by and regulate for changes in the number of lamps or other translating
devices, as well as for changes in the speed of the engine driving the machine.
In order to arrest the spark at the points of the multiple circuit-controller a
shunt circuit is formed around the same, containing resistance, which may be a
wire resistance or an incandescing electric lamp or lamps. If a lamp is used it will
also serve as a guide or means to regulate by. This spark-arresting shunt around
the automatically vibrating circuit controller may include a portion of the coils of
the field magnet.
According to another modification the spark-arresting resistance is divided into
a number of fixed or constant parts according to the capacity of the plant, around
each of which is a shunt circuit controlled by an electro-magnet placed preferably
in a shunt around resistance in one of the main conductors. These electro-magnets
are connected in multiple arc or in series in the said, shunt from one main conductor,
and have retractors of graduated power or are constructed to act successively upon
their arınatures.
In order to effectually arrest the spark and prevent it from following up and
crossing the points where broken, in some cases it is necessary to reduce the
resistance in the spark arresting shunt, as more lamps or other translating devices
are placed in circuit. This is accomplished by the construction just described
wherein the regulation of the machine is effected by means of the automatically
vibrating circuit controller, the same as in the instance first explained.
In any of the forms of the electro-magnet or magnets which are adjusted to
regulate and control the electro-motive force may be arranged to open and close
the circuit of the electro-magnet that operates the circuit controller. This last
electro-magnet may be placed in a shunt around resistance in one main conductor,
or around the spark arresting resistance or the portion thereof that is always in
circuit, and it will have a surplus of energy under all conditions, while the
first electro-magnet or magnets will be placed in multiple arc from the main
conductors.
Or the vibrating circuit controller for regulating the generation of current may
be operated by a mechanism worked from some moving part of the generator or
engine or by weight, spring or other external power, the said mechanism being
controlled by the current generated, preferably by means of one or more electro-
magnets placed in multiple arc from the main conductors, and having adjustable
retractors.
The translating devices (lamps or motors), the armature of the machine, and its
"field of force circuit are all preferably connected in multiple are from the same
main conductors. The field of force circuit may however be formed by a main
conductor, in which case the vibrating circuit controller is placed in a shunt from
this main conductor around the magnet coils.
:

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Thomas John Handford in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
28th September 1882.
THOMAS JOHN HANDFORD of No 42 Southampton Buildings in the County of
Middlesex Patent Agent. "IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO DYNAMO OR MAGNETO
ELECTRIC MACHINES FOR REGULATING THE GENERATIVE CAPACITY OF SUCH
MACHINES A communication from abroad by Thomas Alva Edison of Menlo
Park in the State of New Jersey United States of America
"
The object of the said Invention is to provide methods and means for auto-
matically regulating the generation of current by dynamo or magneto electric
machines supplying current for light power or other purposes, which methods and
means shall be exceedingly efficient in operation and shall not depend upon the
use of adjustable resistances which act to primarily vary the current flowing
through the field of force circuit
This is accomplished by the use of a rapidly vibrating circuit. controller auto-
matically operated by the current generated and serving to control and regulate
the energy of the field magnet by rapidly and successively opening and closing a
circuit preferably the field of force circuit itself:
The circuit controller is constructed to make and break circuit at a number of
points simultaneously so as to reduce the spark
The circuit controller is preferably vibrated by an electro magnet placed in a
multiple arc circuit from the main conductors leading from the machine an
additional resistance being by preference placed in the same circuit. The armature
lever of this electro magnet which works the circuit controller by its movement, is
provided with an adjustable retractor by means of which the energy of the field
magnet and consequently the candle power of the lamps supplied from the machine
can be regulated.
In connection with this electro magnet may be used another electro magnet
placed in the same or in a separate multiple are circuit and serving to open and
close a shunt circuit around the first electro magnet by means of an armature
acting as a circuit controller and provided with an adjustable retractor or the
second electro magnet when placed in a separate multiple are circuit may serve to
make and break directly the circuit of the first electro-magnet By placing the
two electro magnets in multiple are from the main conductors they are both
affected by and regulate for changes in the number of lamps or other translating
devices as well as for changes in the speed of the engine driving the machine.
In order to arrest the spark at the points of the multiple circuit controller a
shunt circuit is formed around the same containing resistance which may be a
wire resistance or an incandescing electric lamp or lamps. If a lamp is used it
will also serve as a guide or means to regulate by This spark arresting shunt
around the automatically vibrating circuit controller may include a portion of the
coils of the field magnet
According to another modification the spark arresting resistance is divided into
a number of fixed or constant parts according to the capacity of the plant around
each of which is a shunt circuit controlled by an electro magnet placed preferably
in a shunt around resistance in one of the main conductors These electro magnets
are connected in multiple arc or in series in the said shunt from one main
conductor and have retractors of graduated power or are constructed to act
successively upon their armatures.
In order to effectually arrest the spark and prevent it from following up and

page_text: crossing the points where broken in some cases it is necessary to reduce the
resistance in the spark, arresting shunt as more lamps or other translating devices
are placed in circuit
This is accomplished by the construction just described wherein the regulation
of the machine is effected by means of the automatically vibrating circuit controller,
the same as in the instance first explained.
In any of the forms the electromagnet adjusted to regulate and control the
electromotive force may be arranged to open and close the circuit of the electro
magnet that operates the circuit controller This last electromagnet may be placed
in a shunt around resistance in one main conductor or around the spark arresting
resistance or the portion thereof that is always in circuit and when the shunt
circuit is complete the said electro magnet will have a surplus of energy under all
conditions while the first electro inagnet or magnets will be placed in multiple are
from the main conductors
Or the vibrating circuit controller for regulating the generation of current may
be operated by a mechanism worked by weight spring or other external power the
said mechanism being controlled by the current generated, preferably by means of
an electro magnet placed in multiple are from the main conductors and having an
adjustable retractor.
The translating devices (lamps or motors) the armature of the machine and its
field of force circuit are all preferably connected in multiple arc from the same
main conductors.
And in order that the said Invention may be perfectly understood I shall now
proceed more particularly to describe the same and for that purpose shall refer to
the several figures on the accompanying sheet of drawings which illustrate the
principal ways in which the invention can be carried out adapting it for different
conditions in practice
Figures. 1 and 2 represent the most simple forms of the device
Figures 3. 4 and 5 represent the use of two circuit controllers working on the
relay principle
Figure 6 represents the use of the adjustable spark arresting shunt.
Figure 7 represents the vibrating circuit controller operated by external power
and controlled by the current.
With reference to figures 1 and 2. '
A is the generator, 1, 2, the main conductors leading therefrom and a the
translating devices.
3, 4 represent the field of force circuit adapted to be made and broken at a
number of points simultaneously by levers c retracted by springs b against limiting
screws e The levers and limiting screws are connected to form a complete circuit
when the levers rest against such screws. Pins & of insulating material are carried,
by all except the front lever, and press against the levers in front of them This
circuit controller is operated by an electro magnet B, placed in multiple are circuit
5. 6 with or without extra resistance Its armature lever C is retracted by a
Spring D which is adjustably connected with a Standard E. This lever on its
forward movement under the attraction of the magnet forces the levers b off of
screws e thus breaking the circuit. In order to arrest the spark at the points of
the multiple circuit controller the shunt 7. 8 is employed containing a resistance
which may be of wire, or may be the incandescing electric lamp F (figure 1) or a
portion of the coils of the field magnet (figure 2)
The apparatus operates in the following manner viz:-
When the electromotive force is normal and the candle power of the lamps as
desired the magnet B will vibrate the lever C with a regular rapid movement the
field circuit being open (except through the spark arresting shunt) a certain portion
of the time (for example one half) The opening of the field circuit, by cutting
off the current diminishes the energy of the field magnet which would be too
great if the field circuit were kept closed constantly at the vibrating circuit
controller,

page_text: A decrease in the electromotive force produced either by the adding of translating
devices or a decrease in the speed. of the engine will tend to weaken the magnet B
with greater rapidity and the lever C will play more on its back contact a
changing the proportion of the make and break and allowing the field circuit to
remain closed a greater portion of the time.
This will increase the energy of the field magnet and produce the normal
electromotive force in the individual translation circuits.
An increase in electromotive force will have the opposite effect.
In the position of the parts illustrated in the drawing the lever C is resting on
its back contact x the field of force circuit 3. 4 being closed through the circuit
controller.
The field magnet is always energized to a definite extent by the current flowing
through the spark arresting shunt.
With reference to Figures 3. 4 and 5.
A is the generator; 1, 2 the main conductors; a the translating devices; and
3. 4 the field of force circuit, containing the multiple circuit controller. This
circuit controller is shewn in Figures 3 and 4 as composed of spring levers h resting
against limiting screws i. In figure 5 the circuit controller in the field of force
circuit is composed of an arm m pivoted at y on the armature lever c and kept in
position by friction springs pressing thereon
This pivoted lever adjusts itself to the points no It is evident however that
the form of the circuit controller is not material since any construction can be used
that breaks circuit at a number of points simultaneously.
B. C are electro magnets, placed in separate multiple arc circuits 5. 6 and 7,
(figures 3 and 5) or in the same multiple are circuits 7. 8 (figure 4)
g
The armature levers b, c of these electro magnets have adjustable retractions d
Electro magnet C works the circuit controller in the field circuit, while B operates
a circuit controller opening and closing a shunt circuit e f, around C (figures 3 and 4)
or opens and closes directly the circuit of C (figure 5)
9. 10 represents the spark arresting shunt containing a resistance A lamp D is
shewn for this purpose in figures 3 and 5 while two lamps D D are shewn in
figure 4.
The apparatus operates in the following manner vizt:
When the electromotive force is below a predetermined limit the field of force
circuit will be closed at the contact points ii (figures 3 and 4) or no (Figure 5)
the shunt e. f. (Figures 3 and 4) around the magnet C being closed or the circuit
of C (Figure 5) open as shewn in the drawings.
An undue increase in the electromotive force affects the magnet B which then
receives an excess of current sufficient to enable it to attract its armature b to its
front contact whereby the shunt e f around C (Figures 3 and 4) is opened or the
circuit of C (Figure 5) is completed the effect being the same in either case The
movement produced by B will be responded to by C these two magnets acting
upon the relay principle and C, having always an excess of current required for
the performance of its functions when the armature lever b of B is drawn to its
front contact The armature lever c of C will then be vibrated the field circuit 3. 4
being opened and closed in varying proportions as hereinbefore, described with
reference to Figures 1 and 2 until the electro motive force being again reduced
below a predetermined point magnet B is weakened its armature lever b retracted
and the shunt circuit e. f. (Figures 3 and 4) closed or the circuit of c (Fig 5)
opened and the armature lever c is also drawn back and the field of force maintained
closed.
On the electromotive force again exceeding a predetermined limit the operations
herein before described are repeated and so on in succession as variations take
place.
With reference to Figure 6;
A is the generator 1. 2 the main conductors; a translating devices; and 3. 4 the
field of force airavit harrine multinla sinquit controller. Čia the alaatumecenst

page_text: placed in multiple are circuit 5. 6 which works the circuit controller consisting of
the Spring levers h . B is the vibrating armature lever of the said electro-
magnet having adjustable retractor I. 78 represents the spark arresting shunt
which in this example has a series of constant resistances D. E. F. G. H. are
electro magnets in a shunt 13. 14 around a resistance in one main conductor
These electro-magnets have armature levers c, d provided with springs y y of
different power The attraction of lever c to its front contact z serves to cut out
the resistance D, while the attraction of d to its front contact z¹ cuts out E Any
number of these electro magnets G. H, may be used as before explained.
•
In this modification the vibrating circuit controller operates in the same manner
as that described with reference to figures 1 and 2 it is shewn in the drawing
Figure 6 with its spring levers h h resting on their back contacts ii and closing
the field of force circuit 3. 4. through them Provision is however made for
automatically varying the resistance in the spark arresting shunt 7, 8 during the
intervals when the field circuit 3. 4 is closed only through such shunt in order to
produce variations in the current that flows through the field circuit suited to
changes in the number of lamps motors or other translating devices in circuit. For
instance if the generator is designed to supply sixty lamps or their equivalent in
motors or other translating devices the spark arresting resistance will be divided
into three parts as shewn the portion F being always in circuit.
Now if twenty or less than twenty lamps are in circuit resistances D and E will
also be in circuit as shewn in the drawing the magnets G and H not being
energized sufficiently to move their armature levers.
If more than twenty lamps are placed in circuit the increased flow of current in
shunt 13. 14 will cause G to attract its armature lever and the shunt around
resistance D will be closed Magnet H will not attract its armature lever however
until more than forty lamps are in circuit when it will close the shunt around
resistance E. As lamps are removed the reverse effect is produced.
With reference to figure 7; A is the generator 1. 2 the main conductors a
translating devices and 3.4 the field of force circuit having multiple circuit
controller h. h. h, This circuit controller is worked by a vibrating arm C which is
operated by a cam wheel b.revolved by a spring or weight c through a train of
gearing X.
:
The controlling electro magnet B. is in a multiple arc circuit 5. 6 from 1. 2 and
its armature lever d acts as an escapement lever to control the movement of the
gearing.
A forward movement of lever d allows the gearing to make a definite movement
which will throw Arm C forward and open the field circuit, the backward movement
of lever d will allow a certain further movement of the gearing which will throw C
back allowing the spring levers h h. h to return to their back contacts iii and
closing the field circuit The spark arresting resistance is shewn as a
lamp D.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of the said
Invention and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried into
effect I would observe in conclusion that what I consider to be novel and original
and therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the herein before in part
recited Letters Patent is
1st The combination with a dynamo or magneto electric machine of a vibrating
circuit controller operated or controlled by the current generated, for regulating
the generation of current by the machine substantially as herein before described.
2nd The combination with a dynamo or magneto electric machine of a vibrating
.circuit controller operated or controlled by the current generated and adapted to
make and break circuit at a number of points simultaneously for regulating the
generation of current by the machine substantially as hereinbefore described.
3rd The combination with a dynamo or magneto electric machine of a vibrating
circuit controller for regulating the generation of current by the machine and an
electro-magnet placed in multiple are from the main conductors leading from the

page_text: machine for operating or controlling the operation of the vibrating circuit
controller substantially as herein before described.
4th The combination with a dynamo or magneto electric machine and a
vibrating circuit controller, operated or controlled by the current generated for
regulating the generation of current by the machine, of a spark arresting
shunt around the said vibrating, circuit controller, substantially as hereinbefore
described.
5th The combination with a dynamo or magneto electric machine and a
vibrating circuit controller operated or controlled by the current generated
for regulating the generation of current by the machine, of a shunt around the
said vibrating circuit controller containing a series of constant resistances for
reducing the spark, each of the said resistances being automatically thrown into or
out of circuit by the removal or addition of a definite predetermined number of
translating devices substantially as herein before described.
In witness whereof I the said Thomas John Handford have to this my
Specification set my hand and seal this twenty eighth day of September in
the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and eighty two.