Improvements in the Means or Apparatus for Measuring Electricity.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application, 5th Nov., 1892
Complete Specification Left, 4th Sept., 1893—Accepted, 28th Oct., 1893
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Means or Apparatus for Measuring Electricity.
We EDWARD HOWARD PERCY HUMPHREYS of 8 Hyde Park Gate London
Gentleman and WILLIAM FRIESE-GREENE of 39 King's Road Chelsea, London,
Photographer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
Our invention has reference to the measurement of electricity and specially to
measuring the aggregate amount of electric current which has flowed through a
given circuit at a constant voltage or pressure. For this purpose we construct a
meter or measuring apparatus as follows:-
In the circuit through which the current to be measured is flowing an ammeter
is connected for the purpose of measuring the number of ampères passing through
the meter at any given moment. We cause the moving part of the ammeter to be
actuated not by attraction but by repulsion, and in order to effect this we preferably
fix within the core or solenoid a plate parallel with the axis of same, and we mount
upon pivots another plate parallel with the said fixed plate. Consequently as the
north pole of the fixed plate will be opposite the north pole of the pivoted plate
and the south poles of the two plates will be opposite each other, and as like poles
repel each other, it follows that the pivoted plate will be repelled from the fixed
plate, and that the amount of repulsion at any given moment will depend upon the
number of ampères then passing through the ammeter. Our invention, however, is
not limited to the use of an ammeter constructed as above explained, or to the use
of an ammeter acting by repulsion, although as regards sensibility and range such
an ammeter possesses great advantages over one acting by attraction.
To a moving part of the ammeter, which in the case of the ammeter above
described would preferably be the arbor or axis of the pivoted plate, we attach a
plate shaped to a suitable curve. The position of this curved plate at any given
moment will thus represent the strength of the current then flowing through the
meter. In order that the movement of the said plate may be as sensitive as possible
we balance it, and this can best be effected by duplicating the curved plate on the
diametrically opposite point of the arbor or axis.
The meter is provided with clockwork mechanism capable of moving regularly
at a given rate, and this clockwork mechanism may be wound up periodically by
means of a plunger and solenoid, the said solenoid having a very high electrical
resistance and being connected between the main leads as a shunt circuit, which is
temporarily completed by means of the mechanism at constantly recurring
intervals.
In connection with the clockwork mechanism we employ an arm or lever,
preferably balanced so as to be as sensitive as possible, which is at regularly
recurring periods made to turn about a pivot once to and fro to a greater or less
degree. This periodical turning movement of the lever or arm is preferably
effected by causing a tail of same to form the plunger or core of a coil or solenoid
which is not normally connected with the circuit but becomes temporarily connected
therewith at stated intervals by a suitable contact piece on a moving part of the
clockwork, and when so connected the plunger is drawn into the coil and the lever
or arm makes its turning movement; or alternatively the said core or solenoid may
be normally connected with the circuit and be temporarily disconnected therefrom
at stated intervals, so that when so disconnected the lever or arm makes its turning
movement. Now the extent to which the lever or arm turns on its fulcrum is
determined by the position of the curved plate herein before described against
which the end of the lever strikes, and which therefore limits its movement. The

page_text: lever is connected by means of very delicate ratchet work with a counting or
integrating apparatus similar to that employed in an ordinary gas meter.
In this manner the counting apparatus will at regular intervals record a move-
ment commensurate with the amount of current flowing at the time.
It will be understood that in the apparatus above described no part of the
clockwork mechanism ever comes into direct contact with the lever or arm.
We also provide for automatically stopping and starting the clockwork
mechanism as the current ceases or commences to flow. For this purpose a spring
or other metal piece may be connected with an electro magnet connected with the
circuit, so that when no current is passing through the said magnet the spring or
other metal piece will act as a stop or clutch and prevent the mechanism moving.
When on the other hand the current is turned on, the metal piece is drawn towards
the magnet and allows the mechanism to move.
Dated this 5th day of November 1892.
J. C. MEWBURN,
55 & 56, Chancery Lane, London, Chartered Patent Agent.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Means or Apparatus for Measuring Electricity.
We, EDWARD HOWARD PERCY HUMPHREYS of 8 Hyde Park Gate, London,
Gentleman, and WILLIAM FRIESE-GREENE of 39 Kings Road, Chelsea, London,
Photographer, 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 :-
Our invention has reference to the measurement of electricity and especially to
measuring the aggregate amount of electric current which has flowed through a
given circuit at a constant or uniform voltage or pressure. For this purpose we
construct a meter or measuring apparatus as follows:-
In the circuit through which the current to be measured is flowing an ammeter
is connected for the purpose of measuring the number of ampères passing through
the meter at any given moment. We cause the moving part of the ammeter to be
actuated not by attraction but by repulsion and in order to effect this we preferably
fix within the core or solenoid a rod, bar or plate parallel with the axis of same,
and we mount upon pivots another rod, bar or plate parallel with the said fixed
rod, bar or plate. Consequently as the north pole of the fixed rod, bar or plate
will be opposite the north pole of the pivoted rod, bar or plate and the south poles
of the two rods, bars or plates will be opposite each other, and as like poles repel
each other, it follows that the pivoted rod will be repelled from the fixed rod, and
that the extent of repulsion at any given moment will depend upon the number of
ampères then passing through the ammeter. Our invention, however, is not limited
to the use of an ammeter constructed as above explained or to the use of an
ammeter acting by repulsion, although as regards sensibility and range such an
ammeter possesses great advantages over one acting by attraction.
To a moving part of the ammeter which in the case of the ammeter above
described would preferably be the arbor or axis of the pivoted rod, bar or plate,
we attach a plate shaped to a suitable curve. The position of this curved plate at
any given moment will thus represent the strength of the current then flowing
through the meter.
The meter is provided with clockwork mechanism capable of moving regularly at
a given rate, and this clockwork mechanism may be wound up periodically by
means of a plunger and solenoid the said solenoid having a very high electrical
resistance, and being connected between the main leads as a shunt circuit which
is temporarily completed by means of the mechanism at constantly recurring
intervals.

page_text: In connection with the clockwork mechanism we employ an arm or lever, which
is at regularly recurring periods made to turn about a pivot once, to and fro to a
greater or less degree. This periodical turning movement of the lever or arm is
preferably effected by connecting it with the plunger or core of a coil or solenoid
which is not normally connected with the circuit but becomes temporarily connected
therewith at stated intervals by a suitable contact piece on a moving part of the
clockwork, and when so connected the plunger is drawn into the coil and the lever
or arm makes its turning movement. The plunger and solenoid for giving the
periodical turning movement to the lever or arm may with advantage be the same
as those by means of which the clockwork mechanism is periodically wound up as
herein before explained. Alternatively the said coil or solenoid may be normally
connected with the circuit and be temporarily disconnected therefrom at stated
intervals, so that when so disconnected the lever or arın makes its turning move-
ment and the clockwork mechanism is wound up. Now the extent to which the
lever or arm turns on its fulcrum is determined by the position of the curved plate
herein before described against which a pin or projection of the lever strikes and
which therefore limits its movement. The curved plate is so shaped as to allow
the motion of the lever to vary as the current passing through the solenoid varies.
The lever is connected by means of very delicate ratchet work with a counting or
integrating apparatus similar to that employed in an ordinary gas meter.
In this manner the counting apparatus will at regular intervals record a move-
ment commensurate with the amount of current flowing at the time.
It will be understood that in the apparatus above described no part of the
clockwork mechanism ever comes into direct contact with the lever or arm.
We also provide for automatically stopping and starting the clockwork mechanism
as the current ceases or commences to flow. For this purpose a spring or other
metal piece may be connected with an electro magnet connected with the circuit so
that when no current is passing through the said magnet the spring or other metal
piece will act as a stop or clutch and prevent the mechanism moving. When, on the
other hand, the current is turned on the metal piece is drawn towards the magnet
and allows the mechanism to move.
The accompanying drawings represent an apparatus constructed according to our
invention.
Figure 1 is a front view, Figure 2 a back view and Figure 3 a sectional plan on
the line X X of Figure 1, part of the coil of the main solenoid or ammeter being
also broken away to show the pivot of the lever or arm which moves the counting
or integrating apparatus.
A is the main solenoid placed in the circuit through which the current to be
measured is flowing. Within this solenoid and parallel to the axis of same is fixed
a rod b; there is also within the solenoid A and parallel with the fixed rod b
another rod a connected by arms c c to an arbor or axis d. As the north poles of
the two rods a and b are opposite each other and their south poles are also opposite
each other the pivoted rod a will be repelled from the fixed rod b and the amount
of repulsion at any given moment will depend upon the number of ampères then
passing through the solenoid which therefore in conjunction with the rods a and b
constitutes an ammeter. The use in apparatus for measuring the aggregate amount
of electric current which has flowed through a given circuit at a constant or uniform
voltage or pressure of an ammeter the moving part of which is actuated by
repulsion in contradistinction to an ammeter in which the moving part is actuated
by attraction is a characteristic feature of our invention; as we have already
hereinbefore stated it possesses great advantages as regards sensibility and range
and we do not limit ourselves to the particular form shown in the drawings, as it is
obvious that an ammeter adapted for the purpose of our invention and actuated by
Our invention moreover does
repulsion may be arranged otherwise than as shown.
not preclude the use in our apparatus of an ammeter actuated by attraction.
The movable rod a is so adjusted by a weight m (or it might be a spring) that

page_text: when no current is passing it almost touches the fixed rod bas seen in Figure 1.
To the arbor d of the movable rod a is attached a curved plate G the position of
which at any given moment will represent the strength of the current theu flowing
through the ammeter. E represents the escapement or escape wheel of clockwork
mechanism moving regularly at a given speed. It is wound up periodically by
means of a plunger P and solenoid C having a very high electrical resistance and
connected between the main leads as a shunt circuit as clearly indicated in Figure 1,
the shunt circuit being temporarily completed by means of the clockwork mechanism
at constantly recurring intervals. This temporary and periodical completion of the
shunt circuit is effected as follows:-On the wheel F of the clockwork which
wheel revolves once in a minute (or other given period) is a pine which at every
revolution comes against and forces back a cam or projection fon an insulated
springs and thereby causes this spring to make contact with another insulated
spring and thus complete the circuit or metallic connection between the main
leads and the coil of the solenoid C. When the shunt circuit is thus temporarily
completed the plunger P is drawn into the solenoid C and pulls down a cross bar D
which is connected by a silk cord or thread j to a clockwork lever M (which is
similar to those ordinarily used in musical boxes), the lever M is therefore pulled
down and winds up the clockwork. The lever is subsequently returned to its
normal position by its counterweight n, a stop p limiting the return movement.
H is a lever or arm in connection with the counting mechanism and balanced by.
means of the counterweight q. This lever is at regularly recurring periods made
to turn about its pivot I. This periodical turning movement is shown as being
effected by means of the same plunger P and solenoid C as, those which actuate the
clockwork lever M, that is to say the cross bar D is connected by a silk cord or
thread to the lever H at so that this lever is pulled down every time the
plunger P is drawn into the solenoid C on the completion of the shunt circuit.
The extent to which the lever H turns on its fulcrum each time it is actuated is
determined by the position for the time being of the curved plate G against which
a V-shaped stud k on the lever strikes, the curved plate limiting the movement.
The curved plate has teeth or serrations on its inner edge for the purpose of
preventing the stud k slipping along it and thereby altering its position. The
dotted lines G' in Figure 1. indicate the position of the curved plate G when the
rod a has by repulsion been moved (for example) to the position a', and the dotted
lines H indicate the position of the lever H when it has been turned by the action
When
of the plunger P so as to come against the plate G in the position G¹.
the shunt circuit is broken the lever H is returned to its normal position by the
counterweight 9, a stop r limiting the return movement. The lever H carries a
pawl or click h, which in every turning movement in the one direction of the lever
turns the ratchet wheel B to an extent depending upon the extent of the movement
of the said lever. g is a stop pawl to prevent return movement of the wheel B.
This wheel is the first wheel of a counting or integrating apparatus similar to that
employed in an ordinary gas meter. The counting apparatus will thus at regular
intervals record a movement commensurate with the amount of current flowing at
the time.
".
* 1
"
A scale can be placed on the face of the ammeter or solenoid A in the path of the
end of the curved plate G so that the amount of current passing at any instant may
be read. The solenoid A should be wound with suitably coarse wire; or it may be
wound with copper tape.
We have already stated that the clockwork mechanism is automatically stopped
and started as the current ceases or commences to flow and that this can be effected
by means of a spring or other metal piece connected with an electro-magnet which
is connected with the circuit so that, when no current is passing through the magnet
the metal piece acts as a stop or clutch to prevent the mechanism moving, and when
on the other hand the current is turned on the metal piece is drawn towards the
electro-magnet and allows the mechanism to move. This part of the apparatus will
be readily understood without illustration or further explanation.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is :-
1. In apparatus for measuring the aggregate amount of electric current which
has flowed through a given circuit at a constant or uniform voltage or pressure, the
employment in the circuit through which the current to be measured is flowing, of
an ammeter the movable part of which is actuated by repulsion and the position
of the said movable part in accordance with the amount of current that for the time
being is passing through the animeter being caused to control the extent of
periodical movements of mechanism by means of which a counting apparatus is
made to record or register at regular intervals a movement commensurate with the
current flowing at the time, substantially as herein before described.
2. In apparatus for measuring the aggregate amount of electric current which
has flowed through a given circuit at a constant or uniform voltage or pressure, an
ammeter consisting of a core or solenoid containing two rods parallel with its axis,
one rod, bar or plate being fixed and the other being movable upon a pivot so that
the movable rod, bar or plate will be repelled from the fixed rod, and the extent of
repulsion at any given moment depending upon the amount of current then
passing through the ammeter, substantially as and for the purpose hereinbefore
described.
3. In apparatus for measuring the aggregate amount of electricity which has
flowed through a given circuit at a constant or uniform voltage or pressure, the
combination with an ammeter in the circuit through which the current to be
measured flows of a plate such as G connected to the movable part of the ammeter,
and of a lever or arm such as H moved at regularly recurring intervals by means
of a solenoid or coil temporarily connected with the circuit through the inter-
mediation of clockwork mechanism, the movements of the said lever being
transmitted to a counting or integrating apparatus, and the extent of every
movement being controlled by the position for the time being of the said plate,
substantially as and for the purpose hereinbefore described.
4. In apparatus for measuring the aggregate amount of electricity which has
flowed through a given circuit at a constant or uniform voltage or pressure, the
combination with an ammeter in the circuit through which the current to be
measured flows and with a plate such as G, a lever or arm such as H and a solenoid
or coil for moving the said lever or arm in the manner referred to in the last
preceding claim, of a device or lever such as M arranged to wind up the clockwork
mechanism at every movement of the said solenoid or coil substantially as herein-
before described.
5. Constructing apparatus for measuring electricity substantially as hereinbefore
described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 4th day of Santambor 1002
J. C. MEWBURN,
55 & 56, Chancery Lane, London, Chartered Patent Agent.