IMPROVE- MENTS IN APPARATUS OR APPLIANCES CONNECTED WITH GENERATING, CON- DUCTING, MEASURING, OR TESTING AND APPLYING ELECTRICITY
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Isac Louis Pulvermacher, of 194, Regent Street, in the
County of Middlesex, Electrical Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN APPARATUS OR APPLIANCES CONNECTED WITH GENERATING, CON-
DUCTING, MEASURING, OR TESTING AND APPLYING ELECTRICITY."
Sealed the 8th March 1878, and dated the 14th September 1877.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Isac Louis Pulvermacher at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 14th September 1877.
"
ISAC LOUIS PULVERMACHER, of 194, Regent Street, in the County of Middlesex,
Electrical Engineer. IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS OR APPLIANCES CONNECTED
WITH GENERATING, CONDUCTING, MEASURING, OR TESTING AND APPLYING ELEC-
TRICITY."
The object of this Invention is,-
Firstly. In arranging open-worked negative metal cylindrical links with an inner
lining of parchment paper, serving as a holder of exciting liquid when the ends of the
links are closed, said cylindrical links being provided with a loose bar or wire o
positive metal connected by a separate wire in voltaic connection, or in such a
manner that the positive metal bar is free to move within the cylinder, and
always find a horizontal lodgment in the cylinder when that is horizontal.
Secondly. Certain improved appliances as attachments upon the outside, and in
other cases upon the inside of links of a chain band.
Thirdly. Preparing wires or negative metal as a covering upon cylinders, so that
when finished, and in position in spiral order, the wire retains its condition for
depolarizing purposes by atmospheric air.
Fourthly. Adapting specially prepared connections or attachments on cylinders,
and their use in combination with au exterior casing of cylindrical form, yet
provided with slots, slits, or other shaped apertures for the entrance of air to the
inner portion thereof.

page_text: Fifthly. The manufacture of cylinders for element links of a porous clay or like
material, said porous cylinders serving to hold the exciting liquid in the interior
and exteriorly as carriers of the negative metal in open-worked plate or in spun
wire form.
Sixthly. Fitting self-closing valves and stems in porous cylinder ends to permit
of exciting liquid being retained in same.
Seventhly. The combination of all or any of the foregoing to form a chain band.
Eighthly. Spinning thread upon negative wire, and then spinning this upon a
positive metal wire, the two as one wire being spun upon edge cords to form
elements, or the wires may be otherwise used.
Ninthly. The construction of a portable galvanic apparatus of special form for
personal application.
Tenthly. The construction of apparatus as an automatic compensator galvano-
meter.
Each link or element is formed of a plate of any metal, as, for example, pure
silver. The said plate is cut open, worked, and carries upon a border or edge, and
at its two ends, a kind of ear pierced with a hole serving to interjoin or unite the
links. The plate is then rolled, and the ears are folded square relatively to the
length of the link. Each link thus rolled takes a cylindrical form, and receives at
each end a kind of locking ring or ferrule, also of silver, which binds or encircles it ;
it is this ferrule which penetrates into the hole of the ear.
To avoid the contact of the ferrule with the link which receives it, I encircle this
part of the link in a zig-zag manner with a textile thread.
In order to constitute these links elements, I introduce into their interior a tube
of vegetable parchment, touching the inside walls of the link, into which tubes
place exciting liquid or exciting salts. The ends of the links are closed by a plug
or stopper of supple caoutchouc or of cork. Before putting in the second plug or
stopper, I introduce into the link a zinc rod previously soldered or united to the
end of a very fine silver wire, which is nipped or held fast between the plug or
stopper and the ferrule or locking ring, to establish voltaic conduction with the ear
of the neighbouring or adjoining element.
As a substitute for the stoppers a kind of inverted metal capsule can be employed,
which will enable me to mount my chains by means of cylindrical links, with hooks
lodging in the capsules, the paper parchment being interposed between the link and
the capsule to determine its insulation.
The contact of the zinc will take place with the capsule as with the ring above
described, and little holes formed on the paper at the ends of the links will serve to
charge them, or self-closing valves may be fitted.
According to another arrangement, the bands are composed of links formed by
the aid of a cylindrical tube of porous material, such as pipe clay, baked clay, china
ware unglazed, such as that known as "biscuit," or other material of an analogous
nature, encircled from one end to the other by a silver wire platinized, black or not,
with a slight space intervening between each spiral of the encircling wire.
tube and the wire are covered at each end by a ring or eye furnished with little
blades or projections which embrace the wire.
The
The porous tube extends beyond the eye or ring at each end, and carries in the
interior a ferrule, which serves as a joint to the blade forming part of or one with
the eye or ring of the neighbouring element. At the same time that this blade is jointed
to the ferrule, its end rests upon the tube, which isolates it from the same element.
I propose to spin the wire upon a core or thread of gutta percha in close spirals,
and after the wire is spun upon the cylinder, and secured to dissolve the gutta
percha, and thereby leave the wire intact, coiled, and wound upon the cylinder, the
wire being then coated with platinum black.
A kind of cylindrical casing of hard caoutchouc is used for covering as a pro-
tection to the link; this casing being held top and bottom, with the additional
object of serving as an insulator for them when the chain is rolled up. This
exterior casing is split in its length to permit of placing it upon the rings of the

page_text: elements, and to permit also the access of air upon the negative wire, while at the
same time protecting it.
The porous clay tubes or cylinders are provided with a valve of india-rubber, in
which a pin can be pushed to open a passage for the entry of water or other liquid
to the interior when dipped therein, the valve closing automatically on the removal
of the chain. The cylinder can thus be kept charged with liquid to maintain a
constant exterior moisture by the porosity of the clay.
The important characteristic advantage of these arrangements of simple and
portable apparatus is that an infinitely more constant current is realized by them
than has hitherto been obtained with single liquid batteries. The cylinders of this
construction, mounted in voltaic connection, can be arranged within a box or casing
to act as a stationary battery for producing quantity electricity.
Another part of my Invention relates to making my voltaic bands with negative
and positive wires turned upon edge cords. I spin a negative wire, previously encircled
with a textile thread, in distant spirals as a kind of helix upon a naked positive wire
as a core to make of such the voltaic elements. These two wires being thus joined, I
turn them round, parallel cords in spiral twists going from one to the other cord to
determine the elements, afterwards joined voltaically in pile to constitute bands, the
positive of which is not found conspicuous to the eye, while being perfectly isolated
from the negative wire which surrounds it. I can also make webbing of this
compound wire, the webbing being available for attachments to wearing apparel.
A portable galvanic apparatus to be affixed to the person is constructed in the
following manner -I form a pocket of a flexible material and of oval or circular
shape, in which is a partition for forming two divisions or compartments. Into
these are placed the two ends of a folded or U shaped battery, say, of two or more
elements of my ordinary voltaic bands. I force the shank of a metallic button
through the pocket in the centre and put it in contact with one pole of the battery,
the face of the button forming one of the pole plates for application to the person.
Connected to the opposite pole of this battery is one end of a wire, the remainder
of the wire of the desired length being enclosed in a tape and is terminated by a
button forming the other pole plate.
The tape may be of any length, but I propose that it have both ends attached
to the pad like a loop for suspending the apparatus from the neck, one pole plate
could then be applied on the pit of a person's stomach and, the other on the top of
the spine. The fixing of the battery in the pocket in this manner enables it to be
removed, when desired, for immersion in an exciting liquid and for its easy
replacement.
My improved automatic galvanometer compensator apparatus is composed of a
box of gutta percha, hard caoutchouc, or other insulating material, formed with a
bobbin in the top to receive a multiplicator wire. This bobbin is surmounted by a
copper plate, which is prolonged interiorly by two blades forming spouts or gutters,
placed diametrically, destined to receive the axis of the magnetic needle. The
central space of this bobbin is occupied by a kind of balance composed of two
plates of magnetized steel, jointed to the axis carrying the index needle, which is
prolonged for equilibration, and plunged into a trough provided with oil to steady
its action. An indicator dial plate is fitted, upon which can be read the deflexions
of the index needle. The space comprised between the two steel plates or magnetic
needles at the right or left of the axis is filled with cork pierced with a number of
holes, forming as many cups destined to receive mercury. These cups and the
mercury, the weight of which is equilibrated by changing the balance at the other
end, may be replaced by a single trough. The uniformity of the mercury contained
in the cups is secured by a plate of metal which traverses them. The interior part
of the box is occupied by a number of bobbins, twenty, for example; they are each
covered with a certain variable quantity of resistance, insulated or covered wire,
according to Ohm's unit resistance scale. These bobbins are joined together two by
two by the wires which they carry, in such manner as to form a single long thread.
The joining wire No. 1, of two ends of wires of a pair of bobbins, is united by a

page_text: supplementary wire with a tube the nearest to the needle, and the other joining
wires Nos. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20; each one
successively with one of the successive tubes, which are all lodged in a support of
insulating material. These twenty tubes are each traversed by a needle of steel
or platinum with a head. The needles are capable of sliding by friction in the said
tubes in such manner as to enable them to be plunged one by one in the troughs
or cups. This galvanometer being placed in the circuit, that is to say, the positive
pole of the pile in connection with one extremity of the multiplicator wire (the
other end of which is joined to the tube No. 20 and the negative pole to the tube
No. 1, it will suffice that all the neodles be out of the mercury by deflection in
order for all the bobbins to be put in the circuit. And it will suffice to introduce
a certain number of the needles into the mercury to exclude a certain number of
bobbins, corresponding with the amount of resistance, and to diminish the resistance
in proportion. The current by this plan only passes through the needles with
which the bobbins are in connection when the needles are out of the mercury.
It will be understood from this, that, if all the needles are plunged in the
mercury the balance is horizontal, the current will pass through the mercury, by
preference, to the bobbins, and will not encounter any resistance. This current
passing with all its force, the deviation of the balance will take place by the
influence of the multiplicator wire, in accordance with the direction of the current.
At the moment of this deviation of the balance, the needles remaining fixed in their
position, the troughs containing the mercury will be lowered by the turning of the
balance on the axis, and will not be long in causing the needles successively to come
out of the mercury.
It is well understood that the needle No. 20 will be the first to come out, and
that the others will only come out in succession as the inclination or deflection of
the balance increases. Suppose nine needles to be out of the mercury and eleven
remain therein, nine pairs of bobbins are therefore only put in the circuit. The
needle would then mark, for example, nine degrees; but if the current be weakened
the balance returns towards the horizontal position, withdraws from the circuit a
proportionate number of bobbins, and consequently diminishes the resistance to
the advantage of strengthening the current.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Isac Louis Pulvermacher in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
14th March 1878.
ISAC LOUIS PULVERMACHER, of 194, Regent Street, in the County of Middlesex,
Electrical Engineer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS OR APPLIANCES CONNECTED
WITH GENERATING, CONDUCTING, MEASURING, OR TESTING AND APPLYING ELEC-
TRICITY."
The object of this Invention is,―
Firstly. In arranging open-worked negative metal cylindrical links with an inner
lining of parchment paper, serving as a holder of exciting liquid when the ends of
the links are closed, said cylindrical links being provided with a loose bar or wire
of positive metal, connected by a separate wire in voltaic connection, or in such a
manner that the positive metal bar is free to move within the cylinder, and always
find a horizontal lodgment in the cylinder when that is horizontal.
Secondly. Certain improved appliances as attachments upon the outside, and in
other cases upon the inside of links of a chain band.
Thirdly. Preparing wires or negative metal as a covering upon cylinders, so that,
when finished and in position in spiral order, the wire retains its condition for
depolarizing purposes by atmospheric air.
Fourthly. Adapting specially prepared connections or attachments on cylinders,
and their use in combination with an exterior casing of cylindrical form, yet pro-
vided with slots, slits, or other shaped apertures for the entrance of air to the inner
portion thereof.
Fifthly. The manufacture of cylinders for elements of a porous clay or like
material, said porous cylinders serving to hold the exciting liquid in the interior
and exteriorly as carriers of the negative metal in open-worked plate, or in spun
wire form, when employed for making portable batteries or stationary batteries.
Sixthly. Fitting self-closing valves and stems in porous cylinder ends, to permit
of exciting liquid being admitted and retained in same.
Seventhly. The combination of all or any of the foregoing to form a chain band.
Eighthly. Spinning thread upon negative wire, and then spinning this upon &
positive metal wire, the two as one wire being spun upon edge cords to form
elements, or the wires may be otherwise used.
Ninthly. The construction of a portable galvanic apparatus of special form for
personal application.
Tenthly. The construction of apparatus as an automatic compensator galvano-
meter.
The first and second parts of my Invention will be understood by the following
description with reference to Figures 1 and 2 of the annexed Drawings:-
I have shown in front view, Figure 1, and in end view, Figure 2, three successive
links, of which the number may be varied, for forming my flexible voltaic chains,
which may be employed as stationary batteries or portable batteries; one of these
links is seen in section, and the others exteriorly.
Each link or element a is formed of a perforated metal plate, silver or other,
provided at each end on one edge a¹ with an eyelet b, b¹, serving to unite the links
together. The plate is rolled and the eyes are bent at a right angle relatively to
the axis of the tube. Each link thus rolled has a cylindrical form and receives at
each end an annular ring or ferrule c, also silver, which fits on it. This annular ring
or ferrule penetrates in the hole d of the eyelet b.
To avoid the contact of the ferrule c with the link which receives it, I wind a
textile thread e in zig zag order on that part of the link.
In regard to their interior lining for forming the elements, I insert a tube of
parchment paper, touching the interior walls of the link, to retain either liquid
sal ainmoniac or other exciting liquids or salts, which may be introduced. The ends
of the links are closed by a simple india-rubber or cork plug. Beforo putting in

page_text: the second plug I introduce into the link the zinc rod k, previously soldered to
the end of a very thin silver wire k', which is pinched between the plug and the
ferrule c for establishing the voltaic connection with the ear b¹ of the neighbouring
element.
I may replace the plugs by kinds of inverted capsules of metal, which allows me 5
to mount my chains by means of hooks lodging in the capsules. The parchment
paper is interposed between the link and the capsule to ensure insulation.
The contact of the zinc k is made with the capsule as with the ferrule before
described, and little holes formed in the paper at the ends of the links serve to
charge them.
The third part of my Invention will be clearly understood by the following
description with reference to Figures 3 and 4 of the Drawings, which show another
arrangement of flexible voltaic chains, being also adapted to the formation of my
stationary or portable batteries. They are composed of links formed by means of
a cylindrical tube f of porous material, such as pipe clay, porous terra cotta, or other
material fulfilling the same object, encircled or surrounded from one end to the
other by a silver wire f¹, coated or not with platinum black, the spirals slightly
separated from each other. The porous tube f and the wire f¹ are covered at each
end by a silver ring g, provided with little clip pieces g', which are in conductible
connection with the wire.
The fourth part of my Invention also is shown in Figures 3 and 4.
The porous tube f extends beyond the ring g at each end and carries interiorly
a ferrule i, which serves as an articulation to the extension pieces h, forming a piece
with the ring g of the neighbouring element. At the same time that this extension
piece hinges or turns on the ferrule i, its end rests on the tube f, which insulates
it from the negative of the same element.
h
t is a sort of cylindrical jacket of hardened india-rubber, covering the upper and
lower rings g for the object of serving as an insulator and protector for them when
the chain is rolled up. This jacket t is slit in its length to allow it to be placed on
the ring g of the elements, and is perforated in its whole surface to allow the access
of air to the silver wire f¹, whilst at the same time protecting it.
j is the plug closing each end of the porous tube f. The zinc rod k is fitted in the
same way as in Figure 1 for the same purpose.
In Figure 3, one of the elements is shown complete and finished, the next
is shown with the jacket t, shown in section; and the third is shown in section in
all its parts.
These various arrangements of simple and portable apparatus are of a very
important character as regards the realization of a current infinitely more constant
than that hitherto obtained with this kind of single liquid battery.
The fifth part of my Invention relates to employing very thin negative metal
wires previously turned in spirals similar to a helical spring, the spirals being more
or less apart, the said spiral being then wound on a tube of porous material, such as
pipe clay, porous terra cotta, or other material fulfilling the same object, of which I
have already spoken. This tube may be closed by plugs, or open at one end with a
bottom at the other end to form a cylindrical vessel or vase.
It is understood that my wires, previously or simultaneously turned in helical
form constitute an infinity of little circles, and that this helical spring encircles in
close spirals the tube or porous vase. Only the tangent of these little silver
circles is in contact with the moistened surface of the porous jar containing the
liquid, whilst the other parts of these same little circles are in contact with the
atmospheric air.
The important point in the construction of these batteries consists in giving to
the negative metals very extensive surfaces in a small space, but in such a manner
that the said metals are in certain parts in communication with the atmospheric
air, and in certain others simultaneously in contact with the exciting liquid. The
result of this condition is that the polarizing hydrogen is oxidized by the oxygen of
the air as fast as it is produced, and thus counteracts the polarization.
]

page_text: I have shown in vertical section, Figure 5, and plan view, Figure 6, one element
compounded of the smaller elements of which I have just spoken, intended to compose
a stationary battery of large surface and with a current of increased constancy. It
is composed of a little basin a of any material, and of a leg or foot b, supporting a
basin c, containing the exciting liquid. This basin c receives, for example, 12 little
porous jars or cylinders d, and it may receive more on its surface with a sufficient
distance between them. These porous jars or cylinders d have a bottom e, which
may be replaced by a plug; they pass through the bottom of the basin c and are
rendered adherent thereto by marine glue or otherwise.
f is a metal disc to which are united zinc rods g, which occupy the central part
of the porous jars or cylinders d. This disc fulfils the functions of a conductible
collector of electricity produced by the zinc, which electricity is put into connection
with the negative wires or rolls i of the neighbouring similar compound element by
means of the wire h. All the silver ends of the helical spring i of this compound
element are united by a conductible wire, as shown in Figure 6.
I have shown in detail, Figures 7 and 8, a porous cylinder d, encircled by the
coiled silver or other suitable metal wire i, of which the negative part of element,
shown in Figure 5, is composed.
The disc Figure 5, is provided beneath with little semi-spherical projections j,
to support it at a short distance from the bottom of the basin c, allowing the
exciting liquid contained in this bason to gravitate in the element and flow down
the porous cylinders d to keep the zinc immersed, and filtrate through the said
porous cylinders to maintain the uniformity of the action of the battery; the excess
of the said filtration falls into the bason a. The zinc rods g enter freely in holes for
that purpose on the disk f, where they are held suspended by a cross pin or other-
wise, so that they may be taken out without displacing the disc f.
The bason may have the form of a bowl or of a stoppered bottle to receive a greater
or less quantity of liquid without fear of spilling. In this case each zinc rod enters
by the bottom of the porous cylinders, and is opened and closed by an india-rubber
ring with a plug in the centre. The lower part of the rods pass through
the plug, and are in this case united in conductible connection collectively by a
metal wire.
The coiled wire i may be of copper, coated thickly with silver, silver platinized or
not, or of platinum, according to the exciting liquid employed, being either a solution
of caustic potash or soda, diluted sulphuric acid, or a solution of ammonia or sal
ammoniac. I reserve to myself also the use of this kind of negative element within
the exciting liquid. This arrangement depolarizes to a certain degree, whereas when
out of the liquid the depolarization is almost complete.
The coiled wire i may be substituted for the straight wire f¹, which encircles
the porous tube f, in order to make links of a chain, as shown in Figures 3
and 4.
Referring to those Figures and to the sixth part of my Invention, I have shown
in Figure 9 a porous tube k, closed at one end by an inverted capsule 1, pierced with
a hole in its centre for the passage of a stem m, with head forming a valve for the
introduction of the liquid to the interior of the tube k, when the element is plunged
into the liquid, and the stem of the valve butts against the inverted capsule, forming
the bottom of the porous jar or cylinder which contains it, the other capsule has a
small hole for the escape of air. The valve m springs back into its place to close
the hole by the pressure of a small thin band of india-rubber m¹, which presses
on its head, and is held in place by being pinched between the tube and the
capsule 1.
In certain applications it is important that besides the free access of atmospheric
air to the negative metal, the moist contact between this negative metal and the
positive metal of the element is required to be constantly and uniformly maintained
for the current to be perfectly constant. I effect this uniform and constant
moistening by employing elements similar to the complete element, shown in vertical
section in Figure 10, and in horizontal section, Figure 11.

page_text: '
d is a jar or cylinder of porous material, open at the top, and having the whole
of its exterior cylindrical surface envelloped by a coiled silver wire i, as herein-before
described. The central portion of this jar or cylinder is occupied by a zinc cylinder
9, whole or in parts. This porous jar or cylinder is capped by a sort of bottomless
bottle u, which serves as a cover and a reservoir, having a little play for the purpose
of interposing a fabric e of any kind which may absorb a variable quantity of
the liquid from the interior of the porous jar or cylinder to diffuse it over the
exterior surface of the said vase.
A modified way of adapting the interposed fabric e is shown in Figure 10ª, in
which the fabric e is in the form of a ring, and is surrounded by an elastic ring e¹
for the purpose of keeping it in contact with the porous cylinder. Small holes f
are formed in the porous cylinder, leading to an annular groove thereon, through
which the liquid is distributed to the fabric e.
b is a neck or throat closed by a plug c, slightly pervious to the air which replaces
the liquid in proportion to its filtration through the pores of the jar or cylinder d
and the fabric e. The liquid filtrates through the pores of the cylinder & to moisten
that part of the wire roll i which is in contact with its exterior, and the fabric e
procures in the upper part of the cylinder a superabundance of moisture which
unites with that resulting from the filtration, and which adheres to the surface of
the cylinder by reason of its rugosity or ruggedness, the cylinder being specially
made so for that purpose. A metal wire coated with india-rubber or gutta-
percha, and attached to the zinc g, leaves the element by the neck b to rejoin the
negative wire coil i of the neighbouring element.
Figures 12 and 13 show another element in which I replace the coiled wire i by
carbon in sticks, or in powder platinized, black or not; the porous jar or cylinder d
is provided exteriorly and following the generating line with notches on which the
said sticks j, to the number of four, more or less, are lodged, which are then encircled
by one or several wires or thin blades of metal r. These wires of one element are
united to the wire y in connection with the zinc of the neighbouring element. The
porous jar or cylinder d is also capped in the same way as that of Figure 10, and
for the same purpose. The whole height of this jar or cylinder is envelloped by
a jacket of parchment paper, or other paper, perforated all over its surface with
small holes or other suitable material; and the cavity m, Figure 13, is filled with
pulverized carbon.
Figures 14 and 15 show an element of the same description, with this difference;
the exterior of the porous cylinder d has grooves n on all its surface, which are
more or less close, and of any shape, for the purpose of lodging sticks or rods of
carbon o, which are afterwards encircled in the same way as the preceding ones. In
this element the sticks of carbon being much more numerous I may fill up the
intervals with powdered carbon, or may leave them empty.
Figures 14 and 15 show an arrangement of horizontal elements based on the
same principle, composed of a basin p, formed of hardened india-rubber or other
insulating material destined to receive,―
First. The exciting liquid.
Secondly. A zinc plate q resting on the bottom of the bason with little pro-
jections on the under side to permit the access of liquid to all its parts.
Thirdly. A frame composed of corks 1, ¹, and of little cross pieces 8, with metal
gins or gudgeons t.
This frame serves to support the wire coil i previously formed in spirals and
laid in zig zag order, as shown. u is a metal wire to establish contact between the
zinc of one element and the wire coil i of the neighbouring element.
I may substitute for the wire coil i sticks or rods of carbon occupying the
surface of the frame and bound together by a metal wire. These sticks of carbon,
like the wire rolls i, are only in contact with the level of the exciting liquid by a
portion of their surface and the constancy of the moisture which is thus supplied to
them is perfectly regular in consequence of the frame which carries them, following
the level of the liquid as evaporation takes place, by reason of the floating

page_text: corks r, r, which corks may be replaced by any hollow floating organs if
desired.
Another modification of this kind of depolarization elements is as follows:-I
have shown in Figures 16 and 17, Sheet 2 of the annexed Drawings, in elevation
and in plan, one arrangement of porous cylinder c, with exterior longitudinal
grooves d, and surrounded for the whole of its height by a spiral e of carbon, whose
coils e' do not touch each other, and are at a sufficient distance from each other,
that the liquid inside the jar or cylinder which percolates through the pores
be not retained in abundance, thus the charcoal spiral being only simply
moistened by the liquid allows the access of atmospheric air to every part of its
surface.
The carbon spiral e is solid, but when moulding I place a silver or platinum
wire fin its centre, which comes out at the end of the roll, and one end f' of which
is destined to put the carbon in conduction with the zinc occupying the interior of
the porous jar or cylinder c of the neighbouring similar element.
The following is how I purpose to form a compound battery with these elements,
as shown in Figure 18, Sheet 2 :-g is a table pierced with holes, each destined to
receive an element, three, for example, to a battery, but the number of which may
be indefinite. The element No. 1 is seen in exterior view, and complete, with the
carbon coil or spiral e, the zinc cylinder being inside; the element No. 2 is scen
in section, without the carbon spiral; and the element No. 3 shows the porous
cylinder in exterior view and without the carbon spiral, and showing the longi-
tudinal grooves d on its outer surface, which facilitate the circulation of air between
the carbon spiral e and the jar or cylinder c.
The jars or cylinders c destined to receive the zinc cylinders h and the exciting
liquid have at their upper parts a collar or shoulder i, which rests on the table g,
and the upper central part of the jar or cylinder c is occupied by a washer j of
insulating material, having a hole by which the liquid may enter into the interior
of the jar or cylinder more or less rapidly, which is regulated according to the
passage, more or less rapid, of the liquid through the walls of the jar or cylinder c
by reason of its porosity, in the following manner :-For effecting this regularity of
feed intended to moisten the carbon spiral e with a constant regularity I place on
the table g above the elements a box, made of insulating material, with a
bottom k, and with a cover l. This box contains the exciting liquid m, and the
bottom is pierced with a hole directly above each element, closed by a screw
plug n with a conical groove o, as shown in Figure 18ª, so that by turning this
plug to the right or to the left the flow of the liquid m falling drop by drop into
the porous cylinder c, which is beneath, is augmented, diminished, or stopped at
will
p is a basin, placed as a drawer in the lower part of the table g, beneath the
elements 1, 2, 3, to receive the liquid filtrated through the porous cylinders c of the
elements.
Two modifications of the above are shown in Figures 19 and 20 respectively,
which show a more practical mode of mounting this kind of constant current
elements into a compound battery. This modification has the advantage over the
foregoing of enabling one to charge a great many elements simultaneously very
rapidly without causing any wet conductible connection amongst the elements, and
consequently without any loss of electricity by derived currents resulting from the
wet surface of the tray.
Instead of the table above described I use a tray e of insulating material
mounted on one or more feet. Figure 19 represents a battery mounted on four
feet b.
In the bottom c of the tray a are as many holes as there are elements to be
mounted, in which the porous cylinders d are fastened in a waterproof manner.
In the upper opening of the porous cylinders are fixed mouth-pieces e, made of gutta
percha or other insulating material, consisting of a tube f, the lip g of which is
bent outwardly so as to form a depending annular lip, as shown in the detached

page_text: view, 19ª, and is provided with the spout or mouth h, which causes the exciting
liquid poured into the tray to run down into all the cylinders simultaneously,
allowing at the same time the escape of the air therefrom. The hollow space i
within the depending annular lip remaining dry by the imprisoned air, in spite of
the liquid reaching the mouth of the tube, causes an interception of the wet com-
munication between the surfaces of the tray and the mouth of the tube after the
liquid surrounding them has been drawn away by opening the stopper or tap of the
tube k, when all elements are filled and allowed to flow into the tank e.
When I mount a tray c in circular form on one foot b, as seen in Figure 20, I
make the latter of a hollow cylinder, with many small holes m perforated in its
upper portion, that is to say, beneath the bottom of the tray, and cause this tube to
penetrate the same to an elevation of several inches, standing above the mouth-piece
of the elements to serve as a sort of chimney n. I then adapt a small lamp or gas
burner p in the upper opening of this hollow foot, in order to create a draught, by
which the air surrounding the elements is constantly renewed. For this purpose
however the battery in round form is encased in a box q with holes r beneath. This
constant renewal of air contributes to a more intensified depolarising action of the
atmospheric air on the surfaces of the negative elements.
The circular tank to receive the waste liquid from the elements may in this case
be in annular form and composed of two half circles in order to suit the circular
construction of such a battery. The exciting liquid can be supplied to the tray c
from the tank 8 by simply opening the tap t.
A further modification of the same part of my Invention is shown in Figures 21
and 22, in which inouth-pieces of gutta percha, like those above described, are applied
also for composing chain batteries in which many elements can be charged almost
instantaneously.
Figure 21 represents a piece of such a chain, of which the porous cylinders d, d, d,
are on one end linked together with stamped metal pieces g, as those previously
described, and shown in Figures 3 and 4, and on their other ends they are held
together by a transverse tubej of supple india-rubber, or of other suitable insulating
material in the following manner-Close to the upper end of the porous cylinder d
is an annular groove d¹, corresponding in width to the thickness of the material of
which the tube j is made. In the latter are throughout its entire length as many holes
punched out as there are elements to be mounted. These round holes are of a some-
what smaller diameter than that resulting from the depth of annular groove d³, so that
when the porous cylinder d with its gutta percha mouth-piece e is forced through
the hole of the india-rubber tube j, the latter slips into the groove d³, and becomes
firmly united with the cylinder d, at the same time closing the round hole in the
india-rubber tube j in a water-tight manner. When I use a gutta percha tube
instead of india-rubber, I make it water-tight by means of a paste of dissolved gutta
percha, or of any suitable cement.
When the coil of this chain is placed so that its links or elements stand vertical,
and the exciting liquid is introduced into the india-rubber tube j, so that the level
of the exciting liquid can reach the rim of the mouth-piece e, the inner hollow spaces
of the porous cylinder d fill themselves one after the other. It requires then only
to withdraw the liquid surrounding externally the gutta percha mouth-pieces, to
allow it to escape in order that the exciting liquid inside the porous cylinder d
should become isolated from the wet inner surface of the india-rubber tube j. The
contact between the zinc placed inside the porous cylinder d, and the stem of
copper in the centre of gutta percha stopper m, through which the stem protudes,
taking place, voltaic connection between the elements can be easily effected with the
stamped metal piece g mounted on the neighbouring cylinder, which in its turn is
set in contact with the spiral silver wires i surrounding the porous cylinder
externally.
Instead of holding together the lower ends of the cylinders by stamped metal
pieces, as above described, I use also a second horizontal tube j₁ of india-rubber,

page_text: with holes, as shown in Figure 22, in which case the lower ends of the cylinders are
provided with an enlargement n, and are forced in.
In order to economize the outlay which the silver negatives above described
causes when a battery of large elements is desired,-
I make also negatives as follows:-A porous cylinder d, which is outside of a
starlike grooved surface, an end view of which is shown in Figure 23, is surrounded
by a silver or platinum wire i in a spiral winding of a coarse pitch, as seen in
Figure 24. When this porous cylinder is dipped in heated liquid tar in which
carbon or graphite powder is uniformly and thinly mixed and then packed into
carbon powder contained in a closed sager, and afterwards baked in a kiln, the
porous clay cylinder becomes coated with a porous carbon crust adhering strongly
to the clay cylinder, and in intimate contact with the silver or platinum wire i.
Although the depolarizing action of such negatives is inferior to that of the silver
negatives above described, its initial electro-motive power being greater, will be
found eligible in connection with the automatic compensating galvanometer, whereby
a perfectly constant current may be arrived at though furnished by a single liquid
combination.
Figure 24ª & 24b sbows an arrangement of battery formed by means of six
elements, for example, seen from beneath for the purpose of showing the action of
an arrangement similar to a commutator for converting or transforming the action
as from a tension battery to an intensity battery, or vice versa.
L are my elements grouped around a leg or foot M of insulating material, the
bottoms of which are furnished with an annular ring or ferrule C, in permanent
conduction with the extremity of the silver wire spiral, which encircles the porous
cylinder of the element. These annular rings are provided with an arm or extension
piece H, so that they may move in a circular direction without disturbing or
interfering with the elements. p is a little turuplate on which six small con-
necting bars 9 of insulating material are articulated, which connecting bars are
also articulated to the arms or extension pieces H, so that by imparting a slight
rotary movement to the turnplate P, the arms H come in contact with the latter, or
remove themselves from it according to the direction in which it is turned, to
the right or to the left; this motion is effected by means of the little handle r
shown in dotted lines, which at the same time actuates a second turnplate 8,
insulated from the first, also shown in dotted lines, and also wires t, which have
for object to touch and put into conductible contact all the zincs u of the elements
protuding through the india-rubber or gutta percha plugs forming the bottoms of
the porous cylinders. Thus, by this movement of the handle r, one may instan-
taneously either unite all the negatives together and all the positives together,
or unite them alternately and voltaically. The two turnplates p and 8 are in
connection with the conducting wires.
I may employ the same arrangement for constituting independent commutators
by substituting for the above elements simple metallic rods fixed to an insulating
base, some representing the negative and the others the positive, and putting the
turnplates p, 8, into connection with the conducting wires.
Another arrangement of the same kind of battery with six elements is shown in
Figure 24c and Figure 24d, being viewed from beneath, as in the former case. In
this instance the arms h of the annular ring or ferrule C are in connection by the
rods or bars with the centre turning plate p, as in Figure 244, with a view of
putting the nipple k of the arms h in voltaic contact with the zinc rod u in the
centre of each element, or in the position shown in dotted lines, to unite all the
rings c, according as electricity of tension or intensity is required, all the zinc rods,
when intensity is required, being then connected by means of a sliding ring v, also
provided with nipples w (one opposite the centre of each element), the ring being
slid on the guide bars x for the purpose of putting the nipples k on it in contact with
the zinc rods u, which puts all the zinc elements in connection with each other.
In order to effect the sliding movement, a screw, turnable by a lever, is adapted
in a nut in the centre of the ring, the ring being of spoked wheel form.

page_text: The first of my improvements in automatic compensating galvanometers, which
forms the tenth part of my Invention, will be clearly understood with reference
to Figures 25 and 26.
This galvanometer is composed of a box n made of gutta percha, hardened india-
rubber, or other insulating material, forming a bobbin at its upper part to receive
a multiplying wire l. This bobbin is surmounted by a brass plate D, which is
interiorly prolonged by two depending flanges E, E, diametrically placed, forming a
groove, and which receive the axis o of the needle p and magnetic balance A, formed
of a magnetized steel blade articulated on the said axis o; r is an indicating dial,
on which the deflections of the index needle p may be read.
The magnetic balance A has at one end, and on one of its side faces, a metal
plate a, something similar to a comb, of which the teeth, ten in number for example,
are cut in a curve concentric to the axis o.
The plate a and its teeth b are coated with antimony for preventing the action
of the mercury upon the teeth, into which they are to be plunged. In effect directly
beneath these teeth are cups or vessels 8 containing mercury, that is to say, an
insulated cup for each tooth. These cups, which are obtained either by means of little
glass tubes bent concentrically to the axis o, and joined to each other, or by gutta
percha or other insulating material, are in this case made of moulded ebonite, and fixed
to each other, so as to form the cups shown in Figure 26; they are formed by means
of two shells B, B', stamped or moulded, and connected together. Each of these
shells carries a portion of an eye or socket t, which is free to move concentrically
to the axis o in a ledge forming part with the bobbin frame, so as to be able to
vary a little the position of the cups or vessels 8 by means of the regulating screw u
to ensure or to vary the level of the mercury of all the cups or vessels 8.
The slotted portions of the eye or socket t have also for object to allow a passage
to the axis o when the magnetic balance with its comb a is required to be put in its
place or taken out.
The box n receives in its interior a cylinder v of porcelain or other insulating
material, hollow or solid, having longitudinal grooves von its exterior; it is
encircled for the whole of its length by a spiral roll or cord x. This cord is made
of a compound of gutta percha and pulverized graphite or carbon uniformly mixed
into the form of a dry paste, and then pressed through a hole in the plate, which
hole is of the diameter of cord required. These spirally wound cords are not in
contact with each other, and forin a resisting conductor to the current which passes
through them; they rest in a shallow helicoidal circumferential groove formed on the
surface of the cylinder throughout its length. y are conducting wires fastened to
the spiral cord x by passing each wire first into the longitudinal groove, and around
the section of the spiral. These wires y are fastened on the spiral at distances cor-
responding to suitable subdivisions; they are ten in number, and are directed
towards the cups or vessels 8, each penetrating into the cup by passing through its
bottom, so that each wire end is in contact with the mercury contained therein.
As may be seen in this galvanometer the cups containing the mercury are fixed
in their positions, and the teeth v fastened to the magnetic balance A are movable,
and in conduction with it.
When this galvanometer is placed in a circuit, that is to say, one pole of a
battery in connection with one end of the multiplying wire 1, the other end of
which is in connection with the mercury, wherein the tooth b, No. 1, is alway
immersed, and the other pole with the extremity g of the graphite spiral cord x,
it would suffice that all the other teeth b be withdrawn from the mercury for all
the graphite spiral cord x to be inserted in the circuit, and thus obtain the maximum
of resistance; but it would be sufficient that a certain number of teeth b are
plunged into the mercury to exclude from the circuit the same number of fraction
of the resistance of the graphite spiral cord x, which would proportionately diminish
the resistance offered to the current.
It will, therefore, be understood that at the commencement of the operation the
magnetic balance A being in the horizontal position all the teeth b would be

page_text: plunged in the mercury, into which the current of the battery will pass directly
along the comb-like toothed plate a to the end of the balance, and will escape by
the wire g¹ without encountering any resistance.
Instead of the carbon spirals I sometimes employ silk threads metallised so as to
retain their flexibility.
This current, passing through the apparatus with all its initial power, the
deflection of the balance A will take place by the influence of the multiplying wire
in conformity with the direction of the current. At this moment the successive
withdrawal of one or several teeth, which were immersed in the mercury, would
automatically interpose an equivalent resistance of the graphite spiral cord in the
circuit.
If the current weakens the magnetic balance A returns towards the horizontal
position; the teeth b again plunge into the mercury, and proportionately to their
number diminish the resistance, thereby keeping the power of the current uniform.
The box n may be of greater or smaller dimensions to receive several cylinders v
with graphite spiral cords & for augmenting or subdividing the resistance.
The teeth b may also be of greater or smaller number, and in the case of its being
suitable to put twenty, for example, I fit a second series of teeth on the other lateral
face of the magnetic balance A, and a second series of cups or vessels 8 by the side
of those shown on the Drawing, the axes of which would be placed quincuncial to
the first to correspond to teeth b placed quincuncial to the first teeth, and thus to
have twenty graduations in place of ten for the same length of magnetic balance.
I have found in practice that the apparatus which I have just described changes
the resistances in consecutive successions too abruptly.
The apparatus which I am now going to describe, however, has the advantage of
changing automatically the resistances in a more gradual manner.
The apparatus is represented in Figures 27 and 28. On each side of one lever of
the magnetic balance A a resistance plate or strip B, B', is fixed in a manner insulated
from the magnet blade A. These two resistance plates are made according to the
high or low resistances intended to be regulated in a circuit of a battery, either of
the compound, as the graphite gutta percha cord above described, or of a uniform
baked mixture of clay with a metallic powder or with graphite, or made by winding
thin platinum wires on a strip of isolating material, say, ebonite, gutta percha, or
cardboard, which has been rendered impermeable by being soaked in melted parafine
or any other light and isolating material in flat spiral windings in such a manner
that none of the helices can touch each other, as shown.
Each of the two platinum wire ends c, facing the extremity of the magnetic lever,
is set in conductible connection by the conductor J with the small platinum strip d
fastened vertically, also in a manner isolated from the surface of the resistance strip
B, B', and the magnet lever A. This platinum strip is bent a little slantingly, and
projects beneath sufficiently for always dipping in two separate mercury troughs
E, E', shown clearly in Figure 29, beneath the magnet balance, which they do not
quit even when the balance is at its maximum deflection, as shown in Figure 27.
The resistance strips B and B¹ are fastened horizontally on both sides of the balance
A, so that the whole of their lower edge is allowed to touch the surface of the
mercury F contained in the trough F' fixed beneath it, that is to say, when the
balance and the lever of the mercury are in a perfectly horizontal position; but in
the case of the maximum deflection of the magnet balance by the influence of the
current the ends of the platinum wire, surrounding the resistance strips B, B², near
the centre of the balance, are unable to quit the mercury trough.
When using a resistance strip made of a compound material in order to obtain
greater resistances than by means of the platinum wire I furnish the ends of the
strip with thin platinum caps for securing perfect conduction.
When the mercury
trough E is set in conductible connection with one pole of the battery, to be
regulated by means of the wire H, and the mercury trough E' with one end of the
wire of the galvanometer coil, whilst the other end of the latter is connected with
the other pole of the battery, the current is caused to circulate from the small

page_text: trough E through one of the connecting strips of platinum D, and then through the
conducting wire J, connecting it with the end of the platinum wire on the resistance
strip B, thence to the mercury trough F, and from there to the connecting wire J'
attached to the other end of the platinum wire on the second resistance strip B¹,
thence to the second strip of platinum D¹, and the second trough E¹; from thence
it passes to one end of the galvanometer wire K', the other end of which is in con-
nection with the other pole of the battery. The initial electro-motive forco
deflecting thus, the magnetic balance withdraws part or the whole of the resistance
plates from the long mercury trough F. The current is now compelled to circulate
along the whole or a part of the platinum wire surrounding the two strips B, B¹, in
accordance with its electro-motive force, experiencing thereby resistance pro-
portioned to the length of platinum wire out of the mercury. But the moment the
electro-generation in the battery is enfeebled the magnetic balance A recedes, and
by doing so withdraws a portion of its resistance through bringing a fractional
number of platinum wire windings in contact with the mercury in the trough F,
thus compensating loss and maintaining the energy of the current uniform.
Instead of one pair of resistance strips, two, three, or more pairs may be used. In
such a case each pair of strips will have a separate mercury trough parallel to the
others, and one end of platinum wire belonging to one pair of strips would be set in
contact with one end of the platinum wire of the other pair, thus making a con-
tinuation.
And having now described the nature of my said Invention, and in what
manner the same is to be performed, I declare that I claim,
Firstly. Arranging open-worked negative metal cylindrical links with an inner
lining of parchment paper, serving as a holder of exciting liquid when the ends of
the links are closed, said cylindrical links being provided with a loose bar or wire
of positive metal, connected by a separate thin pliable wire in voltaic connection,
or in such a manner that the positive metal bar is free to move within the cylinder,
and always find a horizontal lodgment in the cylinder when that is horizontal,
as herein-before described, and substantially as shown in the annexed Drawings.
Secondly. Connecting or combining porous cylinders into a chain by means of
locking rings or ferrules with arms or extension pieces, as described, and as shown
in Figures 3, 4, and 4ª of the annexed Drawings.
Thirdly. Arranging negative metal surfaces around porous cylinders containing
exciting liquid in such a manner that they enter into electrolytic action with the
zines inside or outside of the cylinders, so that the atmospheric air can have free
access to the greatest part of the negative metal surface, as described, and as shown
in Figures 3 to 24 inclusively.
Fourthly. Forming an element of large acting surface by compounding the small
elements herein-before described with reference to Figures 3 to 24 inclusively, in the
manner shown in Figure 5 and 6 of the annexed Drawings.
Fifthly. Arranging negatives of large surface (either metal or carbon) in such
manner that they can act in the floating condition on the exciting liquid sur-
rounding the positive metal, as herein-before described, and as shown in Figures 14ª
and 15 of the annexed Drawings.
Sixthly. Surrounding or enveloping porous cylinders with carbon either in the
form of rods, spiral cords, or powder, or in the form of a baked crust, that the
electro-motive action can take place in a manner allowing the oxygen of the air to
exercise its depolarizing action in the same way as in the case of the metal spirals,
as shown in Figures 23 and 24 of the annexed Drawings.
Seventhly. Forming tension batteries by compounding voltaically the elements
herein-before described, in the manner shown in Figures 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22
of the annexed Drawings.
Eighthly. I claim the arrangements for feeding the elements composing the
tension batteries with exciting liquid in such a manner that the filtration and
evaporation through the porous cylinders are compensated, while at the same time

page_text: preventing a derived current, and consequently a loss of electricity, between the
elements and the liquid in the reservoir, as shown in Figures 18 to 22 inclusively.
Ninthly. The method of feeding the elements of compound tension batteries
instantaneously and simultaneously by means of mouth-pieces fitted in the upper
part of porous cylinders, as shown in Figures 19, 19, 20, 21, and 22, by means of
which wet conductible connection between the elements is intercepted or obviated,
and a derived current, and consequently a loss of electricity prevented.
Tenthly. The employment of the mouth-pieces f, shown in Figures 19, 20, 21,
and 22, and in section in Figure 19ª, for the purpose of feeding batteries, in the
manner herein-before described.
Eleventhly. The commutator arrangement herein-before described, and shown in
Figures 24 & 24b of the annexed Drawings, for the purpose of converting or
transforming the action of my batteries from tension to intensity, or vice versa.
Twelfthly. I claim the modified method of effecting the same object, as herein-
before described, and as shown in Figures 24° & 24d of the annexed Drawings.
Thirteenthly. I claim the arrangement of independent commutators on the
principle claimed in the two immediately preceding claims, as described, and as
shown in Figure 246.
Fourteenthly. I claim the improvements in automatic resistance compensating
galvanometers, shown in Figures 27, 28, 29, and 30 of the annexed Drawings, for
the purposes set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said Isac Louis Pulvermacher, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Fourteenth day of March, One thousand eight hundred
and seventy-eight.
I. L. PULVERMACHER. (L.S.)