IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO THE GENERATING, STORING, AND APPLICATION OR UTILIZATION OF ELECTRICITY, AND TO APPARATUS THEREFOR, CHIEFLY DESIGNED FOR LIGHTING, TELEGRAPHIC, AND PLATING PURPOSES
Year: 1879

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake,
& Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO THE GENERATING, STORING, AND
APPLICATION OR UTILIZATION OF ELECTRICITY, AND TO APPARATUS THEREFOR,
CHIEFLY DESIGNED FOR LIGHTING, TELEGRAPHIC, AND PLATING PURPOSES."
A communication from abroad by Edwin I. Houston and Elihu Thomson,
both of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 29th October 1879.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO THE
GENERATING, STORING, AND APPLICATION OR UTILIZATION OF ELECTRICITY AND TO
APPARATUS THEREFOR, CHIEFLY DESIGNED FOR LIGHTING, TELEGRAPHIC, AND
PLATING PURPOSES." [A communication from abroad by Edwin I. Houston and
Elihu Thomson, both of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America.]
The said Invention relates to the generating, storing, and application of electricity
for lighting, telegraphic, and plating purposes.
The first part of the said Invention comprises a dynamo-electric machine in
which are embodied the following novel features, namely:-Field magnets with their
coils wound conically, the wide portion being placed as near as possible to the
revolving armature, and serving thereby, in addition to the ordinary purpose of
magnetizing the field-magnets, that of directly influencing and strengthening the
polarization of the armature. In combination with these coils I arrange accessory
coils wound in the same direction as the other coils, and which fill up the spaces
between the pole pieces. They also prevent the diffusion of the magnetic field; and
concentrate it upon the armature. The said pole pieces are of such a form as to
leave gaps or open spaces opposite each other, and as near as practicable to those
parts of the cores of the field-magnets toward which the armature is moving.
These gaps prevent the weakening of the poles at the points where there is a

page_text: liability to weakness when the armature is passing from one to the other magnetic
field. The combination of the main coils with the accessory coils and with the
pole-pieces arranged as set forth, intensifies the magnetic polarization of the
revolving armature. The said pole-pieces are serrated to prevent the formation of
induction currents, in the metal of which they are formed, and the consequent loss
of power when the armature is revolving.
The core of the said armature consists of one or more pieces of iron of circular cr
polygonal shape, and provided with projections extending radially outward from
them. To avoid heating of the core many such pieces are placed side by side upon
the same axis to make up the armature-core in the form of a deeply-fluted
cylinder.
Upon the said projections separate coils of insulated iron are wound longi-
tudinally, and their ends are carried out to the commutator.
The remaining spaces upon the armature, namely, the flutings, are filled to the
form of a complete cylinder by winding coils completely over the ends of the
cylinder. These latter coils are separate and distinct, and the ends are carried out
to the same commutator, or to a separate one when desired.
When the set of coils each separate and distinct are alone used the projections
of the armature-core may or may not be used.
When it is desired to increase the diameter of the cylindrical armature-core
relatively to its length, the central portions may be removed, so as to provide an
open space around the axis.
The commutators for the direct currents when taken from the coils at the ends
of the cylinders of the armature consist of a series of straight metal strips insulated
from one another, and placed parallel to one another in the form of a cylinder
around the axis supporting the armature.
The commutators for conveying the currents from the coils surrounding the
aforesaid projections may be exactly the same in construction and manner of con-
nection as those above described. I prefer, however, to connect these coils to two
separate sets of strips composing two separate cylinders.
Collectors may be used in different angular positions with respect to one another,
and employed either to furnish separate circuits, or joined into a single circuit.
Since the currents generated in the coils of the armature are successively in
opposite directions when a machine made in accordance with this Invention is
designed to furnish reversed currents, no commutation is necessary, and the ends
of the coils are each connected to a metal disc insulated from the axis, and from
the other disc. Upon the discs so provided collectors rest, in such a way as to
complete the circuit through each coil, and through the external resistance through
which the current is to be passed.
Another part of this Invention comprises regulators for the electric light,
especially designed for use when but a single light is employed in a circuit. By
this part of the said Invention an automatic feed for the carbon electrodes is
obtained without the aid of complicated mechanism. A single electro-magnet is
employed, the core or armature of which is made movable, and the motion of
which not only directly effects the separation of the carbon electrodes, but also
directly operates to feed forwards the said electrodes as rapidly as they are
consumed, thereby maintaining a nearly constant distance between them.
Upon the base of the lamp is secured a hollow coil of insulated wire surrounding
a movable iron core, which in turn surrounds a metallic rod serving as a support
for the electrode. The said rod does not fit tightly the opening through the core.
The latter is supported by a spring, so that on the passage of a current through the
coil the core may be drawn downwards, thereby compressing the spring, the
elasticity of which lifts the core on the weakening or cessation of the current.
Attached to the core by an extensible spring is a movable platform through which
the said rod passes; guide rods supported by the coil serve to prevent lateral
motion of the said platform. Adjustable stops are placed upon the guide rods for
limiting the extent of the downward movement of the platform and the core.

page_text: The rod is free to move through the platform only in an upward direction, the fall
due to its weight being prevented by catches so placed as to permit free motion in
an upward direction. The said core is likewise provided with catches which act
in the same manner to prevent downward motion of the rod through the said core,
but to permit its free motion upwards. The upper electrode is supported by a rod
attached to the standard, serving also as an electrical connection from the binding
screw to the said rod.
Although a number of lamps such as that just above described may be placed in
the same circuit, yet when a number of lamps are used in one and the same circuit
it is preferable to employ a lamp constructed according to another part of this
Invention now to be described. In this lamp great and sudden variations in the
arc resistances are avoided by causing the distance between the carbon electrodes
to remain nearly the same. One of the features of this part of the said Invention
is that the feeding of, and consequently the distance between the electrodes are
practically independent of the current used with the lamp, so that the adjustment
of the said lamp need not be changed in accordance with a change in the current
strength.
The principle of this part of the said Invention may be briefly stated as follows,
namely: One of the carbon electrodes is attached to the armature of an electro
magnet, and on the passage of an electric current the said armature is attracted to
its electro magnet and there held in its position. relatively thereto, thus effecting
separation of the electrodes.
The motion of the other electrode is under the control of a separate electro-
magnet whose coils are in a shunt circuit around the arc between the electrodes.
When the distance between the electrodes is increased by their consumption the
shunted current operates an escapement which allows the slow approach of the
electrodes; this approach ceases when the normal distance between the electrodes
is restored. This cessation of feeding occurs when the aforesaid escapement is
thrown out of action from the weakening of the current in the shunt magnet..
These actions are independent of considerable variations in the current strength.
The feeding of the carbon electrodes as necessitated by their consumption is
rendered dependent on their distance apart, and is mostly independent of general
current strength and of a changed resistance of the arc produced by a change in the
current strength. To effect this result I discard entirely as the means for regulating
the lamp the general are current or current traversing the arc, making said regulation
entirely dependent on the magnetic force of a constant shunt circuit around the arc.
The carbon electrodes are held by suitable clamps. The lower electrode holder is
attached to a movable armature, and kept out of contact therewith when the lamp
is out of use by the supporting spring, regulated by a screw made hollow to permit
the passage through it of an electrode. Rods are provided to support the magnets
and the accompanying parts, and serve as means for attaching them to the parts
supporting the electrode, which is supported by a rod which rests in frictional
contact with rollers, the surfaces of which are shaped to conform to the said rod.
One of the said rollers is supported in a fixed standard, while the other is arranged
adjustably to and from the said rod. The said rod cannot fall or descend without
imparting rotary motion to the stationary roller upon whose axis is placed a toothed
wheel which imparts motion to a second axis bearing a second toothed wheel. A
projection from a light iron armature held by a spring against this wheel serves to
prevent its rotation, and consequently the fall or descent of the electrode. An
electro magnet whose position with respect to its armature is adjustable is placed
in a branch or shunt circuit around the electrodes. When desired the second wheel
may be dispensed with, and the armature acts directly on the teeth of the first
wheel.
It will be evident to those familiar with the subject to which this Invention
relates that by causing the movement of the upper electrode to give a corresponding
upward movement to the lower electrode, the relative rapidity of whose motion is

page_text: .
less than that of the upper electrode, the lamp will regulate both electrodes, and the
position of the arc between the electrodes will remain practically constant, the
regulation of the lamp still being effected by the method herein before described.
Another part of this Invention relates to means for the accumulation or storage
of electrical current producing power.
a
It is well known that in what are technically termed "secondary batteries "
current of electricity is employed to produce a polarization of metal surfaces, which
polarization is afterwards utilized to obtain currents of electricity of short duration.
In such case, however, the only change sought and effected is that of the surfaces
of the metallic plates, and the currents evolved from such secondary batteries are
necessarily of comparatively short duration, being limited by the extent of such
surfaces. It is the object of this part of the said Invention to economize time, labor,
and material in the restoration of an exhausted battery cell to a condition of electrical
activity, as well as to provide means for originally inducing electrical action in a
battery cell, and to these ends this Invention consists in the application to a voltaic
battery cell of an electrical current which is passed through the cell in a direction
opposite to that followed by the current produced by the cell when in action; that
is to say, the applied current is caused to enter at the positive and pass out at the
negative electrode of the battery.
To facilitate the understanding of this part of the said Invention I will exemplify
it by reference to the gravity battery cell as at present employed. When this form
of battery after being newly charged ceases to give currents, assuming the zinc plate
to be of ordinary dimensions, no copper sulphate remains, and the liquid in the cell
is simply zinc sulphate.
To revivify and restore the cell to a condition of electrical activity its positive
electrode is connected with a wire which conducts to the said electrode a current
from a dynamo-electric machine, or other suitable source of electricity, and the said
current passes through the cell in the opposite direction to that followed by the
current produced by the cell when in action; that is to say, it enters at the positive
and passes out at the negative electrode. On the passage of the revivifying current,
the copper plate being made positive, the current circulating through the cell from
the copper to the zinc the zinc sulphate is decomposed, metallic zinc being restored
to the zinc plate and metallic copper being dissolved from the copper plate, forming
use solution of copper sulphate surrounding the copper plate and existing as a
substratum beneath the zinc sulphate still remaining. After such decomposition
the battery cell will be restored to a condition of electrical activity, and if hermetically
sealed the operation of revivification may be repeated whenever and as often as
required without the addition of fresh material.
The above described process although applicable to various forms of voltaic
battery cell, may be most advantageously employed with a specially constructed
cell, of which the following is a description:-
An enclosing vessel is provided wherein are placed two conducting depositing
plates, neither of which is necessarily electro-positive, and each of which is con-
nected by a conductor with a binding post and immersed in a solution; the latter
by the passage of an electrical current will be decomposed with the deposition of
an electro-positive metal upon the plate toward which the current is flowing, and
the formation of an electro negative compound from the material of the other plate
and the surrounding solution.
One of these plates, which is preferably of copper, rests upon or near the bottom
of the said vessel, and the other, which is also preferably of copper, is supported
from the cap or cover at a short distance below the top of the said vessel. The
first or lower plate is connected by an insulated conductor with a binding post
upon the cap, and the upper plate is connected by a conductor with another
binding post upon the said cap. The aforesaid vessel is filled to a point above the
upper surface of the upper plate with a solution of such a character as to be capable
of decomposition by the passage through it of an electric current, and the vessel is

page_text: by preference hermetically sealed by providing its cap with a downwardly pro-
jecting flange entering an annular trough formed around the top of the said vessel,
and filled with oil, or cement, or otherwise.
To render possible the generation of an electrical current in and by my improved
battery cell, a current of electricity from a dynamo-electric machine, or other source,
is passed through it, being caused to enter at the binding post connected to the lower
copper plate, and to pass out at the post connected to the upper plate. By the
passage of the electrical current through the solution a decomposition thereof is
effected, metallic zinc being set free and deposited on the upper plate, which acts
simply as a receiver and conductor for the electro positive metal, metallic copper
being taken up from the lower plate and converted into copper sulphate, the said
lower plate serving as the source of supply for the electro-negative resultant, a
dense solution of copper sulphate being formed above and around the said lower
plate. The lower plate might be replaced by a body of mercury resting in a
suitable receptacle; or instead of the copper plate a silver or a lead plate may be
used.
The aforesaid plates may be of different forms as found most desirable. The
lower plate may be either a simple disc, a serrated or roughened disc, a coil or
ribbon, or a tray serving to hold small blocks or pieces of the metal to be used.
The upper plate may be a perforated disc having its underside coated with a
nonconducting varnish or covering to prevent the deposition of zinc upon its lower
surface. Pieces of hard carbon may be placed upon the upper plate for the re-
ception and retention of the zine; or spurs or projections may be formed upon its
upper surface for a similar purpose.
The storage battery may be modified as follows:-Several discs of copper placed
horizontally are separated by insulating rings impervious to the solution, preferably
zinc sulphate, which fills the spaces or cells between the plates. Diaphragms of
heavy felt are placed underneath the metallic plates aforesaid, and the whole of the
parts are firmly bolted together. Terminal wires lead from the uppermost and
lowermost plates of the series for charging and discharging, as herein before
provided.
In a dynamo-electric machine in which a single circuit exists, as is now com-
monly the case, there arise certain difficulties in charging storage batteries of the
above described type and secondary batteries; these difficulties are chiefly the loss
of or reversal of magnetism in the magnets of the machine, due to reverse currents
from a storage battery retaining a charge, which discharges through the machine
when connected to the battery and causes its polarity to be reversed; this reversal
gives rise to great uncertainty of operation, to prevent which it is essential that
the machine should be brought to a normal working condition, as to current
produced and electro-motive force, before connecting it to the storage battery. The
means for accomplishing this result are provided by another part of this Invention
as follows:
According to this part of the said Invention I use a dynamo-electric machine,
a storage battery, a peculiarly constructed switch, a resistance equal to that. for
which the machine is designed, or with which it can normally be run, a circuit
opener, galvanometers placed in the circuit of the machine and storage battery to
indicate the direction of the current. The switch has two rows of metallic plates;
resistances connect these plates one with another except the last of each series.
A sliding piece may be brought successively into contact with the pairs of plates;
this sliding piece is connected to one terminal of the machine; the other terminal
is branched through the normal working resistance and the battery. An electro-
magnet placed in the circuit releases its armature on the cessation of current and
breaks the circuit. When from any cause the electro-motive force of the machine
is insufficient to overcome that of the storage battery, the resistance is gradually
removed from the circuit and the storage battery substituted.
On stopping the machine when the battery is judged to have been charged, the

page_text: reverse process is adopted, that is to say, a gradual removal of the battery from
the circuit, and the substitution of the resistance; therefore there will be no
demagnetization or reversal of magnetism.
The storage battery in some cases may be constructed in separate sections, the
charging of each section being accomplished separately, and the discharge of
the whole or a portion of the battery being similarly effected. In this case the
discharge of the battery may occur cotemporaneously with the successive charging
of the separate sections composing it.
The electro-motive force of the current employed for charging in this case need
be but a fraction of that possessed by the battery as a whole.
The storage battery may be charged by a current from a dynamo-electric
machine; the charge is afterwards employed in conjunction with the current of
the said machine, and the electro motive force of the current is thereby greatly
increased.

page_text: Southampton Buildings, London.
IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO THE
GENERATING, STORING, AND APPLICATION OR. UTILIZATION OF ELECTRICITY, AND TO
APPARATUS THEREFOR, CHIEFLY DESIGNED FOR LIGHTING, TELEGRAPHIC, AND
PLATING PURPOSES." A communication from abroad by Edwin I. Houston and
Elihu Thomson, both of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America.
This Invention relates to the generating, storing, and application of electricity for
lighting, telegraphic, and plating purposes..
The first part of the said Invention which is illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 of the
accompanying Drawings relates to improvements in the construction and operation
of dynamo-electric machines, whereby the capabilities of these machines are
increased, and their construction is simplified.
Figure 1 is an elevation partly in section shewing the arrangement of the field-
magnets employed in the said machine, and
Figures 2 to 5 shew portions of the same detached.
The remaining Figures are hereinafter described.
B represents the base of the instrument which contains iron sufficient to provide
thorough magnetic contact between the supports S, S, of the field-magnet, cores
M, M, which are arranged opposite each other in the same straight line, and of
which there may be two or more.
The cores M, M¹, of the said field-magnets are made of separate pieces of iron not
in electric contact with each other, by forming the cores of plates or rods filed into
the desired form, as shewn at M, Figure 2; or they are made by rolling a sheet of
iron into the desired form, as shewn at M', in the same Figure.
The magnet-cores M, M¹, have pole-extensions P, P¹, of such form as to enclose
the armature which revolves between them, gaps being provided at a, a, as near
the cores M, M¹, of the field-magnets as practicable subserving by their position a
new purpose in preventing that weakening of the poles at those points which in
many machines occurs when the armature is passing from one magnetic field to the
other. The gaps a, a, it will thus be seen are made in a plane inclined in the
direction of rotation of the armature, as shewn by the dotted line L, L. In
machines as heretofore constructed, the gaps are situated midway between the poles.
The coils C, C, of the field-magnets are wound conically, the wide portion being
placed as near as possible to the revolving armature, thus serving in addition to
the ordinary purpose of magnetizing the field-magnets to directly influence and
strengthen the polarization of the armature-core itself. Furthermore, accessory
coils C, C, wound in the same direction as the coils C, C, are provided covering
the gaps a, a, between the pole-pieces and serving to prevent the diffusion of the
magnetic field and concentrate it upon the armature. The axis of the armature is
suitably supported at A.
The pole-piece P is provided with serrations Z, as shewn in Figure 2, for pre-
venting the formation of induction-currents in the metal composing the pole-pieces
on the revolution of the armature, and consequently preventing waste of power.
The armature shewn in Figure 3, is provided with a core which consists of one
or more pieces of iron D of circular or polygonal shape, and provided with pro-
jections J, J, extending radially outward therefrom. To avoid heating of the core
many of such pieces are placed side by side upon the same axis to make up the
armature-core in the form of a deeply-fluted cylinder, as shewn in Figure 3.
Upon the projecting pieces J separate coils of insulated iron are wound longi-

page_text: tudinally, as shewn in Figure 3, at R, R, and their ends carried out to the
commutator X; Y, whose construction is hereinafter described.
The remaining spaces upon the armature, namely, the flutings, are filled to
constitute a complete cylinder by winding coils completely over the ends of the
cylinder, as shewn at T, T, Figure 3; these coils are separate and distinct, and the
ends are carried out to the same commutator as the ends of the coils on the
projections or to a separate one when desired.
It is evident that either set of coils R or T may be dispensed with and one only
employed, since they constitute separate and distinct sources of electrical current.
When the set of coils Teach separate and distinct are alone used the projections J
of the armature-core may or may not be dispensed with.
When it is desired to increase the diameter of the cylindrical armature-core
relatively to its length, the central portions may be removed so as to provide an
open space around the axis, as seen in Figure 4. In this case the coils T, T, are not
"carried completely over the end of the cylinder, but are wound upon the ring so
provided in a manner differing from that in the well-known Gramme machine,
since they constitute separate and distinct coils whose ends are each independently
connected to a commutator of novel construction hereinafter described.
The manner of operation is as follows:-During the revolution of the armature
in the magnetic field currents are developed according to the well known electrical
principles in the coils on the armature. The coils R, R, on the projections J have
currents developed in them while passing across the gaps a, a, Figure 1, while the
coils T, T; completely surrounding the armature-core have their greatest current
developed when passing opposite the pole-pieces P, P¹, no current being developed
in them near the central point between the poles, or at a point approximately near
the centre of the gaps a, a. It will thus be seen that at any point of the revolution
of the armature there will always be some portion of wire at that point developing
current, a feature of construction not hitherto found in other forms of dynamo-
electric machines.
The currents developed in the armature-coils are further re-inforced by their
proximity to the coils C, C, of the field-magnets, and also on account of the
influence of the accessory coils C, C¹, as hereinafter described. These features of
the said Invention practically constitute an application of the reaction principle
to the armature-coils and differ in this respect from any other machine hitherto
employed.
The construction and operation of the commutators for the said machine differ
according to whether it is desired that the machine shall furnish direct or reversed
currents.
The commutators for the direct currents when taken from the coils T, T, of the
armature, Figure 3, consist of a series of straight metal strips insulated from each
other and placed parallel to one another in the form of a cylinder K, X, Y, around
the axis A, supporting the armature, as shewn in Figure 5.
The coils T, T, Figure 3, being distinct from each other their ends are connected as
follows, that is to say:-The two ends respectively of any single coil are connected
to opposite strips N, N, of the commutator, this being done consecutively so that
the order in which the strips follow one another corresponds with the order of
arrangement of the coils upon the armature. The number of metal strips N, N,
will be double the number of coils T, T, on the armature.
The commutators for conveying the currents from the coils R, R, surrounding
the projections J, may be exactly the same in construction and manner of connection
as those of the coils T, T, herein before described. I prefer however to connect the
coils R, R, to two separate sets of strips composing two separate cylinders X, Y,
in the following manner, that is to say:-The two ends respectively of a single coil
are connected to the strips U, U, Figure 5, and those of the next adjacent coil to the
next adjacent pair of strips V, V₁, in the same direction, and this is continued
until all are connected, the number of strips U, U¹; and V, V', being adjusted to
the number of coils.

page_text: It will thus be seen that any single coil R has one of its extremities connected to
the corresponding strip in the cylinder X, while its outer extremity is attached
to the corresponding strip in the cylinder Y. Thus two separate series of strips
attached to separate terminals of the coils compose the cylinders X and Y
respectively.
All the corresponding terminals of the whole series of coils R, R, are attached to
strips in the cylinder X while the remaining corresponding terminals are attached
to strips in the cylinder Y, each coil on the armature having two terminals which
are respectively of positive and negative polarity when developing, currents; for
example, all those terminals that become negative in passing any position of
revolution of the armature may be attached to the cylinder X, and those that
become likewise positive to the cylinder.. Y. This arrangement allows great
simplicity of operation in carrying out the currents from the commutator..
Collecting-brushes are applied to the commutator-cylinders K, X, Y, so as to
close the circuits of the armature-coils through the external resistance desired, that
is to say, collectors G, G¹, touch. the cylinder K in such positions as may be
required to carry out the currents developed in the coils. No collectors are applied
in positions where no current is generated, thus differing in this respect from many
other forms of machines hitherto constructed, in which the current is led out at the
neutral points.
A number of collectors G, G¹, may be used in different angular positions with
respect to one another, and employed either to furnish separate circuits or joined
into a single circuit. In the latter case the collectors are preferably a single pair,
extending over and resting in contact with all those strips which are connected to
coils generating currents in the same direction. This arrangement is shewn at H,
Figure 5, the strips or terminals 1, 2, 3, being, for instance, positive rest in contact
with the collector G, while the strips 5, 6, 7, being negative are in contact with
the collector G'. The strips 4 and 8 are supposed to be inactive.
When the commutator X, Y, is employed with the coils R, R, the manner of
applying the collecting-brushes is substantially the same as berein before described
in connection with the commutator K.
The strips U, U', being united to form a circuit, and the strips V, VI, likewise
provided, these are in positions where current is produced in the coils to which
they are attached; the separate circuits thus produced may be united to form &
single circuit if desired.
Since the currents generated in the coils of the armature are successively in
opposite directions when a machine made in accordance with this Invention is
designed to furnish reversed currents no commutation is necessary, and the ends of
the coils are each connected to a metal disc insulated from the axis and from the
other discs. Upon the discs so provided collectors rest, in such a way as to
complete the circuit through each coil, and through the external resistance through
which the current is to be passed.
Another part of this Invention relates to regulators for the electric light, and is
especially designed for use when but a single light is employed in a circuit. By
this part of the said Invention an automatic feed for the carbon electrodes is
obtained without the aid of complicated mechanism. A single electro magnet is
employed, the core or armature of which is inade movable, and the motion of which
not only directly effects the separation of the carbon electrodes but also directly
operates to feed forward the said electrodes as rapidly as they are consumed, thereby
maintaining a nearly constant distance between them.
This part of the said Invention is illustrated in Figures 6 and 7 of the Drawings,
in which,
Figure 6 is an elevation, partly in section, of a lamp embodying this part of the
said Invention ; and
Figure 7 is a perspective view drawn to an enlarged scale of portions of the
same.
Upon the base is secured a hollow coil C² of insulated wire, surrounding a

page_text: movable iron core M2, which in turn surrounds a metallic rod R², serving as a
support for the electrode E³, but which does not fit tightly the opening through
the said core M². This core M2 is supported by a spring S2, so that on the passage
of a current through the coil 2 the core may be drawn downwards, thereby com-
pressing the spring, the elasticity of which lifts the core on the weakening or
cessation of the current. Attached to the core by the extensible spring F2 is a
movable platform P2, through which the rod R2 passes; guide rods G2 supported
by the coil C² serve to prevent lateral motion of the said platform P2 A2, A²,
represent adjustable stops, which are placed upon the guide rods G², for limiting
the extent of the downward movement of the platform P2 and core M². The rod
is free to move through the platform P2 only in an upward direction, the fall due
to its weight being prevented by catches K2 which jam firmly against or clamp the
sides of the rod R2, and so prevent its downward motion; the said catches are so
placed as to permit free motion of the rod in an upward direction. The core M²
is likewise provided with catches K³, which act in the same manner to prevent
downward motion of the rod R2 through the said core but permit its free motion
upwards. The upper electrode E2 is supported by the rod R3, attached to the
standard D2, which serves as an electrical connection from the binding screw Y to
the said rod R³. The manner of supporting the rod R³ is of but little importance,
but I prefer to make its support to a certain extent elastic by interposing a
spring J2 between the standard D2 and the rod R³, as shewn.
In Figure 7 the relation of the core M2, the platform P2, and the rod R² with
regard to one another is more clearly shewn. The catches K² on the platform P²,
and which may be of any suitable construction, permit free motion of the rod R² in
but one direction, as above described, and are shewn in the Drawings as consisting
of metal plates resting against the rod R2 at one extremity and fastened at the
other extremity to the said platform. Since that portion of the plates resting
against the rod R2 is slightly elevated above the surface of the platform P2, P2, any
downward motion of the rod R³, tending as it does to bring the plates into
parallelism with the platform P2, would therefore, by developing a lateral pressure
against the sides of the rod R2 effectually prevent its downward movement. The
catches K³ attached to the core M2 may be of the same construction as or different
to that of the catches K².
The circuit connections through the above described lamp are shewn in Figure 6,
and are as follows, that is to say :-One terminal from the electrical source, as, for
example, the positive terminal, is attached to the binding post Y and thence the
current passes up the standard D2 to the rod R³ and to the electrode E², through
the arc to the electrode E³, and then by the rod R³ to one extremity of the coil C²
through a suitable sliding contact V2, and from the coil C² to the binding post X,
to which is attached the other terminal of the source of electricity.
The operation of the above described apparatus is as follows, that is to say:-The
passage of the current through the lamp causes the core M² to be drawn into the
coil C, thereby compressing the spring S² supporting the said core.
At the same
time, however, the platform P2 being unsupported, except by the core M² through
the spring S2, falls until it comes in contact with the regulable stops A2, A2 upon
the guide rods G. Since both the core M2 and the platform P2, which are the
only supports for the rod, have then fallen the rod R2 must accompany them and a
separation of the electrodes ensues, an arc being thereby produced between them.
The stops A2, A2, are adjustable, so that although the downward motion of the
platform P2 is arrested by them, and although the downward motion of the rod R²
is also arrested by the catches K2, yet the core M² continues its downward motion,
thereby elongating the spring F2 connecting the platform P2 to the said core.
This downward motion of the core M2 is limited by the stops A2, A3, and since
the amount of the extension of the spring F2 depends upon the position of the
core M² the said stops also limit its extension. If now by the consumption of the
electrodes the current is weakened the core M² does not at once rise, being
prevented by the friction of the contact V2 and other supports of the rod R². If

page_text: however considerable decrease in the strength of current takes place the spring S
overcoming the friction of the support of the rod R2 throws it upwards, and thereby
causes the approach of the electrodes. During this action of feeding or raising the
lower electrode E³ the platform P2 will not have changed its position in contact
with the stops A2, A2. Should however, by any accident, a total cessation of
current occur, the core M² impelled by the spring S2 immediately rises, carrying
with it the rod R2 and the platform P2, thus bringing the electrodes into contact.
This latter action will however never occur unless the current be purposely stopped
or a sudden break in the circuit takes place.
When the current flowing through the lamp remains of normal strength the
core M² being held by it firmly in contact with the stops A2, A2, considerable
variations in the current may occur without bringing the feeding device into
operation. The desired amount of separation of the carbons is obtained by placing
the stops A2, A2, at the proper distance below the platform P* when no current is
flowing.
I do not confine myself to the use of springs as a means of controlling the
movement of the various parts as above described, as their equivalents may
manifestly be employed, neither do I coufine myself to any special form of the
catches K, K³, for imparting feeding motion. to the electrodes, but may use any
equivalent device that permits motion in but one direction without departing from
the spirit of my Invention.
Although a number of lamps, such as that just above described, may be placed in
the same circuit, yet when a number of lamps are used in one and the same circuit
it is preferable to employ the lamp illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, and which is
constructed according to another part of this Invention.
In this lamp great and sudden variations in the arc resistances are avoided by
causing the distance between the carbon electrodes to remain nearly the same.
One of the features of this part of the said Invention is that the feeding of and
consequently the distance between the electrodes are practically independent of
the current used with the lamp, so that the adjustment of the said lamp need not
be changed in accordance with a change in the strength of the current.
The principle of this part of the said Invention may be briefly stated as follows,
namely:-One of the carbon electrodes is attached to the armature of an electro-
magnet, and on the passage of an electric current the said armature is attracted to
its electro-magnet and then held in a fixed position relatively thereto, thus effecting
the separation of the electrodes.
The motion of the other électrode is under the control of a separate electro-
magnet, whose coils are in a shunt circuit around the are between the electrodes.
When the distance between the electrodes is increased by their consumption the
shunted current operates an escapement which allows the slow approach of the
electrodes; this approach ceases when the normal distance between the electrodes is
restored. This cessation of feeding occurs when the aforesaid escapement is
thrown out of action, owing to the weakening of the current in the shunt magnet.
These actions are independent of considerable variations in the current strength.
The feeding of the carbon electrodes as necessitated by their consumption is
rendered dependent on their distance apart, and is mostly independent of general
current strength, and of a changed resistance of the arc produced by a change in
the current strength. To effect this result. I discard entirely as the means for
regulating the lamp the general arc current or current traversing the arc, making
said regulation entirely. dependent on the magnetic force of a constant shunt
circuit around the arc. Some of the advantages gained by this arrangement are
that the length of the arc may be set for each lamp, and remain independent of
variations in the current strength or resistance of the are consequent thereon. I
am also enabled to maintain the length of the arc approximately constant, and
avoid during operation sudden movements of the electrodes towards and from each
other, and can thus prevent the unsteadiness which results in many common forms
of electric lamps-due to the electrodes being suddenly and violently thrust

page_text: together when feeding of the electrodes is arrested consequent on the increased
length of arc.
Figure 8 is a side elevation, and
Figure 9, a plan or top view of a lamp embodying the principles of this part of
the said Invention.
In these Figures, E2, E³, represent the carbon electrodes, which are held by
suitable clamps B2, B2, shewn as consisting of two pieces brought together by screws,
and whose inuer surfaces are shaped to conform to the outline of the electrodes.
The lower electrode holder is attached to a movable armature N2, and kept out of
contact therewith when the lamp is out of use by the supporting spring S³, the
strength and position of which are regulated by the screw T2, which is made
hollow to permit the passage through it of the electrode E³, as shewn. H², H³, are
rods which support the magnets M2, M2, Figure 8, and the accompanying parts, and
serve as means for attaching them to the parts supporting the electrode E², which
is supported by the rod R4, and suitably guided, so as to be in a vertical line above
the electrode E³. The rod R rests in frictional contact with the rollers L2, L³, the
surfaces of which are shaped to conform to the said rod. The roller L³ is supported
in a fixed standard, while the other roller L is arranged so as to be capable of
adjustment to and from the rod R' by a bent lever v² and a screw g², or by other
suitable means.
The pressure which the rollers L², L³, exert upon the rod R is so regulated that
the said rod cannot fall or descend without imparting rotary motion to the roller L³;
upon the axis of which is placed a toothed wheel W2, which imparts motion to a
second axis bearing a second toothed wheel W³. A projection from a light iron
armature n held by the spring T3, against the wheel W³, serves to prevent its rotation,
and consequently the fall or descent of the electrode E2. The electro magnet m²,
whose position with respect to its armature n² is adjustable, is placed in a branch
or shunt circuit around the electrodes E², E³. When desired, the wheel W³ may
be dispensed with, and the armature n2 acts directly on the teeth of the
wheel W2
The circuit connections are as follows, that is to say. The current entering at
the binding post X² passes to the rod R to the electrode E³ through the arc to the
electrode E³, thence through the coils of the electro magnets M², M², to the rod H²,
and to the binding post Y².
The current entering the lamp is however branched through a shunt q² of high resis-
tance, and of which the coils of the electro magnet m² form a part; the extremities of
this shunt are in electrical connection with the rod R4, supporting the upper electrode
E2, and the armature supporting the lower electrode E³. The resistance of the shunt q²
is made two or three hundred times that of the arc which it controls, and thus but
two hundredths or less of the work of the current is lost in the shunt circuit. The
operation is as follows:-The spring SS maintains the armature N2 in an elevated
position, and consequently the electrodes E2, E³, in contact when the lamp is not
in use. On the passage of the current the armature N2 is drawn down close to the
magnet-cores M2, M2, being prevented from coming into actual contact therewith by
a thin layer of interposed non magnetic material. During the passage of the current
through the lamp, the electrode E³ is thus held in a fixed position, and is not free
to oscillate, this result being secured by the proper regulation of the spring S³ by
the screw T. Assuming separation of the electrodes E2, Es, to have taken place,
the upper electrode E² being prevented from falling by the armature n² engaging
with the teeth of the wheel W³, as above described, the position of the electrodes
remains constant until the length of the are has been increased by the consumption
of the electrodes, and the current traversing the shunt-circuit q, likewise increased
at this moment, the electro magnet m² attracts its armature n², so that it no longer
is in engagement with the wheel Ws, and the electrode E² begins to descend slowly,
giving rotation to the wheels W2, W³. A weight the amount of which can be
varied, permits the rapidity of descent to be regulated. Several of the teeth of the
wheel W³ thus escape the armature n², until by the approach of the electrodes the

page_text: distance between them has become normal, and the current traversing the shunt
circuit has also become normal, when the armature n² will again engage with the
teeth of the wheel W³, and arrest the downward movement. It is not essential that
the shunt q2 should have permanent attachment with the main circuit as it will
perform its office almost equally well if brought into periodical contact therewith,
as for instance, every minute, any suitable device being employed to effect such
periodical contact. In this case a saving of power in operating the shunt-circuit
results.
It will be evident to those familiar with the subject to which this Invention
relates, that by causing the movement of the upper electrode to give a corre-
sponding upward movement to the lower electrode, the relative rapidity of whose
motion is less than that of the upper electrode, the lamp will regulate both
electrodes and the position of the arc between the electrodes will remain practically
constant, the regulation of the lamp still being effected by the method herein before
described.
Another part of this Invention relates to means for the accumulation or storage
of electrical current producing power, and is illustrated in Figures 10 to 13 of the
Drawings.
"
"
It is well known that in what are technically known as secondary batteries
a current of electricity is employed to produce a polarization of metal surfaces,
which polarization is afterwards utilized to obtain currents of electricity of short
duration. In such case however the only change sought and effected is that of the
surfaces of the metallic plates, and the currents evolved from such secondary
batteries are necessarily of comparatively short duration, being limited by the
extent of such surfaces. It is the object of this part of the said Invention to
economize time, labor, and material in the restoration of an exhausted storage
battery cell to a condition of electrical activity as well as to provide means for
originally inducing electrical action in a battery cell, and for this purpose this
part of my Invention consists in the application to a voltaic battery cell of an
electrical current which is passed through the cell in a direction opposite to that
followed by the current produced by the cell when in action, that is to say, the
applied current is caused to enter at the positive and pass out at the negative
electrode of the battery.
To facilitate the understanding of this part of the said Invention, I will exemplify
it by reference to the gravity battery cell as at present employed. When this form
of battery after being newly charged ceases to give currents, assuming the zinc
plate to be of ordinary dimensions, no copper sulphate remains and the liquid in
the cell is simply zinc sulphate.
To revivify and restore the cell to a condition of electrical activity, its positive
electrode is connected with a wire which conducts to the said electrode a current
from a dynamo-electric machine or other suitable source of electricity, and the said
current passes through the cell in the opposite direction to that followed by the
current produced by the cell when in action, that is to say, it enters at the positive
and passes out at the negative electrode. On the passage of the revivifying
current the copper plate being made positive, the current circulating through the
cell from the copper to the zinc the zinc sulphate is decomposed, metallic zinc being
restored to the zinc plate and metallic copper being dissolved from the copper
plate forming a dense solution of copper sulphate surrounding the copper plate, and
existing as a substratum beneath the zinc sulphate still remaining. After such
decomposition the battery cell will be restored to a condition of electrical activity,
and if hermetically sealed to prevent evaporation, which may be done without
interfering with the normal action of the battery; the operation of revivification
may he repeated whenever and as often as required without the addition of fresh
material.
In practise I prefer to apply the revivifying process before the battery becomes
completely exhausted, that is to say, after the current has perceptibly weakened
and before it entirely ceases, and if desired the passage of the revivifying current

page_text: may occur at intervals so short as to maintain the battery continuously at its
maximum current producing strength.
The above described process although applicable to various forms of voltaic
battery cells may be most advantageously employed with a specially constructed
cell of which the following is a description
An enclosing vessel is provided wherein are placed two conducting depositing
plates, neither of which is necessarily electro-positive, and each of which is con-
nected by a conductor with a binding post and immersed in a solution; the latter
by the passage of an electrical current will be decomposed with the deposition of
an electro positive metal upon the plate toward which the current is flowing, and
the formation of an electro-negative compound from the material of the other
plate and the surrounding solution, as hereinafter more fully set forth.
Figure 10 is a central vertical section of a voltaic battery cell embodying this
part of the said Invention, and
Figure 11 is a horizontal section of the same.
3 represents an enclosing vessel, or jar, or glass, or other suitable material,
within which are placed two plates a³ and 63, each of which must be a conductor
of electricity. The plate 63 which is preferably of copper rests upon or near the
'bottom of the said vessel 7³, and the other plate a³, which is also preferably of
copper, although iron, lead, hard carbon, or the like may be employed is supported
from the cap or cover c³. At a short distance below the top of the said vessel the
plate b³ is connected by an insulated conductor with a binding post upon the
cap c³, and the plate a³ is connected by a conductor with another binding post y³
upon the said cap. The vessel gå is filled to a point above the upper surface of the
plate a³ with a solution d³, of such a character as to be capable of decomposition
by the passage through it of an electric current, such as a saturated solution of a
metallic salt (in this instance zinc sulphate), and the vessel is by preference
hermetically sealed to prevent evaporation of the solution; this sealing may be
effected by providing the cap with a downwardly projecting flange entering an
annular trough formed around the top of the said vessel and filled with oil, or
cement, or otherwise. As thus constituted the battery-cell will until acted on by
the revivifying process hereinbefore referred to, be and remain inactive as a source
of electrical current, and the distinctive feature which marks the difference between
it and the gravity battery cells or other voltaic cells heretofore employed consists
in the fact that the arrangement of parts is incapable of itself of generating an
electrical current since the inaterials that exist in a voltaic battery are absent, viz.,
a positive metal to be dissolved by the solution between the plates and materials
in said solution capable of thereby becoming changed into waste products.
To render possible the generation of an electrical current in and by the said
improved battery cell a current of electricity from a dynamo-electric machine or
other source is passed through, it being caused to enter at the binding post ³
connected to the lower copper plate 63, and to pass out at the post y³ connected to
the upper plate a³. By the passage of the electrical current through the solution
of zinc sulphate d³ a decomposition of the said solution is effected, metallic zinc
being set free and deposited on the plate a³, which acts simply as a receiver and
conductor for the electro positive metal, metallic copper being taken up from the
plate 63 and converted into copper sulphate, the said plate 63 serving as the source
of supply for the electro-negative resultant, a dense solution of copper sulphate
being formed above and around the plate b³.
If desired the space between the plates a3 and 63 may be filled with saw-dust,
sand, or other similar material wet with the salt solution for the purpose of pre-
venting diffusion. After the battery is sufficiently charged a current may be
obtained from it until the electro positive metal deposited on the upper plate is
again dissolved, and the electro-negative metal taken up from the lower plate
restored thereto, and when the current obtained is too weak to be useful the cell is
revivified by again passing a current through it. I do not limit myself to the use
of any particular materials for the plates a³ and 68, further than that they must

page_text: of performing the functions respectively of receiving an electro positive deposit
from and yielding an electro-negative material to said solution. For example, the
plate 63, which is described as composed of copper, may be replaced by a body of
mercury resting in a suitable receptacle, and which, during the passage of an
electric current, is converted into sulphate of mercury.
Or instead of the copper plate 6s I may use a plate of silver, which during the
passage of the exciting or revivifying current will be converted into silver chloride
or silver sulphate, according as zinc chloride or zinc sulphate is used as the solution
for charging the cell. If a lead plate be substituted for the plate 63, and the
solution used is zinc chloride, lead chloride will be formed above the plate 63, and
metallic zinc deposited on the plate a³ by the revivifying process. The solution
used, and which is referred to as that of a zinc salt, may be replaced by salts either
singly or together capable of metallic deposition on the plate a³, or capable of
forming an amalgam with mercury substituted therefor.
The plates a³, b³, nay be of different forms, as found most desirable. The lower
plate may be either a simple disc, a serrated or roughened disc, a coil or ribbon,
or a tray serving to hold small blocks. or pieces of the metal to be used.
The upper plate may be a perforated disc having its underside coated with a
non conducting varnish or covering to prevent the deposition of zinc upon its lower
surface. By this means, in case the deposit of zinc is pulverulent, which occurs if
the revivifying current be too intense, no loss can occur from zinc dropping from
the plate. Pieces of hard carbon may be placed upon the plate a³ for the reception
and retention of the zinc, or spurs or projections may be formed upon its upper
surface for a similar purpose.
A modified form of storage battery is shewn in Figures 12 and 13, in which,―
Figure 12 is a vertical section, and
Figure 13 a horizontal section of the said battery.
According to this modification several discs or plates of copper p³ placed horizontally
are separated by insulating rings 73, 73, impervious to the solution (preferably zinc
sulphate), which fills the spaces or cells between the said plates p³. Diaphragms
of thick or heavy felt fs are placed underneath the said metallic plates, and the
whole of the parts are firmly bolted together, as shewn. Terminal wires x, y,
lead from the uppermost and lowermost plates of the series for charging and
discharging.
In a dynamo-electric machine in which a single circuit exists, as is now com-
monly the case, there arise certain difficulties in charging storage batteries of the
above described type and secondary batteries. These difficulties are chiefly the
loss of or reversal of magnetism in the magnets of the machine, due to reverse
currents from a storage battery, retaining a charge which discharges through the
machine when connected to the battery, and causes its polarity to be reversed.
This reversal gives rise to great uncertainty of operation, to prevent which it is
essential that the machine should be brought to a normal working condition as to
current produced and electro-motive force before connecting it to the storage
battery. The means for accomplishing this result are provided by another part of
this Invention, which is illustrated in Figure 14 of the Drawings, which shews the
arrangement of apparatus employed. A³ represents a dynamo-electric machine,
and B a storage battery. C5 represents a peculiarly constructed switch; D³ is a
resistance equal to that for which the machine is designed, or with which it can
normally be run; E5 is a circuit opener; F5, F5, are galvanometers placed in the
circuit of the machine and storage battery to indicate the direction of the current.
The switch C has two rows of metallic plates 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.
Resistances and s connect these plates one with another, except the last of each
series, shewn at 4 and 5, and 6 and 7. A sliding piece H³ may be brought succes-
sively into contact with the pairs of plates 1 and 6, 2 and 7, 3 and 8, 4 and 9, and
5 and 10 This sliding piece is connected to one terminal of the dynamo-electric

page_text: machine A5. The other terminal is branched at 15 through the normal working resist-
ance D and the battery B5. The electro-magnet J placed in the circuit releases its
ármature K³ on the cessation of the current, and breaks the circuit at L5 when
from any cause the electro-motive force of the machine is insufficient to overcome
that of the storage battery B. When the machine A5 is started the circuit being
closed at L³, and the sliding piece Hs placed in contact with the plates 1 and 6, the
storage-battery is disconnected, and the machine A5 reaches its normal working
condition as to speed power used, current, and otherwise, in working. over the
resistance Dr. When this condition has been reached the sliding piece H³ is
successively moved into contact with the plates 2 and 7, then with the plates 3
and 8, then with the plates 4 and 9, and finally with the plates 5 and 10. In this
manner the resistance D³ is gradually removed from, the circuit and the storage
battery substituted.
On stopping the machine when the battery is judged to have been charged the
reverse process is adopted, that is to say, a gradual removal of the battery B5 from
the circuit and the substitution of the resistance D5; therefore there will be no.
demagnetization or reversal of magnetism. I prefer to so construct the switch 05,
Figure 14, as to automatically remove the storage battery B5 from the circuit and
restore the resistance D³ when from any cause, such as the slipping of the belts
driving the dynamo-electric machine A5, its electro-motive force is insufficient for
charging. This construction of switch is shewn in side elevation in Figure 17,
and in end elevation in Figure 18. An arm M5 bearing the sliding piece H5 and
the armature N³ of the electro-magnet J5 moves around a centre 05 over an are,
in which the metallic plates 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, are set in pairs and
connected as above described with their approximate resistances and 85. A spring P³
maintains the arm M5 in an upright position, as shewn. The arm M5 at starting
is depressed into the position shewn by dotted lines at Q5, where it is held during
operation by the attraction of the electro-magnet J5 on its armature N5. Should
a cessation of the current in the circuit take place the spring P³ raises the arm M5
into an upright position, as shewn, at which movement the resistance D³, Figure 14,
is restored to, and the storage battery removed from the circuit.
The storage battery in some cases may be constructed in separate sections, the
charging of each section being accomplished separately, and the discharge of the
whole or a portion of the battery being similarly effected. In this case the discharge
of the battery may occur cotemporaneously with the successive charging of the
separate sections composing it.
B5 is a storage
Figure 15 shews the arrangement employed for this purpose.
battery, of which the sections R5, S5, T5, U³, are provided with conducting wires
connecting the terminal plates of each section with a series of metallic plates
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, insulated from one another. The electrodes x, y, leading from the
dynamo-electric machines used in charging are placed in contact with snecessive
pairs of the plates 1 and 2, 2 and 3, and so on, and as each section is fully charged
the said electrodes are moved into contact with another pair of plates, and so on,
back and forth through the entire series. During this charging process a constant
discharge may be taking place through the terminal of the battery X5 and Y³,
Figure 15. Moreover, the electro-motive force of the current employed for charging
in this case need be but a fraction of that possessed by the battery as a whole.
The arrows shew the direction of the current. Figure 16 shews another method
of charging a storage battery B5 by a current from a dynamo-electric machine;
this charge is afterwards employed in conjunction with the current of the said
machine, and the electro-motive force of the current is thereby greatly increased.
The switch W5 being closed the current from the machine terminals x and y is
passed through the battery so as to charge the latter; the connections with the
machine are now reversed by a commutator Z5, and the switch W5 opened so as
to allow the current developed to traverse the working resistance and other parts,
such as an electric lamp.

page_text: This system of electrical storage may obviously be applied for various purposes,
amongst which the following may be mentioned :-In telegraphic systems a small
dynamo-electric machine run at suitable intervals suffices to charge and keep
charged suitable storage batteries constructed as hereinbefore described, such
charging being accomplished either during the time such batteries are in action,
or when not in action, as the case may be.
In lighthouse illumination a storage battery is charged at intervals during the
day to be discharged during the night for lighting purposes, thus avoiding the
uncertainties and irregularities of currents obtained directly from dynamo-electric
machines. In all cases when the motive power available for running a dynamo-
electric machine is intermittent, inconstant, or subject to fluctuations, the said
machine may be employed to charge storage-batteries, whose discharge takes place
in such a manner as to produce a continuous current available for lighting and
similar purposes.
Having thus fully described the said Invention as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondents, and the manner of performing the same, I wish it under-
stood that I claim,-
First. In a dynamo-electric machine the coils C of the field magnets wound
conically, the wide portion being placed as near as possible to the revolving
armature, and serving thereby, in addition to the ordinary purpose of magnetizing
the field magnets, to directly influence and strengthen the polarization of the said
armature, as above set forth.
Second. In a dynamo-electric machine the accessory coils Carranged substan-
tially in the manner set forth for the purpose specified.
Third. In a dynamo-electric machine the pole-pieces P, P1, of such a form as to
leave gaps or open spaces opposite each other, and as near as practicable to those
parts of the cores of the field-magnets toward which the armature is moving for the
purpose specified.
Fourth. In a dynamo-electric machine the combination of the coils C, C, with
the accessory coils C, C, and with the pole-pieces, for the purpose of intensifying
the magnetic polarization of the revolving armature, as above set forth.
Fifth. In a dynamo-electric machine the pole-pieces serrated, as above described,
for the purpose specified.
Sixth. In a dynamo-electric machine an armature wound with a double set of
coils, in the manner and for the purpose specified.
Seventh. In an electric lamp the combination of the core M with the platform
P², the difference of whose range of movement on the passage of an electrical
current is utilized, through the agency of suitable catches, to produce a gradual
approach of the electrodes on the weakening of the current, substantially as herein
described.
Eighth. In an electric lamp the combination of the coil, the core, and the
platform, provided with suitable catches K, K³, the springs F2 and S², and the
adjustable stops, as above set forth and for the purpose specified.
Ninth. In an electric lamp the core and the platform connected elastically to
each other by a spring, so that on the passage of an electric current the said core
may be free to move after the platform which partially accompanies it has been
brought to rest by suitable stops, and so that upon the weakening of the current
the said core may partially return to its former position. before the platform
commences its return movement for the purpose specified.
Tenth. In an electric lamp the rod R* bearing the upper electrode, in combi-
nation with the rollers L², L³, resting in frictional contact with the said rod, and
so arranged that during the fall of the said electrode the supporting rod imparts
rotary motion to the said rollers, which in turn impart motion to the toothed
wheel W³, substantially as above set forth.
Eleventh. In an electric lamp the rod supporting the upper electrode prevented
from descending by the frictional contact of the rollers L, L³, which rollers acting

page_text: in combination with the armature n² are prevented from rotating when the
magnetic attraction upon the said armature is weakened, substantially as above
set forth.
Twelfth. In an electric lamp the friction rollers L2, L³, in contact with the rod
supporting the upper electrode, the pressure of which contact is adjustable, so that
by the upward or downward movement of the said rod rotary motion is imparted
to the said rollers, as above set forth and for the purpose specified.
Thirteenth. In an electric lamp the combination of the armature n² and a shunt
magnet with a train of wheels in such a manner that when the power of the shunt-
magnet increases the armature acting as an escapement permits the rotation of
the said wheels and a gradual descent of the upper electrode, and when the power
of the shunt-magnet decreases the armature acts to check such rotation, substan-
tially as above set forth.
Fourteenth. In an electric lamp the combination with the electrode E2 of the
rod R, the friction rollers, the wheel W³, the armature acting as an escapement to
the said wheel, and the shunt magnet so operating as to regulate and control the
downward movement or feeding of the said electrode, as above set forth.
Fifteenth. In an electric lamp the combination of the rod R4, the friction rollers,
the wheel W³, the armature, and the magnet for controlling and regulating the
position of the upper electrode, in the manner described, with the armature N2 and
the electro magnet M² for the purpose of effecting the separation of the electrode
and maintaining the lower electrode in position during the operation of the lamp.
Sixteenth. The process of vivifying, or revivifying, or restoring electrical activity
to an exhausted storage-battery by the decomposition of the solution (without
evolution of gas), an electro-positive metal being deposited, and an electro-negative
material or metal taken up by the solution, which action is produced by passing a
current of electricity through the said battery, as above set forth.
Seventeenth. In a storage battery cell the combination of an enclosing vessel
and two conducting plates immersed in a solution therein, the said solution being
capable (by the passage of an electrical current) of decomposition, with the
deposition of an electro-positive metal upon one of the conducting plates, and the
formation of an electro-negative salt or resultant from the other, substantially as
above set forth and for the purpose specified.
Eighteenth. In a storage battery-cell the combination of two conducting plates,
neither of which is necessarily electro-positive, one serving as a receiver for the
deposited electro-positive metal, and the other as a source of supply for the
formation of an electro-negative resultant, and a solution in which the said plates
are immersed, the said solution being incapable of generating electrical action
until the passage through it of an electrical current, substantially as above set
forth.
Nineteenth. The construction of a closed storage battery cell, as herein before
described, the said cell containing an unchangeable conducting plate for the
deposition of electro positive metal by the passage through the cell of an electrical
current, and also containing a metallic plate which is partly dissolved during the
passage of the current, the said storage battery cell thus constituted being inert as
a source of electricity until the passage of the electrical current, and being capable
of indefinite restoration to a condition of electrical activity without the addition
of any fresh material.
Twentieth. The storage-battery, consisting of several horizontal metallic plates
supported at a suitable distance from each other by non-conducting and impervious
rings, spaces or cells being left between the said inetallic plates to be filled with a
decomposable solution, substantially as described.
Twenty first. In a storage-battery, the diaphragms f³ beneath the
plate of each cell of the said battery, for the purpose specified.
upper
metallic
Twenty second. The method hereinbefore described of bringing a dynamo-
electric machine into circuit with a storage-battery by first bringing the said

page_text: machine to its normal condition of working by the interposition in its circuit of a
normal working resistance, and afterwards a storage battery, substantially as above
set forth.
Twenty third. The combination of a normal resistance D³ and a storage
battery B, a gradual transfer of the current developed by a dynamo-electric
machine from the working resistance D³ to the circuit of the storage battery B³
being effected by the successive additions to the resistance D5 of resistances 75, and
simultaneous successive removals from the circuit of the storage battery of
resistances 85, as above described.
Twenty fourth. The combination of a normal working resistance D³ and the
storage battery B³, a gradual transfer of the current developed by a dynamo-electric
machine from the circuit of the storage battery B5 to the working resistance D³
being effected by the introduction into the circuit of the storage-battery of
resistances 85, and the simultaneous removal of resistances 75 from that branch of
the circuit which includes the resistance D³, substantially as herein described.
Twenty fifth. The combination of a storage battery a, dynamo-electric machine,
and the switch, consisting essentially of the sliding piece H³, the conducting
plates, and the resistances 7 and 8³, arranged to operate substantially as above set
forth.
Twenty sixth. For the purpose of preventing injury due to the discharge of a
storage-battery B5 through a dynamo-electric machine on the weakening of the
current, producing power of the latter, the combination of the electro-magnet .J*
placed in the common circuit of the said machine and battery with the sliding
piece H³, connected to the armature K³ of the said electro-magnet, the whole
arranged to operate substantially as herein described.
Twenty seventh. The method of charging a storage battery at the same time that
the said battery is furnishing an electrical current, or of equally charging the said
battery by a dynamo-electric machine whose electro-motive force is less than that
yielded by the battery when charged, this method consisting in the division of the
said battery into sections, each of which sections is separately charged by the
passage of a current from the machine, and which sections act in conjunction with
each other in furnishing currents, substantially as above set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty ninth day of April, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and eighty.
WM RORT LAKE (Tα)