Improvements in Electrical Measuring Apparatus.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 20th Aug., 1891
Complete Specification Left. 20th May, 1892--Accepted, 20th Aug., 1892
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Electrical Measuring Apparatus.
I, ANTHONY RECKENZAUN, of 7 Albert Terrace, Hemberton Road, Stockwell,
the County of Surrey, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
o be as follows:--
My invention relates to certain improvements in that class of electrical measuring
apparatus in which the desired record or indication is obtained by influencing the
rate of the oscillations of a suspended magnet, by means of a coil or coils placed in
proximity thereto, through which the electric current to be measured passes.
The object of my said invention is to obtain a record or indication of measure-
ment by dispensing with ordinary clockwork, pendulums or balance wheel,
substituting therefor simpler and more reliable mechanism.
In carrying my invention into effect, I employ two similar bars or beams
suspended at a point slightly above their centres so that they may oscillate freely
within a considerable arc.
One of said suspended bars or beams are of non-magnetic material, and the other
is a bar magnet, of about the same weight they are similarly pivotted, so that the
oscillations may be synchronous, when the current to be measured is switched off.
The bars or beams are provided with appliances for maintaining oscillatory
movement, hereinafter to be described, but the non-magnetic bar is perfectly free
at its lower extremity. The magnetic bar or beam swings with its lower end
immersed in a hollow coil or solenoid, preferably shaped to correspond to the arc
of oscillation. The current to be measured passes through said coils, and by its
influence upon
the oscillating bar magnet, causes the speed or rate of oscillation to
be varied in a definite ratio to the strength of said current.
The current to be measured is caused to flow round the helices of the measuring
coil, into which the magnetic bar or beam dips when oscillating, a portion of the
main current is shunted through the coils of a suitable electro magnet, attracting
a pivotted armature, to which is attached the mechanism for starting the bars or
beams.
Directly the oscillatory movement is established, the aforesaid magnet is cut out
by means of a dash pot or damper, which is caused to open by a suitable attachment
to the driving electro magnets, and by its retarding effect, keeps the circuit of the
starting magnet open while the oscillations of the two bars or beams are sufficiently
ample. At the same time, however, another portion of the main current is caused
to flow round the coils of a separate pair of electro magnets, hereinafter called the
driving magnets, the function of these being to raise weights at a certain period of
the oscillations of the bars or beams, and to release them, so that by falling, they
impinge upon proper projections, cams, or the like attached to each bar or beam,
or the spindles thereof, and afford an impulse to enable the oscillatory movement
first started to be maintained. This method of employing a gravity impulse is
arranged in such a manner that the free movement, or oscillation of each bar or
beam is not impeded in any way, and a suitable make and break, or contact device
is adapted to the mechanism berein before described for the purpose of effecting the
impulse at the proper period of time during each oscillation.
A dial is mounted upon a hollow spindle or sleeve, through which passes a second
spindle carrying an index. A suitable step by step or other gearing is connected
to each of these spindles and is operated separately by the armatures of the driving
electro magnets establishing electric contact at the proper time in such a manner
that when said oscillations are synchronous the index and dial are also synchronous,
and no indication is effected. The passage of a current through the measuring coil

page_text: causes the rate of oscillation of the magnetic bar or beam, to be varied, while the
movement of the non-magnetic bar or beam remains constant. As hereinbefore
stated, the relative speed of the dial and index are influenced by the rate of
oscillation of the magnetic and non-magnetic bars or beams, respectively, therefore
the variation of such movements causes the indication or registration of measure-
ment to be effected in proportion to the current passing. By means of suitable
gearing other dials and indices are arranged around the primary dial, or in
connection therewith for effecting an extended and continuous register or
indication.
A suitable relay or automatic contact breaker is interposed in the main circuit, and
its moving part is so arranged, as to act as a kind of switch to open or close the
shunt circuits.
For purposes of energy meters, measuring Watt-hours, I substitute for the
magnetic bar, which have described, as consisting of a permanent magnet, a
non-magnetic bar wound with fine, wire, which is coupled as a shunt to the main
circuit.
Dated this 15th day of August 1901
FREDK. WALKER,
11, Furnival Street, Holborn, London, E.C., Agent for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Electrical Measuring Apparatus.
I, ANTHONY RECKENZAUN of No. 7 Albert Terrace Hemberton Road
Stockwell in the County of Surrey Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
My invention relates to improvements in electrical measuring apparatuses of that
class in which the desired record or indication is obtained by influencing the rate of
the oscillations of a suspended magnet, or a solenoid by means of a coil or coils of
wire placed in proximity thereto through which the electric currents to be measured
passes.
The object of my invention is to obtain a record or indication of measurement
without the use of ordinary clockwork devices, pendulums, balance wheels or like
escapements, but substituting therefor simpler and more reliable mechanism,
essentially differing from other measuring devices for a like purpose as hitherto
made and used.
In order that my invention may be the better understood I have appended the
accompanying sheet of drawings in which Figures 1 and 2 are reversed elevational
views of the mechanism comprised in my said invention and Figure 3 a view of
certain modified details hereinafter to be fully described.
In carrying my invention into practice I employ two bars or beams of like shape
suspended at a point slightly above their centres so that they may freely oscillate
within an arc of considerable dimension.
Referring to Figure 2 of the appended drawings one of the suspended bars or
beams B is of non magnetic material and the other, shewn by B Figure 1 is an
ordinary bar magnet of approximately the same weight, and these are similarly
pivotted each independently of the other, so that the oscillations may be
synchronous, when not influenced by external forces an oscillatory motion is imparted
to the bars or beams by suitable mechanical devices hereinafter to be fully
described. The non magnetic bar B₁ Figure 2 is quite free at its lower extremity
whilst the magnetic bar B referring to Figure 1 swings or oscillates with its lower
end immersed in or in close proximity to a coil M preferably shaped to correspond
to the radius described by the bar B. Instead, however, of using a coil we may
employ a solenoid of circular or oblong cross section, the magnetic field of which

page_text: J
is caused to act upon the oscillating bar or beam B Figure 1. Now given that the
oscillations of B and B are regular and synchronous when no current is passing
through the coil M solenoid or equivalent electromagnetic device, it is obvious that
the influence of such electric current upon the oscillating bar magnet B causes its
speed or rate of oscillation to be varied relatively to the non magnetic bar or
beam B and bearing a definite ratio to the strength of said electric current.
may substitute for the bar magnet or magnetised beam B a solenoid composed of a
coil of wire of high electrical resistance wound upon a core of non-magnetic
material, or in the case of the application of my invention to electrical measuring
apparatus, in which the electrical energy absorbed or utilised is to be directly
measured or indicated in known and accepted terms, I may employ a core of more
or less magnetic efficiency, such for instance as iron of small sectional area, or a
non-magnetic shell coated or plated with nickel or other magnetic material or
metal. I also may duplicate the electro magnetic core M or its equivalent and
may place the same in any position proximate to B so that the desired magnetic
effect may be attained whether at the upper or lower end thereof or at both.
I cause a small proportion of the main current to pass through the high resistance
coils of an electro magnet C, Figure 7, or I may so arrange the apparatus that
an independent resistance may be used to minimise the energy used in the coil
aforesaid. Said electro-magnet C is so arranged as to attract alternately an
armature pivotted at p to which is attached or connected the mechanism for
starting the bars or beams B B' and the mechanism for registering the required
units and their multiples upon a dial or dials within a given time hereinafter to be
described. The chief function of the electro magnet C is to raise a weight or
weights at a given time or period of the oscillations of B and B and to similarly
release said weights at a predetermined period of the oscillations aforesaid so that
said weights may impinge upou certain projections or cams and thus afford an
impulse at each oscillation and to maintain the movement during the passage of the
current to be measured through the coil, solenoid or equivalent.
The oscillation of the bars B B ceases when the current of electricity actuating
the coil M or its equivalent is cut off, and I effect this by an automatic switch
controlling the current passing through C. Said automatic switch consists of a.
freely suspended magnet with suitable contacts, and since I preferably employ a
shunt of high resistance to effect the functions of C said contacts may be of light.
impact and comparatively frictionless. Said suspended magnet, analogous to a
compass needle may either be automatically actuated by the magnetic action of
the coil M or its equivalent or I may use a series coil separately arranged for the
purpose but always included in the main circuit upon which the apparatus is to be
used.
I may thus employ a gravity impulse arranged in such a manner that the free
movement or oscillation of each bar or beam is not in any way impeded and a
suitable make and break or contact device for the purpose of opening or closing the
circuit of the electro magnet C thus actuating the weights and the counting gear
at the proper time.
In order to describe the action of the apparatus according to my invention, with
reference to the drawings in which similar parts are, where permissible indicated
by similar letters I may specify the operation as follows, that is to say :-
The magnetic bar B shewn by Figure 1 is driven or actuated by exactly the
same or similar mechanism as that used for giving motion to B hence the details
thereof need not be repeated when one such movement is described. In Figure 7
the bar B is shewn in the position of its centre of oscillation and when the small
cam acting upon a roller i has just lifted the lever j and also with the same
movement removed the lever k from contact with the terminal and the shunted or
branched current is, when the parts of the apparatus are in the position as shewn
passing through the coils of the electro magnet C. The levers and are rigidly
connected to a spindle m which is caused to act as a conductor, leading the electric
current from the terminal to the coils of the electro magnet. The interruption of

page_text: the current which has presumably taken place has caused the armature b to fall by
the action of gravity or by a suitable spring or equivalent device and the link or
arm n which is attached to it also is lowered by the same movement.
At the upper
extremity of the link or arm n a roller o is attached, arranged so as to strike or
impinge against the angular end of the pivotted weight which is centred upon
the spindle of n or at any other convenient point outside of said spindle. But as
shewn by Figure 1 of the drawings the spindle or arbor is quite free to turn
independently of the oscillating bar B and it raises the outer end of the weight q
from contact with the set screws and causes it to assume the position as shewn.
The pin t attached to as the latter rises pushes the catch u aside upon its centre
or pivot thus allowing it to fall into its normal position after said pin t has
passed it.
As the upper end of the bar or beam B swings to the left hand side during its
oscillation, the cam h causes the roller i to fall and the lever k establishes an
electrical contact with the terminal which closes the circuit of C and causes the
armature b to be attracted and consequently raised, and then the roller i is raised
from the weight q which falls by the action of gravity or other means as aforesaid
until the pin t engages with and rests upon the catch. The nose piece v which.
is formed upon, or attached to, the spindle of lifts the weight q when the bar B
has moved a short distance and engages with the pin t. During a short period of
time the weight and the nose piece v move in unison together, and each time that
the bar or beam B returns on its swinging or oscillatory movement, these fall
together, striking or engaging with u and allowing the pin t to pass until the
weight makes contact with the stop screw s. The time occupied in the action
hereinbefore described is but the fractional part of a second, corresponding to the
rate of speed of the oscillations.
Thus, by means of the alternate electro magnetic and gravity action the power
and necessary motion is obtained that is to say:-the bars B and B are kept in
regular oscillatory motion by means of a definite weight falling through a defined
distance, these factors remaining constant when once the different parts forming the
details are adjusted.
The variation of the magnet C which is incidental to ordinary working does not.
invalidate the correct working and readings of the measuring instrument, it being
necessary however that the magnetic force of is always sufficient to raise the
armature against gravity. It is evident, therefore, that I do not depend upon a
constant magnetic or electro magnetic effect or impulse, the motive force being
derived from the fall of the weight of known and predetermined value as a weight
factor, through a similarly known and predetermined space during a convenient
period of each oscillation, the oscillatory movement of B or B not being impeded
in the slightest degree by the action of mechanical resistance in effecting the
movements and record as herein before described. Hence, according to my invention
the number of lifts of the armature is determined and governed by the number of
swings or oscillations of the bars B B during a given period of time. Then it
follows by attaching any kind of speed counter to the armature the relative
oscillations of each bar or beam B B may be ascertained and registered. I prefer
to use a dial A Figure 2 mounted upon a hollow spindle D which is operated by
the oscillation of the bar or beam B. A solid spindle D' or shaft passes through
the hollow spindle D said spindle D' being actuated by B. Both the spindles D
and D and mechanism attached thereto may be borne by the same frame work
I do not confine myself to any particular form or type of gearing for connecting
each or both or the bars or beams B B' to their respective registering appliances.
1 preferably use worm gearing for operating the dial, connected to the armature b
in any suitable manner so that the bars or beams B B are not impeded by, and are
able to swing independently of said gearing. An index or indices are fixed to the
spindle D in order to indicate the difference of rotation of the two bars or
beams B B which actually registers the current passing. Thus B and B¹ being of
the same length and actuated by the same force at the same period of their stroke
,

page_text: or oscillation, will swing synchronously when no current is passing round the coil M
or its equivalent consequently the hollow spindle or sleeve D carrying the dial A
and the solid spindle D'inside it carrying the index mould by B and B respectively
are operated in unison. But when a current is caused to pass through M the bar or
beam B which is influenced by it is thereby retarded while B' being non magnetic
remains constant in its oscillations. Thus the relative movements of the index and
the dial are varied, and the ratio of said variation when properly calibrated may
be registered in known terms.
I may employ several dials or indices attached to or caused to engage with the
dial A as shewn by Figure 2 the motion of said dial or its central spindle being
communicated-to said indices or dials by means of any suitable gearing such as is
used in the case of ordinary counters.
Another form of a contact making and breaking device is shewn by Figure 3 to
effect the purpose before described in which the nose piece is insulated from the
framework and serves to lead the current into the coils of the electro-magnet
Figure 1 as well as to receive the impulse of the weight. The manner in which
this acts is as follows, that is to say:-When the bar B Figure 3 is at rest the
contact screw e of weight touches the nose piece the weight occupying a
certain position by virtue of the roller on arm n resting upon the inner arm of
weight as indicated, this position being definitely determined by the stop screw g.
It is obvious that at the moment the current is turned on, the electro magnet is
energised and lifts its armature and with it the arm n and consequently roller f
and releasing the weight y allows it to act upon the bar B through the nose piece v
until it strikes the stop screw g; the bar continuing its motion and carrying nose
piece with it (as they are attached) the contact is broken and armature falling
allows roller to strike the inner end of weight y again lifting the outer end to its
definite position. On the return swing of the bar B the operation is repeated with
the addition that the weight y and piece v move upwards together the said weight
as will be seen being free to turn freely on its centre cf motion. The centres of
motion of nose piece and weight q may be, as shewn, eccentric, the effect being to
give the contact point of the screw e a small amount of sliding motion on the nose
piece v so as to keep the contact surfaces clean, in order to ensure at every contact
a good electrical connection.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
First. In an electricity meter, the employment of a rigid bar or beam or bars or
beams suspended at or near to its or their centre in combination with a device for
producing oscillation, and a registering apparatus substantially as herein described
and shewn by the drawings.
Second. In an electricity meter the employment of two or more bars or beams
centrally or approximately centrally pivotted; one or more of which is or are
magnetised and the oscillations of which are influenced by the current to be
measured and one or more of said bars non-magnetic, both oscillating synchronously
when no current is passing the main substantially as herein described with reference
to the drawings.
Third. In an electricity meter the employment of magnetic and non magnetic
bars in combination with a gravity oscillating device with contacts and counting
mechanism substantially as described.
Fourth. In an electricity meter, the employment of magnetic and non magnetic
bars or beams in combination with electro magnets Carmatures b links m and
weight q catch u and cam h substantially as and for the purposes herein set forth,
with reference to the appended drawings.
Fifth. In an electricity meter, the employment of magnetic and non magnetic
bars in combination with a dial or dials with an index or indices independently

page_text: operated by a sleeved spindle substantially as herein described with reference to the
drawings.
Sixth. In an electricity meter, the arrangements of contact making and breaking
devices shewn especially by Figures 1, 2 and 3 of the appended drawings substan-
tially as herein described and for the purposes as set forth.
Dated this 18th day of May 1892.
FREDK. WALKER,
11, Furnival Street, Holborn, London, E.C., Agent for the Applicant.