IMPROVEMENTS IN ARMATURES FOR MAGNETO ELECTRIC MACHINES AND IN APPARATUS FOR DEVELOPING ELECTRIC LIGHT."
Year: 1882

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Charles Lamb Levey and Edward Lumley, both of the
City and State of New York, United States of America, but now of
8 Southampton Buildings London for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS
IN ARMATURES FOR MAGNETO ELECTRIC MACHINES AND IN APPARATUS FOR
DEVELOPING ELECTRIC LIGHT."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Charles Lamb Levey &
Edward Lumley at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the
15th March 1882.
CHARLES LAMB LEVEY and EDWARD LUMLEY, both of the City and State of
New York, United States of America, but now of 8 Southampton Buildings London,
"IMPROVEMENTS IN ARMATURES FOR MAGNETO ELECTRIC MACHINES AND IN
APPARATUS FOR DEVELOPING ELECTRIC LIGHT."
"
"
This Invention relates partly to the construction of armatures for magneto-
electric machines, and particularly to that class known as "ring" ог "Gramme
armatures; and this part of the said Invention has for its objects the simplification
of construction, accuracy and facility in securing the supporting-shaft concentrically.
therein, the winding of the induced conductor in uniform and equal sections or.
bobbins, and the dissipation of heat by conduction and radiation.
We form the body of the armature of a number of sheet metal-plates alternating
with plates of a non-magnetic material, all of said plates being cut in the form of a
wheel with central hubs concentric with the rins and with or without external
projecting poles or pieces in line with the spokes. The supporting shaft fits into
central holes in these plates, and to spline or key on the shaft passes through a
keyway formed in the central holes, the whole being held firmly to the shaft by
means of a nut and fixed collar thereon. Insulated wire is wound around the ring
formed by the rims of the plates in the ordinary manner, each section or bobbin
being separated by the spokes, and as these are equidistant perfect guides are
provided to ensure an equal amount of wire in each bobbin or section, which is of.

page_text: considerable importance to enable the armature to produce a steady and uniform
current as it revolves between the poles of the field-magnets of the machine.
We propose in some cases to make the sheet-iron plates with no hubs or spokes,
or with only short spokes or internal projecting pieces to lie between the internal
windings of the sections of wire, depending on the spokes of the non-magnetic
plates to hold the armature on the shaft, and also to alternate these spokeless iron
plates with the iron plates provided with hubs and spokes, so that the ring upon
which the wire is wound will be all iron; and We may in some cases, make the
non-magnetic dividing plates spokeless. In both of these two cases air-spaces will
be left between the spokes of the plates, thus facilitating the dissipation of heat
generated in the ring and conveyed therefrom by conduction down the spokes.
The iron plates are placed on a shaft alternating with the non-magnetic plates
the whole being clamped firmly on the shaft between a nut and a fixed collar. The
spline or key causes the armature composed of said plates to rotate with the shaft.
The insulated induction-wire is wound over the rims between the pole pieces and
spokes which form perfect guides therefor; all the sections of the rims will be filled
with wire, and the adjoining ends of the sections connected together and
fastened to the commutator-plates, as in the ordinary "Gramme" armature. The
heat generated in the armature is by conduction conveyed down the spokes, both of
the iron plates, and non-magnetic plates as fast as it is generated, from whence it
is dissipated by radiation.
For the non-magnetic plates we propose to use a composition or material
which is a conductor of heat, and non-magnetic metals may be advantageously used.
Air
When it is desired to make the part of the armature surrounded by the wire
wholly of iron then we make each alternate plate without hubs and spokes.
spaces are left between the spokes and washers equal in thickness to that of the
plates, are placed between the hubs. These plates may be made of the non-magnetic
material, if desired or the plates with the spokes and hubs made of non-magnetic
material and the other plates of iron.
We may make an armature in which the pole pieces are reduced at their outer
ends, so that the wire of the different sections covers the whole of the periphery of
the armature when wound, the pole-pieces merely acting as guides for the proper
winding of the sections; or the pole-pieces of the iron plates may be eliminated
entirely and the non-magnetic plates provided with projections of this form.
According to another modification the projecting pieces or poles are entirely
removed from the periphery of the armature.
The plates in all the forms may be further held together by means of rods passed
through holes in the rims.
It is obvious that armature-bodies constructed as described may be wound
according to the well known "Siemens" method, so we do not wish to confine
ourselves to any particular method of winding, as our improved armature is
adapted for any method of winding in which the wire is placed longitudinally on
it or parallel to its axis.
The said Invention also relates to electric lamps of that class in which the lower
carbon is held stationary in the frame and the upper carbon raised up from it to
form the arc, and allowed to gradually feed down as the carbons are consumed.
According to this part of the said Invention we provide a novel arrangement of
the two actuating electro-magnets, and devices by which the upper carbon is
controlled by the differential action of the two electro magnets, one of which is
wound with large wire, and is included in the arc circuit, and the other one with
fine wire and included in a derived or branch circuit. Each magnet acts by
induction on independent armatures adjustably connected to two lever arins
arranged diametrically opposite one another on a rock-shaft, and this shaft is
connected by a link to the upper carbon-rod-clamping device at a point much
nearer the centre of the shaft than are the armatures, so that the electro
magnets have to draw their armatures through a long range of movement to
impart a short range of movement to the carbon thereby greatly increasing the

page_text: regulating powers of the electro magnets and making the regulation of the feed of
the carbon very uniform, on account of the delicate action of the magnets due to
increase of leverage of their armatures over the movement of the clamping device.
The rock shaft is provided with an adjusting spring set to oppose and assist to
regulate the power of the main circuit electro magnet on its armature, and it is
further provided with a dash-pot.
The upper part of the same consists of a plate and standards and cross piece in
the centre of which is a hole in line with a hole in the plate and through which
the upper carbon holding rod passes. A tube is screwed in the cross piece and
encases this rod and by it the lamp is suspended.
In arms projecting from the plate are secured by insulated connections, side rods,
the upper ends of which are provided respectively, with binding-posts. The lower
ends of the side rods are secured to the cross bar and in a socket in the centre of
it is held the lower carbon, one rod by means of an insulated connection, and the
other by metallic contact therewith.
Pivoted on pointed bearings in the standards is a rock shaft frame at its centre to
surround the carbon-holding rod and at one side of this framing is formed a slot, in
which is pivoted a hanging link connected at its lower end to a clamp. This clamp
has a hole in it slightly larger than the rod so that the rod is free to fall down
through it when the clamp is in a horizontal position; but the rod is held by the
clamp when it is moved into an angular position by the rocking of the shaft.
The clamp is also provided with a tail piece, on the outer end of which rests a
spring secured to the plate. A double armature lever is secured to a rock-shaft by a
set screw passing through its hub, and by means of which they may be set in
relation to one another to properly locate armatures carried by the double lever
in proper relation to the poles of the electro magnets when the clamp is about to
grip the rod; or the rock-shaft and dowble lever may be cast in one piece of some
non-magnetic material, and the requisite adjustment provided for by making the
link adjustable as to its length.
The armatures are circular pieces of iron with threaded stems at one of their
sides, and said stems fit into tapped holes in the ends of the double lever so that
by turning the armature their front faces are moved to or from the poles of the
electro magnets to regulate the attractive powers of the magnets on the armatures,
and when the armatures are properly set they are held rigidly in place by set
screws which close, by means of slots, the tapped holes tight on the threaded stems
of the armature. The cores of the electro magnets are connected to the plate
which, with the rest of the frame, is made of iron, so that each core is affected
somewhat by the change of current passing through the insulated wire of the other.
The wire on one magnet is the large wire, and the electric current entering the
lamp by the binding post passes through it and then goes to the frame down the
upper rod through the upper carbon to the lower carbon, and from it up one side
rod and so leaves the lamp by a post. The current in so passing causes one magnet
to draw down its armature and so raises up the upper carbon to form the arc but
at the same time some of the current passes through the brauch circuit formed by
the fine wire surrounding the core of the other magnet, one end of which is con-
nected to the large wire as it leaves one post and the other end is connected to the
other post. The wire of the two magnets is so proportioned and their armatures
so set in relation to the poles that the action of the two magnets is equalized on
the double lever when the arc is normal; but as soon as the arc becomes abnormal
the current is decreased in one magnet and increased in the other magnet; con-
sequently the lever is moved in an opposite direction to when, the arc is being
formed and the clamp and rod lowered gradually. the clamp allowing the rod to
slide through it when it reaches its lowest position to bring the are to its normal
condition; but further movement of the rod is instantly arrested by the increase
of current passing through the magnet.
The cores of the magnets may be made independent of one another, and each
one may be of horeshoe shape, their proper action on the clamping device being in

page_text: any case easily attained by the adjustment of their armatures; and instead of being
placed in vertical positions, it is evident they may be placed horizontally without
altering their action on the lever.
To one end of a double arm on the shaft is connected a spring, the other end of
which is connected to the bell crank lever pivoted in a frame and through this
frame passes a set screw, butting against the short arm of the bell crank lever, and
by means of which the tension of the spring is regulated, as desired to oppose the
proper amount of resistance to the action of one of the magnets on its armature.
On the other end of the arm is connected the plunger of a dash-pot which is of the
ordinary construction, and for the purpose well understood; so a further description
of it here is unnecessary.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Charles Lamb Levey and Edward Lumley in the Great Seal
Patent Office on the 18th August 1882.
CHARLES LAMB LEVEY, and EDWARD LUMLEY, both of the City and State of
New York, United States of America, but now of 8 Southampton Buildings, London,
IMPROVEMENTS IN ARMATURES FOR MAGNETO-ELECTRIC MACHINES AND IN
APPARATUS FOR DEVELOPING ELECTRIC LIGHT."
$$
This Invention relates partly to the construction of armatures for magneto-
electric machines and particularly to that class known as "ring" or "Gramme "
armatures; and this part of the said Invention has for its objects the simplification
of construction, accuracy and facility in securing the supporting-shaft concentrically
therein, the winding of the induced conductor in uniform and equal sections or
bobbins, and the dissipation of heat by conduction and radiation.
We form the body of the armature of a number of sheet-metal plates alternating
with plates of non-magnetic material, all of the said plates being cut in the form
of a wheel with central hubs concentric with the rims and with, or without, external
projecting pieces in line with the spokes. The supporting shaft fits into central
holes in these plates and a spline or key on the shaft passes through a keyway
formed in the central holes, the whole being held firmly to the shaft by means of a
nut and fixed collar thereon. Insulated wire is wound around the ring formed by
the rims of the plates in the ordinary manner, each section or bobbin being
separated by the spokes, and as these are equidistant they form perfect guides to
insure an equal amount of wire in each bobbin or section, which is of considerable
importance to enable the armature to produce a steady and uniform current as it
revolves between the poles of the field-magnets of the machine.
We propose, in some cases, to make the sheet-iron plates with no hubs or spokes,
or with only short spokes or internal projecting pieces to lie between the internal
windings of the sections of wire, depending on the spokes of the non-magnetic plates
to hold the armature on the shaft; we propose also to alternate these spokeless
iron plates with the iron plates provided with hubs and spokes, so that the ring
upon which the wire is wound will be all iron; and we may, in some cases, make
the non-magnetic dividing plates spokeless. In both of these last two cases, air-
spaces will be left between the spokes of the plates, thus facilitating the dissipation
of heat generated in the ring and conveyed therefrom by conduction down the
spokes.
In the accompanying Drawing
Figure 1 is a transverse sectional elevation of an armature made according to
the said Invention, showing clearly the form of one of the sheet-iron plates, which
is also the form of the intermediate non-magnetic plates.
Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional elevation of the same.
Figure 3 shows the form of a plate without any hub and spokes.
Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of an armature composed of plates as
shown in Figure 3 and plates shown in Figure 1 alternating.
Figure 5 represents part of a plate in which the projecting pieces are modified in
form, and,
Figure 6 represents another modification in the form of the plates.
The remaining Figures of the Drawing will be hereinafter described.
One form given to the sheet-iron plates is shown in Figure 1, a being the rim,
6 the spokes, c the hub, and d the external projecting pieces. The iron plates are
placed on the shaft e, alternating with the non-magnetic plates of of the same form,.

page_text: as shown in Figure 2, the whole being clamped firmly on the shaft between the
nut g and the fixed collar h. The spine or key e¹ causes the armature composed of
the said plates to rotate with the shaft e. The insulated induction wire is wound
[
"
over the rims a, between the projecting pieces d, and spokes b, which form perfect
guides therefor. Only two sections or bobbins j of wire are shown, it being
understood that all the sections of the rims will be filled with wire, and the
adjoining ends of the sections connected together and fastened to the commutator-
plates, as in the ordinary Gramme armature. The heat generated in the
armature is, by conduction, conveyed down the spokes b, both of the iron plates,
and non-magnetic plates as fast as it is generated, and is dissipated by radiation.
For the non-magnetic plates f we propose to use a composition or material which
is a conductor of heat, and non-magnetic metals may be advantageously used.
When it is desired to make the part of the armature surrounded by the wire j
wholly of iron, then we make each alternate plate k of the form shown in Figure 3,
that is to say, without any hub and spokes. Figure 4 represents such an armature,
partly in section. Air-spaces are left between the spokes b, and washers 7 (equal
in thickness to the plates k) are placed between the hubs c.
These plates k may
be made of the non-magnetic material, if desired, or the plates with the spokes and
hubs may be made of non-magnetic material and the plates k of iron.
Figure 5 represents part of an armature made according to this part of our
Invention, in which the projecting pieces dare reduced at their outer ends, so that
the wire of the different sections covers the whole of the periphery of the armature
when wound, the projecting pieces merely acting as guides for the proper winding
of the sections; or the projecting pieces of the iron plates may be eliminated
entirely and the non-magnetic plates provided with projections of this form.
Figure 6 represents another modification in which the projecting pieces are
entirely removed from the periphery of the armature.
The plates in all the forms shown, may be further held together by means of rods
passed through the holes a' in the rims a.
It is obvious that armature-bodies constructed as described may be wound
according to the well known "Siemens" method, so we do not wish to confine
ourselves to any particular method of winding, as our improved armature is adapted
for any method of winding in which the wire is placed longitudinally on it, or
parallel to its axis.
The said Invention also relates to electric lamps of that class in which the lower
carbon is held stationary in the frame, and the upper carbon is raised up from it
to form the arc and allowed to gradually feed down as the carbons are consumed.
According to this part of the said Invention we provide a novel arrangement of
the two actuating electro-magnets, and devices by which the upper carbon is
controlled by the differential action of the two electro-magnets, one of which is
wound with large wire and is included in the arc-circuit, and the other one with
fine wire, and included in a derived or branch circuit. Each magnet acts by
induction on independent armatures adjustably connected to two lever-arms
arranged diametrically opposite one another on a rock-shaft, and this shaft is
connected by a link to the upper carbon-rod clamping device, at a point much
nearer the centre of the shaft than are the armatures, so that the electro-magnets
have to draw their armatures through a long range of movement to impart a short
range of movement to the carbon, thereby greatly increasing the regulating powers
of the electro-magnets, and making the regulation of the feed of the carbons very
uniform on account of the delicate action of the magnets due to increase of
leverage of their armatures over the movement of the clamping device. The rock-
shaft is provided with an adjusting spring set to oppose, and assist to regulate, the
power of the main-circuit electro-magnet on its armature, and it is further provided
with a dash-pot.
The improvements in the construction and the operation of the various parts
will be fully understood by reference to Figures 7 to 10 of the accompanying

page_text: elect going apparatus, embodying our
improvements.
Figure 8 is a plan or top view of the same with the upper part of the frame
removed.
Figure 9 is a sectional elevation through the line x, x, Figure 7 looking toward
the left; and,
Figure 10 is a sectional elevation through the line y, y, Figure 7 looking toward
the right.
The upper part of the frame consists of the plate A, standards A³, and cross-
piece A, in the centre of which is a hole in line with a hole in the plate A and
through which the upper carbon-holding rod B passes. A tube C is screwed in
the cross-piece A' and encases the rod B, and by it the lamp is suspended. In
arms projecting from the plate A are secured, by insulated connections, the side
rods D D¹, the upper ends of which are provided respectively with the binding-
posts E E¹. The lower ends of the side rods are secured to the cross-bar F, and
in a socket in the centre of it is held the lower carbon G, the side rod D being
secured by means of an insulated connection and the side rod D¹ being in metallic
contact with the crossbar F.
Pivoted on pointed bearings in the standards A¹, is the rock-shaft H formed
at its centre so as to surround the carbon-holding rod B, and at one side
of this framing is formed a slot, in which is pivoted the hanging link I
connected at its lower end to the clamp J. This clamp has a hole in it
slightly larger than the rod B, so that the rod is free to fall, down through it
when the clamp is in a horizontal position, but the rod is held by the clamp
when it is moved into an angular position by the rocking of the shaft H.
The clamp is also provided with a tail-piece J₁, on the outer end of which rests
the spring J secured to the plate A. The double armature-lever K is secured
to the rock-shaft H by a set-screw passing through its hub, and by means of this
set-screw they may be adjusted in relation to one another to properly locate the
armatures L, M, carried by the double lever K in proper relation to the poles of
the electro-magnets L' M¹, when the clamp J is about to gripe the rod B; or the
rock-shaft H and double lever K may be cast in one piece of some non-magnetic
material, and the requisite adjustment provided for by making the link I
adjustable as to its length. The armatures L. M, are circular pieces of iron with
threaded stems at one of their sides, and the said stems fit into tapped holes in the
ends of the double lever K so that by turning the armature their front faces are
moved to or from the poles of the electro-magnets L', M', to regulate the attractive
powers of the magnets on the armatures, and when the armatures are properly set
they are held rigidly in place by the set-screws L, M, which, by means of slots,
close the tapped holes tight on the threaded stems of the armature. The cores of
the electro-magnets L', M¹, are connected to the plate A, which, with the rest of
the frame, is made of iron so that each core is affected somewhat by the change of
current passing through the insulated wire of the other. The wire on the
magnet L' is the large wire and the electric current, entering the lamp by the
binding post E passes through it, and then goes to the frame A down the rod B
through the carbon B', to the carbon G and from it up the side rod D¹, and leaves
the lamp by the post E¹. The current in so passing causes the magnet L' to draw
down the armature L and so raise up the upper carbon to form the arc, but at the
same time some of the current passes through the branch circuit formed by the
fine wire surrounding the core of the magnet M', one end of which is connected
to the large wire as it leaves the post E, and the other end is connected to the
other post E. The wire of the two magnets is so proportioned, and their armatures
so set in relation to the poles, that the action of the two magnets is equalized on
the double lever K when the arc is normal; but, as soon as the arc becomes
abnormal the current is decreased in the magnet L' and increased in the magnet M';
consequently the lever K is moved in an opposite direction to that in which it is
moved when the arc is being formed, and the clamp and rod B lowered gradually,

page_text: the clamp allowing the rod to slide through it, when it reaches its lowest position,
to bring the arc to its normal condition, but further movement of the rod B is
instantly arrested by the increase of current passing through the magnet L'.
The cores of the magnets L¹, M', as before stated, are shown as connected
together by the iron plate A. They may be made independent of one another and
each one may be of horseshoe shape, their proper action on the clamping device
being, in any case, easily obtained by the adjustment of their armatures; and
instead of being placed in vertical positions, as shown, it is evident that they may
be placed horizontally without altering their action on the lever K. To one end
of a double-arm O on the shaft H, is connected the spring N, the other end of which
is connected to the belt-crank lever N¹ pivoted in the frame N', and through this
frame passes the set-screw N° butting against the short arm of the bell-crank-
lever N¹; by means of this set screw the tension of spring N is regulated, as
desired, to offer the proper amount of resistance to the action of the magnet L³ on
its armature L. On the other end of the arm O is connected the plunger of the
dash-pot P, which is of the ordinary construction and for the purpose well
understood.
Having thus fully described our said Invention and the manner of performing
the same we wish it understood that Specifications of former Patents show means
for keeping armatures of the "Gramme" type cool by making the same of iron
rings connected together so as to leave air-space between them; we therefore do not
claim broadly, an armature composed of iron rings or plates, but we claim,
First. An armature for magneto-electric machines, composed of a series of iron
plates separated by plates of non-magnetic heat-conducting material, provided with
projections extending to, or beyond, the surface of the coils of insulated wire wound
thereon, substantially as, and for the purpose, hereinbefore set forth.
Second. In an armature for magneto-electric machines, the combination of a
series of iron plates, a series of plates of non-magnetic material, and a central shaft
upon which the two series of plates are clamped in alternate order, each of the
plates being composed of a ring, spokes, projecting pieces in line therewith, and a
central hub having a hole to fit over the shaft, whereby the completed armature is
retained concentric with the shaft, substantially as, and for the purposes, hereinbefore
set forth.
Third. The combination of the electro-magnets, the armatures adjustably
connected to the levers of the rock-shaft, the rod passing vertically freely through
an opening in the said rock-shaft, and a clamping device, operated by the rock-
shaft to raise the said rod when the armature L is attracted by its electro-magnet L¹,
all substantially as, and for the purposes, hereinbefore set forth.
Fourth. The armatures provided with screw-threaded stems, in combination
with the levers provided with tapped and slotted holes and set-screws, substantially
as, and for the purpose, set-forth.
Fifth. The combination of the bell-crank-lever N₁, screw N³, spring N, arm O,
dashi-pot P, lever K on the shaft H, armature L and electro magnet L³, substantially
as, and for the purpose, set forth.
In witness whereof we the said Charles Lamb Levey and Edward Lumley
have hereunto set our hands and seals this Tenth day of August in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and eighty two.