IMPROVEMENTS IN MAGNETO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
Year: 1853

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Auguste Edouard Loradoux Bellford, of 16,
Castle Street, Holborn, (City,) London, Patent Agent, for the In-
vention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN MAGNETO-ELECTRIC MACHINES."―A
communication
Sealed the 28th December 1853, and dated the 28th June 1853.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Auguste Edouard
Lorudoux Bellford at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents,
with his Petition, on the 28th June 1853.
I, AUGUSTE EDOUARD LORADOUX BELLFORD, of 16, Castle Street,
Holborn, (City,) London, Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of
the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN MAGNETO-ELECTRIC MACHINES"
to be as follows:-
The object of this Invention is to develop a perfectly continuous
electric current through the agency of permanent magnets, helices, and
other conductors properly arranged, and in the construction of what I
term the "current discharger," which is analagous to the "pole
changer" of other magneto-electric machines whereby several currents

page_text: are developed at the same time, whose changes of direction take place
at successive intervals, so that only one is broken at a time, and whereby
the changing of the poles in the "current discharger" is effected at the
precise moment of the change in the direction of the currents induced
in the helices.
Fig. 1, is an elevation of my improved machine; Fig. 2, is a
vertical section of the same taken through the centre of the machine,
with the exception of the "current discharger'
and it's appen-
dages, which are shown uncut. Fig. 3, is a horizontal section of the
same, taken almost immediately below the rotating wheel of helices.
Fig. 4, is another horizontal section through the rotating wheel of helices.
Fig. 5, is an elevation of the "current discharger." Fig. 6, shows in
projection the arrangement of the magnetic segments in the "current
discharger" and Fig. 7, shows in projection a modification of the
same. Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the
several Figs. A, is the base of the machine; B, is a plate of similar
form and diameter to A, & supported by the standards C, C. To the
upper side of the plate A, is secured another plate D, which has suit-
able recesses to receive a number of steel magnates E, E, of the well-
known U form, which I term a plane of magnets. Eight of these mag-
nets are shown in a circle placed vertically, with their poles upwards,
the faces of all the poles being in a horizontal plane, and their centres
being in equidistant lines radiating from a common axis (Fig. 3).
Their poles are so arranged that there will be a north pole and a south
pole alternately all round the circle, thus bringing two north poles
opposite each other on opposite sides of the centre of the circle, and
two south poles opposite.
The magnets are secured to the plate D, by a ring G, of metal, which
is placed between the poles at the bends, & bolted to the plate by
screw bolts a, a. In order to render the electric current thus obtained
stronger another plane of magnets corresponding in number &
arrangement to that above described is secured to the under side of the
plate B, the poles of the magnets of this series being brought vertically
opposite those of the lower series, but the north poles of one series
being all brought opposite the south poles of the other series, thus

page_text: The
making a series of magnetic or electric spheres in each of the series of
circles of magnets; the spheres of one plane of magnets coalescing
with the spheres of the other plane, and making each electric or mag-
nectic sphere doubly as strong as it would be in one plane alone.
distance between the poles of the magnets of the two planes should be
about one third greater than the distance across the end of the pole to
obtain the maximum power. H, is a vertical shaft whose axis passes
through the centres of the two circles of magnets. This shaft is sup-
ported upon an adjustable step bearing b, attached to the base plate A,
& works in a guide in the upper plate B. A wooden wheel or disc I,
is secured to it so as to revolve between the poles of the two planes of
magnets without touching them. From the axis of the wheel circles
must be described on either face corresponding to circles described
through the centres of the poles of the magnets; this will make two
circles for every circle of magnets. In the inner of these circles a
number of circular holes corresponding with the number of magnets in
the circle are bored through the wheel at equal distances to receive as
many helices.
These helices are fitted tightly in the holes, which form
boxes for them. In the outer circle twice the numbers of holes are
bored to receive similar helices. The helices in the outer circle are at
equal distances apart, & are so arranged in relation to those of the
series in the inner circle that the centres of no two helices, of which
one is in the outer & the other in the inner circle, can be at the same
time opposite the centres of the poles of the magnets. The helices
consist of coils of copper wire insulated, with a core of iron wires in the
middle of each, being similar to other magneto-electric helices, & are
shown in Fig. 4, c, d, e.
Care must be taken to connect the helices with each other in a
proper manner that the electric currents developed in them shall not
run in opposite directions, & thus counteract and neutralize each
other. An intense or quantity current can be obtained from helices of
the same length and size of wire by different modes of connecting the
wires of the several helices of each series. For intensity of current
the mode of connection shown in the Drawing is necessary; the out-
side end of the coil of each helix should be soldered to the outside end

page_text: of the coil of the next helix. & the inside end of each to the inside
end of the next, & so on in regular succession, so as to leave but two
ends to the wire forming two poles, of which the positive & negative
state of each will change places alternately as they pass the centres of
the different poles of the magnets which form the magnetic circle.
It
represent the connections between the helices c, c; and, & g,
are the terminations of the wire. m, m, represent the connections
between the helices d, d; and i, & j, are the termination of the wire.
n, n, represent the connection between the helices e, e; und k, and 1,
are the terminations of the wire. If a quantity current is desired,
the inner ends of one half of the helices of each series and the outer
ends of the other half should be connected together to form one pole,
and the outer ends of the first half and the inner ends of the last half
to form the other pole. The first-named arrangements requires the
current to pass through the whole length of the wire of which the
series of helices is composed, and the last arrangement only requires it
to pass through the length of each helix. The duty of the current dis-
charger is to turn the direction of the ever changing current developed
in the helices, and to connect all the poles to form one circuit.
consist of a cylinder K, of ivory or other nonconducting material,
firmly secured to the shaft H. Into the periphery of this cylinder a
number of segments of copper or other good conducting metal are in-
serted so as to stand even with it's surface. The "current discharger'
may be said to be composed of three independent minor "current dis-
chargers," or one for each series of helices. Each minor current dis-
charger is composed of two parallel rows of seginents extending directly
round the cylinder K, the number in each row being equal to the
number of magnets in a plane, and are of such length as to leave
only a small break or nonconducting surface between every two con-
secutively, and of each row one half the number have no connec-
tion with the other half, but are connected with half of the other row;
thus each segment is connected by wires within the cylinder with those
segments in the opposite row which are next to the segment opposite
it, thus forming two metallic bands extending entirely round the
cylinder, each band being formed by a segment of one row and one of
"

page_text: the other row alternately, (and being insulated from the other band;
see Fig. 5, where the segments o, o, are connected, and the segments
P: p, are connected; the wires connecting the former being represented
by red dotted lines, and those connecting p, p, by red perfect lines.
The upper minor "current discharger," consisting of the seginents
o, o, and p, p, directs and discharges the currents from the helices c, c,
and by explaining it singly the respective operations of the others will
be made intelligible. The ends j, g, of the wires, or positive & nega-
tive poles of the series c, c, of helices, are connected, the former to one
of the segments o, o, and the latter to the segments p, p; thus the two
series of the segments become positive and negative poles; the ivory
serving to insulate them from each other. The major or terminal
poles of the machine, in which all the currents are united, are formed
by two brass posts L, M, which are secured to the base, but insulated,
and hold stationary springs q, r, whose points bear upon the two rows
of segments, and receive the electric current whenever discharged from
the segments.
The points of the springs must bear such relation to the segments
that they will bear directly on the centres of the breaks or divisions
between the segments of each row precisely when the centres of the
helices c, c, come opposite the centres of the poles of the magnets E, E,
and that one will always bear on a segment o, while the other bears on
a segment p.
When the wheel of helices has rotary motion an electric current
will be discharged into the springs whenever the springs bear upon the
metallic segments, and the current will be broken whenever they bear
upon the breaks or spaces between the segments, and the change in it's
direction takes place. The current must always flow in the same
direction through the springs, for the instant the change in the direc⚫
tion of the current takes place the poles of the segment are changed.
The only way
in which the direction of the current can be changed in
the springs and posts is by changing the direction of the revolution
of the helices. The current developed by each minor "current dis-
charger" is only a broken current, though it's direction does not
change; and it is by the peculiar arrangement of the several minor

page_text: "current dischargers" in the principal or whole "current discharger"
which makes the current continuous.
8, s, and t,, are the segments which form the current discharger
for the helices d, d; the end i, of the wire of the helices being con-
nected with 8, 8, and the end j, being connected with t, t. q, r', are
the springs which receive the electric currents from 3, s, and t, 4, and
conduct them to the posts L, M. u, u, and u, v, are the segments
which form the "current discharger" for the helices c, e; the end k,
of the wire of the helices being connected with u, u, and the end /,
with , .", are the springs which receive the electric currents
from u, u, and u, v, and conduct them to the posts L., M. Each of
these minor "current dischargers," considered seperately, bears and
operates in the same relation to it's respective series of helices as the
one first described.
Fig. 2, indicates that the helices of the three series are spirally
arranged in relation to each other. This is indicated in Fig. 4, by
eight spiral dotted lines c, each of which passes through one helix of
every series. The helices pass the poles of the magnets in the order
indicated by these lines, one of each series in regular succession. The
minor "current dischargers" are arranged upon the cylinder K, or
principal current discharger" in such a manner that the breaks do
not come in lines parallel with the axis. The bearing points are all in
such a line, and therefore not more than one of the circuits between
the segments and springs can be broken at the same time.
The breaks, Figs. 2, & 5, are arranged spirally on the cylinder, and
are caused to pass the points of the springs in the same order of
succession as the helices with which they are respectively connected
pass the poles of the magnets; hence the breaks must follow in regular
succession and at the proper intervals, two currents being always flow-
ing between the segments and springs to the posts L, & M, which
unite them and form one positive and one negative pole.
The same result may be obtained if the breaks are in line, and the
points of the springs are arranged spirally.
The principle may be extended. To make a more powerful machine
several circles of magnets may be used in the same plane, two circles

page_text: of helices being employed for every circle of magnets, and the said
helices being divided into series, each containing a number of helices
equal to the number of magnets in their respective circle, all connected
together as described, and furnished with a minor "current discharger."
Several wheels of helices may be employed on the same shaft, each
wheel being interposed between two planes of magnets, and being
similarly furnished with "current dischargers" to the single wheel
and two planes of magnets. The shaft may be placed in a horizontal
position, and the wheels & planes of magnets vertical.
The smallest number of magnets which can be used to advantage
in a circle is four, and the number employed in one circle should be
one which is divisible by four without a remainder, as such a number
will always bring two north poles opposite each other, & two south
poles opposite each other.
The arrangement, Fig. 7, may be employed, and is equivalent to
that before described. The segments o, o, & p, p, are here shown
connected by continuous metallic bands extending round the cylinder,
the segments in regular succession round the cylinder being alternately
connected to one and the other band. In this case the points of the
springs will require to be arranged that they will bear upon any two
spaces between the segments, and will cause cach, as the segments
rotate, to be brought in contact with a segment of a different series.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Auguste Edouard Loradoux Bellford in the
Great Seal Patent Office, on the 28th December 1853.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I,
AUGUSTE EDOUARD LORADOUX BELLFORD, of 16, Castle Street, Holborn,
City, London, Patent Agent, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters l'atent, bearing date the Twenty-eighth day of June in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-three, in the seven-
teenth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors,

page_text: give and grant unto me, the said Auguste Edouard Londoux Bellford,
Her special licence that 1, the said Auguste Edouard Loradoux Bell-
ford, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the
said Auguste Edouard Loradoux Bellford, my executors, administrators,
and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to
time. and at all times thereafter during the term therein expressed,
should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within
the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel
Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention, communicated to me by a
foreigner residing abroad, for "IMPROVEMENTS IN MAGNETO-ELECTRIC
MACHINES," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said
Auguste Edouard Loradoux Bellford, by an instrument in writing
under my hand and seal, should particularly describe and ascertain the
nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be
performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent
Office within six calendar months and immediately after the date
of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Auguste Edouard Loradoux
Bellford, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention, and in
what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly de-
scribed and ascertained in and by the following statement thereof, and
the Drawings hereunto annexed (that is to say):
The object of this Invention is to develope a perfectly continuous
electric current through the agency of permanent magnets. None
of the previously constructed magneto-electric machines known to me
will develop a continuous current, but merely a broken current, which
by very rapid revolution of the helices, so as to make the breaks follow
each other in very quick succession, is made apparently continuous.
The cause of the failure to obtain a continuous current has been
the want of knowledge of the point where the polar magnetic sphere
of forces changes the direction of an electric current in a helical
coil passing through it. I have discovered that the change of
direction of the current takes place precisely when the centres of the
helices of a circuit come directly opposite the centres of the poles of
the magnets between which they revolve. My Invention therefore

page_text: consists in the proper arrangement of permanent magnets and helices
and other conductors, and in the peculiar construction of what I term
the "current discharger," which is analogous to what is termed the
'pole changer" in other magneto-electric machines, whereby several
currents are developed at the same time whose changes of direction
take place at successive intervals, so that only one is broken at a time,
and whereby the changing of the poles in the "current discharger"
is effected at the precise moment of the change in the direction of the
currents induced in the helices.
In the accompanying Drawing Fig. 1, is an elevation of my im-
proved machine, which I term the "spiral magneto-electric battery."
Fig. 2, is a vertical section of the same taken through the centre of
the machine, with the exception of the "current discharger" and its
appendages, which are shown uncut. Fig. 3, is a horizontal section
of the same, taken almost immediately below the rotating wheel of
helices. Fig. 4, is another horizontal section, taken through the
rotating wheel of helices. Fig. 5, is an elevation of the "current dis-
charger." Fig. 6, shows in projection the arrangement of the magnetic
segments in the "current discharger ;" and Fig. 7, shows in projection
a modification of the same. Similar letters of reference indicate corre-
sponding parts in the several Figures. A, is the base of the machine,
which consists of a cast iron plate of circular form, and of sufficient
strength to carry all the parts. B, is a plate of similar form and diameter
to A, and supported at a convenient distance above it by standards C, C,
which are placed as near as possible to the peripheries. To the
upper side of the plate A, is secured another plate D, which has
suitable recesses to receive a number of steel magnets E, E, of the
well-known U form, which I term "a plane of magnets." Of these
magnets eight (8,) are shown arranged in a circle, being placed
vertically, with their poles upwards, the faces of all the poles being in
a horizontal plane, and their centres being in equidistant lines radiating
from a common axis (see Fig. 3). Their poles are so arranged that
there will be a north pole and south pole alternately all round the
circle, thus bringing two north poles opposite each other on opposite
sides of the centre of the circle, and two south poles opposite.

page_text: The magnets are secured to the plate D, by a ring G, of metal which
is placed between the poles at the bends, and bolted to the plate by
screw bolts a, a. The above-described arrangement of magnetic poles
forms electric spheres between all the poles throughout the circle, which
will induce an electric current in a conductor passed around the circle,
clanging the direction and breaking the circuit of such electric current
at the centre of each inagnetic pole which it passes in the circle.
The effect thus obtained is an interrupted electric current. In
order to render the electric current thus obtained stronger another
plane of magnets, corresponding in number and arrangement to that
above described, attached to a similar plate D, and having its
corresponding parts indicated by similar letters in the Drawing, is
secured to the under side of the plate B; the poles of the magnets
of this series being brought vertically opposite those of the lower
series, but the north poles of one series being all brought opposite the
south poles of the other series, thus making a series of magnetic or
electric spheres in each of the series of circles of magnets; the
spheres of one plane of magnets coalescing with the spheres of the
other plane, and making each electric or magnetic sphere doubly as
strong as it would be in one plane alone. The distance between the
poles of the magnets of the two planes should be about one third
greater than the distance across the end of the pole to obtain the
maximum power. In this part of the machine all the forces are
concentrated ready for directive action whenever the requisite or
properly constructed machinery is placed before it. The machinery
employed to receive these magnetic forces will be next explained.
H, is a vertical shaft, whose axis passes through the centres of the two
circles of mingnets. This shaft is supported upon an adjustable step
bearing b, attached to the base plate A, and works in a guide in the
upper plate B. It carries a wooden wheel or disc I, which is secured
to it in such a position as to revolve between the poles of the two
planes of magnets without quite touching them. The diameter of this
wheel must not be less than that of a circle circumscribing the magnets,
and its thickness, as well as the distance of the poles of the two planes
of magnets, will be governed by the length of the helices which the

page_text: wheel is to receive. From the axis of the wheel circles must be
described on either face corresponding to circles described through the
centres of the poles of the magnets; this will make two circles for
every circle of magnets. In the inner of these circles a number of
circular holes corresponding with the number of magnets in the circle
are bored through the wheel at equal distances apart to receive as
many helices.
These helices are fitted tightly in the holes, which
form boxes for them. In the outer circle twice the number of holes
are bored to receive similar helices. The helices in the outer circle
are at equal distances apart, and are so arranged in relation to those
of the series in the inner circle that the centres of no two helices, of
which one is in the outer and the other in the inner circle, can be at
the same time opposite the centres of the poles of the magnets. The
helices consist of coils of copper wire insulated, with a core of iron wires
in the middle of each, being similar to other magneto-electric helices.
It will be understood that by the above arrangement of the helices
of the two circles, while the helices in the inner circle are opposite
the centres of the magnetic poles where the electric current is changed
and broken, the helices in the outer circle are a little on either side
of the poles where the strongest part of the charge is given off';
hence the strong points of the induced current are brought to bear
against the broken or interrupted points, keeping an electric current
always flowing without break. The helices in both circles are caused
to discharge their forces into one current by means of a "current
discharger," which gathers the currents induced in the two series at
the proper times, and thus developes one unbroken electric current of
uniform quantity and intensity. The arrangement of the helices is
shown in Fig. 4, where those in the inner circle (eight in number,
constituting one series) are all indicated by c, but as those in the
outer circle constitute two distinct series of eight, they are indicated
by d, and e, alternately all the way round; those indicated by d,
constituting one series, and those by e, the other series. The helices
included in the inner circle being all included in one series are all
connected together to form one circuit. The series d, in the outer

page_text: circle are all connected together to form another circuit. The series e,
are all connected together to form a third circuit.
Care must be taken to connect the helices with each other in a proper
manner, in order that the electric currents developed in them shall not
run in opposite directions, and thus counteract and neutralize each
other's forces; and it is better that all the helices which are connected
together to forin one circuit should be coiled in one direction. An in-
tense or quantity current can be obtained from helices of the same
length and size of wire by different inodes of connecting the wires of the
several helices of each series. For intensity of current the mode of con-
nection shown in the Drawing is necessary; the outside end of the coil
of each helix should be soldered to the outside end of the coil of the
next helix, and the inside end of each to the inside end of the next, and
so on in regular succession through the series, so as to leave but two
ends to the wire forming two poles, of which the positive and negative
state of each will change places alternately as they pass the centres of
the different poles of the magnets which form the magnetic circle.
,, represent the connections between the helices c, e; and ; and g,
are the terminations of the wire. m, m, represent the connections
between the helices d, d; and i, and j, are the terminations of the wire.
n, n, represent the connections between the helices e, e; and k, and 1,
are the terminations of the wire. If a quantity current is desired,
the inner ends of one half of the helices of each series and the outer
ends of the other half should be connected together to form one pole,
and the outer ends of the first half and the inner ends of the lust half
to form the other pole. The first-named arrangement requires the
current to pass through the whole length of the wire of which the series
of helices is composed, and the last arrangement only requires it to
pass through the length of each helix. The duty of the "current
discharger" is to turn the direction of the ever changing current
developed in the helices, and to connect all the poles to form one
circuit. It consists of a cylinder K, of ivory or other nonconducting
material firmly secured to the shaft H. Into the periphery of this
cylinder a number of segments of copper or other good conducting

page_text: metal are inserted so as to stand even with its surface. The "current
discharger," considered as a whole, in relation to the whole number
series of helices may be said to be composed of three independent
minor "current dischargers," or one for each series of helices. Each
minor "current discharger" is composed of two parallel rows of
segments, extending directly round the cylinder K; the number in
each row being equal to the number of magnets in a plane ; eight being
the number in the machine shown. The segments are of such length as
to leave only a small break or nonconducting surface between every two
consecutively, and of each row one half the number have no connection
with the other half, but are connected with half of the other row in
the following order; viz., each segment is connected by wires within the
cylinder with those segments in the opposite row which are next to
the segment opposite it, thus forming two metallic bands extending
I entirely round the cylinder, each band being formed by a segment of
one row and one of the other row alternately, and being insulated
from the other band; this will be understood by reference to Fig. 5,
where the segments o, o, are connected; the wires connecting the former
being represented by red dotted lines, and those connecting p, p, by red
perfect lines. The upper minor "current discharger," consisting of the
segments o, o, and p, p, directs and discharges the currents from the
helices c, c, and by explaining it singly the respective operations of
the others will be made intelligible. The ends f, g. of the wires,
or positive and negative poles of the series c, c, of helices, are con-
nected, the former to one of the segments o, o, and the latter to the
segments p, p; thus the two series of segments become positive
and negative poles, the ivory serving to insulate them from each
other. The major or terminal poles of the machine, in which all the
currents are united, are formed by two brass posts L, M, which are
secured to the base, but insulated, and hold stationary springs q, r,
whose points bear upon the two rows of segments, and receive the
electric current whenever discharged from the segments.
The points of the springs must bear such relation to the segments
that they will bear directly on the centres of the breaks or divisions
between the segments of each row precisely when the centres of the

page_text: helices c, c, come opposite the centres of the poles of the magnets E, E,
and that one will always bear on a seginent o, while the other bears
on a segment p.
When the wheel of helices has rotary motion an electric current
will be discharged into the springs whenever the springs bear upon the
metallic segments, and the current will be broken whenever they bear
upon the breaks or spaces between the segments, and the change in its
direction takes place. The current must always flow in the same direc-
tion through the springs, for the instant the change in the direction of
the current takes place the poles of the magnets are changed.
The only
way in which the direction of the current can be changed in the springs
and posts is by changing the direction of the revolution of the helices.
The current developed by each minor "current discharger" is only
a broken current, though its direction does not change; and it is by
the peculiar arrangement of the several minor "current dischargers'
in the principal or whole "current discharger which makes the
current continuous.
"
3, s, and t, t, are the segments which form the "current dis-
charger" for the helices d, d; the end i, of the wire of the helices
being connected with 8, 8, and the end j, being connected with
, . g, r, are the springs which receive the electric currents from
8, 8, and, t, and conduct them to the posts L, M. u, u, and v, v,
are the segments which form the "current discharger" for the helices
e, e; the end k, of the wire of the helices being connected with u, u,
and the end, with u, . q", ", are the springs which receive the
electric currents from u, u, and u, v, and conduct them to the posts L, M.
Each of these minor "current dischargers," considered separately, bears
and operates in the same relation to its respective series of helices as
the one first described; therefore, all that now remains to be described
is the arrangement of the several minor "current dischargers" to form
the principal "discharger," and unite all their broken currents in an
unbroken current.
It may be seen by reference to Fig. 2, that the helices of the three
series are spirally arranged in relation to each other; this is indicated
in Fig. 4, by eight spiral dotted lines w, each of which passes through

page_text: one helix of every series. The helices pass the poles of the magnets in
the order indicated by these lines, one of each series in regular succession.
The minor "current dischargers" are arranged upon the cylinder K,
or principal "current discharger" in such a manner that the breaks do
not come in lines parallel with the axis. The bearing points are all in
such a line, and therefore not more than one of the circuits between
the segments and springs can be broken at the same time.
It may be seen by reference to Figs. 2, and 5, that the breaks are
arranged spirally on the cylinder, and are caused to pass the points of
the springs in the same order of succession as the helices with which
they are respectively connected pass the poles of the magnets; hence
the breaks must follow in regular succession, and at the proper inter-
vals, two currents being always flowing between the segments and
springs to the posts L, and M, which unite them, and form one positive
and one negative pole.
The same result may be obtained if the breaks are in line, and the
points of the springs are arranged spirally. This machine does not
require to be rotated at a high velocity, but only at such a velocity
as to induce a current.
I have described my machine in its simplest form, but the principle
on which it is constructed may be extended. To make a more powerful
machine several circles of magnets may be used in the same plane ;
two circles of helices being employed for every circle of magnets, and
the said helices being divided into series, each containing a number of
helices equal to the number of magnets in their respective circle,
all connected together as described, and furnished with a "minor
current discharger." Several wheels of helices may be employed on
the same shaft, each wheel being interposed between two planes
of magnets, and being similarly furnished with "current dischargers'
to the single wheel and two planes of magnets. The shaft may be
placed in a horizontal position, and the wheels and planes of magnets
vertical; and I consider that where more than one wheel of helices
and two planes of magnets are used the planes of magnets and
wheel should be horizontal, and the shaft vertical, as shown.
"
The smallest number of magnets which can be used to advantage

page_text: in a circle is four, and the number employed. in one circle should be
one which is devisible by four without a remainder, as such a number
will always bring two north poles opposite each other, and two
south poles opposite each other.
In addition to the node already described of connecting the
segments of the "current dischargers," that shown in Fig. 7, may he'
employed, and is equivalent to that before described. The segments
o, o, and p, p, are here shown connected by continuous metallic
bands extending round the cylinder, the segments in regular succes-
sion round the cylinder being alternately connected to one and the
other band. In this case the points of the springs will require to be
so arranged that they will bear upon any two spaces between the
seginents that will cause cach, as the segments rotate, to be brought
in contact with a segment of a different series.
Having thus fully described my Invention, I will proceed to define
what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent. I do not claim
the employment of permanent magnets, of helical coils of wire, of
metallic segments upon a cylinder of nonconducting material, or
of springs such as I have described, either separately or in combina-
tion, for the purposes set forth, otherwise than in the manner in
which I have arranged, connected, and combined them. But what I
claim is,-
1. Any manner, substantially as described and shown in Figs. 6,
and 7, of arranging and connecting the series of segments which
I have termed a "minor current discharger," to wit, the segments
being connected together by wires or bands of metal so as to form
two series, each series making a metallic band or circle insulated
from the other series, and being so arranged that one of one series
and one of the other series follow each other in regular succession
round the cylinder or other body upon which they are placed.
2ndly. The employment of three or more minor "current dischargers,"
such as I have described, upon one axis, when such "current dis-
chargers" and the springs which form the connection between them
and the principal or terminal poles of the machine are so spirally
arranged in relation to each other, as described, that the springs

page_text: are brought in contact with the breaks in their respective "current
dischargers" in regular succession.
3rdly. So arranging the segments or their equivalents of the several
"current dischargers," or other analogous portions of a magneto-
electric machine, that the breaks, where the direction of the current
is changed, may always be in communication with the terminal poles
as nearly as possible at the same instant that the centres of the
helices with which the said "current dischargers" are connected are
opposite the centres of the poles of the magnets forming the magnetic
circle.
4thly. The combination, substantially as described, of permanent mag-
nets arranged in a circle and planes, or series of circles and planes,
helices arranged in a plane and circles, or series of planes and circles,
in spiral relation to each other, and a "current discharger" or series
of "current dischargers" and springs or their equivalents, such as
are described, for the purpose of obtaining a perfectly continuous
electric current.
In witness whereof, I, the said Auguste Edouard Loradoux
Bellford, have hereunto set my hand and seal, this Twenty-
eighth day of December, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and fifty-three.
T
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