IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC LIGHTING AND POWER DISTRIBUTING SYSTEMS
Year: 1882

page_text: •
LETTERS PATENT to Sydney Pitt of Sutton in the County of Surrey, for an
invention of IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC LIGHTING AND POWER DISTRIBUTING
SYSTEMS," A communication from abroad by Eli T. Starr of the City and
County of Philadelphia in the State of Pennsylvania and William J. Peyton
of the City of Washington District of Columbia both in the United States
of America.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said Sydney Pitt at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patente on the 13th July 1882.
כן
SYDNEY PITT of Sutton in the County of Surrey "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC
LIGHTING AND POWER DISTRIBUTING SYSTEMS A communication from abroad
by Eli T. Starr of the City and County of Philadelphia in the State of
Pennsylvania and William J. Peyton of the City of Washington District of
Colombia both in the United States of Amerien.
This Invention relates to certain improvements in distributing electricity as a
source of power and for lighting and other purposes.
In the accompanying drawings Sheet 1 Figure 1 is a diagram of one way of
organizing a part of the improvements and Figure 2 is a diagram showing another
way of organizing said part of the Invention
One or more steam engines or other form of motor A (not necessary to be
particularly shown or described) are used to drive one or more dynamo-electric
machines or mechanical generators of electricity B, the form or construction of
which is immaterial so long as it or they are suitable for generating electricity of
the requisite strength or tension to charge secondary or storage batteries, so as to
convert said batteries into independent sources of electrical supply. The electric
current generated by the generator is conducted over a main circuit wire O which
is preferably laid underground (but may be above ground) running lengthwise of
the street upon which the houses to be lighted face, in the manner of an ordinary
gas pipe main.

page_text: I will describe the portion of the improvements shown in Figures 1 and 2 with
especial reference to electric lighting. I will then describe the improvements in
underground conduits for electric conductors shown in Sheet 2. Figures 3 to
16 inclusive in which the circuit wire or wires of the system may be laid
together with other wires or conductors; and finally I will describe the improve-
ments in rheostats or variable resistance devices for electric circuits, which may
be used for regulating the speed of motors, for instance, in the improved system for
distributing electricity as a source of power. Said last mentioned improvements
are exhibited on Sheet 3 of the drawings by Figures 17 to 22 inclusive.
It may be well to state here that all of the improvements need not be used
together, and that some of them may be used in various ways and for various
purposes without the others.
Referring again to Figures 1 and 2 the main circuit wire C or a branch thereof
is preferably run underground from the street into the lower room,
hall, passage,
cellar, yard, outhouse or backbuilding of each house to be lighted, in order to
charge a storage battery or set of batteries D in such cellar or other place, as
clearly shown in said figures. The line C, or branch thereof, over which the
charging current passes, is provided near each battery with a switch E, which may
be organised as shown in Figures 1 and 2, whereby any one or more of said
batteries D, may be put in the circuit of the main line or of its branch to be
charged without affecting the others.
It will thus be understood that there is a main line over which the charging
current passes, a series of independent storage or secondary batteries to be charged,
and a series of switches whereby any one or more of said batteries may be charged
without affecting the others, or whereby all of said batteries may be charged
simultaneously by being thrown into the circuit of the main line. Any one or
more of the batteries may thus be cut out for an indefinite period without affecting
the capacity of the charging line to charge the others.
The switches E which control the connection of their respective batteries with
the main or charging line may be located in the respective houses and protected
by a locked box or casing, so as to be accessible only to the proper person or
officer in charge of the batteries, or they may be outside, for example, in an
opening in the side walk under cover in a manner somewhat similar to the
organization of the cocks or valves by which gas is cut off from or turned on to
houses from the outside.
The simple form of switch E shown in Figures 1 and 2 consists of a conducting
lever pivoted at e and electrically connected at the butt end with the wire C and
making contact at its opposite end with the wire leading to the battery, so that
the switch forms part of the circuit over which the charging current passes. The
switches, when in the position shown in full lines in Figures 1 and 2, close the
circuit of the main line, or its branches, through the batteries D, the current after
its passage through one of said batteries returning to the street and passing to the
next battery or series or set of batteries, and so on, the arrangement being
sufficiently illustrated in said Figures 1 and 2. When one or more of said
switches E are in the position shown in dotted lines in said figures, the respective
battery or batteries D of the house or houses to which said switches belong are
cut out and no current flows thereto, inasmuch as the circuit through the battery
will be broken.
In Figure 2 the connection of the secondary batteries with the charging line C,
depends wholly upon the switches E, each of which may be operated by hand to
determine whether its respective battery or batteries shall be charged to form an
independent source of electricity, or whether it shall be cut out without affecting
the others. In Figure 1 however while the switches E are provided in order that
any particular battery may be cut out for an indefinite time without affecting the
others, I have shown an organization of switches F. whereby the secondary batteries
may be simultaneously thrown into or cut out of circuit from the station at which
the generator is located or from any other point desired so that they may be

page_text: charged when desired and then cut out. Each of said switches F may consist of an
armature pivoted at one end and electrically connected to the wire leading into the
battery and acted upon by a spring f to normally close the circuit of the main line
through the armature the contact point 1, and the wire returning from the battery
so as to cut out the battery and prevent the current passing thereto. The circuit
to the storage battery or batteries of each house therefore is kept open until the
time for charging the batteries arrives, when the circuit is completed and the
current conducted through the batteries to charge them.
In order to close and open the circuit to the secondary batteries I employ electro
magnets G. placed so as to act when excited by a current of electricity traversing
their coils upon the switches or armatures F to attract them and close the circuit
to the batteries through said armatures, the contact points 2 and the wires leading
to and from the batteries. The controlling magnets G are excited by the current
of an electric generator passing over an independent circuit H in which the electro
magnets are included. A switch or key I is included in the circuit H by which
said circuit may be made and broken at will, in order to throw the batteries in
or cut them out of the main charging circuit C. The switch I of any particular
charging station or district into which a Town or City may be divided is preferably
located at the Office of the Station so as to be under the immediate control of the
Engineer or Electrician in charge.
It will be evident that as soon as the circuit of the line H is broken the
armature switches will be returned by their springs to their normal position in
contact with the contact points 1 and thus cut out the secondary batteries which
are now to be used as independent sources of supply at night for the purpose of
running the lamps with which the houses may be supplied.
The generator to furnish current to operate the armature switches F may be a
galvanic battery or a charged storage battery, or if preferred a portion of the
current of the generator B may be utilized to excite the electro magnets G From
each storage battery or series of batteries D. circuit wires d are run throughout
the house to all points requiring lamps, the lamp or lamps J. being suspended or
mounted and connected in circuit in well known ways so as to receive the current
of the battery, or a portion thereof, to produce the lights. The lamps may be
either aro or incandescent lamps of well known or any approved construction
and the number which may be run or supplied by the storage battery or batteries D
of any one house or building is determined by the capacity of said battery or
batteries.
It will be understood that the circuit of the battery is completed through the
lamp or lamps J only when light is desired and this is accomplished by switches
or buttons which may be organized so as to be operated somewhat like the thumb
piece or button of the ordinary gas bracket by which the flow of gas is turned on
or shut off. In the drawings I have shown a simple switch to complete the
circuit of the storage battery through the lamp or lamps.
It is contemplated in this system to charge storage or secondary batteries of a
large number of dwellings or other buildings during the day from stations at
which the generators will be situated and then cut out said batteries so that they
will be independent sources of electrical supply to run the lamps during the
succeeding night. The generator or generators B. may then be employed at night
to run a series of lamps direct, such as street lampa whereby it will be understood
that by this system of lighting I store during the day secondary batteries to be
independent sources of light at night and run or supply a system of lamps at night
directly by the current evolved by the generator or generators.
In Figure 1 I show the lamps that are to be run directly by the current of the
generator that charges the storage batteries as consisting of street lamps K. which
like the storage batteries D are preferably each provided with a switch E to cut
them out indefinitely if desired and also with armature switches F. the action of
which is the reverse of that of the corresponding switches for the storage batteries.
That is to say, said armature switches when attracted by the excited electro

page_text: magnets G. will break the circuit to the lamps and cut them out, while the armature
switches of the storage batteries D. will complete the circuit to the storage batteries
as hereinbefore stated so that said batteries will be charged. When the circuit H
is broken however the armature switches will be no longer attracted and the storage
batteries will be out out as before described while the circuit through the lamps K
will be established so that said lamps will be run directly by the current of the
generator.
In Figure 2 I have shown a second main line C'. leading to the series of street
lamps K which may be either arc or incandescent lamps and the current of the
generator at night is thrown upon said line without affecting or throwing current
upon the main line C.
In order to readily switch the current of the generator B from one main line to
the other to do the work required a switch arrangement has been provided which
it is preferred to organize as shown in Figure 2. The terminals of the main lines
C. Cf. are connected with contact pieces. The positive pole of the generator B. is
electrically connected with a pivoted switch L. capable of being turned to make
contact with the positive terminal c of the main line C while the negative pole of
the generator is likewise connected with a switch M, capable of being turned to
make contact with the negative terminal c. of said main line C. The main
line C. thus constitutes a complete metallic current.
When the generator is throwing current upon the line C including the storage
batteries, the said batteries will be charged while when the switches L M are con-
nected with the terminals of the line C. as shown in dotted lines said line C will
be cut out and the lamps in the line C. only will be operated.
It will be understood of course that a switch or switches 6 may be made part of
the main line C at or near the generator B. in the organization shown in Figure 1
so as to break the circuit of said generator if desirable or necessary. It will also
be evident that it is not necessary to establish the current through the lamps K in
Figure 2 at the time of cutting out the charged secondary batteries, as the switches
may rest at a point intermediate of the terminals of the main lines C. C¹².
By the organization I have described I largely increase the capacity of a gene-
rator for giving light at the time light is required, as is obvious by working during
the day as well as at night.
It will be understood that any form or construction of secondary battery suitable
for the purpose may be used in the system, the particular form of battery
constituting no part of this invention.
From what has been said it will be seen that a system of electric lighting has
been invented that is safe, desirable and economical-Currents of electricity of
high tension can pass into the houses or other places no further than the battery D.
which for safety could be located in the cellar, lower portion of the house away
from inflammable material or in an outhouse. Each house with its source of light
or power is independent and each house moreover is not dependent for its light
at night upon the action of a generator of large capacity which is employed to run
a large number of lights for other houses as in the systems heretofore proposed.
Consequently should the action of the generator B. be interrupted at night from
any cause it will affect the lamps only which are being supplied directly by it.
In Figures 3 to 16 inclusive the improvements in underground conduits for electric
conductors are shown as embodied in the best way now. known to my
Correspondents.
The necessity for a thoroughly practical and economical system of underground
Conduits for electric Conductors has long been felt and many attempts have been
made to attain the ends desired with more or less success. As far as I am informed
however there has heretofore been no underground system produced which meets
all the requirements demanded of such a system that is one in which the conduit
is simple comparatively economical easily and rapidly laid free from all the
accumulation and injurious action of moisture upon the wires and which affords
ready facility for reaching the conductor or Conductors at any point desired for

page_text: repair or renewal or for the ready connection of branch lines or circuits without
destroying any part of the conduit or rendering necessary the disturbance of any
part thereof save at the precise point at which the work of repair, renewal or
branching is to be effected.
The object of this part of the invention is to furnish a comparatively economical
system of underground or subterranean conduits and a method of laying them and
their conductors or wires as will meet all the practical requirements demanded of
such a system.
Figure 3 is a plan view of a portion of the improved conduit, with the top part
or half of one of the longitudinally divided pipe sections of the Main Conduit and
of one of the branch conduits thereof, removed to show the intended arrangement
of the conductors and the method of making a loop or a branch circuit connection
with one of the main lines or conductors, the top part of another branch conduit,
at the left hand of the Figure being also removed to show a switch arrangement by
which the branch circuit or loop connection may be made and broken from the
surface of the ground.
Figure 4 is a vertical longitudinal section on the line 2. 2. of Figure 3 omitting
the channel at the bottom showing particularly the method of connecting the
adjacent ends of two of the pipe sections of the conduit by means of a sectional
clamp collar or coupling with a packing washer between the pipe ends, the view
also showing in section the cross bars or supports for the conducting wires.
Figure 5 is a cross section through one of the pipe sections on the line 3. 3 of
Figure 3 showing particularly the union or opening for the branch conduit, with a
stopper or dish in its outer end to close the opening and
Figure 6 shows the detail of construction of the coupling or connection for a
main wire or conductor located at each branch opening or union in the Main
Conduit to facilitate the making of branch or loop circuit connections without
uncovering or disturbing said conduit.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of one of the longitudinally divided pipe sections
showing its construction.
Figure 8 is a cross section thereof and
Figure 9 is a perspective view of one half of the sectional or divided clamp
collar or coupling which unites the adjacent ends of two such pipe sections.
Figure 10 is a sectional view on the line 9. 9 of Figure 3 showing more
particularly the location of the cut out switch in the branch pipe, and the manner
of gaining access thereto from the surface of the ground to work said switch, and
Figure 11 is a view of a long shanked key or spanner wrench to work said cut
out switch.
Figures 12 and 14 are views of the inner faces of the two parts or halves of said
cut out switch which are fitted together and united, and
Figure 18 is an edge view of said switch.
Figure 15 is a view showing the conduit as provided at points along its length
with wells for the collection of the waters of condensation and leakage the conduit
having openings communicating with said wells so as to discharge therein any
water which may form in or gain access to said conduit and,
Figure 16 is an enlarged view of one of said wells showing an extension thereof
as leading to the surface of the ground to afford ready access for pumping out the
water collected in the wells at proper times.
On sheet 2 the same letters indicate the same parts in all figures.
The conduit is composed preferably of tubular pipe or conduit sections of the
desired length convenient for handling and laying say ten feet long more or less
and each section is divided longitudinally into preferably two halves or portions A A².
The lower half or portion A. of the conduit sections is provided with a longitudinal
rib or flange a on each edge which forms an inner ledge shoulder or seat a¹. to
receive the opposing longitudinal edges a³ of the upper halves of portions A'. so
that the longitudinal edges of the two halves A. A. may be nicely fitted together
with an external flange to "protect the joint. A suitable thin packing strip or

page_text: substance may be interposed between the edges of the pipe sections, which in
addition to a packing of clay or some suitable cement along the longitudinal
joints at the outside insures as near as possible a fluid tight joint. At each end of
each conduit or pipe section a circumferential or annular flange a³. is formed so
that when the two ends of adjacent pipe sections are brought together the annular
flanges of said sections may be readily coupled or united together by means of
section or clamp collars or rings B having annular internal grooves or recesses b. in
which the annular flanges of the pipe sections snugly fit. Each section of the
divided clamp collar B is provided with ears b'. having bolt holes passing through
them, whereby the sections of the collars when fitted so as to encompass the flanged
ends of two adjacent conduit sections may be readily and securely fastened
together by bolts and nuts of the usual kind (screws 63 are shown as the fastenings
of the clamp collars in the drawing for the purposes of clearer illustration.
It will be understood that in applying the coupling clamp collars B. a packing
material may be employed in the grooves or recesses thereof, which packing it is
preferred to be soft or plastic like a cement for example and possessing the
capability of readily setting or hardening while the external joints of the clamps,
after they are firmly united around the pipe ends will be packed or covered with
a suitable material such as clay or cement, like, for example the external packing
or covering to be applied to the longitudinal joints of the conduit.
The recesses in the clamp collars B are made sufficiently wide not only to
receive the flanges of the end of the adjacent pipe sections but also to permit a
packing ring or washer c to be placed between the ends of said pipe sections in
order to secure a tight joint. This washer or packing ring is shown by the said
block space c in Figure 4 while in the other figures in which it is illustrated it is
shown in section. It is preferred that these washers should be formed of a
material which is sufficiently elastic to permit slight play of the pipe ends in their
coupling clamps to accommodate strains and expansion and contraction and I also
prefer said washers to be of a material that will absorb moisture and swell under
such action, in order to make a thoroughly tight, while at the same time elastic or
yielding joint. The substance well known in the Arts as "vulcanized" fibre is
particularly well adapted for this purpose, inasmuch as that material will absorb or
take up moisture and expand and swell by that means. Inasmuch as it is
practically impossible to exclude all moisture from underground pipes, the
advantages due to the use of the washers I have described are two fold. They
not only take up moisture to relieve the wires of its injurious tendencies but in
addition improve the tightness of the joints by the absorption process. These
vulcanized fibre washers are moreover good electric insulators while they may be
used with economy.
From what has been said as to the structure of the pipe sections and the means
for joining them together it will be seen that while a tight pipe or conduit is
secured yet at the same time the sections thereof are easily handled, readily a id
and quickly and securely joined together the structure of the conduit, also, affording
ready means of access to the wires or conductors enclosed within it at any point,
due to the facility with which the coupling connections may be taken off and put
on, and the top part or portion of the pipe sections removed and replaced. The
form of the halves or portions of the longitudinally divided pipe sections, and of
the clamp collars, has been devised with the especial object of enabling them to be
cast and fitted with rapidity and economy.
A sufficient number of the pipe sections, every alternate one for example, bas
cast with its parts or members a¹ a union or coupling piece a*, to afford a ready
means for connecting branch conduits C, as clearly shewn in Figures 3, 5, 7 and 10,
These branch conduits C are preferably constructed in the same way as the larger
or main conduit, and the longitudinally divided pipe sections united and coupled
in the same manner.
In Figure 3 I have shewn each of the three main conduit sections illustrated as

page_text: provided with unions for branches, but it will of course, be understood that these
union sections may occur in the conduit as often only as may be desired.
The main conduit may be first laid and the branches afterwards joined or
connected as circumstances require. In order to stop the branch openings until
branch conduits are to be laid I employ stoppers or discs D, which take the place
of one of the flanged pipe ends of the branch conduits in the clamp coupling, B as
clearly shewn in section in Figure 5. By interposing a washer c, between the
stopper or disc D, and the annular end of the union piece, a*, a perfectly tight
joint is secured, a suitable cement or filling for the joint being also applied
externally to increase the security of the joint as before described for the clamp
joints at the ends of the main conduit pipes.
Where a branch conduit is to be connected with the main conduit, it is only
necessary to remove the upper section of the sectional clamp ring B, from the end
of the union piece, a*, remove the stopper or disc D, and substitute for said stopper
the annularly flanged end of the branch pipe. The upper section of the coupling
clamp is then replaced, so as to embrace the pipe flange in place of the stopper,
and the two clamp sections are then firmly bolted together as before described, the
joints of the longitudinally divided branch sections being packed or cemented as
described in connection with the main sections.
Instead of the branch conduit being made up of longitudinally divided pipe
sections, the pipe sections may be in one piece, if desired and coupled together by
the sectional clamp-coupling, as before described, or in other ways.
It will be noticed that the side flanges a, of the main and branch pipe sections
terminate just before reaching the annular flanges, a³ at the ends of said sections,
and this is for the purpose of enabling the sections of the clamp rings, B to fit
snugly around the ends of the pipe sections to make tight joints.
It is preferred that the longitudinally divided pipe sections A A¹ should be of
cast iron for durability and strength, and these sections will be internally lined or
coated with an insulating vitreous, resinous, asbestos cement, or other material, a³
shown by the heavy black lines in Figures 3, 4 and 5, or the interior of the pipe
sections may be coated with clay burned to a glaze if desired. The conduit may
also be externally coated with a bituminous or other material if desired. These
pipe insulating, coating or covering features, however, are well known and may be
varied in many ways.
It is almost if not entirely impossible, with any degree of economy, to secure
absolutely tight joints in an underground conduit, or system of pipes of
considerable length. Therefore, while securing as tight joints as is consistent with
economy throughout the conduit and its branches, in order to prevent the entrance
of water, I have shewn the conduit as provided at points along its length with
wells or receiving cisterns E, with which the conduit communicates by suitable
openings or pipes so as to discharge into said wella or receivers the water that may
leak or be forced into the conduit, as well as that due to condensation therein,
Said wells or receivers should be located at the lowest points in the line of the
conduit, so that the water may flow by gravity into them to be pumped out at the
proper times or as occasion requires.
When the ground in which the conduit is laid is level for considerable distances,
the conduit should be laid as shown in Figure 15, in order to produce declines or
descents terminating in the wells which collect the moisture or convey it away.
Of course the wells will be at comparatively long distances apart, the few sections
of pipe depicted in Figure 15, being merely for the purpose of illustrating this part
of the improved system.
In Figure 16, a sectional view of one of the wells or receivers. E, on a larger
scale than that of Figure 15 is shewn, so as to illustrate it more fully, the larger
portion of the well or tank, which is preferably water tight (and which may be
built of masonry work, iron, or in other ways) lying below the conduit, while a
side extension E¹, of said well reaches to the surface of the ground, its opening at

page_text: the top being covered by a tight-fitting plate or cover e, to prevent the entrance of
water or moisture in that direction.
When sufficient water has accumulated in the wells to be removed, a pump is
inserted, and the water drawn off and discharged, so as to make its way into an
adjacent sewer for example. It will of course be understood that the wells or
receivers may communicate with a sewer, so as to permit the water to run off into
the sewer when desired, instead of being pumped out.
In some instances it is preferred that the wells or tanks E and the openings
leading therefrom to the surface of the ground, should be sufficiently large, to
permit of the entrance of an inspector or workman, and for the further purpose of
enabling the discharge openings from the conduit to the wells to be closed or cut
off by turning cocks or valves e, for example in the respective discharge pipes E³.
By this means I am enabled at times to make the conduit a virtually closed one
from end to end, or from any one point in its length to another, whereby I may
force air (heated if desired) through the conduit by means of a blast or exhaust
in order to expel and carry off the moisture which may settle in the pipes, and
upon the wires or conductors and which may not be drained off into the wells or
receivers E. I may, also, by this means force insulating material or liquid through
the conduit temporarily and then withdraw it, or the greater portion of it, whereby
the wires or conductors within the conduit may be kept perfectly preserved and
secure in their insulation for many years.
In order to facilitate the drainage of the water from the conduit and prevent
its contact with the conducting wires in the body of the conduit in its passage,
I may cast or form in the bottom of the lower half, A, of the pipe or conduit
sections a longitudinal channel or groove, ao, clearly shewn in Figures 5, 7, 8, 10
and 16, which, when the pipe sections are connected together, constitutes a
continuous channel throughout the length of the conduit save at the points where
it discharges into the collection or receiving wells. This channel is not necessary
to the drainage of the conduit, but is desirable as it affords a passage way, for the
escape of the water, apart or away from the wires in the conduit, so that the water
is not brought in contact with said wires during its escape. Of course the lower
sections of the clamp collars or couplings B, will be formed so as to conform to this
external shape of the lower half of the pipe sections.
It will also be understood that the conduit may not be run directly over or
through the well or receiver as shewn, nor be supported thereby, but that
changes may be made, as, for instance, the discharge of the conduit may take place
through pipes connecting the conduit with the well, or with a sewer as before
mentioned.
The advantages of having a constant drain to conduct off any water that may
gain access to the conduit, or that may condense therein, so as to prevent it from
collecting around and upon the conductors or wires are so obvious as not to need
elaboration.
The conductors wires or cables F, which are enclosed in the conduit may be of
the ordinary kind, each wire if single being preferably separately insulated in well
known ways, and these wires or conductors are supported at proper distances apart,
at suitable points in the conduit, by insulating supports which may consist of simple
transverse horizontal bars G, of non-conducting material grooved for the reception
of the wires. These bars may be laid across the conduit pipe at required points in
its length one above the other and supported by the sides of the conduit and by
connections with each other. Figure 4 shews a vertical cross section through said
bars, while Figure 16 shews an end view thereof, the supporting bars in this latter
figure, however, only extending half way across the conduit, being supported at
their inner ends at the middle of the pipe by a longitudinal division plate A³ cast
with or inserted in said pipe for the purpose more effectually of dividing the wires
throughout the conduit into two distinct sets, such an arrangement being important
in certain instances.
Any of the well known and suitable ways of supporting the separate wires (or

page_text: the compound cables if such be used) in the conduit, and keeping them taut, may,
of course, be employed in place of that described. It will also be understood that
the various wires in the conduit may be employed to conduct electric currents for
different purposes, such as telegraphing, supplying electric lamps, etc.
In order to facilitate the making of branch or loop circuit connections, to conduct
the current from a main wire or conductor to the points along the line of the conduit
where it is to be utilized I preferably sever the conductor or wire which is to be
branched or looped before the conduit is closed and connect its ends by an insulating
coupling H, opposite the branch openings in the conduit, which coupling while it
maintains the continuity of the conductor through the conduit and enables it to be
kept taut and properly supported, permit of the ready branching or looping of the
conductor without cutting into the conduit or uncovering the other wires enclosed
therein.
Said coupling H, may consist of two flat triangularly shaped halves or pieces h, h',
of non conducting material, fitted together and securely connected, as, for instance,
by a screw or screws. The ends of the conducting wire which is to be branched or
looped are passed into the coupling at its larger end from opposite sides, given a
twist, coil, or bend to keep them from pulling out of the coupling, and then conducted
out of said coupling at the opposite or smaller end as shown in Figures 3 and 6.
Outside the coupling body the ends of the wire are connected by a wire link h³, for
example, to bind them together and constitute a conducting connection between
them, so that, until this connection is severed, the conductor is virtually a continuous
metallic wire.
In Figure 6 the details of construction of the simple form of coupling H, described
above is shewn while in Figure 3 the position the coupling occupies relatively to
the branch opening or union of the conduit is also illustrated. These couplings
may be opposite or in every branch opening, or may form parts of the conductor or
conductors as often only along its or their length as may be desired. It will be
obvious that various ways of coupling a wire or wires opposite the branch opening
may be substituted for that shown without departing from the invention. It will
also be understood that more than one of the main wires may be coupled as described
opposite the same opening or openings and that these couplings may be independent
or & common coupling body be employed for several wires.
When a branch circuit or loop is to be made all that is necessary is to remove
the plug or stopper D before described of the branch opening, connect the branch
or loop wires with the projecting ends of the main wire or conductor, and then
sever the link connection h³. so as to break the conducting connection thereof,
whereby it will be obvious that the current will be conducted over said loop
circuit to work the apparatus included therein. Of course the conducting con-
nection h. between the coupled ends of the wire may be broken before connecting
the branch wires.
This method of facilitating the making of branch or looped connections with the
conducting wires of the conduit is important, especially in electric light and power
distributing systems, for instance where separate branch or looped connections
will be run into house after house along the same block or street long after the
laying of the main conduit. The process of cutting into the conduit or of digging
up whole sections in order to make the connections is avoided by this invention
while the main conducting wire until the branches are effected is exactly in the
same condition electrically as though the wire were a continuous uninterrupted
one running through the conduit.
In order to enable the branched or loop lines and the apparatus worked thereby
to be readily cut out from the surface of the ground a switch I has been inserted
in the branch conduit forming parts of the branch circuit and located directly
under an opening in the upper side of the branch conduit, the opening being
surrounded by a water tight pipe or casing C. leading from the conduit to the
surface of the ground and closed by a tight fitting cover. By removing this cover
and inserting a long shanked key or spanner J. (Figure 11) the switch may be

page_text: operated so as either to short circuit the current from the main conductor or
permit it to flow over the entire branch circuit as desired.
In Figure 10 the branch conduit O is shewn as running from a main or street
conduit under a pavement P and the cut out switch as located just inside the
curb line p.
A simple form of cut out switch is shewn in Figures 12. 13 and 14 consisting of
two flat pieces 2, 1, of non conducting material through which the circuit con-
nections of the branch or loop are completed. The leading and return wires of
said circuit pass from the coupling H to the metal pins . . around which the
ends of said wires are coiled so as to make a secure conducting connection. Said
pins are electrically connected by metal plates . . with metal pins . .
to which the ends of the continuation of the leading and return wires are con-
nected. Pivotted intermediately of said plates 8. i. is a metal wedge plate ., the
pivot of which on the outside of the insulated switch case . terminates in a
squared end j, over which the key or wrench is fitted so that said pivoted plate it.
may be turned either to be wedged upon said plates to short circuit the
current to the main wire, or as shown in dotted lines in Figure 14 to separate said
plates electrically save through the medium of the circuit wires which include the
apparatus to be worked by the current.
The cut out switch may, of course, be constructed in other ways without
departing from this invention, so long as it may be operated from the surface of
the ground by a key or wrench.
The improvements in rheostats or variable resistance devices for electric circuits
are shewn in Figures 17. 18. 19. 20. 21 and 22, Sheet 3.
This part of the invention relates to devices for governing, more especially the
action of electro-magnetic motors employed for driving light machinery, such as
sewing machines, lathes, dental engines etc, whereby the speed and power of the
machine being driven may be readily controlled by the operator.
Various forms of devices have heretofore been suggested for this purpose, but
none, are as simple and efficient as is desirable.
The object of this part of the present invention, more especially, is to provide an
improved electro-magnetic motor controller or governor, which will be com-
paratively simple and inexpensive, while exceedingly efficient and capable of
placing the working of the machine driven by the motor within the easy and
complete control of the operator. Some of these improvements may, of course, be
used in connection with electric circuits not including electric motor.
Figure 17 is an arrangement in circuit organized according to this invention,
there being shewn a source of electricity, an electric motor, a machine to be driven
by said motor, and the devices for controlling the speed of said machine by
governing the flow of electric current to the motor.
Figure 18 is a plan view of the current controlling devices; and
Figure 19 is a side view thereof.
Figure 20 is a view of said controller partially depressed to throw out a portion
of the resistance to the passage of the current.
Figure 21 is a view of a modified form of the controlling mechanism; and
Figure 22 is a view of another modification thereof.
In Figure 17 I have shewn a secondary battery, A, which may be in the circuit
of a main or charging line such as herein-before described, and as shown in
Figures 1 and 2, over which an electric current is conducted to charge said battery.
The battery may be cut out either automatically or by hand when charged, so as
to constitute an independent source of electricity as before described.
The working circuit a, a, of said secondary battery A, includes an electro
magnetic motor B, which may be of any approved or suitable construction, and
this motor may be either detached from the frame C, of the machine to be driven,
or mounted thereon as shewn in Figure 17. A belt connection D, passes from the
driving wheel b, of the motor B, over the pulley c, of the machine to be driven,

page_text: and, when said motor is at work, drives said machine which in Figure 17, is shewn
as an ordinary domestic sewing machine.
Any other suitable form of driving connection may be employed between the
motor and the machine to be driven.
A switch E, in the organization shewn in Figure 17 forms part of the working
circuit connections between the battery, or source of electricity and the motor B,
and said switch is preferably arranged within convenient reach of the operator, 80
the circuit may be readily made and broken to start and stop the machine. Said
working circuit also includes a resistance coil F, made in the form of a spring, by
which the strength or effective force of the electric current flowing from the motor
to the source of electricity may be regulated or determined by the expansion or
contraction of said coil, so as to control the speed of said motor and, consequently,
also the speed, and power of the machine being driven. Said spring resistance
coil is preferably made in the tapering or conical form shewn in the Drawings,
with the coil or member of largest diameter next the base board f, upon which the
coil is mounted, and the successive coils or members gradually lessening in diameter
to the apex or upper end of the coil, whereby upon pressure being applied to the
smaller end of said coil to compact it, its coils will contract and be brought into
surface contact from its larger to its smaller end, in regular order, the coils of the
spring resistance, in other words, gradually closing from its larger end to its
smaller end and thereby short-circuiting the current across the coils or members,
as will be obvious, instead of compelling it to traverse the coil, in a spiral direction
from end to end, as will be the case when the coil is in its norinal condition of
full expansion.
One terminal of the circuit wires a, a, will, after leaving the motor, be
connected with the one end of the spiral coil, while the other terminal of said
wires will be connected with the opposite end of the coil. Said spring resistance
coil is shewn in Figure 17 as located within the space formed by the side frames
of the machine, its base board resting upon the floor so as to place the spring
within convenient reach of the operators foot. The upper end of the spring coil
is connected with the toe of an insulated treadle or lever G pivoted to the base
board upon which treadle the foot of the operator is placed to contract, by
downward pressure, the coil so as to vary the resistance offered by the working
circuit to the passage of the current. By removing the pressure, the spring
immediately expands so as to offer the maximum resistance and at the same time
return the treadle or lever to its normal position. The maximum resistance of the
coil should be sufficient to permit the passage through the circuit, when the circuit
is completed by the switch E, of a current of just sufficient strength to drive the
machine, by means of the motor, at a comparatively slow rate of speed. When
greater speed and power is required, downward pressure of the foot may be
employed to throw out a part of the resistance, more or less as required, so that
the motor, and consequently the machine may be readily driven at the desired
speed. When the resistance coil is completely compacted or depressed, the minimum
resistance only is offered to the current and the speed and power of the machine
will consequently be at its its maximum, and the extent of this range of resistance
to be thrown in or cut out of the circuit will, of course, be determined to suit the
particular circumstances under which it is desired to work.
It will thus be seen that I have described a resistance coil for electric circuits
which may be compressed by force in one direction to lessen its resistance gradually
and to any desired extent, and by its own action or resiliency return to its normal
position to interpose its maximum resistance when the pressure is removed, this
operation taking place without affecting the continuity of the circuit. It will of
course be understood that the expansible and contractible resistance coil may
be made in other forms than the tapering form shewn. For example the
coils may be made of substantially the same diameter throughout but of different
power as respects their capacity to resist compression, whereby upon the application
of pressure to compact the coil its respective coils or members will close gradually

page_text: and in regular order. In some cases, also, the coil instead of having the spring
capacity in itself, may be made so as to be thrown outward after compression by a
separate spring for instance, an insulated spring enclosed by the coil. In some
cases, also, the resistance coil with its members or coils adapted to gradually close
to short circuit the current across them, may. lack the spring capacity and be
compressed and expanded positively in order to vary the resistance of an electric
circuit.
It is preferred in some cases to guide the resistance coil in the expansion and
contraction of its members, as for instance by inserting within the coil the guide f¹,
on which the insulating ring, ƒ³, is fitted to slide freely, and fit the toe end of the
treadle, G, thereto, so as to bear upon said ring by a slotted or sliding connection
clearly shown in Figure 18, which organization of parts insures the proper working
and gradual closing of the coils or members, and avoids any rocking of the coils or
members relatively to each other, or lateral movement of said resistance coil upon
the base, due to the vibration of the treadle on its hinge or pivot.
In Figure 22 I have shewn a modified arrangement. The spring resistance
coil F is placed under the toe end of a pivoted treadle G, the heel end of which is
weighted, or the treadle is acted on by a spring, so as to keep the toe end of the
treadle normally out of contact with the upper end of the resistance coil F. The
toe end of the said treadle constitutes part of the circuit, so that when the said toe
end of the treadle is depressed, it makes contact with the resistance coil and
thereby completes the circuit. Upon further depression of the toe end of the
treadle more or less resistance may be cut out due to the pressure upon the spring
coil to compact it in the manner herein before fully described.
It will thus be seen that the circuit is made and broken by the action of the
foot upon the treadle, and that the resistance to be offered to the passage of the
current is also controlled thereby, whereby the operation of the machine may be
readily governed by the movement of the foot of the operator.
As a substitute for the form of spring resistance described, and shewn in
Figures 17, 18, 19, 20 and 22, the spring resistance shewn in Figure 21 may be
employed. Said resistance device consists of a vessel composed preferably of
telescoping or expansible and contractible sections I I', of non conducting material
held apart by a coiled spring i, the lower or base section I forming a cup to contain
a fluid offering comparatively high resistance to the passage of an electric current.
A conducting wire, , projects from the upper sliding section I¹, so as to enter the
fluid in the base section I, and the depth to which this wire is made to enter the
fluid controls the resistance to be offered to the passage of the electric current.
One terminal of the circuit wire is connected with said conducting wire in this
instance by way of the spring i, while the other terminal is connected with a
binding screw entering slightly into the fluid from the bottom of the base
section I, of the vessel. The section I¹ of said vessel stands in its normal position
at its greatest height relatively to the base section I, with the end of the conducting
wire, at its greatest distance from the end of the screw i³. The greatest
resistance is offered to the passage of the current when the parts I, I¹, are in their
distended or expanded normal position. Pressure upon the foot rest J, or upon a
treadle connected therewith, causes the section I', to move downward relatively to
section I, and thus brings the wire 2, nearer to the end of the screw it. The
nearer the wire i', approaches the screw i, the less resistance there is offered to
the passage of the current, as will be obvious. The resistance in the circuit can,
consequently, be varied to the slightest degree simply by pressure of the foot
without breaking the circuit.
I am aware that a series of resistance coils of the common form have been
employed both with a treadle and with a lever, to control the resistance of an
electric circuit, but in such cases the resistance to be cut out or thrown in is a
positive predetermined quantity, and cannot be varied to any, and slight degree as
in this invention. Neither do I wish to be understood as claiming broadly, per ser
an expansible and contractible resistance coil

page_text: I claim:-
First. The combination, substantially as herein before set forth, of a dynamo-
electric machine or generator, a main line to receive the current of said generator,
a series of independent storage batteries electrically connected with said main
line to be charged therefrom, an independent working circuit for each of said
independent batteries, and a series of switches by which said batteries may be
simultaneously connected in circuit to be charged from the main line and then
cut out to constitute independent sources of electric supply.
Second. The combination, substantially as herein before set forth, of a dynamo-
electric machine or generator, a main line to receive the current of said generator,
a series of independent storage batteries electrically connected with said main line
to be charged therefrom, a working circuit for each of said independent batteries
including electrical apparatus to be operated by the energy of said batteries and a
switch for each of said batteries whereby any one or more of said batteries and the
apparatus worked by it may be cut out from the main line for an indefinite period
without cutting out the others.
Third. The combination substantially as herein before set forth of a dynamo
electric machine or generator a main line over which the current of said generator
is conducted a series of independent secondary batteries to be charged from said
main line a series of switches one for each of said batteries to simultaneously
thrown said batteries into the circuit of the charging line and a single independent
line including electro-magnets to operate said series of switches.
Fourth. The combination substantially as herein before set forth of a dynamo
electric machine or generator a main line over which the current of said generator
is conducted, a series of independent storage batteries to be charged from said
main line a series of switches one for each of said batteries to simultaneously
throw said batteries into the circuit of the charging line, a single independent line
including electro magnets to operate said series of switches, and a second series of
switches one for each of said batteries by which any one or more of said batteries
may be cut out from the main line for an indefinite period without cutting out the
others or interfering with their operation.
Fifth. The combination substantially as herein before set forth of a dynamo
electric machine or generator, a secondary battery to be charged by said generator,
an electric lamp to be run directly by the current of said generator and switch
mechanism for determining whether the current of said generator shall flow through
the battery or through the lamp, whereby during the charging of said battery no
light is given out at said lamp.
Sixth. The combination substantially as herein before set forth of a dynamo
electric machine or generator, a series of independent secondary batteries to be
charged by said generator, a series of electric lamps to be run directly by the current
of said generator, and switch mechanism for determining whether the current of
said generator shall flow through the batteries or through the lamps, whereby
during the charging of said batteries no light is given out at said lamps.
Seventh-The combination substantially as hereinbefore set forth of two pipe
sections having annular flanges at their adjacent ends and one or both of said pipe
sections being longitudinally divided with a sectional clamp coupling enveloping
Baid flanges, whereby the longitudinal divisions of the pipe sections are clamped
together and said sections firmly united end to end by a single coupling.
Eighth A conduit or pipe section for underground electric conductors con-
structed of longitudinally divided portions cast with a union for branching said
pipe section and said union being also cast with annular shoulders at their ends
substantially as described.
Ninth The combination substantially as herein before set forth of two adjacent
pipe sections of an underground conduit, a coupling to unite the ends of said
sections and a washer substantially such as described interposed between said pipe
ends and enclosed by the coupling capable of absorbing moisture and of swelling
under such action to tighten the joint of said coupled pipe sections.

page_text: Tenth-The combination substantially as berein before set forth of a conduit
pipe provided with a union or branch opening, a removeable stopper to close said
opening and a locking clamp to hold said stopper in place and permit its ready
removal when desired.
Eleventh The combination substantially as herein before set forth of a conduit
pipe provided with a union or branch opening having a coupling flange, a
removeable stopper to close said opening and a clamp embracing said coupling
flange and said stopper whereby a branch pipe having a flange to fit said clamp
may be substituted in place of the stopper when said stopper is removed.
Twelfth. The combination of an underground conduit having branch openings
with one or more electric conductors enclosed thereby having insulated couplings
in their lengths opposite said branch openings to facilitate making branch circuit
connections substantially as described.
Thirteenth. The combination of an electric conductor divided and having its
ends connected by an insulating coupling so as to permit said conductor to be kept
taut or suspended between its supports, with a conducting connection between the
insulated ends of said conductor capable of being severed without mechanically
separating the ends of the conductor substantially as described.
Fourteenth-The combination of an underground conduit having an electric
conductor therein, a switch forming part of the circuit of said conductor, and an
enclosing casing connected with said conduit leading upward so as to permit said
switch to be operated from the surface of the ground substantially as described.
Fifteenth-The combination substantially as herein before set forth, of an
underground conduit for electric conductors with a well or wells along the line of
said conduit to drain off the water therefrom.
Sixteenth-The combination substantially as herein before set forth of an
underground conduit for electric conductors, a well or wells along the line of said
conduit to drain off the water therefrom and a shut off connection in the discharge
opening or openings of the conduits.
Seventeenth-The combination substantially as herein before set forth of an
electric circuit, an expansible and contractible spring resistance coil to control
the resistance of said circuit and a pivoted treadle or lever moveable in one
direction on its pivotal connection to contract said spring coil by pressure while
free to be returned to its normal position by the resilience of said spring when
the pressure thereon is removed.
Eighteenth-The combination substantially as herein before set forth, of an
expansible and contractible resistance device a guide therefore, and a pivoted
treadle or lever connected with said device by a slotted or sliding connection,
whereby the contraction and expansion of said resistance device takes place in a
right line notwithstanding the movement of the treadle around its pivot.
Nineteenth-The combination substantially as herein before set forth, of an
electric circuit, and expansible and contractible resistance device to control the
resistance of said circuit and a treadle or rest normally out of contact with said
resistance device so as to break said circuit while capable of operation to close said
circuit and also determine the resistance to be offered to the passage of the current.
Twentieth-The combination with an electric circuit of a tapering or equivalent
form of resistance coil, whereby the respective members of the coil may close
gradually and in order under pressure to short circuit the current.
In witness whereof I the said Sydney Pitt have hereunto set my hand and
seal this Thirteenth day of July in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and eighty two.