IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING ELECTRIC CURRENTS, AND APPLYING THEM FOR ILLUMINATION AND FOR THE TRANSMISSION OF POWER, AS, FOR EXAMPLE, FOR THE STEERING OF SHIPS."
Year: 1881

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Charles Godfrey Gumpel, of No. 49, Leicester Square, in
the County of Middlesex, for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS
FOR PRODUCING ELECTRIC CURRENTS, AND APPLYING THEM FOR ILLUMINATION
AND FOR THE TRANSMISSION OF POWER, AS, FOR EXAMPLE, FOR THE STEERING
OF SHIPS."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Charles Godfrey Gumpel at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 20th January 1881.
CHARLES GODFREY GUMPEL, of No. 49, Leicester Square, in the County of
Middlesex. "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING ELECTRIC CURRENTS,
AND APPLYING THEM FOR ILLUMINATION AND FOR THE TRANSMISSION OF POWER,
AS, FOR EXAMPLE, FOR THE STEERING OF SHIPS."
My Invention relates to apparatus for producing electric currents, and for
applying such currents for the production of light and for the transmission of
motive power, as, for instance, the steering of ships or other similar purposes.
For producing electric currents I construct a dynamo-electric or a magneto-
electric machine in such a manner as to obtain with a given velocity of the
rotating armature more numerous and powerful currents in its coils than are
usually produced in such machines, and to avoid to a great extent the heating of
the coils. As the currents induced in a moving coil by the presence of a magnetic
field are produced only during its approach to and its recession from that field, and
as the power of such induced currents is greater the greater the speed of approach
and recession, I therefore, instead of diffusing the polarity of each field over a
considerable part of the space through which the coil moves, concentrate the
polarity as much as possible into a narrow field, and I distribute an even number,
preferably not less than four, of such intensely polar fields uniformly round the
circumference of the circle in which the armature coils move, the polarity of these
fields being alternated. Each polar field may be the pole of a single magnet, or
two or more magnets may be arranged to converge so that their similar poles meet
at the field increasing its intensity; and these magnets may be permanent magnets,
or they may be electro magnets excited by the current produced by the machine,
or by a current from an extraneous source. I construct the rotating armature in a
special form, and wind the insulated wire on it in a special manner, as I will
explain by comparing it with other known armatures. In the Pacinotti ring
armature, as applied in the Gramme machines, a considerable portion of the wire
occupying the interior of the ring is useless, and there is a difficulty in firmly
[Price 10d 1

page_text: securing the coiled ring to its axis, whilst the coiling of the wire also presents
considerable difficulty. In the cylinder armature, as used in the Siemens machine,
the wire on the surface of the cylinder has a tendency to bulge outwards, owing
to the centrifugal force when the armature is rotating at great speed, and the
wire which has to cross the ends of the cylinder is difficult to arrange, and
practically ineffective. In order to avoid these objections I make the rotating
armature in the form of a hollow open ended shell of magnetic material either in
one solid piece or built up of sheet, wire, hoop, or other convenient form of iron,
and of a shape approaching that of the middle zone of an ellipsoid or of a barrel,
the middle of the armature being larger in diameter than the two ends. I notch
the ends of the shell or divide them by projecting fins, which may be continued as
ribs operating as magnetic extension pieces along the outer surface of the shell,
bringing it more closely under the influence of the field magnets. By preference I
form the shell out of a number of rings fixed on a shaft electrically insulated from
each other, each ring being provided with the necessary peripheral projections, like
teeth, so that when the rings are placed together to build up the shell, these
projections corresponding to each other form the ribs or magnetic extension pieces.
These ribs divide the surface of the armature into a number of sections for the
reception of the insulated conducting wires which I wind thereon in the following
manner: Assuming that there are four inducing fields placed round the armature
(as mentioned above), then I arrange the wire on the shell in a number of sections,
which is a multiple of four by any odd number. If, for instance, the odd number
selected be 5, so that the number of sections formed by the ribs on the surface of
the shell is 20, then I wind the wire in these sections in one of three ways as
follows:-
First, I wind forwards along No. 1 division, backwards along No. 6, forwards
again along No. 11, backwards along No. 16, and thence again to No. 1, leaving
free both ends of the wire so wound. I wind another wire in a similar manner
along Nos. 3, 8, 13, and 18; a third wire similarly along Nos. 5, 10, 15, and 20;
a fourth wire similarly along Nos. 7, 12, 17, and 2; and a fifth wire similarly along
Nos. 9, 14, 19, and 4, thus filling all the 20 divisions by five wires presenting 10
free ends, which I connect to the plates of a commutator. Secondly, I may wind
the wire as follows:-One wire I lead forwards along No. 1, backwards along No. 6,
forwards along No. 11, backwards along No. 6, and again to No. 1, thus half filling
Nos. 1 and 11, and entirely filling No. 6. A second wire is led forwards along
No. 11, backwards along No. 16, forwards along No. 1, and backwards along No. 16,
and again to No. 11, thus filling up Nos. 1, 11, and 16. In a similar manner I
deal with Nos. 2, 7, and 12; 12, 17, and 2; 3, 8, and 13; 13, 8, and 3; 4, 9, and 14;
14, 19, and 4; 5, 10, and 15; 15, 20, and 5. The armature is thus covered by 10
wires, the ends of which are connected to the commutator. Thirdly, I wind a wire
along Nos. 1 and 6 till they are half filled, so with Nos. 2 and 7, Nos. 3 and 8,
Nos. 4 and 9, Nos. 5 and 10, Nos. 6 and 11, Nos. 7 and 12, Nos. 8 and 13,
Nos. 9 and 14, Nos. 10 and 15, Nos. 11 and 16, Nos. 12 and 17, Nos. 13 and 18,
Nos. 14 and 19, Nos. 15 and 20, Nos. 16 and 1, Nos. 17 and 2, and so on till all
are filled.
I thus employ 20 wires presenting 40 ends, which may be either
separately connected to 40 commutator plates, or joined by twos or fours, and
connected to 20 or 10 commutator plates, according to the object for which the
machine is required. When the number of inducing fields is 6, 8, or any other
even number, and when the number of divisions of the armature is a multiple of
the number of fields by an odd number other than five, the methods of winding
and connecting the wires are similar to those of which I have given examples
above. I arrange the connections from the coils to the commutator plates and the
commutator brushes in such a manner that all the coils which are simultaneously
under the influence of the field magnets are also in connection with the brushes,
each coil entering and leaving the magnetic field at the same moment that its
commutator plate enters and leaves the contact with the brushes. The brushes,
of which there may be two or four, are therefore preferably arranged to maintain

page_text: contact with the commutator over an are corresponding to the extent of the
magnetic field, or its inducing influence, for which purpose I construct them in the
following manner :-I joint together short links of metal forming a chain pre-
senting the edges of the links to the commutator over the desired arc. .The ends
of these chains are jointed to two arms hinged together and pressed towards the
commutator by an adjustable spring, so that the chain is caused to bear over the
curved surface of the commutator. Instead of employing a linked chain, as above
described, a number of flexible metal strips or wires may be thus pressed against
the periphery of the commutator, and instead of pressing them or the chain by
hinged arms, they may be pressed by a bow spring. A brush thus constructed is
applicable without alteration in whichever direction the armature revolves. The
commutator may consist, according to the ordinary construction, of a number of
insulated plates arranged around a cylindrical surface, these plates being connected
as desired by wires. In order to simplify such connections I adopt the following
construction: On the cylindrical core of the commutator I fix side by side a
number of metallic rings insulated from one other, each ring being electrically
connected to one or more of the coil wires. Outside these rings I fix the insulated
commutator plates, connecting one or more of them by metal with one of the rings,
according to the desired grouping of the coils. When a brush of ordinary kind,
having a limited extent of contact with the commutator is employed, I provide
the rings above mentioned with segments, each of which extends over the desired
arc, and I fill in the circumferential spaces between the segments with non-
conducting material. When it is desired to employ the machine for alternating
as well as for continuous currents without requiring change of commutator, the
rings may be made broader than the segments projecting from them, so that
for alternating currents the brushes may be arranged to bear on the lower
surfaces presented by the rings, thus remaining in contact throughout the whole
revolution.
In applying electric currents for illumination I construct an electric lamp in the
following manner: The upper carbon is supported either in a vertically moveable
socket having a rack engaging with a pinion or by a toothed roller pressing against.
the side of the carbon. On the axis of the pinion or toothed roller which is
mounted in a vertically moveable frame I fix a ratchet wheel, which rests by the
lower part of its periphery on a shoe or pawl preventing it from revolving. This
shoe or pawl is connected to the core of a solenoid or to the armature of an electro-
magnet, the coil of which is in the lamp circuit. Another pawl mounted on the
framing of the lamp engages the teeth of the ratchet wheel at its side. The action
is as follows: When the lamp is put in circuit, the one carbon resting on the
other, the solenoid or electro-magnet is excited by the current, and its core or
armature raises the ratchet wheel, and with it the carbon, establishing the arc.
On the electric current becoming weakened by the consumption of the carbon the
solenoid coil or armature descending allows the ratchet wheel also to descend, but
the lateral pawl acting on it causes it to turn partly round, and thereby to feed
forward the carbon. Instead of mounting the lateral pawl on the stationary
framing of the lamp, it may be acted on by a spring and connected to the arm of a
separate core or armature, acted on simultaneously with that which raises the
ratchet wheel, so that when the attraction becomes weakened the spring urges the
pawl in opposition to the core or armature and so causes the ratchet wheel to turn
partly round and feed the carbon. Instead of introducing the coil of the solenoid
or electro-magnet into the lamp circuit it may be in a branch circuit, in which case
the mechanism is modified as follows:-'
-The shoe carrying the ratchet wheel and
carbon is held up by a spring which, when the lamp is put in circuit, lifts the
carbon, establishing the arc. On the resistance in the lamp circuit being increased
the solenoid or electro-magnet in the branch circuit becomes more excited, and its
core or armature thereupon acting in opposition to the spring lowers the ratchet
wheel and carbon. By the same action the lateral pawl being raised causes the
ratchet wheel to turn partly round, giving feed to the carbon.

page_text: In applying electricity for transmission of power it is often desirable to have
means for directing and controlling from a distance the power thus transmitted.
For example, in steering a vessel it is generally necessary to direct from the bridge
or other part of the vessel the required movements of the helm, and in steam
vessels it is desirable in like manner to direct and control the working of the
engines.
My Invention in respect of transmission of power consists in so arranging
electrical apparatus that I can not only direct its application as by telegraph but
can command the operation of the power itself. I will illustrate the means which
I adopt for this purpose by describing the arrangement of such apparatus for
_ effecting the steering of a vessel. In the engine room or other convenient place I
provide a dynamo-electric or a magneto-electric machine, which may be driven by
the engines, or by a special engine for the production of a continuous electric
current. And I provide as near as possible to the rudder an electro-dynamic
machine, which is moved by electric currents transmitted to its coils. I connect
this machine to the rudder by suitable gearing, so that according as the armature
of the machine is caused to revolve in the one direction or the other the rudder is
moved by it to port or to starboard, as the case may be. To and from the electro-
dynamic machine I conduct the electricity by insulated wires through a coinmutating
apparatus, so arranged that the direction of the currents which excite the field
magnets of the electro-dynamic machine remains constant, keeping their polarity
constant, but the direction of the currents through the armature coils can be
changed at will, altering the direction of rotation of the armature, and thus causing
the helm to be moved towards port or starboard, as the case may be. The
commutating apparatus is situated on the bridge or other convenient place where
it can be worked by an officer. It is provided with an index handle and graduated
dial, marked on the one side "port" and on the other side "starboard." When
the index is in its middle position it breaks the connection of the conductors, and
consequently the electro-dynamic machine and the steering gear remain at rest, the
helin being
amidships." By moving the handle to the one side or the other
contact is made by the commutator so as to transmit to the armature coils currents
of the one direction or the other, and consequently the electro-dynamic machine
and the rudder move in the one or other direction, as the case may be. In order
to determine the extent of movement of the rudder, and to maintain it in the
position to which it is moved, I make the contacts of the commutator on the face
of a disc or on the periphery of a cylinder, which can revolve on an axis in line
with that of the index handle, and which is moved step by step like the type
wheel of a printing telegraph by a succession of electrical currents, the transmission
of which is determined by the movement of the rudder. Thus the rudder in
moving over a certain angle, say to port, makes a number of contacts, by each of
which the commutating disc or cylinder is moved one step in a corresponding
direction until it comes to a position corresponding to that of the rudder, in
which position its middle part coincides with the index handle, and contact is
thereby broken, whereupon the rudder ceases to move. Instead of applying these
electric currents to cause the movement of the commutating disc or cylinder it is
preferable to effect that movement by a weight or spring, the electric currents
serving merely to release suitable detents so as to permit the movement step by
step in obedience to the weight or spring. The weight or spring for this purpose
is so arranged that it is wound up or strained by the movement of the index
handle, so as always to be ready when the handle has been moved to move the
commutating disc or cylinder in the same direction.
"
In a similar manner the link motion or other starting, stopping, reversing, or
regulating gear of the engines in a steamer, or of engines in a mine or other
establishment may be worked electrically from a distance.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Charles Godfrey Gumpel in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
19th July 1881.
CHARLES GODFREY GUMPEL, of No. 49, Leicester Square, in the County of
Middlesex. "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING ELECTRIC CURRENTS,
AND APPLYING THEM FOR ILLUMINATION AND FOR THE TRANSMISSION OF POWER,
AS, FOR EXAMPLE, FOR THE STEERING OF SHIPS.".
My Invention relates to apparatus for producing electric currents and for applying
such currents for the production of light and for the transmission of motive power,
as, for instance, the steering of ships or other similar purposes.
For producing electric currents I construct a dynamo-electric or a magneto-electric
machine in such a manner as to obtain with a given velocity of the rotating
armature more numerous and powerful currents in its coils than are usually pro-
duced in such machines, and to avoid to a great extent the heating of the coils. As
the currents induced in a moving coil by the presence of a magnetic field are
produced only during its approach to and its recession from that field, and as the
power of such induced currents is greater the greater the speed of approach and
recession, I therefore, instead of diffusing the polarity of each field over a consider-
able part of the space through which the coil moves, concentrate the polarity as
much as possible into a narrow field, and I distribute an even number, preferably
not less than four, of such intensely polar fields uniformly round the circumference
of the circle in which the armature coils move, the polarity of these fields being
alternated. Each polar field may be the pole of a single magnet, or two or more
magnets may be arranged to converge, so that their similar poles meet at the field
increasing its intensity; and these magnets may be permanent magnets or they may
be electro-magnets excited by the current produced by the machine or by a current
from an extraneous source. I construct the rotating armature in a special form and
wind the insulated wire on it in a special manner, as I will explain by comparing
it with other known armatures. In the Pacinotti ring armature, as applied in the
Gramme machines, a considerable portion of the wire occupying the interior of the
ring is useless, and there is a difficulty in firmly securing the coiled ring to its
access, whilst the coiling of the wire also presents considerable difficulty. In the
cylinder armature, as used in the Siemens machine, the wire on the surface of the
cylinder has a tendency to bulge outwards, owing to the centrifugal force when the
armature is rotating at great speed, and the wire which has to cross the ends of
the cylinder is difficult to arrange, and practically ineffective. In order to avoid
these objections I make the rotating armature in the form of a hollow open ended
shell of magnetic material, either in one solid piece or built up of sheet, wire, hoop,
or other convenient form of iron, and of a shape approaching that of the middle
zone of an ellipsoid or of a barrel, the middle of the armature being larger in
diameter than the two ends. I notch the ends of the shell or divide them by
projecting fins, which may be continued as ribs operating as magnetic extension
pieces along the outer surface of the shell bringing it more closely under the influence
of the field magnets. By preference I form. the shell out of a number of rings fixed
on a shaft electrically insulated from each other, each ring being provided with the
necessary peripheral projections, like teeth, so that when the rings are placed
together to build up the shell, these projections corresponding to each other form
the ribs or magnetic extension pieces. These ribs divide the surface of the armature
into a number of sections for the reception of the insulated conducting wires, which
I wind thereon in the following manner:-Assuming that there are four inducing
fields placed round the armature (as mentioned above), then I arrange the wire on

page_text: the shell in a number of sections, which is a multiple of four by any odd number.
If, for instance, the odd number selected be 5, so that the number of sections formed
by the ribs on the surface of the shell is 20, then I wind the wire in these sections
in one of three ways as follows:-
First, I wind forwards along No. 1 division, backwards along No. 6, forwards
again along No. 11, backwards along No. 16, and thence again to No. 1, leaving
free both ends of the wire so wound. I wind another wire in a similar manner
along Nos. 3, 8, 13, and 18; a third wire similarly along Nos. 5, 10, 15, and 20; a
fourth wire similarly along Nos. 7, 12, 17, and 2; and a fifth wire similarly along
Nos. 9, 14, 19, and 4, thus filling all the 20 divisions by five wires presenting 10
free ends, which I connect to the plates of a commutator. Secondly,
may wind
the wire as follows:-One wire I lead forwards along No. 1, backwards along No. 6,
forwards along No. 11, backwards along No. 6 and again to No. 1, thus half filling
Nos. 1 and 11 and entirely filling No. 6. A second wire is led forwards along
No. 11, backwards along No. 16, forwards along No. 1, and backwards along
No. 16 and again to No. 11, thus filling up Nos. 1, 11, and 16. In a similar
manner I deal with Nos. 2, 7, and 12; 12, 17, and 2; 3, 8, and 13; 13, 18, and 3;
4, 9, and 14; 14, 19, and 4; 5, 10, and 15; 15, 20, and 5. The armature is thus
covered by 10 wires, the ends of which are connected to the commutator. Thirdly,
I wind a wire along Nos. 1 and 6 till they are half filled, so with Nos. 2 and 7,
Nos. 3 and 8, Nos. 4 and 9, Nos. 5 and 10, Nos. 6 and 11, Nos. 7 and 12, Nos. 8
and 13, Nos. 9 and 14, Nos. 10 and 15, Nos. 11 and 16, Nos. 12 and 17, Nos. 13
and 18, Nos. 14 and 19, Nos. 15 and 20, Nos. 16 and 1, Nos. 17 and 2, and so on
till all are filled. I thus employ 20 wires presenting 40 ends, which may be either
separately connected to 40 commutator plates or joined by twos or fours, and
connected to 20 or 10 commutator plates according to the object for which the
machine is required. When the number of inducing fields is 6, 8, or any other even
number, and when the number of divisions of the armature is a multiple of the
number of fields by an odd number other than five, the methods of winding and
connecting the wires are similar to those of which I have given examples above.
I arrange the connections from the coils to the commutator plates and the com-
mutator brushes in such a manner that all the coils which are simultaneously under
the influence of the field magnets are also in connection with the brushes, each coil
entering and leaving the magnetic field at the same moment that its commutator
plate enters and leaves the contact with the brushes. The brushes, of which there
may be two or four, are therefore preferably arranged to maintain contact with
the commutator over an arc corresponding to the extent of the magnetic field or
its inducing influence, for which purpose I construct them in the following
manner-I joint together short links of metal forming a chain, presenting the
edges of the links to the commutator over the desired arc. The ends of these
chains are jointed to two arms hinged together and pressed towards the com-
mutator by an adjustable spring, so that the chain is caused to bear over the curved
surface of the commutator. Instead of employing a linked chain, as above
described, a number of flexible metal strips or wires may be thus pressed against
the periphery of the commutator, and instead of pressing them or the chain by
hinged arms they may be pressed by a bow spring. A brush thus constructed is
applicable without alteration in whichever direction the armature revolves. The
commutator may consist according to the ordinary construction of a number of
insulated plates arranged around a cylindrical surface, these plates being connected
as desired by wires. In order to simplify such connections I adopt the following
construction:-On the cylindrical core of the commutator I fix side by side a
number of metallic rings insulated from one another, each ring being electrically
connected to one or more of the coil wires. Outside these rings I fix the insulated
commutator plates, connecting one or more of them by metal with one of the rings
according to the desired grouping of the coils. When a brush of ordinary kind,
having a limited extent of contact with the commutator is employed, I provide
the rings above mentioned with segments, each of which extends over the desired

page_text: arc, and I fill in the circumferential spaces between the segments with non-
conducting material. When it is desired to employ the machine for alternating
as well as for continuous currents without requiring change of commutator the
rings may be made broader than the segments projecting from them, so that for
alternating currents the brushes may be arranged to bear on the lower surfaces
presented by the rings, thus remaining in contact throughout the whole revolution.
In applying electric currents for illumination I construct an electric lamp in the
following manner:-The upper carbon is supported either in a vertically moveable
socket, having a rack engaging with a pinion or by a toothed roller pressing
against the side of the carbon. On the axis of the pinion or toothed roller, which
is mounted in a vertically moveable frame, I fix a ratchet wheel which rests by the
lower part of its periphery on a shoe or pawl, preventing it from revolving.
This shoe or pawl is connected to the core of a solenoid or to the armature of an
electro magnet, the coil of which is in the lamp circuit. Another pawl mounted
on the framing of the lamp engages the teeth of the ratchet wheel at its side.
The action is as follows:-When the lamp is put in circuit, the one carbon resting
on the other, the solenoid or electro magnet is excited by the current, and its core
or armature raises the ratchet wheel, and with it the carbon establishing the arc.
On the electric current becoming weakened by the consumption of the carbon the
solenoid core or armature descending allows the ratchet wheel also to descend; but
the lateral pawl acting on it causes it to turn partly round, and thereby to feed
forward the carbon. Instead of mounting the lateral pawl on the stationary
framing of the lamp, it may be acted on by a spring and connected to the arm of
a separate core or armature, acted on simultaneously with that which raises the
ratchet wheel, so that when the attraction becomes weakened the spring urges the
pawl in opposition to the core or armature, and so causes the ratchet wheel to turn
partly round and feed the carbon. Instead of introducing the coil of the solenoid
or electro magnet into the lamp circuit it may be in a branch circuit, in which
case the mechanism is modified as follows:-The shoe carrying the ratchet wheel
and carbon is held up by a spring, which when the lamp is put in circuit lifts the
carbon, establishing the arc. On the resistance in the lamp circuit being increased
the solenoid or electro magnet in the branch circuit becomes more excited, and its
core or armature thereupon acting in opposition to the spring lowers the ratchet
wheel and carbon. By the same action the lateral pawl being raised causes the
ratchet wheel to turn partly round giving feed to the carbon.
In applying electricity for transmission of power it is often desirable to have
means for directing and controlling from a distance the power thus transmitted.
For example, in steering a vessel it is generally necessary to direct from the bridge
or other part of the vessel the required movements of the helm, and in steam
vessels it is desirable in like manner to direct and control the working of the
engines.
My Invention in respect of transmission of power consists in so arranging
electrical apparatus that I can not only direct its application as by telegraph, but
can command the operation of the power itself. I will illustrate the means which
I adopt for this purpose by describing the arrangement of such apparatus for
effecting the steering of a vessel. In the engine room or other convenient place I
provide a dynamo-electric or a magneto-electric machine, which may be driven by
the engines, or by a special engine for the production of a continuous electric
current. And I provide as near as possible to the rudder an electro-dynamic
machine which is moved by electric currents transmitted to its coils. I connect
this machine to the rudder by suitable gearing, so that according as the armature
of the machine is caused to revolve in the one direction or the other the rudder is
moved by it to port or to starboard, as the case may be. To and from the electro
dynamic machine I conduct the electricity by insulated wires through a commu-
tating apparatus so arranged that the direction of the currents which excite the
field magnets of the electro dynamic machine remains constant, keeping their
polarity constant, but the direction of the currents through the armature coils can

page_text: be changed at will, altering the direction of rotation of the armature, and thus
causing the helm to be moved towards port or starboard, as the case may be. The
commutating apparatus is situated on the bridge or other convenient place, where
it can be worked by an officer. It is provided with an index handle and graduated
dial marked on the one side "port" and on the other side "starboard.” When
the index is in its middle position it breaks the connection of the conductors, and
consequently the electro-dynamic machine and the steering gear remain at rest, the
helm being "amidships." By moving the handle to the one side or the other
contact is made by the commutator, so as to transmit to the armature coils currents
of the one direction or the other, and consequently the electro-dynamic machine
and the rudder move in the one or other direction, as the case may be. In order to
determine the extent of movement of the rudder, and to maintain it in the position
to which it is moved, I make the contacts of the commutator on the face of a disc
or on the periphery of a cylinder, which can revolve on an axis in line with that
of the index handle, and which is moved step by step like the type wheel of a
printing telegraph by a succession of electrical currents, the transmission of which
is determined by the movement of the rudder. Thus the rudder in moving over a
certain angle, say to port, makes a number of contacts, by each of which the com-
mutating disc or cylinder is moved one step in a corresponding direction until it
comes to a position corresponding to that of the rudder, in which position its
middle part coincides with the index handle, and contact is thereby broken,
whereupon the rudder ceases to move. Instead of applying these electric currents
to cause the movement of the commutating disc or cylinder, it is preferable to effect
that movement by a weight or spring, the electric currents serving merely to release
suitable detents, so as to permit the movement step by step in obedience to the
weight or spring. The weight or spring for this purpose is so arranged that it is
wound up or strained by the movement of the index handle, so as always to be
ready when the handle has been moved, to move the commutating disc or cylinder
in the same direction.
In a similar manner the link motion or other starting, stopping, reversing, or
regulating gear of the engines in a steamer, or of engines in a mine or other
establishment, may be worked electrically from a distance.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4, shew different arrangements, according to which the poles of
multiple magnets are directed towards the surface of the revolving armature of a
dynamo-electric or an electro-dynamic machine, so as to constitute the magnetic
fields through which the armature coils revolve. Fig. 1 shews the application of
permanent magnets; Figs. 2, 3, and 4, shew the application of electro magnets;
these may be grouped as shewn in the longitudinal section, Fig. 5, in which six
poles are connected to one extension a forming one magnetic field; Fig. 5 shews
also the armature made in barrel form according to my Invention, sections thereof
shewing various modes of constructing it, being represented to an enlarged scale
by Figs. 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. In Fig. 6 the soft iron barrel b of the armature is
slotted to prevent or impede longitudinal induction, the barrel being supported at
each end on non-magnetic bosses fixed to the central shaft; Fig. 7.shews the barrel
constructed of a number of iron rings electrically insulated from each other,
supported on a wooden core and clamped together by two end bosses; in Fig. 8
the barrel consists of insulated iron wire or wires wound on a wooden core;
in Fig. 9 the barrel form is modified so as to present straight portions to suit an
arrangement of field magnets, like that shewn in Fig. 5 and to facilitate construction.
In all cases the surface of the barrel is divided by longitudinal ribs as shewn by
the transverse section, Fig. 10, the spaces between those ribs receiving the insulated
copper wire coils. These ribs in the constructions shewn in Figs. 6, 7, and 9, are
in one piece with the barrel or its sections, in the construction shewn in Fig. 8 they
are of wood fixed to the end bosses; at each end of each rib there is a projection

page_text: to facilitate the winding of the coils; Fig. 11 shews the winding of one of five
coils according to the first method described above; Fig. 12 shews the winding
according to the second method, one wire completely filling the space 6, and half
filling 1 and 11, the filling of which is completed by a second wire filling entirely 16.
In this case the whole barrel is filled according to the same order by ten wires;
Fig. 13 shews the third method of winding, in which each wire half fills two
spaces separated in each case by one quarter of the circumference, the whole being
thus filled by twenty wires. The modes of winding shewn in Figs. 11, 12,
and 13, are suited for four magnetic fields; for another even number of fields the
coils are distributed in spaces at distances apart corresponding with those of the
fields; Fig. 14 shews two forms of extended commutator brush according to
my Invention.
In the one case it consists of metallic links c jointed to two
arms & which are hinged together and to an arm e. In the other case a flexible
spring is substituted for the links; Fig. 15 shews in side view, and Fig. 16
in perspective, a modified construction of brush in which each link is of pawl
form jointed to a curved plate g, and alternated in attitude, each pair being
pressed by a spring h; Fig. 17 is a side view of another modification, each segment
of the brush being a spring, as shewn to an enlarged scale by the perspective
Fig. 18 and end view Fig. 19, the spring being twisted one quarter round so as to
present its edge to the commutator plates whilst its flat is fastened to a curved
plate ; Fig. 20 is a front view of one of the commutator rings above described;
Fig. 21 shewing in perspective two of those rings side by side, each with its two
commutator plates 1, 1, for the one, and , l, for the other, arranged at 90° apart,
as shewn in Fig. 20, this being the position in which they form terminals for one
wire or one set of wires. It is to be understood that the whole cylindrical surface
of the commutator is made up of plates, such as 1, 1, belonging to a series of rings
placed one behind the other, as indicated in Fig. 21. When a brush having a
limited extent of contact is employed, I modify the commutator, as shewn in
transverse section at Fig. 22, and in part longitudinal section at Fig. 23. In this
case each of the two insulated rings m and m¹ carries two projecting segments n
and n¹ separated by insulating material. A similar construction is shewn by the
perspective Fig. 24, and part longitudinal section, Fig. 25, modified to admit of
the commutator being employed for alternating currents. For this purpose each
ring m, besides having its projecting segment n, extends also backwards, so as to
present a complete circumference o, to which the brush can be applied for
alternating currents. Fig. 26 shews diagrammatically the succession in which the
segments of each pair of rings follow each other to correspond with the succession
in which the armature coils enter and leave the magnetic fields, this Figure being
adapted to the division of an armature such as is indicated at Figs. 11, 12, and 13.
One form of electric lamp, according to my Invention, is shewn in Fig. 27. The
upper carbon A is held in a socket tube having on its side a toothed rack gearing
with a pinion B which has fixed on its axis a ratchet wheel C. This wheel rests
on a shoe D which is hinged to the arm E of the armature of an electro magnet F,
this arm being sustained by an adjustable spring G. A spring pawl rack H bears
against the ratchet wheel C, which along with the pinion B is mounted in a
moveable frame K having its descent limited by an adjustable stop nut L. The
coil of F being in the lamp circuit the action is as follows:-
The carbons being in contact when a current is transmitted the electro-magnet F
becoming excited attracts its armature, thus lifting the shoe D, and with it the
wheels B and C and frame K, and thus raising the upper carbon to the extent
determined by an adjustable stop M and starting the arc. Should the distance
between the carbons become too great, the electro-magnet loses attractive power,
allowing the carbon to descend, during which descent the wheel C, being held by
the pawl rack H, is caused to turn partly round, feeding forward the carbon,
whereupon the electro-magnet again acts, adjusting the distance of the carbons.
Fig. 28 shews a modified arrangement in which all the parts corresponding with those
in Fig. 27 are marked by similar letters, a spring friction pawl H³ being substituted

page_text: .
for the pawl rack H. This pawl is connected to the armature of an electro-
magnet N, whose coil is in a branch or by-pass circuit, so as to become excited
when the resistance of the arc becomes too great. In this case the armature of N
being attracted lifts the pawl H¹, causing the wheel C to turn partly round and
feed the carbon. In the arrangement shewn in Fig. 29 a solenoid F¹ having its
coil in a by-pass circuit attracts downwards its core when the lamp resistance is
too great, and thereby releases the shoe D from the wheel C. In this case the
spring G is sufficiently strong to support all the moveable parts. The wheels B
and C may be supported, as shewn, on an arm K' hinged to the framing, instead of
being supported on the frame K, as shewn in Fig. 27, in which arrangement an
arm, such as shewn in Fig. 29, may be employed. Fig. 30 is a modification in
which a spring friction pawl H' is employed, this pawl being worked through a
lever P by the same solenoid core, which operates on the shoe D. For the purpose
of transmitting power to a distance and directing and controlling the power
transmitted, I employ apparatus which, as an example, I will now describe as
applied to working a rudder for steering a vessel. Fig. 31 is a diagram shewing
the electrical connections. A is the dynamo electric-machine, which may be
situated in the engine room or elsewhere, and may be connected with an
accumulating battery B, so as to store up electricity when the electricity is not
required for performance of work. C is an electro-dynamic machine, the axis of
which by means of worm or other gearing works the rudder arm D. As the axis
of C will revolve rapidly whilst the rudder arm may move slowly, intermediate
gear will generally be employed; I have shewn simple worm gear as illustrative
of the connection. The terminals of the machine A are connected to those
of the machine C by means of insulated wires, which in their course pass
through a commutator E, so that the machine C; according as contact is made by
the commutator, being turned to the one side or the other of its middle position, is
caused to revolve in the one direction or the other, thus causing the rudder to turn
to port or starboard, as the case may be.. The commutator, as I will presently
explain, is caused to turn to right or to left by moving a steering handle F, the
commutator being arranged to make its full stroke in either direction, even when
the steering handle is moved only a small distance, such as 5°. This is effected
by fixing on the axis of the handle F a toothed segment G, this segment gearing
with a small segment H, which is fixed on the axis of the commutator, and pressed
towards its middle position by a volute or other spring. The segment G of the
steering handle carries a spring contact I, which as the handle is moved travels
over a number of insulated plates K, each of which is connected by a separate
insulated wire L to one of a number of contact points M, over which an arm fixed
to the rudder shaft travels with the rudder. This arm, as also the segment of the
steering handle, is connected by insulated wires N, O, to the main circuit, so as to
form a by pass circuit, in which is introduced an electro-magnet P. The spring
armature Qof this electro magnet is linked to a sliding contact spring R, which
can slide along insulated contact plates S and S¹, between which are interposed
two or more plates S2, S3, each connected to S₁ through a resistance T.
operation is as follows:-When the steering handle F is in its middle position, and
the rudder amidships, the by-pass circuit N, L, O, being closed, the electro-magnet P
is excited, and its armature is attracted in opposition to the spring holding the
contact spring R in the position shewn, which keeps the main circuit open; conse-
quently the machine C remains at rest. If now the steering handle be moved, say,
towards the right, the toothed segment G moves the small segment H, and thereby
the commutator E, so as to determine the direction in which the current is to pass
to and through C. As the contact for the by-pass circuit is broken by the
movement of I from the plate K the magnet P ceases to attract its armature Q,
which is thereupon moved by its spring U, moving the contact R successively over
the plates S and S2 to S¹, and thereby closing the main circuit. The machine C
is thus caused to move in the direction determined by the commutator E, moving
the rudder in the same direction as the steering handle had been moved. When
The

page_text: the rudder is thus moved until its arm makes a contact at M with the wire which
leads to the plate K, that is then in contact with I, the by-pass circuit is again
closed, and the magnet P attracting its armature move back the contact spring R
to the position where it opens the main circuit, whereupon the machine C and the
rudder come to rest. A similar series of operations result from moving the steering
handle F from any other position in either direction, and the rudder is thus caused
to take a position corresponding with that of the steering handle. It is of advan-
tage to provide a gong or bell V, to be struck by a hammer V₁ on the armature Q
when it is attracted, this forming an audible signal to indicate that the rudder has
come to the required position. In the contact slide I interpose the plates S², S³,
with their resistances T, for the purpose of avoiding sudden contact for the whole
force of the current.
Having thus described the nature of my Invention, and in what manner the
same is to be performed, I claim,-
First. Constructing the revolving armature of a dynamo electric or electro-
dynamic machine in barrel form, that is to say, of greater diameter in the middle
than at the ends, substantially as and for the purposes herein set forth.
Second. The construction of rotating commutators and their brushes, herein
described with reference to Figs. 14 to 26 inclusive of the accompanying
Drawings.
Third. The construction of electric lamps herein described with reference to
Figs. 27 to 30 inclusive.
Fourth. For the purpose of transmitting power to a distance, and directing and
controlling the power so transmitted, the combination of a dynamo electric machine
or generator with an electro-dynamic machine, a commutator with directing handle
and a by pass-circuit, electro-magnet, and contact, substantially as herein described
with reference to Fig. 31.
In witness whereof, I, the said Charles Godfrey Gumpel, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Nineteenth day of July, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and eighty one.
C. GODFREY GÜMPEL. (L.S.)