Electric Elevators.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 11th June, 1896-Accepted, 12th Sept., 1896
Electric Elevators.
I, HUMPHREY RUSSELL SMITH, of 757 The Rookery Chicago, County of
Cook, State of Illinois, United States of America, Inventor, do hereby declare
the nature of my invention for Improvements in Electric Elevators, and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :-
The object of the invention is to provide a simple, effective and inexpensive
apparatus for operating elevators electrically.
The invention consists substantially in the construction, combination location
and relative arrangement of parts, all as will be more fully hereinafter set forth,
as shown in the accompanying drawings, and, finally pointed out in the appended
claims.
Referring to the accompanying drawings
Fig. 1 is a general view in elevation showing the arrangement of an illustrative
apparatus embodying the principles of my invention.
Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the solenoid forming the hoisting
motor.
Fig. 3 is a transverse section of the solenoid core, showing the methods of
anchoring the sections thereof.
Reference sign A designates the car, arranged to travel in a well, the sides of
which are indicated by reference sign B. The hoisting cable C is suitably attached
to the car and leads over suitable guide sheaves, as D, E, in any convenient or
desirable manner.
Suitably suspended from or in a bight of the hoisting cable C is a frame of
suitable or convenient. construction, which, in the form shown, to which I do not
desire to be limited or restricted, may consist of a cross bar F, carrying rods G,
said rods in turn supporting a framework or casing of suitable and desirable
construction which, in the present instance, is composed of the end pieces or
heads H, and the cylindrical casing J. Arranged within this casing or framework
are sets of coils, each set comprising a series of coils and numbered respectively 1,
2, 3, 4, and 5, there being, in the instance shown, five coils in each set. Of course
this number may be varied at will, and as many sets as may be desired may be
arranged in the casing. The end pieces or heads H, and the several coils are
centrally perforated, and a sleeve, K, is arranged within said perforations and
secured to the ends thereof to the heads, thereby forming a lining.
Suitably bolted to the floor or other support is a column composed of a series of
sections of soft iron or other magnetic material, L, alternating with interposed
insulating blocks, M. This column may be arranged in any suitable or desirable
manner. In the form shown I have strung the sections of soft iron or magnetic
pieces and insulating blocks upon rods, N, which rods are suitably secured to the
base, floor or other support at one end and to a conveniently arranged cross
beam, O, at the other end, and said column is arranged to pass longitudinally
through the sleeve K. The cylindrical casing J is of suitable magnetic material,
while the sleeve or lining K is of non-magnetic material.
From the construction above described it will be seen that I provide a solenoid
with a stationary core, or, to speak more properly, I provide a series of solenoids,
each magnetic section of the core forming a solenoid with the adjacent surrounding
sections of coils. It will be understood that a certain definite relative proportion

page_text: of length of the magnetic sections L, and thickness of coils 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, is
maintained. For instance in the particular form illustrated, each section of
magnetic material or soft iron is of a length equivalent to the thickness of four
coils. The size, length, thickness or relative proportions of the parts may be
varied at will without departing from the spirit or scope of my invention. It will
also be seen that the moving part of the solenoid, namely, the coils, is connected to
the car hoisting cable, and therefore, operates not only as the hoisting motor, but
also as a counterweight for the car.
In the drawings the car is shown at the extreme lower limit of its travel, and
hence the casing containing the sections of solenoid coils is shown at the extreme
limit of its upward movement. In order to effect a movement of the car from this
position it is necessary to energize such of the coils of the solenoid as will cause a
downward movement of the casing containing the coils. For instance suppose the
coils 1 and 2 are energized by the passage therethrough of a current of electricity,
the effect will be to tend to move each section of soft iron of the column or core to
a medial position with respect to the coils 1 and 2 surrounding it, that is, to such a
position that the ends of the soft iron sections will project equally beyond the two
sides of said coils 1 and 2. Now if all the sections 1 of coils are coupled together,
and so on, it will be understood that the effect of a number of solenoids is secured,
all exerting a pull on the core, but since the sectional core is held stationary, the
casing containing the coils is moved under the influence of such pull, and since the
combined effect of the several solenoids is simultaneously exerted upon the frame-
work containing the coils, it will be seen that the frame carrying the coils is moved
under the influence of a power dependent upon the number of sections of core
included in the magnetic field of the energized coils, and since the solenoid coils
are connected to the hoisting cable of the car, the car is hoisted, now, by successively
cutting into the exciting circuit of the next higher coil and cutting out the lower
coil of each section, the continued movement of the casing containing the coils is
effected, and hence a continued hoisting of the car. I will now explain the electrical
connections whereby the successive cutting in and out of the car of the solenoid is
effected, and hence, whereby the movement of the cars and their containing casing
up and down the sectional stationary core is effected, it being understood however
that the specific embodiment and arrangement shown is merely illustrative of the
principle involved, and that the same idea may be embodied in a wide variety of
specific structures and arrangements and still fall within the spirit and scope of my
invention. In the form shown P designates a suitable commutator, having segments
numbered respectively 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. From each segment leads a wire, a, the
said wires connecting respectively the segments 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 to the corresponding
coils 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, constituting the first or topmost set of said coils in the moveable
casing. For convenience these connections, a, may be formed into a flexible cable Q,
and supported as at R, at a point intermediate the length of travel of the casing or
coils. After forming the first coil 1, the wire extends to and forms the coil 1 of
the second set, and thence to and forms coil 1 of the third set, and so on, and
finally, from the last or bottom coil 1 of the series of sets of coils it leads to a wire
or connection b, and thence to the negative line wire C. In the same manner after
the wire, a, leading from segment 5 forms the first or top coil 5 of the first set of
coils, it leads to and forms coils 5 of the next set, and so on to the coil 5 of the last
set, and from thence through a connection b, to the next negative line wire c.
In
the same manner all the coils 2, 3 and 4 of the several sets of coils are coupled up.
For convenience the several return wires, b, may be formed into a flexible cable S,
suitably supported intermediate the length of travel of the coils, as at W. Any
suitable arrangement may be provided for changing the circuit from one set of
coils to another, as for instance by rotating the cominutator P. This may be
conveniently accomplished coincident with the movement of the coils and their
containing casing in the following manner. An arm AI is connected to move
with the cross bar F, and is connected to a run of a cable or other suitable
connection, B¹, supported on a conveniently arranged pulley C, This cable

page_text: is led around a pulley on the shaft of commutator P, therefore when the
cross head or bar F moves under the influence of the forces as above
indicated, in a downward direction from that shown, the cable B1 is caused
to move in the direction indicated by the arrow, thereby rotating com-
mutator P, in a contrary direction to the hands of a clock. A pair of brushes, T, U,
is arranged to make contact with the segments of the commutator and to complete
the circuit therethrough, therefore, when the cable B.1 is actuated in the direction
above indicated, circuit is made through brush T and segment 2, and hence,
through coil 2 of the several sets while at the same time circuit is made through
said brush T, segment 3, and thence through all the cables 3 of the sectional
solenoid, and hence in the same manner, as above explained, causing the coils and
their containing casing to travel a corresponding distance downwardly, thereby
causing a further rotation of commutator P, and hence effecting a cutting out of
coils 2, and a cutting in of coils 4, and so on, thereby effecting a continuous
movement of the coils of the solenoid, and, hence, a hoisting of the car. Any
suitable arrangement of apparatus for controlling the direction of the current through
the coils of the solenoid and for making and breaking the circuit may be employed.
It is desirable that such apparatus be controllable from the car, in order that the
movements of the car can be under the constant control of the elevator conductor.
I have shown an illustrative embodiment of the idea, but it is evident that the
idea may be embodied in a wide variety of specific forms of apparatus and still
fall within the spirit and scope of my invention; I do not desire therefore to be
limited or restricted to the specific form shown. As shown, a control cable D 1 of the
standing cable arrangement is arranged to pass through the car and adapted,
when actuated, to rotate a gear E1, which through suitable gearing, effects a
rocking of the switch lever F1, to make contact with either point d or e, which
points are respectively connected to the brashes T, U. The contacts d, e, each
may comprise a series of resistance coils, as shown, adapted to be cut in or out
according to the extent to which lever F 1 is moved, thereby varying from the car
the strength of current employed in energizing the coils of the solenoid. The
lever F1 is suitably connected to the positive line wire F. Of course any other
form of controlling apparatus operated from the car may be employed, whereby
circuit from the positive line wire F is made through points e or f, as may be
desired. When circuit is made through contact d, the action of the solenoid is the
same as above described and the car moves upward; whereas if circuit is made
through point e, instead of cutting out the lower coil and cutting in the next upper
coil of each set, the said lower coil is cut into live circuit and the next higher coil
is cut out, thereby reversing the movement abore explained, including a reversal
of the direction in which commutator P is rotated, which reversal effects a
continual action in the solenoid, and hence of the car.
It will be understood that the connection of the solenoid coils with the hoisting
cable may be directly to the end of said cable, or else in any suitable distance
multiplying bight.
If desired the movement of the casing containing the coils may be guided, as for
instance, by means of the side guides G 1.
It will be understood that the sectional core may be extended to any desired
length and without any great amount of expense, as the soft iron sections and
interposed insulating blocks are comparatively cheap and, inexpensive, and, by the
construction described, reduce to a minimum the cost of the solenoid coils, and by
the arrangement of a series of simultaneously acting solenoids, the combined effect
of which is simultaneously applied to moving the car, I produce not only
an exceedingly simple arrangement, but one that is highly efficient in operation
and inexpensive in construction.
Having now explained the object and nature of my invention and an illustrative
embodiment of the principles involved, and having explained the construction,
function and mode of operation thereof, I desire it to be understood that I do not
limit myself to the exact details of the construction and arrangement of parts

page_text: shown and described, as many variations therefrom would readily suggest
themselves to persons skilled in the art and still fall within the spirit and scope of
my invention.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. In an electric elevator, a hoisting motor, comprising a solenoid having a
stationary core, and a moveable coil, said coil connected to the car hoisting cable,
as and for the purpose set forth.
2. In an electric elevator, a hoisting motor, comprising a solenoid having a
sectional corc, and a series of coils, one of said parts being connected to the car
hoisting cable; as and for the purpose set forth.
3. In an electric elevator, a hoisting motor, comprising a solenoid having a
sectional core, and a series of coils, one of said parts being connected to the car
hoisting cable, and means for simultaneously exciting two or more of said coils;
as and for the purpose set forth.
4. In an electric elevator, a hoisting motor, comprising a solenoid having a
stationary sectional core, and a series of moveable coils, said coils connected to the
car hoisting cable; and means for energizing simultaneously two or more of said
coils; as and for the purpose set forth.
5. In an electric elevator, a hoisting motor comprising a stationary core, a series
of moveable coils connected to the car hoisting cable, said coils arranged in sets,
and means for energizing simultaneously two or more coils of each set; as and for
the purpose set forth.
6. In an electric elevator, a hoisting motor, comprising a stationary core, a
series of moveable coils connected to the car hoisting cable, said coils arranged in
sets, means for making circuit simultaneously through two or more coils of each
set, said means controllable from the car, as and for the purpose set forth.
7. In an electric elevator, a hoisting motor comprising a stationary core, a series
of moveable coils connected to the car hoisting cable, said coils arranged in sets,
the corresponding members of each being coupled together in series, and means for
energizing two or more of said coupled up sets simultaneously; as and for the
purpose set forth.
8. In an electric elevator, a hoisting motor comprising a stationary core, a series
of moveable coils connected to the car hoisting cable, means for successively
energizing the coils of said series; as and for the purpose set forth.
9. In an electric elevator, a hoisting motor, comprising a stationary sectional
core, moveable coils arranged in sets and connected to the car hoisting cable, means
for simultaneously energizing two or more adjacent coils in each set, and means for
progressively cutting in and successively cutting out said coils; as and for the
purpose set forth.
10. In an electric elevator, a hoisting motor comprising a stationary core
composed of alternating magnetic and non-magnetic pieces and a series of coils,
and means for energizing separated coils of said series; as and for the purpose set
forth.
11. In an electric elevator, a hoisting motor, comprising a solenoid having a
sectional core and a series of sets of coils, corresponding cuils of each set being
electrically coupled up and means controllable from the car for energizing one or
more of said coupled up coils; as and for the purpose set forth.
12. In an electric elevator, a hoisting motor, comprising a solenoid having a
sectional core and a series of coils arranged in sets, corresponding coils in each set
being in electrical connection with each other, means controllable from the car for
. energizing one or more of said coupled up coils, and means for shifting the
energizing current to the next adjacent coupled up coils; as and for the purpose
.set forth.
13. In an electric elevator, a hoisting motor comprising a solenoid having a

page_text: sectional core, and a series of coils arranged in sets, corresponding coils in each set
being in electrical connection with each other, a commutator arranged in circuit
with said coils, and means actuated by the movement of said solenoid for operating
said commutator, whereby current is shifted from one to another of said coupled
up sets of coils; as and for the purpose set forth.
14. In an electric elevator, a hoisting motor comprising a solenoid having a
sectional core and a series of coils arranged in sets, corresponding coils in each set
being in electrical connection with each other, a commutator having as many
segments as there are coupled up sets of coils, each segment included in circuit.
with a coupled up set of coils, and means for moving said commutator coincidently
with the actuation of said solenoid; as and for the purpose set forth.
15. In an electric elevator, a hoisting motor comprising a solenoid having a
sectional core, and a series of coils arranged in sets, corresponding coils of each set
being coupled together, a commutator having its segments respectively included in
circuit with said several coupled up sets of coils, a cable arranged to be moved by
the actuation of said solenoid, said cable arranged to operate said commutator; as
and for the purpose set forth.
16. In an electric elevator, a hoisting motor, comprising a solenoid having
a sectional core and a series of coils arranged in sets, corresponding coils of each
set being coupled together, a commutator having its segments respectively included
in circuit with said several coupled up sets of coils, brushes arranged to contact.
with said commutator, means for controlling the circuit through said brushes, and
means actuated by said solenoid for moving said commutator; as and for the
purpose set forth.
17. In an electric elevator, a hoisting motor, comprising a solenoid having a.
sectional core and a series of coils arranged in sets, the corresponding coils of each
set being coupled together, a commutator having its segments respectively included
in circuit with said several coupled up sets of coils, means for actuating said
commutater, brushes arranged to contact with said commutator, means controllable
from the car for making or breaking the circuit through said brushes and varying
the current; as and for the purpose set forth.
18. In an electric elevator, a hoisting motor, comprising a stationary core, a
casing suspended from the car hoisting cable, a coil arranged in said casing, said
casing and coil adapted to travel upon said core, and means controllable from the
car for energizing said coil at will; as and for the purpose set forth.
19. In an electric elevator, a hoisting motor, comprising a stationary core, a
hollow cylindrical casing, comprising an outer magnetic and an inner non-magnetic
sleeve, a coil arranged within said casing, said inner sleeve arranged to be received
upon said core, and means for controlling from the car the energizing current of
said coil; as and for the purpose set forth.
a
20. In an electric elevator, a hoisting motor, comprising stationary core, a
hollow cylindrical casing comprising the end pieces, an inner non-magnetic and an
outer magnetic sleeve, a coil arranged in said casing, said casing suitably suspended
from the car hoisting cable, and means, controllable from the car, for governing
the energizing current of said coil; as and for the purpose set forth.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 20th day of May 1896,
in the presence of the subscribing witnesses:
Attest :-
SAMUEL E. DARBY.
M. I. CAVANAGH.
HUMPHREY RUSSELL SMITH.