Improvements in Transformer Systems of Electrical Distribution.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 26th June, 1894-Accepted, 25th Aug., 1894
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Transformer Systems of Electrical Distribution.
I, PETER WRIGHT, residing at the Drexel Building, in the City of Philadelphia.
in the County of Philadelphia, and State of Pennsylvania, United States of
America, Electrical Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and
in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement:-
My invention relates to so-called transformer systems of electrical distribution.
Theoretically no current should traverse the primary circuit and coil of a trans-
former when the secondary or lamp circuit is broken, for example, by the
extinguishment of the lamps disposed therein. However, as a matter of fact, a
certain amount of current traverses the primary coils of the transformer when
its secondary circuit is broken or interrupted, so that when all the lamps, lights
or translating devices are extinguished, the current traversing the primary circuit
and coils, gives rise to waste and renders the system expensive. Moreover, in
many instances, the number of lamps, lights or translating devices employed in
a secondary circuit varies widely at different times. For example, during the day
and during the evening, so that a transformer of sufficient capacity for running
the maximum number of lamps, lights or other translating devices is wasteful
and therefore expensive when employed to run the minimum number of lamps,
lights or other translating devices.
The principal objects of my present invention are, first; to obviate the above
mentioned disadvantages and losses, second; to provide simple, compact, and
efficient mechanical and electrical devices for permitting of the interruption of
the primary circuit in cases where the lamps, lights or other translating devices
of the secondary circuit are not to be employed for a considerable time, for
example, in the case of churches, halls and the like, and third; to provide reliable,
durable, and comparatively inexpensive means for automatically interrupting, first,
the secondary circuit and then the primary circuit and for closing, first, the
primary circuit and then the secondary circuit of two or more transformers,
whereby one or more of the transformers is cut into or out of action according
as more or less lights, lamps or translating devices are employed, thus effecting
a material saving.
The nature, characteristic features and scope of my invention will be more fully
understood from the following description taken in connection with the accom-
panying drawings forming part hereof and in which,
Figure 1, is a diagrammatic view illustrating mechanical and electrical devices
embodying features of my invention arranged to permit of the manual interruption
of the primary circuit when all the lamps, lights or other translating devices of the
secondary circuit are not required for use, and to permit of the manual closing
of the primary circuit when the lamps, lights or other translating devices are
required for use.
Fig. 2, is a view of the manual switch illustrated in Fig. 1, showing its exterior
housing removed.
Fig. 3, is a sectional view taken on the line 3-3, of Fig. 2.
Fig. 4, is a similar view taken on the line 4-4, of Fig. 2.
Fig. 5, is an elevational view partly in section of the positively driven mechanism
(illustrated in Fig. 1) for making and breaking the primary circuit, showing a
centrally pivoted armature having one of its extremities disposed in range of a
cam-wheel and the other of its extremities adapted to be lifted into and out of
range of a revolving arm.

page_text: Fig. 6, is a top or plan view of the device ustrated in
switch for making and breaking the primary circuit and also a circuit interrupter
for making and breaking the electrical continuity of two similar conductors of
a local circuit.
Fig. 7, is a detached view illustrating in elevation, the automatic circuit breaker
for controlling the local circuit.
Fig. 8, is a sectional view taken on the line 8-8, of Fig. 6.
Fig. 9, is a diagrammatic view similar to Fig. 1. and illustrating a modified form
of electrical device and switch for interrupting and closing the primary circuit.
Fig. 10, is an elevational view of the right-hand end of the electrical device and
switch illustrated in Fig. 9.
Fig. 11, is a diagrammatic view illustrating circuits, transformers, and parts of
Ewitching mechanism embodying features of my invention and arranged to auto-
matically respond to changes in current and to interrupt the secondary circuit
before interrupting the primary circuit and to close the primary circuit before
closing the secondary circuit of one of the transformers.
Fig. 12, is an end elevational view showing portions of the switch illustrated in
Fig. 11, and adapted to respond to changes in the secondary current.
Fig. 13, is n front elevational view of portions of the device illustrated in
Fig. 12.
Fig. 14, is a rear elevational view of the device illustrated in Fig. 12, showing
spring contacts and conducting bridge pieces and an insulating cylinder whereby
the secondary circuit is interrupted before the primary circuit and whereby the
primary circuit is closed before the secondary circuit.
Fig. 15, is a sectional view taken on the line 15-15 of Fig. 12.
Fig. 16, is a diagrammatic view illustrating a modification of the switching
devices shown in Figs. 11 to 15 and in which use is made of a local circuit, electro
magnet, and circuit breaker controlled by a thermostat and adapted to permit of
the starting and stopping of a train of gears operated by a weight and in which use
is also made of mercury contact stap switches for the transformer circuits.
Fig. 17, is a view of a train of gears operated by a weight and alapted to drive
the shaft illustrated in Fig. 16.
Fig. 18, is an end elevational view of the circuit breaker illustrated in Fig. 16.
Fig. 19, is an elevational view of the snap switches and certain of their
Beressories shown in Fig. 16.
Fig. 20, is a diagrammatic view illustrating a modified arrangement embodying
features of my invention and in which use is made of an electric motor and a
condenser operated by the line circuit and adapted to actuate the transformer
switches.
Fig. 21, is an elevational view of a portion of the intermediate driving mechanism
shown in Fig. 20,
Fig. 22, is an elevational view of the circuit breaker illustrated in Fig. 20.
Fig. 23, is a sectional view of the circuit breaker shown in Fig. 22.
Fig. 24. is a section taken on the line 24-24, of Fig. 20.
Fig. 25, is a diagrammatic view illustrating my invention and showing a motor
operated by the secondary circuit of one of the transformers.
Figs. 26 to 28, are views illustrating the automatic circuit breaker shown in
Fig. 25, and
Figs. 29 and 30, nre views illustrating the employment of a motor operated by
electro-magnets for driving the primary and secondary circuit switches.
In the drawings 40 and 41, Figs. 1, 11, 16, 20, 25 and 29, is a line circuit which
is in practice usually strung on poles or located in conduits disposed along the street
or highway. Referring now to Figs. 1 to 10, inclusive, 42 and 43, is a primary
circuit which is led from the line circuit in parallel and includes the primary coil
of the transformer 44. 45 and 46, is the lamp or secondary circuit and leads
from the transformer 44, (which is usually located outside of the building) into
a hall, church or other apartment in which the current is to be utilized, for

page_text: example, to light the lamps 47, which, in the present instance, are arranged in
parallel. For the sake of a further description of my invention, it will be
assumed that the lamp 48, is located in the vestibule or hallway and consequently
is the last lamp to be extinguished upon leaving and the first to be lighted upon
entering the building. The other lamps 47, may be provided with switches or
cutouts, not shown, either individually or otherwise for lighting or turning them
out as may be required. A description will now be given of the mechanically
actuated primary circuit switch illustrated in Figs. 1 and 5 to 8 inclusive.
49, is a suitable housing which may be provided with a transparent window for
convenience of observation and which is secured in any convenient location, for
example, outside of the building and in proximity with the transformer 44.
50, is an insulating piece or block secured within the housing 49, and adapted to
support the positively driven mechanism. The latter, Figs. 5 and 6, comprises
a train of intermeshing gear or spur wheels 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 and 57, (the
number being immaterial) operated in the present instance, by means of a spiral
spring 58, having pawl-and-ratchet connections 59, whereby the spring may be
wound up through the intervention of a key adapted to engage the squared
arbor 60, or in any other convenient manner. However, means other than the
spring 58, for example, a weight or small electric motor may be employed for
driving the train of gear or spur wheels. 61, is a shaft driven by the train of
gears above referred to through the intervention of a lantern wheel 62, and
provided in the present instance, with a speed controlling fan 63. This shaft 61,
is provided with radial arms 64, adapted to collide with a detent, lug or pro-
jection 65, applied to or formed integral with one end of a centrally pivoted
armature lever 66, when the latter not attracted by its electro magnet 67, as
is illustrated in Fig. 5, in order to prevent revolution of the train of gears.
However, the detent, lug or projection 65, is normally solicited into range of the
arms 64, by means of a spring 68, that engages at its free end with a post 69,
applied to one of the vertical plates 70, that support the mechanism and also the
shafts or arbors of the gear wheels. The influence of the spring 68, is. under
certain circumstances to be hereinafter more fully explained, overcome or counter-
balanced by the high parts 71, of a cam-wheel 72, which contact with and lift up
the rear end 73, of the armature lever, thus pushing the detent, lug or pro-
jection 65, out of range of the arms 64, it being understood that when the end 73,
of the armature lever rests in the low parts 74, of the cam-wheel 72, the spring 6S,
lifts the detent, lug or projection 65. into range of the arms 64. The cam-wheel 72,
is mounted upon a shaft 75, Figs. 1 and 6, adapted to be rotated through the
intervention of a spur-wheel 76, meshing with the spur-wheel 53, when the train
of gears is in motion. This shaft 75, is provided with a switch 77, having
electrically connected contacts 78, disposed diametrically opposite each other and
separated by insulating material 79. 80 and 81, are brushes interposed in the
primary circuit 42 and 43, and adapted to rest upon the insulating parts 79, when
the switch 77, is in one position in order to break the primary circuit, and to rest
upon the conducting electrically connected contacts 78, when the switch is in the
other position in order to complete the primary circuit through the bridge pieces 82,
that connect the contacts 78. The automatic circuit breaker comprises a serrated
disk 83, mounted upon the shaft 75, and provided with pins or projections 84, 85, 86,
and 87, disposed at intervals of ninety degrees apart and located alternately on
opposite sides thereof. 88 and 89, Figs. 1,6 and 7, are spring contacts depending
from a post 90, electrically connected with the framework 70, and thence with one
The other end
end of the coils of the inagnet 67, as shown at 91, Figs. 1 and 5.
of the coils of the electro magnets 67, is connected with a binding post 92,
insulated from the framework 70, Fig. 1, and this binding post is connected by
means of a conductor 93, comprising part of a local circuit, with one terminal of a
local battery or source of electric energy 94. In the present instance, this local
battery 94, is located within the housing 49, however, it may be located at any
convenient point. The spring contact 88, is provided with a branch 95, the free

page_text: T'wo
end of which rests upon a pivoted detent or pawl 96, and forces the free end of the
latter into engagement with the serrated edge of the disk 83, in order to insure
perfect contact. These spring contacts 88 and 89, depend into range of the
pins 84, 85, 86, and 87, so that as the disk 83, is rotated, the succeeding pins being
on opposite sides of the disk, contact with the spring contacts 88 and 89, alternately,
that is to say, the pin 86, contacts with the spring contact 89, the pin 85, contacts
with the spring contact 88, and so on as will be hereinafter more fully explained.
97 and 98, are spring contacts disposed upon opposite sides of the disk 83, in range
of the pins 84, 85, 86 and 87, and supported by means of an insulating block carried
by the framework 70. These spring contacts 97 and 98, are respectively connected
to conductors 99 and 100, forming part of the local circuit connections and the
conductors 99 and 100, are adapted respectively to be alternately connected by
means of a manual switch 101, to the return conductor 102, and thence to the local
battery 94. For the sake of clearness, it may be remarked, that when the disk 83,
is in the position shown in Figs. 1, 6 and 7, a part of the local circuit connections
are as follows: From the battery 94, through conductor 93, cuils of the magnet 67,
conductor 91, frame 70, post 90, spring contact 89, detent 96, disk 83, pin 85,
spring contact 97, and conductor 99. When the disce 83, has been rotated through
ninety degrees the local circuit connections would be as before described to the
post 90, and thence they would be by the spring contact 88, and detent 96, the
disk 83, the pin 84, spring contact. 98, and conductor 100. Obviously there is a
position approximately midway of the travel of the disk 83, in turning ninety
degrees at which neither of the spring contacts 97 or 95, contact with any of the
pins 84, 85, 86 and 87. The manual switch 100, is provided with five contacts 103,
104, 105, 106 and 107, and with the usual insulating cylinder 108, adapted to be
rotated through intervals of ninety degrees each with a sump by means of the
thumb lever 109, noting through the intervention of a spiral spring 110.
of these contacts 103 and 104, being disposed diametrically opposite each other
are connected by means of conductors 111 and 112, with the respective wires or
conductors 45 and 46, of the secondary or lamp circuit, and it may be remarked.
that the lamp 48, being the one that is disposed at the door-way or entrance is inter-
posed in the conductor 111. The contact 105, is connected with the conductor 102,
and the contacts 106 and 107, are connected respectively with the conductors 99
and 100. The spring rubbing surfaces of the contacts 103 and 104, are constructed
in the ordinary manner and are disposed in the same plane, so that the contacting
bridge piece 113, applied to the under side of the cylinder 108, bridges them as
shown in Fig. 3, after each two operations or turnings of the thumb-lever 109. The
spring rubbing surfaces of the contact 105, are two in number and are disposed in
different planes as shown at the right-hand side of Fig. 4, and each of the contacts JUG
and 107, is provided with a single spring rubbing contact and these spring contacts
are disposed in different planes corresponding with the planes of the spring rubbing
surfaces of the contact 105. From the foregoing construction, it follows that in
every position of the cylinder 108, either the bridge piece 113, applied to the
bottom of the cylinder 108, or the bridge piece 114, applied to the top thereof, is
in contact with one or the other of the rubbing surfaces of the contact 105.
Moreover one or the other of the contacts 106 and 107, is in electrical connection
with the contact 105, according as the top or bottom bridge piece 113 or 114, is in
engagement with the contact 105, so that as the thumb lever 109, is turned, it
alternately makes and breaks the shunt circuit 111 and 112, through the
intervention of the bridge piece 113, and consequently short circuits or includes
the lamps, and at each turn or slip of its movement, transfers the local circuit trom
the conductor 102, to either the conductor 99, or conductor 100, through the
alternate intervention of the bridge pieces 113 and 114.
The mode of operation of the hereinabove described apparatus may be explained
as follows:
Assuming that the parts of the apparatus are in the position shown, more
especially in Fig. 1, it is evident that the primary circuit is broken because the

page_text: spring contacts 80 and 81, rest upon the insulating parts 79, of the switch 77:
consequently there can be no loss or waste of current by leakage, and of course the
lamps are extinguished. In order to light the lamps 47, contained in the hall,
church, or other building, the attendant in charge will first want to light the
vestibule or hallway lamp 48. However, it may be remarked that use may be
made of the manual switch 101, for interrupting the entire secondary circuit. For
this purpose he rotates the thumb lever 109, of the switch 101, one stage, that is
the cylinder 108, is turned or snapped ninety degrees. This rotation of the thumb
lever causes the bottom bridge piece 113, to be turned out of engagement with the
contacts 103 and 104, (with the result that the shunt circuit 111 and 112, is made)
and into engagement with one of the rubbing surfaces of the contact 105, and with
the rubbing surface of the contact 106, whereby the local circuit is completed
through the conductor 99, spring contact 97, pin 85, spring contact 89, frame 70,
conductor 91, coils of the electro-magnet 67, conductor 93, battery 94, an
conductor 102. The completion of the local circuit in the manner above described
causes the electro magnet 67, to attract its armature 66, against the influence of the
spring 68, whereby the detent, lug or projection 65, is drawn downward clear of
the arm 64, while at the same time, the rear end 73, is lifted out of the low
part 71, of the cam-wheel 72. Whereup in the train of gears is permitted to move
under the influence of its motive power, thus causing the shaft 75, to be revolved.
The revolution of the shaft 75, causes the high part 71, of the cam-wheel 72, to
engage with the end 73, of the armature lever and thus lock the detent, lug or
projection 65, in depressed position and clear of the arms 64. The continued
rotation of the shaft 75, causes the pin 85, to pass from beneath the spring
contact 97, whereby the local circuit through the conductor 99, is broken, and the
further rotation of the shaft 75, causes the switch 77, to be turned around until the
contact brushes 80 and 81, are bridged by the metallic conductors 78 and 82, thus
completing the primary circuit. Simultaneously with the completion of the
primary circuit, the disk 83, is revolved into such position that the end 73, of
the armature lever falls by reason of the resiliency of the spring 68, (or by gravity)
into the next low part 74, of the cain-wheel 72, whereby the detent, lug or
projection 65, comes into range with the arm 64, and thus prevents further
movement of the train of gears. Prior to the arrest of the train of gears, the
pin 84, comes into contact with the spring contact 98, thus introducing the
conductor 100, into the local circuit when the same shall have been closed through
the contact 107, by the next operation of the thumb lever 109, which would occur,
of course, when it is desired to extinguish the lights. It may be remarked, that
after the lights have been lighted, any or all of the lamps 47, may be extinguished
or lighted at pleasure by means of keys on their sockets or in any preferred
manner. However, the lamp 48, must be permitted to burn until it is desired
to extinguish all the lamps and to cut the transformer out of the primary circuit 42
and 43. To extinguish all the lights and cut the transformer out of the primary
circuit, the thunb lever 109, is turned in the same direction through ninety
degrees with the result that the lower bridge piece 113, opens the shunt circuit 111
and 112, thus extinguishing the lamps 47, and with the result that the top bridge
piece 114, closes the local circuit through the conductor 100, pin 84, spring
contact 88, and detent 96. Whereupon the train of gears is again set in motion
and subsequently interrupts the primary circuit 42 and 43, through the
intervention of the switch 77. In this connection, it may be remarked, that as
soon as the switch 101, is turned the lamps are extinguished thus causing the
absence of current except that due to leakage in the primary circuit 42 and 43,
whereby the switch 77, is required to break the primary circuit when it is carrying
only the leakage current, so that sparking at the terminals 80 and 81, is avoided,
this interval between the interruption of the primary and secondary circuits being
due to the time consumed by the revolution of the train of gears. No spark of
course occurs on closing the primary circuit although all the lamps interposed

page_text: in the secondary circuit are turned on at the moment of closing the primary
circuit.
It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that my invention is not limited to
the employment of the hereinabove described rotary switch 77, and its complemental
teain of gearing and in Figs. 9 and 10, have illustrated a mechanical arrangement
in which these parts are dispensed with. Referring to said figs., 15, is a
centrally pivoted oscillating lever carrying at one of its extremities an insulated
U-shaped bridge piece 116, adapted to be immersed in mercury cups 117, when the
right-hand end of the oscillating lever is depressed in order to complete the primary
circuit 42 and 43, and to be willedrawn from the mercury cups when the right-hand
end of the oscillating lever is in elevated position in order to break the primary
circuit 42 and 43. When the mammal switch 101, is in position for closing the
shunt circuit 111, and 112, the local battery circuit is closed through the switch
and through the conductor 100, spring 118, contact. 119, coils of the electro
magnets 120, branch conductor 121, conductor 102, and battery 94. Under these
circumstances the electro magnet. 120, is energized and attracts its armature 122,
secured to the oscillating lever 115, so that the right-hand end of the latter is
depressed and thus immerses the ends of the bridge piece 116, into the mercury
cups and closes the primary circuit 42 and 43. As the right-hand end of the
oscillating lever 115, approaches its depressed position, the projection 123, pushes
the spring 118, out of engagement with the contact 119, thus interrupting the local
eirenit appertaining to the electro magnet 120. However, a positive downward
movement of the right-hand end of the oscillating lever 115, is insured by reason
of the corrugated spring 124, which acts upon the lower end of an arm 125, rigidly
connected with and depending from the oscillating lever 15. The interruption of
the local circuit by the projection 123, is important because it prevents the local
battery 94, from becoming too rapidly exhausted. As the right-hand end of the
oscillating lever 115, descends, it lifts the projection 126, out of range of the
spring 127, so that the latter rests upon the contact 128, and thus completes
the local circuit 102, 129, 127 and 99, appertaining to the magnet. 130, at that
point, it being understood that the last mentioned local circuit is broken nt 106.
However, when the manual switch 101, is shifted into position for interrupting the
shunt circuit 111 and 112, the local circuit appertaining to the electro magnet 130,
is closed, so that the electro magnet 130, is enorgized and attracts its armature 131,
with the result that the left-hand end of the oscillating lever 115, is depressed,
thus lifting the bridge piece 116, out of the mercury cups 117, and breaking the
primary circuit 42 and 43, and also closing the local circuit appertaining to the
electro magnet 120, at the contact 119. It may be remarked that when the local
circuit appertaining to the electro magnet 120, is made at the contact 119, and
while the left-hand end of the oscillating lever 115, is depressed, the local circuit
appertaining to the electro magnet 120, is interrupted at the contact 107. Having
thus described the manner in which and the means whereby the primary circuit
may be interrupted, when none of the lamps, lights or other translating devices of
the secondary circuit are in use in accordance with my invention, I will now
proceed to describe with special reference to Figs. 11 to 30, inclusive, electrical
and mechanical devices whereby the number of transformers in use is automatically
made to correspond with the number of lamps, lights or other translating devices
employed in the secondary circuit in accordance with my invention.
Referring to Figs. 11 in 30, and 2, are transformers of which 6, is assumed to
be of the capacity required for lighting a certain mumber of lamps for example, the
lamps and ', and of which band, taken together are assumed to be of the
capacity required for lighting the lamps & and, and also the lamps, and
or in other words, doing the maximum of work. The primary coil, of the
transformer, is included in parallel with the line circuit 40 and 41, by means of
conductors and, and the primary coil, of the transformer, is included in
or excluded from the line circuit 40 and 41, according as its conductors 6 and 6,

page_text: are electrically connected or are insulated from each other. One of the respective
ends of each of the secondary coils and 2, of the transformers and b', are con-
nected with the secondary or lamp circuit eel, by means of conductors 6 and 6".
The other end of the coil, is connected with the secondary circuit e e', by means
of a conductor 62, and the other end of the coil P, is connected with or disconnected
from the secondary or lamp circuit e el, according as the two parts of the con-
ductor are in electrical connection with or are insulated from each other. It
may be remarked that the two portions of the primary circuit 6 and 67, should be
connected before the two portions 13 of the secondary circuit are connected
together in order to avoid shunting or short circuiting the secondary circuit of the
transformer, through the secondary coil 6, of the transformer 6', and it may also
be remarked that the two portions 613, of the secondary circuit should be opened
or disconnected before the two portions of the primary circuit 6 and 7, are opened
or disconnected. This arrangement is important and reduces the liability of the
occurrence of a destructive spark because there is always a closed circuit through
one transformer. Of course various types of switches, for example, mercury or
snap switches, Figs. 16 and 19, may be employed for this purpose. However, in
Figs. 11, 13, 14, 20, 24, 25 and 29, of the drawings, I have illustrated a revoluble
insulating cylinder d. provided upon its curved surface with conducting bridge
pieces e and el, adapted to contact with brushes or other terminals applied to the
ends of the respective parts of the conductors of the primary and secondary circuits
of the transformer . The bridge piece c, is wider than the bridge piece e, with
the result that the bridge piece e, closes its corresponding primary circuit before
the bridge piece c¹, closes its corresponding secondary circuit, and the bridge
piece c', opens its corresponding secondary circuit before the bridge piece e, opens
its corresponding primary circuit. This switch for controlling the circuits 6, 17
and may, of course, be operated or shifted through the intervention of varions
types of mechanism, for example, through the intervention of a small motor.
Figs. 20 and 25, or weight, Figs. 16 and 17. As illustrated in Figs. 11 to 15, use
is made of the following mechanism which may be enclosed in a suitable housing or
case, not shown, for rotating the cylinder d. ‚³‚‹ƒ³‚ƒ^ƒ³ and, are a train
of intermeshing gears or spur wheels of which the number is immaterial, revolubly
supported between the plates g, and actuated by means of a spiral spring s, that
may be wound up through the intervention of pawl-and-ratchet connections, by
means of a suitable key, or that may be made self-winding by means of suitable
well understood electro magnetic devices. If preferred, any other prime mover,
such as a weight or motor may be employed for driving a train of gearing.
Instances of such construction are hereinafter described and are illustrated
more especially in Figs. 17, 20, 25 and 29, of the accompanying drawings.
h, is a pinion keyed to the shaft d', of the insulating cylinder d, and meshing
with the spur wheel, so that when the train of gears is in motion, the
insulating cylinder is caused to revolve in a clock-wise direction, thus making and
breaking the primary and secondary circuits of the transformers and 6. 7, is a
revoluble spindle mounted in the plates y, in such manner that its respective
extremities project beyond the same as shown in Figs. 13 and 15, and in such
manner that it is allowed a range of play in the direction of its length. This
spindle i, is provided with a Light or keyed lantern-wheel , meshing with the
spur-wheel, in all positions of the spindle i. Upon the spindle i, is mounted a
sleeve, afforded a range of endwise play but constrained to rotate with the
spindle. This sleeve, is provided with radial arms, and is normally solicited
by means of a spring, against a collar, fast on the spindle. j, is a shipper-rod
afforded a range of endwise movement and provided with arms or projections j²,
adapted to contact with the ends of the spindle i. k, is a sliding bar provided
with fingers or stop pins A, adapted to be brought into engagement with the radial
arms, in order to check the movements of the gears fƒ³, ƒ^ƒ³, and ƒº.
From the foregoing description, it will be obvious that the fingers or stop pins k',
may be caused to engage the radial arms i³, either by shifting the sliding bark, or
5

page_text: by shifting the spindle i. The former result is accomplished by means of a cam-
faced wheel mounted fast upon the shaft d', and running between the forked or
bifurcated end of a centrally pivoted lever, the other end of which is provided
with an opening through which passes the threaded end of the sliding bar k., are
nuts for permitting of the adjustment of the throw of the sliding har k, in order
to ensure the proper timing of the operations of the device. The required move-
ments of the shipper-rod, are effected by means of a device m, responding to
changes in the current of the secondary or lamp circuit e. In the present
instance, the device m, comprises a thermostat secured at one end to an insulating
binding post carried by the base g', and connected at its other end with the
shipper-rod j, through the intervention of a rod m, having a section of insulating
material m², interposed therein. While I have shown in the accompanying
drawings an exceedingly simple form of thermostat, still I wish it to be distinctly
understood that I do not limit myself to such form of thermostat, as many known
types of so-called "
compensating thermostats may be employed. Moreover, in
some cases, the thermostat may be dispensed with and replaced by a solenoid.
m³, are nuts for adjusting the throw of the shipper-rod j, in order to ensure the
proper operations of the device. It may be remarked that the spring, by
yielding prevents injury of the fingers, and radial arms. The thermostat
shown in the drawings, Fig. 15, comprises two sheets of material whereof one is of
greater electrical conductivity than the other, and its free end is shifted towards
the right in Fig. 13, when the current traversing it is considerable and corresponds
to that which would be beyond the capacity of the transformer b, that is would be
required to light all the lamps, and towards the left in said figure when the current
traversing it is less and corresponds to that required by the lesser mumber of lamps,
in the present instance and.
"
The mode of operation of my improved transformer system of electrical
distribution, as illustrated in Figs. 11 to 15, may be described as follows:
When the primary circuit e, is required to do a comparatively small amount of
work, for example, to light the lamps .e and e', the transformer b, supplies all the
current and the primary and secondary circuits of the transformer b', are both
interrupted by means of the switch d. Assuming that the lamp circuit eel, is
called upon to do more work and consequently to carry more current, for example,
by the lighting of the lamps, and e, in addition to the lamps 2 and, it
follows that an increase of current traverses the device m.
This device m,
responds to the increase of current and its free end is deflected thereby toward
the right in Fig. 13. This movement of the free end of the device m, causes the
shipper-rod, and with it the arms, to be shifted and to shift the spindle i,
toward the right, whereby the arm is moved clear of the stop pin or finger k,
thus permitting of the movement of the train of gears³‚ƒ'', ƒ' and ƒ',
and consequent rotation of the shaft d. The revolution of the shaft d', causes the
cylinder d, to be rotated in a clockwise direction with the result that the primary
and
circuit of the transformer, is first closed by the conducting bridge piece c
the secondary circuit of the transformer 61, is subsequently closed by the bridge
piece e', thus bringing the transformer 61, into action and ensuring the requisite
As soon as tho
supply of current to the lamp circuit ee, as shown in Fig. 11.
primary and secondary circuits of the transformer &, have been closed, the
continued rotation of the shaft d', and cam-wheel, causes the latter to shift
the sliding bar k, toward the left in Fig. 13, with the result that the end of its
lefthand finger or stop pin ¹, engages the radial arm, thus checking the movement
of the train of gears and parts actuated thereby. Should the quantity of current
required by the lamp circuit ee, be diminished, for example, by the extinguishment
of the lamps, and, then the current traversing the device m, will also be
diminished whereby the free end of this device will be returned automatically
toward the left in Fig. 13, to its original position. This movement of the free end
of the device m, causes the spindle i, to be shifted toward the left, so that its
radial arm, is clear of the righthand stop pin or finger &¹, whereupon the train

page_text: of gears is again permitted to move and to revolve the shaft d. This further
revolution of the shaft d', causes the primary and secondary circuits of the
transformer 1, to be interrupted by the insulating portions of the cylinder d,
whereby the transformer, is automatically cut out of action, it being noted that
the secondary circuit is interrupted before the primary circuit. This revolution of
the shaft d', also causes the cam-wheel d², to shift the left-hand stop pin or finger k',
into engagement with one of the radial arms, whereby the train of gears is
brought to rest, thus permitting the transformer 1, to remain out of action until
the current traversing the device m, again increases and consequently operates to
cut the transformer U, again into action in the manner above set forth.
Referring now to Figs. 16 to 19, inclusive, which embody my invention and
illustrate the use of snap switches, propelling weight, and a local battery
circuit and its accessories. n, is a local battery or other source of electric
energy. One conductor n', of this battery traverses the coils of electro
magnets, and proceeds thence to the centrally pivoted and insulated tongue n³,
thence by the contacts and conductors n' or n³, (according to the position of the
tongue) to the back stops and n', and thence by a conducting plate n³, carried
by and insulated from the thermostat m, and by the conductor, to the battery n.
The electro magnet 2, is provided with a centrally pivoted armature lever o,
having two arms or fingers of and o³, whereof the finger o', is normally solicited by
a spring into range of arms of, projecting from a spindle driven through the
intervention of a train of gearing similar to that illustrated in Fig. 5, hereinbefore
described, and whereof the other linger o², rides upon the cam-wheel 72,
appertaining to said gearing. o, is a weight for imparting motion to the gearing.
o and o, are snap switches provided with mercury cups 12, Fig. 19, and with
centrally disposed contacts o". These snap switches are operated by means of
cams o, mounted on the shaft d', which latter is positively driven by means of the
train of gears. 15, is a cam-wheel mounted upon the shaft. ', and adapted to run
between the forked end of the tongue n³, and thus shift the latter in such manner
that its other end is caused to rest alternately upon the contacts or terminals of the
conductors and nº. For the sake of a further description, it will be assumed
that all the lamps a, a, 2, 3, and, are being supplied with current from both the
transformers and . When the lamps, and, are extinguished, the current
traversing the thermostat m, will be diminished, whereupon the free end of the
thermostat is shifted toward the left, so that the conducting plate, is brought
into contact with the back stop a. Under these circumstances, the local battery
circuit traverses the conductor ', coils of electro magnet n², tongue n³, conductor n³,
back stop, plate, and conductor 2. This current causes the armature n², to
be attracted, thus shifting the finger o', clear of the arms, and also raising the
finger o, out of the low part of the cam 72. The train of gears being thus
released, is rotated under the influence of the weight o, and causes revolution of
the shaft and cam-wheel 72. The revolution of the shaft d', is productive of the
following results, first; it causes the cams o", to lift the snap switches o¹ and o",
to break the primary and secondary circuits of the transformer &', in the manner
above described, that is, to break the secondary before the primary, second; it
causes the cam-wheel o¹³, to transfer the tongue n³, from the contact of the
conductor, thus making the local circuit of the conductor n', and third; it causes
the finger o², to ride upon the high part of the cam 72, until the completion of the
foregoing operations, whereupon the finger o, falls into a low part of the cam 72,
thus permitting the finger o', moving under the influence of the spring o³, to engage
the arms of, and thus arrest the mechanism. For the sake of a further description,
it will be assumed that the lamps, and .e, are again turned on. Under these
circumstances, the increase of current traversing the thermostat m, causes the
plate no, to be brought into contact with the back stop n', thus completing the local
circuit and permitting the mechanism to rotate and subsequently arrest the shaft d',
in the manner above described but in such position that the snap switches 10 and o",
close their respective circuits. In this connection, may be remarked, that the

page_text: י
particular type of circuit breaker »³, above described, is not essential, as other
forms of circuit breakers, for example, those shown in Figs. 20 to 28, inclusive, of
the drawings and hereinafter described, may be employed. In Figs. 20 to 24, use
is made of an electric motor A, and of a condenser B, in parallel with the line
circuit 40 and 41, by means of conductors
and .
Of course the condenser B,
may be in series in the line 40 and 41. The motor A, drives the shaft ', through
the intervention of suitable differential gearing, for example, that shown in Fig. 21.
In this instance, the shaft d', is provided with an insulating cylinder d, hereinbefore
described in connection with Fige. 11 to 15, however, if preferred, use might be
made of snap switches, such for example as are illustrated in Figs. 16 and 19. The
shaft d', is also provided with an automatic circuit breaker, and, in the present
instance, this circuit breaker comprises an insulated dise, having upon its face
overlapping conducting segments and of different radii, Fig. 22, and having
a hub, Fig. 23, in electrical connection with each of said segments, and it also
comprises spring contacts and p', co-operating with said hub and conducting
segments.
The mode of operation of the apparatus illustrated in Figs. 20 to 24, may be
described as follows:
+
When the free end of the thermostat is deflected toward the left, for example, by
the extinguishment of the lamps and, current is supplied to the motor by
the conductor p, plate, conductor p, spring p, segment p³, hub: p', spring
and conductors and p". Under these circumstances, the motor is set in motion
and drives the shaft through the intervention of the gearing illustrated in
Fig. 21, thus causing the switch d, to break the respective circuits of the
transformer, in the manner above described, thus cutting it out of action, the
rotation of the shaft d', also causes the dise p, to turn in the direction indicated by
the arrow, Fig. 22, thus permitting the contacting spring p, to ride onto a portion
of the disc and thus break the circuit through the motor, whereby the same comes
to rest. If the free end of the thermostat m, should now be deflected toward the
right, for example, by the lighting of the lamps e², eªaud æº, current would be supplied
to the motor A, through the condenser B, by the conductor p, plate aº, back
stop n², conductor, spring p. segment p", hub pʻ, and conductors po and p", to
the condenser. Under these circumstances, the motor A, would again drive the
shaft d', and cause the cylinder d, to complete the circuits of the transformer, in
the manner above described, and subsequently cause the circuit breaker to again
arrest the motor by interrupting its circuit.
Referring now to Fig. 25, the condenser or local battery is dispensed with and
the motor is driven by current derived from the secondary circuits. The motor in
its turn drives the shaft d', through the intervention of suitable differential gearing.
such, for instance, as is illustrated in Fig. 21. In Figs. 25 to 28, I have shown a
slightly different form of circuit breaker, however, the forms of circuit breaker
hereinbefore described, may if preferred, be used. The circuit breaker illustrated
in Fig. 25, comprises three discs 7, and q², mounted side by side, Figs. 26 to 28.
inclusive and insulated from each other by the interposition of suitable material.
The discs and y', are provided respectively with conducting segments q² and y'.
disposed opposite each other, and the disc q, is composed wholly of conducting
material and is in electrical connection with each of the conducting segments 7
and This circuit breaker is, of course, provided with contact springs 7,7°
and . When the free end of the thermostat is deflected toward the lett, for
example, by the extinguishment of the lamps, and current is supplied to
the motor from the lamp circuit ee, or in other words, from the secondary circuit
of the transformers, by a conductor, a conductor, contact spring, disc q,
transverse rods, conducting segment 7% of disc 7. contact spring 7° con-
ductor q, back stop a, platen, conductor, to the other conductor or side of
the lamp circuit. Under these circumstances, the motor A, causes revolution of
the shaft d', thus serving to interrupt the primary and secondary circuits of the
transformer, in the order named, either by means of the insulating cylinder d, as

page_text: shown, or by means of snap switches as has been hereinbefore explained. The
rotation of the shaft d', subsequently causes the contact spring 7', to ride upon the
insulating portion of the disc, whereupon the local circuit is broken and the motor
consequently permitted to come to rest. When the free end of the thermostat m,
is deflected toward the right, for instance, by the inclusion of the lamps,
and, current is supplied to the motor A, from the lamp circuit by the con-
ductors and, contact spring, disc q², rods go, portion 7, disc, spring
contact, conductor 3, back stop n. plate, and conductor 2. Under these
circumstances, the motor A, again rotates the shaft d', thus causing the closing of
the primary and secondary circuits of the transformer, in the manner above
described, and subsequently causing the circuit breaker to interrupt the local circuit
at the disc ', whereby the motor is permitted to again come to rest.
"
In Figs. 29 and 30, use is made of a cross-head r, transversely slotted as at r',
for the accommodation of a crank-pin, by means of which the shaft d', and
cylinder d, are rotated. This cross-head r, is provided upon its opposite sides with
cores, that constitute parts of the solenoids and, are springs that press
with their free extremities upon a disc or wheel, keyed to the shaft d', and
provided with peripheral notches, into which the ends of the springs, are
adapted to take and thus prevent the disc or wheel, from coming to rest with
the crank-pin, in line with the cores r³, or in other words, upon a "dead center.'
The disposition of the line, lamp, primary and secondary transformer circuits are
the same in Figs. 29 and 30, as in certain of the preceding figures and consequently
corresponding parts thereof are designated by the same reference letters and further
description is unnecessary.
When the free end of the thermostatic device m, is
deflected downwards, for example, by reason of the extinguishment of a portion ²,
ande, of the lamps, a circuit derived from one side of the lamp circuit is
closed through the conductor t, conducting plate, back stop, conductor,
coils of solenoid, conductors 2 and 3, and back to the other side of the lamp
circuit, as illustrated in Fig. 29, by way of the conductor 613. Under these circum-
stances, the solenoid, draws its core into its coils as shown in Fig. 30, thus
causing the cross-head and crank pin, to turn the cylinder d', into position for
interrupting the primary and secondary circuits of the transformer & in the manner
above described, whereby this transformer is cut out of action. In this connection,
it may be remarked that the springs, and peripherally notched wheel », prevent
the stoppage of the crank pin upon a dead center. When the free end of the
thermostatic device m, is deflected upwards (Fig. 29) for example, by reason of
the lighting of the lamps ., .3, . and e, the circuit derived as before from the
side e, of the lamp circuit by way of the conductor, and conducting plate, is
completed through the back stop, conductor ', and coils of the solenoid, and
thence as before through the conductors 2, 3 and 6, to the other side e', of the
lamp circuit. Under these circumstances the solenoid, shifts the cross head
towards the left in Fig. 30, thus causing the cylinder d, to be turned back into
position for again closing the primary and secondary circuits of the transformer b',
whereby the latter is automatically brought into action.
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 1
claim is:
1. A transformer system of electrical distribution comprising, a line, primary,
secondary, and local circuits, mechanism controlled by electro magnetic devices in
the local circuit and adapted to make an I break the local and primary circuits, and
a switch for controlling the secondary and local circuits, substantially as
described.
2. A transformer system of electrical distribution comprising, a line circuit, a
primary circuit in parallel with the line circuit, a local circuit, mechanism
controlled by electro magnetic devices in the local circuit and adapted to make
and break the local and primary circuits, automatic means for regulating said

page_text: mechanism, and a switch for controlling the secondary and local circuits,
substantially as described.
3. A transformer system of electrical distribution comprising, a local circuit
having three conductors, a switch adapted to make and break the secondary circuit.
and to connect one of the conductors of the local circuit with each of the other two,
positively driven mechanism adapted to automatically check its own motion and
provided with a switch for the primary circuit and with a circuit maker and
breaker for breaking the local circuit and for connecting one or the other of its
two conductors with the third, substantially as described.
4. In a transformer system of electrical distribution, a manual switch provided
with top and bottom bridge pieces and with three contacts, whereof one is provided
with two rubbing surfaces and the others with one rubbing surface each, in
combination with a local circuit having three conductors and an electro magnetic
device for controlling positively driven mechanism, substantially as described.
5. In a transformer system of electrical distribution the combination of, positively
driven mechanism provided with a three way circuit breaker adapted to make
circuit alternately with a pair of contact springs and to intermittently break
contact with both, a switch having two bridge pieces and three contacts whereof
one is provided with two rubbing surfaces and whereof the other two are provided
with one rubbing surface each, and an electric circuit having a conductor extending
from its source of electricity to the circuit breaker and having two conductors from
said contact springs to the switch contacts having one rubbing surface each,
substantially as described.
6. In a transformer system of electrical distribution the combination of, a
primary circuit, a switch and its actuating mechanism for said circuit, an armature
lever tending to stop said driving mechanism, an electro magnet and circuit
connections for attracting said armature, and a positively driven cam-wheel for
controlling said armature lever upon the de-magnetization of the electro magnet,
substantially as described.
7. In a transformer system of electrical distribution the combination of, a switch
for making and breaking the primary circuit, positively driven gearing for actuating
said switch, a pivotal amature lever adapted to release and check said mechanism,
an electro magnet for causing said armature to release the mechanism, a cam-wheel
for permitting said armature lever to check the mechanism, and a circuit breaker
adapted to break the circuit of the electro magnet when the armature lever is
controlled by the cam-wheel, substantially as described.
8. A transformer system of electrical distribution comprising, an induction coil
and its primary and secondary circuit, a train of positively driven gearing adapted
to operate a switch interposed in the primary circuit, and a switch and its connections
interposed in the secondary circuit and adapted to set said mechanism in motion
in order to effect the breaking of the primary circuit subsequent to the decrease of
current in the secondary circuit, substantially as described.
9. In a transformer system of electrical distribution the combination of,
positively driven mechanism adapted to make and break the primary circuit, a
manual switch for interrupting the secondary circuit or any portion thereof, and
mechanical and electrical devices and circuit connections controlled by said switch
and adapted to govern said mechanism, substantially as described.
10. In a transformer system of electrical distribution, mechanical and electrical
devices for breaking and making the primary circuit, and a manual switch and
connections for cutting out and in the secondary circuit and for controlling said
mechanical and electrical devices, substantially as described.
11. A transformer system of electrical distribution comprising, several trans-
formers, and a switch responding to changes in current and adapted to automatically
interrupt the secondary circuit before interrupting the primary circuit and to close
the primary circuit before closing the secondary circuit of one of the transformers,
substantially as described.
12. A transformer system of electrical distribution comprising, several trans-

page_text: formers, and a switch responding to changes in current in the secondary circuit and
adapted to automatically interrupt the secondary circuit before interrupting the
primary circuit and to close the primary circuit before closing the secondary circuit
of one of the transformers, substantially as described.
13. A transformer system of electrical distribution comprising, two transformers
having independently energized primary coils and having their secondary coils
adapted for inclusion in and exclusion from the same secondary circuit, and a switch
responding to changes in the current of the secondary circuit and adapted to
automatically close the primary circuit of one of the transformers before closing its
secondary circuit and to open the secondary circuit before opening the primary
circuit of the last mentioned transformer, substantially as described.
14. A transformer system of electrical distribution comprising, a secondary
circuit, two or more transformers for supplying current to said circuit, and a switch
responding to changes in the current of said circuit and operating to automatically
open the secondary circuit and to subsequently cut out one or more of said trans-
formers and to cut one or more of said transformers into action before closing its or
their secondary circuit or circuits, substantially as described.
15. In a transformer system of electrical distribution, a switch tending to make
and break the primary and secondary circuits of a transformer, and a thermostatic
device responding to changes in current and adapted to release said switch,
substantially as described.
16. In a transformer system of electrical distribution, a switch tending to make
and break the primary and secondary circuits of a transformer, a thermostatic
device responding to changes in current and adapted to release said switch, and a
positively driven eam-wheel and its sliding bar and stop fingers for automatically
arresting said switch, substantially as described.
17. In a transformer system of electrical distribution, a switch operated by
positively driven gearing adapted to rotate an endwise movable spindle having radial
arms, a shipper rod having arms disposed in range of the ends of said spindle, a
sliding bar having stop fingers or pins adapted to contact with said radial arms, and
a thermostat and cam-wheel for operating said sliding and shipper bars, substantially
as described.
18. In a transformer system of electrical distribution, a transformer, and a
device responding to changes of current and adapted to successively include and to
successively exclude the primary and secondary coils of said transformer, whereby
sparking and disruptive discharges are prevented, substantially as described.
19. In a transformer system of electrical distribution, a transformer, a revoluble
shaft, means for actuating said shaft, a thermostatic device for controlling said
shaft, and devices operated by said shaft and adapted to cut the said transformer
into and out of action, substantially as described.
Dated this 26th day of June 1894.
W. P. THOMPSON & BOULT,
Agents for the Applicant.