US996960A

US996960A - End-cell switch.

Info

Publication number: US996960A
Authority: US
Inventors: Johan M Andersen
Original assignee: Albert and JM Anderson Manufacturing Co
Current assignee: Albert and JM Anderson Manufacturing Co
Priority date: 1910-12-20
Filing date: 1910-12-20
Publication date: 1911-07-04
Anticipated expiration: 1928-07-04

Description

J. M. ANDERSEN.

END OELL SWITCH. APPLICATION FILED 11110.20, 1910.

Patented July 4, 1911.

8 SHEETS-SHEET l.

.W/ TNEEEgE- d :1

Patented July 4, 1911.

8 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

FDR- may J. M. ANDERSEN. END CELL SWITCH.

APPLICATION IILIZD DEOJZO, 1910.

WITNESSES- J. M. ANDERSEN. END CELL SWITCH. LPPLIOATIOI FILED DEC. 20, 1910. 996,960. Patented July 4, 1911 M 0 $1M. O m w jjjjjj lfimwmnwi mJIIIJIIIE i M 9 m 0 LEE Emm @t LEc 0 [AA/ENTER- \A// rip/E5555- J. M. ANDERSEN. END CELL SWITCH. APPLICATION FILED no. no, 1910.

NVENTU W1 TNEESEE- J. M. ANDERSEN.

END CELL SWITCH.

APPLICATION FILED DBO- 20, 1910.

Patented July 4, 1911.

8 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

21. Eh INVE I I I l I I I I I I I I I I I l l/ \A/ITNEESEE- J. M. ANDERSEN.

END CELL SWITCH.

APPLIOATIOI nun 1:20.20, 1910.

996,960. Patented July4, 1911.

8 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

null

iiiiiiiiliii HIIHIIHIIN ilii! liiii INN J. M. ANDERSEN.

END CELL SWITCH.

APPLIOATION FILED D110. 20, 1910.

8 SHEETS-SHEET 7.

Patented July 4, 1911.

WITNE SEE 1. WW V J. M. ANDERSEN.

END CELL SWITCH.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 20, 1910.

996,960. Patented July 4, 1911.

8 SHEETS-SHEET 8 y- 1P9- 206 2 2 MT/VESEES INVE JTU t n, A- h! UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHAN M. ANDEBSEN, 015 BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR T ALBERT AND J. M.

ANDERSON MANUFACTURING COMPANY, OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, A-CORPO- RATION OF MAINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

END-CELL SWITCH.

Application filed December 20, 1910. Serial No. 598,399.

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, JOHAN M. ANDER- SEN, a citizen of the United States, residing in Boston, county of Suffolk, and State of Massachusetts, have invented an Improve ment in End-Cell Switches, of which the following description, in connection with the accompanying drawings, is a specification, like letters on the drawings representing like parts.

' This invention relates to circuit controlling I apparatus especially designed and adapted Ifor use in the central stations of electric light and power systems in connec- L5 vtion with a plurality of storage battery cells arranged side by-side.

The invention has for its object to provide a simple and efficient mechanism for reciprocating a circuit controller common to the battery cells, whereby said circuit controller may be moved step by step to add cells to the storage battery or to take off cells therefrom as demanded inservice.

The invention further has for its object to provide a selective mechanism as will be described, by means of which it is deter-' mined whether the cells shall be added to or taken ofi' from the battery.

Provision is also made for indicating to the operator the number of cells connected in. service.

These and other features of this invention will be pointed out in the .claims at the end of this specification.

Figure 1 is a side elevation of one end of an apparatus embodying this invention. Fig. 2, a plan view with parts in section of the portion of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3, a side elevation with parts V broken awayiof the left hand portion of the apparatus, which is to be read 1n connection with Fig/ 1. Fig. 4, a plan of the portion of'the apparatus shown in Fig. which is to be read in connection with Fig.

2.. Fig. 5, an ehd elevation of Fig. 1 looking toward the left. Fig. 6,"a cross section on an-enlarged scale taken on the line 6-6, Fig. 4, and Figs. 7 to 11, details to be referred I to. Fig. 12, an elevation of one .60 form of indicator employed with the appa ratus. Figs. 13 and 14, modifications to be referred to, and Figs. 15 and 16, diagrams of circuits to be referred to.

Referring to the drawings, a plurality of storage battery cells, twelve in number, are represented by the substantially parallel bars or conductors 1 to 12 (see Fig. 4). Each bar or conductor has attached to it a circuit terminal 13, with which cooperates a movable circuit controlling member, herein shown as composed of two sets 14 of laminated contacts or brushes, which are adapted to engage the upper= and lower surfaces of the terminals 13 at one end, and the upper and lower surfaces of a bus bar or terminal 16, which is common to all the terminals 13.

The brushes 14 are secured as by bolts 18 .to a carrier 19, interposed between them (see Fig. 6) and from which the are electrically separated by the insul tion 20. The brushes 14 and the

terminals

13, 16,00- ope'rate to form a switch or circuit controller by means of which the storage battery cells are individually connected in circuit or cut out therefrom.

The

stationary terminals

13, 16 are suitably secured to the

sides

21, 22 of a support ing frame, which is provided with

end pieces

23, 24 supporting a guide for the carrier 19. a

The guide is shown as a rod 25 provided at its top portion with a longitudinally extended slot or channel 26, in which is located an actuating device for the carrier 19 of the vmovable member of the circuit controller.

The actuating device may be made as herein shown and has provision for moving the carrier 19 in opposite directions. In the present instance, the actuating device comprises a channel bar 27 which is fitted to slide in the slot 26 in the guide rod 25, and a toothed or ratchet bar 28, which is fitted to slide in the said-channel bar. The channel bar 27 is provided in its side walls with substantially rectangular transverse slots 29 forming teeth, which are spaced a art a distance substantially equal to the dlstance-between adjacent terminals 13, and

into which are adapted to enter awls 30,

' 3,1, pivoted to the opposite ends 0 the carrier 19 (see Figs. 7, 8 and 9). The ratchet bar 28 is provided with a plurality of pairs of inclined or ratchet teeth in its upper surface, which cotiperate with the transverse slots 29 in the channel bar, a pair for each s 0t.

Each pair of ratchet teeth comprises two oppositely

inclined teeth

33, 34, which are separated from each other for a purpose as will be described. One ratchet tooth as 33 coiiperates with its slot 29 to permit the end of the pawl 30 to drop into the slot 29 and effectively engage the channel bar to move the brush carrier in one direction, and the ratchet tooth 34 cotiperates with said slot 29 to enable the pawl 31 to drop into it and effectively engage the channel bar, to move the brush carrier in the opposite direction. The ratchet teeth serve also to disengage the

pawls

30, 31, from the slots 29 in the channel bar.

The portion of the ratchet bar between the

teeth

33, 34, serves as a closure or cover for the slot 29 and prevents engagement of the pawls with the same.

In Fig. 7, the ratchet bar 28 is positioned so that the teeth 34 register with the slots 29 in operative relation, so that the pawl 31 can effectively engage the channel bar so as to move with the same and thus move the brush carrier in the direction of the arrow 36.

In Fig. 8, the ratchet teeth 33 register with the slots 29 and allow the pawl30 to effectively engage the channel bar, so as to effect movement of the brush carrier in the opposite direction indicated by the arrow 113 when the channel bar is moved in the said direction.

In Fig. 9, the ratchet teeth are on opposite sides of the slot 29 and the latter is practically closed by the portion 37 of the ratchet bar between the teeth. In this position, the channel bar and the ratchet bar moving as one piece can be moved in either direction without moving the brush carrier.

Provision is made for moving the brush carrier both by power and by hand, and for controlling the direction in which it. is

I joined by a connecting rod 45 to the end of the channel bar 27. The armature shaft 41 is provided with a brake wheel 46, with which cotiperates a brake band or stra 47. It will thus be seen that rotation o the armature shaft efl'ects rotation of the gear wheel 43 by means of the worm 42, and rotation of the gear wheel by means of the connecting rod 45 reciprocates the channel bar 27.

Provision is made for moving the ratchet bar 28 independently of the channel bar 27 and also simultaneously therewith, and for this purpose, I employ a toggle mechanism comprising the

levers

50, 51, (see Fig. 2), one end of the lever 50 being pivotally connected to the ratchet bar 28, and the other end being pivoted to the lever 51, which is pivoted to the channel bar 27. The center pivot 52 for the toggle levers 50, 51 has mounted on it a disk or wheel 53, which is adapted to travel between guide bars 54, 55 extended in the direction of the length of the channel bar and which are secured in any suitable manner to a slide bar 56, movable transversely with relation to the channel bar between suitable guide ribs 57 erected upon the bracket 58 secured to the end frame 23 and forming part of the frame. work of the apparatus, said ribs also serving as a support for the channel bar 27 (see Fig. 1). The slide bar 56 is movable transversely of the channel bar 27, so as to move the toggle levers into different positions, and thereby move the ratchet bar independently of the channel bar, so as to position the

ratchet teeth

33, 34, with relation to the slot 29 in the channel bar.

In the extreme open or broken position of the toggle levers 50, 51, shown in Fig. 2, the ratchet bar 28 is moved into its extreme position toward the right or in the direction indicated by the arrow 36 in which position the ratchet tooth 33 registers with the slot 29 as shown in Fig. 8. I

In the straightened position of the toggle levers 50, 51, the ratchet bar 28 is moved in the opposite direction and the ratchet tooth 34 registers with theslot 29, as shown in Fig. 7. In the intermediate position of the toggle levers 50, 51, the portion 37 of the ratchet bar between the teeth registers with the slot 29 as shown in Fig. 9. g

The toggle levers 50, 51, are moved into the positions just described by the guide bars 54, 55 cotiperating with the disk or wheel 53, said guide bars being secured to the slide bar 56 so as to move therewith. The slide bar 56 may be moved as herein shown by electromagnets or

solenoids

60, 61, having movable cores 62, 63, (see Fig. 2) mounted as shown on a rod 64 and separated by a disk or block 65 of brass-or other nonmagnetic material, said rod being connected with the slide bar 56, as herein shown by mechanism comprising a link 66, crank 67, on a rock-shaft 68, a second crank 69 on said rock-shaft and a link 70, which connects the crank 69 to a stud or pin 71 on the slide bar 56.

By reference to Fig. 2, it will be seen that when the electromagnet 61 is energized, its

core 63 will be moved in the direction of the arrow 72, and the slide bar 56 will be moved in the direct-ion of the arrow 73 so as to straighten the toggle levers 50, 51.

When the electromagnet 60 is energized, the core 62 will be moved in the direction opposite to that indicated by the arrow 72 and the slide bar 56 will be moved in the direction opposite to that indicated by the arrow 73, and thetoggle will be broken as representedin Fig. 2.

Whenthe electromagnets are deenergized, the cores 62, 63, will be moved into a central or neutral position and the slide bar 56 will be moved into a neutral position with the toggle levers 50, 51, in their intermediate position. The movement into the neutral position just described, may be effected by a spring 75 connecting movable arms or levers 76, 77, which are pivoted at their rear end at 78 to the bracket 58, and have their free ends extended over the slide bar 56 into position to engage a pin or stud 79 on the said slide bar.

As represented in Fig. 2, the lever 76 is engaged by the pin 79, and has been moved by the same so as to place the spring 75 under tension, the lever 77 at such time being stationary, it being held by the spring 75 against a fixed stop 80 shown asa pin erected upon one of the ribs 57.

The

electromagnets

60, 61, are and may be included in circuit with the motor 40 with which is also connected a brake magnet 81 controlling the operation of the brake band 47, which has one end fastened to a stationary part, and its other end to a rod 82 connected with the armature 83 of the electromagnet 81 (see Figs. 2 and 5), said rod having on it a helical spring 84, which abuts against the casin of the magnet and against the armature and serves to'apply the brake band to the brake wheel 46 when the brake magnet 81 is denergized.

hen the magnet 81 is energized, the brake is released and the motor shaft 41 is permitted to be turned.

Provision is made for automatically opening the circuit of the motor at the end of each complete reciprocation of the actuating pose,

device for the brush carrier. For this purthe apparatus is provided with a circuit controller, which governs the circuit of the motor 40, brake magnet 81 and

toggle operating magnets

60, 61, and which is held in its closed position by acam 85 on one face of the worm gear 43, said cam coiiperating with the circuit controller to close the-same and hold it closed while the worm gear is making substantially one complete revolution, and to permit the circuit controller to be opened at each revolution of the worm on the gear 43 gear and at or about the time the channel bar 27 is at or near the end of its backward stroke in the direction indicated by the arrow 36.

The circuit controller may be of any suitable or desired construction and is represented in Fig. 2 as provided with four sets of

stationary contacts

86, 87, 88, 89, with which cooperate two pairs of blades or movable contacts 90, 91, secured to a lever 92 to which is connected a sliding rod98 carrying a roller 94 which is designed to be engaged by the cam 85.

In Figs. 2 and 5, the cam 85 is shown as engaged with the roller 94 and the circuit of the motor, solenoids and brake magnet is closed.

As represented in Fig. 2, the ends of the cam 85 are separated by a space 95 into which the roller 94 is capable of being moved and which permits the switch to be opened by the springs 96. The cam 85 is arranged so that the space 95 is brought into line with the roller 94 at or about the time the channel bar 27 is at or near the end .of its back stroke and substantially in the position represented in Figs. 1 and 2.

Provision is also made for reciprocating the channel bar 27 by hand and to enable this to be efi'ected with a-minimum'labor, the frame 97 supporting the motor 40 is pivoted at98 andhas co'ciperating with its free end a cam or dog 99 on a shaft 100 provided with a handle 101, said dog being designed to engage the underside of the free end of the motor support or frame 97 so as to raise the same and hold it in its elevated position wit-h the worm 42 in engagement with the worm gear 43. The locking dog 99 is retained in its operative position by a stud or pin 102 on the stationary frame 58 against which it is held by the weight of the motor support 97.

By reference to Fig. 1,it will be seen that when it is desired to move the channel bar 27 by hand, the shaft 100 is turned to the left until the dog 99 rests against the pin are arranged to be engaged by the center pin 52 of the toggle levers when the toggle levers are in their straightened position and also in their extreme open or broken pos1 tion.

The circuit controlling member, which cooperates with .thcpin- 52 in the straightened position of the toggles comprises two

terminal brushes

105, 106 secured to an upright 107 on the bracket 58, and the controlling member which coiiperates with the pin 52 in the broken position of the toggles comprises like terminal brushes 109, 110, secured to a similar upright 112.

By reference to Fig. 2, it will be seen that when the cells are added to the battery by movement of the channel bar 27 in the direction of the arrow 113 (see Figs. 2 and 8) the pin 52 will engage the terminal brushes 105, 106 and close a circuit governing-the movement of the indicating device in one direction as will be described,'and when a cell is taken off or disconnected from the others, the pin 52 will engage the terminal brushes 109, 110, and close a second circuit governing the movement of the indicating device in the reverse direction.

In Fig. 12, I have represented one form of indicating device, which comprises a pointer or index fast on a shaft 121 and cooperating with a dial 122 having numbers corresponding to the number of cells in the storage battery. The shaft 121 has fast on it a disk or wheel 124 provided with teeth 125, one for each battery cell, and with which coiiperate a set of

push pawls

126, 127 and a set of holding pawls 128, 129. The push pawls 126, 127 are pivoted to a bar or arm 130 loosely mounted 011 the shaft 121, said pawls being extended in opposite directions, and normally engaged with the teeth of the disk or wheel 124 by

springs

131, 132. The holding pawls128, 129 are pivoted to a stationary part, not shown, but which may be a stationary plate, and are normally held in engagement with a tooth of the disk or wheel 124 by

springs

133, 134.

Each tooth is shown as provided with oppositely inclined sides so as to permit the pawls to be readily disengaged therefrom. The toothed disk or wheel 124 is designed to be rotated in opposite directions in unison with the movement of the brush carrier 19, and provision is made for disengaging one of the push pawls from its cotiperating tooth according to the direction in which the said disk or wheel is to be moved. For this purpose, the pawl carrying bar or arm130 has pivoted to it a T-shaped cam bar 136 having cam-shaped arms 137, 138, which engage the

push pawls

126, 127, respectively, so that when the cam bar is turned on its pivot in one direction, one of the cams as 138 will disengage the push pawl 127 from the disk or wheel 124 and leave the push pawl 126 in its operative position to turn the said wheel or disk, its shaft 121 and the pointer. 126. When the cam bar 136 is turned in the opposite direction, the cam 137 will disengage its coiiperating push pawl 126 and leave the push pawl 127 in its operative position. The cam bar 136 is moved in opposite directions by electromagnets or

solenoids

140, 141, which are included in circuit with the

terminals

105, 106, 109, 110 respectively. In Fig. 12, the

electromagnets

140, 141 are shown-as included in local circuits provided with

batteries

142, 143, said circuits being normally open at the

terminals

105, 106, 109, 110. The

electromagnets

140, 141, have their cores or

armatures

145, 146, connected by

links

147, 148 to the cam bar 136 on opposite sides of the same.

Provision is made for disengaging one of the holding pawls, when the toothed disk or wheel 124 is to be moved. To this end, the

push pawls

126, 127, are provided with pins or

projections

150, 151, which are designed to be brought into engagement with the holding pawls.

Rotation of the toothed disk 124 in opposite directions is effected by

springs

152, 153 connected at one end to the pawl carrying bar or arm 130 and fastened at their opposite end to a stationary part (not shown). The operation of the indicator may be readily understood from Fig. 12.

lVhen the contact member is moved so as to add a cell, the center pin 52 of the toggle levers contacts with the

circuit terminals

105, 106, and closes the circuit of the electromagnet 140, which attracts its core 145 and through the rod 147 turns the cam bar 136 in the direction of the arrow 160, thereby causing the cam 138 to disengage the push pawl 127 from the tooth with which it is engaged, and at or about the time this disengagement is effected, the cam bar 136 engages a fixed stop or pin 161 on the pawl carrying bar, so that on further movement of the cam bar by the electromagnet 140, the

pawl carrying bar 130 will be moved about the shaft 121 as a center in the direction indicated by the arrow 162. On this movement of the pawl-carrying bar, the pin 150 on the push pawl 126 engages the holding pawl 128 and lifts it from the tooth with which it is engaged, and the push pawl 126 is engaged with a new tooth, so that when the circuit of the magnet 140 is opened by the center pin 52 being disengaged there from on the back stroke or movement of the actuating device, the spring 152 moves the. pawl carrying bar 130 back to its central position, and by means of the push pawl 126 turns the toothed disk 124 the distance of one tooth and moves the pointer 120 one step on the dial 122 in the direction opposite to that indicated by the arrow 162.

\Vhen the circuit of the magnet 141 is energized by the center pin 52 of the toggle engaging the

terminals

109, 110, the parts are placed in proper relation to turn the toothed disk 124 in the direction indicated by the arrow 162; that is, the push pawl 126 scribed is designed paratus Fig. 15 by a.

' blade 171 engages ammo.

is disengaged from its tooth b the cam 137 the bar 136 is turned in the irection opposite to that indicated by the arrow 160; the holding pawl 129 is disengaged from its tooth; the push pawl 127 is engaged with a new tooth, and the spring 153 placed under tension, so that when the circuitof the magnet 141 is opened on the back stroke of the actuating device, the push pawl 127 will turn the toothed disk or wheel, its shaft and pointer one ,step in the direction indicated bythe arrow 162.

The apparatus herein shown and dcto be located in the vicinity of the storage battery, and by reference to Figs. 1 to 4,,it'will be observed that the electric motor, selecting magnets, etc. are located beyond or outside of the battery cells,

where they are readily accessible.

In practice, it is desirable that the apshould be controlled from a distant point, which is accomplished as shown in manually controlled switch, whichmay be of any suitable construction and which is shown as composed of two blades or

movable members

170, 171, mounted on a common pivot and provided with a handle 172, one of said blades being in its open position when the other is closed. The

blades

170, 171, coiiperate with fixed terminals 17 3,174, with one of which the solenoid 60 is connected by the wire 17 5 and with the other of which the solenoid 61 is'connected by wire 176.

Both solenoids are connected with the brake magnet 81 by wire177, and the brake magnet is connected in series tric motor 40, which is connected by the wire 277 with one side 17 8 of the supply circuit," the other side 179 of which is connected by the wire 180 to the blades 170,. 171. It will thus be seen, that if the operator throws the handle 172 in one direction, the the terminal 174 and the circuit/ is completed through the selecting solenoid 61, brake magnet .81 and motor 40, which circuit may be traced as follows: from the/line 179 by wire 180 to the blade 171, thence by terminal 174, wire 176, solenoid 61, wire 177, brake magnet 81 throu h the motor 40, and'thence by wire 27 7 tot e other side 178 of the supply circuit. this case, the

.togg s'and pos tion e at h t be 2 #9 add a cell, the brake magnet releases ,the

brake on the motor shaft and the motor starts up and through the described, moves the channel bar and the contact member 14, so as to add a ,cell to the storage battery.

When it is desired to take 05 a cell, the pp erator throws the handle 17 210 close the oil'- cuit' ofthe solenoid 60 by the blade "170 into contact with the 173. This operating terminals;

with the e1ec-- solenoid 61 straightens controlling member 180. As

mechanism above circuit may be traced as before to the blade 17 0, thence by the terminal 173 andwire 175 to the solenoid 60, and thence through the brake magnet 81and motor 40 as above described.

In order to avoid the necessity of the operator remaining at the startin switch after the same has been closed, auxfiiary switches are provided, which are automatic in action and which serve to maintain the circuit closed in case the operatorremoves his hand from the starting switch, which latter is of well knownconstruction and opened by a spring (not shown) as soonas the hand of the operator has been removed. In the present instance, three automatic switches are provided, one controlled by the cam 85 and comprising the blades 90, 91, and their cowhich are represented in the diagram as a single lever 180 and terminal 181. The other two are shown in the diagrams'as two

independent levers

182, 183, which cooperate with two

terminals

184, 185, and which are controlled. by the solenoids 61, 62, respectively.

In Figs. 11 and 2, the other two automatic switches are shown in their preferred construction and comprise a metal disk 186 fast on the rod 64 on-which the cores. 62,

63' of the solenoids are mounted, and two

setsof terminals

187, 188, located on opposite sides of said disk and suitably supported as by the

uprights

189, 190.. When the solenoid 60 is energized, the disk 186 is brought into contact with the terminals 188,

and when the solenoid 61 is energized, the di k 18.6 i ng ged as shown in Figs. '1 and 2. The disk 186 and the terminals 187 are represented in Fig. 15 by the lever 182 and terminal 184; and the said disk and terminals 188 are represented by the lever 183 and terminal 185.

Referring to Fig. 15, the

levers

182, 183 are connected by the wires wires 17 6, 175 respectively, and the lever 180 is connected by the

wires

193, 194, 195 with the terminals 184 185, and the terminal 181 is connected by the wire 196 to the wire 17 9. It will thus be seen that when the with the terminals 187 191, 192 with the circuit of the solenoid 61 is completed by i the hand switch 171, the circuit controlling member 182 is closed and when the motor 40 is started, the

When the circuit of the solenoid '60 is.

cam 85 closes the circuit aresult, a-cir- 196'to-terminal 181, thence completed by the hand switch, the circuit controlling member 183 is closed, and when wire 179 by wire 196 to'terminal 181, thence by member 180,

wires

193, 194, terminal 185, member 183,

wires

192, 175, solenoid 60, thence through brake magnet 81 and motor 40 to the other side of the line. The cir-' cuits just described after being established are controlled by the cam 85, which permits them to be opened as above described.

If the operator desires to add or take off more than one cell, he can close the hand switch once for each cell or he can retain it closed until the desired number of cells have been added or taken ofl".

The apparatus herein shown is designed to add or take off cells of one polarity, as, for instance, positive cells, and a second apparatus would be provided for the negative cells. The two apparatus are represented in the diagram Flg. 16. In this case, it is desirable to be able to operate both apparatus from a single hand switch. For this purpose, the two apparatus are connected with a three wire system and like solenoids of both are connected together and controlled by hand switches.- In Fig. 16, the wires 196 are connected with the neutral wire 179 of the three-wire system and the wires 277 from the motors 40 are connected with the positive and negative wires of said system.

In addition, the solenoids 60 are connected 2 by

wires

200, 201 to a switch represented by

wires

201, 175, solenoid 60 o the lever 202 and terminal 203, and the solenoids 61 are connected by

wires

204, 205 to a switch represented by the lever 206 and terminal 207. It will thus be seen, that if the operator desires to operate both apparatus simultaneously; it is only necessary to close the switch 203 in one instance, which completes the starting circuit through the solenoids 60 of both apparatus, or to close the circuit through the solenoids 61 by closing the switch 206. The starting circuit through the solenoids 60, may be traced as follows :from the positive line' wire 208 by wire 209 to motor 40 of apparatus marked No. 1 in F' 16, thence through the brake magnet 81, sifienoid 60,.wires 175,200 to switch lever 202, thence b terminal 203, f apparatus No. 2, thence by brake ma et 81, motor 40 and wire 277 to the negative line wire 178.

The starting circuit through the solenoids 61 may be traced as follows :from the ositive line wire as herein-described to soenoid 61 of No.1 apparatus, thence by wim 176 204 to switch 206, thence by terminal 207,

wires

205, 176, solenoid 61- of controlled No. 2 apparatus to brake magnet 81, thence as above described to the negative line wire 178. As soon as both ap aratus are actuated, they are controlled y the automatic switches as above described with relation to the single apparatus represented by Fig. 15.

Provision is made for maintainin the .circuit between'the battery cells and he main contact brush 14 when the latter is moved from one of the terminals 13 to the next adjacent terminal, which terminals are separated a distance greater than the width of the brush 14. In Figs. 3 and 4, this result is accomplished by providing between adjacent terminals 13 auxiliary terminals 213, each of which is connected by a resistance 214 to an adjacent cell. Inasmuch as the storage battery cells between each of the studs or bars 1 to 12 may vary in number, the resistance between the studs-is varied accordingly, and the purpose of the resistance 214 is to take care of the difference in potential between adjacent adjoining studs, as, for instance, between 7 and 8, when the contact member 14 engages the terminal 13 connected with the stud 8 and the auxiliary terminal 213 between the

studs

7 and 8.

The resistance between the auxiliary terminals 213 and the studs of the various battery cells may vary according to the number of cells placed between adjacent studs according to the conditions required in service, and while I may prefer this arrangement I do not desire to limit/the invention in this respect, as the carrier may be provided with an auxiliary brush 210, which is connected by the resistance 212 with the main brush 14, as shown in Figs. 13 and 14;

To safeguard the main brush 14 from mjury by possible sparking as the brush passes from' one terminal to another, an auxiliary contact member 220, preferably in the form i of a metal block, is carried by the brush 14 so as tocoiiperate with the terminals in advance of and behind the main brush 14, as

represented in Figs. 4 and 6. .1

From the above description, it will be seen that the movable contact member l4 is mechanically operated by a reciprocating actuating device, one form of which is herein shown whose direction of movement 15 by electromagnets, but it is not desired to .limit the invention to the particular construction of reciprocating actuating device herein shown. Furthermore, it is not desired tolimit the invention to the particular indicating device hereln shown.

Claims.

1. In an apparatus of the character. described, in combination, a movable contact member, a reciprocating actuating device for said contact member, an electric motor connected with said actuatin J device to reciprocate the same, a selective device cooperating with said actuating device to determine in what direction the contact member shall be moved by said actuating device, electromagnets to move said selective device in opposite directions independently of the said actuating device, a circuit 'controller governing the circuit of said electromagnets, a cam governing the operation of said cir cuit controller, and a circuit controller for said motor, substantially as described.

2. In an apparatus of the character.described, in combination, a movable contact member, an actuating device to move it bodily in opposite directions and comprising a channel bar having a plurality of pairs of slots, a ratchet bar-movable in said channel bar independently thereof and simul-' taneously therewith, pawls carried by the movable contact member and capable of engaging said slots to connect the said contact member with said channel bar to effect movement of said contact member by movement of said channel bar, the engagement of said pawls with said slots being controlled by said ratchet bar, an electric motor, means for connecting the electric motor with said channel bar, electromagnets, means for connecting said electromagnets with said ratchet bar, and means for controlling the circuits of said motor and electromagnets, substantially as described.

3. In an apparatus of the character described, in combination, a movable contact member, a reciprocating actuating bar having a plurality of pairs of slots, a ratchet bar having a plurality of pairs of opposing ratchet teeth separated from each other,

pawls movable with said contact member and cooperating with said actuating bar to connect the contact memberwith said actuating bar, the engagement of said pawls with said actuating bar being controlled by said ratchet bar, an electric motor connected with said actuating bar to reciprocate it, electromagnets connected with said ratchet bar to. move it in' opposite directions independ-.

ently of said actuating bar, and means for controlling said motor and electromagnets.

4. Inan apparatus of the character described, in combination, a movable contact member, a reciprocating actuating bar havinga plurality of pairs of slots, a ratchet bar having a plurality of pairs of opposing ratchet teeth separated from each other, pawls movable with said contact member and cooperating with said actuating bar. to connect the contact member with said actuating bar, the engagement of said pawls with said actuating bar being controlled by said ratchet bar, a toggle mechanism connecting said ratchet bar with said actuating bar, a disk mounted on the center pin of said toggle, guide ars engaging said disk and between which 'the said disk is movable by the reciprocation of the actuating bar, and a slide bar carrying said guide bars and movable transversely of the path of move* ment of the actuating bar, substantially as described.

5. In an apparatus of the character described, in combination, a movable contact member, a reciprocating actuating bar having a plurality of pairs of slots, a ratchet bar having a plurality of pairs of opposing ratchet teeth separated from each other, pawls movable with said contact member and cooperating with said ratchet bar to connect the contact member with said actuating bar, the engagement of said pawls with said actuating bar being controlledby said ratchet bar, a toggle mechanism connecting said ratchet bar with said actuating bar, a diskmounted on the center pin of said toggle, guide bars engaging said disk and between which the said disk is movable by the reciprocation of the actuating bar, and a slide bar carrying said guide bars and movable transversely of the path of move- 'ment of the actuating bar, and means to move said slide bar in opposite directions.

6. In an apparatus of the character described, in combination, a movable contact member, a reciprocating actuating bar having a plurality of pairs of slots, a ratchet bar having a plurality of pairs of opposing ratchet teeth separated from each other, pawls movable with said contact member and cooperating with said actuating bar to connect the contact member with said actuating bar, the engagement of' said pawls with said actuating bar being controlled by said ratchet bar, a toggle mechanism connecting said ratchet bar with'said actuating bar, a disk mounted on the center pin of said toggle, guide bars engaging said disk andbetween which the said disk is movable by the reciprocation of the actuating bar, a

slide bar carrying said guide bars and movable transversely of the'path of movement of the actuating bar, and means for operating said slide bar,"substantially as described.

7. In an apparatus of the character described, in combination, a contact member, a sliding carrier therefor, a reciprocating actuating device for said sliding carrier, means movable with said device and independently thereof in the direction of the length thereof for controlling'the connection of said carrier with said device to permit the carrier to be moved'in opposite directions and to permit said device to be moved without moving said carrier, and means for reciprocating said actuating device, substantially as described. I

8. In an apparatus of the character described, in combination, a contact member movable step by step, a reciprocating actuating device for moving said contact memher, means for reciprocating said actuating device, a device movable with the actuating device and independently thereof in the direction of the length thereof to enable the contact member to be connected with said actuating device and moved a plurality of steps in the same direction by a plurality of reciprocations of the actuating device, and means for effecting the said independent movement.

' 9. In an apparatus of the character described, in combination, a contact member movable step by step in opposite directions, a reciprocating actuating device for moving said contact member, means for reciprocating said-actuating device, and means movable with said actuating device and independently thereof in the direction of the length thereof and coiiperating with said contact member, to enable the latter to be moved in the same direction a plurality of steps by a plurality of reciprocations of the actuating device.

10. In an apparatus of the character described, in combination, a contact member, a carrier for said member movable in opposite directions, a reciprocating actuating device for said carrier, a selective mechanism for selecting the direction in which the said contact carrier is moved by said actuating device and provided with means for governing the connection of the said carrier with said actuating device, electromagnets'to operate said selective mechanism in opposite directions, an electric motor, mechanism for con necting said electric motor with said device, a starting circuit controller for said electromagnets and motor, and a circuit controller governed by said electromagnets to maintain the circuit of the motor closed and permit the starting circuit'controller to be opened, substantially as described.

11. Inan apparatus of the character described, in combination, a movable contact member, mechanism for moving it step by step in opposite directions, an indicator movable in opposite directions, electromagnets to operate said indicator, circuit terminals connected with said electromagnets, and a circuit controller movable with'the mechanism which operates the said contact member and cooperating with said circuit terminals to close the circuit of the electromag- 13. In an apparatus of the character described, in combination, a movable contact member, mechanism for moving it step by step, an indicator, and means movable by said mechanism for controlling the operation of said idicator, for the purpose specified.

14. In an apparatus of the character described, in combination, a contact member movable in opposite directions, a reciproeating actuating device for said contact member, a selective mechanism for selecting the direction in which said contact member is moved by said actuating device, and provided with a device movable longitudinally of the actuating device and an electromagnet to operate said selective mechanism, substantially as described.

15. In an apparatus of the character described, in combination, a contact member movable in opposite directions, a reciprocating actuating device for said member, a selective mechanism for selecting the direction in which the said contact member is moved by said actuating device and provided with a device movable longitudinally of the actuating device, electromagnets to operate said selective mechanism in opposite directions, an electric motor, mechanism for connecting said electric motor with said device, a starting circuit controller for said clectromagnets and motor, and a circuit controller to maintain the circuit of the motor closed and permit the starting circuit controller to be opened, substantially as described.

16. The combination with a plurality of apparatus of the character described, each providedwith a movable contact member, mechanism for moving the same in opposite directions, a selective mechanism to determine in Which direction the said contact member is moved, electromagnets to operate said selective mechanism, an electric motor to operate the mechanism which moves said contact member, a hand-operated switch governing the circuits of said electromagnets, conductors for electrically connecting the electromagnets of one apparatus with the electromagnets of the other apparatus, and circuit controllers in said conductors capable of closing the circuits of the electromagnets of both apparatus simultaneously, substantially as described.

17. In an apparatus of the character described, in combination, a plurality of battery terminals, auxiliary terminals arranged between said battery terminals, resistances connecting the auxiliary terminals with adjacent battery terminals, a contact member cooperating with said terminals and movable step by step into engagement with successive battery and auxiliary terminals, a reciprocating actuating device for moving said contact member, means for reciprocating said actuating device, a device movable with the actuating device and independently thereof in the direction'of the len th thereof, and means for effecting said in ependent movement, substantially as described.

18. In an apparatus of the character described, in combination, a movable contact member, a reciprocating actuating member therefor, a selective mechanism for selecting the direction-in which the said contact member is moved and.comprising a toothed bar,

a'toggle connecting said bar with the reciprocating member, a slide bar operatively connected with said toggle, and means for 15 moving said slide bar in opposite directions, substantially as described. i

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

JOHAN M. ANDERSEN. Witnesses:

JAs. H. CHURCHILL, J. M. MURPHY.