Hermann Plauson: Conversion of Atmospheric Electricity
(Articles & patents)

> ![](0logo.gif)  
>  **[rexresearch.com](../index.htm)**
>
> ---
>
> **Hermann PLAUSON**
>
> **Conversion of Atmospheric Electricity**
>
> ---
>
>
>
> ---
>
> **[Biography](#biogr) (Wikipedia)**   
>  **[Meridian International Research:
> Atmospheric Electricity Research](#meridian)**   
>  **[*Science & Invention* (Feb. 1922)](#scinv1):
> "Power from the Air" (I)**   
>  **[*Science & Invention* (March
> 1922)](#scinv2): "Power from the Air" (II)**   
>  **[Plauson's Patents](#patentlist) (List)**   
>  **[H. Plauson: USP # 1,540,998](#usp1540) --
> Conversion of Atmospheric Electricity**   
>  **[H. Plauson: British Patent # 157,262](#gb157262)
> -- Improvements in Electric Motors**   
>  **[H. Plauson: British Patent # 157,263](#gb263) --
> Process & Apparatus for Converting Static Atmospheric
> Electrical Energy into Dynamic Electrical Energy...**
>
> [***Science & Invention* (** **June
> 1928 )**](#scinvjune28) **- "Harnessing Nature's Electricity****"**
>
> **[H. Plauson : British Patent #
> 299735](GB299735.pdf) --** **Process for Producing Rapidly Moving
> Electrons [ PDF ]**
>
> [**H. Plauson :** ***Gewinnung*** ***und
> Verwertung der Atmosphatischen***](#gewinnung) **[*Elecktrizitat*](#gewinnung)** **( 1922
> )** **[ [PDF](gewinnung.pdf) ]**
>
> ---
>
>   
>   
> [**http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermann\_Plauson**](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermann_Plauson)
>
>
> **Biography**
>
> **Hermann Plauson** was an Estonian engineer and
> inventor. Plauson investigated the production of energy and
> power via atmospheric electricity.
>
> Plauson was the director of the Fischer-Tropsch "Otto Traun
> Research Laboratories" in Hamburg, Germany during the Weimar
> Republic of the 1920s. He built on Nikola Tesla's idea for
> connecting machinery to the "wheelwork of nature". Plauson's
> US Patent # 1,540,998 describes methods to convert alternating
> radiant static electricity into rectified continuous current
> pulses. He developed the Plauson's converter, an electrostatic
> generator. In 1920, Plauson published a book titled "*Production
> and Utilization of the Atmospheric Electricity*" (*Gr.,
> Gewinnung und Verwertung der Atmospharischen Elektrizitat*).
> A copy of this book is in the British Library.
>
> It is believed that he was related to Gertrud Plauson (the
> exact relationship is unknown; she may be his wife).
>
> "Power from the Air". *Science and Invention* , Feb.
> 1922, no. 10. Vol IX, Whole No. 106. New York. ( nuenergy.org
> )   
> "Power from the Air". *Science and Invention* , March
> 1922.
>
> ---
>
>   
>   
> ***Science and Invention,* Vol. IX (106) #10 (February
> 1922)**
>
>
> **Power from the Air (I)**
>
> **by**
>
> **Hugo Gernsback**
>
> During the war there was developed in Germany a new art --- or
> science --- that bids fair to revolutionize our present means of
> obtaining power.
>
> This art, which is as new now as wireless was 25 years ago,
> will attain proportions during the next 25 years that may
> appear fantastic today. The inventor of the new science, an
> engineer of note, Herr Hermann Plauson, has devoted years of
> labor to his researches and he has now actually in use small
> power plants, that generate electricity direct from the air,
> day and night, without interruption at practically no cost,
> once the plant is constructed.   
> We had occasion, in one of our former issues, to describe the
> system, roughly, from cabled dispatches, but complete
> information is available now. The amount of electrical power
> that resides in our atmosphere is astounding. Herr Plauson
> found in his experiments that a single balloon sent aloft to a
> height of 300 yards gave a constant current at 400 volts of
> 1.8 amperes, or in 24 hours over 17-1/4 kilowatts! By using
> two balloons in connection with a special condenser battery,
> the power obtained was 81-1/2 kilowatts in 24 hours. The
> actual current delivered was 6.8 amperes at 500 volts.
>
> The best balloons used by the inventor are made of thin
> aluminum leaf. No fabric was used. A simple internal system of
> ribs, stays and wires, gives the balloon rigidity as well as a
> certain amount of elasticity. The balloon, when made airtight,
> is filled with hydrogen or better, with helium. It will then
> stay aloft for weeks at a time. The outer surface is dotted
> with extremely sharp pins, made sharp electrolytically.
> Ordinary pins did not prove good current collectors, as they
> lacked extreme sharpness. The pins themselves were made from
> amalgamated zinc, containing a radium preparation, in order to
> ionize the air. It was also found that by dotting the outer
> surface of the balloon with zinc-amalgam more current could be
> collected. Even better results were obtained with polonium
> amalgam. Plauson states that the function of these amalgams is
> purely photoelectric.
>
> One hundred of such captive balloons, separated one hundred
> yards from each other, will give a steady yield of 200
> horsepower. This is the minimum, because in the winter this
> figure increases up to 400 horsepower, due to the higher
> electrification of the atmosphere.
>
> We need not go into the technic of how the current is finally
> made useable for industrial purposes, suffice it to say that
> the problem has been entirely solved by Herr Plauson. By using
> batteries of condensers, high tension transformers, etc., the
> current can be transformed to any form desires. Such as for
> lighting lamps, running motors, charging storage batteries,
> etc.
>
> Plauson also invented a sort of electrostatic rotary
> transformer which gives alternating current without the use of
> condensers and transformers. Indeed, its output is very great,
> as it actually sucks the current down rapidly from the
> collector balloons. There is no doubt that this invention will
> soon come into universal use all over the world. We will see
> the land dotted with captive balloons, particularly in the
> country and wherever water power does not abound. Indeed, the
> time is not distant when nearly all of our power will be
> derived from the atmosphere. So far it seems to be the
> cheapest form of power known, it being much cheaper even than
> water power --- the cheapest form of power known today. Not
> only that, but as the inventor points out, no devastating
> thunder storms occur near such aerial power plants, because
> the balloons act not only as lightning arresters, but they
> quickly discharge the biggest thunder cloud, safely and
> noiselessly through their grounded spark gaps.
>
> ---
>
>   
>   
> ***Science & Invention* (March 1922), page 1006, 1007**
>
>
> **Power from the Air (II)**
>
> by
>
> **Hugo Gernsback**
>
> [ For many years electrical engineers have endeavored to
> devise some means whereby it would become possible to utilize
> the free electrical energy ever present in the atmosphere, but
> they were not successful, as every now and then an extra heavy
> surge of static current would rush down the elevated conductor
> and endanger the lives of the experimenters, or else destroy
> the apparatus connected with it. A German engineer has,
> however, devised the somewhat elaborate scheme here shown in
> brief, and he has succeeded, at least so his report states, in
> safely extracting several kilowatts of electrical power from
> the atmosphere with metallic surfaced balloons, elevated to a
> height of only 1000 feet. ]
>
> ![](scinv.jpg)
>
> We have previously treated of the extraction of electrical
> energy from the atmosphere. The difference of electric
> potential in different parts of the atmosphere, and the
> difference between the upper air and earth make it a tempting
> proposition to obtain power from atmospheric electricity. The
> power would take the form of high potential difference with a
> discharge almost of a static nature. It has long appeared
> rather doubtful to conservative engineers, if such a source of
> power should really be available. Yet when we see the
> lightning flash, it certainly suggests very high power, even
> though the total of its energy may be small, on account of the
> small duration of the discharge It is not to the thunder storm
> that we look for getting power from the atmosphere, as the
> subject is now being seriously investigated. A German
> scientist, Hermann Plauson, has published a very elaborate
> work on this subject, and has investigated the use of kites,
> balloons and towers, for the utilization of the high
> potentials existing in the air at different altitudes, and has
> studied out the construction of motors to be operated by the
> peculiar type of discharge which will be obtained, if the
> projects are successfully carried out.
>
> We will first speak of the methods used for collecting
> electricity from the upper air. The author cites several
> German patents. One of them shows the use of a kite balloon.
> The balloon is shown floating in the air, kite fashion, and
> from it hangs a great net or aerial for the collection of
> electricity. The conductor from the aerial leads to the ground
> station; quite an elaborate description is given of the
> net-work which the patentee proposes to have covered with
> needle points. A windlass takes in or pays out cable for the
> balloon, and the patentee claims that by sending the apparatus
> to a height of about one mile he will have 225,000 volts to
> draw upon. He then speaks o a battery of 20,000 cells in
> series, which will use up to 40,000 to 50,000 volts in the
> charging. This certainly provides for a reasonable large fall
> of potential.
>
> But our author discards this idea and first suggests
> something more permanent. He proposes the erection of towers
> to be in the neighborhood of 1,000 feet high, or about the
> height of the Eiffel Tower. At the summit he has his
> collecting aerial. The appliance consists of a number of
> copper tubes; within each one he proposes to burn gas lamps,
> whose products of combustion will reach the aerial, a
> collecting net-work covering the tops of the tubes. One of his
> apprehensions is that if rain should wet his connections
> trouble might ensue, so he proposes a protection at the top in
> the shape of a great bell-like shield, resembling in his terms
> a Siamese pagoda. He also compares the form of the
> protection to that of a great petticoat insulator. Another of
> his difficulties is that he must have his tower insulated from
> the earth. He, therefore describes a complicated foundation
> for his structure. He proposes first to pour in at the bottom
> of the excavation a foundation of simple concrete. On this he
> places a layer of asphalt, and then a layer of cast glass,
> three to ten feet thick, and then comes a reinforced concrete
> foundation, to which the metallic foot of the tower is to be
> anchored. This foundation must rise at least seven feet above
> the ground level, and is to be boarded in on all sides to
> protect it from moisture. The authors idea s to erect a
> number of these towers connected by a horizontal cable, to
> which the aerials for collection of potentials are secured.
>
> The author strongly advocates balloons as collectors of the
> electric power of the air. These he depicts covered with
> spots. These spots indicate areas to be variously coated and
> prepared to collect potential from the atmosphere.
>
> In the first place he describes the balloon as made of thin
> metallic leaf supported by internal ribs. Steel wires
> silver-plated, copper-plated, or aluminum-coated, run from the
> balloon to the pendant or junction ring. To this ring the
> tether cable is attached and runs to an insulated windlass on
> the surface of the earth. The balloon is to rise to an
> altitude varying from 300 feet to three miles.
>
> The coating of the spots is to be of the thinnest amalgam, of
> mercury and gold, or zinc, or even polonium, perhaps only
> 1/2500 inch thick. All over the upper face of the balloon are
> numberless metal points. To prepare the needle-like wires,
> they are collected into bundles and are treated
> electrolytically in a bath, so as to be dissolved in part.
> This gives a sharp point and roughened surface, all adapted
> for collecting the electric energy. The points may be of
> copper, steel, or some hard metallic alloy. After this
> corrosion. As it may be termed, the wires are plated with gold
> or other of the so-called noble metals. It is advised that
> polonium or radium salts be added to the plating bath.
>
> Dr Plauson devotes many pages of his book to describing his
> motor. This is a rotary motor including a stator and rotor and
> its peculiarity is that it contains no coils, develops no
> electromagnetic field properly speaking, but works by static
> excitation. One typical arrangement is shown in our
> illustration. The stator plates and rotor plates are
> concentric with each other, representing segments of
> cylinders. The alternation of negative and positive charged
> plates produces the rotation. In the connections there is
> included a safety spark gap to take care of dangerous
> potentials. Inductances and capacities are also used and
> indicated. It was found that the plates heated, owing to the
> Foucalt currents, and to overcome this, several methods of
> subdividing the stator and rotor plates, are described by the
> author.
>
> The whole subject is quite captivating, and it really seems
> as if the utilization of the electricity of the air may be
> almost in sight. It would seem possible to carry out
> experiments in this direction by means of the Eiffel Tower,
> but of course, the trouble here is that the tower is grounded,
> and perfect insulation of the collecting surface is absolutely
> essential.
>
> And now our author gives us some practical details. He says
> that on the Finland plains he carried out experiments with a
> balloon made of aluminum leaf with collecting needles of
> amalgamated zinc with a radium preparation as an ionizer. The
> surface of the balloon was sprinkled over with zinc amalgam.
> It was sent up to a height of 300 meters, early 1,000 feet,
> and was held by a copper-plated steel wire. A constant current
> of 1.8 amperes at an average of 400 volts potential difference
> was obtained. This gave nearly three-quarters of a kilowatt,
> or close to one horsepower. The collector of the balloon
> insulated from the earth showed a tension of 42,000 volts. By
> sending up a second balloon with an antenna to the same height
> at a distance of 100 meters from the first balloon, a current
> of over 3 amperes was obtained. Then by putting into the
> circuit a large condenser, whose capacity was equal to the
> surface capacity of both balloons, and of the antenna
> connections, the current rose to 6.8 amperes with about 500
> volts mean tension. By the use of these two balloons, he
> eventually ran up the power to 3.4 kilowatts.
>
> ---
>
>   
> **Science & Invention ( June 1928  )**  
>
> ![](sci-inv-june28a.gif)  
>   
> ![](sci-inv-june28b.gif)  
>   
> ![](sci-inv-june28c.gif)
>
> ---
>
>   
>
> **Plauson's Electrical Patents**
>
> **USP # 1,540,998**   
> **Conversion of Atmospheric Electric Energy**   
> **6-09-1925**
>
> **GB157262**   
> **Improvements in Electric Motors**   
> **1922-07-10**
>
> **GB157263**   
> **Process and Apparatus for Converting Static Atmospheric
> Electrical Energy into Dynamic Electrical Energy of any
> Suitable High Periodicity**   
> **7-10-1922**
>
> **British Patent # 299,735**   
> **Apparatus for Producing Rapidly Moving Electrons**   
> **7-15-1930**
>
> **FI21227**   
> **Elektrisk uppvarmningsanordning**   
> **4-25-1946**
>
> **Varmelegeme med elektriske varmemodstande**   
> **DK67691C**   
> **9-27-1948**
>
> **FR877362**   
> **Dispositif de chauffage electrique**   
> **12-04-1942**
>
> **DE734794**   
> **Elektrisches Heizsystem**   
> **4-24-1943**
>
> **CH222509**   
> **Elektrischer Heizkorper zur Erwarmung von Flussigkeiten**
>   
> **7-31-1942**
>
> **DE738107**   
> **Elektrolyt fuer unmittelbare elektrische
> Warmwasser-Radiatorenheizung mit Elektroden**   
> **8-03-1943**
>
> **DE433476**   
> **Verfahren zur Herstellung von Elektroden und
> Schleifkontakten fuer Dynamomaschinen**   
> **8-31-1926**
>
> **CH94021**   
> **Elektrode und Verfahren zu deren Herstellung**   
> **4-01-1922**
>
> **CA226423**   
> **Electrode for Electrolytic Apparatuses**   
> **11-21-1922**
>
> ---
>
>   
>   
> **http://www.meridian-int-res.com/Energy/Atmospheric.htm**
>
>
> **Atmospheric Electricity Research**
>   
> **[ Excerpts ]**
>
> In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, a large
> number of researchers investigated ways to extract electrical
> power from the Earth's ambient electric field.
>
> The leader in this field was Dr Hermann Plauson who in the
> 1920s succeeded in generating significant quantities of
> electrical power comparable with modern solar photovoltaic
> systems of a similar scale...
>
> The leader in this field before the Second World War appears
> to have been Dr Hermann Plauson. Dr Plauson was an Estonian
> citizen who lived in Hamburg and Switzerland. He carried out
> experiments in Finland with aerostats manufactured from
> magnesium-aluminium alloy, covered with electrolytically
> deposited needles. The needles were further doped with a
> radium compound to increase local ionisation of the air. (This
> was the era in which the hands of watches were hand painted
> with radium to make them luminous in the dark).  Zinc
> amalgam patches were also painted onto the aerostats. 
> Plauson obtained a power output of between 0.72kW and 3.4kW
> from one and two aerostats 300m above ground level. Dr Plauson
> filed patents in the USA, Great Britain and Germany in the
> 1920s. His book "Gewinnung und Verwertung der Atmospharischen
> Elektrizitat" is the most detailed known account of the
> technology.
>
> Other atmospheric electricity researchers contemporary to Dr
> Plauson included Walter Pennock and MW Dewey in the USA, Andor
> Palencsar in Hungary and Dr Heinrich Rudolph in Germany. 
> Hippolyte Charles Vion in Paris predated them all, putting
> forward proposals in the 1850s and 1860s.
>
> Heinrich Rudolph made an interesting contribution to the
> design of the aerostat collectors.  In 1898 he designed
> an elliptical aerostat made up of faceted surfaces to minimise
> the effect of wind.  The design bears a strong
> resemblance to Northrop's 2003 UCARS unamnned helicopter UAV
> project.  The design uses the Coanda Effect to help keep
> the aerostat on station and minimise wind effects.
>
> In recent times, the only person who seems to have been
> active in this field is Dr Oleg Jefimenko. Dr Jefimenko
> carried out experiments on driving electrostatic motors from
> the Earth's electric field in the 1970s and has recently
> called for research into the neglected field of electrostatic
> motors to be renewed.
>
> **MIR's Research Programme**
>
> Since 1997 we have been carrying out theoretical research
> into conversion of atmospheric electricity into useable
> electrical power.
>
> From a low level (5m high) simple zinc antenna we are able to
> obtain sufficient charge to light a number of white power
> LEDs. Further experimental investigations with metallic
> aerostat collectors and cavity resonant slow wave antennae
> concepts are ongoing...
>
> **Advantages of Atmospheric Electricity**
>
> Simple and robust technology   
> Low Cost technology - much cheaper than photovoltaics or wind
> turbines   
> Available day and night in all weather conditions - in fact,
> more power is produced at night than during the day   
> Available at any point on the Earth's surface
>
> 1. *Gewinnung und Verwertung der Atmospharischen
> Elektrizitat*, Dr Hermann Plauson, Hamburg, (1920)   
> 2. Conversion of Atmospheric Electric Energy, USP 1,540,998,
> Dr Hermann Plauson, (1925)   
> 3. Assembly for the Induction of Lightning into a
> Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage System, USP 5,367,245
> Goven Mims, (1994)   
> 4. Electrostatic Motors are Powered by Electric Field of the
> Earth; CL Stong, *Scientific American*, (October 1974)   
> 5. Operation of Electric Motors from the Atmospheric Electric
> Field; Dr Oleg Jefimenko, *American Journal of Physics*,
> vol. 39, July 1971.   
> 6. *Electrostatic Motors: Their Principles, Types and
> Theory of Operation*; Dr Oleg Jefimenko, Electret
> Scientific, (1972).   
> 7. Parametric Electric Machine, USP 4,622,510, Ferdinand Cap,
> (1986).
>
> ---

**US Patent # 1,540,998**

**Conversion of Atmospheric Electric Energy**

**( 9 June 1925 )**

**Hermann PLAUSON**

Be it known that I, Hermann Plauson, Estonian subject, residing
in Hamburg, Germany, have invented certain new and useful
improvements in the Conversion of Atmospheric Electric Energy,
of which the following is a specification.

Methods of obtaining atmospheric electricity by means of
metallic nettings set with spikes which are held by means of
ordinary or anchored kite balloons made of fabric and filled
with hydrogen, are in theory already known. Atmospheric
electricity obtained in this way has been suggested to be used
in the form of direct current for the charging of accumulators.
This knowledge however is at present only theoretical as the
conversion in practice has hitherto been a failure. No means are
known of protecting the apparatus from destruction by lightning.
The balloons used for collecting the charge must also me be made
of very large size in order to be able to support the weight of
the metallic netting and the heavy cable connections.

Instead of using heavy metallic netting as collectors attached
to single air ballons of non-conducting materials which are
liable to be torn and are permeable to the gas, it is proposed
to use metallic balloon collectors which have the following
important advantages ---

(a) The metallic cases are impenetrable to helium and hydrogen;
they also represent large metallic weather-proof collecting
surfaces.

(b) Radio active means the like may be easily applied
internally or externally; whereby the ionization is considerable
increased and therewith also the quantity of atmospheric
electricity capable of being collected.

(c) Such balloon collectors of light metal do not require to be
of large size as they have to carry only their own moderate
weight, and that of the conducting cable or wire.

(d) The entire system therefore offers little surface for the
action of storm and wind and is resistant and stable.

(e) Each balloon can be easily raised and lowered by means of a
winch so that all repairs, recharging and the like can be
carried out without danger during the operation.

It is further proposed to use a collecting aerial network of
several separate collectors spread out in the air above the
earth, which collectors are interconnected by electrical
conductors.

According to this invention charges of atmospheric electricity
are not directly converted into mechanical energy, and this
forms the main difference from previous inventions, but the
static electricity which runs to earth through aerial conductors
in the form of direct current of very high voltage and low
current strength is converted into electro-dynamic energy in the
form of high frequency vibrations. Many advantages are thereby
obtained and all disadvantages avoided.

The very high voltage of static electricity of a low current
strength can be converted by this invention to voltages more
suitable for technical purposes and of greater strength. By the
use of closed oscillatory circuits it is possible to obtain
electromagnetic waves of various amplitude and thereby to
increase the degree of resonance of such current. Such resonance
allows various values of inductance to be chosen whereby again
the governing of the starting and stopping of machines driven
thereby by simply tuning the resonance between coils of the
machine and the transformer circuit forming the resonance can
easily be obtained. Further, such currents have the property of
being directly available for various uses, even without
employing them for driving motors, of which there may be
particularly mentioned, lighting, production of heat and use in
electro-chemistry.

Further, with such currents a series of apparatus may be fed
without direct current supply through conductors and also the
electro-magnetic high frequency currents may be converted by
means of special motors adapted for electro-magnetic
oscillations into mechanical energy, or finally converted by
special machines into alternating current of low frequency or
even into direct current of high potential.

The invention is more particularly described with reference to
the accompanying diagrams in which: ---

Figure 1 is and explanatory figure.

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic view of the simplest form.

Figure 3 shows a method of converting atmospheric electrical
energy for use with motors.

Figure 4 is a diagram showing the use of protective means.

Figure 5 is a diagram of an arrangement for converting large
current strengths.

Figure 6 is a diagram of an arrangement including controlling
means.

Figure 7 shows means whereby the spark gap length can be
adjusted.

Figure 8 shows a unipolar connection for the motor.

Figure 9 shows a weak coupled system suitable for use with
small power motors.

Figures 10, 11, and 12 show modified arrangements.

Figure 13 shows a form of inductive coupling for the motor
circuit.

Figure 14 is a modified form of Figure 13 with inductive
coupling.

Figure 15 is an arrangement with non-inductive motor.

Figure 16 is an arrangement with coupling by condenser.

Figure 17, 18, and 19 are diagrams of further modifications.

Figure 20 shows a simple form in which the serial network is
combined with special collectors.

Figure 21 shows diagrammatically an arrangement suitable for
collecting large quantities of energy.

Figure 22 is a modified arrangement having two rings of
collectors.

Figure 23 shows the connection for three rings of collectors.

Figure 24 shows a collecting balloon and diagram of its
connection of condenser batteries.

Figure 25 and 26 show modified collector balloon arrangements.

Figure 27 shows a second method of connecting conductor for the
balloon aerials.

Figure 28 shows an auto-transformer method of connection.

Figure 29 shows the simplest form of construction with
incandescent cathode.

Figure 30 shows a form with cigar shaped balloon.

Figure 31 is a modified arrangement.

Figure 32 shows a form with cathode and electrode enclosed in a
vacuum chamber.

Figure 33 is a modified form of Figure 32.

Figure 34 shows an arc light collector.

Figure 35 shows such an arrangement for alternating current.

Figure 36 shows an incandescent collector with Nernst lamp.

Figure 37 shows a form with a gas flame.

![](1540-1-2.jpg)

Figure 1 illustrates a simple diagram for converting static
electricity into dynamic power of a high number of oscillations.
For the sake of clearness in the drawings an influence machine
is assumed to be employed and not an aerial antenna. 13 and 14
are combs for collecting the static electricity of the influence
machine. 7 and 8 are spark discharging electrodes. 5 and 6 are
condensers, 9 an inductive primary coil, 10 secondary coil, 11
and 12 ends of conductors of the secondary coil 10. When the
disc of the static influence machine is rotated by mechanical
means, the combs collect the electric charges one the positive
and the other the negative, and charge the condensers 5 and 6
until such a high potential is formed across the spark gap 7-8,
that the spark gap is jumped. As the spark gap 7-8 forms a
closed circuit with condensers 5 and 6, and inductive resistance
9, as is well known, waves of high frequency electromagnetic
oscillations will pass in this circuit.

The high frequency of the oscillations produced in the primary
circuit induces waves of the same periodicity in the secondary
circuit. Thus in the primary circuit electromagnetic
oscillations are formed by the passage of the spark over the
spark gap and these waves are maintained by fresh charges of
static electricity.

By suitably selecting the ratio between the number of the coils
in the primary and secondary circuits with regard to a correct
application of the co-efficients of resonance (especially,
inductance and resistance) the high voltage of the primary
circuit may be suitably converted into low voltage and high
current strength.

When the oscillatory discharges in the primary circuit becomes
weaker or entirely cease, the condensers are charged again by
the static electricity until the accumulated charge again breaks
down the spark gap. All this is repeated as long as electricity
is produced by the static machine employing mechanical energy.

An elementary form of the invention is shown in Figure 2 in
which two spark gaps in parallel are used one of which may be
termed the working gap 7 in Figure 2, whilst the second serves
as a safety device for excess voltage and consists of a larger
number of spark gaps than the working section, which gaps are
arranged in series and are bridged by very small capacities as
is illustrated in a, b, c, Figure 2 which allow of uniform
sparking in the safety section.

In Figure 2 A is the aerial antenna for collecting charges of
atmospheric electricity. 13 is the earth connection of the
second part of the spark gap, 5 and 6 are condensers, 9 a
primary coil. Now when through the aerial A the positive
atmospheric electricity seeks to combine with the negative
charge to earth, this is prevented by (the air gap between) the
spark gaps. The resistance of the spark gap 7 is, as shown in
the drawings, lower than that of the other safety section which
consists of three spark gaps connected in series, and
consequently a three times greater air resistance is offered by
the latter.

So long, therefore, as the resistance of the spark gap 7 is not
overloaded, so that the other spark gaps have an equal
resistance with it the discharges take place only over spark gap
7. Should however the voltage be increased by and influences so
that it might be dangerous for charging the condensers 5 and 6
or for the coil insulation 9 and 10 in consequence of break
down, by a correct regulation of this spark gap the second spark
gap can discharge free from inductive effects direct to earth
without endangering the machine.

Without this second spark gap, arranged in parallel having a
higher resistance than the working spark gap it is impossible to
collect and render available large quantities of electrical
energy.

The actions of this closed oscillation circuit consisting of
spark gap 7, two condensers 5 and 6, primary coil 9, and also
secondary coil 10 is exactly the same as the one described in
Figure 1 with the arrangement of the static induction machine
with the only difference that here the second spark gap is
provided. The electromagnetic high frequency alternating current
obtained can be tapped off from the conductors 11 and 12 for
lighting and heating purposes. Special kinds of motors adapted
for working with these peculiar electrical charges may be
connected at 14 and 15 which can work with static electricity
charges or with high frequency oscillations.

In addition to the use of spark gaps in parallel a second
measure of security is also necessary for taking off the
current. This precaution consists according to this invention,
in the introduction of and method of connecting certain
protective electromagnets or choking coils in the aerial circuit
as shown by S in Figure 3.

A single electromagnet only having a core of the thinnest
possible separate laminations is connected with the aerial.

In the case of high voltages in the aerial network or at places
where there are frequent thunder storms, several such magnets
may however be connected in series.

In the case of large units or plants several electromagnets can
be employed in parallel or in series parallel.

The windings of these electromagnets may be simply connected in
series with the aerials. In this case the winding preferably
consists of several thin parallel wires, which make up together,
the necessary section.

The winding may be made of primary and secondary windings in
the form of a transformer. The primary windings will be then
connected in series with the aerial network, and the secondary
winding more or less short-circuited over a regulating
resistance or an induction coil. In the latter case it is
possible to regulate to a certain extent the effect of the
choking coils. In the further description of the connecting and
constructional diagrams the aerial electromagnet choke coil is
indicated by a simple ring S.

![](1540-3456.jpg)

Figure 3 shows the simplest way of converting atmospheric
electricity into electromagnetic wave energy by the use of
special motors adapted for high oscillatory currents or static
charges of electrical energy. Recent improvements in motors for
working with static charges and motors working by resonance,
that is to say, having groups of tuned electromagnetic
cooperating circuits render this possible but such do not form
part of the present invention.

A motor adapted to operate with static charges will for the
sake of simplicity be diagrammatically indicated by the two
semicircles 1 and 2 and the rotor of the motor by a ring M
(Figure 3). A is a vertical aerial or aerial network. S the
safety choke or electromagnet with coil O as may be seen is
connected with the aerial A. Adjacent the electromagnet S the
aerial conductor is divided into three circuits, the circuit 8
giving the safety spark gap, the circuit 7 with the working
spark gap, and then a circuit including the stator terminal 1,
the rotor and stator terminal 2 at which a connection is made to
the earth wire. The two spark gaps are also connected
metallically with the earth wire. The method of working these
diagrams is as follows:

The positive atmospheric electric charge collected tends to
combine with the negative electricity (or earth electricity)
connected with the earth wire. It travels along the aerial A
through the electromagnet S without begin checked as it flows in
the same direction as the direct current. Further, its progress
is arrested by two sparks gaps placed in the way and the stator
condenser surfaces. The stator condenser surfaces are charged
until the charge is greater than the resistance of the spark gap
7, whereupon a spark springs over the spark gap 7 and an
oscillatory charge is obtained as by means of the motor M,
stator surfaces 1 and 2, and spark gap 7, a closed oscillation
circuit is obtained for producing the electromagnetic
oscillations. The motor here forms the capacity and the
necessary inductance and resistance, which, as is well known,
are necessary for converting static electricity into
electromagnetic wave energy.

The discharge formed are converted into mechanical energy in
special motors and cannot reach the aerial network by reason of
the electromagnet or choke. If, however, when a spark springs
over the spark gap 7 a greater quantity of atmospheric
electricity tends to flow to earth, a counter voltage is induced
in the electromagnet, which is greater the more rapidly and
strongly the flow of current direct to the earth is. By the
formation of this opposing voltage a sufficiently high
resistance is offered to the flow of atmospheric electricity
direct to earth to prevent a short circuit with the earth.

The circuit containing spark gap 8 having a different wave
length which is not in resonance with the natural frequency of
the motor, does not endanger the motor and serves as security
against excess voltage, which, as practical experiments have
shown, may still arise in certain cases, but can be conducted
direct to earth through this spark gap.

In the diagram illustrated in Figure 4 the spark gap 7 is
shunted across condensers 5 and 6 from the motor M. This
construction affords mainly a better insulation of the motor
against excess voltage and a uniform excitation through the
spark gap 7.

In Figure 5 a diagram is illustrated for transforming large
current strengths which may be employed direct without motors,
for example, for lighting or heating purposes. The main
difference is that here the spark gap consists of as star shaped
disk 7 which can rotate on its own axis and is rotated by a
motor opposite similarly fitted electrodes 7a. When separate
points of stars face one another, discharges take place, thus
forming an oscillation circuit over condensers 5 and 6, and
inductance 9 for oscillatory discharges. It is evident that a
motor may also be directly connected to the ends of the spiral
9.

The construction of the diagram shown in Figure 6 permits of
the oscillation circuit of the motor being connected with an
induction coil/ Here a regulating inductive resistance is
introduced for counter-acting excess voltages in the motor. By
cutting the separate coils 9 (coupled inductively to the aerial)
in or out the inductive action on the motor may be more or less
increased or variable aerial action may be exerted on the
oscillation circuit.

![](1540-7-13.jpg)

In Figure 7 the oscillation circuit is closed through the earth
(E and E1). The spark gap 7 may be prolonged or shortened by
more or fewer spark gaps being successively connected by means
of a contact arm 7b.

Diagram 8 shows a unipolar connection of the motor with the
aerial network. Here two oscillation circuits are closed through
the same motor. The first oscillation circuit passes from aerial
A through electromagnet S, point *x*, inductance 9a to the
earth condenser 6 and further, over spark gap 7 to the aerial
condenser 5 and back to *x*. The second oscillation
circuit starts from the aerial condenser 5 at the point x1
over the inductance 9 to the earth condenser 6 at the point x3
and through the condenser 6 over the spark gap 7 back to x1.
The motor itself is inserted between the two points of the spark
gap 7. From this arrangement slightly damped oscillation wave
currents are produced.

In the diagram illustrated in Figure 9 a loosely coupled system
of connections is illustrated which is assumed to be for small
motors for measuring purposes. A indicates the aerial conductor,
S the electromagnet in the aerial conductor, 9 the inductance, 7
the spark gap, 5 and 6 condensers, E the earth, M the motor, and
1 and 2 stator connections of the motor. The motor is directly
metallically connected with the oscillation circuit.

In Figure 10 a purely inductive coupling is employed for the
motor circuit. The motor is connected with the secondary wire 10
as may be seen in Figure 11 in a somewhat modified diagram
connection. The same applies to the diagram of Figure 12.

The diagrams hitherto described preferably allow of motors of
small and medium strength to be operated. For large aggregates,
however, they are too inconvenient as the construction of two or
more oscillation circuits for large amounts of energy is
difficult; the governing is still more difficult and the danger
in switching on or off is greater.

A means of overcoming such difficulties is shown in Figure 13.
The oscillation circuit here runs starting from the point x over
condenser 5, variable inductance 9, spark gap 7, and the two
segments (3a and 4a) forming arms of a Wheatstone bridge, back
to x, If the motor is connected by brushes 3 and 4 transversely
to the two arms of the bridge as shown in the drawings,
electromagnetic oscillations of equal sign are induced in the
stator surfaces 1 and 2 and the motor does not revolve. If
however the brushes 3 and 4 are moved in common with the
conducting wires 1 and 2 which connect the brushes with the
stator poles a certain alteration or displacement of the
polarity is obtained and the motor commences to revolve.

The maximum action will result if one brush 3 comes on the
central sparking contact 7 and the other brush 4 on the part *x*.
They are however, usually in practice not brought on the central
contact 7 but only held in the path of the bridge segments 4a
and 3a in order not to connect the spark gaps with the motor
oscillation circuit.

![](1540-14-20.jpg)

As however, the entire oscillation energy can thereby not act
on the motor it is better to carry out the same system according
to the diagram 14. The diagram 14 differs from the foregoing
only by the motor not being directly metallically connected with
the segments of the commutator, but only a primary coil 9 which
induces in a secondary coil 10, current which feeds the motor M
and takes the place of the rotor. By this arrangement a good
transforming action is obtained, a loose coupling and also an
oscillation circuit without a spark gap.

In Figure 15 the motor is not purely inductive as in 14, but
directly metallically branched off from the primary coil (at *x*
and *x*1) after the principle of the
auto-transformer.

In Figure 16 instead of an inductance a condenser 6 is in
similar manner, and for the same object inserted between the
segments 3a and 4a. This has the advantage that the segments 3a
and 4a need not be made of solid metal but may consist of spiral
coils whereby a more exact regulation is possible and further
motors of high inductance may be employed.

The arrangements of Figures 17, 18 and 19 may be employed for
use with resonance and particularly with induction condenser
motors; between the large stator induction condenser surfaces,
small reversing pole condenser surfaces, mall reversing pole
condensers are connected, which, as may be seen from Figures 17,
18 and 19 are led together to earth. Such reversing poles have
the advantage that with large quantities of electrical energy
the spark formation between the separate oscillation circuits
ceases.

Figure 19 shows a further method which prevents electromagnetic
oscillations of high number of alternations formed in the
oscillation circuit striking back to the aerial conductor. It is
based on the well known principle that a mercury lamp, one
electrode of which is formed of mercury, the other of solid
metal such as steel allows an electric charge to pass in only
one direction from the mercury to the steel and not vice versa.
The mercury electrode of the vacuum tube N is therefore
connected with the aerial conductor and the steel electrode with
the oscillation circuit. From this it results that charges can
pass only from the aerial through the vacuum tube to the
oscillation circuit, but not vice versa. Oscillations which are
formed on being transformed in the oscillation circuit cannot
pass to the aerial conductor.

In practice these vacuum tubes must be connected behind an
electromagnet as the latter alone affords no protection against
the danger of lightning.

As regards the use of spark gaps, all arrangements as used for
wireless telegraphy may be used. Of course the spark gaps in
large machines must have a sufficiently large surface. In very
large stations they are cooled in liquid carbonic acid or better
still in liquid nitrogen or hydrogen; in most cases the cooling
may also take place by means of liquefied low homologues of the
metal series or by means of hydrocarbons the freezing point of
which lies at between 90 deg C and 40 deg C. The spark gap casing
must also be insulated and be of sufficient strength to be able
to resist any pressure which may arise. Any undesirable excess
super-pressure which may be formed must be automatically let
off. I have employed wit very good results mercury electrodes
which were frozen in liquid carbonic acid, the cooling being
maintained during the operation from the outside through the
walls.

Figure 20 is one of the simplest forms of construction of an
aerial network in combination with collectors, transformers and
the like illustrated diagrammatically. E is here the earth wire,
8 the safety spark gap, 7 the working spark gap, 1 and 2 the
stator surfaces of the motor, 5 a condenser battery, S the
protective magnet which is connected with the coil in aerial
conductor, A1 to A10 aerial antennae with
collecting balloons, N horizontal collecting or connecting wire
from which, to the center a number of connections run.

The actual collectors consist of metal sheaths preferably made
of an aluminum magnesium alloy, and are filled with hydrogen or
helium and are attached t copper plated steel wires. The size of
the balloon is selected so that the actual weight of the balloon
and the weight of the conducting wire is supported thereby. On
top of the balloon aluminum spikes, made and gilded in a special
manner hereinafter described, are arranged in order to produce a
conductor action. Small quantities of radium preparations, more
particularly polonium-ionium or meso-thorium preparations
considerably increase the ionization, and therewith the action
of these collectors.

In addition to metal balloons, fabric balloons which are
superficially metal coated according to Schoops metal spraying
process, may also be employed. A metallic surface may also me
produced by lacquering with metallic bronzes, preferably
according to Schoops spraying process or lacquering with
metallic bronze powders in two electrical series of widely
different metals, because thereby the collecting effect is
considerably increased.

Instead of the ordinary round balloons, elongated cigar shaped
ones may be employed. In order also to utilize the frictional
energy of the wind, patches or strips of non-conducting
substances which produce electricity by friction, may be
attached to the metalized balloon surfaces. The wind will impart
a portion of its energy in the form of frictional electricity,
to the balloon casing, and thereby the collecting effect is
substantially increased.

In practice however, very high towers (up to 300 meters is
fully admissible) may be employed as antennae. In these towers
copper tubes rise freely further above the top of the tower. A
gas lamp secured against the wind is then lit at the point of
the copper tube and a netting is secured to the copper tube over
the flame of this lamp to form a collector. The gas is conveyed
through the interior of the tube up to the summit. The copper
tube must be absolutely protected from moisture at the place at
which it enters the tower and also rain must be prevented
running down the walls of the tower which might lead to a bad
catastrophe. This is done by bell shaped enlargements which
expand downwards, being arranged in the tower in the form of
high voltage insulators of Siamese pagodas.

Special attention must be devoted to the foundations of such
towers. They must be well insulated from the ground, which may
be obtained by first embedding a layer of concrete in a box form
to a sufficient depth in the ground and inserting in this an
asphalt lining and then glass bricks cast about 1 or 2 meters in
thickness. Over this in turn there is a ferro-concrete layer in
which alone the metal foot of the tube is secured. This concrete
block must be at least 2 meters from the ground and be fully
protected at the sides by a wooden covering, from moisture. In
the lower part of the tower a wood or glass house for the large
condenser batteries or for the motors may be constructed. In
order to lead the earth connection to the ground water, a well
insulated pit constructed of vitreous brick, must be provided.
Several such towers are erected at equal distances apart and
connected with a horizontal conductor. The horizontal connecting
wires may either run directly from tower to tower or be carried
on bell shaped insulators similar to those in use for high
voltage conductors. The width of the network may be of any
suitable size and the connection of the motors can take place at
any suitable places.

![](1540-21-23.jpg)

In order to collect large quantities of electricity with few
aerials it is well to provide the aerial conductor with
batteries of condensers as shown in Figures 21 and 22. In Figure
21 the batteries of condensers 5 are connected on the one hand
with the aerial electricity collectors Z by the aerial conductor
A, and on the other hand interconnected in series with an
annular conductor from which horizontal conductors run to the
connecting points C to which the earth wire is connected.

Figure 22 shows a similar arrangement, Should two such series
of antennae rings be shown by a voltmeter to have a large
difference of potential (for example, one in the mountains and
one in the plain) or even of different polarity these
differences may be compensated for by connecting sufficiently
large condenser batteries (5, 5a, 5b) by means of Maji star
conductors D and D1. In Figure 23 a connection of
three such rings of collectors to form a triangle with a central
condenser battery is illustrated.

The condenser batteries of such large installations must be
embedded in liquid gases or in liquids freezing at very low
temperatures. In such cases a portion of the atmospheric energy
must be employed for liquefying these gases. It is also
preferable to employ pressure. By this means the condenser
surfaces may be diminished, and still allow for large quantities
of energy to be stored, secure against breakdown. For smaller
installation the immersing of the condensers in well-insulated
oil or the like, suffices. Solid substances on the other hand
cannot be employed as insulators.

The arrangement in the diagrams hitherto described was always
such that the condenser batteries were connected with both poles
directly to the aerial condensers. An improved diagram of the
connections for obtaining atmospheric electricity for the
condenser batteries has however, been found to be very
advantageous. This arrangement consists in that they are
connected only by one pole (unipolar) to the collecting network.
Such a method of arrangement is very important, as by means of
it a constant current and an increase of the normal working
pressure or voltage is obtained. If for example a collecting
balloon aerial which is allowed to rise to a height of 300
meters, shows 40,000 volts above earth voltage, in practice it
has been found that the working voltage (with a withdrawal of
the power according to the method hereinbefore described by
means of oscillating spark gaps and the like) is only about 400
volts. If however, the capacity of the condenser surfaces be
increased, which capacity in the above mentioned case was equal
to that of the collecting surface of the balloon aerials, to
double the amount, by connecting the condenser batteries with
only one pole, the voltage rises under an equal withdrawal of
current up to and beyond 500 volts. This can only be ascribed to
the favorable action of the connecting method.

In addition to this substantial improvement it has also been
found preferable to insert double inductances with
electromagnets and to place the capacities preferably between
two such electromagnets. It has also been found that the useful
action of such condensers can be further increased if an
induction coil be connected as inductive resistance to the
unconnected pole of the condenser, or still better if the
condenser itself be made as an induction condenser. Such a
condenser may be compared with a spring which when compressed
carries in itself accumulated force, which it again gives off
when released. In charging, a charge with reversed sign is
formed at the other free condenser pole, and if through the
spark gap a short circuit results, the accumulated energy is
again given back since now new quantities of energy are induced
at the condenser pole connected with the conductor network,
which in fact charges with opposite signs to that at the free
condenser pole. The new induced charges have of course the same
sign as the collector network. The whole voltage energy in the
aerial is thereby however increased. In the same space of time
larger quantities of energy are accumulated than is the case
without such inserted condenser batteries.

![](1540-24.jpg)![](1540-25.jpg)

In Figures 24 and 25 two different diagrams of connections are
more exactly illustrated, Figure 24 shows a collecting balloon
and the diagram of the connections to earth. Figure 25 shows
four collecting balloons and the parallel connection of the
condenser batteries belonging thereto.

A is the collecting balloon made of an aluminum magnesium alloy
(electron metal, magnalium) of a specific gravity of 1.8 and a
thickness of plate 0.1 to 0.2 mm. Insider there are eight strong
vertical ribs of T-shaped section about 10 to 20 mm in height
and about 3 mm in thickness with the projecting part directed
inwards (indicated by a, b, c, d and so forth); they are riveted
together to form a firm skeleton and are stiffened in a
horizontal direction by two cross ribs. The ribs are further
connected with one another internally and transversely by means
of thin steel wires, whereby the balloon obtains great power of
resistance and elasticity. Rolled plates of 0.1 to 0.2 mm in
thickness made of magnalium alloy are then either soldered or
riveted on this skeleton so that a fully metallic casing with
smooth external surface is obtained Well silvered or coppered
aluminum plated steel wires run from each rib to the fastening
ring 2. Further, the coppered steel hawser L preferably twisted
out of separate thin wires (shown in dotted lines in Figure 24)
and which must be long enough to allow the balloon to rise in
the desired height, leads to a metal roller or pulley 3 and from
thence to a winch W, well insulated from the earth. By means of
this winch, the balloon, which is filled with hydrogen, or
helium, can be allowed to rise to a suitable height (300 to 5000
meters) and brought to the ground for recharging or repairs.

The actual current is taken directly through a friction contact
from the metal roller 3 or from the wire, or even from the winch
or simultaneously from all three by means of brushes (3, 3a and
3b). Beyond the brushes the conductor is divided, the paths
being: --- firstly over 12 to the safety spark gap 8, from
thence to the earth conductor E1, and secondly over
electromagnet S1, point 13, to a second loose
electromagnet having an adjustable coil S2, then to
the spark gap 7 and to the second earth conductor E2.
The actual working circuit is formed through the spark gap 7,
condensers 5 and 6, and through the primary coil 9; here the
static electricity formed by oscillatory discharges is
accumulated and converted into high frequency electromagnetic
oscillations. Between the electromagnets S1 and S2
at the crossing point 13, four condenser batteries are
introduced which are only indicated diagrammatically in the
drawings each by one condenser. Two of these batteries (16 and
18) are made as plate condensers and prolonged by regulating
induction coils or spirals 17 and 19 while the two others (21
and 23) are induction condensers. As may be seen from the
drawings each of the four condenser batteries 16, 18, 21 and 23
is connected by only one pole to the aerial or to the collector
conductor. The second poles 17, 19, 22 and 24 are open. In the
case of plate condensers having no inductive resistance an
induction coil is inserted. The object of such a spiral or coil
is the displacement of phase by the induction current by 1/4
periods, whilst that of the charging current of the condenser
poles which lie free in the air, works back to the collector
aerial. The consequence of this is that in discharges in the
collector aerial the back inductive action of the free poles
allows a higher voltage to be maintained in the aerial
collecting conductor than would otherwise be the case. It has
also been found that such a back action has an extremely
favorable effect on the wear of the contacts. Of course the
inductive effect may be regulated at will within the limits of
the size of the induction coil, the length of the coil in action
being adjustable by means of wire connection without induction
(see Figure 24, No. 20).

S1 and S2 may also be provided with such
regulating devices in the case of S2 (illustrated by
11). If excess voltage be formed it is conducted to earth
through the wire 12 and spark gap 8 or through any other
suitable apparatus, since this formation would be dangerous for
the other apparatus.

The small circles on the collector balloon indicate places at
which zinc amalgam or gold amalgam or other photoelectric acting
metals in the form of small patches in extremely thin layers
(0.01 to 0.05 mm in thickness) are applied to the entire balloon
as well as in greater thickness to the conducting network. The
capacity of the collector is thereby considerably strengthened
at the surface. The greatest possible effect in collecting may
be obtained by polonium amalgams and the like. On the surface of
the collector balloon metal points or spikes are also fixed
along the ribs, which spikes serve particularly for collecting
the collector charge. Since it is well known that the resistance
of the spikes is less the sharper the spike is, for this purpose
it is therefore extremely important to employ as sharp spikes as
possible. Experiments made as regards these have shown that the
formation of the body of the spike or point also plays a large
part, for example, spikes made of bars or rollers with smooth
surface, have a many times greater point resistance as collector
accumulator spikes than those with rough surfaces. Various kinds
of spike bodies have been experimented with for the collector
balloons hereinbefore mentions. The best results were given by
spikes which were made in the following way. Fine points made of
steel, copper, nickel, or copper and nickel alloys, were
fastened together in bundles and then placed as anode with the
points in a suitable electrolyte (preferably in hydrochloric
acid or muriate of iron solutions) and so treated with weak
current at 2 to 3 volts pressure. After 2 to 3 hours according
to the thickness of the spikes or pins the points become
extremely sharp and the bodies of the spikes have a rough
surface. The bundle can then be removed and the acid washed off
with water. The spikes are then placed as cathode in a batch
consisting of solution of gold, platinum, iridium, palladium or
wolfram salts or their compounds and coated a the cathode
galvanically with a thin layer of precious metal, which must
however be sufficiently firm to protect them from atmospheric
oxidation.

Such spikes act at a 20-fold lower voltage almost as well as
the best and finest points made by mechanical means. Still
better results are obtained if polonium or radium salts are
added to the galvanic bat when forming he protective layer or
coating. Such pins have a low resistance at their points and
even at one volt and still lower pressures have an excellent
collector action.

In Figure 24 the three unconnected poles are not connected with
one another in parallel. That is quite possible in practice
without altering the principle of the free pole. It is also
preferable to interconnect in parallel to a common collector
network, a series of collecting aerials.

Figure 25 shows a diagram for such an installation. A1,
A2, A3, A4 are four metal
collector balloons with gold or platinum coated spikes which are
electrolytically made in the presence of polonium emanations or
radium salts, which spikes or needles are connected over four
electromagnets S1, S2, S3, S4,
through an annular conductor R. From this annular conductor four
wires run over four further electromagnets Sa, Sb, Sc, Sd, to
the connecting point 13. There the conductor is divided, one
branch passing over 12 and the safety spark gap 8 to the earth
at E1, the other over inductive resistance J and
working spark gap 7 to the earth at E2. The working
circuit, consisting of the condenser 5 and 6 and a resonance
motor M, such as hereinbefore described, is connected in
proximity round the sparking gap section 7.

Instead of directly connecting the condenser motor of course
the primary circuit for high frequency oscillatory current may
also be inserted.

The condenser batteries are connected by one pole to the
annular conductor R and can be either inductionless (16 and 18)
or made as induction condensers as shown by 21 and 23. The free
poles of the inductionless condensers are indicated by 17 and
19, those of the induction condensers by 22 and 24. As may be
seen from the drawings all these poles 17, 22, 19, 24 may be
interconnected in parallel through a second annular conductor
without any fear that thereby the principle of the free pole
connection will be injured. In addition to the advantages
already set forth the parallel connection also allows of an
equalization of the working pressure in the entire collector
network. Suitable constructed and calculated induction coils 25
and 26 may also be inserted in the annular conductor of the free
poles, by means of which a circuit may be formed in the
secondary coils 27 and 28 which allows current produced in this
annular conductor by fluctuations of the charges of the like
appearances to be measured or otherwise utilized.

According to what has been hereinbefore stated separate
collector balloons may be connected at equidistant stations
distributed over the entire country, either connected directly
with one another metallically or by means of intermediate
suitably connected condenser batteries through high voltage
conductors insulated from earth. The static electricity is
converted through a spark gap into dynamic energy of a high
number of oscillations and may in such form be coupled as a
source of energy b y means of a suitable method f connecting,
various precautions being observed and with special regulations.
The wires leading from the collector balloons have hitherto been
connected through an annular conductor without this endless
connection, which can be regarded as an endless induction coil,
being able to exert any action on the whole conductor system.

It has now been found that if the network conductor connecting
the aerial collector balloons with one another is not made as a
simple annular conductor, but preferably short circuited in the
form of coils over a condenser battery or spark gap or through
thermionic tubes or valves or audions, then the total collecting
network exhibits quite new properties. The collection of
atmospheric electricity is thereby not only increased but an
alternating field may be easily produced in the collector
network. Further, the atmospheric electrical forces showing
themselves in the higher regions may also be directly obtained
by induction. In Figures 26 and 28 a form of construction is
shown on the basis of which the further foundations of the
method will be more particularly explained.

![](1540-26.jpg)

In Figure 26, 1, 2, 3, 4 are metal collector balloons, 5, 6, 7,
8 their metallic aerial conductors and I the actual collector
network. This consists of five coils and is mounted on high
voltage insulators in the air, in high voltage masts (or with a
suitable construction of cable embedded in the earth). One coil
has a diameter of 1 or 100 km or more. S and S1 are
two protective electromagnets, F the second safety section
against excess voltage, E its earth conductor and E1 the earth
conductor of the working section. When an absorption of static
atmospheric electricity is effected through the four balloon
collectors, the current in order to reach the earth connection
E1 must flow spirally through the collector network over the
electromagnet S, primary induction coil 9, conductor 14, anode A
of the audion tube, incandescent cathode K, as the way over the
electromagnet and safety spark gap F offers considerably greater
resistance. Owing to the fact that the accumulated current flows
in one direction, an electromagnetic alternating field is
produced in the interior of the collector network coil, whereby
the whole free electrons are directed more or less into the
interior of the coil. An increased ionization of the atmosphere
is thereby produced. In consequence of this the points mounted
on the collector balloon show a considerably reduced resistance
and therefore increased static charges between the points on the
balloon and the surrounding atmosphere are produced. The result
of this is a considerably increased collector effect.

A second effect which could not be obtained otherwise is
obtained by the electromagnetic alternating field which running
parallel to the earth surface, acts more or less with a
diminishing or increasing effect on the earth magnetic field,
whereby in the case of fluctuations in the current a return
induction current of reversed sign is always produced in the
collector coil by earth magnetism. Now if, however, a constantly
pulsating continuous alternating field is produced as stated in
the above collector network I, an alternating current of the
same periodicity is produced also in the collecting network
coil. As the same alternating field is further transmitted to
the aerial balloon, the resistance to its points is thereby
considerably reduced, whilst the collector action is
considerably increased. A further advantage is that positive
electrons which collect on the metal surfaces during the
conversion into dynamic current produce a so-called drop of
potential of the collector area. As an alternating field is
present, the negative ions surrounding the collectors surfaces,
when discharge of the collector surfaces takes place produce by
the law of induction, an induction of reversed sign on the
collector surface and so forth (that is to say again a positive
charge). In addition to the advantages hereinbefore set forth,
the construction of connecting conductors in coil form when of
sufficiently large diameter, allows of a utilization of energy
arising in higher regions also in the simplest way. As is well
known electric discharges frequently take place at very great
elevations which may be observed as St Elmos fire or northern
lights. These energy quantities have no been available to be
utilized up to now. By this invention all these kinds of energy,
as they are of an electromagnetic nature and the direction of
axis of the collector coils stands at right angles to the
earths surface, can be more or less absorbed in the same way as
a receiver in wireless telegraphy absorbs waves coming from a
far distance. With a large diameter of the spiral it is possible
to connect large surfaces and thereby to take up also large
quantities of energy.

It is well known that large wireless stations in the summer
months, and also in the tropics are very frequently unable to
receive the signals in consequence of interruptions which are
caused by atmospheric electricity, and this takes place with
vertical coils of only 40 to 100 meters diameter. If on the
contrary horizontal coils of 1 to 100 km diameter be employed
very strong currents may be obtained through discharges which
are constantly taking place in the atmosphere. Particularly in
the tropics or still better in the polar regions where the
northern lights are constantly present, large quantities of
energy may probably be obtained in this way. A coil with several
windings should act the best. In similar manner any alteration
of the earth magnetism should act inductively on such a coil.

It is not at all unlikely that earthquakes and spots on the sun
will also produce an induction in such collector coils of
sufficient size. In similar manner this collector conductor will
react on earth current more particularly when they are near the
surface of the earth or even embedded in the earth. By combining
the previous kind of current collectors so far as they are
adapted for the improved system with the improved possibilities
of obtaining current the quantities of free natural electricity
which are to be obtained in the form of electricity are
considerably increased.

In order to produce in the improved collector coil uniform
current oscillations of an undamped nature so-called audion high
vacuum or thermionic tubes of suitable connection are employed
instead of the previously known spark gaps (Figure 26, Nos.
9-18). The main aerial current flows through electromagnet S
(which in the case of a high number of alternations is not
connected here but in the earth conductor E1) and may
be conveyed over the primary coils in the induction winding
through wire 14 to the anode A of the high vacuum grid tube.
Parallel with the induction resistance 9 a regulating capacity
of suitable size, such as condenser 11 is inserted. In the lower
part of the vacuum grid tube is arranged the incandescent
filament or the cathode K which is fed through a battery B. From
the battery B two branches run, one to the earth conductor E1
and the other through battery B1 and secondary coil
10 to the grid above *g* in the vacuum tube. By the method
of connections shown in dotted lines, a desired voltage at the
grid electrode *g* may also be produced through the wire
17 which is branched off from the main current conductor through
switches 16 and some small condensers (*a, b, c, d*)
connected in series, and conductor 18, without the battery B1
being required.

The action of the entire system is somewhat as follows: --

On the connecting conductor of the aerial collector network
being short circuited to earth, the condenser pole 11 is charged
and slightly damped oscillations are formed in the short
circuited existing oscillation circuit formed of the condenser
11 and self inductance 9. In consequence of the coupling through
coil 10, fluctuations of voltage take place in the grid circuit
15 with the same frequency, which, fluctuations in turn
influence the strength of the electrode current passing through
the high vacuum amplifying tube and thus produce current
fluctuations of the same frequency in the anode circuit. A
permanent supply of energy to the oscillation circuits 9 and 10
consequently takes place, until a condition of balance is set
up, in which the consumed oscillation energy is equal to that
absorbed. Thereby constant undamped oscillations are now
produced in the oscillation circuits 9-11.

For regular working of such oscillation producers high vacuum
strengthening tubes are necessary and it is also necessary that
the grid and anode voltages shall have a phase difference of
180 deg so that if the grid is negatively charged, then the anode
is positively charged and vice versa. This necessary difference
of phase may be obtained by most varied connections, for
example, by placing the oscillation circuit in the grid circuit
or by separating the oscillation circuit and inductive coupling
from the anodes and the grid circuit and so forth.

A second important factor in this way of converting static
atmospheric electricity into undamped oscillations is that care
must be taken hat the grid and anode voltages have a certain
relation to one another; the latter may be obtained by altering
the coupling and a suitable selection of the self-induction in
the grid circuit, or as shown by dotted lines 16, 17, 18 by
means of a larger or smaller number of condensers of suitable
size connected in series; in this case the battery B1
may be omitted. With a suitable selection of the grid potential
a glow discharge takes place between the grid *g* and the
anode A, and accordingly at the grid there is a cathode drop and
a dark space is formed. The size of this cathode drop is
influenced by the ions which are emitted in the lower space in
consequence of shock ionization of the incandescent cathodes K
and pass through the grid in the upper space. On the other hand
the number of ions passing through the grid is dependent on the
voltage between the grid and the cathode. Thus is the grid
voltage undergoes periodic fluctuations (as in the present case)
the amount of the cathode drop at the grid fluctuates and
consequently the internal resistance of the tube correspondingly
fluctuates, so that when a back coupling of the feed circuit
with the grid circuit takes place, the necessary means are
afforded for producing undamped oscillations and of taking
current, according to requirements from the collecting
conductor.

The frequency of the undamped oscillations produced is with a
suitably loose coupling equal to the self-frequency of the
oscillation circuits 9 and 10. By a suitable selection of the
self induction of the coil 9 and capacity 11 it is possible to
extend from frequencies which produce electromagnetic
oscillation of only a few meters wavelength down to the lowest
practical alternating current frequency. For large installations
a suitable number of frequency-producing tubes of the well-known
high vacuum transmission tubes of 0.5 to 2 kw in size may be
connected in parallel so that in this respect no difficulty
exists.

The use of such tubes for producing undamped oscillations, and
also the construction and method of inserting such transmission
tubes in an accumulator or dynamo circuit is known and also that
such oscillation producing tubes only work well at voltages of
1000 up to 4000 volts, so that on the contrary their use at
lower voltages is considerably more difficult. By the use of
high voltage static electricity this method of producing
undamped oscillations as compared with that through spark gaps
must be regarded as an ideal solution particularly for small
installations of outputs of from 1 to 100 kw.

By the application of safety spark gaps, with interpolation of
electromagnets, not only is short-circuiting avoided but also
the taking up of current is regulated. Oscillation producers
inserted in the above way form a constantly acting
electromagnetic alternating field in the collector coil, whereby
as already stated, a considerable accumulating effect takes
place. The withdrawal wire or working wire is connected at 12
and 13, but current may be taken by means of a secondary coil
which is firmly or movable mounted in any suitable way inside
the large collector coil, i.e., in its electromagnetic
alternating field, so long as the direction of its axis runs
parallel with that of the main current collecting coil.

In producing undamped oscillations of a high frequency (50,000
per second or more) in the oscillation circuits 9 and 11,
electromagnets S and S1 must be inserted if the high
frequency oscillations are not to penetrate the collector oil,
between the oscillation producers and the collector coil. In all
other cases they are connected shortly before the earthing (as
in Figures 27 and 28).

![](1540-27.jpg)

In Figure 27 a second method of construction of the connecting
conductor of the balloon aerials is illustrated in the form of a
coil. The main difference consists in that in addition to the
connecting conductor I another annular conductor II is inserted
parallel to the former on the high voltage masts in the air (or
embedded as a cable in the earth) but both in te form of a coil.
The connecting wire of the balloon aerials is indicated as a
primary conductor and also as a current producing network; the
other is the consumption network and is not in unipolar
connection with the current producing network.

In Figure 27 the current producing network I is shown with
three balloon collectors 1, 2, 3 and aerial conductors 4, 5, 6;
it is short-circuited through condenser 19 and inductance 9. The
oscillation forming circuit consists in this diagram of spark
gap f, inductance 10, and condenser 11; the earth wire E, is
connected to earth over electromagnet S1. F s the
safety spark gap which is also connected to earth through a
second electromagnet S at E. On connecting up the condenser
circuit 11 this is charged over the spark gap f whereby an
oscillatory discharge is formed. This discharging current acts
through inductance 10 on the inductively coupled secondary 9,
whereby in the producing network a modification of the potential
of the condenser 19 is produced. The consequence of this is that
oscillations arise in the coil shaped producer network. These
oscillations induce a current in the secondary circuit II, which
has a smaller number of windings and a less resistance, the
voltage of which, according to the proportion of the number of
windings and of the ohmic resistance, is considerably lower
whilst the current strength is greater.

In order to convert the current thus obtained into current of
an undamped character, and to tune its wavelengths, a
sufficiently large regulatable capacity 20 in inserted between
the ends 12 and 13 of the secondary conductor II. Here also
current may be taken without an earthy conductor, but it is
advisable to insert a safety spark gap E1 and to connect this
with the earth over an electromagnet S2.

The producer network may be connected with the working network
II over an inductionless condenser 21 or over an induction
condenser 22, 23. In this case the secondary conductor is
unipolarly connected with the energy conductor.

![](1540-28.jpg)

In Figure 28 the connecting conductor between the separate
accumulator balloons is carried out according to the
autotransformer principle. The collecting coil connects four
aerial balloons 1, 2, 3, 4, the windings of which are not made
side by side but one above the other. In Figure 28 the collector
coil I is shown with a thin line, the metallically connected
prolongation coils II with a thick line. Between the ends I1
and II1 of the energy network I a regulating capacity
19 is inserted. The wire I1 is connected with the
output wire and with the spark gap F.

As transformer of the atmospheric electricity an arrangement is
employed which consists in using rotary pairs of condensers in
which the one stator surface B is connected with the main
current, whilst the other A is connected with the earth pole.
Between these pairs of short-circuited condensers are caused to
rotate from which the converted current can be taken by means of
two collector rings and brushes, in the form of an alternating
current, the frequency of which is dependent on the number of
balloons and the revolutions of the rotor. As the alternating
current formed in the rotor can act, in this improved method of
connection described in this invention, through coils 1 on the
inductance 9, an increase or diminution of the feed current in I
can be obtained according to the direction of the current by
back induction. Current oscillations of uniform rhythm thereby
result in the coil shaped windings of the produce network.

As the ends of this conductor are short-circuited through the
regulatable condenser 19 these rhythms produce short-circuited
undamped oscillations in the energy conductor, the periodicity
and wave lengths of which oscillations can be adjusted according
to desire by altering the capacity 19 to a given wavelength and
therewith also to a given frequency. These currents may also be
employed in this form directly as working current through the
conductors II1 and III. By inserting the condenser 20
a connection between these conductors may also be made, whereby
harmonic oscillations of desired wavelengths are formed. By this
means quite new effects as regards current distribution are
obtained. The withdrawal of current can even take place without
direct wire connection if, at a suitable point in the interior
of the producing network (quite immaterially whether this has a
diameter of 1 or 100 km) a coil tuned to these wavelengths and
of the desired capacity is firmly or movably mounted in the
aerial conductor in such a way that is axial direction is in
parallel with that of the collector coil. In this case a current
is induced in the producing network, the size of which is
dependent on the total capacity and resistance and also on the
periodicity employed. A possibility is thereby afforded in
future, of taking energy from the producer network by wireless
means. As thereby in addition to atmospheric electricity also
magnetic earth currents and energy from the higher atmosphere
(at leas partially may be simultaneously obtained, this last
system for collecting the atmospheric energy is of particular
importance for the future.

Of course everywhere instead of spark gaps grid vacuum tubes
may be employed as producers for undamped oscillations. The
separate coils of the producer network with large diameters may
be connected with one another through separate conductors all in
parallel or all in series or in groups in series. By regulating
the number of oscillations and also the extent of the voltage
more or less large collector coils of this kind may be employed.
The coils may also be divided spirally over the entire section.
The coils may be carried out in angular form or also in
triangular, quadrangular, hexagonal or octagonal form.

Of course wires may be carried from a suitable place to the
center or also laterally which serve the current waves as
guides. This is necessary when the currents have to be conducted
over mountains and valley and so forth. In all these cases the
current must be converted into a current of suitable
periodicity.

As already hereinbefore mentioned separate collecting balloons
may be directly metallically interconnected at equidistant
stations distributed over the entire country or may be connected
by interpolation of suitable condenser batteries by means of
high voltage conductors. The static electricity is converted
through a spark gap into dynamic energy of a high number of
oscillations, and could then in such forms, wit a suitable
arrangement of the connections, observing various measures of
protection, be employed as source of energy after separate or
special regulation.

According to this invention in order to increase the collecting
effect of the balloon in the aerial collector conductor or in
the earth wire, radiating collectors are employed. These consist
either of incandescent metal or oxide electrodes in the form of
vacuum grid tubes, or electric arcs (mercury and the like
electrodes), Nernst lamps, or finally flames of various kinds
may be simply connected with the respective conductor.

It is well known that energy can be drawn of from a cathode
consisting of an incandescent body opposite an anode charged
with positive electricity (vacuum grid tube). Hitherto however,
a cathode was always first directly placed opposite an anode,
and secondly the system always consisted of a closed circuit.

Now if we dispense with the ordinary ideas in forming light or
flame arcs in which a cathode must always stand directly
opposite an anode, charged to a high potential or another body
freely floating in the air, or regard the incandescent cathode
only as a source of unipolar discharge (which represent group
and point discharges in electrostatic machines similar to
unipolar discharges), it may be ascertained that incandescent
cathodes and less perfectly all incandescent radiators, flames
and the like admit of relatively large current densities and
allow large quantities of electric energy to radiate into the
open space in the form of electron streams as transmitters.

The object of this invention is as described below, if such
incandescent oxide electrodes or other incandescent radiators or
flames are not freely suspended in space but connected
metallically with the earth so that they can be charged with
negative terrestrial electricity, these radiators possess the
property of absorbing the free positive electrical charges
contained in the air space surrounding them (that is to say of
collecting them and conducting them to earth). They can
therefore serve as collectors and have, in comparison to the
action of the spikes, or points, a very large radius of action
R; the effective capacity of these collectors is much greater
than the geometrical capacity (Ro-) calculated in an
electrostatic sense.

Now as our earth is surrounded as is well known with an
electrostatic field and the difference of potential

![](1540form1.jpg)

of the earth field according to the latest investigations, is
in summer about 60 to 100 volts and in winter 300 to 500 volts
per meter of difference in height ( ![](1540symbol.jpg)h ), a simple
calculation gives the result that when such a radiation
collector or flame collector is arranged for example on the
ground, and a second one is mounted vertically over it at a
distance of 2000 meters and both are connected by a conducting
cable, there is a difference in potential in summer of about
2,000,000 volts and in winter even of 6,000,000 volts and more.

According to Stefan Boltzmanns law of radiation, the quantity
of energy which an incandescent surface (temperature T) of 1 sq
cm radiates in a unit of time into the open air (temperature To
) is expressed by the following formula:

S = ![](1540symbol.jpg) (T4
 T4o ) watt./sq cm.

And the universal radiation constant ![](1540symbol.jpg) is according to
the latest researches of Ferry (*Annales de Chimie et de
Physique*, 17: 267 [1909]) equal to 6.30 x 10-12
watt/sq cm.

Now if an in incandescent surface of 1 sq cm shows, as compared
with the surrounding space a periodic fall of potential ![](1540symbol.jpg)V it radiates
(independent of the current direction, that is to say of the
sign) in accordance with the above formula, for example at a
temperature of 3725 deg C an energy of 1.6 kw/sq cm/second. As for
the radiation the same value can be calculated for the
collection of energy, but reversed. Now, as carbon electrodes at
the temperature of the electric arc support on the current basis
a current density up to from 60 to 65 amperes per sq cm no
difficulties will result in this direction in employing
radiating collectors as accumulators.

If the earth be regarded as a cosmically insulated condenser in
the sense of geometrical electrostatics *x* there results
from the geometric (compare Edwald Rasch: *Das Elektrische
Bogenlicht* [The Electric Arc Light], page 169) capacity of
the earth according to Chwolson:

For negative charging 1.3 x 106 Coulomb

For negative potential V = 10 x 108 volts.

From this there results however, EJT = 24.7 x 1024
watt/sec. Now if it is desired to make a theoretic short circuit
through an earthed flame collector this would represent an
electric total work of about 79,500 x 1010 kilowatt
years. As the earth must be regarded as a rotating mechanism
which thermodynamically, electromagnetically and also
kinematically coupled with the sun and star system by cosmic
radiations and gravitation a diminution of the electric energy
of the earth field is not to be feared. The energies which the
incandescent collectors would withdraw from the earth field can
only case by the withdrawal of motor work a lowering of the
earth temperature ( temperature TE = 300 ) and reduce
this to that of the world space ( T = O ) by using the entire
energy. This is however not the case as the earth does not
represent a cosmically entirely insulated system. On the
contrary there is conveyed to the same according to the recent
value corrected by Perry for the solar constants through the
radiation from the sun an energy of 18,500 x 1010 kw.
Accordingly, any lowering of the earth temperature (TE)
without a simultaneous lowering of the suns temperature (Ts)
would contradict Stefan Boltzmanns law of radiation.

S = ![](1540symbol.jpg) (s4
 T4 ).

From this it must be concluded that if the earth temperature (
TE ) sinks the total radiation S absorbed by the
earth increases, and further also that the secular speed of
cooling of the earth is directly dependent on that of the sun
and the other radiators cosmically coupled with the sun and is
connected most closely with these.

The incandescent radiation collectors may, according to this
invention, be employed for collecting atmospheric electricity if
they (1) are charged with the negative earth electricity (that
is to say when they are directly connected by means of a
metallic conductor with the earth) and (2) if large capacities
(metal surfaces) charged with electricity are mounted opposite
them as positive poles in the air. This is regarded as the main
feature of the present invention as without these inventive
ideas it would not be possible to collect with an incandescent
collector, sufficiently large quantities of the electrical
charges contained in the atmosphere as the technology requires;
the radius of action of the flame collectors would also be too
small, especially if it be considered that the very small
surface density (energy density) ( ![](1540symbol.jpg) about = 2 x 7 .
109 St. E. per sq cm ) does not allow of large
quantities of charge being absorbed from the atmosphere.

*x*) Calculated according to Poissons calculation:

![](1540form5.jpg)  ; as
here the alteration of the potential or potential gradients only
takes place in the direction o the normal, this calculation
assumes the simple form

![](1540form6.jpg)  
It has indeed already been proposed to employ flame collectors
for collecting atmospheric electricity and it is known that
their collecting effect is substantially greater opposite the
points. It is however, not known that the quantities of current
which could hitherto be obtained are too small for technical
purposes. According to my experiments the reason for this is to
be found in the too small capacities of the collector conductor
poles. If such flame or radiating collectors have no or only
small positive surfaces, their radius of action for large
technical purposes is too small. If the incandescent collectors
be constantly kept in movement in the air they may collect more
according to the speed of the movement, but this again is not
capable of being carried out in practice.

By this invention the collector effect is considerably
increased by a body charged with a positive potential and of the
best possible capacity being also held floating (without direct
earth connection) opposite such an incandescent collector which
is held floating in the air at a desired height. If for example,
a collecting balloon of sheet metal or of metalized balloon
fabric be caused to mount to 300 up to 3000 meters in the air
and as positive pole it is brought opposite such a radiating
collector connected by a conductor to the earth, quite different
results are obtained.

The metallic balloon shell (with a large surface) is charged to
a high potential by the atmospheric electricity. This potential
is greater the higher the collecting balloon is above the
incandescent collector. The positive electricity acts
concentratedly on the anode floating in the air as it is
attracted through the radiation shock ionization, proceeding
from the incandescent cathode. The consequence of this is that
the radius of action of the incandescent cathode collector is
considerably increased and thereby also the collection effect of
the collecting balloon surface. Further the large capacity of
the anode floating in the air plays therefore an important part
because it allows of the taking o large charges, and thereby a
more uniform current is obtained even when there is a large
consumption: this cannot be the case with small surfaces.

In the present case the metallic collecting balloon is a
positive anode floating in the air and the end of the earth
conductor of this balloon serves as positive pole surface
opposite the surface of the radiating incandescent cathode,
which in turn is charged with negative earth electricity being
conductively connected to earth.

The process may be carried out by two such contacts (negative
incandescent cathode and anode end of a capacity floating in the
air) a condenser and an inductive resistance being switched on
in parallel, whereby simultaneously undamped oscillations may be
formed.

In very large installations it is advisable to connect two such
radiating collectors in series. Thus an arc light incandescent
cathode may be placed below on the open ground and an
incandescent cathode which is heated by special electromagnetic
currents be located high in the air. Of course for this the
special vacuum Liebig tubes wit or without grids may also be
employed. An ordinary arc lamp with oxide electrodes may be
introduced on the ground and the positive pole is not directly
connected with the collecting balloon, but through the upper
incandescent cathode or over a condenser. The method of
connecting the incandescent cathode floating in the air may be
seen in Figures 29-33.

B is the air balloon, K a Cardan ring (connection with the
hawser), C the balloon, L a good connecting cable, P a positive
pole, N negative incandescent cathode, and E earth conductor.

![](1540-29-30.jpg)

Figure 29 represents the simplest form of construction. If
electric oscillations are produced below on the ground by means
of a carbon arc lamp or in other suitable way a considerably
greater electric resistance is opposed to that in the direct way
by inserting an electrical inductive resistance 9. Consequently
between P and N, a voltage is formed, and as, over N and P only
an inductionless ohmic resistance is present, a spark will
spring over so long as the separate induction co-efficients and
the like are correctly calculated. The consequence of this is
that the oxide electrode (carbon or the like) is rendered
incandescent and then shows as incandescent cathode an increased
collecting effect. The positive poles must be substantially
larger than the negative in order that they may not also become
incandescent. As they are further connected with the large
balloon area which has a large capacity and is charged at high
voltage, an incandescent body which is held floating in the air
and a positive pole which can collect large capacities is
thereby obtained in the simplest way. The incandescent cathode
is first caused to become incandescent by means of separate
energy produced on the earth, and then maintained by the energy
collected from the atmosphere.

Figure 30 only shows the difference that instead of a round
balloon a cigar-shaped one (of metal or metalized fabric) may be
employed and also a condenser 5 is inserted between the
incandescent cathode and the earth conductor so that a short
circuited oscillation circuit over P.N. 5 and 9 is obtained.
This has the advantage that quite small quantities of
electricity cause the cathode to become incandescent and much
larger cathode bodies may be rendered incandescent.

![](1540-31-33.jpg)

In this form of construction both the incandescent cathode and
also the positive electrode may be enclosed in a vacuum chamber
as may be seen in Figure 32. A cable L is carried well insulated
through the cover of a vessel and ends in a condenser disc 5.
The cover is arched in order to keep off the rain. The vessel is
entirely or partially made of magnetic metal and well-insulated
inside and outside. Opposite the disc 5 another disc 6 and on
this again a positive pile of the vacuum tube g with the
incandescent cathode (oxide electrode) N is arranged. The
negative electrode is on the one hand connected with the earth
conductor E, and on the other hand with the inductive resistance
9 which is also connected with the cable L with the positive
pole and wound round the vessel in coils. The action is exactly
the same as that in Figure 29 only instead of an open
incandescent cathode one enclosed in vacuo is employed. As in
such collectors only small bodies can be brought to
incandescence in large installations a plurality of such vacuum
tubes must be inserted in proximity to one another. According to
the previous constructions Figures 31 and 33 are quite self
evident without further explanations.

![](1540-34-37.jpg)

Figures 34-37 represent further diagrams of connections over
radiating and flame collectors, and in fact, how they are to be
arranged on the ground.

Figure 34 shows an arc light collector with oxide electrodes
for direct current and its connection; Figure 35 a similar one
for alternating current, Figure 36 an incandescent collector
with a Nernst lamp and Figure 37 a similar one with a gas flame.

The positive pole 1 of the radiating collectors is always
directly connected to the aerial collecting conductor A. In
Figure 34 this is further connected over the condenser battery 5
with a second positive electrode 3. The direct current dynamo *b*
produces current which flows over between the electrodes 3 and 2
as an arc light. On the formation of an arc the negative
incandescent electrode 2 absorbs electricity from the positive
poles standing opposite it and highly charged with atmospheric
electricity and conveys the same to the working circuit. The
spark gap 7, inductive resistance 9 and induction coil 10 are
like the ones previously described. The protective electromagnet
S guards the installation against earth circuiting, the safety
spark gap 8 from excess voltage or overcharging.

In Figure 35 the connection is so far altered that the
alternating current dynamo feeds the exciting coil 11 of the
induction condenser. 12 is its negative and 13 its positive
pole; if the coil 3 on the magnet core of the dynamo is
correctly calculated and the periodicity of the alternating
current is sufficiently high an arc light can be formed between
the two poles 1 and 2. As the cathode 2 is connected with the
negatively charged earth, and therefore always acts as a
negative pole, a form of rectification of the alternating
current produced by the dynamo 3 is obtained, the second half of
the period is always suppressed. The working circuit may be
carried out in the same way as in Figure 34; the working gap 7
may however be dispensed with, and instead thereof between the
points m and n a condenser 5 and an induction resistance 9 may
be inserted from which the current is taken inductively.

Figure 36 represents a form of construction similar to Figure
34 only that here instead of an arc lamp a Nernst incandescent
body is employed. The Nernst lamp is fed through the battery 3.
The working section is connected with the negative pole, the
safety spark gap with the + poles. The working spark gap 7 may
also be dispensed with and the current for it taken at 12 over
the oscillation circuit 5, 11 (shown in dotted lines).

Flame collectors (Figure 37) may also be employed according to
this invention. The wire network 1 is connected with the aerial
collector conductor A and the burner with the earth. At the
upper end of the latter, long points are provided which project
into the flame. The positive electrode is connected with the
negative over a condenser 5 and the induction coil 9 with the
earth.

The novelty in this invention is firstly, the use of
incandescent cathodes opposite positive poles which are
connected with large metallic capacities as automatic collecting
surfaces, (2) the connection of the incandescent cathodes with
the earth whereby, in addition to the electricity conveyed to
them from the battery or machine which causes the incandescing,
also the negative charge of the earth potential is conveyed, and
(3) the connection of the positive and negative poles of the
radiating collectors over a condenser circuit alone or with the
introduction of a suitable inductive resistance, whereby
simultaneously an oscillatory oscillation circuit may be
obtained. The collecting effect is by these methods quite
considerably increased.

I declare that what I claim is: --- [ Claims not included here
]

---

  
**British Patent # 157,262**   
**(10 July 1922)**

**Improvements in Electric Motors**

**Hermann Plauson // Otto Trauns
Forchungs-Laboratorium GmbH**

This invention relates to that type of motor in which rotation
is produced by means of the attraction and repulsion of surfaces
carrying charges of electricity.

According to this invention a stator and rotor are formed of
condensor surfaces and charges of electricity thereon imposed in
the form of alternating currents of high frequency.

The invention is more particularly described with reference to
the accompanying drawing in which: ---

Figure 1 shows a simple form of motor and feed.

![](gb1-1.jpg)

Figure 2 is a modification of Figure 1.

![](gb1-2.jpg)

Figure 3 shows one form of a spiral condenser surface.

Figure 4 shows a wire wound condenser surface.

Figure 5 is a diagram of one type of rotor,

![](gb1-345.jpg)

The inner plates of the condenser 5 and 6 are charged from a
spark gap 7, 8 connected to a source of energy of sufficiently
high pressure (alternating or direct current), until the
potential has risen so far that a spark springs over.

The spark gap 7, 8 forms with the condenser 5 and
self-inductance 9 and condenser 6 a closed oscillatory circuit
and alternating currents of high frequency will be produced in
this circuit. The high frequency current produced in the primary
circuit 9 excite by induction in the secondary circuit 10
currents of the same periodicity.

The improved type of motor is fed by the discharges produced by
the induction in the secondary circuit.

Hitherto only Teslas motor system (shown diagrammatically in
Figure 1, 16 and 17) was known for this purpose. The
above-mentioned diagram is only shown for illustrating the
fundamental principle. It has however no practical interest for
carrying out large machines by reason of the impossibility of
the regulation and the low efficiency.

Now according to this process, all these defects are overcome
by the construction of a machine which is applicable for high
frequency currents and of a more or less undamped nature. The
difference between the principle of construction of these motors
as compared with those hitherto customary consists in that the
motor is not based on the principle of magnetic induction only
(as have been all motors hitherto and also Teslas motors).

It has been fund that the machine constructed according to
Figure 1 cannot only be fed directly with static electricity but
if it is connected to a source of high frequency current it will
operate.

The applicants call this new type of motors condenser motors
to differentiate them from hitherto existing types.

The simplest form of construction of such condenser motors is
shown in Figure 1, and this motor may be fed with high frequency
alternating currents.

At a given moment positive electricity is charged by means of
the lead 14 to the stator surface 1 and to the brush 3x (Figure
1). The brush 3x is connected with the rotor condenser surface
3, so that both the stator surface 1 and also the rotor surface
3 is charged with positive electricity. The stator surface 1 and
the rotor surface 3 being both charged with positive electricity
and the second rotor surfaces 4 and 4a by brushes 4x with
negative electricity, such motors can then be started by
providing intermediate stator surfaces 11, 12, the earth
connection 13 of one of which is broken by a switch (not shown)
according to the direction of rotation desires, or alternatively
the motor may be started by a separate source of alternating
current in a manner similar to the starting of synchronous
motors of known construction. After a half revolution of the
rotor the brush 3x comes in contact with the second collector
surface 4 so that now this surface is connected by the brush 3x
with the stator surface 1 and the brush 4x with the collector
surface 3. Consequently with a reverse direction of current
through the second half of the oscillation period all the
hereinbefore mentioned effects take place in the reverse
direction which, however, produces no alteration in the
direction of rotation because the dead points between two
directions of oscillation are overcome by inertia.

Although this motor is easy to start it can only be employed
for small experimental and measuring purposes because the stator
and rotor surfaces are made of solid metal and are heated by
Foucalt (eddy) currents. In spite of its simplicity and its
unsuitability for use in practice it must however be regarded as
a basic type for technical calculations.

The condenser motor shown in Figure 2 differs from Figure 1 by
the rotor surfaces consisting of six condenser surfaces
connected one behind the other in series and they are connected
with three collector surfaces, so that at any one moment only
two adjacent collector surfaces come under the two brushes (3
and 4). In its other actions it corresponds to Figure 1. The
leads 14 and 15 may be connected either to the ends of the
secondary coil 10 or directly with the source of energy. The
outer thicker line indicates the stator surfaces 1 and 2 (that
is to say the unmoving part of the motor), 11 and 12 shown by
thick dotted lines means earthed additional poles of the stator,
8, 9, and 10 are the outer parts of the rotor condenser surfaces
which in turn are connected with the collector surfaces 8, 9,
and 10. 5, 6, and 7 are the inner parts of the condenser
surfaces of the rotor and 3 and 4 are brushes.

Hitherto stator and rotor surfaces of compact metal have been
spoken of. These however become highly heated with eddy currents
and hardly yield 10-15% of useful effect. In examining into such
small useful effects it was found that certain forms of metal
sections in the stator and condenser surfaces highly increase
these. It was then further found that if slots or notches be cut
in the metal surfaces of the stator and rotor in the form of a
spiral, not only was a higher useful effect possible, but also
an easier starting and even a regulation could be obtained.

Experiments have shown that by such a form of construction it
is possible to build a very useful motor for high frequency
alternating currents more particularly those of an undamped
nature.

If for example the system of construction of a stator shown in
Figure 1, but four polar, be taken and the system of rotor
construction shown diagrammatically in Figure 5, but with the
form of construction of the condensers of the stator as well as
of the rotor according to Figure 3, a condenser motor is
obtained which works well in either direction for high frequency
alternating current. It was also observed that the motors in
such forms of construction were found to be more sensitive to
resonance effects. Such a motor then works the best if stator
and rotor surfaces have equal capacity and self-inductance so
that the windings both in the stator and also in the rotor are
in resonance.

A motor constructed according to the foregoing kind is already
fully technically applicable. But even these motors have a
series of faults, more particularly in their building
construction. For example, the attachment of the spiral
condenser surfaces both of the stator and of the rotor sown in
Figure 3 are in practice difficult to carry out. Therefore in
practice the condenser and stator surfaces are simply wound of
wire or bands in the form shown in Figure 4. Such stator and
rotor surfaces may, without further difficulty, be regarded as
electromagnetic poles, although they are not made of iron as is
the case in electromagnets. Such machines may be spoken of
directly as motors for high frequency alternating currents in
which the separate pole surfaces consists of wound induction
condenser surfaces of which one is sound on the stator and the
other on the rotor.

If the coil as shown in Figure 4 be made of well insulated
wires the coil can be embedded in insulating material either for
the stator or motor surfaces as has already been done in the
case of ordinary single and multiphase motors. At the same time
the possibility is afforded by increasing the number of turns to
produce a greater or smaller alteration of the self induction
co-efficients.

In Figure 5 is shown a modified construction of a rotor for a
four pole motor consisting of four condenser surfaces 1, 2, 3,
4, of which 1 and 2 are connected though an iductance 9 coupled
with the coil 10. Four inner surfaces 5, 6, 7, 8 are provided of
which 5 and 6 are directly connected also 7 and 8 similarly
connected.

The pairs of like poles are connected by wires 14 and 15 to the
source of energy. By a suitable selection of the values of the
reactance and capacity in these circuits resonance circuits may
be formed.

Having now particularly described and ascertain the nature of
our said invention and in what manner the same is to be
performed, we declare that what we claim is: --- [Claims not
included here]

---

  

**British Patent # 157,263**

**Process & Apparatus for Converting
Static Atmospheric Electrical Energy into Dynamic
Electrical Energy of any Suitable High Periodicity**

**Hermann Plauson // H.O. Trauns
Forschungs-Laboratorium GmbH**

Static aerial electricity in the form of direct current can be
converted by using spark gaps and with the assistance of
oscillatory circuits into dynamic electrical wave energy of a
high number of alternations of a more or less undamped nature
and in such form --- either direct or by means of a special kind
of resonance or 'condenser motors' --- ready to be utilized for
technical purposes as mechanical energy.

For small installations this system may be very well employed;
about 100 horsepower may be stated as practical limit. In
constructions of larger aggregate difficulties as regards the
spark gaps however increase considerably. Further it is
desirable to convert the accumulated currents of from 100 to
1000 periods which may then be used for the ordinary types of
alternating current machines instead of into electromagnetic
waves of a high number of alternations.

In experimenting with condenser motors the construction of
which forms the object of British Patent # 157,262 it was
observed that the rotor, if one pole of the stator surface be
connected with the aerials collecting aerial electricity and the
other pole with the earth, not only could act as a motor, but if
vice versa the rotor connection with the stator be interrupted
and the rotor caused to rotate by means of another motor, that
when the brushes supply an alternating current the periodicity
of which is dependent on the number of poles and the revolutions
of the rotor. Such an apparatus may therefore be regarded as a
transformer of static into dynamic electrical energy.

The invention is more particularly described with reference to
the accompanying diagrams in which: ---

![](gb2-1-6.jpg)

In Figure 1A is a strong accumulator battery, 1 and 2 are the
outer poles of the transformer, consisting of simple metallic
plates or are as shown in Figures 8-11, made of wire coils
without an electromagnet being present. Between these poles an
armature is revolubly mounted on a shaft, which armature also
consists of two similar cylindrically curved plates 3 and 4.
These are metallically connected with two collector rings 5 and
6 on which two brushes 7 and 8 freely run which again are
short-circuited with one another over a primary coil 9. 10 is
the secondary coil with the free ends 11 and 12. If through the
accumulator battery the stator plate 1 is charged with positive
electricity, it induces a charge of reverse sign on the rotor
surface 3 which is connected by the brushes 7 and 8 over the
primary coil 9 with the second rotor surface 4. This latter is
therefore charged with positive electricity, which in turn
induces negative electricity on the stator surface 2/ Up to this
moment everything takes place in the same way as if two
condensers were connected one behind the other in the current
circuit A. If however, by means of mechanical power, this rotor
be caused to rotate, the surface conditions are altered. After a
quarter revolution the rotor plates are between the stator
plates and therefore no condenser surface faces another. By this
means however, the capacity of the entire system is reduced to a
minimum and a change of current will also result in the main 9.
Now if the rotor be turned further through 90 degrees by
mechanical energy the rotor plate 3 comes opposite the stator
plate 2 and the rotor plate 4 opposite the stator plate 1, so
that then the rotor pates are in a field of reverse sign. A
fresh charge of current in the reverse direction now runs
through the primary coil 9. After a further half revolution the
same action is repeated so that after a full revolution the
initial condition is again produced. The result of such a
revolution is an alternating current the periodicity of which is
equal to the number of revolution. In practice of course not two
poles but as many poles as possible would be employed because
thereby the number of alternations would e considerably
increased. The primary alternating current thus obtained induces
in the secondary circuit an alternating current the potential of
which is dependent on the winding of the coil. Figure 7 shows a
multipolar machine.

If the stator surface 1, instead of being connected with the
battery be connected with a collecting aerial network and the
other stator surface 2 be directly earthed, but the rotor wich
is otherwise constructed as hereinbefore, be rotated by a
separate motor a much stronger alternating current results which
is to be ascribed to the circumstance that a much higher
potential can be charged on the pole surfaces of the stator by
reason of the higher pressure of the static electricity than
where accumulators are employed. By this means the transformer
has of course much larger quantities of energy supplied to it.

Figure 2 shows a mode of connections. The stator surface 1 is
connected with the aerial antennae which is connected through
the safety spark gap F to earth at E1. The stator surface 2 is
directly earthed at E2. The inner revoluble rotor surfaces 3 and
4 are interconnected by means of an induction coil which is
constructed directly in the motor. The current is taken as in
Figure 1 up to collector rings by means of brushes, which are
not shown for the sake of clearness, and further conveyed
through the conductors 11 and 12. Between these a condenser 5
may be inserted. There is thereby formed a short oscillatory
oscillation circuit free from spark gaps, which circuit consists
of the induction coil 9 and condenser 5 and is fed by the
periodic charging current impulse. By this means the possibility
is afforded of obtaining a kind of current which is
characterized by longer periods and is undamped and oscillatory.
Of course a simple alternating current may be obtained by
cutting out the condenser.

Instead of the induction coil the condenser may also b
constructed in the rotor. His can be carried out in such a way
that its ends serve directly as collector rings for taking
current through the brushes. In Figure 3 such a motor is
sketched in perspective, 3 and 4 are the rotor surfaces, 5 and 6
are the condenser surfaces constructed to form part of the rotor
consisting of two co-axial cylinders fitting one in the other in
such a way that free room is left for the brushes 7 on one end
of the condenser cylinder 6.

The condenser may be made in the form of a cylindrically wound
spiral forming the capacity and reactance as shown in Figure 4.
A further type of transformer is shown in Figure 5. The
difference consists in the stator and rotor surfaces not only
each assuming a quarter of the circuit but almost the half. By
this means the space and the effective condenser surface is
better utilized. Charge is produced only when the rotor surfaces
face the full scope of the stator surfaces.

In addition a condition is obtained in which the stator
surfaces are inductively connected by the rotor surfaces. The
consequence of this is that an alternating current
simultaneously results which is produced without sparking
otherwise the connection is as before.

Figure 6 shows the alternation of the rotor surfaces; the rotor
here consists of two cylindrical condenser plates arranged
concentrically, each divided into two halves and connected so
that half the inner cylinder is connected to half the outer.
Such a machine shows the more complete transformer action.

![](gb2-7.jpg)

Figure 7 shows a four polar transformer. It consists of a metal
casing, the lower half of which is fastened with the foundation
plates 17 to the support or foundation. The upper half, the
cover, is connected by bolts 15 and 16 firmly with the under
part. This upper sleeve or casing is insulated from the under
part. Two rings 1 and 2 are cylindrically constructed in the
casing. The ring 1 is metallically connected with the collector
aerial and the ring 2 with the earth. On both rings an equal
number of stator surfaces are mounted side by side but well
insulated from one another and thus form an electrostatic field
similar to the electromagnetic in many alternating current
machines. The rotor consists in similar manner of two rings 5
and 6 on which an equal number of rotor surfaces are fixed so
that each stator surface faces a rotor surface. By the brushes 7
and 8 the alternating current formed is removed from the
collector. The charge is conveyed by the conductor 14 to and by
13 away. If this rotor be then rotated by means of a motor the
positive and negative fields precisely as in the case of
magnetizing will alter and thereby an alternating current is
formed in the rotor, the periods of which are dependent on the
number of the poles and the revolutions per second.

At the commencement it was thought that this apparatus could
only be regarded as alternating current converters, but it was
soon found that much more energy was necessary to rotate the
rotor than might be necessary to overcome the friction. It was
then found that the considerable expenditure of energy for
rotating the rotor was caused by a conductor being moved through
strongly electrostatic fields since the electrostatic lines of
force must be cut at right angles and that further in the
conductors a stronger current arose than was otherwise to be
expected. This apparatus must therefore not only be regarded as
a transformer, but also as an energy producer, with the
difference that the excitation here is obtained instead of by
means of electromagnets, by static fields of high pressure. The
entire system may, to some extent, be compared with a dynamo in
which the excitation takes place by means of a fixed constant
magnet. It was further ascertained that this way of using the
atmospheric electricity produced a sort of suction on the
collector network, and that thus suitable greater quantities of
current could be obtained.

The effects which in this apparatus became evident are
extremely interesting and open a prospect of being able to
obtain here a great deal more. Merely that these transformer
made it possible to transform suitable quantities of atmospheric
electricity into alternating current of high or lower frequency
(without the use of spark gaps) shows already the extreme
utility of these apparatus. Should in future, the construction
of larger aggregates be necessary the transformer installation
may be constructed in such a way that motors which are fed by a
current obtained from an installation with spark gaps produce a
certain quantity of energy which may then be employed for
producing current according to the last described system.

The results of the examinations made for this may be construed
as follows.

(1) If solid electrodes (condenser surfaces, rotor and stator
surfaces) are employed they become hot. This effect may be
considerably reduced by cutting the electrodes in ribbed form
Figure 8, but not entirely removed. This form allows the surface
of the condenser plate to be enlarged or increased; the
electrodes may be fastened in a simple manner on the under frame
by perforation 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

![](gb2-8-9.jpg)

(2) If nicks or notches in spiral form as shown in Figure 9
seen from the side end in Figure 10 in section are employed, not
only is the transformer effect greater but the poles yields also
more current, but require greater quantities of energy for their
movement than a simple commutator action would require.

![](gb2-10-11.jpg)

(3) The greatest effect is obtained if the rotor and stator
surfaces are wound in flat spiral form of suitably thick wire,
and in such a way that the inductive effect combining with the
capacity is calculated in suitable proportion and this result is
adapted to a suitable periodicity. In practice this is
preferably done by the wire bent in spiral form being inserted
in a separate vulcanite or hard rubber mass (see Figure 11) so
that a smooth pole surface is formed similar to that in phase
motors.

![](gb2-12-13.jpg)

Regular undamped oscillations of a high frequency may however
be produced if the converter be carried out in the manner shown
in Figure 13. The aerial wire L is metallically connected with
the ring 20. To this two pole surfaces 1 and 2 are connected.
The inductive earth pole is also connected with a second ring 10
from which again two, poles 1a and 2a are branched off. Of
course in similar manner any suitable number of poles may be
branched of. In similar manner there are in the rotor two poles
fastened to one another (3 and 4 and 3a and 4a) connected with
separate collector rings. From these two rings the current is
collected by means of two brushes. The induced alternating
current is however directly metallically connected with an
inductive earth stator conductor over an induction coil 9.
Further a combined inductance and capacity 5 is inserted between
the two wires 11 and 12 in parallel with the converter. By this
means a sparkless oscillatory circuit is obtained which can act
on the exciting current in the stator. This produces however, a
periodic alteration of the charging quantities according to the
oscillation curves of the rotor currents in consequence of which
the stator charge also commences with resonance oscillations and
if the stator and rotor surfaces are calculated to one another
in such a way that they are adapted to form oscillations of
waves of similar length the entire converter is caused to
oscillate and furnishes undamped oscillations of a high number
of alternations, but of periodically changed amplitude, the form
of which is dependent on the amplitude of the main alternating
current and is caused by the number of the poles and revolutions
per second. Thus an alternating current of, for example, 100
periods is formed, the separate periods of which are formed by
undamped oscillations of a higher number of alternations. In
Figures 14-16 four other diagrams of converters are illustrated,
the object of which is not to produce usual alternating current,
but oscillations of high frequency.

![](gb2-14.jpg)

The main difference of these systems from those previously
described is that from the connection of the collecting aerials
is made between the stator pole 1 (Figure 14) and one pole 16 of
the condenser 17 and the earth connection between a second
stator pole 2 and the pole 18 of the condenser 19. The other
poles of these condensers 17 and 19 are short circuited through
a ring over two inductive primary coils 9 and 9a with one
another. The secondary coils form the rotor conductors 10 and
10a. The rotor itself is constructed in the manner shown in
Figure 6 of two short-circuited plate condensers which may be
wound as shown in Figure 11. In similar manner of course the
stator surfaces may also be formed. The collector rings of the
rotor with the two brushes for collecting current are here not
shown in order to simplify the drawings. By the connection of
the two condensers in the exiting circuit of the converter and
also by the action of the alternating current produced in the
rotor on the stator circuit, with a correct calculation of the
capacity and the self-induction co-efficients a maximum action
may be obtained.  The kind of current produced will be
similar to that described for Figure 12.

![](gb2-15.jpg)

The novelty of the converter illustrated in Figure 15 consists
mainly in that the current resulting in the rotor is not
directly employed, but only serves a exciter of the primary
coils 9a and 9b. The working current is produced in the
secondary coils 10 and 10a and further conducted through the
conductors 11 and 12. The stator current may be brought by the
regulatable inductive resistance 9 to the same resonance as the
rotor current.

![](gb2-16.jpg)

In Figure 16 a very similar system is shown to Figure 14. The
condenser 5 is however connected in parallel with the converter;
and by the inductive resistance constructed in the rotor a short
circuited oscillatory circuit is formed which gives
extraordinarily good results and is simple in construction.

The inductive resistance 9 may also instead of being
constructed in the rotor be constructed as primary coil employed
outside the rotor and short circuit the oscillatory circuit over
the stator surfaces (see Figure 17).

![](gb2-17.jpg)

The last six types serve only for producing oscillations of a
high number of alternations. If it be desired to obtain ordinary
alternating current there complicated constructional
arrangements are not required as the types illustrated in
Figures 1 to 11 suffice. It is self-evident that these
arrangements may be altered in various ways by means of
different condenser surfaces in practice.   
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of
our said invention and in what manner the same is to be
performed, we declare that what we claim is: --- [ Claims not
included here ]

---

 **H. Plauson :** ***Gewinnung*** ***und Verwertung
der Atmosphatischen*** ***Elecktrizitat*** **(
1922 )**

**[ [PDF](gewinnung.pdf) ]**

  


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