Richard Weber’s Contribution to the Development of Electric Bicycle Lighting Systems with Dynamo

Richard Weber’s Contribution to the Development of Electric Bicycle Lighting Systems with Dynamo
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An Interpretation of the Patents of Richard Weber Contributors:

• Dieter Oesingmann, Gerd Böttcher, Gerhard Eggers, Ernst Althöfer, Translation from German by Heinrich Bültemann-Hagedorn

Table of Contents

1 Introduction
2 The Basic Operating Principle of the Bicycle Dynamo
3 Weber’s Written Contributions between 1886 and 1903
4 Patent for a bicycle lighting device
4.1 Characterization of the Dynamo in Patent Drawings
4.2 First claim of patent for a bicycle lighting device no. 5078
4.3 Second claim of patent for a bicycle lighting device no. 5078
4.4 Pattern for the drawing of a bicycle dynamo in Patent no. 5075
5 Dynamo Patent no. 16603
5.1 Design of the dynamo
5.2 First claim of Patent 16603
5.3 Second claim of Patent 16603
6 The Role of Weber’s Patented Ideas in Later Developments in the Field of Bicycle Dynamos
7 Electrical measuring on a replica
8 Results of the Study
9 Sources

Introduction

The development of bicycle dynamos is one of the aspects of the 200-year-old history of bicycles. At first it seemed obvious to use the candles and the oil and petroleum lamps which had proven useful for carriages. The carbide lamp had proven particularly viable and strong. It was used as a bicycle light from 1900 until the middle of the 1950s. The handling of these lamps required a lot of effort which was to be reduced through the use of electric bicycle lighting systems. At the end of the 19th century accumulator batteries were the only available source of energy, but their weight and labour-intensive maintenance made their use on bicycles impractical. The discussion about a bicycle light which required less maintenance started in 1886.The use of an electric generator which was to be powered by the rider was considered. It became apparent that an arrangement with a dynamo would be an option.

In the second half of the 19th century the generation of electric energy through self-induction direct current generators gained immense importance. Their principle of operation is based on the dynamo-electrical principle which was formulated and tested by Werner von Siemens in 1867. Based on this, it was logical to use a dynamo-electrical generator which was powered by the rider. A patent from 1886 shows that Richard Weber suggested the use of an electric generator for bicycle lighting systems.He outlined a pioneering concept of the machine which influenced the later development of the electric bicycle lighting.

Furthermore, in patent 1887 he documented the construction of a headlamp as well as the construction of a dynamo machine. The practical implementation of such a self-induction dynamo, which was intended for mass production, is not documented. Instead of dynamo-electrical generators, magnet-electrical generators, which are colloquially also described as “dynamos”, have proven viable in everyday use. Since their electrical field is generated by a permanent magnet system, their construction depends on the physical properties of the permanent magnets, which allowed the first usable bicycle dynamos in the 1890s.

Subsequently, the term “dynamo” became commonplace for the energy converter of the bicycle, even though there was no dynamo-electrical generator for bicycles, and in fact they were alternators, not dc dynamos. Accordingly, the term bicycle dynamo or dynamo in the context of bicycles does not reflect the physical principle of operation. It should merely be seen as a name for the device which generates power for the bicycle.

The reason for the lack of success of electro-dynamic generators (synonyms are dynamo machines or self-induction direct current generators) on bicycles is that the process of self-induction requires certain dimensions of the magnetic circle and the electrical windings. Generators therefore become so heavy that it is impractical to attach them to a bicycle.

Weber´s English patents from 1883 and 1887 as well as his written works in contemporary publications (see sources) contributed to the perception that he was the inventor of the bicycle dynamo. His writings contain hints that Weber knew magnet-electrical machines, but that he did not develop or build them for bicycles. His “Excelsior-Dynamo”, an electro-dynamic generator, should be seen as a vision which could not be realized due to technical limitations. The following discussion intends to prove that Weber had in mind a usable dynamo, but that he did not develop it far enough to make it usable in bicycles. Nevertheless, credit belongs to him for developing a realistic concept for electrical bicycle lighting systems in the patent of 1886, according to which the lamp was powered by a generator powered by the rider, without providing specifics for its construction. The second patent of 1887 contains detailed drawings of a dynamo machine. These include details for construction which were applied in the serial production of bicycle dynamos two to three decades later.

The Basic Operating Principle of the Bicycle Dynamo

The basic operating principle of the bicycle dynamo or of the electromagnetic part of the bicycle dynamo was known from the Hypolite Pixii device from 1832 and the Emil Stöhrer device from 1843 (illustration 2.1). Emil Stöhrer (1813 to 1890) also developed a six-pole device, which strongly influenced the construction of the bottle magnet bicycle dynamos of the 1920s. This is the reason there is no basic patent for bicycle dynamos describing the function principle, but only patents concerned with parts of the construction and their arrangements.

Illustration 2.1. : Magnet-electrical generators

a) Rotating magnet (Pixii 1832)
b) Rotating bobbins (Emil Stöhrer 1843)

Illustration 2.2. : six-pole generators

a) Arrangement of Emil Stöhrer (1813-1890) with rotating bobbins
b) Dynamo brand Assmann (1920s) with rotating magnets

The usefulness of bipolar generators is partly due to the combination of horseshoe magnets and a double-T-anchor, in whose anchor bobbins there is alternating current. A rectification of the alternating current is not necessary for the operation of an electrical bulb, so that a rotating anchor does not have to be equipped with a commutator, but only with easy to construct collector rings, if the bearings are not involved in the electrical circuit. In the case of a static anchor, collector rings are omitted completely. In the second half of the 1890s the double-T-anchor and the magnetic characteristics of the horseshoe magnets reached the field strength necessary for the introduction of magnet-electrical bicycle dynamos into the market.

The first written ideas for electric bicycle lighting systems were formulated ten years prior, in the middle of the 1880s, by Richard Weber. He registered a patent in 1886 and one in 1887 . Each of these patents treated a different topic. The first patent, no. 5078, describes the general concept of a bicycle lighting system with a dynamo and its positioning on a bicycle. This first patent can be called a patent for a bicycle lighting system. The second patent, no. 16603, describes the main elements of the lighting system, dynamo and lamp, in detail. The following discussion refers to the second patent as “the dynamo patent”. Both patents are rarely mentioned or discussed in the bicycle literature. The lighting system patent is preferred, which may be due to its easily understood and memorable drawings.

Illustration 2.3: illustration in an article by George Hogenkamp (Netherlands) about the history of bicycle lighting in the journal “De Nederlande Rijwielhandel” of 30/10/1959 . 

In an article about the history of bicycle lighting in the journal “Ne Nederlande Rijwielhandel” of 30/10/1959, a part of the drawings of patent 5075 is presented (illustration 2.3) and referred to as a plan for a lighting system. An additional drawing of the same patent is found in the book “Mit dem Rad durch zwei Jahrhunderte” In the accompanying text the information is given, that Richard Weber built and sold the first bicycle dynamos. (illustration 2.4). Since the text of the patent only describes the bicycle lighting system and the dynamo is only mentioned as a part of the system, such an interpretation of the patent is not reasonable.

Illustration 2.4: Mit dem Rad durch zwei Jahrhunderte 1979 Seite 140 von Max J. B. Rauck, Gerd Volke und Felix R. Paturi

In the face of repeated references to the first patent, the second patent seems to have been nearly forgotten. The cross-sectional view of a dynamo machine, shown in patent 16603, has to date only been discovered in “Dinglers Polytechnisches Journal” of 1890 . Only in 2012 did Gerd Böttcher find a copy of this patent in the Patentamt Berlin, which is now open to other interpretations. A possible reason for the lack of attention to patent No. 16603 may be that the construction of a dynamo-electrical machine shown in the patent cannot be built in a size appropriate for bicycles.

Weber’s Written Contributions between 1886 and 1903

Journals dating to the time between the two patents (5078 dates to 12/4/1886 and 16603 dates to 02/12/1887) and immediately thereafter contain readers’ letters which discuss the problem of electric bicycle lighting. Richard Weber took part in this. The journals are:

• Der RAD-MARKT” Nr. 30 / 1/, Nr.31 / 8/,/ 21/, Nr. 32 und Nr. 34 ,
• Der Velocipedsport” 18.08.1886,
• Illustrirte Zeitung Leipzig und Berlin, 2. April 1887 / 20/,
• Der Radfahrer, VI. Jahrgang Nr.9. 01.05.1887,
• Radfahr Humor Jg.06 Nr.19 15.Apr.1893 / 2/.
  
  

According to these letters, Weber was convinced of the practical usability of electric lighting on bicycles. He experimented a lot, in particular in order to develop a sufficiently small generator. In addition to this, “Dinglers Polytechnisches Journal” of 1890 provides cross-sectional views of the second patent under the title “Neuerungen an Elektromotoren”.

The following publications contain articles which provide an insight into the professional field in which Weber was active and which was at least partially the reason for his involvement in the development of bicycle dynamo.

• Centralblatt für Elektrotechnik 1886 Nr. 32 / 9/,
• Uhlands Industrielle Rundschau / 10/,
• GAEA, Natur und Leben / 11/.

Richard Weber considered himself to be the first to invent workable electric bicycle lighting systems. In an article in “Rad-Markt” no. 31 8, Weber describes in two points his claim to the invention of these bicycle lighting systems. The first point refers to the construction and practical application of an electric bicycle lantern with an accumulator (illustration 3.1).

Illustration 3.1. First claim (Excerpt from der Rad-Markt no. 31): “Construction and practical application of an electric bicycle lantern with an accumulator”

According to himself, he tested the combination of lamp and accumulator in 1885 on the bicycle racing track in Leipzig. This lighting system was named “Gloria”. His negative experiences with the accumulator, after which he discarded accumulator lighting systems for bicycles, made him into a proponent of lighting system with an electro-mechanical energy converter. This is despite the fact that he considered the application of both magnet-electrical and dynamo-electrical generators as possible, which can be seen from the second claim of his patent (illustration 3.2).

Illustration 3.2. Second claim (Excerpt from der Rad-Markt no. 31). “Construction and practical application of an electric bicycle lantern   powered by magnet-electric or later by a dynamo-electric machine, which is operated by the turning of the wheel” 

The preconditions in Leipzig were favourable to the development of electrical bicycle lighting systems, since Emil Stöhrer (1813 to 1890) experimented in Leipzig with permanent-magnet induced arrangements (illustrations 2.1 and 2.2). Despite this, there are no indications that Richard Weber ever tested magnet-electric generators for bicycles.

According to the article in the “Centralblatt für Elektrotechnik” no. 32 from 1886 9, Richard Weber applied himself to the construction and testing of dynamo machines (self-induction direct current machines). It can be surmised that he subsequently saw the possibility of applying these to bicycles. He propagated this endeavour under the name “Excelsior”, which was also the name for the dynamo. According to the article in “Der Rad-Markt” no. 31 , Weber was aware of the difficulties of constructing self-induction generators of small size (illustration 3.3). There are indeed lower limitations to the geometric dimensions which may not be exceeded, because otherwise the act of self-induction is not started.

Illustration 3.3: excerpt from “Der Rad Markt” no. 31

As proof for his priority claim Weber cited patent certificates and prototypes, which would prove his independent results in a reproducible fashion (illustration 3.4).

Illustration 3.4: excerpt from “Der Rad Markt” no. 31 

Of these cited proofs, only the two English patents are available. They do not contain indications of earlier priorities of patents of the same content which were registered in other countries. Other patents of Weber could not be located.

Similarly, the book “Early Cycle Lighting from 1868 until 1948” by Peter W. Card does not note other writings about inventions of Richard Weber. Card devotes one sentence to the patents of Weber (illustration 3.5). He notes that a showcase in the “London Science Museum” contained a drawing of a dynamo, which was taken from a patent of Weber.

Illustration 3.5: note in Peter W. Card’s “Early Cycle Lighting”. Year is unclear.
Illustration 3.6: photo of a showcase in an exhibition of the London Science Museum 1980: a) showcase b) excerpt of a photo with drawings of patent 5078

The showcase in a 1980 exhibition of the London Science Museum shows sketches of patent 5078 3, which does not contain information concerning the construction of a dynamo.

The appendix of W. Wolf’s “Fahrrad und Radfahrer” of 1980 contains an advertisement, in which Richard Weber promotes the electric bicycle light with the words “Electric bicycle lanterns without batteries and accumulators, therefore absolutely safe in operation (Elektrische Fahrrad-Laternen ohne Batterie und Akkumulator, daher absolut sicher funktionierend)” (illustration 3.7). The drawing depicts a beam of light emanating from a high wheel bicycle. The omission of the dynamo may be due to expediting the drawing.

Illustration 3.7: shared advertisement for XXX and XXX in the appendix of W. Wolf’s “Fahrrad und Radfahrer” 13

This illustration is complemented by the following text in “Der Radfahrer” of May 1887 14:
“The patented electric bicycle rider lamp “Excelsior”, which works without battery and accumulator and exclusively through the turning of the wheel and can be fastened to any bicycle or tricycle without difficulty, is now completed and available in perfect form, which will astound every rider. For the purpose of rational exploitation of this incomparably important invention (for sportive and military purposes), regarding mass production, I seek a capable businessman with sufficient means as a partner. Some foreign patents are for sale. Interested persons may seek personal contact in order to inspect the lamp.”

A reaction to this advertisement can be found in “De Kampioen” no. 12 of 1887 . The author D. Knuttel reports under the title “De rijwiel-lamp der toekomst” (the bicycle lamp of the future) that his order of a lighting system was met with a delayed response. Besides information on price and further specifications, Weber wrote that the lamp (lighting system) could not yet be mass-produced, since this required capital investment which he could not provide. Weber wanted to produce a small dynamo with relatively high output. He attained his aim through painstaking research and the applied improvements of existing models designed for the use in schools. Weber also wrote that he had conducted several test rides in the evening lasting for more than an hour without the lamp going out and without noticeable wear on the dynamo. He noted that his lightbulbs possessed a certain electrical resistance and were produced by him specifically for this dynamo. He referred to a brochure which he produced with his electric lamp. In it, he wrote to his fellow sportsmen that he felt obliged to provide an equivalent lighting system for a “modern vehicle” and in order to achieve this he had avoided neither effort nor expense. There are no known responses from these sportsmen.

In the context of the discussion of advantages and the usability of electric bicycle lighting systems, Richard Weber is called upon in the Rad-Markt no. 32 of 16/9/1887 16 (illustration 3.8) to publicize his lighting system in the specialist journals.

Illustration 3.8: excerpt from the article “Electric bicycle lanterns” (Elektrische Fahrradlaternen) in Rad-Markt no. 32
Illustration 3.9: Weber’s response in Rad-Markt 34 to a reader’s letter shown in illustration 3.8
Illustration 3.10: Chief agency of the company C&F. Fein, Stuttgart, for electrical lighting equipment, telegraphs and telephone systems

In response to the request in Rad-Markt no. 34 to provide proof of function, Weber refers to the lack of a factory (illustration 3.9). It appears that the production of a complete lighting system exceeded the capacity of his workshop. A potential producer was the company C.F. Fein in Stuttgart, since Weber had the chief agency of this company (illustration 3.10). This is apparent from the showroom posters of his shop (illustration 3.11). C.F. Fein is a company which produced dynamo machines and it would have been able to produce examples as well as to mass produce bicycle dynamos. It is likely that the company considered the production of dynamo-electric generators for bicycles unrealistic.

Illustration 3.11: Shop front with an illustration of the wares on offer and of business relations

Richard Weber participated in the 1889 bicycle exhibition in Leipzig from 23 February to 5 March as participant no. 85. The Dutch journal “De Kampion” (illustration 3.12) reported this with the following text (illustration 3.13) :
“No.85. Richard Weber, Leipzig. The constructor of the electric lamp. It would be very interesting to measure how much power such a machine needs. This gentleman also exhibited cameras. Most were equipped to be taken with a bicycle. All machines looked very good and were equipped in a practical fashion and the prices were likewise very low.”

Even though Weber is presented in this note as the constructor of the electric lamp, there is no mention of a practical test of the lamp. Why did Weber not use this exhibition to demonstrate the usability of this dynamo for bicycle lighting with a working model? It can therefore be assumed that following the controversial discussion in Rad-Markt of 1889 there were not yet any sample models for interested parties.

Illustration 3.12: “De Kampioen”, journal of the Dutch Cyclists Association 
Illustration 3.13: Description of stall 85 of Richard Weber in “De Kampion” 

Four years after the first Weber patent in England and one year after the bicycle exhibition in Leipzig, Wilhelm Wolf published his book “Bicycle and Bicyclist” (Fahrrad und Radfahrer), which included a brief description of the Weber dynamo. Even though the book was published in Leipzig, Wolf could not test the bicycle lighting system himself, so that he felt compelled to include the note depicted in illustration 3.14 : ”We were not able to examine the device ourselves, but the producer tells us about the following advantages of his lighting system.”

Illustration 3.14: excerpt from “Bicycle and Bicyclist” (Fahrrad und Radfahrer) by Wilhelm Wolf 

Nevertheless, Wolf included a drawing with this excerpt, which shows the intended attachment of the dynamo. The visible part of the case is inscribed “Weber’s electric lamp Excelsior” (“Weber’s elektr. Lampe Excelsior”). Weber used this form of the case to depict the dynamo in figure 8 of his patent 5078 (illustration 4.1). Further original drawings or illustrations of the Excelsior dynamo do not exist or are unavailable.

Illustration 3.15: Weber’s Excelsior lamp: a) depiction in W. Wolf’s “Bicycle and Bicyclist” (Fahrrad und Radfahrer) b) magnification of a) c)

Concerning the advantages of the Excelsior lamp as provided by Weber and noted by Wolf, it is interesting to note that the lighting specifications are given for two speeds of 12 km/h and 15 km/h. The speed of 15 km/h is still at present a characteristic value in the specifications of bicycle dynamos.

Illustration 3.16: Weber’s appraisal of the light at 12 km/h and at 15 km/h.

Patent for a bicycle lighting system

Characteristics of the dynamo in the patent drawings

In patent no. 5078 /1/, which is the patent for a bicycle lighting system, eight drawings are provided of which seven show the attachment of the bicycle lighting system on the high wheel bicycle. It is operated from the handlebar, whereby a lever is used to press the dynamo against the tire of the front wheel. The lamp is likewise positioned on the handlebar.

Illustration 4.1: Drawings of the patent for a bicycle lighting system no. 5078

Though in the text and in the claims of the lighting system patent there is no statement regarding the construction of the dynamo, Weber gave a seemingly real form to the dynamo, which mostly corresponds to the form of the table dynamo or hand-operated dynamo in illustration 4.9. For the purpose of attaching the dynamo to the front fork of the high wheel bicycle, he indicated a bracket, the attachment of which is not depicted in detail. It is not the intention of the patent holder to depict the dynamo in detail, because the main issue is the position of the side running dynamo on the front fork and the operation of the lighting system. Nevertheless, the impression arises that the dynamo, which is depicted in several sketches, is a bicycle dynamo construction by Richard Weber. One of the contributing factors to this impression is that the written part refers mainly to one of the drawings shown in illustration 4.2. They have in common that one’s eye is drawn towards the seemingly real dynamo and not to the lighting system, which is the object of the patent.

Illustration 4.2: drawings which are referred to primarily when the patent is discussed.

The text of the lighting system patent no. 5078 mentions the energy converter with the term “dynamo” in so far as it states that dynamos of any construction can be used in the bicycle lighting system. (illustration 4.3)

Illustration 4.3: Text in the lighting system patent no. 5078

There is no indication in the text of the patent that the drawing represents a dynamo built by Weber. Neither is the dynamo discussed in detail in the two claims of the patent. It is therefore unreasonable to infer a real bicycle dynamo from the depictions in the lighting system patent.

First claim of the patent for a bicycle lighting system no. 5078

Two factors are named in the first of patent no. 5078 (illustration 4.4).

• the dynamo is powered through the friction with the tyre.
• the dynamo is connected electrically with the lamp through electrical wires.
  

The drawings (illustrations 4.5 and 4.7) point towards these factors. A friction wheel on the dynamo shaft is used for the transmission of power and two wires are used for the electric connection between the lamp and the dynamo.

Illustration 4.4: First claim of lighting system patent no. 5078

„In Electric lighting for vehicles: 1) The arrangement of a dynamo so as to be operated by friction against the tire of a wheel of a vehicle, in combination of an electric lamp F electrically connected to the same.” (illustration 4.5).

Illustration 4.5: Front view of the lighting system

Second claim of the paten for a bicycle lighting system no. 5078

In the second claim of patent no. 5078 (illustration 4.6) Weber described the tilting mechanism for the operation of the dynamo on the handlebar. He fastened the engaging and disengaging position of the dynamo from the handlebar while riding.

Illustration 4.6: Second claim of patent no. 5078.

“The dynamo A with wheel b in combination with the incandescent electric lamp F and lever D catch ring d and spring f for engaging and disengaging said dynamo, substantially as indicated and described.”

Illustration 4.7: View from top

The following factors are included in the second claim:

• the dynamo has a friction wheel.
• the dynamo is operated by means of a lever.
• in order to bring the dynamo into operation, a tension spring is used from the handlebar.
  

Template for the draft of a dynamo in Patent no. 5075

An article in the “Centralblatt für Elektrotechnik” of 1866 with the title “Dynamoelektrische Maschine” by F. Uppenborn provides proof that Weber based his depiction of the dynamo on his own experiences. This article was also published in 1887 in the journal “GAEA, Natur und Leben” issue 83 and in changed form in “Uhlands Industrielle Rundschau” no 4. All three publications include the combination of physical devices depicted in illustration 4.8 which could be used to demonstrate the electro-mechanic conversion of energy and the impact of electrical power (illustration 4.9).

Illustration 4.8: Physical devices offered by Weber 

The middle device is a crank handle dynamo. Its excitation winding is clearly visible. Further details are provided in three sentences which are scattered throughout the text (illustration 4.10): “The armature of the machine is a Siemens T armature which rotates between cast iron poles. - The wrought iron laminations are equipped with wire windings and connected behind the armature. - The drivetrain operates between the magnet poles by means of a belt.”

Illustration 4.9: Assorted devices to demonstrate the effect of electric power.
Illustration 4.10: Three sentences which describe the construction of the crank handle dynamo.

Since the devices in illustration 4.9 do not provide an indication for the experimenting with permanent magnets, it can be assumed that Richard Weber concentrated on the construction of electrically self-induced generators.

Using these indications, the design of the armature and of the drivetrain can be determined in more detail. Illustration 4.11 shows the excitation winding and the rotating shaft. The geometric form of the dynamo is dominated by the curved excitation winding. The magnetic ferrite rod ends in two cast iron pole shoes which are not visible, between which the armature rotates.

Illustration 4.11: Crank handle dynamo: a) excerpt from illustration 4.8, b) clarification of the position of the anchor.

The shape of the dynamos in the patent drawings is derived from this construction, in which the curved excitation winding dominates the shape of the dynamo (illustration 4.12a). As opposed to this, the anchor and the pole shoes are covered by a rectangular box. In the patent drawing we see the belt disc inside the space encompassed by the curved excitation winding. This shows that Weber used the crank handle generator in illustration 4.8 as model for his patent drawing.

Illustration 4.12: Dynamo construction modelled on illustration 4.8: a) patent drawing, b) display replica, not a functioning dynamo

This is further supported by the adoption of the unprotected excitation winding without encompassing it in a stable casing. There is no critical annotation concerning the approach when composing the patent and designing the drawings. The assessment of the patent is problematic if one expects to build a functioning dynamo on the basis of these patent drawings. If one nevertheless assumes a drawing to scale of the dynamo in the patent, the dimensions of the dynamo can be determined approximately on the basis of the drawings according to the circumference of the wheel, so that a phantom can be modelled (illustration 4.12b).

There is no known annotation which confirms that Weber built a dynamo according to the drawn form for use on a bicycle. Rather it is likely that he recognized the limitations of the miniaturization of his crank handle dynamo. Instead, he designed a compact construction of a dynamo, which he provides in detail in the second patent no. 16603.

Dynamo Patent no. 16603

Construction design

The dynamo patent no. 16603 presents a dynamo construction (illustration 5.1a) which is inspired by the version visible in the poster in illustration 4.8. Compared to the typical construction of bipolar dynamos, in which the shaft of the armature is vertical to the plane of the windings (illustration 5.1b), the shaft of the dynamo on the poster lies on the plane of the windings. This is one of the distinguishing marks of the dynamo which is presented in patent no. 16603 (illustration 5.2).

Illustration 5.1: bipolar dynamo machines: a) excerpt from a picture with a dynamo, the shape of which may be the model for the cross sectional view in patent no. 16603, b) reconstruction of the excerpt

The dynamo construction described in patent 16603 (Date of application 02/12/1887) was verbally described sixteen months earlier on 18/08/1886 in the journal “Der Velocipedsport” /19/ under the title “Richard Weber’s elektrische Radfahrerlampe”, but the drawings were missing. The power of 7.4 Watts is provided without further comment. There are four cross sectional views of the patented dynamo construction. The two inventive ideas contained therein are formulated in two patent claims.

Illustration 5.2: Four cross sectional views in patent 16603

The text excerpt from the journal “Der Radmarkt” no 41 of 01/09/1887 21 in illustration 5.3 can be matched to the drawings in illustration 5.2. In the excerpt, Richard Weber does not mention the electric power, but he quantifies the dimensions of the dynamo as 9 cm x 10 cm x 3 cm and the weight as 900 g.

Illustration 5.3: Text excerpt in “Der Rad-Markt” no 31/ 3/ 21

The dynamo patent is particularly important in relation to the patent claims, because not only are the innovations highlighted, but detailed cross sectional views are provided also. In this the depiction of the dynamo of Weber differs from other cross sectional views as they appear in the overview in “Dinglers Polytechnisches Journal” of 1890/ 35 (illustration 5.4). It is remarkable that the author refers in the description of the sketches to Weber’s English patent from 02/12/1887 and that he does not provide further patent applications. Other patents by Weber have not been found so far.

Illustration 5.4: Compilation of constructive innovations for dynamo machines in “Dinglers Polytechnisches Journal” of 1890

First claim for Patent no. 16603 /2/

Two claims are formulated in dynamo patent no. 16603 which correspond to the construction of the electrically induced machine. The positioning of the pole shoes relative to the XXX is the topic of the first claim (illustration 5.5). Illustration 5.5: First claim in dynamo patent no. 16603 /2/ “A dynamo electric machine comprising an electro-magnet such as B in horseshoe form , the poles C of which are bent inwards over the winding thus making the machine of very small dimensions, the bobbin revolving between the poles substantially as described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.” In this claim Weber changed the positioning of the pole shoes relative to the armature windings. Usually the branches of the U-shaped or horseshoe-shaped iron, that are covered with windings are elongated through the pole shoes (illustration 5.6a). Instead, Weber broadened the distance of the branches and thus widened the space between the branches for the pole shoes. (illustration 5.6b). He also turned the shaft of the rotating bobbin by ninety degrees, so that the shaft was parallel to the bobbins. The dynamo thus took on a flatter form and a small extension in the axial direction. The idea of a flat case was, for example, realized in the case of the first side running dynamos by Berko. Illustration 5.6: Translocation of the pole shoes a) poles above the bobbin, b) poles between the sides of the bobbins

Second claim of patent no. 16603

The second claim of dynamo patent no. 16603 (illustration 5.7) concerns the armature iron. In order to limit the creation of eddy currents, it is composed of ferromagnetic sheets, which are piled up on the shaft, whereby they form the pole shoes and carry the windings. There is thin insulating paper between the iron sheets in order to interrupt the electric current from sheet to sheet. The construction of the armature suggests a tight connection of Weber to companies which had up-to-date specialist technical knowledge of electrical machines. One of them may have been the company C.F. Fein of Stuttgart mentioned above. Illustration 5.7: Second claim of dynamo patent no. 16603 “The construction of the bobbin of a dynamo electric machine of double-T-plates of iron insulated form each other for the production of an extra strong current substantially as described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.” Weber thereby legally protected the following factors in relation to bicycle dynamos:

• The armature iron consists of sheets and is attached on an end-to-end shaft.
• The sheets are insulated from each other.

The Role of Weber’s Patented Ideas in Later Developments in the Field of Bicycle Dynamos

Even though Weber did not build a workable bicycle dynamo, the patent claims were legally valid. Furthermore, some characteristics are noted in the text of the dynamo patent which can be found in dynamos built subsequently. Claims in patent no. 5078

• the dynamo has a friction wheel and is powered by the friction with the wheel
• the electrical connection from the dynamo to the lamp is conducted by means of two wires.
• the dynamo is operated, engaged and disengaged from the handlebar.
• a tension spring at the handlebar is used to take into operation and to take out of operation the dynamo, while a torsional spring in the case of the dynamo is used for taking out of operation.
• positioning of the pole shoes between the branches of the U-shaped excitation system (stator).

Claims in patent no.16603

• The armature iron consists of sheets and is attached on an end-to-end shaft.
• The iron sheets are insulated from each other.

Characteristics noted in the text:

• a generator surrounded by the casing,
• flat construction technique of the dynamo and
• bearings on two sides of the anchor.
  
  

If one considers the dynamo versions until about 1920, the question arises how much the Weber patents influenced the subsequent developments of bicycle lighting systems. There are three factors to consider in this context.
1. Weber designed the energy converter as a side running dynamo which was powered via a friction wheel. It is attached above the case of the dynamo on the shaft.
Were the companies which started production of the bicycle dynamo at first not allowed to use the side running dynamo? Is this why the companies developed other constructions like rim running dynamos, top running dynamos and upside-down side running dynamos in opposite direction of attachment and brought them to operational readiness?
2. The electrical connection from the dynamo to the lamp makes use of two wires.
The attachment of the dynamo at the front fork and the attachment of the lamp on the handlebar as well as the electric connection with two wires may have been the reason why dynamos and lamps were primarily designed as a constructive unit in the form of dynamo-lamp-combinations in the early days of dynamo production.
3. The armature iron consists of sheets and is attached on an end-to-end shaft and the iron sheets are insulated from each other.
The armature as a pile of iron sheets patented by Weber would be used only in the 1920s in bicycle dynamos. Until then, the armature iron consisted of one or more massive iron parts. The flanging of the shaft sides at the front side of the armature poles was connected to these. This was considerably more expensive than an anchor that consisted of iron sheets with end-to-end shaft.

Measurements on a replica dynamo

The detailed drawings in patent no. 16603 inspired the building of a testing model, particularly since case measurements are provided in two articles. In one instance, in Rad-Markt no. 31 , Weber provided the measurements 9 cm x 10 cm x 3 cm. In another instance, in “DeKampioen” no. 12 of 16/11/1887 in the article “De rijwiel-Lamp der toekomst” (the bicycle lamp of the future), he provides the measurements 11 cm x 11 cm x 3.5 cm. These measurements in combination with the detailed drawings in patent 16603 allow the building of a model in line with the patent, so that measurements can be conducted on a real object. On the magnetic circle without windings in illustration 7.1 pole shoes can be seen between the branches of the excitation winding, which give the space for the double-T-armature.

Illustration 7.1: realization of the dynamo presented in patent no. 16603: a) magnetic circle, b) armature and excitation windings

Enamelled wire was used for the windings in the anchor and wire covered with silk was used for the excitation windings. This gives an advantage in terms of the copper filling factor compared to the time of Weber, who had to work with wire around which cotton was spun, resulting in a need for more space for the same diameter of copper wire. Illustration 7.2 depicts the different wire insulations.

The result of the painstaking testing is that with the mentioned dimensions a self-induction only occurs in range of a few milliamperes. The flow coefficient (number of windings x amperage) is not sufficient to cause a magnetization in order to initiate the self-induction process. In comparison to larger dynamo machines it must be noted that in Weber’s patented device there is no permanent direct current flowing through the excitation windings but a rectified alternating current. The anchor winding of the double-T-anchor has only alternating current, in any case.

Illustration 7.2: anchor windings: a) with enameled wire, b) with wire around which cotton was spun

Accordingly, complex resistances limit the amperage, which are significantly stronger than the ohmic resistances. Increasing the speed of rotation, for example above 4000 revs per minute, does not result in significantly larger amperage, because the increase in rotations increases the inductive voltage drop. Since the pole shoes are orientated to the inside, they increase the self-inductance of the excitation winding, the patented method negatively influences the operative performance of the dynamo.

Results of the Study

In the form of patent no. 5078, Richard Weber designed an electric bicycle lighting system with a dynamo. Later devices were not far removed from this. Since no earlier documents are available, the patent can be seen as the starting point of the development of bicycle lighting systems with dynamo. Weber’s efforts to use a self-induction commutator machine as an energy converter on a bicycle are documented in patent no. 16603.
It includes a dynamo machine, which however cannot be built in small enough dimensions as are necessary for use on bicycles. Richard Weber aimed for a miniaturization of the dimensions due to his experience with functioning generators for a variety of applications. Since he did not succeed to the desired extent, he could not produce models for testing and give them to interested persons. It is not apparent, from the publications at hand, that a person other than Weber tested the bicycle dynamo construction he proposed. This explains how all publications regarding the development of the dynamo for bicycles are based on the patents of Richard Weber and on his statements in articles and readers’ letters.
In a time when dynamo machines, meaning self-induction direct current machines, dominated the electro-mechanical energy conversion both as motors and as generators , the range of power was extended not only above but also below. The practical application, bicycle application, could not be realized due to the physical limitations of the desired small dimensions. Accordingly, the magnet-electric generators, as mentioned in the introduction, found better application in bicycles.
Regardless of the non-viability of self-induction direct current machines for bicycle generators, as proposed by Weber, i.e. they could not be built small enough, the abbreviated designation “dynamo” for electro-mechanical energy converters on the bicycle continues to be used in colloquial language. This has not changed, despite the numerous patents concerned with magnet-electrical bicycle alternators in which the term “dynamo” is not employed.

Sources

/ 1/ “Der RAD-MARKT” Nr. 30, 16. 08. 1887 Ein Artikel von „Mechanicus“. Titel: Electrische Fahrradlaternen. Inhalt: Abwägung der Vor- und Nachteile elektrischer Fahrradlichtanlagen.

/ 2/ Radfahr Humor Jg. 06, Nr.19. 15. Apr. 1893

/ 3/ Patent Nr: 5078. Date of Application, Complete Specification Left, 12.04.1886. Complete Specification Accepted, 22nd Mar., 1887. Titel: Improvements in Electric Lighting Apparatus for Use in Wheeled Vehicles. Inhalt: Lichtanlage (Anlagenpatent).

/ 4/ Patent Nr: 16603. Date of Application, 2nd Dec., 1887. Complete Specification Left, 3rd Sept., 1888. Complete Specification Accepted, 26th Oct., 1888. Titel: Improvements in Electric Lamps and in Dynamos for the same for Velocipedes or the like. Inhalt: Detaillierte Zeichnung einer “Selbsterregten Dynamomaschiene”

/ 5/ Zeitschrift „De Nederlande Rijwielhandel“ vom 30.10.1959

/ 6/ „Dinglers Polytechnisches Journal“ von 1890: Neuerungen an Elektromotoren (Dynamomaschinen)

/ 7/ Max J. B. Rauck, Gerd Volke, Felix R. Paturi: „Mit dem Rad durch zwei Jahrhunderte“, AT Verlag Aarau, Stuttgart

/ 8/ Der Rad-Markt Nr. 31, 01. September 1887. Beitrag von Richard Weber zum Artikel: „Elektrische Fahrradlaternen“ von Mechanicus in „Der Rad-Markt Nr. 30, August 1887“. Inhalt: R. Weber formuliert und begründet seine erfinderischen Ansprüche an die Entwicklung des elektrischen Fahrradlichts.

/ 9/ F. Uppenborn: Dynamoelektrische Universalmaschine“, Centralblatt für Elektrotechnik 1886 Nr. 32

/ 10/ „Dynamo-elektrische Miniatur-Maschine“ mit Handbetrieb für das Laboratorium, die Schule und das Selbststudium von Richard Weber, Uhlands Industrielle Rundschau. Herausgeber W:H:Uhland, 1. Jahrgang, Leipzig 1887, Heft No. 4 vom 10. Februar 1887

/ 11/ „Dynamoelektrische Universalmaschine“, GAEA, Natur und Leben, Centralorgan zur Verbreitung naturwissenschaftlicher und geographischer Kenntnisse sowie der Fortschritte auf dem Gebiet der gesamten Naturwissenschaften, Herausgegeben von Dr. Herrmann Klein, 23. Jahrgang 1887.

/ 12/ Peter W. Card „Early Cycle Lighting, 1868-1948”, The Crowood Press 2007

/ 13/ Wilhelm Wolf: „Fahrrad und Radfahrer“ Leipzig, Verlag und Druck von Otto Spamer, 1890. Inhalt: Entwicklungsgeschichte des Fahrrades

/ 14/ Der Radfahrer, VI. Jahrgang No. 9. 01.05.1887, Annonce: Die patentierte elektrische Radfahrer-Lampe „Excelsior“

/ 15/ „De Kampioen“, das Organ des niederländischen Radfahrerbundes, Nr.12

/ 16/ “Der RAD-MARKT” Nr. 32, 16.09.1887. Antwort von Mechanicus auf die Beiträge zu seinem Artikel in “Der RAD-MARKT” Nr. 30, 16. 08. 1887. Inhalt: Erläuterung einiger Formulierungen in „Der RAD-MARKT” Nr. 30, 16. 08.1887.

/ 17/ “Der RAD-MARKT” Nr. 34, 16.10.1887. Beitrag von Richard Weber zum Artikel „Electrische Fahrradlaternen“ von Mechanicus in “Der RAD-MARKT” Nr. 32. Inhalt: Klarstellung einiger Aussagen zum Beitrag des Mechnicus in “Der RADMARKT” Nr. 32, 16.09.1887

/ 18/ „De Kampioen“, das Organ des niederländischen Radfahrerbundes, Nr.4

/ 19/ Der Velocipedsport” 18.08.1886. Richard Weber‟s elektrische Radfahrerlampe. Inhalt: Beschreibung der Zeichnung des Patents Nr. 16603

/ 20/ Elektrische Radfahrerlampe Excelsior, Illustrierte Zeitung 2. April 1887. Inhalt: Erweiterter Inhalt aus: Der Velocipedsport

/ 21/ Der Rad-Markt Nr.31, 01. September 1887. Beitrag der Fa. Hartzendorff & Lehmann zum Artikel: „Elektrische Fahrradlaternen“ von Mechanicus in „Der Rad-Markt Nr. 30, August 1887“. Inhalt: Ein Bekenntnis zum beleuchteten Fahrrad, Skepsis gegenüber Lichtanlagen mit Dynamo, Betonung der Betriebssicherheit guter Laternen.