Rheostatic machine

In 1877, he constructed a machine (called the Rheostatic Machine) in which he used multi-cell battery and a bank of capacitors and, with the help of a series of commutators and contacts, alternately charged the capacitors connected in parallel and then discharged them connected in series (Fig. 1.4). The large-scale model of this machine comprised 80 capacitors and a series of... 

G. Plante constructed a Rheostatic Machine comprising multiple lead—acid Cells, a bank of capacitors and a series of commutators and contacts. 

An existing machine can be so modified by Installing a rheostat switch to control the speed of the motor in the tape recorder. 

Cartridge heaters and thermostats of the type I used are available, but they are lough to find in small quantity lots and impossible to find in the local hardware store. Since these are not easy to find items I felt it best to stock a quantity for those of you who decide to build the machine. The cartridge heaters cost about the same as a soldering iron ( 24.95 at the time of the publication of this book). Thermostats cost a bit more than an adjustable rheostat, but are well worth it. ( 29.95 at the lime of this publication). Ordering information concerning these items can be found at the back of the book. 

Depending on its size, the electric excavator is equipped with one or more motors. In the latter case, there is often a separate motor for crowding, slewing, lifting and travelling. On large machines, loss-free control and favourable starting conditions are provided by Ward-Leonard or thyristor systems. Otherwise rheostatic control is the usual method. 

---