Nikola Tesla - Free-Energy Devices

1UG11 FREQUENCY AND HIGH POTENTIAL CURRENTS. 305The rushes of current may be of the same direction under theconditions before assumed, but most generally there is an oscillationsuperimposed upon the fundamental vibration of the current.When the conditions areso determined that there are no oscillations,the current impulses are unidirectional and thus a means isprovided of transforming a continuous current of high tension,into a direct current of lower tension, which I think may findemploymentin the arts.This method of conversion is exceedingly interesting and Iwas much impressed by its beauty when I first conceived it.ideal in certain respects. It involves the employment of no mechanicaldevices of any kind, and it allows of obtaining currentsIt isof any desired frequency from an ordinary circuit, direct or alternating.The frequency of the fundamental discharges dependingon the relative rates of supply and dissipation can be readilyvaried within wide limits, by simple adjustments of these quantities,and the frequency of the superimposed vibration by thedetermination of the capacity, self-induction and resistance of thebe raised ascircuit. The potential of the currents, again, mayhigh as any insulation is capable of withstanding safely by combiningcapacity and self-induction or by induction in a secondary,which need have but comparatively few turns.As the conditions are often such that the intermittence or oscillationdoes not readily establishitself, especially when a directcurrent source isemployed, it is of advantage to associate an interrupterwith the arc, as I have, some time ago, indicated theuse of an air-blast or magnet, or other such device readily athand. The magnetisemployed with special advantage in theconversion of direct currents, as it is then very effective. If theprimary source is an alternate current generator, it is desirable,as I have stated on another occasion, that the frequency shouldbe low, and that the current forming the arc be large,in orderto render the magnet more effective.A form of such discharger with a magnet which has beenfound convenient, and adopted after some trials, in the conversionof direct currents particularly, is illustrated in Fig. 166. N s arethe pole pieces of a very strong magnet which is excited by a coilc. The pole pieces are slotted for adjustment and can be fastenedin any position by screws s s^ The discharge rods d d t1thinneddown on the ends in order to allow a closer approach of the magneticpole pieces, pass through the columns of brass b ^ and arefastened in position by screws # 2 $2- Springs r r tand collars c c