W. R. Pidgeon
Encyclopedia
W. R. Pidgeon developed the Pidgeon machine, a electrostatic machine with a unique setup.
(December 1898, pg. 564) and the Electrical Review (Vol. XLV, pg. 748). Pidgeon machines possess fixed inductors arranged in a manner that increases the electrical induction effect (and it electrical output is at least double that of typical machines of this type [except when it is overtaxed]). The essential features of the Pidgeon machine are, one, the combination of the rotating support and the fixed support for inducing charge, and, two, the improved insulation of all parts of the machine (but more especially of the generator's carriers). Pidgeon machines are a combination of a Wimshurst machine
and Voss machine, with special features adapted to reduce the amount of charge leakage. Pidgeon machines excite themselves more readily than the best of these types of machines. In addition, Pidgeon investigated higher current "triplex" section machines (or "double machines with a single central disk") with enclosed sectors (and would receive British Patent 22517 (1899) for this type of machine).
Biography
Pidgeon presented this machine to the Physical Society after several years of investigation into influence machines (in the 1890s). The device was later reported in the Philosophical MagazinePhilosophical Magazine
The Philosophical Magazine is one of the oldest scientific journals published in English. Initiated by Alexander Tilloch in 1798, in 1822 Richard Taylor became joint editor and it has been published continuously by Taylor & Francis ever since; it was the journal of choice for such luminaries as...
(December 1898, pg. 564) and the Electrical Review (Vol. XLV, pg. 748). Pidgeon machines possess fixed inductors arranged in a manner that increases the electrical induction effect (and it electrical output is at least double that of typical machines of this type [except when it is overtaxed]). The essential features of the Pidgeon machine are, one, the combination of the rotating support and the fixed support for inducing charge, and, two, the improved insulation of all parts of the machine (but more especially of the generator's carriers). Pidgeon machines are a combination of a Wimshurst machine
Wimshurst machine
The Wimshurst influence machine is an electrostatic generator, a machine for generating high voltages developed between 1880 and 1883 by British inventor James Wimshurst ....
and Voss machine, with special features adapted to reduce the amount of charge leakage. Pidgeon machines excite themselves more readily than the best of these types of machines. In addition, Pidgeon investigated higher current "triplex" section machines (or "double machines with a single central disk") with enclosed sectors (and would receive British Patent 22517 (1899) for this type of machine).
Publications
- W. R. Pidgeon," An Influence-Machine". 1897 Proc. Phys. Soc. London 16 253-257 doi 10.1088/1478-7814/16/1/330
- W. R. Pidgeon, "An influence machine", Philosophical Magazine, XXXVI, pp. 267–271, July–December 1893. Describes a modified Wimshurst machine, with embedded sectors and extra inductors to increase the output current.
- W. R. Pidgeon, "An influence machine", Philosophical Magazine, XLVI, pp. 564–567, July–December 1898. Describes an improved version of Pidgeon's machine.
External articles
- The Electrical Engineer. (1884). London: Biggs & Co. Page 19
- Machine design, lineone.net/~aarekhu.
