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Title: |
1891 Article-Columbia Electric Co., Electric Motors & Generators |
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Source: |
American Engineer, V22, 05 Sept, 1891, pg. 93 |
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Insert Date: |
6/17/2018 9:15:53 PM |
Columbia Electric Machines
The accompanying electro plates represent some of the electric machines made by the Columbia Electric Co., of 207 E. Fourth Street, St. Paul, Minn.
Some electrical firms declare they make the best machines—all the rest being nowhere. The Columbia Electric Co. are unusually modest in this respect. They only claim for their dynamos and motors, equality with those of other makers. What they say in reference to this matter is so refreshing that we can quote it:
“The field is filled with other manufacturers, many of whom will resort to the common method of arguing against a competitor’s apparatus. We meet all such attacks by guarantees for our apparatus that it is equal in points of merit to any in the Market.”
This company claim, as many others do, that the electric motor is the cheapest and best means of transmitting power, and that, where a suitable current can be obtained, no one can find better or as good means for driving printing presses, exhaust and ventilating fans, manufacturing and mining machinery of all kinds, elevators or anything requiring from 1/8 to 100 horse power. They are, as the Columbia and other good companies build them, automatic in action, practically noiseless, free iron danger, compact, convenient and require comparatively no repairs.
Inasmuch as all dynamos and motors are based on the same general principles, it is easily understood that the difference in their efficiency must be in the correctness of their design, accuracy of workmanship and quality of materials used in their construction. The aim of the Columbia Electric Company has been to place upon the market a line of motors, dynamos and power generators that will meet all requirements, and their success, they say, is most gratifying. In electrical efficiency and mechanical design, they maintain that their manufacture is second to none.
Fig. 1 shows the Columbia electric power generator; Fig. 2, their large stationary motor. Fig. 3 represents a small Columbia motor.
It will be readily seen from the cuts, that the power generators and dynamos are of the same general form as the stationary motors. The magnet cores of each machine are made of the best quality of charcoal wrought iron, giving much higher efficiency than is possible to attain with cast iron cores. The armature cores are thoroughly insulated with pure asbestos and mica; the same materials being used for insulating the spools upon which the field coils are wound. The commutators are insulated entirely with mica, and are so constructed, it is said, that It is impossible for the bars to become loose.
And by reference to the accompanying Illustrations, it will be seen that the Columbia dynamos, motors and generators are provided with self-oiling bearings and self-aligning journals; and in large sizes they have a perfect belt tightening device. Carbon brushes are employed on all the motors when wound for 220 volts or over; and, when so ordered, may be run in either direction or reversed at will. The carbon brush-holder is extremely simple and is so constructed that a uniform pressure of the brushes against the commutator may be maintained until the brush is entirely worn out. Motors over 5-horse-power have sub-bases and screw, for belt tightening.
The Columbia Electric Co. manufacture motors from one to 50 h. p.; power generators from 25 to 100 h. p.; and dynamos from 25 to 500 sixteen candle power lamps capacity. And they wind machines for any standard potential required. They also manufacture all necessary parts and instruments to make a working electric plant complete, such as cut-outs, switches, rheostats, volt meters, ammeters, lightning arresters, key and keyless sockets, lamps, fixtures, shades, etc. Their shunt machines and motors are provided with indestructible rheostats. And the aim of this company seems to be to supply the best machines and appurtenances they can possibly make.
Those who contemplate the installation of electric plants would do well to put the Columbia on the list of companies to consult. |
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1891 Columbia Electric Co., Columbia Power Generator
1891 Columbia Electric Co., Columbia Stationary Motor
1891 Columbia Electric Co., Columbia Motor
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