Magneto-Electric Machine
Davis built two Magneto-Electric Machines: one, producing an alternating
current, was used to produce shocks, while the other was designed to produce a
pulsating direct current. This could be used for running a decomposing
vessel in which water was electrolyzed into hydrogen and oxygen. Two examples
of the latter type of machine are shown below. The alternating EMF produced as
the multi-turn coils sweep past the poles of the compound permanent
magnet is turned into what we would now call a full-wave rectified signal
by a pole-changer or commutator. The device cost between $30.00 and $35.00 in
1842.
Allegheny College
Grinnell College
You may want to see information about other magneto-electric
machines.
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