Patents of Nikola Tesla

Method of Insulating Electric Conductors

Expounding on Faraday's hypothesis of freezing substances make them possess a higher dielectric level to insulate transmission conductors; Improvements in the method set out by Faraday; Method of insulating electrical conductors which consist in surrounding or supporting said conductors by a material which acquires insulating properties when frozen or solidified; Method of maintaining a conductor within gaseous cooling agent by the continuous application of said agent; Trough or conduit with circulating cooling agents.

Commutator for Dynamo-Electric Machines

This new method introduces an improved design for the commutator in dynamo-electric machines, particularly those used for arc lighting. In such machines, sparking often occurs when the commutator segments lose contact with the brushes, leading to wear and energy loss. Tesla's innovation involves inserting an insulating material, like mica or asbestos paper, between the commutator segments and the brushes. This material engages with the commutator as a segment exits the brush contact, effectively preventing the formation of sparks. This advancement enhances the durability and efficiency of high-voltage electrical generators.​

Electric-Arc Lamp

Arc lamp with carbon electrodes controlled by electromagnets or solenoids and a clutch mechanism; Corrects earlier design flaws common to the industry.

Regulator for Dynamo-Electric Machines

Auxiliary brushes shunting a portion or whole of the field helices coil; Regulates energy flow; Adjustable level of current.

Method of Electrical Power Transmission

Nikola Tesla's invention describes a new and improved way to start and run electric motors that operate in sync with power generators. Normally, these motors can't start on their own with alternating current and need extra devices or complex setups to get going. Tesla's method simplifies this by temporarily using a special connection to the ground (earth) that allows the motor to start. Once the motor reaches the right speed, this ground connection is turned off, and the motor keeps running smoothly in sync with the generator. This approach is valuable because it allows a flexible and efficient switch between two different types of electrical circuits, making it easier to use these motors in practical settings.

Electrical transmission of power

Nikola Tesla’s U.S. Patent No. 511,559 describes a method for transmitting electrical power using alternating currents to operate motors with two or more independent energizing circuits. Instead of requiring separate power lines for each circuit, Tesla’s invention allows both circuits to be powered from a single source by introducing a phase difference between the currents in each circuit. This is achieved by varying the resistance or self-induction in one circuit relative to the other, or by inducing a current in one circuit from the other. The result is a rotating magnetic field that efficiently drives the motor’s rotation, simplifying the system and reducing the need for multiple transmission lines

Reciprocating Engine

Provide a means of engines, which under the applied forces such as elastic tension of steam or gas under pressure, that will yield constant oscillatory movements (in wide limits); Function is constant irrespective of the loads, frictional losses, or other factors (which degrade other engines); Convert pressure into mechanical power; Better at higher temperatures and pressures than previous engines; Same principles of this engine appear later in the modern gasoline motors of automobiles; often cited by enthusiasts as a version of the "earthquake machine."