Improvements in and relating to Steam Bicycles and like Vehicles.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 21st Dec., 1893
Complete Specification Left, 20th Sept., 1894-Accepted, 3rd Nov., 1894
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Steam Bicycles and like
Vehicles.
I, PAUL Doudart de la GRÉE, of 95 Boulevard Beaumarchais, Paris, in
the Republic of France, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
My invention relates to steam bicycles and like vehicles.
One of the difficulties experienced in providing a steam engine upon a bicycle or
other light vehicle lies in the necessity for carrying a considerable supply of water
or for frequently renewing the same. It has not heretofore been proposed to
employ a surface condenser for the purpose of obviating this inconvenience.
In order to combine a condenser with a light vehicle it is necessary to take into
consideration two elements which are not dealt with in the construction of
condensers designed for stationary engines, that is to say the dimensions and weight
of the condenser, and the place which it is to occupy on the vehicle.
The combination of a condenser with a light steam vehicle according to my said
invention is characterized by the place which the condenser occupies upon the
vehicle, and by the arrangement of the condenser, which acts without a fan and
utilizes the natural currents of air or those produced by the movement of the
vehicle, or also the natural upward current occasioned by the heating of the air
traversing the condenser.
In the case of completely open vehicles the condenser is placed like baggage
either at the rear or on the sides, sufficiently far away from the travellers, or else
in front, care being taken in this instance to cause the air to escape below the
vehicle or above the head of the travellers when it is possible to do so without
interfering with their view.
For covered vehicles I may arrange the condenser above the vehicle so that it
constitutes at the same time a roof.
The condenser will thus be completely exposed to the currents of air
irrespective of their direction and not having to take into consideration the
question of space I may give the parts constituting the cooling surface the
desired development.
For diminishing the weight as much as possible I dispense with the fan employed
in the condensers of stationary engines for producing currents of air which are
necessary for the condensation.
I will hereinafter describe in detail the particular arrangement of a condenser
placed at the rear of a light vehicle and that of a condenser in the form of a roof,
taking as an example the case which offers the greatest difficulties, namely when
the light vehicle is a bicycle.
In the former instance a condenser of any description, which offers the surface
necessary for cooling the steam and presents this surface so that the currents of
air will impinge against it, may be arranged upon a baggage-carrier and surrounded
by a box or preferably by a painted metallic grating which conceals it but enables
the air to pass to it from all sides. It is made of very light metal and its tubes
are reduced to the smallest possible thickness in order to diminish its weight as
much as practicable.
The condenser may be arranged above the wheel, but for obviating the incon-
venience which its proximity to the cyclist might otherwise cause by reason of the

page_text: beat developed by a violent wind from the rear, it may be placed further back,
the baggage-carriers presenting the form of davits for suspending boats from the
sides of vessels.
It is always light enough relatively to the weight of the engine placed on the
other side of the wheel for allowing it to overhang to a sufficient extent.
I may if desired divide the condenser into two connected parts and place it in
the manner of panniers upon the rear wheel and splash board.
The steam to be condensed passes into an upper tube common to the two parts
of the condenser and the water of condensation collects in a common lower tube
through which it is conveyed to the feed pump. This arrangement enables the
condenser to be placed at a comparatively great distance from the cyclist.
Although divided into two parts the condenser may have a single exterior casing
which for the sake of elegance is made of such a form as to give it the appearance
of a definite object.
If the condenser, instead of being placed at the rear of the cyclist, is arranged
in front of him it is necessary to interpose a screen for preventing the cyclist being
inconvenienced by the heat disengaged.
When the condenser has the form of a roof the outline of the latter is constituted
by a wire or tube which has the form of an ellipse.
Round each of the foci of this ellipse is arranged a tubular ring, the two rings
being united by a series of tubes which extend from one of the rings to a point of
the ellipse, are bent round the said wire or tube and join the second ring.
If for example the first tubular ring is put in communication with the steam
inlet and the second ring with the feed pump, the steam arriving in the first ring
passes to the second ring through the aforesaid tubes which are of the same length
and which, being exposed to the currents of air produced by the movement of the
bicycle and to the natural current of air, cause the condensation of the steam
which returns in the state of water through a tube to the feed pump. The first of
the two rings which receives the steam must be somewhat higher than the other in
order to have an incline for the water to flow off. If a single series of tubes
does not provide for a sufficient surface for the condensation I may superpose
two or more series, the lower ring of one series becoming the upper ring of the
following series.
The tube for the admission of the steam and the tube for the return of the water
are connected to the condenser by the aid of swivels in such a manner that,
whatever may be the direction and force of the wind, the condenser will always
present its edge to the current of air, the points of attachment being arranged so
that the centre of gravity may be as low as possible. By reason of this arrangement
the condenser will not present a sufficient surface to the wind to compromise the
stability of the apparatus.
The aforesaid two tubes are bent and communicate through a swivel joint with
two tubes arranged at a right angle and which terminate in the two tubular rings
surrounding the foci of the ellipse. These tubes support the whole condenser.
They are united directly below the condenser, then separate so as not to interfere
with the view of the cyclist and are united to a fixed sleeve on the fork of the front
wheel whence they pass one to the engine and the other to the feed pump. The
condenser is placed upon a cork plate and is surrounded by a metallic grating with
very narrow openings which conceals the tubes. Fringes provided at the outer
edge of the condenser help to give it the outward appearance of a sun shade.
For protecting the condenser in case of a fall I arrange below it, parallel to the
minor axis of the ellipse a certain number of small and light steel tubes which
extend beyond the fringes so that they will receive the shock on coming in contact
with the ground. These tubes are attached to the support of the condenser and
can slide in small tubes, at the bottom of which are provided springs which mitigate
the shocks. Instead of making the sun shade of elliptic form I may give it a
circular form or any desired artistic outward form, for instance that of a bird, in
order to preserve the elegant appearance of the apparatus.

page_text: I may make the condenser in the form of a serpentine or employ cooling surfaces
of any form constituted by straight or other tubes, discs, wings or the like, provided
that the place, outward form and the mode of operation which characterize my
combination are preserved.
In case a condenser forming a roof is applied to covered vehicles it may be
composed of two boxes or hollow frames preferably of rectangular form. These
frames are united by several series of straight tubes arranged in a quincuncial
manner and which constitute the cooling surface.
The steam may pass for example at one end into the upper box or frame, the
water of condensation may collect in the lower box or frame from which it is let
into the water return pipe.
The dimensions of the full parts and of the interior space may be varied
according to the quantities of steam to be condensed and the size of the vehicle
itself. This system of hollow frame and straight tubes, which if desired may be
replaced by serpentine tubes, discs, wings or the like, constitutes the whole
condenser which may be concealed on the side by a metallic grating allowing
amply for the passage of the air. The air passes not only on the four outer sides
of the condenser but also on the inner sides owing to the space provided in the
interior of the frames.
According to the depth of the edges and the number of the quincunxes which the
air must traverse, I may mask on the four sides the length necessary for compelling
the air to traverse the edges.
I may also use a box entirely closed except in front and at the rear, as herein-
before set forth, the sides of the box being in this case either adapted to be
completely closed or constituted in the manner of Venetian blinds so that they can
be opened to a variable extent at will.
The lower part of the condenser is provided with any kind of non-conducting
material, for instance cork. This material is covered with a sheet of metal and a
space is provided between this cover and the condenser.
The condenser constituting a roof may also be mounted upon a.frame with
interposition of springs designed to prevent the vibrations of the vehicle from
disjoining the various parts of the coudenser.
Dated this 21st day of December 1893.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Steam Bicycles and like
Vehicles.
I, PAUL DOUDart de la GrÉE, of 95 Boulevard Beaumarchais, Paris, in the
Republic of France, do hereby declare the nature of this invention, and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained,
in and by the following statement :-
My invention relates to steam bicycles and like vehicles.
One of the difficulties experienced in providing a steam engine upon a bicycle or
other light vehicle lies in the necessity for carrying a considerable supply of water
or for frequently renewing the same. It has not heretofore been proposed to
employ a surface condenser for the purpose of obviating this inconvenience.
In order to combine a condenser with a light vehicle it is necessary to take into
consideration two elements which are not dealt with in the construction of
condensers designed for stationary engines, that is to say the dimensions and weight
of the condenser, and the place which it is to occupy on the vehicle.
The combination of a condenser with a light steam vehicle according to my said

page_text: invention is characterized by the place which the condenser occupies upon the
vehicle, and by the arrangement of the condenser, which acts without a fan and
utilizes the natural currents of air or those produced by the movement of the
vehicle, or also the natural upward current occasioned by the heating of the air
traversing the condenser.
In the case of completely open vehicles the condenser is placed like baggage
either at the rear or on the sides, sufficiently far away from the travellers, or else in
front, care being taken in this instance to cause the air to escape below the vehicle
or above the head of the travellers when it is possible to do so without interfering
with their view.
For covered vehicles I may arrange the condenser above the vehicle so that it
constitutes at the same time a roof.
The condenser will thus be completely exposed to the currents of air irrespective
of their direction, and not having to take into consideration the question of space
I may give the parts constituting the cooling surface the desired development.
For diminishing the weight as much as possible I dispense with the fan employed
in the condensers of stationary engines for producing currents of air which are
necessary for the condensation.
I will hereinafter describe in detail the particular arrangement of a condenser
placed at the rear of a light vehicle and that of a condenser in the form of a roof,
taking as an example the case which offers the greatest difficulties, namely when
the light vehicle is a bicycle.
In order to enable my invention to be better understood I have represented the
above described arrangements in the accompanying drawings in which
Figure 1 is a diagrammatical view of a steam bicycle with a condenser arranged
at the rear upon a baggage carrier.
Figures 2 and 3 show the two ways of arranging the condenser, which is divided
into two parts, astride the rear wheel and the splash boards.
Figure 4 is a diagrammatic view of a steam bicycle with a condenser arranged to
form a sun shade or awning.
Figure 5 is a longitudinal section of the condenser shown in Figure 4 drawn to
an enlarged scale, and
Figure 6 is a plan of the same.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of a condenser adapted to be used on a covered
vehicle and
Figure 8 is a cross section of the same taken on the line a, d drawn to an
enlarged scale.
In the example represented in Figure 1, a condenser a of any suitable description,
which offers the surface necessary for cooling the steam and presents this surface so
that the currents of air will impinge against it, may be arranged upon a baggage-
carrier and surrounded by a box or preferably by a painted metallic grating which
conceals it but enables the air to pass to it from all sides.. It is made of very light
metal and its tubes are reduced to the smallest possible thickness in order to diminish
its weight as much as practicable.
The condenser may be arranged above the wheel, but for obviating the incon-
venience which its proximity to the cyclist might otherwise cause by reason of the
heat developed by a violent wind from the rear, it may be placed further back, the
baggage-carriers presenting the form of davits for suspending boats from the sides of
vessels.
It is always light enough relatively to the weight of the engine placed on the
other side of the wheel for allowing it to overhang to a sufficient extent.
I may if desired divide the condenser into two connected parts a a' and place it
in the manner of panniers upon the rear wheel and splash board as indicated in
Figures 2 and 3.
The steam to be condensed passes through an upper
parts of the condenser and the water of condensation
tube a' through which it is conveyed to the feed pump.
tube a common to the two
collects in a common lower
This arrangement as shown

page_text: in Figure 3 enables the condenser to be placed at a comparatively great distance
from the cyclist.
Although divided into two parts the condenser may have a single exterior casing
which for the sake of elegance is made of such a form as to give it the appearance
of a definite object.
If the condenser, instead of being placed at the rear of the cyclist, is arranged in
front of him it is necessary to interpose a screen for preventing the cyclist being
inconvenienced by the heat disengaged.
When the condenser is made in the form of a roof or awning as shown in
Figures 4, 5 and 6 the outline of the latter is constituted by a wire or tube A which
has the form of an ellipse, the foci of which are at B and B¹.
Round each of the foci of this ellipse is arranged a tubular ring, C or C' the two
rings being united by a series of tubes D D' Dii.
which extend from the
ring C to a point of the ellipse, are bent round the said wire or tube A and join the
ring C¹ as shown.
If for example the first tubular ring C is put in communication with the steam
inlet through the pipe band the second ring C' with the feed pump through the
pipe the steam arriving in the ring C passes to the ring C¹ through the aforesaid
tubes D D D which are of the same length and which, being exposed to the
currents of air produced by the movement of the bicycle and to the natural
currents of air, cause the condensation of the steam which returns in the state of
water through the tube b' to the feed pump. The ring C which receives the steam
must be somewhat higher than the other in order to enable the water to flow off.
If a single series of tubes D does not provide for a sufficient surface for the
condensation I may superpose two or more series, the lower ring C or C¹ of one
series becoming the upper ring of the following series.
The tube b for the admission of the steam and the tube 6 for the return of the
water are connected to the condenser by the aid of swivels in such a manner that,
whatever may be the direction and force of the wind, the condenser will always
present its edge to the current of air, the points of attachment being arranged so
that the centre of gravity may be as low as possible. By reason of this arrange-
ment the condenser will not present a sufficient surface to the wind to compromise
the stability of the apparatus.
The aforesaid two tubes 6 6 are bent and communicate through a swivel joint
with two tubes arranged at a right angle and which terminate in the two tubular
rings C C¹ surrounding the foci of the ellipse. These tubes 6 6' support the whole
condenser. They are united directly below the condenser at F, and are separated
below the said point F at G G³ so as not to interfere with the view of the cyclist
and are united to a fixed sleeve H on the fork of the front wheel whence they pass
one to the engine and the other to the feed pump. The condenser is placed upon a
cork plate K and is surrounded by a metallic grating I with very narrow openings,
which conceals the tubes D D. Fringes L provided at the outer edge of the
condenser help to give it the outward appearance of a sun shade.
For protecting the condenser in case of a fall I arrange below it, parallel to the
minor axis of the ellipse, a certain number of small and light steel tubes which
extend beyond the fringes so that they will receive the shock on coming in contact
with the ground. These tubes are attached to the support of the condenser and
can slide in small tubes, at the bottom of which are provided springs which mitigate
the shocks. Instead of making the sun shade of elliptic form I may give it a circular
form or any desired artistic outward form, for instance that of a bird, in order to
preserve the elegant appearance of the apparatus.
I may make the condenser in the form of a serpentine, or employ cooling surfaces
of any form constituted by straight or other tubes discs, wings or the like, provided
that the place, outward form and the mode of operation which characterize my
combination are preserved.
In case a condenser forming a roof is applied to covered vehicles as repre-
sented in Figures 7 and 8, it may be composed of two boxes or hollow

page_text: frames M MM" M, N N N N
preferably of rectangular form. These
frames are united by several series of straight tubes P P arranged in a quincuncial
manner and which constitute the cooling surface.
The steam may pass for example at Q into the upper box or frame, the water of
condensation may collect in the lower box or frame from which it passes into the
water return pipe through R.
The dimensions of the full parts and of the interior space may be varied
according to the quantity of steam to be condensed and the size of the vehicle
itself. This system of hollow frame and straight tubes, which if desired may be
replaced by serpentine tubes, discs, wings or the like, constitutes the whole
condenser which may be concealed on the side by a metallic grating allowing ample
passage for the air. The air passes not only on the four outer sides of the
condenser but also on the inner sides owing to the space provided in the interior of
the frames.
According to the depth of the edges and the number of the quincunxes which the
air must traverse, I may cover in on the four sides the length necessary for
compelling the air to traverse the edges.
I may also use a box entirely closed except in front and at the rear, as herein-
before set forth, the sides of the box being in this case either adapted to be
completely closed or arranged in the manner of Venetian blinds so that they can be
opened to a variable extent at will.
The lower part of the condenser is provided with any kind of non-conducting
material, for instance cork. This material is covered with a sheet of metal and a
space is provided between this cover and the condenser.
The condenser constituting a roof may also be mounted upon a frame with
interposition of springs designed to prevent the vibrations of the vehicle from
disjoining the various parts of the condenser.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1st. The combination of a surface condenser without a fan, with a light vehicle
provided with a suitable steam generator, particularly with a steam bicycle, the
current of air necessary for the condensation being produced by the velocity of the
bicycle or by the natural variations which always occur in the open air.
2nd. A condenser for a steam bicycle or other light vehicle arranged in the form
of a roof or awning, and the particular arrangements described and shown in the
drawings.
Dated this 20th day of
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.