Improvements in Vacuum Dielectrics, Electrodes, and Apparatus for the Production of Ozone.
Year: 1898

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Vacuum Dielectrics, Electrodes, and Apparatus for
the Production of Ozone.
I, DAN MARTINI, an American citizen by birth, and now residing at Ivy Lodge,
Tilford, in the County of Surrey, Railway Contractor, do hereby declare the
nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to certain improvements in the construction of appa
ratus for electrically producing ozone, the object being, within any given
dielectric area, to obtain or liberate from atmospheric air the largest amount of
ozone by electric discharges, while allowing the current of air in passing through
the machine free access to and exit from all parts where the ozone is generated.
My invention also consists in a novel form of glass vacuum dielectric, or glass
vacuum chamber, square, long and narrow, having within any given space, larger
areas exposed to electric action than the surfaces in the vacuum tubes hereto-
fore used, in combination with electrodes for electrically obtaining ozone from
air.
This vacuum dielectric or chamber can be used singly or stacked to any number
and connected in series in the usual way.
My invention further consists, in combination with this vacuum dielectric or
vacuum chamber, of a novel form of flexible electrode or elastic mat of copper
wire which adjusts itself to any unevenness in the surfaces of said vacuuni
dielectric chamber and makes the greatest number of separate and distinct con-
tacts with it consistent with the least obstruction to the air eddying through the
machine.
This invention further consists, in combination with said vacuum dielectric
or chamber, of a novel form of foxtail electrode made of the greatest number
of pieces of copper wire which can be held transversely by three, four, five or
more lengths of copper wire twisted into a rope or spine and placed within the
four inner walls of said vacuum dielectric or chamber, such electrode being
elastic and adjusting itself to the surfaces or walls.
Further, my invention has for its object, in an apparatus in which said
vacuum dielectric or chamber and both of said electrodes, or either of them, are
combined, to reduce to a minimum the liability to heating in a machine for
electrically obtaining ozone; and should such heating take place, to prevent, by
means of a flexible and elastic electrode, the glass dielectric breaking or split-
ting by reason of the expansion or contraction of the metal of which such
electrode is composed.
To these ends and to such others as this invention may pertain, and in order
to carry said invention into effect, I employ as dielectric a square glass vacuum
chamber, long and narrow, consisting of outer and inner walls fused together,

page_text: or sealed, only at the ends. The quadrangular space between these outer and
inner walls is a vacuum. Each inner wall is parallel to its corresponding outer
wall, and the space between them is half an inch, or less. The space within the
four inner walls is open to allow a current of air to pass through it. Internally,
in the vacuum, I enclose a flexible electrode or mat made of short bits of fine
copper wire of high conductivity, or other highly conductive metal or material,
fixed in the meshes of copper sieve and projecting an equal length on either
side said sieve and at right angles to it. Consistent with mechanical strength,
I use the finest possible number in wire and mesh in order to obtain the greatest
possible number of separate and distinct contacts with the glass dielectric. The
mat being slightly thicker than the quadrangular vacuum space is wide, the nap
or pile, as 1 call the aggregate of projecting transverse wires, is bent
over or deflected from its upright position, and by its elasticity not only fits
into any unevenness in the glass walls but prevents injury to the component
parts, should heating occur and expansion or contraction take place. A con-
necting wire carried through the end of the quadrangular vacuum chamber
serves to bring this electrode into metallic contact with one pole of an induc-
tion coil, or transformer or an alternating dynamo of high frequency.
A similar electrode or metallic mat of copper encloses the vacuum chamber,
adjusting itself by its elasticity into close contact with all four sides of the same,
and this electrode is connected with the other pole of said induction coil, trans-
former or alternating dynamo. When a vacuum chamber is used singly, this
electrode or metallic mat may be made with the nap or pile one one side of it
only, and that side is to be placed against the vacuum chamber.
To make the foxtail electrode which 1 insert in the open space formed by the
four inside walls of the vacuum chamber, I take three, four, five or more straight
lengths of copper wire and bunch them together longitudinally so that a cross
section of same shall appear triangular in shape if three strands are used, and
square if more than three. Between the strands of this rope or spine are laid
lengthwise thin strips of fine copper sieve, as many as can be advantageously
inserted, with their edges projecting outwardly and at right angles to the spine.
The spine is then twisted in order to hold the strips of sieve firmly in position
between said strands. The loose longitudinal wires in the strips of sieve are
removed, leaving the fixed cross-wires sticking out all round like long nap or
pile. This flexible foxtail electrode can then be evenly trimmed to a size larger
than the aperture in the vacuum chamber, so that the cross-wires are slightly
deflected and adjust themselves to the walls thereof when the electrode is inserted
in the same.
So placed, it is joined in electrical circuit with the same pole of
the said induction coil, transformer or alternating dynamo with which the elec-
trode or metallic mat outside the vacuum chamber is connected.
A modification of the above-described mat electrode is obtained by placing
a number of foxtail electrodes side by side and fastening them together at the
ends by electrically conductive material so that they form a mat. This form
possesses the advantage of being cheaper and more easily manufactured.
The vacuum chamber has at each end a lug or short projection of the glass
to rest it upon wooden supports or other non-conductive fixtures employed to
hold it in place.
To obtain ozone in large quantities for commercial purposes, I take vacuum
chambers, with a mat electrode already placed in the vacuum, and a foxtail
electrode in the central opening, of each as aforesaid, and stack them side by
side and parallel in layers to any desired number, separating them from one
another by mat electrodes, but only such distance apart as will allow the nap
or pile of said mat electrodes to press lightly against all their exterior sides.
To prevent their weight from crushing down the nap or pile, the vacuum cham-
bers are supported by the lugs at either end in a frame of woven wire, or
expanded metal, or strips of wood. These end frames or supports are very open
to allow a current of air to pass freely through them. They are attached to

page_text: either end of a wooden case which tightly encloses the stack of vacuum chambers
on the remaining four sides. The air to be ozonised enters through one frame,
passes along the vacuum chambers from end to end and escapes through the
other frame. Across the frame at which the air is admitted I stretch a fine
sieve, or thin linen or cotton cloth, to strain the air and prevent dust and other
impurities from entering the machine. When the air has been previously
purified by passing it through lime or other chemical filters, this strainer need
not be used.
Circuit wires join the foxtail and mat electrodes in the usual manner with one
terminal of an induction coil, transformer or alternating dynamo, while the
internal electrodes within the respective vacuums are connected with the other
terminal.
Experiment convinces me that better results are obtained, not by blowing the
air, but by drawing it, through the machine. By this means I prevent any back
pressure of the ozonised current and give my apparatus an opportunity to work
freely and continuously on incoming air, and thus increase the output in ozone.
To attain this object, I place at the end of the machine where the air emerges
an air-tight wooden box whose sides correspond to the sides of the machine,
and are tightly secured to them to prevent leakage, and taper to a rotary fan or
other mechanical device which creates an exhaust behind the machine and causes
the air to enter swiftly through the strainer. The ozone or ozonised air is
driven by this fan through a pipe and may be stored, or 'purified or used in its
nascent state for manifold coniniercial purposes.
My ozoniser is so constructed that the air in its passage is thrown into innu-
merable eddies and every molecule of it brought into contact with the parts
where the electric current converts the oxygen into the allotropic modification.
But my experiments leave me in doubt whether ozone is an allotrope or an
elementary substance.
Improvements in Vacuum Dielectrics, Electrodes, and Apparatus for
the Production of Ozone.
I, DAN MARTINI, an American citizen by birth, and now residing at Ivy Lodge,
(now known as Niagara Wigwam), Tilford, in the County of Surrey, Railway
Contractor, 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:-
This invention relates to certain improvements in the construction of appa-
ratus for electrically producing ozone, the object being, within any given
dielectric area, to obtain or liberate from atmospheric air, oxygen or mixture of
air and gases, the largest amount of ozone by electric discharge, while allowing
the current of air or gas, in passing through the machine, free access to and
exit from all parts where the ozone is generated or evolved.
In the following description reference will be made by figures and letters to
the accompanying two sheets of illustrative drawings, said drawings being of
the character of diagrams.
In Figure 1 is shown, in cross section, a square shaped dielectric body, accord-
ing to this invention, with the electrodes indicated in position in the vacuum
space and in the open space surrounded by the dielectric.

page_text: .
Fig. 2, shows in isometric view four of the dielectric bodies, and as same may
be arranged relatively to each other with external "mat" electrodes in position.
Fig. 3 represents, in end view, a further number of such dielectrics arranged
together; these will be sustained in and upon end frames of a carrier or support.
Fig. 4, is a longitudinal side view of the dielectric body, shown broken in its
length and with projections shown moulded thereon at the ends for support on
end frames.
These angular dielectric bodies have been referred to and shown as square in
cross section but the use of angular dielectric bodies affording like extended
areas for the electric action may be of triangular section as shown in Figure 5,
or may be of hexagonal section as shown in Figure 6, or of other poly-
angular or polygonal form in cross section but so that the same may be stacked
together somewhat as indicated by Figs. 5, and 6, in order to save space and
render available the largest area for the exercise of the electrical effect and
which has not hitherto been secured by dielectric vacuum tubes of circular cross-
section.
By these means it will be seen, that dielectric plate areas are employed in the
only way whereby a vacuum dielectric area can be secured with the use of plates.
Fig. 7, shows a single "mat" electrode.
Fig. 8, a double mat electrode.
Fig. 9, represents a length of woven wire sieve cut to required width such as
I use in making up the foxtail electrode for the inner air space of the dielectric
body.
Fig. 10, represents isometrically a portion of such a foxtail electrode.
Figs. 11 and 12, indicate how the strips of wire sieve may be laid relatively
to the longitudinal holding wires; Fig. 1 showing two such holding wires.
Referring to Figs. 1 to 4 there is shown the novel form of glass vacuum
dielectric body square, long, and narrow, having within any given space larger
and more extended areas exposed to electric action than the surfaces in the
vacuum tubes heretofore used, in combination with electrodes for electrically
obtaining ozone.
•
Glass is here spoken of as the dielectric material as it perhaps, is the most
readily available.
The dielectric chamber is characterised by the walls or plates a, and the second
set of walls b; the outer and inner walls being moulded or fused together to her.
metically seal the ends, to enclose the vacuum space e, (exhausted in substan-
tially ordinary manner) and provide the air space or opening d.
a
The walls b, are the additional dielectric areas (on the one side towards the
vacuum space c, and on the other side toward the air space d) which I combine
and secure in my improved construction; that is, given the areas of plates
(which may be taken as of known employment) plus the areas of plates b, with
the vacuum space c, and the air space opening d; 1 attain to the formula
a+b+c+ d = efficient area or range of electric action, thus approximately
doubling the said range or areas but securing the vacuum.
The same inherent qualities are presented in the case of vacuum dielectrics as
illustrated by Figs. 5 and 5 and 6 and 6.
These vacuum dielectrics or chambers can be used singly or be stacked to any
number and connected with the source of electric current and in circuit, in
series in the usual way of ozoniser apparatus, such general dispositions having
been for many years well understood.
My invention further consists in combination with this vacuum dielectric or
vacuum chamber of a novel form of flexible electrode or elastic mat of copper
or other conductive metal wire (single as shown in Figs. 7 and 3 or double as
shown in Figs. 8 and 1 and 2) which adjusts itself to any unevenness in the
surfaces of vacuum dielectric or chamber and makes the greatest number of
separate and distinct contacts with the plates areas a, b, consistent with the least

page_text: obstruction to the air, oxygen or aeriform mixture eddying through the ozoniser
machine.
This invention further consists in combination with said vacuum dielectric
or chamber of a novel form of "foxtail" electrode made of the greatest number
of pieces of copper wire 9 which can be held transversely by two three four or
more lengths of copper or similar metal wire 10 twisted into a rope or spine
and placed at d within the inner walls b, of said vacuum dielectric body or
chamber such electrode being elastic and adjusting itself to the surfaces or walls.
By my invention the object is attained that in an apparatus in which said
vacuum dielectric or chamber and both of said electrodes or either of them are
combined, to reduce to a minimum the liability to heating in such a machine
for electrically obtaining ozone; and should such heating take place to prevent,
by means of a flexible and elastic electrode the glass dielectric breaking or
splitting by reason of the expansion or contraction of the metal of which such
electrode is composed,
Internally of the vacuum space c of the dielectric body a double mat flexible
electrode is placed (previously to setting up the vacuum and hermetically
closing the dielectric body).
This flexible electrode or mat is made of short bits of fine copper wire of high
conductivity, or other highly conductive metal or material, fixed in the meshes
of copper sieve and projecting an equal length on either side of said sieve and
at right angles to it. Consistent with mechanical strength I use the finest pos-
sible gauge of wire and mesh in order to obtain the greatest possible number of
separate and distinct contacts with the dielectric.
The mat being slightly thicker than the quadrangular vacuum space is wide,
the nap or pile, Fig. 1 (as I call the aggregate of projecting transverse wires)
is bent over or deflected from its upright position, and by its elasticity not only
fits into any unevenness in the glass walls but prevents injury to the component
parts, should heating occur and expansion or contraction take place. A con-
necting wire attached to the mat electrode and carried out through the end of
the vacuum chamber serves to bring this electrode into metallic contact or circuit
with one pole of an induction coil or transformer or an alternating dynamo of
high frequency i.e. the available source of electricity for the purpose. A similar
electrode or metallic mat of copper encloses the vacuum chamber adjusting itself,
by its elasticity, into close contact with all four sides of the same, and this
electrode is connected with the other pole of said induction coil transformer,
alternating dynamo, or source of electricity. When a vacuum chamber is used
singly this electrode or metallic mat may be made with the nap or pile on one
side of it only, and that side is to be placed against the vacuum chamber, as
shown externally of the stacked dielectric bodies and electrodes Fig. 3.
6
To make the foxtail" electrode which I insert in the open space formed
by the four inside walls of the vacuum chamber, I take two, three, four, or
more straight lengths of copper wire and between the strands of this rope or
spine are laid lengthwise thin strips of fine copper sieve, see Fig. 9, as many
as can be advantageously inserted with their edges projecting outwardly and at
right angles to the spine.
The strands 10 of the spine are then twisted together in order to hold the
strips of sieve 9 firmly into position between said strands 10. The loose longitu-
dinal wires in the strips of sieve 9 are then to be removed, leaving the fixed cross
wires sticking out all round like long nap or pile. This flexible foxtail elec-
trode can then be evenly trimmed to a size larger than the aperture in the
vacuum chamber so that the cross wires 10 are slightly deflected and adjust
themselves to the walls b thereof when the electrode is inserted in the same.
So placed, it is connected up in electrical circuit with the same pole of the said
induction coil, transformer, or alternating dynamo, with which the electrode or
metallic mat or mats outside the vacuum chamber or chambers is or are con-
nected.

page_text: A modification of the above described mat electrode is obtained by placing
a number of foxtail electrodes side by side and fastening them together at the
ends by electrically conductive material so that they form a mat. This form
has the advantage of being cheaper and more easily manufactured. This is not
shewn by the drawings but will be readily understood.
4
The vacuum chamber Figs. 2 and 4 has at each end a lug or short projec-
tion of the glass to rest it upon wooden supports or other non-conductive
fixtures employed to hold it in place.
To obtain ozone in large quantities for commercial purposes I take vacuum
chambers, with a mat electrode already placed in the vacuum, and a foxtail
electrode in the central opening, of each as aforesaid and stack them side by
side and parallel, in layers, to any desired number, separating them from one
another by mat electrodes, but only such distance apart as will allow the nap
or pile of said mat electrodes to press lightly against all their exterior sides,
substantially as represented in Figs. 2 and 3. To prevent their weight crushing
down the nap or pile the vacuum chambers may be supported by the lugs or
projections e, at either end, in a frame of wire or expanded metal, or a framing
of strips of wood. These end frames or supports are made of very open, or
skeleton, form to allow a current of air to pass freely through them. They are
attached to either end of a wooden case which tightly encloses the stack of
vacuum chambers on the remaining four sides. The air to be ozonised enters
through one frame, passes along the vacuum chambers from end to end and
escapes through the other frame." Across the frame at which the air is admitted
I stretch a fine sieve, or thin linen or cotton cloth, to strain the air and pre-
vent dust and other impurities entering the ozoniser. When the air has been
previously purified, by passing it through lime or other chemical filters, this
strainer need not be used.
Circuit wires join the foxtail and outside mat electrodes, in the usual manner,
with one terminal of the electric source while the internal electrodes within the
respective vacuums are connected with the other terminal.
Experiment convinces me that better results are obtained not by blowing the
air but by drawing it through the machine.
By this means I prevent any back pressure of the ozonised current and give
my apparatus an opportunity to work freely and continuously on incoming air,
and thus increase the output in ozone. To attain this object, I place at the end
of the machine, where the air emerges, an air tight wooden box, whose sides
correspond to the sides of the ozoniser, and are tightly secured to them to pre-
vent leakage, and taper to a rotary fan or other mechanical device which creates
an exhaust behind the ozoniser, and causes the air to enter swiftly through the
strainer. The ozone or ozonised air is driven by this fan through a pipe and
may be stored or purified, or used in its nascent state for manifold commercial
purposes.
My ozoniser is so constructed that the air in its passage is thrown into innu-
merable eddies and every molecule of it brought into contact with the parts
where the electric current converts the oxygen into the allotropic modification.
But my experiments leave me in doubt whether ozone is an allotrope or an
elementary substance.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I wish it to be
understood that I make no general claim to the use in apparatus for the pro-
duction of ozone, of vacuum tubes, or other exhausted or partially exhausted
dielectric vessels, whereby ozone is produced by the silent electric discharge from
point bearing electrodes disposed outside and in proximity to the vacuum tubes,
or the like, which are provided internally with point bearing electrodes, but I
declare that what I claim is:
First. In means for the production of ozone electrically the vacuum dielectric

page_text: .
having the external walls a b, enclosing a space c, wherein is disposed one elec-
trode of an electric circuit and the other electrode or electrodes of the circuit
being disposed exteriorly of the enclosing walls ab, as and for the purpose
herein set forth.
Secondly. In means for the production of ozone a polysided dielectric body
having the areas of electric effect opposite to each other and equidistant on all
sides from each other and the electrodes surfaces, as and for the purpose set
forth.
Thirdly. The flexible elastic electrode consisting of the mat metal wire back
and nap or pile surface or surfaces, as and for the purpose specified and com-
bined as set forth.
Fourthly. The foxtail electrode consisting of strands of wire 10, having com-
bined therewith lengths or cut strips of wire sieve 9, said strands of wire 10,
being twisted together to initially hold the strips of sieve whilst the loose longi-
tudinal wires of the sieve pieces are drawn out, as and for the purpose set forth.
Fifthly. In means for the production of ozone, electrically, the combination
of the vacuum dielectrics as described and the electrodes therefor in an ozoniser
apparatus whereby is afforded, obtained, and secured, a form of vacuum dielec-
tric utilizing all the space in any given area, as and for the purposes herein
set forth.
1000