Improvements in the Generation and Utilization of Hydrogen Gas and Electricity for Motive Power Lighting and Heating purposes.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 14th June, 1897
Complete Specification Left, 7th Mar., 1898-Accepted, 20th May, 1898
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Generation and Utilization of Hydrogen Gas
and Electricity for Motive Power Lighting and Heating purposes.
I, LUTHER HENRY WATTLES, of No. 122, Roger Williams Avenue, Providence,
Rhode Island, United States of America, Machinist, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention to be as follows:-
:-
This invention relates to improvements in systems of generating and using
hydrogen gas and electricity; and it consists in providing a generator or a number
of generators in which hydrogen gas and electricity are both generated simulta-
neously, combining therein gas-collecting apparatus having ducts for conducting
the gas to the apparatus or mechanism intended for its storage or use, with con-
ductors for the electricity generated therein to deliver it to the apparatus intended
for its use, and in combining the gas using apparatus and the electrical apparatus
with a common means of receiving the energy developed by the conversion of the
gas and electricity into mechanical power, so that the two forms of energy developed
in the generator thus become collected, converted, and delivered at the same time
to the same mechanism for its utilization or work.
The object of my invention is to provide a generator of hydrogen gas and elec-
tricity and to combine with the same such a combination of apparatus and
mechanism capable of converting them into the form of useful work as will secure
by said means the maximum availability and use of the forces developed in the
generator.
I employ a cup or cell, made of copper, to which a cover is fitted, by means of an
internal screw thread to a corresponding external screw thread upon the neck of the
cup. A packing is fitted around the neck of the cup so as to make a tight joint
between the cup and the cover when the latter is screwed on in position thereon.
The cover has two apertures through which the holder projects and upon which
the electrode is mounted when in position within the cup. The electrode or zinc
has a central opening through which the threaded extremity of the holder passes,
and by means of the nut the zine and the holder are thereby securely connected
together. The lower portion of the aperture is enlarged and squared to fit a corre-
spondingly shaped portion of the holder to prevent the zinc from turning upon the
holder through accident or otherwise. The cover is provided with sleeves having
insulation bushings by means of which the holder and the cover may be insulated
from each other. Each of the necks of the holder is provided with a spring retain-
ing catch which is fitted in a groove therein and by means of which the holder will
be held in an elevated position by resting upon the bushings whenever it is desired
to lift the zinc out of the solution in the cup and hold it in that position. The
sleeves in the cover retain the holder with the zinc in a central position in the cup
in case the latter should be tilted or the like. The holder is provided with an
insulating covering to prevent short circuiting in the cup or with it.
Within the cup an inverted gas collector of copper or other metal is arranged
and secured to the cover. The collector is of larger dimensions than the zinc in

page_text: that portion of it within which the zinc is suspended so that no contact is made
between the two parts of the device but is narrowed in its dimensions in its upper
portion and is provided with an aperture which also extends through the cover and
through a gas conductor having nipples to which conducting tubes or pipes for
conveying the gas generated within the collector may be connected. The cover
which together with the entire shell of the cup forms one of the electrodes of the
generator or battery is provided with a binding post having a nut to which the wire
conductor for the current generated may be connected. The holder has upon its
upper extremities a corresponding pair of binding posts and nuts for the other
conductor to be connected with. The cover is also provided with an opening to
which a stopper is fitted for the purpose of filling the cup with the solution required,
renewing or decanting it, or the like.
The solution required to generate the gas consists of water and sulphuric acid or
any other acid that will liberate hydrogen gas and generate electric currents by
its chemical action upon zinc iron or other substance capable of such effects. The
strength of the solution is determined by the rapidity with which the gas and
electricity are to be produced and may be varied from, say, one part (in bulk) to
twenty parts of water up to one part acid to four parts water or even stronger than
this when quick action is necessary. The production of hydrogen gas and elec-
tricity by the chemical action of dilute sulphuric acid upon zinc being well known
and understood its further description is deemed unnecessary. My generator being
thus described I will now explain the manner of its use in combination with the
other mechanism required to carry out the purposes of my invention.
In one form of my arrangement I employ a series or battery of generators made
as already described. The cups and zincs are connected alternately in series like
any battery of galvanic cells connected up to produce a maximum voltage; but the
generators may be also connected in multiple arc if quantity rather than voltage is
required; or modifications of both of these methods of connecting up the poles of
a number of cells may be employed, if preferred. The terminal elements of the
battery are connected
which
with the conducting wires respectively,
connect in turn with the terminals of an electric motor and to which the
current generated as described is conducted and in which it is converted into
mechanical power by the motor in the well known manner of electric motors. The
circuit conductors leading to the motor have the usual fuse switch and resistance
box by means of which the current to the motor can be controlled. Each one of
the gas conductors leading from the gas collectors of the generators is connected by
means of nipples and couplings which are made of any suitable insulating substance
not subject to destructive effects of the gas, so as to make one continuous conduit
for the gas evolved by the whole series of cups that may be in active operation
producing the gas at the time. The gas is conducted by a main duct to a gas
engine one end of the duct being connected with a conductor at the end of the
series of cells and the other end with the gas engine for this purpose. A branch
duct leads to a pump and gas holder. Another branch pipe leads to a retort.or
carburetter. A further pipe has a connection with the gas holder and another with
the carburetter, another with the gas burner, and finally one which connects it
again with the main duct. Valves or cocks are fitted in the gas ducts around in the
different positions necessary for the proper control of the flow and manipulation of
the gas as required.
The gas engine receives its supply of gas through a suitable pipe the flow being
regulated by a valve. A bevelled gear mechanism actuates the valve mechanism
of the engine.
The conducting wires referred to are provided with switches having terminal
connections with conductors in which the induction coil is in circuit
There are
further conductors which have terminals at the engine and connectious with the
coil by which a circuit between it and the engine is established whenever the
electrodes within the cylinder are in contact. The piston to which one of the
electrodes is attached carries the latter away from the other electrode with every

page_text: outward stroke of its operation, thereby breaking contact with the last electrode
and producing an electric spark within the gas contained in the cylinder and ignit-
ing it at a right time, so as to cause the proper explosive effect necessary in
operating gas-engines.
The power of the engine is applied, through its connecting rod, to the crank
shaft in the usual manner. The power of the motor may be applied to the crank
shaft of the engine through a belt and wheel of the engine, in which case the
engine crank shaft becomes the common receiver of power produced by the motor
and the engine.
A work shaft may be provided having a pulley over which a belt runs and is
driven by a pulley on the engine shaft. The work shaft has also a pulley to which
a belt from the motor may be directly connected. By this arrangement the shaft
becomes the receiver of power produced by the engine and the motor and from
which it could be transmitted otherwise for application or use.
Switches in the conducting wires have terminal connections with certain circuit
wires in which an electric lamp is placed and by means of which the electric current
from the generators may be caused to produce light. Switches are also placed in
connection with the same conducting wires and having terminal connections with
a loop in which a resistance or heating coil is placed in circuit, so that the electric
current may be utilized for heating purposes, if desired.
The operation of my invention will now be described: The generators are pre-
pared for use by charging each one of them with a solution of acid of the requisite
strength and filling each one to a level so that all of the zinc except its shank or
neck becomes immersed therein and subject to the dissolving and chemical effects
of the solution. The circuit between the zinc and the cup is closed. The cap or
cover being adjusted upon the cup and the stopper being in place each generator
becomes ready for effective use.
The gas connections between each of the generators and the external gas receiv-
ing and converting apparatus being in proper connection and condition, the gas
becomes evolved in each generator and passes through the collectors through the
ducts and through the engine, where it is used, as produced, in producing
mechanical effect, as already described, or it may be delivered into the holder and
stored there until required for use; or it may be passed through the carburetter
and enriched, as already described, by the addition of carbon or hydrocarbon gases
and afterward used in the engine or for illuminating or other purposes, as desired.
The electric current, which becomes generated simultaneously with the evolution
of the gas and the disintegration of the zinc, is converted by the motor into
mechanical power, which may be applied to the crank shaft of the engine or the
independent work shaft, as already explained. It can thus be seen that the two
forms of energy simultaneously generated in the generators are at the same time
transmitted to the corresponding mechanisms for converting them into mechanical
energy, and in this way the maximum efficiency for useful work is delivered to the
work shaft intended for its reception and use. It can also be observed that
the electric current from the generator also co-operates through the agency of the
induction coil with the gas in igniting the latter in the engine, and thus effects the
successful operation of the engine.
The importance of this invention may be understood from the fact that for some
purposes primary batteries used for generating electric currents alone are near the
point, as to economy, of successful competition with other methods of generating
and using electricity. Now by the additional useful efficiency obtained by this
method of using the gas as generated simultaneously and in conjunction with the
electricity produced it can be seen that it makes it possible for applications of this
system of producing and using power in many ways and under conditions never
successful commercially heretofore. Its use therefore is in the case of small units
of application peculiarly well adapted as a means of propulsion for bicycles,
tricycles, motocycles, or horseless vehicles and other forms of carriages, cars, and
devices for transportation.

page_text: The invention is likewise applicable to the propulsion of boats, stationary power
installations, small or large, as may be required. Large installations of generators
for the production and use of hydrogen gas and electricity can likewise be made
and the gas used for general lighting and heating purposes as well and stored in
large holders and carbureted as commercial illuminating gas is now treated. The
electricity can from the same plant be used for heating, lighting, and power pur-
poses, as now done, in addition to or independent of the combination of the engine
and motor mechanism.
I am aware that it has been proposed to generate oxygen and hydrogen gases in
a battery from the decomposition of water and to use the electricity generated to
also assist in the generation of the two gases within the battery in the well known
way of decomposing water by the electric current and then conducting the two
gases to separate reservoirs, where they were to be accumulated and confined until
a pressure of several atmospheres was obtained, and the gases then conducted to
separate engines, where they were to be used expansively, like steam or compressed
air, and then to be returned again to the battery by suitable mechanism devised for
the purpose and then to be used over and over again, as before.
Dated this 14th day of June 1897.
PHILIP M. JUSTICE,
Chartered Patent Agent, London, for the Applicant.
Improvements in the Generation and Utilization of Hydrogen Gas
and Electricity for Motive Power Lighting and Heating purposes.
I, LUTHER HENRY WATTLES, of No. 122, Roger Williams Avenue, Providence,
Rhode Island, United States of America, Machinist, 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 improvements in systems of generating and using
hydrogen gas and electricity; and it consists in providing a generator or a number
of generators in which hydrogen gas and electricity are both generated simulta-
neously, combining therein gas-collecting apparatus having ducts for conducting
the gas to the apparatus or mechanism intended for its storage or use, with con-
ductors for the electricity generated therein to deliver it to the apparatus intended
for its use, and in combining the gas-using apparatus and the electrical apparatus
with a common means of receiving the energy developed by the conversion of the
gas and electricity into mechanical power, so that the two forms of energy developed
in the generator thus become collected, converted, and delivered at the same time
to the same mechanism for its utilization or work.
The object of my invention is to provide a generator of hydrogen gas and elec-
tricity and to combine with the same such a combination of apparatus and
mechanism capable of converting them into the form of useful work as will secure
by said means the maximum availability and use of the forces developed in the
generator.
The character and purposes of my invention will be more fully explained and
understood by reference to what follows herein and as will be pointed out in the
claims, and also by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which-
Fig. 1 represents a front view of the generator. Fig. 2 represents a vertical
section of the same. Fig. 3 is a top or plan view of the generator. Fig. 4 is a
top view of the zinc or other element employed for the generation of the gas and

page_text: electric current. Fig. 5 is a side elevation of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a bottom view of
Fig. 4. Fig. 7 is a front elevation of the holder and terminal for the zinc or
other electrode. Fig. 8 is a side elevation of Fig. 7. Fig. 9 represents a diagram
of a battery of generators having gas and electrical conductors combined therewith,
a gas-engine connected with the gas-conductors, and an electric motor connected
with the electric conductors and the engine and the motor both applying their
power to the same work-shaft. This figure also shows how the gas may be con-
veyed or forced into a suitable holder adapted for its storage, if desired, and it also
shows how the gas can be connected with a carbureter if it is desired to enrich it by
the addition therewith of hydrocarbons or hydrocarbon gas for illuminating pur-
poses or in transit to the engine. It also shows how the electric current can be
utilized for electric lighting or heating purposes. The figure further shows how
the electric spark which is required for igniting the gas in the engine is obtained
by the induction coil necessary for the purpose and the electrical connections of the
same with the generator and the engine.
In the drawings. A represents a cup or cell, made of copper, to which a cover A¹
is fitted, by means of an internal screw thread A2 to the corresponding external
screw-thread A³ upon the neck A of the cup A. A packing A5 is fitted around the
neck of the cup, so as to make a tight joint between the cup and the cover when the
latter is screwed on in position thereon.
The cover A has two apertures A6 A6, through which the holder B projects and
upon which the electrode C is mounted when in position within the cup A. The
electrode or zinc C has a central opening C¹, through which the threaded
extremity B of the holder B passes, and by means of the nut B2 the zinc C and the
holder B are thereby securely connected together. The lower portion of the aper-
ture is enlarged and squared, as seen at C2, to fit a correspondingly shaped
portion 13 of the holder B to prevent the zinc C from turning upon the holder B
through accident or otherwise. The cover A¹ is provided with sleeves A7 A7,
having insulation bushings A8 A8, by means of which the holder B and the cover A¹
may be insulated from each other. Each of the necks B4 B of the holder B is
provided with a spring retaining catch B5, which is fitted in a groove B³ therein
and by means of which the holder will be held in an elevated position, as indicated
by the dotted lines in Fig. 2, by resting upon the bushings A8 A8 whenever it is
desired to lift the zinc out of the solution in the cup and hold it in that position.
The sleeves A' A in the cover A¹ retain the holder B with the zinc C in a central
position in the cup in case the latter should be tilted or the like. The holder Bis
provided with an insulating covering 18 to prevent short-circuiting in the cup or
with it.
Within the cup A an inverted gas collector D, of copper or other metal, is
arranged and secured to the cover A. The collector D) is of larger dimensions than
the zinc C in that portion of it within which the zinc is suspended, so that no con-
tact is made between the two parts of the device, but is narrowed in its dimensions
in its upper portion and is provided with an aperture D2, which also extends
through the cover A' and through a gas conductor A³, having nipples A10 A10, to
which conducting tubes or pipes for conveying the gas generated within the
collector may be connected. The cover A', which, together with the entire shell
of the cup A, forms one of the electrodes of the generator or battery, is provided
with a binding post A", having a nut A2, to which the wire conductor for the
current generated may be connected. The holder B has upon its upper extremities
a corresponding pair of binding posts B6 B6 and nuts B7 B7 for the other conductor
to be connected with. The cover A' is also provided with an opening A¹³, to which
a stopper A is fitted for the purpose of filling the cup with the solution required,
renewing or decanting it, or the like.
The solution required to generate the gas consists of water and sulphuric acid
or any other acid that will liberate hydrogen gas and generate electric currents by
its chemical action upon zinc, iron, or other substance capable of such effects. The
strength of the solution is determined by the rapidity with which the gas and

page_text: electricity are to be produced and may be varied from, say, one part (in bulk). to
twenty parts of water up to one part acid to four parts water or even stronger than
this when quick action is necessary. The production of hydrogen gas and elec-
tricity by the chemical action of dilute sulphuric acid upon zinc being well known
and understood its further description is deemed unnecessary. My generator being
thus described I will now explain the manner of its use in combination with the
other mechanism required to carry out the purposes of my invention.
Referring to Fig. 9 A A A represent a series or battery of generators made as
already described. The cups and zincs are connected alternately in series like any
battery of galvanic cells connected up to produce a maximum voltage; but the
generators may be also connected in multiple arc if quantity rather than voltage is
required; or modifications of both of these methods of connecting up the poles of
a number of cells may be employed, if preferred. The terminal elements A" C
of the battery are connected with the conducting wires E F, respectively, which
connect in turn with the terminals G G¹ of an electric motor G2 and to which the
current generated as described is conducted and in which it it is converted into
mechanical power by the motor in the well known manner of electric motors.
The
circuit conductors EF, leading to the motor G2, have the usual fuse H, switch I,
and resistance box J, by means of which the current to the motor can be controlled.
Each one of the gas conductors A A°, leading from the gas collectors D D of the
generators AA, is connected by means of its respective nipples A10 A10 and coup-
lings KK, which are made of any suitable insulating substance not subject to
destructive effects of the gas, so as to make one continuous conduit for the gas
evolved by the whole series of cups that may be in active operation producing the
gas at the time. The gas is conducted by the main duct L to the gas engine M,
one end L of the duct being connected with the conductor A15 at the end of the
series of cells A A A and the other end L2 with the gas engine M for this purpose.
A branch duct L³ leads to a pump N and gas holder O. Another branch pipe L
leads to a retort or carbureter P. The pipe L has a connection L with the gas
holder O and another L', with the carbureter P, another L8 with the gas burner Q,
and, finally, one L2, which connects it again with the main duct L. Valves or
cocks R R R are fitted in the gas ducts around in the different positions necessary
for the proper control of the flow and manipulation of the gas as required.
The gas engine M receives its supply of gas through the pipe L10, the flow of
which is regulated by the valve R¹. M represents a beveled gear mechanism
which actuates the valve mechanism (not shown) of the engine M.
The conductors EF are provided with switches S S₁, having terminal connections
with the conductors E¹ F¹, in which the induction coil T is in circuit. The con-
ductors TT have terminals T3 T4 at the engine M and connections with the coil T,
by which a circuit between it and the engine M is established whenever the elec-
trodes T5 T6 within the cylinder are in contact. The piston M¹, to which the
electrode T is attached, carries the latter away from the electrode T with every
outward stroke of its operation, thereby breaking contact with the electrode T
and producing an electric spark within the gas contained in the cylinder and
igniting it at a right time, so as to cause the proper explosive effect necessary in
operating gas engines.
The power of the engine M is applied, through its connecting rod M2, to the
crank shaft M³ in the usual manner. The power of the motor G2 may be applied
to the crank shaft M³ of the engine M through the belt U and wheel M of the
engine M, in which case the engine crank shaft becomes the common receiver of
power produced by the motor and the engine.
A work shaft V may be provided having a pulley V₁, over which the belt W runs
and is driven by a pulley M on the engine shaft M³. The shaft V has also a
pulley V, to which the belt U from the motor G² may be directly connected, as
shown by the dotted lines, if preferred. By this arrangement the shaft V becomes
the receiver of power produced by the engine and the motor and from which it
could be transmitted otherwise for application or use.

page_text: Switches S2 S3 in the conductors EF have terminal connections with the circuit
wires XX', in which the electric lamp X2 is placed and by means of which the
electric current from the generators may be caused to produce light. Switches S* $5
are also placed in connection with the conductors EF and having terminal connec-
tions with the loop YY, in which the resistance or heating coil Y2 is placed in
circuit, so that the electric current may be utilized for heating purposes, if desired.
The operation of my invention will now be described: The generators are
prepared for use by charging each one of them with a solution of acid of the
requisite strength and filling each one to the level indicated by the dotted line a b
in Fig. 2, in which case all of the zinc C except its shank or neck becomes immersed
therein and subject to the dissolving and chemical effects of the solution. The
circuit between the zinc C and the cup A is closed, as indicated by the circuit estab-
lished through the conductors E F and mechanism connected therewith in Fig. 9.
The cap or cover A¹ being adjusted upon the cup and the stopper A¼ being in
place each generator becomes ready for effective use.
The gas connections between each of the generators and the external gas receiv-
ing and converting apparatus being in proper connection and condition, the
gras
becomes evolved in each generator and passes through the collectors through the
ducts and through the engine, where it is used, as produced, in producing
mechanical effect, as already described, or it may be delivered into the holder
and stored there until required for use, or it may be passed through the carbureter P
and enriched, as already described, by the addition of hydrocarbons or hydrocarbon
gases and afterward used in the engine or for illuminating or other purposes, as
desired.
The electric current, which becomes generated simultaneously with the evolution
of the gas and the disintegration of the zinc, is converted by the motor into
mechanical power, which may be applied to the crank shaft of the engine or the
independent workshaft, as already explained. It can thus be seen that the two
forms of energy simultaneously generated in the generators are at the same time
transmitted to the corresponding mechanisms for converting them into mechanical
energy, and in this way the maximum efficiency for useful work is delivered to
the workshaft intended for its reception and use. It can also be observed that
the electric current from the generator also co-operates through the agency of the
induction coil with the gas in igniting the latter in the engine, and thus effects the
successful operation of the engine.
The importance of this invention may be understood from the fact that for some
purposes primary batteries used for generating electric currents alone are near the
point, as to economy, of successful competition with other methods of generating
and using electricity. Now by the additional useful efficiency obtained by this.
method of using the gas as generated simultaneously and in conjunction with the
electricity produced it can be seen that it makes it possible for applications of this
system of producing and using power in many ways and under conditions never
successful commercially heretofore. Its use therefore is in the case of small units
of application peculiarly well adapted as a means of propulsion for bicycles,
tricycles, motocycles, or horseless vehicles and other forms of carriages, cars and
devices for transportation.
The invention is likewise applicable to the propulsion of boats, stationary power
installations, small or large, as may be required. Large installations of generators
for the production and use of hydrogen gas and electricity can likewise be made
and the gas used for general lighting and heating purposes as well and stored in
large holders and carbureted as commercial illuminating gas is now treated. The
electricity can from the same plant be used for heating, lighting, and power pur-
poses, as now done, in addition to or independent of the combination of the engine
and motor mechanism herein shown and described as in combination.
I am aware that it has been proposed to generate oxygen and hydrogen gases in
a battery from the decomposition of water and to use the electricity generated
to also assist in the generation of the two gases within the battery in the well-

page_text: known way decomposing water by the electric current and then conducting the two
gases to separate reservoirs, where they were to be accumulated and confined until
a pressure of several atmospheres was obtained, and the gases then conducted to
separate engines, where they were to be used expansively, like steam or compressed
air, and then to be returned again to the battery by suitable mechanism devised
for the purpose and then to be used over and over again, as before. Now I do not
claim such a system of gas generation or utilization, and my system is unlike it,
as I conduct the electricity outside of the generator and utilize it directly in run-
ning a modern dynamic electric motor if for power purposes or apply it directly to
an electric lamp or heater if for lighting or heating purposes. I use the electricity
external to the battery and not within it. Then the gas is used explosively in the
gas engine and by its ignition and not merely by its expansion from an artificial
compression, as compressed air is used in an air engine. I also use the gas and
electricity in the same engine and cylinder mechanism, and I couple a modern
electric motor and a common gas engine directly or indirectly to the same work-
shaft, and thus generate the two forms of energy in the same generator and utilize
them in the same mechanism for conversion.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, declare that what I
claim is:
1. In combination with a generator, or series of generators of hydrogen gas and
electricity, the electric conductors connected with the electrodes of the generator
or generators, the electric-dynamo motor mechanism connected with the electric
conductors, a gas duct connected with the gas collector or collectors of the generator
or generators, a gas engine having connection with the gas-duct and adapted
to be operated by the gas from said generator or generators, and the mechanisms
of the engine and motor for the delivery of the mechanical power produced by the
engine and motor, being connected to the same shaft or means of utilization, sub-
stantially as specified.
2. In combination with a generator, or series of generators of hydrogen gas and
electricity, an electric-dynamo motor mechanism connected with the electric
generating devices of the generator, a gas engine mechanism connected with the
gas generating apparatus of the generator and the power-delivery mechanisms of
the electric motor and the gas engine being connected to the same power receiving
apparatus, substantially as specified.
Davc
PHILIP M. JUSTICE,
Chartered Patent Agent, London, for the Applicant.