IMPROVEMENTS IN CERTAIN APPARATUS FOR COOKING AND OTHER PURPOSES
Year: 1828

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, The Honor-
able WILLIAM ERSKINE COCHRANE, of Regent Street, in the County of
Middlesex, send greeting.
WHEREAS His present most Excellent Majesty King George the Fourth
did, by His Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing
date at Westminster, the Fifteenth day of January, One thousand eight
hundred and twenty-eight, in the eighth year of His reign, give and grant unto
me, the said William Erskine Cochrane, His special licence, that I, the said
William Erskine Cochrane, my executors, administrators, and assigns, and such
others as I, the said William Erskine Cochrane, my executors, administrators,
and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time
and at all times during the term of years therein mentioned, should and law-
fully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within England, Wales, and
Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, and also in all His Majesty's Colonies and
Plantations abroad, my Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN CERTAIN APPARATUS FOR
COOKING AND OTHER PURPOSES;" in which said Letters Patent there is con-
tained a proviso, that I, the said William Erskine Cochrane, should cause a
particular description of the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner
the same is to be performed, to be inrolled in His Majesty's High Court of
Chancery within six calendar months next and immediately after the date of
the said in part recited Letters Patent, as in and by the same, reference being
thereunto had, will more fully and at large appear.

page_text: NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
William Erskine Cochrane, do hereby declare that the nature of my said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is to be performed, is described
and ascertained in and by the Drawing hereunto annexed, together with the
following description thereof (that is to say) :-
My improvements in certain apparatus for cooking and other purposes
consist partly in such a construction of the internal parts of a boiler for
heating water, or for raising steam from water, as is herein-after described,
and whereby such boiler may be effectually heated and the water boiled by the
flame of a lamp or the flames of lamps applied to such boiler, in order to heat
and boil the water contained therein. And also in such an arrangement and
combination of the said boiler with the other necessary parts of an apparatus
for cooking by steam, as is herein-after described, whereby such apparatus will
be very portable, and several cooking vessels may be applied to the same boiler
to act in concert; or any one or more of those vessels may be separated from
the boiler without interrupting the others. And also in such a construction of
an oven or stove for baking, roasting, stewing, frying, or other purposes for
which a steady and regular beat is, required, as that the same may be effec-
tually heated by means of a lamp (or of lamps) applied in the manner hercin-
after described to such oven or stove in order to give heat thereto. And
whereas apparatus for cooking when constructed according to my improve-
ments will be very portable, and the fire therein (being the flame or flames of
lamps) will be so enclosed as to be perfectly secure from any external com-
munication, such apparatus will be very suitable for cooking on travelling
expeditions, whether by sea or by land, as food may thereby be cooked for
several persons in a short time in any place without previous preparation,
either in the open air, or in any building, or under a tent; also, on board a
ship, or in a boat, or even in a travelling carriage. Such apparatus is also
very useful in domestic kitchens for ordinary use. The flame or flames of the
lamp or lamps by which the apparatus is heated being properly regulated,
the heat will continue to act with the same intensity during all the operation
without any variation, and without requiring that care or attendance which
must be given to fires of wood, or coals, or charcoal, in order to attain
regularity and continuance of action by the heat.
The Drawing hereunto annexed represents two apparatus constructed
according to my improvements, viz', one, marked Figures 1 and 2, being a
portable steam-cooking apparatus, with a lamp boiler for heating water and
for producing steam, whereby the cooking is performed within several distinct
and separate vessels, which can be applied around the said boiler, and which

page_text: can be connected therewith or detached therefrom at pleasure. The other
apparatus, marked Figures 3 and 4, is a portable oven or stove by a lamp for
baking pastry, bread, or meat, or for roasting meat, or stewing or frying, or for
other purposes for which a hot plate or hearth or stove is usually employed,
such as heating irons for ironing linen, or heating brass work in order to laquer
the same. A, A, A, A, Figures 1 and 2, is the boiler made of thin copper or
iron plates tinned, well joined and soldered together at the edges, so as to form
a close vessel adapted to contain water, and the steam which is raised from
that water by the heat of the flame of a lamp F, K, K, which is applied
beneath the bottom of the boiler, in the manner shewn in Figure 2. And in
order that the heat arising from such flame may be very promptly com-
municated to the water contained in the boiler, internal flues or passages
G, D, n, m, and H, are formed of thin copper (or iron plates), and fixed
withinside the boiler, so as to be surrounded on all sides by the water which
is contained therein. The said passages serve for a chimney to the lamp, and
by conducting the flame, heated air, and gas which is evolved in combustion
through the midst of the water, heat is given thereto at the same time that a
regular current of air is made to pass through the flame of the lamp in order
to keep up the combustion. The internal flues or passages D, m, m, D.
and H, Figure 2, are formed principally of two flat vessels D, D, whereof
the horizontal dimensions are nearly the same as those of the boiler A, A, but
the vessels are very shallow and flat in depth, in order that they may expose a
considerable extent of surface in proportion to the space that they occupy in
the water contained in the boiler. The upper part of each of the flat
vessels D, D, is convex and the bottom is flat, so that each vessel resembles
the form of a plane convex lens; the edges of the flat bottom of each vessel
are joined all round to the edges of the convex top, and are strongly soldered
thereto in a suitable manner to withstand heat and to make tight joints.
The convexity of the top causes it to expose a greater surface than the flat
bottom exposes. The two flat vessels D, D, are placed one above the other,
and they are joined together at their edges by four or more small upright
tubes m, m, which form an open communication between the internal
capacities of the two vessels D, D, and all the junctions of the tubes m, m,
with the vessels D, D, are made tight and secure by suitable soldering, so as to
prevent any water entering into the vessels D, D. The bottom of the lower
vessel D, is joined by a short tube G to the bottom of the boiler, as is shown
in Figure 2, and the flame of the lamp F, K, K, is applied within that tube.
The top of the upper flat vessel D is joined by the upright tube II to the
top or cover of the boiler A, A, and the tube II serves for a chimney to

page_text: 'convey the heated air or gass away after the same has passed through the
internal flues G, D, m, m, D, within the boiler, and communicated the greatest
part of its heat to the water which surrounds the flat vessels D, D, and the
tubes G, m, m, and II on every side; and the heated air or gas which arises
from the combustion of the flame being exposed beneath the large hori-
zontal surfaces in the two flat vessels D, D, communicates so much of its
heat as is requisite to cause it to rise with rapidity through the upright
tube or chimney H, and thereby occasion a current of fresh air to enter
in below to animate the flame of the lamp. The short tube G, by which
the bottom of the lower flat vessel D is joined to the bottom of the
boiler A, A, is larger than the upright chimney H, in order to receive the
flame of the lamp F, K, K, as is shewn in Figure 2, and that flame rising
upwards immediately underneath the convex top of the lower flat vessel D,
strongly heats the water, which covers over that convex top and raises steam
therefrom, which steam passes beneath the flat bottom of the upper vessel D,
and rises up all round the edges of that vessel into the upper part of the
boiler A, A. The heat which is not thus communicated to the water sur-
'rounding the lower vessel D rises up through the communicating tubes m, m,
into the upper vessel D, and there gives more heat to the water, which covers
over the convex top thereof. Some heat is also communicated downwards
through the flat bottoms of the vessels D, D, to the water beneath, so that
no heat escapes except so much through the chimney H as is requisite to
cause an adequate current through the same. In Figure 2, i represents a
short tube, which is joined to one of the edges of the lower flat vessel D, and
also to the side of the boiler A, A, being closely joined to both. This tube
is open at the outer end, and a small stopper is provided to close that end;
but when that stopper is removed, the flame of the lamp can be seen through
the tube i, in order to judge if the wick of the lamp is properly trimmed,
and if the flame burns vividly, that it may be trimmed accordingly, and the
stopper of the tube i restored to its place. The lamp F, K, K, is of the
kind commonly called Argands, with a cylindrical wick, producing a circular
ring of flame, and being supplied with a current of air through the interior
of the ring of flame, as well as a current on the outside of the ring of flame.
The construction of the lamp is represented in Figure 2, but it is not neces
sary to give any description thereof, because that construction forms no part
of my present Invention, and the same is fully described in my former Speci-
fication of my improvement in certain cooking apparatus, which was inrolled
in His Majesty's Court of Chancery on or about the Eighth day of May,
One thousand eighty hundred and twenty-six.

page_text: Part of my present improvements consists in the manner whereby the flame
of such a lamp is caused to heat the water in a boiler by means of the internal
flues surrounded on all sides by the water, as herein-before described, so as to
expose a sufficient extent of surface to receive the action of the heat, in order
that the same may be effectually communicated to the water without the waste
or loss of any more heat than is absolutely necessary to cause the current
through the chimney; and also in the adaptation of the short tube from the
outside of the boiler to the interior of the flue (as herein-before described) to
look through and examine the state of the flame; also in the following arrange-
ment of the apparatus, whereby the different vessels in which the cooking is
to be performed by the steam proceeding from the boiler may at pleasure
be attached to or separated therefrom, viz:-The boiler A, A, is closed at
the top, and has an opening at Z, Figure 2, through which the water is
introduced, and then that opening is closed by a screw plug. Y is a safety
valve in the top of the boiler, which is not confined except by a small weight,
which the valve can lift up to allow the steam to escape if it accumulates
so as to become too strong; X is a cock to draw off hot water from the
boiler when required; and W is a smaller cock on a higher level, to serve
for a gage cock, and shew when the water stands to a proper height in
the boiler, for if the upper cock W (when opened) emits water it is
a sign that the boiler is too full; or, if the lower cock X (when opened)
emits steam, it shews that there is not water enough in the boiler.
U, U, U, U, are the steam cocks, which when opon allow the steam to
pass away from the top of the boiler to the several cooking vessels S, S,
through the tubes or steam pipes T, T, which descend from each of the
cocks U, U, by the sides of the boiler A, A, and which terminate with
horizontal spouts t, t, which are fitted into corresponding sockets v, v, in
upright tubes w, w, which are attached to the upright sides of the several
cooking vessels S, S, at the outsides thereof, and communicate with the
interior of those vessels near to their bottom, so as to convey steam from
the upper part of the boiler into the lower parts of each of the vessels S, S,
when the cocks U, U, are opened, but if either of those cocks is closed, the
supply of steam to the corresponding cooking vessel S will be cut off without
interrupting the action of the other vessels. Any one or more of the cooking
vessels S, S, can be detached and removed at pleasure, as they are only joined
to the boiler by inserting the small spout t of the steam pipe T into the
socket v of the other pipe w, w, and no fastening is necessary. The boiler
A, A, is mounted upon four legs L, L, so as to raise it to the proper height
for the spouts t, t, to enter into the sockets v, v, when the cooking vessels

page_text: stand flat upon the same table that the feet of the boiler stand upon. The
different cooking vessels S, S, are arranged around the boiler on every side
thereof (if required); they are made of tinned iron plate in the usual manner,
and may be either round, oval, square, or oblong, and of different sizes, ac-
Each
cording to the different uses uses intended to be made of each one.
vessel is closed by a well fitted cover, and at the bottom of each vessel a false
bottom is fitted, to support the articles which are to be cooked therein, and
the steam is introduced by the tube w beneath the said false bottom, which is
pierced with holes in every part, to allow the steam to rise up and surround the
articles which lay upon the false bottom, in order to give heat to and cook the
same. The water that is produced from the condensation of the steam (as
fast as it parts with its heat) accumulates in the space beneath the false
To prevent any
bottom, and may be drawn off therefrom by the cock r.
unnecessary dissipation of heat, the outside of the boiler A, A, may be cloathed
with a loose cover of cloth, or other non-conducting material, and the same of
the different cooking vessels; but such covers are not absolutely necessary.
The lamp F, K, is supported by its case resting upon a small support of wood,
which lays upon the same table or surface as the four legs L, L, of the boiler.
The said support raises up, the lamp to such a height that the upper part of
the ring which surrounds the flame will enter into the lower orifice of the
tube G at the bottom of the boiler A, A, and that ring fits into the orifice
of the tube, so as to prevent the passage of the air, except by passing beneath
the ring, so as to strike directly upon the circular flame at the outside. When
the support is withdrawn from beneath the lamp, it descends so much that its
upper part will come out of the orifice at the bottom of the boiler, and then
the lamp can be removed in order to trim the wick, or for other purpose.
The four legs L, L, of the boiler are fixed thereto by screwing, so that they
can be unscrewed and removed to render the apparatus more portable. When
the said apparatus is to be used on board a ship it should be placed on a table
or board of a sufficient size to receive all the vessels, and with a margin or
border all round the edges to retain the several vessels from sliding off side-
ways. Such board may be suspended by a chain from each corner, so as to
preserve a sufficiently level position in all motion of the ship, that the boiler
and other apparatus will stand steadily thereon.
Figure 4 is a portable oven or stove by a lamp constructed according to
my improvements. A, A, A, A, isa flat circular pan, of cast-iron, of a
diameter and depth suitable to the kind of use to which it is intended to
be applied. The pan A, A, is placed within another flat circular vessel
or pan of plate iron, which is mounted upon three legs L, L, L, and formis

page_text: the case D, D, for the cast-iron pan, the circular edge or border of which
fits the upper edge or border of the case all round; but the depth of the
case D, D, being greater than that of the pan A, A, a vacant space is.
left beneath all the under side of the flat bottom of the pan, and also all
round the outside of the circular edge or sloping side of the pan, for
the passage of the heated air and gas arising from the flame of the lamp.
F, K, K, which is applied beneath the centre of the bottom of the case.
D, D, the upper part of the burner of that lamp being applied to the lower
orifice of an inverted cone G, which is fixed to the bottom of the case D, D,
in the centre thereof. The lamp is of the same construction as that used for
the boiler, Figures 1 and 2; the ring at the upper part of its burner fits into
the orifice of the cone G, so as to prevent the entrance of air, except that which
passes beneath and through the ring, and which by the interior form thereof.
is caused to inpinge upon and surround the circular flame in a suitable
manner to cause a vivid combustion. i is a small horizontal tube, which is
joined to the cone G, and the outer end is closed by a plug stopper when tho
apparatus is in use, but by withdrawing that plug the flame can be seen
through the tube to observe if it burns properly and whether the wick requires
trimming. At the upper edge of the circular side of the case D, D, a number.
of small holes are pierced at H, H, to serve instead of a chimney, to allow the
necessary escape of heated air and gas to cause the proper current of air to
pass through the flame; or instead of a number of small holes all round the
upper edge of the case D, D, two, three, or four larger holes may be made at
equal distances round the circumference of the case, and tubes may be fitted
thereto, to stand up perpendicularly, and rise to such a height as is found
desirable to produce the necessary current of air for making a vivid flame.
When the lamp is supplied with good oil such chimneys will not be necessary.
The said stove may be used for frying or stewing, or for any of the purposes
for which a hot plate or hot hearth is usually employed, or for heating flat irons
for ironing linen, or for heating brass work which is required to be laquered, the
articles which are required to be heated being merely placed upon the bottom
of the flat pan A, A, in the same manner as they would be placed on the hot
plate of a stove or hot hearth; and when the same apparatus is required to
bake or roast, the pan is covered over with a large circular cover C, C, the
lower edge of which is fitted to the upper edge of the pan A, A, and the height
of the cover C, C, is sufficient to include beneath it the joint of meat or other
article which is to be cooked. The cover C, C, being moveable, can at any
time be lifted off to examine the progress of the cooking, but when it is put
on it keeps in the heat, and to prevent any unnecessary dissipation of heat,

page_text: the top of the cover C may be cloathed with a case of cloth, or other suitable
nonconducting substance which will keep in the heat. w is a small opening
at the upper part of the cover, with a small sliding door withinside, which can
be moved horizontally by a small stem, and a button at the outside, to open
the passage in order to let out the vapour or steam arising from the meat or
other article when cooking, or else by shutting the passage to retain the steam
or vapour, as may be desired; and I is a small turning regulator which is fitted
in the side of the cover C, C, near to the lower edge, and nearly opposite to
the door w. The said regulator has four holes through it to admit fresh air
under the cover, in such manner as may facilitate the operation of roasting, and
by turning the regulator the holes can be sot more or less open (or may
be completed closed) so as to regulate the air as may be necessary. The
dimensions of the said apparatus may be varied at the discretion of the maker
thereof. The Drawings are half the real size of an apparatus which is of a
suitable magnitude for cooking for a small family, or partly of travellers, but
similar apparatus may be made on a more extensive scale by enlarging the
various dimensions, and applying two or three lamps instead of one. The
reservoirs K for containing the oil or other inflamable liquid for such lamps
may be made large enough to serve for all the burners, or else each burner
may have its own separate reservoir.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Erskine Cochrane, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Fifteenth day of July, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and twenty-eight.
WILLIAM ERSKINE (L.S.) COCHRANE.
AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the Fifteenth day of July, in the
year of our Lord 1828, the aforesaid William Erskine Cochrane came before
our said Lord the King in his Chancery, and acknowledged the Specification
aforesaid, and all and every thing therein contained and specified, in form above
written. And also the Specification aforesaid was stamped according to the
tenor of the Statute made for that purpose.
Inrolled the Fifteenth day of July, in the year of our Lord One thousand
wont nicht