A NEW OR IMPROVED CONSTRUCTION AND MODE OF WORKING ENGINES BY THE AGENCY OF AIR OR GASES IN CONJUNCTION WITH ELECTRICITY FOR OBTAINING OR PRODUCING MOTIVE POWER
Year: 1858

page_text: Hanley, aforesaid, Ironmonger, for the Invention of "A NEW OR IMPROVED
CONSTRUCTION AND MODE OF WORKING ENGINES BY THE AGENCY OF AIR OR
GASES IN CONJUNCTION WITH ELECTRICITY FOR OBTAINING OR PRODUCING MOTIVE
POWER"
Sealed the 29th March 1859, and dated the 12th October 1858.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Thomas Cotterill Shaw
and Frederic Henshaw Cooper at the Office of the Commissioners of
Patents, with their Petition, on the 12th October 1858.
We, THOMAS COTTERILL SHAW, of Hanley, in the County of Stafford,
Architect and Surveyor, and FREDERIC HENSHAW COOPER, of Hanley, aforesaid,
Ironmonger, do hereby declare the nature of the Invention for "A NEW OR
IMPROVED CONSTRUCTION AND MODE OF WORKING ENGINES BY THE AGENCY OF AIR
OR GASES IN CONJUNCTION WITH ELECTRICITY FOR OBTAINING OR PRODUCING MOTIVE
POWER," to be as follow:-
This Invention consists in a method of arrangement or construction for
heating atmospheric air or other gaseous matter, whereby great elasticity or
expansive force is given to the said air or gases.
In carrying this Invention into effect, we condense or compress atmospheric
air or other gases in a strong receptacle or receiver by pumps, and which said
[Price 8d.]

page_text: receiver being regulated by distributing valves, discharges the condensed or
compressed air into a feed pipe, which feed pipe and receiver are peculiarly
prepared, and in which feed pipe is contained strong wire gauze or other finely
divided metallic surfaces, the said wire gauze or other metallic surfaces to be
heated by a current of electricity, in which case the compressed air or other
gases being forced through the interstices become heated and their expansive
force largely increased. The air or gas so treated is made to pass directly into
an engine, through which by its expansive force it will produce motive
power.
We do not limit ourselves to any particular known source of obtaining
electricity for heating the said gauze or finely divided metal, although we
prefer the use of a magneto-electric machine.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Thomas Cotterill Shaw and Frederic Henshaw Cooper in the
Great Seal Patent Office on the 11th April 1859.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME; we, THOMAS
COTTERILL SHAW, of Hanley, in the County of Stafford, Architect and Surveyor.
and FREDERIC HENSHAW COOPER, of Hanley, aforesaid, Ironmonger, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twelfth day of October, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight, in the twenty-second year of Her reign,
did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto us, the said
Thomas Cotterill Shaw and Frederic Henshaw Cooper, Her special licence
that we, the said Thomas Cotterill Shaw and Frederic Henshaw Cooper, our
executors, administrators, and assigns, or such other as we, the said Thomas
Cotterill Shaw and Frederic Henshaw Cooper, our executors, administrators,
and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time
and at all times thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and
lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention
for "A NEW OR IMPROVED CONSTRUCTION AND MODE OF WORKING ENGINES BY THE
AGENCY OF AIR OR GASES IN CONJUNCTION WITH ELECTRICITY FOR OBTAINING OR
PRODUCING MOTIVE POWER" upon the condition (amongst others) that we, the
said Thomas Cotterill Shaw and Frederic Henshaw Cooper, our executors or
administrators, by an instrument in writing under our or their hands and seals,

page_text: or under the hand and seal of one of us or them, should particularly describe
and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the
same was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great
Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and immediately after
the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that we, the said Thomas Cotterill Shaw and Frederic
Henshaw Cooper, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention, and in
what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement thereof, to be as follows:-
Our said Invention consists of an engine or apparatus for producing motive
power, the said engine or apparatus being actuated by condensed air or other
convenient gas or vapour, the expansive force of which has been increased by
electricity.
In the accompanying Drawing we have represented a machine constructed
according to our Invention, the said machine being a locomotive engine.
Before proceeding to describe the said machine in detail we will explain the
general nature of the said machine. A reservoir is filled with condensed air,
the condensation of the said air and its maintenance in a condensed state being
effected by condensing pumps worked by the engine itself. The condensed
air is permitted to pass from the reservoir in an intermittent stream to a re-
action or other engine, which is put into operation by the expansion and
escape of the condensed air. On its passage from the reservoir to the engine
the air is exposed to an electrical discharge, whereby the elastic force of the
air is much increased. The electricity by which the condensed air is operated
upon is produced in the following manner: A portion of the condensed
air is permitted to pass through a chamber in which water is introduced in a
finely divided state; the condensed air is made to carry the suspended water
particles through a series of fine jets, whereby electricity is generated. The
air after passing from the said jets passes over a series of fine points, which
become electrically excited, but with electricity of an opposite kind to that of
the jets.
The said jets are connected with one end of a coil of copper wire
surrounding a bar of soft iron, and the said points are connected with the
other end of the said coil; by the passage of electricity through the said coil,
the iron bar in the axis of the said coil is made magnetic. Upon the said
coil, which we will herein-after call the primary coil, a second copper wire
is coiled, which second wire we will herein-after call the secondary coil. An
apparatus of the kind commonly known by electricians as a contact breaker is
connected with the primary coil so as to rapidly close and interrupt the
electrical circuit in the primary coil, by which means a series of induced

page_text: electrical currents are generated in the secondary coil. These currents are
discharged in the tube which conducts the condensed air from the reservoir to
the engine, and the elastic force of the said condensed air is thereby
increased. The action of the condensing pumps, valves, contact breaker, and
other moving parts are effected from the main shaft of the engine.
We will proceed to describe our Invention in detail, with reference to the
accompanying Drawing.
Figure 1 represents a plan, and Figure 2 a side elevation of our Invention,
portions both of Figure 1 and of Figure 2 being in section; the same letters
indicate the same parts in both Figures. a is the chamber or reservoir
containing the condensed air, the said condensed air being maintained in a
state of uniform condensation by the pumps c, which said pumps are provided
with valves b; the said pumps c are double acting, each of the said pumps
having two valves at each end. One valve at each end opens inwards and
communicates with the air, and the other valve opens outwards and com-
municates with the reservoir a. Three or other number of pumps may be
worked from one pump rod. We place the same number of pumps on each
side of the reservoir, and work each set from a crank h on the shaft g of the
engine. The pipes by which the condensed air from the pumps is conducted
to the reservoir a are marked i. An inner chamber d is connected by valves e
with the reservoir a and the delivery chamber f, the said valve e being so
arranged that on each revolution of the shaft g, a rod e2, actuated by an
excentric e on the said shaft, simultaneously opens the valve communicating
with the reservoir a, and closes that opening into the delivery chamber f. The
said inner chamber d at each revolution of the shaft g receives a charge of
condensed air from the reservoir a, and afterwards empties itself into the
delivery chamber f. The air from the chamber passes through the valves
0, 0, 0, the portion passing through the valve o³ being conducted by the pipe m
to the engine. That portion of the air which passes through the valve o'
passes across the chamber k, where it becomes charged with particles of water
and escapes through perforations or jets 7 in the outer side of the said
chamber k. That portion of the air which passes through the valve o presses
upon the water in the chamber 1 (when the valve at the top of the said
chamber is raised by its handle), and forces the said water through the
perforated bottom of the said chamber I, and thereby produces a spray in the
chamber k. The water in the chamber I is supplied from the cistern 6 by
means of a pipe having a valve, as represented, which valve can be opened
and closed at pleasure. A pipe at the bottom of the cistern 6 conveys water
into the chamber 4, from whence it rises in the form of a fountain as repre-

page_text: sented into the chamber.
By the descending spray already described and
the said fountain the air which rushes through the chamber is highly charged
with particles of water before it escapes from the jets 7. The air which passes
through the valve o³ and pipe m to the engine has also to pass the self-acting
valve q, which said valve q opens towards the engine, as represented. The
object of the said valve q is to prevent the return of the condensed air after
its clastic force has been increased by the clectrical discharge, as herein-after
explained. On the expansion of the electrified air between the said valve q
and the engine, the said valve q closes, and the electrified air can only escape
to the engine.
We will now explain the apparatus whereby the electrization of the air is
effected. It has already been stated that a current of condensed air charged
with particles of water passes through the jets at 7. The said jets are made
in boxwood or other substance suited to generate electricity when air
The
charged with water escapes through holes or jets made therein.
current of air, after escaping from the jets 7, strikes upon the conductor 8.
The said conductor 8 consists of a series of pointed wires connected together,
and becomes charged with electricity of a kind opposite to that with which
the jets are charged. A bar of iron 5, which may either be straight or
bent into a horseshoe form, is covered with insulated copper wire coiled
thereon in the way commonly practised in the manufacture of electro-
magnets. This coil is connected at one end to the jets 7, and at the other
end with the conductor 8. The electrical current from the said jets and
conductor, by circulating around the iron bar 5, converts the said bar into a
powerful electro-magnet. But as we use electrical induced currents for
carrying our Invention into effect, it is requisite to establish and interrupt the
electrical current through the coil upon the bar 5 with great rapidity.
this purpose we use a contact breaker either self-acting or worked from the
engine.
For
As a great variety of contact breakers are employed in electro-magnetic
instruments, and as the construction of the said contact breakers is well
known, and the said contact breakers are commonly used for similar purposes,
we do not think a further description of the same necessary. Upon the coil
of wire surrounding the bar 5, and which constitutes what is called the
primary coil, we place a second coil of insulated copper wire called the
secondary coil, and each time the contact breaker establishes and breaks
the current in the primary coil, a secondary or induced current is generated in
the outer or secondary coil. as is well understood. The ends of the secondary
coil are made to terminate in the tube m at or about the point marked m2, in

page_text: Figure 2, the terminations of the said coil being at such a distance apart that
the induced current discharges itself from one termination of the coil to the
other across the condensed air which is passing along the tube m; the elastic
force of the condensed air is thereby largely increased. The condensed air
thus electrified passes to the arms y, y, which said arms have lateral per-
forations, and turn upon the vertical termination of the tube m.
There are
two sets of arms y, one situated above the other, the lateral perforations in the
upper set being on the sides opposite to those on which they are situated in
the lower set. The said arms constitute an ordinary reaction engine, and by
directing the condensed air into one or other set of the arms V, y, the engine's
motion may be reversed at pleasure. The reversal of the engine is effected
by turning the handle z; by this means the rod w is raised or lowered by the
screw at its top rising or falling in the arm 2 fixed on the table 1. By raising
or lowering the rod w the hollow cylinder at its bottom is raised or lowered,
and the condensed air allowed to escape through lateral openings in into
one or other of the sets of arms y, . The escape of the highly condensed air
from the lateral openings in one set of the arms y produces by its reaction a
rapid rotation of the said arms y upon their axis u. As the arms y, y, revolve
with great rapidity we diminish the friction and heat consequent upon their
rapid motion in the following manner:-The said arms y, y, turn upon anti-
friction rollers s upon the table r; an annular groove t is formed in the table r,
in which groove the rim venters. The groove t is filled with water or other
liquid, and besides preventing the heating of the apparatus, constitutes a water
joint which prevents the escape of the air. The shaft u, to which the arins
V, V, are affixed, consists of a hollow cylinder working upon the rod u for
reversing the motion of the engine. At us, on the shaft u, an endless screw
or worm is situated, the threads of which screw or worm take into or engage
with the teeth of the worm wheel 3; the said worm wheel 3 is situated on the
horizontal or main shaft g. The rotatory motion of the arms y, y, is transmitted
through the shaft u, screw or worm us, to the worm wheel 3, and shaft g; from
the said shaft g, motion may be transmitted by any suitable gearing to the
driving wheels of the locomotive. The engine may be started and stopped
by turning the handle on the top of the axis n, so as to open and close the
valves o, o², o³.
We have not thought it necessary to give a detailed description of the
methods of constructing the jets 7 and conductor 8, as the said methods are
well known and commonly employed in the manufacture of hydro-electric
machines, or machines in which electricity is produced by the passage of par-
tially condensed steam through small apertures.

page_text: Although we have described and represented in the accompanying Drawing
the combination or arrangement of parts which we prefer in carrying our
Invention into effect, yet we do not limit ourselves to the details described.
Instead of employing condensed air in the reservoir a, any other condensed
gas or vapour or gaseous mixture may be employed; and instead of main-
taining the condensation in the reservoir a by means of pumps where gases are
employed which can be readily and cheaply generated, such as carbonic acid
gas, we maintain the condensation in the reservoir by the generation of the
gas therein, or in generators communicating therewith.
We do not limit ourselves to the method described and illustrated in the
accompanying Drawing of generating electricity, as instead of the said method
electricity from a voltaic battery, or any other source, may be employed.
And instead of employing electricity to effect the disruptive discharge in the
condensed air in the pipe m, Figure 2, the said electricity may be employed to
heat wire gauze or other material capable of being heated by the passage of
electricity through it. The elastic force of the condensed air is very much
increased by the said heat; or the electricity may be made to discharge itself
between two charcoal points at or about the point m2, and thereby increase the
elasticity of the condensed air.
We do not limit ourselves to any particular method of working the valves
e, e, as methods different from that described may be employed for that
purpose.
Although we prefer to use a reaction engine y, y, for the purpose of
obtaining motive power from the electrified condensed air, yet other forms of
engine may be employed for that purpose; for example, instead of the said re-
action engine the ordinary direct high-pressure steam engine may be employed,
the said steam engine being supplied with the ordinary appendages except the
boiler and the parts appertaining thereto. By supplying the condensed and
electrified air in place of steam to the said engine, the working of the said
engine, and the production of motive power therefrom, may be effected.
We have only thought it necessary to describe and represent our Invention
as applied to a locomotive, but our said Invention is equally applicable to
marine and stationary engines as well as to all those purposes to which a
motive power engine is or may be applicable.
Having now described the nature of our Invention of a "New or Improved
Construction and Mode of Working Engines by the Agency of Air or Gases in
conjunction with Electricity for Obtaining or Producing Motive Power," and
the manner of carrying the same into effect, we wish it to be understood that
we claim as the said Invention,-

page_text: Firstly, a motive power engine, in which condensed air, or other gas or
vapour, or gaseous mixture, is operated upon by electricity, so as to increase
its elastic force, the said condensed and electrified air or gaseous mixture being
made to work an engine as hercin-before described and illustrated in the
accompanying Drawing.
Secondly, the arrangement and method of working condensing pumps herein-
before described and illustrated in in the accompanying Drawing.
Thirdly, the method herein-before described and illustrated in the accom-
panying Drawing, of supporting and preventing the heating of the arms of a
reaction engine or other rotating body by means of antifriction rollers, and the
water joint represented in Figure 2.
In witness whereof, we, the said Thomas Cotterill Shaw and Frederic
Henshaw Cooper, have hereunto set our hands and seals, this Sixth
day of April, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and
fifty-nine.
Witness,
WILLIAM PALMER.
THOMAS COTTERILL SHAW.
(L.S.)
FREDERIC HENSHAW COOPER. (L.S.)