Year: 1883

page_text: I, JAMES ALFRED KENDALL, of Middlesbrough, in the County of York, seek
leave to amend the Specification of Letters Patent N° 1481. of 1883. as shown in
red ink in the copy of the original specification hereunto annexed.
My reasons for making this amendment are as follows:-
1. That I am advised by counsel that my original specification does not
sufficiently distinctly and precisely set forth the nature of my invention and the
manner in which the same is to be performed.
2. That I am unable to sufficiently describe my invention without the addition
of drawings.
3. That I have ascertained that certain of the metals enumerated on page 2. at
lines 45. and 46. and on page 3, at lines 1., 2. and 3. of my original specification as
printed are not suitable for the purpose of my said Invention and that I wish to
limit my claim to those which I have enumerated in my proposed amendment

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said James Alfred Kendall at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 21st March 1883.
JAMES ALFRED KENDALL, of Middlesbrough, in the County of York,
IMPROVED METHOD OF GENERATING ELECTRICITY,"
" AN
This invention consists in an improved method of employing hydrogen in order
to produce a current of electricity.
The apparatus employed for the purposes of this invention contains essentially
two metallic plates or layers between which and in contact with one side of each
plate or layer is arranged a fused or strongly heated saline, vitreous or vitrified
substance. The opposite side of one of the plates is kept supplied with hydrogen
gas or a combustible gas containing free hydrogen and the opposite side of the
second plate is exposed to heated. air or to some material having an effect
equivalent to the oxidizing effect of heated air.
The said metallic plates are made of platinum or of certain other metals which
will allow the penetration of bydrogen at a red heat, as will be well understood.
The said saline, vitreous or vitrified substance between the two plates may
consist of a chloride of an alkali-or alkaline earth metal or of certain silicates and
borates, such as glass and borax.
"
.
The apparatus.is worked at a red heat or at a still higher temperature and the
current of electricity is collected by means of ordinary conductors attached to the
two metallic plates.
The form of apparatus which I prefer to use is constructed of two metallic tubes,
an inner tube into which the combustible gas is led and an outer tube which is
exposed to the heated gases from a furnace.
In the space between the two tubes I put the fused salt or the vitreous matter
used as the medium.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said James Alfred Kendall in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
18th September 1883.
JAMES ALFRED KENDALL, of Middlesbrough, in the County of York
IMPROVED METHOD OF GENERATING ELECTRICITY
"
" AN
My said invention consists-in relates to an improved method of employing hydrogen
in order to produce a current of electricity, and consists of the employment of
The apparatus employed for the purposes of this invention contains essentially
two metallic plates, or layers or tubes (hereinafter referred to as the "metallodes")
between which and in contact with one side of each plate, or layer or tube is
arranged a fused or strongly heated saline, vitreous, or vitrified substance "(herein.
"after referred to as the medium). The metallic plates, layers or tubes and the
"medium having been heated to redness or a higher temperature in an oven to
"which air has access, constructed of bricks or fire clay, or, by the heat of the gases
of a furnace, or by other suitable means, a "A continuous supply of hydrogen gas
or a combustible gas containing free hydrogen is brought into contact with the
opposite that side of one of the said plates, or layers or tubes which is not in
contact with the medium and the corresponding side of the second plate, layer
or tube and the opposite side of the second-plate is exposed to heated air or to
some material having an effect equivalent to the oxidising effect of heated air.
"The current of electricity having been generated is collected by means of
ordinary conductors connected with the two metallic plates, layers or tubes.
<<
"
"
One form of apparatus which I employ for the purposes of this invention is
an arrangement of two tubes of metal one within the other and between the.
"inner surface of the outer tube and the outer surface of the inner tube I place the
"vitreous medium, or, when the metal or metals, of which the tubes are composed,
"is or are not readily attacked by fused salts, the various saline substances, of
"the nature hereinbefore referred to may be employed as the medium.
tr
<
"The hydrogen gas employed may be either pure or in a crude form as coal
gas, or a mixture of hydrogen with carbonic oxide, and it is led, when the
apparatus is heated as herein before stated, into the inner tube by which it is
"absorbed and a current of electricity is thereby produced the same being collected
as hereinbefore mentioned.
"When other gases are present with the hydrogen gas, an outlet is provided at
"the end of the tube for their escape, and such gases if combustible may be utilised
for the production of heat.
"
"
"When the two tubes are composed of different metals, for example, iron and
platinum, I prefer so to place the more oxidizable metal that it shall be exposed
to the supply of hydrogen, or gas containing hydrogen, it is thus maintained in
"the metallic state.
<
<
"As a modification of the above mentioned form I take a porous tube made of
fire-clay or earth capable of being fused with very great difficulty. The pores
of this tube are filled with a more fusible vitreous substance and finally the
"metallodes are added by one of the following processes.".
The apparatus-is-worked at
1
-red-heat-or-at-a-still-higher-temperature-and-the

page_text: eurrent of electricity is collected by means of ordinary conductors-attached to the
two-metallie-surfaces.
The metallie-plates or layers (hereinafter referred to-as-the-metallodes)-may-be
arranged-in-various ways with respect--to-the--intermediate--matter-or-medium
(hereinafter referred-to-as-the-medium).
In-those-eases in which the--medium-is-fluid-at-the-temperature-of working the
two--metallodes--are made of sheet or east-metal-sufficiently thick-to--hold the
medium-without-leakage.
The metallodes may be in the form of tubes, or otherwise-and-must-be-prevented
from-making-electrio-contact by suitable-means.
The-saline-or-other-medium-may-be--introduced-into-the-space-between-the-twe
metallodes, while in the liquid state or it may be placed there in-the-solid-state
and-afterwards-fused.
In-these-cases-in-which-the-medium-consists-of-a-material-which-retains
its form
at-the-temperature of working-it-is-not-always-necessary-that-the-metallodes should
be impervious-to-liquids.
For example when the--medium-consists-of--an--earthenware-tube-haying the
metallodes-on--its-two-surfaces--then--the--metallie--substances
metallodes-may-be-placed-in-various ways, for instance-:-
constituting--the
(a.) The metal may be laid on to the surfaces of the tube either thin sheet or
in the pulverulent or granular form and caused to adhere by means of the glaze of
the earthenware.
(b.) It may be applied by 'means of electro deposition
(c.) The surface of the medium on which the metallode is required may be
painted or coated with a compound of the metal which can then be chemically
reduced so as to leave the metal deposited upon the surface of the medium.
The metallodes are made of any metal which will not undergo changes during
the-action-;-such as the following-metals, which-will-be-found-suitable for use either
singly or in alloys, as metallodes. "is not materially affected by the action of
the heat to which the apparatus is subjected, such as," Platinum, Palladium,
Iridium, or Palladium Rhodium-Osmium, Ruthenium, Tungsten, Gold, Iron,
"
"
Nickel,--Cobalt,--Chromium,--Manganese,--Molybdenum,--Copper;-Silver,--Zine,
for either metallode, or, for the metallode which is brought into contact with
hydrogen, iron or nickel or metals possessing similar properties may be employed
" with economy and advantage." Aluminium, Cerium, Vanadium, Titanium,
Uranium, Lead, Tin, and Bismuth, but I-prefer-to-use the-more-permanent and
infusible metals, such as Platinum, Iron, Nickel, Tungsten,-and-so-on.
When-using-media consisting of vitreous or vitrified matter if the
differ-I-prefer-to-so-place-the-more-oxidizable-metal-that-it-shall-be-exposed-to-the
metallodes
supply of hydrogen,-it-is-thus-protected-and-maintained-in-the-metallie-state-by-the
atmosphere-of-hydrogen-or-combustible gas containing free-hydrogen-to-which-it-is
exposed when the apparatus is worked. The remaining metallode-may--with
advantage be made of a permanent metal as platinum in which case-a-very-thin
sheet-or-layer-is-sufficient.
When, however, the medium consists of materials which exert a corrosive action
upon the commoner metals a metal such as platinum must be used for both
metallodes.
"In all cases the metallodes must be so arranged, as will be well understood, as
" to prevent electric contact between them."
I do not desire to confine this invention to the employment of any particular
substances for the medium, but the following substances will be found suitable for
the purposes of this invention.
Saline matters, The such as cholorides of sodium the-alkali-and-earth-metals-also
the Bromides, Iodides,-and-Fluorides, either-separately-or-in-admixture. "Chloride
of potassium, chloride of calcium, or Bromide of potassium."
"
Vitreous matters, such as Glass and Enamels-The or the silicates or borates of soda

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said James Alfred Kendall. at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 21st March 1883.
JAMES ALFRED KENDALL, of Middlesbrough, in the County of York,
IMPROVED METHOD OF GENERATING ELECTRICITY,"
"3
If AN
This invention consists in an improved method of employing hydrogen in order
to produce a current of electricity.
The apparatus employed for the purposes of this invention contains essentially
two metallic plates or layers between which and in contact with one side of each
plate or layer is arranged a fused or strongly heated saline, vitreous or vitrified
substance. The opposite side of one of the plates is kept supplied with hydrogen
gas or a combustible gas containing free hydrogen and the opposite side of the
second plate is exposed to heated air or to some material having an effect
equivalent to the oxidizing effect of heated air.
The said metallic plates are made of platinum or of certain other metals which
will allow the penetration of hydrogen at a red heat, as will be well understood.
The said saline, vitreous or vitrified substance between the two plates may
consist of a chloride of an alkali or alkaline earth metal or of certain silicates and
borates, such as glass and borax.
The apparatus is worked at a red heat or at a still higher temperature and the
current of electricity is collected by means of ordinary conductors attached to the
two metallic plates.
The form of apparatus which I prefer to use is constructed of two metallic tubes,
an inner tube into which the combustible gas is led and an outer tube which is
exposed to the heated gases from a furnace.
In the space between the two tubes I put the fused salt or the vitreous matter
used as the medium.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said James Alfred Kendall in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
18th September 1883.
JAMES ALFRED KENDALL, of Middlesbrough, in the County of York,
IMPROVED METHOD OF GENERATING ELECTRICITY
"
« AN
My said invention consists in an improved method of employing hydrogen in
order to produce a current of electricity.
The apparatus employed for the purposes of this invention contains essentially
two metallic plates or layers between which and in contact with one side of each
plate or layer is arranged a fused or strongly heated saline, vitreous, or vitrified
substance. A continuous supply of hydrogen gas or a combustible gas containing
free hydrogen is brought into contact with the opposite side of one of the said
plates or layers and the opposite side of the second plate is exposed to heated
air or to some material having an effect equivalent to the oxidising effect of
heated air.
The apparatus is worked at a red heat or at a still higher temperature and the
current of electricity is collected by means of ordinary conductors attached to the
two metallic surfaces.
The metallic plates or layers (hereinafter referred to as the metallodes) may be
arranged in various ways with respect to the intermediate matter or medium
(hereinafter referred to as the medium).
.
In those cases in which the medium is fluid at the temperature of working the
two metallodes are made of sheet or cast metal sufficiently thick to hold the
medium without leakage.
The metallodes may be in the form of tubes, or otherwise and must be prevented
from making electric contact by suitable means.
The saline or other medium may be introduced into the space between the two
metallodes, while in the liquid state or it may be placed there in the solid state
and afterwards fused.
In those cases in which the medium consists of a material which retains its form
at the temperature of working it is not always necessary that the metallodes should
be impervious to liquids.
For example when the medium consists of an earthenware tube having the
metallodes on its two surfaces then the metallic substances constituting the
metallodes may be placed in various ways, for instance :-
(a.) The metal may be laid on to the surfaces in the pulverulent or granular
form and caused to adhere by means of the glaze of the earthenware.
(b.) It may be applied by means of electro deposition
(c.) The surface of the medium on which the metallode is required may be
painted or coated with a compound of the metal which can then be chemically
reduced so as to leave the metal deposited upon the surface of the medium.
The metallodes are made of any metal which will not undergo changes during
the action; such as the following metals, which will be found suitable for use
either singly or in alloys, as metallodes.
Platinum, Palladium, Iridium, Rhodium Osmium, Ruthenium, Tungsten, Gold,
Iron, Nickel, Cobalt, Chromium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Copper; Silver, Zinc,

page_text: Aluminium, Cerium, Vanadium, Titanium, Uranium, Lead, Tin, and Bismuth, but
I prefer to use the more permanent and infusible metals, such as Platinum, Iron,
Nickel, Tungsten, and so on.
When using media consisting of vitreous or vitrified matter if the metallodes
differ I prefer to so place the more oxidizable metal that it shall be exposed to the
supply of hydrogen, it is thus protected and maintained in the metallic state by the
atmosphere of hydrogen or combustible gas containing free hydrogen to which it is
exposed when the apparatus is worked. The remaining metallode may with
advantage be made of a permanent metal as platinum in which case a very thin
sheet or layer is sufficient.
When, however, the medium consists of materials which exert a corrosive action
upon the commoner metals a metal such as platinum must be used for both
metallodes.
I do not desire to confine this invention to the employment of any particular
substances for the medium, but the following substances will be found suitable for
the purposes of this invention.
Saline matters-The cholorides of the alkali and earth metals also the Bromides,
Iodides, and Fluorides, either separately or in admixture.
Vitreous matters, Glass and Enamels-The silicates of the alkali and earth
metals, also the Borates, Titanates, Phosphates, Stannates, and other compounds of
similar nature
Vitrified bodies as Porcelain, or Earthenware, containing vitreous matter diffused
through their substances.
When using layers of Glass, or Enamels between the metallodes I avoid as far as
possible the presence of metallic oxides which are reducible by hydrogen, so as
to prevent disintegration of the medium by the formation of bubbles in its
substance.
In constructing apparatus made of earthenware I select materials which will give
the rigidity necessary for the permanence of the apparatus when it is exposed to a
strong heat. One method by which gain this result is as follows. A porous
tube is first made of fire-brick or earth, capable of being fused with very great
difficulty. The pores of the tube are filled with a more fusible vitreous substance
and finally the metallodes are added to the tube by one of the hereinbefore
mentioned processes.
Another method of obtaining the same results is by the use of earthenware tubes
similar to those lastly referred to and having numerous perforations in which a
more fusible vitreous matter is held.
The surfaces of tubes or vessels used as the medium for the purposes of this
invention may be corrugated or rendered rough if it be desired to give a large area
upon which the metallode is to be deposited.
Although electrical generators as hereinbefore described can be worked by
exposure to the direct lieat of a furnace, yet, in some cases, I prefer to have a
number of tubes enclosed in an earthen chamber or oven to which air has access.
The oven is then heated strongly by a furnace.
The production of electricity in the manner and by the means bereinbefore
described does not depend upon corrosion of either of the metallic plates by the
substance used as the medium but upon the continuous absorption of hydrogen by
one of the metallic plates or layers whilst the other metallic plate or layer is exposed
on its outer surface to a substance which has a powerful athinity for hydrogen the
whole being kept at a red heat or at a higher temperature.
Having thus described and ascertained the nature of my said Invention and in
what manner the same is to be performed I would observe in conclusion that what
I consider novel and original and therefore claim as constituting the invention
secured to me by the said hereinbefore in part recited Letters Patent, is :-
The improved method of generating electricity by means of an arrangement of

page_text: metals and fused or highly heated solids in connection with hydrogen gas and
heated air, or other material having an effect equivalent thereto, substantially.as
herein before set forth and described.
In witness whereof I the said James Alfred Kendall have hereunto set,my
hand and seal this Fourteenth day of September in the year of Lord One thousand
eight hundred and eighty three.
JAMES ALFRED KENDALL (L.S.)

page_text: or lime of the alkali-and-earth metals, also the Borates, Titanates, Phosphates,
Stannates,-and-other-compounds-of-similar-nature
Vitrified bodies such as Porcelain, and or Earthenware, containing vitreous
matter diffused through their substances.
"The temperature to which the apparatus must be heated will vary from a dull
redness upwards, according to the nature of the medium employed it being
"understood that the heat should be steadily increased until it is found that a
" current of electricity is freely developed."
When using layers of Glass, or Enamels between the metallodes I avoid as far as
possible the presence of metallic oxides which are reducible by hydrogen, "such, for
" instance, as the higher oxides of iron," so as to prevent disintegration of the
medium by the formation of bubbles in its substance.
In constructing apparatus made of earthenware I select materials which will give
the rigidity necessary for the permanence of the apparatus when it is exposed to a
strong heat. One-method by which I gain this--result is as follows. A-porous
tube-is-first-made of fire-brick or earth, capable of being fused with very great
difficulty. The pores of the tube-are-filled-with-a-more-fusible vitreous substance
and finally the metallodes are added to the tube-by-one of the hereinbefore
mentioned-processes.
Another-method-of-obtaining-the-same-results-is-by the use of earthenware-tubes
similar to those lastly referred to and having numerous perforations in which-a
more-fusible-vitreous-matter-is-held.
The-surfaces-of tubes-or-vessels used as the medium for the purposes of this
invention-may-be-corrugated or rendered-rough if it be desired-to-give-a-large-area
upon-which-the-metallode-is-to-be-deposited.
* Although electrical generators as hereinbefore--described--ean-be-worked by
exposure to the direct heat of a furnace, yet, in some cases, I prefer to have a
number of tubes-enclosed-in an earthen-chamber or oven to which-air-has-access.
The-oven-is-then-heated-strongly-by-a-furnace.
The production of electricity in the manner and by the means herein before
described does not depend upon corrosion of either of the metallic plates or layers
by the substance used as the medium but upon the continuous absorption of
hydrogen by one of the metallie plates or layers whilst the other metallic plate or
layer is exposed on its outer surface to a substance which has a powerful affinity
for hydrogen (such as oxygen) the whole being kept at a red heat or at a higher
temperature.
"
"
<
"I will now proceed to refer to the accompanying drawings from which the
"nature of my said Invention will be more clearly understood. The same letters
of reference indicate like parts in all the Figures. Figure 1. is a transverse
"section showing the metallodes in the form of tubes with the medium placed
"between the same, the whole being arranged within a flue. A. A'. are the
"metal tubes. B. the medium and C. C. the wires for conducting the electricity
generated., D. is a pipe for conducting the supply of hydrogen gas to the interior
of the tube A. and d. is the exit end of the same. Ď. is an escape pipe
communicating with the interior of tube A., E. is the flue. Figure 2. is an
"elevation of a vitrified earthenware tube. B. with the metallic coatings A. A¹.
respectively on the exterior and interior surfaces thereof, and Figure 3. is a
"view of an apparatus similar to that shown at Figure 2. and arranged within
a flue. It will be readily understood that any desired sets of apparatus
"consisting of the two tubes and the medium may be arranged in any convenient
manner within the same flue."
"
"
Having thus described and ascertained the nature of my said Invention and in
what manner the same is to be performed I would observe in conclusion that what'
I consider novel and original and therefore claim as constituting the invention
secured to me by the said herein before in part recited Letters Patent, is :-
The improved method of generating electricity by means of an arrangement of

page_text: metals and fused or highly heated solids media in connection with hydrogen gas
and heated air, or other material having an effect equivalent thereto, substantially
as hereinbefore set forth and described.
In witness whereof I the said James Alfred Kendall have hereunto set my
hand and seal this Fourteenth day of September in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and eighty three.
JAMES ALFRED KENDALL (L.s.)