Improvements in Electric Batteries.
Year: 1888

page_text: Date of Application, 31st Dec., 1888
Complete Specification Left, 30th Sept., 1889-Accepted, 2nd Nov., 1889
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Electric Batteries.
I, JAMES YATE JOHNSON of 47 Lincolns Inn Fields in the County of Middlesex,
Gentleman do hereby declare the nature of this Invention which has been com-
municated to me from abroad by Fernand Gendron of 48 Rue de Bondy, Paris in
the Republic of France Doctor of Medicine to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to a two liquid battery capable of generating a strong current.
The liquids employed in the improved battery may be of any ordinary or suitable
description such as acidulated water for the exciting liquid and a solution of bichromate
of soda or potash for the depolarising liquid.
The invention consisting more particularly in the construction and arrangement of
the vessels and electrodes whereby the electro chemical action is enabled to take place
under most advantageous conditions as hereinafter described.
The outer vessel of the battery is lined with retort or other carbon and carbon plates
or electrodes extend from each side of the vessel to within a short distance of the
opposite side the said cloctrodes being preferably supported by being inserted in vertical
grooves in the carbon at the sides and being alternately connected to opposite sides of
the vessel so that the liquid is compelled to follow a zigzag path in flowing from one
end of the vessel to the other. At the discharging end the outer vessel is formed, with a
bulge or projecting part which forms a hollow space or chamber behind the carbon at
this end communicating with the interior of the vessel through an opening formed at
the lower edge of the carbon. This discharging chamber is provided with an overflow
pipe for the escape of the exhausted liquid.
The overflow pipe discharges into a cup or trough and is capable of rotating in a
socket in the bottom of the vessel being provided with a radial hole which by rotating
the pipe can be caused to coinciile with a hole in the socket in the same way as tho plug
of a cock for the purpose of emptying the vessel when required.
The inner porous vessel containing the zincs is of a zigzag shape in plan so as to
occupy the spaces between the carbons being in the form of a long narrow sinuous
passage formed by a series of parallel chambers communicating at opposite ends
alternately so that there is a chamber containing a zinc electrode on opposite sides of
each carbon. The vertical sides of these chambers may be formed by parallel plates
bent to the sinuous or zigzag shape in plan and fixed on a flat rectangular bottom.
plate with an overflow pipe at the discharging end for the liquid. This overflow pipe
is placed in a chamber communicating with the interior of the porous vessel through
holes situated at or near the bottom of the latter and is fitted into a perforated socket
in the same way as the pipe for the depolarising liquid in order to enable the liquid in
the porous chamber to be entirely drawn off when required but the liquids may be
drawn off through separate discharge cocks or taps in the ordinary way if preferred.
The aforesaid arrangement of the vessels constitutes a series of parallel compartments
forming part of the external or positive vessel and of the interior or negative vessel
alternately. All the negative compartments are placed between two positive compart-
ments and all the porous compartiments communicate with one another this being
likewise the case with the compartments of the external vessel. In consequence of
this arrangement a very large area of active surface is obtained in a relatively small
space. All the active and depolarising surfaces which are directly opposite to one
another are parallel and placed as near together as possible with an extended layer of
liquid of small thickness between them. All the cells of the same denomination are
connected so that with a medium discharge there is a regular current or stream of
Liquid flowing through them.
The soluble electrode is formed by a number of zinc plates placed in each compartment

page_text: of the porous vessel. These zines are entirely submerged in the exciting liquid.so as
to ensure their complete and regular consumption.
Each soluble electrode in place of being composed of a thick solid plate or block of
zinc in the usual way is constituted by putting together a number of pieces of ordinary
rolled or sheet zinc such as that employed for roofing. This sheet zinc which is
readily and cheaply procured is cut up into pieces of suitable shape and each piece is
amalgamated separately. The amalgamated pieces are placed together on edge side
by side or piled one on the other in sufficient number to form an electrode of the
required thickness.
The pieces are supported in a support formed by a conducting frame composed of
an amalgamated piece of sheet copper for example bent to a U shape and having its
edges turned up or bent at right angles to retain the pieces of zinc in position. The
lower part of this support forms a trough for the reception of the mercury which runs
down from the amalgamated zinc. One side of the frame is provided with an extension
or strip by which it is connected to the conductor by screws or otherwise These pieces
of zine can be easily changed or turned in anyway so as to be completely consumed
by the action of the battery.
The negative electrode (positive pole) is preferably constituted by the pieces of
retort or agglomerated carbon in the spaces between the folds or bends of the zig zag
porous vessel. The carbon linings on the four sides of the outer vessel form part of this
electrode. Each of the transverse pieces or plates is provided with a metallic connection
(soldered and coated with paraffin) in the form of a hook serving to connect the carbon
plates to a common conductor. The upper parts of these plates rise above the level of
the liquid and may even project above the vessel. The plates are of considerable
thickness. The number of plates and of the points of contact is increased or multiplied
in order to enable carbons of ordinary construction to he employed and especially in
order to compensate the resistance of carbon to the passage of currents of great
intensity. The difficulty in passing currents of great intensity through carbon has
been proved by experience for when only a single contact is established on a carbon
presenting a large surface of the battery heats and a great part of the energy is thereby
wasted.
The overflow pipes hereinbefore described are placed in chambers communicating
with the lower part only of the vessels; these chambers consequently receive only the
exhausted liquid which tends to sink to the hottom of the vessels and rises in the
chambers until it reaches the level of the overflow pipes through which it escapes as
fast as fresh liquid is introduced into the vessels..
Dated this 31st day of December 1888.
J. H. JOHNSON & Co.,
47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Agents.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Electric Batteries.
I JAMES YATE JOHNSON of 47 Lincolns Inn Fields in the County of Middlesex
Gentleman do hereby declare the nature of this Invention (which has been
communicated to me from abroad by Fernand Gendron of 48 rue de Bondy Paris
in the Republic of France Doctor of Medicine) 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 a two liquid battery capable of generating a strong current.
The liquids employed in the improved battery may be of any ordinary or suitable
description such as acidulated water for the exciting liquid and a solution of bichromate
of soda or potash for the depolarising liquid.
The Invention consists more particularly in the construction and arrangement of the
vessels and electrodes or elements whereby the electro chemical action is enabled to
take place under most advantageous conditions as hereinafter described. The battery

page_text: is so arranged as to facilitate the maintenance of a regular supply of liquid so that
the level of the latter in the troughs of the battery does not change and the discharge
of the liquid when completely exhausted is also provided for.
And in order that the said Invention may be fully understood I shall now proceed
more particularly to describe the same and for that purpose shall refer to the several
Figures on the annexed sheets of drawings the same letters of reference indicating
corresponding parts in all the corresponding figures.
Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings is a perspective view illustrating the general
construction of a battery according to this Invention a portion of the side being
removed in order to show the internal arrangements.
Figure 2 is a similar view representing the external vessel or trough into which a
porous vessel of peculiar form is introduced and also shows the discharge pipes for the
two liquids.
Figure 3 is likewise a perspective view and illustrates the mode of introducing the
carbon negative plates or electrodes.
Figures 4 and 5 represent details drawn to a larger scale and illustrate in vortical
section the construction and arrangement of the discharge pipe of the porous vessel
and that of the external vessel respectively.
Figure 6 is a sectional view illustrating an arrangement for emptying the troughs or
vessels by means of the overflow pipes as bereinafter explained.
Figure 7 represents one of the carbon electrodes and
Figure 8 one of the zinc electrodes employed according to this Invention.
Figure 9 illustratos the zinc electrodes in transverse section on the line z―
figure 8 and,
Figure 10 is a transverse section of a portion of the lower part of the porous
vessel.
The external trough or vessel 1. (figures 1, 2 and 3) may be constructed of any
material capable of resisting the action of the acids and is preferably of rectangular
form and shallow. At one end and preferably at or about the middle of the end the
vessel is formed with a bulge or projecting part 2 which forms a recess or chamber for
the reception of an overflow pipe R. The construction of the lining of this trough is
clearly shown in figure 3. At 4 one of the carbon plates composing the lining is shown
in position against the side of the vessel or trough 1. and at the other side of the vessel
a similar plate 5 is represented in the act of being placed in position in the said
trough. Other plates are introduced at the ends of the trough into the vacant places
represented at 6 and 7 in the same figure. The plates may be fitted together with
mitre joints at the corners as indicated at 3 and the plates 4 and 5 are grooved at 8
for the reception of the vertical edges of carbon plates A. figure 1. arranged
transversely and forming the negative elements or electrodes. As illustrated in
figure 1 these transverse plates of carbon are connected to the side or lining plates 4
and 5 alternately so as to form between them a zig zag passage or channel along which
the liquid supplied to the external trough or vessel 1 in the vicinity of the end 6 is
compelled to How and is thus caused to circulate in contact with all the negative
elements in succession before it reaches the outlet or discharge chamber at 2. All the
negative electrodes A inay be connected to one conductor A by means of conducting
strips a soldered or clamped to the conductor as represented in figure 1.
The porous vessel consists of a long narrow, trough of zig zag shape in plan
composed of suitable materials the two parallel sides 9. 10 (figures 2 and 3) of this
trough being connected in such a manner as to form a series of parallel chambers
which stand in the zig zag passage between the carbons as indicated in figure 1.
These chambers formed between the sides 9. 10 of the porous vessel contain positive
elements or zinc electrodes B. The space between the parallel sides 9 and 10 may be about
one inch wide and the porous vessel thus obtained constitutes a narrow sinuous passage
closed at both ends. This porous vessel is carried by a plate 11 figures 1 and 2 (also
illustrated in section on a larger scale in the detail figure 10) of the same material as
the vertical sides to which it is united so as to form the bottom of the trough. This

page_text: bottom or plate 11 is perforated at the outlet end with a hole which receives the
discharge or overflow pipe R' figures 1, 2 and 4. The porous vessel or trough 9. 10
being placed in the external vessel or trough 1 as represented in figures 1. 2 and 3 a
series of parallel compartments is obtained alternately forming part of the external
trough or vessel 1 containing the negative or carbon elements A. and of the porous
trough or vessel 9. 10 containing the zinc or positive elements B being combined in
such a manner that a negative compartment is always situated between two positive
compartments. All the porous compartments are connected together and the external
compartments are connected in like manner.
In consequence of this arrangement or combination a very large area of active
surface is obtained in a relatively small space (about 50 decimetres of active surface in
a battery measuring 40 centimetres by 16 centimetres in height). All the active and
depolarising surfaces which are directly opposite to one another are parallel and placed
as near together as possible, with an extended layer of liquid of small thickness between
them. All the cells of the same denomination are connected so that with a medium
discharge there is a regular current or stream of liquid flowing through them.
The soluble electrodes or positive elements B (Figs. 1, 8 and 9) are formed by a
number of zinc plates or sheets combined as hereinafter described an equal number of
which is placed in each compartment of the porous vessel. These zincs are entirely
submerged in the exciting liquid so as to ensure their complete and regular consumption.
The construction of these electrodes is illustrated in detail in figures 1ª 24 and 34.
Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the zinc plates or sheets. Figure 2^ is a
similar view illustrating the support or carrier in which the zine plates are supported
in the trough and figure 34 is a perspective view partly in section showing the zine
plates in. position in the holder or support.
Each electrode in place of being composed of a thick solid plate or block of zinc in
the usual way is constituted by putting together a number of pieces of ordinary rolled
or sheet zine of commerce of good quality such as that employed for roofing for
example. This sheet zinc which is readily and cheaply procured is cut up into pieces
of suitable shape according to the dimensions of the electrode and each piece is amal-
gamated separately. The amalgamated pieces are placed together on edge side by side
or piled ono on the other in sufficient number to form an electrode of the required
thickness as represented in figurs 14 which is a perspective view of a zinc electrode
composed of amalgamated plates m np q arranged side by side so that only the outer
sides of the outer plates are exposed to the action of the liquid. This arrangement
ensures the permanent amalgamation of the plates in all stages of consumption whereas
solid masses of zinc require frequent renewal of the amalgamation before they are
completely consumed.
The amalgamated pieces m np q are carried in a support formed by a conducting
frame figuré 24 composed of an amalgamated piece of sheet copper for example bent
to a shape and having its edges turned up or bent at right angles as indicated
at a b c d figure 2ª.
The bottom of this frame or support rests upon the bottom of the porous vessel
and the two ends s and t standing up at right angles to the bottom project above the
surface of the liquid. The frame is of suitable form to fit the sheets m np and is
preferably constructed of red copper and amalgamated in order that the metal may not
be attacked by the acids. It acts as a conductor throughout the whole of its length
and presents an easy passage, for the current. The groove or hollow formed in the
horizontal part or bottom also serves to collect the mercury which becomes detached
from the amalgamated plates. It is evident that the support can be made of any other
suitable conducting material.
The side t of the support is provided with an extension or strip whereby the zinc
is connected to the conductor either by a scrow clamp or by soldering for example.
This arrangement of the zinc electrodes presents among other advantages that of
enabling the zincs to be reversed or turned round end for end and the sides in contact
with the liquid to be changed without interrupting the working of the battery so as to

page_text: enable the zinc to be completely consumed. In order to facilitate these manipulations
and ensure a better support for the zinc plates the two sides of the support (figure 2^)
can be closed in with a grating of amalgamated copper or the zines may be supported
up to a certain level by straight or other lateral bands of amalgamated copper for
example.
The negative electrode (positive pole) is composed of the plates A. of retort or other
suitable carbon arranged in the spaces hetween the parallel chambers of the zig zag
porous vessel. The carbon linings on the four sides of the onter vessel also form part
of this electrode. Each of the transverse pieces or plates A figures 1 and 7 is provided
with a metallic connection a (soldered and coated with paraffin) in the form of a hook
being similar to the connecting strips on the support employed for the zines and
serving to connect the carbon plates to the conductor A'. The upper parts of these
plates rise to the extent of some centimeters above the level of the liquid and may
even project above the vessel. The carbon plates are of considerable thickness and the
number of plates and of the connections is increased (by the employment of additional
conducting strips at a', figure 1, for example) in order to enable carbons of ordinary
construction or quality to be employed with advantage and especially in order to com-
pensate the resistance of the carbon to the passage of currents of great intensity. The
difficulty in passing currents of great intensity through carbon has been proved
by experience for when only a single contact is established on a carbon element
presenting a large surface the battery leats and a great part of the energy is thereby
wasted.
The tubes or overflow pipes RR through which the exhausted liquids are
discharged operate as follows:-The tube R which is employed for the depolarizing
liquid in the external vessol 1 is contained in the chamber 2 formed between the
side of the trough and the carbon 7 which is perforated by an orifice at its lower
part so as to connect the chamber 2 with the interior of the trough 1. The
exhausted liquid which by reason of its density sinks to the bottom of the trough
is thus enabled to enter the chamber 2 and in proportion as fresh liquid is intro-
duced at the upper part the exhausted liquid at the bottom is expelled into the
chamber 2 where it rises to the same level as the liquid in the trough 1 which
communicates with the said chamber. The chanıber 2 is consequently always filled
with exhausted liquid. The part 12 (figure 5) of the tube It is thus surrounded
by or immersed in the exhausted liquid and when owing to the introduction
of fresh liquid the level of the exhausted liquid reaches the point 15 this liquid
overflows and escapes through orifices 14 in the sides of the tube R. Figure 5
illustrates the arrangement of the base of the tube R which is supported by a
sleeve or socket 15 screwed into the bottom of the trough. The outlet orifice of
the tube is situated underneath the bottom of the trough and the exhausted liquid
discharged from the tube is received in a cup 17 whence it can be conducted away
to the drain by any suitable arrangement. The tube R' which discharges the
exhausted exciting liquid from the porous vessel is constructed and operates in the
same manner as the tube R. The part 20 of the tube R¹ as illustrated in the detail
figure 4 is enclosed in an outer tube or chamber 21 presenting openings 22 at its
lower part through which it communicates with the lower part of the porous vessel.
The exhausted liquid ascends between the tube 21 and the tube 20 and overflows
through the orifices 14 at the upper part of the said tube through which the liquid is
conducted to the under side of the bottom of the trough as herein before described
with reference to the liquid in the trough 1 and illustrated in figure 5. By these
means the exhausted portions of the liquids are enabled to escape in proportion as the
fresh liquids are introduced into the two troughs. In order to enable the troughs to
be emptied of the liquids when required the over flow pipes or tubes R R' are made
capable of rotating in their supporting sockets 15 and the tubes are perforated with a
hole 16 which by rotating the tube can be caused to coincide with a hole 23 in the
socket as represented in figure 6. so as to allow the liquids to run off from the lower
parts of the troughs.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said Inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed 1 declare that what I
claim is
1. The general arrangement and construction or combination of parts constituting
the improved battery for generating strong currents substantially as hereinbefore
described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
2. In the construction of electric batteries having a large area of acting surface
the peculiar form or construction of the porous vessel or trough 9, 10 as and for
the purpose substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
3. In the construction of electric batteries having a large area. of acting surface
the peculiar arrangement of the electrodes.or elements composed of rolled or sheet zinc
the said sheets being amalgamated separately and combined substantially as hereinbefore
described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
4. In the construction of electric batteries for generating strong currents, the
means for discharging the exhausted liquids and at the same time obtaining a
constant level in the battery and enabling the liquids to be advantageously
utilised substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
5. In the construction of electric batteries having a large acting surface and
generating strong currents the combination of the porous vessel hereinbefore
described, the carbon electrodes arranged to form a zig zag passage, zinc electrodes
constructed with sheet zinc and tubes discharging the exhausted portions of the liquids
and maintaining the liquids at a uniform level substantially as hereinbefore described
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 30th day of September 1889.
J. H. JOHNSON & Co.,
Agents.