Improvements in Electric Generators.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 21st June, 1898-Accepted, 13th Aug., 1898
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Electric Generators.
A communication to me from PHILIP ALBERT EMANUEL, of Aiken, in the County of
Aiken, State of South Carolina, United States of America, Attorney-at-Law."
I, EDMUND EDWARDS, of the Firm of Edwards and Co., Chartered Patent Agents
and Engineers, of 65 and 66, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex, 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, and accompanying drawings, that is to say:-
My invention relates to improvements in electric generators, and more particu-
larly to electric generators for converting the energy stored up in fuel, such as
coal, wood, oil and the like, into electric energy more directly efficiently and
economically than has hitherto been done.
My said invention is further designated to be an improvement upon Armstrong's
hydro-electric machine and Thompson's water dropping collector, and while I have
availed myself of the principles established by Faraday and Thompson respectively
with regard to the above mentioned devices, I have so made use of these principles
as to enable me to construct a generator which will render what has hitherto been
merely a laboratory experiment, a practical and commercial possibility. It is well
known that in the commercial generation of electricity to-day, the energy is
generally derived first from fuel or water, but generally fuel. This energy is then
converted into steam; the steam is converted into mechanical energy at the engine,
and this energy is transmitted to the dynamo-electric machine, when it is converted
into electric energy.
It is one of the objects of my said invention to effectually do away with the
great dissipation of energy consequent upon the conversion of heat energy into
mechanical motion, or to eliminate the intermediate step in the above process,
by converting the heat energy directly into electric currents without the employ-
ment of moving machinery.
My invention has also for its object the generation of electric currents direct
from the friction caused by forcing liquids, hot or cold, through suitable channels.
Accordingly my said invention consists broadly in passing a fluid, whether
steam, partially condensed steam, hot water or cold water, through a metallic tube
or tubes coiled in the form of a series of involute and evolute spirals, and allowing
this fluid to escape from this spiral tube into a metallic funnel-shaped receiver.
The electricity generated by passing the fluid through the spiral coils is then
caused to induce a secondary current in helices of a conductor surrounding the
generating coils and receiver.
To more fully describe my said invention, reference will be had to the accom-
panying drawings, in which-

page_text: Figure
represents my improved generator in side elevation, with the boiler
attachment in section.
Figure 2 is a vertical central section of the generator detached from the
boiler.
Figure 3 represents a horizontal section of the generator taken along the
line 3-3 of Fig. 3, and looking in the direction of the arrow; and
Figure 4 is a fragmentary sectional view of an alternative form of generator.
Similar parts are indicated by similar letters throughout the several views.
A represents a boiler of any approved form. This boiler is partly filled with
water a, and is provided with the steam dome a'. The flow of the steam from the
boiler is controlled by means of the valves a² and a³.
The steam is conveyed from the boiler to the generator proper B°, by means of
suitable piping A. When the generator is used with water from the boiler A
direct, instead of steam, the pipe A is detached from the valve a³ and attached to
the valve a', as shewn in dotted lines in Fig. 1. In this case, in order to force
the water through the generator, the boiler or vessel A may either be elevated
above the generator, or the steam arising from the heated water in the boiler may
be made to force the water out of the boiler through the pipe a5 and valve at to the
generator.
In using the generator as an improved Thompson's water dropping collector,
the water from the vessel A may be either cold or hot.
The generator proper 13º, consists among other parts of two receptacles or
cylinders B-B¹, see Fig. 2, which are composed preferably of non-conducting
material, such as earthen-ware, glass, hard rubber, vulcanized fibre, wood and the
like, and are each provided with cavities or chambers B2, B3, B4 and B, extending
longitudinally from the ends of the receptacles. The upper and lower cavities of
each of the said receptacles are connected by passages or chambers C-C₁, and
these passages being smaller in diameter than the cavities themselves, form ledges
or shoulders 6-2 at the inner extremities of the cavities.
A flanged iron cap D is inserted in each of the upper cavities B2, and rests upon
the packing rings & carried upon the shoulders f¹. These caps are hollowed out
as at d and screw-threaded at their upper ends, where each receives an iron
cylinder or tube E. These tubes may; however, be secured to the caps D in any
other convenient way.
The tube E, together with the solid portion of the cap, furnishes a core upon
which is wound a plurality of layers of insulated wire F. These coils F are
thoroughly insulated and fit snugly into the cavities B2 as shewn.
Located within each of the tubes E is a metallic tube G coiled and arranged in
a plurality of layers, so that the coils of the top layers begin at the centre and coil
outwards, while the coils, of the next layer below begin on the outside and coil
towards the centre, and so on, until the bottom coil is reached, which turns down-
wards and passes through or into the central opening in the caps D. The tubes D,
pipe coils G and coils 1, constitute what will be called the inductors.
The upper ends of the cavities B³ are closed by stoppers H, which are composed
of glass, or any other suitable non-conducting material.
Each one of the stoppers H has a central longitudinal passage h, through which
passes a continuation of the tube G₁, which forms the coil G. In addition to
increasing the rigidity of the structure, the tubes G₁ passing through stoppers, act
to strengthen them, especially when they are made of glass.
The stoppers H are also provided with small passages through them for the
admission of the terminal wires f of the coils F.
In each of the lower cavities 333 of the receptacle B¹ is inserted a metallic flanged
tube K, which has an inwardly extending funnel-shaped portion k.
The flanged ends of the tubes K rest upon the packing rings ¹ which are inserted
between them and the shoulders b¹. The tubes K, like the tubes E, form cores,
upon which are wound coils of insulated wire F. The lower ends of the cavities B³
are closed by stoppers H', which fit closely against the lower ends of the tubes K

page_text: and coils F¹. These stoppers are also provided with a central longitudinal passage
through which pass the tubes G2 extending from the lower end of the funnel-
shaped portion of the tubes K, through the stoppers H¹ and into the ends of the
stoppers H. These stoppers H2 are located directly below the stoppers H', with
the upper ends of their necks abutting against the lower ends of the necks of the
stoppers H¹.
The tubes G³ after passing down through the stoppers H2, are formed into coils G³,
which are carried within the iron tubes E', and pass down into the central
openings in the D¹.
caps
The caps D', tubes E¹, coils F2, tubes K', and coils F³, all are similar to the
corresponding parts of the upper receptacle, which were fully described above.
The receptacles B₁ and 12 are each surrounded by a packing of asbestos or
rubber L. Being thus surrounded by the said packing, the receptacles are enclosed
in the separate metal casings M-M, both being provided with openings m and m¹
at each end, through which extend the necks of the stoppers. The joint formed
between the heads of the stoppers, the necks and the casing, should be water-tight,
and will be so if the stoppers are properly fitted.
Secured to the upper end of the casing M is a steam chamber N. This chamber
is divided by the partition plates n-n¹ and n³ into the two steam expanding
chambers N and N2. On the lower face of the plate n² are formed a plurality of
sockets n³, which engage the upper ends of the necks of the stoppers H. Rubber
or other suitable packing n is inserted between the upper ends of the stoppers and
the plate n². The chamber N communicates with the chamber N2 through
openings n³, and is connected with the source of steam supply through the open-
ing n. A chamber N³ encloses the lower ends of the stoppers H³, and is secured
to the bottom of the casing M. This chamber №3 is provided with a partition
platen having sockets 8 upon its upper face, which engage the lower ends of the
stoppers H³, packing n³ being inserted between the ends of the stoppers and the
plate.
The chamber N³ is provided with the outlet 10. The receptacles B1 and B2
are held together, one above the other, by an outer casing P, which is provided with
trunnions P. The trunnions P₁ are journaled in a supporting frame Q so that
the generator may be rotated through any desired angle upon the trunnions as
an axis.
The terminal wires f, f¹, f² and f³ from their respective coils, pass through the
stoppers as shewn, when they may be connected together in any desired com-
bination.
The operation of the generator is as follows:
The steam from the boiler A is allowed to pass into the chamber N₁ and thence
into the chamber N2 of the generator, when it expands and partially condenses.
The steam in this state then passes into the tubes G¹, then down through the
coils G, and into the expanding chambers C. In their passage through the coil G,
the vesicles of water carried by the steam, generate electricity both by their friction
against the walls of the tubing, and by the rotary motion imparted to the condensed
steam in its passage through the coils. Just as the dynamic rotation of liquids.
may be shewn to be the result of sending a current over a copper helix around the
vessel containing the liquid, so the converse of this is true; when the condensed
steam is forced through the coil G, first by its centrifugal motion and then by
its centripetal motion, currents are generated which traverse the metallic coil.
The condensed steam will then issue from the coils G into the upper portion of the
chambers C charged with electricity.
These vesicles of water being charged with positive electricity, will repel each
other as they issue from the coils G, and will fall in a shower upon the funnel-
shaped receiver k. The water then gives up its entire charge of electricity which
is imparted to the said receiver. The water then issues from the funnel-shaped
portion of the receiver into the tube G2 in a neutral state, and passes on down to

page_text: the lower coils of tubing G, when the same process is repeated as when the paruany
condensed steam passes through the upper coils G.
After passing the coils G³, the water issues into the chamber C, as above stated,
and deposits its charge of electricity upon the lower receiver ¹, and from then
the water issues in a neutral state from the outlet n¹0.
In the foregoing description of the operation of the generator, it was supposed
that steam entered the expanding chamber at the top of the generator and con-
densed either entirely or to a considerable degree. But it is plainly obvious that
instead of using the commingled water and steam, water alone, either hot or cold,
may be passed into the expanding chamber and thence through the generator, with
satisfactory results.
Nor do I wish it to be understood that I consider this mode of operation secondary
in importance to the steam method.
By causing the steam or water to flow into the generator intermittently, corre-
sponding to the make and break of an induction coil, the electricity generated as
above described and forming what might be called the primary current, though
there is but little current present, induces a secondary current in the coils of
wire F, F1, F2 and F3 surrounding the receivers and tube coils. These coils of wire
thus form the secondary coils of the generator, and may be made to yield currents
varying with the size and number of turns of the wire constituting them. The
terminals of these coils are not shewn connected together in the drawings as it is
obvious that they may be connected in any desired combination.
While I have shewn two receptacles B1 and B2 located one above the other,
together with their respective inductors and receivers, it is quite obvious that only
one receptacle may be employed without departing from the spirit of my invention,
or, on the other hand, a larger number may be employed.
If desired, may do away with the funnel-shaped receivers and make. use of the
arrangement shewn in Fig. 4, where two coils of tubing are employed instead of
one in each receptacle. This, however, is only a modification of my above described
arrangement, and is no departure from the general principle of my invention.
Indeed, I may make many changes or modifications in the herein described device
without departing from the spirit of my invention.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:-
-
1. The method of generating electricity, which consists in passing a fluid
through a spirally disposed metal tube and allowing the fluid to issue therefrom
into a funnel collector.
2. The method of generating electricity, which consists in passing water, hot or
cold, through a spirally disposed metal tube and allowing the water to issue from said
tube into a metallic funnel collector.
3. The method of generating electricity, which consists in passing a fluid through
a series of alternately evolute and involute metal tube spirals and allowing the fluid
to issue therefrom into a metal receiver, which becomes charged with the electricity
of the fluid.
4. The method of generating electricity, which consists in passing water, hot
or cold, through a series of alternately evolute and involute metal tube spirals and
allowing the water to issue therefrom into a metal receiver, which becomes charged
with the electricity of the fluid.
5. The method of generating electricity, which consists in passing a fluid through
a spirally disposed metal tube, collecting the fluid from said tube and its charge of
electricity in a funnel receiver, and inducing a secondary current in a conductor
surrounding the said coil and receiver.
6. The method of generating electricity, which consists in passing water, hot
or cold, through a series of alternately evolute and involute spirals of metallic
tubing, allowing the water to issue from said tubing into a funnel receiver where

page_text: its charge of electricity is collected, and inducing a secondary current in a con-
ductor surrounding the said coil and receiver.
7. The electric generator, as described and shewn in Fig. 1 of the drawings.
8. The electric generator, and means for supplying water thereto, as described
and shewn in Fig. 1 of the drawings.
9. The electric generator, and means for supplying hot water or steam thereto, as
described and shewn in Fig. 1 of the drawings.
10. The electric generator, as described and shewn in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 of the
drawings.
11. The inductor and receiver, as described and shewn in Fig. 4 of the drawings.
12. In an electric generator, the combination with a source of fluid supply, of
a spirally coiled metal tube adapted to be connected with said fluid supply, a
helix of copper wire occupying an inductive position relative to said spiral tubing,
a tube of magnetic metal between said helix and said spiral tube, and a receiver
adapted to receive a charge of electricity from said spiral tubing.
13. In an electric generator, the combination with a source of fluid supply, of a
spirally coiled. metal tube adapted to be connected with said fluid supply, a helix
of copper wire occupying an inductive position relative to said spiral tube, a tube
of magnetic metal between said spiral tube and said helix, a funnel of magnetic
metal adapted to receive the contents from said spiral tube, and an electric con-
ductor wound upon the said funnel.
14. In an electric generator, the combination with a tube of magnetic metal, of
a coil of metal tubing enclosed within said tube, and a helix of wire wound upon
the outside of said magnetic metal tube.
15. In an electric generator, the combination with a source of fluid supply, of a
spirally coiled metal tube connected with said fluid supply, a tube of magnetic
metal surrounding the said spiral tube, a helix of copper wire wound upon the
outside of said magnetic metal tube, a tube of magnetic metal having an inwardly
extending funnel at its upper end and located below the said spiral tube and
adapted to receive the contents of the same, a helix of copper wire wound upon the
outside of said second magnetic metal tube.
16. In an electric generator, the combination with a plurality of spirally coiled
metal tubes, magnetic metal tubes enclosing said spiral tubes, helices of electric
conductors wound upon the said magnetic metal tubes, metal funnels located
below the said spiral tubes and adapted to receive the contents of the same, helices
of electric conductors wound upon the said funnels, a receptacle having cavities in
which are carried the said spiral tubes and funnels, and having chambers which
lead from the funnels to spiral tubes, and stoppers inserted in said cavities and
enclosing said tubes and funnels.
17. In an electric generator, the combination with a plurality of receptacles, each
provided with a plurality of cavities or chambers, and each enclosed in a casing,
inductors and receivers carried withrin said cavities, stoppers closing the outer ends
of said cavities, tubes passing through said stoppers and connecting with the
inductors and receivers respectively, an expansion chamber located at the top of
said generator and connected with the tubes which lead to the inductors, a jacket
surrounding said receptacles having trunnions at each side, and a supporting frame
adapted to support said generator upon said trunnions.
18. In an electric generator of the character described, an inductor which consists
of a metallic tube coiled to form a series of alternately involute and evolute spirals
superimposed upon each other, a tube of magnetic metal surrounding said coiled
tube, and an electric conductor wound upon the outside of said magnetic metal
tube.
19. In an inductor for electric generators, the combination with a metallic tube
coiled to form a series of alternately involute and evolute spirals superimposed
upon each other, a tube of magnetic metal surrounding said coiled tube, a cap
closing one end of the said magnetic metal tube, said cap having an opening

page_text: through its center communicating with the said coiled tube, and an insulated
electric conductor wound upon the outside of said magnetic metal tube.
20. In an electric generator of the character described, the receiver which consists
of a tube of magnetic metal having an inwardly projecting funnel formed at one
end, and an insulated electric conductor wound upon the outside of said tube.
Dated this 21st day of June 1898.
EDWARDS AND Co.,
65 and 66, Chancery Lane, London, Agents for the Applicant.