An Improved Process and Apparatus for Producing Motive Power for the Propulsion of Torpedo-boats, Self-propelled Torpedoes, Light Naval and other Launches, and for other purposes.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 11th Feb., 1898
5th Ann 1808 Accented 11th Feb 1899
An Improved Process and Apparatus for Producing Motive Power for
the Propulsion of Torpedo-boats, Self-propelled Torpedoes, Light
Naval and other Launches, and for other purposes.
I, HUDSON MAXIM, Chemist and Mechanical Engineer, of Thurlow Lodge, 377,
Norwood Road, London, S.E., do hereby declare the nature of this invention to
be as follows:-
--
The present invention relates to an improved process and apparatus for pro-
ducing motive power, for use mainly for the more rapid propulsion than hereto-
fore, of torpedo-boats, self-propelled torpedoes, and light naval and other launches,
and for other purposes.
The invention has for its object mainly to provide a process and means by
which the products of combustion of a nitro-compound may be confined, controlled
and utilised for producing motive power or actuating a motor, and by which the
excess of heat in the products of combustion is utilised to evaporate a liquid or to
heat a gas or other fluid for use independently or in connection with the said
products of combustion for actuating a motor, or as a propelling means.
It also has for its object to provide for the generation or supply of a largely
increased volume of motive fluid and at much higher pressure without change in
the capacity or size of the torpedo, launch, etc., to the end that the motor or
propelling means thereof may be driven for a much longer period of time, to
greater distances, and at increased speeds. And for the additional object, of
rendering it possible to lessen the space needed to hold the motive fluid so that
in the case of torpedoes such saving of space may be utilised for carrying an
increased quantity of the needed explosive.
It furthermore has for its object, where compressed air or other like fluid is
employed as the motive agent, to provide a heating medium by which the com-
pressed air or other like fluid as it expands in passing to the motor, or in doing
duty, is prevented from freezing.
The improved process consists essentially in burning a combustible nitro-com-
pound or compounds, such, for example, as the usual colloidal or amorphous com-
pounds employed as smokeless gunpowders, and which are capable of being burned
independently of atmospheric oxygen, and in such wise that the products of
combustion may be first utilised for heating a gas or other fluid or for evaporating
a liquid, or for superheating a vapor produced by independent means, and then
employed to mix with and augment the volume or tension of the vapor, whereby
the temperature of the said products of combustion is lowered sufficiently to enable
them to be practically utilised, and at the same time, and in some instances, the
excess of their heat utilised for a useful purpose.
In carrying out the invention for the propulsion, for instance, of self-propelling
torpedoes, in one form thereof, and in addition to the compressed air chamber
usually employed therein, and having a delivery pipe leading to the motor, there

page_text: is provided a combustion chamber or other means adapted to support and contain
a combustible charge which, when the charge is fired, is so arranged with respect
to the compressed air chamber, that the products of combustion pass into and
mingle with the compressed air and pass therewith through the delivery pipe
to the motor to drive the same. The combustion chamber may be in the form
of a tube centrally and longitudinally arranged with respect to the air chamber
and preferably extending between the two heads of the chamber and supported
in any proper manner thereby. This tube contains the combustible charge and
near one end, the rear end in this instance, the walls of the tube just in rear of
the charge are perforated so as to permit the products of combustion to pass from
the combustion chamber into the air chamber.
In order that the heat of the products of combustion may be more thoroughly
utilised to prevent the freezing of the air in its expansion, it is preferred to
surround the perforated walls of the tube with a jacket, terminating in a mouth
or nozzle, located near the delivery pipe, so that the hot products of combustion
will be directed into and become mixed with that portion of the air which is
about to be expanded in performing its duty. At the same time that the air is
prevented from feezing, it necessarily results that the temperature of the products
of combustion are considerably lowered so that they can be safely utilised as a
motive fluid or as a part of a motive fluid without danger to the motor or its
connections.
In addition to the advantages heretofore enumerated incident to the use of
the combustible charge, it will be obvious that, in addition to the usual volume
of compressed air with which the chamber will be charged, the combustible
charge will in itself provide an exceedingly large volume of gas to augment the
air charge and also largely increase the pressure of the motive fluid passing to
the motor, and hence the invention in its most important particular, renders it
possible to adapt a self-propelling torpedo, in which, up to the present time, the
explosive charge has been restricted in weight by reason of the space necessarily
taken up by the compressed air chamber which must contain a sufficient volume
to drive the torpedo the maximum distance. At the same time also, the size of
the compressed air chamber has been restricted because of the need of carrying
a sufficient explosive charge to ensure the torpedo doing effective work, and
hence the distance to which the torpedo could be driven has been also limited.
By reason of the present invention, therefore, it is possible, without any increase
in size thereof, and without diminishing the weight of the explosive charge, to
provide the torpedo with means for evolving a large volume of comparatively
high pressure gases only generated as fast as needed, and which, in addition to
augmenting the volume of the compressed air charge, also serves by their heat.
to prevent the air from freezing.
Any desired means may be employed for igniting the combustible charge at the
desired moment. As shown, the charge will be ignited by an electric current in
circuit with the wires leading to the rear end of the charge. The generator by
which the necessary incandescence or spark is formed to ignite the charge may
obviously be connected to or form part of the propelling motor of the torpedo,
so that the instant after the motor starts due to the passage of the compressed
air thereto, sufficient electricity will be generated to fire the combustible charge,
so that it will thereupon commence to evolve the necessary heated gases to mingle
with the compressed air, as before described.
In order that there may be no danger of the combustible charge going out
at its initial ignition, a small piece of wick or other highly inflammable material
in the nature of a temporary firebrand, may be inserted in the end of the charge,
so that simultaneous with the ignition of the charge the wick will burn, and will
continue to burn until such time as there is no longer any danger of the charge
blowing out.
In a modified form of the invention the torpedo or other structure, having the

page_text: air chamber, is provided with a water chamber, with which water chamber is
arranged a combustion chamber, with its forward end opening into the water
chamber, and provided with a combustible-charge of the character before referred
to. From the water chamber, and extending through the air chamber, there is
provided a conical tube, with its rear and smaller open end in line with the
delivery pipe leading to the motor, The water end of this conical tube is con-
trolled by any suitable valve held to its seat to prevent the accidental escape of
the water from the chamber by the air pressure which is normally in said tube.
When the combustible charge is ignited, as by the electric current before referred
to, the products of combustion will enter the water of the chamber, increase its
pressure and raise its temperature sufficient to overcome the air pressure against
the valve in the conical tube, so that the heated or vaporised water and the
products of combustion will pass through said tube into the delivery pipe to mix
with the air passing through said pipe to the motor. In thus mixing the heated
or vaporised water and products of combustion with the air, the temperature of
the air will be raised sufficient to prevent it from freezing, and the volume of
gases passing through the motor will be increased.
In a further modification of the invention, substantially the structure first
described is adopted, with the addition of the water chamber and combustion
chamber of the second structure. In this instance however, the combustible
charge in communication with the air chamber is perforated longitudinally to
receive an atomising tube leading from the water chamber to the rear end of said
charge. Upon the ignition of the combustible charge in the combustion chamber
communicating with the water chamber and the accumulation of the products
of combustion in the water chamber, the pressure thus generated will overcome
the air pressure upon the check valve in said atomising tube, and will atomise
the water in forcing it through said tube. The atomised water with the products
of combustion will be delivered at the rear end of the other combustion chamber,
and will pass with the products of combustion from the combustible charge
therein into the air chamber, and thence out by the delivery pipe to the motor.
The means for igniting the two charges in this example of the invention may
obviously be the same as that before described.
The forward head of the air chamber may be provided with a valve held
seated by the air pressure therein, which, should the pressure in the water cham-
ber become unduly great and overbalance that in the air chamber, will open to
allow the contents of the water chamber to vent directly into the air chamber.
A similar valve may be, of course, provided, in the second structure referred to
for a similar purpose.
While I have referred to the chambers as being respectively an air or com-
pressed air chamber and a water chamber, it is to be understood that any other
suitable fluid is intended to be covered thereby, such for instance as carbonic
acid gas, liquid hydro-carbons, solutions of ammonical gas and the like. And
it will also be understood that while I have described and particularly referred
to the use of the improvement in connection with a self-propelling torpedo, that
the invention is not limited thereto, and may obviously be used for a variety of
useful purposes where comparatively high pressures, heat and great speed, may
be required.
As a further example of the invention, I may employ a closed chamber or
boiler of any suitable construction, arranged to contain a suitable quantity of
water, or other liquid, and in which is immersed a charge of the combustible
nitro-compound, which may consist of one or more blocks provided with one or
more longitudinal or other perforations. This charge may be ignited in any
suitable manner, as, for instance by an electric spark or incandescence.
as the charge is ignited, its entire exposed surface will burn and the gaseous
products of combustion will impart their heat to the liquid so as to vaporise it
and become intermixed or mingled with such vapor, collecting at the upper portion
of the boiler ready to be utilised by passing off by the feed or delivery pipe that
As soon

page_text: may be controlled by valves. In this and other examples of the invention, the
weight of the combustible charge may bear such proportion to the weight of
liquid contained in the boiler or chamber, so that when the charge is entirely
consumed the liquid will be entirely vaporised, to the end that the liquid of the
combustible charge originally in the chamber will be replaced by the inter-
mingled vapor and products of combustion.
The chamber or boiler may be provided, as are the other chambers hereinafter
referred to, with appendages usual to such boilers, such as a pressure gauge, a
safety valve, and other like devices.
In another form of the invention, the boiler may be provided with a horizontal
partition, providing a lower combustion chamber from which rise a number of
vertical tubes open at their upper ends, near the upper portion of the boiler, and
at their lower ends opening into the combustion chamber in which the combustible
charge of the character before described will be located. The boiler above the
horizontal partition is supplied with the desired quantity of liquid. When the
charge is ignited, in any suitable manner, and the combustible burned, the
pro ducts of combustion rise through the tubes thereby imparting their heat to
the surrounding of liquid, and escape at the upper ends of the tubes, into the
boiler, to become mingled with the vaporised liquid. In this case, it will be
een, that the combustible charge itself does not come into direct contact with
the liquid to be vaporised.
In still another form of the invention, the boiler or chamber is arranged to
contain one or more multi-perforated blocks of the combustible nitro-compound
of the character before described, in the perforations of which are mounted
vertical tubes, closed at their bottom ends, and open at their upper ends near
the upper end of the boiler. These vertical tubes contain the liquid to be
vaporised and in the burning of the charge the vapor will escape from their upper
ends and mingle with the products of combustion collected in the main portion
of the boiler.
In a further modified form of the invention, the boiler may contain one or more
multi-perforated charges of the combustible compound before referred to, the
perforations of which are closely fitted with open-ended metallic tubes, so that a
portion of the contained liquid in the boiler fills the tubes and covers the charge
to the desired depth. The operation will be substantially the same as before
described.
In still another form of the invention, the combustible charge is contained
within a combustion chamber, the exit of which is continued by the longitudinal
fire tubes of a horizontal boiler containing water or other liquid. During the
burning of the combustible charge, the heated products of conibustion will pass
through the fire tubes of the boiler and be thereby cooled to such an extent as
that they may be employed as a motor fluid in themselves, without being diluted
with any other vapors. For this purpose, the cooled products of combustion may
pass from the fire tubes into a flue, and thence by a pipe to the valve chest of any
suitable engine. After being utilised to operate such engine, these products of
combustion may pass by the exhaust pipe to a suitable gas burner arranged in
this instance beneath the boiler just referred to.
are largely composed of carbonic oxide, they may be ignited at the burner and
As these products of combustion
burned to heat the liquid contained within the boiler. While I have shown the
exhaust products of combustion from the engine used to heat the water of the
boiler, it is of course, obvious that they may be conducted to any other boiler to
heat its contained liquid. The steam formed in the boiler first referred to may,
of course, be utilised for any useful purpose as, for instance, for driving another
engine.
While I have not specifically referred to any particular form of apparatus in
which the combustible charge may superheat a vapor that may have been inde-
pendently or otherwise obtained, it is to be understood that any of the several
forms described for raising the temperature of a fluid, or for vaporising a liquid,

page_text: may be employed equally well for the purpose of superheating a vapor, and in
so doing may augment its volume or increase its tension. As the products of
combustion of the nitro-compound especially when combusted under water, will
set free a small quantity of acid, such acid may be neutralised by adding to the
water a small percentage of urea or of ammonia.
In addition to the advantages incident to these improvements hereinbefore
enumerated, they have further utility where high pressures, as well as high
speed are needed in the case of emergency. Thus, in the case of torpedo boats,
launches, or even in the case of stationary engines, where, for instance, the engine
may be working under ordinary pressures, and it is desired to very quickly develop
high speed, the apparatus described will speedily provide the high pressure motor
fluid for the emergency.
Of course, it will also be understood that when the water chamber is employed,
sufficient air space should be left in such chamber to provide for the reception of
the products of combustion which are to exert their elastic force in expelling
the water outward toward the motor, so that dangerous pressures shall not be
generated owing to the too close confinement of the explosive.
An Improved Process and Apparatus for Producing Motive Power for
the Propulsion of Torpedo-boats, Self-propelled Torpedoes, Light
Naval and other Launches, and for other purposes.
I, HUDSON MAXIM, Chemist and Mechanical Engineer, of 219, West 34th
Street, New York City, United States of America, late of 377, Norwood Road,
London, England, 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:-
The present invention relates to an improved process and apparatus for pro-
ducing motive power, for use mainly for the more rapid propulsion than hereto-
fore, of torpedo-boats, self-propelled torpedoes, and light naval and other launches,
and for other purposes.
The invention has for its object mainly to provide a process and means by
which the products of combustion of a nitro-compound may be confined, controlled
and utilised for producing motive power or actuating a motor, and by which the
excess of heat in the products of combustion is utilised to evaporate a liquid or to
heat a gas or other fluid for use independently or in connection with the said
products of combustion for actuating a motor, or as a propelling means.
It also has for its object to provide for the generation or supply of a largely
increased volume of motive fluid and at much higher pressure without change in
the capacity or size of the torpedo, launch, etc., to the end that the motor or
propelling means thereof may be driven for a much longer period of time, to
greater distances, and at increased speeds. And for the additional object, of
rendering it possible to lessen the space needed to hold the motive fluid so that
in the case of torpedoes such saving of space may be utilised for carrying an
increased quantity of the needed explosive.
It furthermore has for its object, where compressed air or other like fluid is
employed as the motive agent, to provide a heating medium by which the com-
pressed air or other like fluid as it expands in passing to the motor, or in doing
duty, is prevented from freezing.

page_text: The improved process consists essentially in burning a combustible nitro-com-
pound or compounds, such, for example, as the usual colloidal or amorphous comi-
pounds employed as smokeless gunpowders, and which are capable of being burned
independently of atmospheric oxygen, and in such wise that the products of
combustion may be first utilised for heating a gas or other fluid or for evaporating
a liquid, or for superheating a vapor produced by independent means, and then
employed to mix with and augment the volume or tension of the vapor, whereby
the temperature of the said products of combustion is lowered sufficiently to enable
them to be practically utilised, and at the same time, and in some instances, the
excess of their heat utilised for a useful purpose.
In the accompanying drawings, Figs. 1, 2 and 3, are each longitudinal sectional
elevations of that portion only of a self-propelling torpedo which is necessary
to illustrate the invention; it being understood, however, that while a self-pro-
pelling torpedo is particularly referred to and the improvements are hereinafter
described with respect to such torpedo, that the invention is not limited thereto,
and may obviously be used for a variety of useful purposes where comparatively
high pressures, heat and great speed may be required.
Figs. 4 to 7 inclusive are vertical sectional elevations of four different forms of
boilers.
Fig. 8 is a sectional elevation of an apparatus in which the products of com-
bustion of the combustible do not mingle with the vaporised liquid, but are other-
wise employed.
In the drawings, the torpedo A, or any other structure with which the improve-
ments are to be embodied may generally be of the usual construction. In Fig. 1,
only that section of the torpedo containing the compressed air reservoir or cham-
ber B and its contiguous parts are shown. This chamber, it will be understood,
has connection by a pipe C controlled by a valve c, with any suitable motor that
is to propel the torpedo.
In the air chamber B there is provided a combustion chamber D or other means
adapted to support and contain a combustible charge E, which, when the charge
is fired, is so arranged with respect to the compressed air chamber, that the
products of combustion pass into and mingle with the compressed air and pass
therewith through the delivery pipe to the motor to drive the same. The com-
bustion chamber may be in the form of a tube centrally and longitudinally
arranged with respect to the air chamber, and preferably extending between
the two heads B₁ of the chamber and supported in any proper manner thereby.
This tube contains the combustible charge and near one end, the rear end in this
instance, the walls of the tube just in rear of the charge are perforated so as to
permit the products of combustion to pass from the combustion chamber into
the air chamber.
In order that the heat of the products of combustion may be more thoroughly
utilised to prevent the freezing of the air in its expansion, it is preferred to
surround the perforated walls of the tube with a jacket d, terminating in a mouth
or nozzle e, located near the delivery pipe, so that the hot products of combustion
will be directed into and become mixed with that portion of the air which is
about to be expanded in performing its duty. At the same time that the air is
prevented from freezing, it necessarily results that the temperature of the pro-
ducts of combustion are considerably lowered so that they can be safely utilised
as a motive fluid or as a part of a motive fluid without danger to the motor or
its connections.
In addition to the advantages heretofore enumerated incident to the use of
the combustible charge, it will be obvious that, in addition to the usual volume
of compressed air with which the chamber will be charged, the combustible
charge will in itself provide an exceedingly large volume of gas to augment the
air charge and also largely increase the pressure of the motive fluid passing t
the motor, and hence the invention in its most important particular renders i
possible to adapt a self-propelling torpedo, in which, up to the present time, the

page_text: explosive charge has been restricted in weight by reason of the space necessarily
taken up by the compressed air chamber which must contain a sufficient volume
to drive the torpedo the maximum distance. At the same time also, the size of
the compressed air chamber has been restricted because of the need of carrying
a sufficient explosive charge to ensure the torpedo doing effective work, and
hence the distance to which the torpedo could be driven has been also limited.
By reason of the present invention, therefore, it is possible, without any increase
in size thereof, and without diminishing the weight of the explosive charge, to
provide the torpedo with means for evolving a large volume of comparatively
high pressure gases only generated as fast as needed, and which, in addition to
augmenting the volume of the compressed air charge, also serves by their heat
to prevent the air from freezing.
Any desired means may be employed for igniting the combustible charge
at the desired moment. As shown, the charge will be ignited by an electric
current in circuit with the wires f, leading to the rear end of the charge. The
generator F, by which the necessary incandescence or spark is formed to ignite
the charge may obviously be connected to or form part of the propelling motor
of the torpedo, so that the instant after the motor starts due to the passage of
the compressed air thereto, sufficient electricity will be generated to fire the com-
bustible charge, so that it will thereupon commence to evolve the necessary
heated gases to mingle with the compressed air, as before described.
In order that there may be no danger of the combustible charge going out at
its initial ignition, a small piece of wick i, or other highly inflammable material
in the nature of a temporary firebrand, may be inserted in the end of the charge,
so that simultaneous with the ignition of the charge the wick will burn, and will
continue to burn until such time as there is no longer any danger of the charge
blowing out.
In the mcdified form of the invention shown in Fig. 2, the torpedo A, or other
structure, having the air chamber B, is provided with a water chamber G, with
which water chamber is arranged a combustion chamber D¹, with its forward
end opening into the water chamber, and provided with a combustible charge E¹,
of the character before referred to. From the water chamber, and extending
through the air chamber, there is provided a conical tube H, with its rear and
smaller end open to the chamber B, but in close proximity and in line with the
delivery pipe C, leading to the motor. The water end of this conical tube is
controlled by any suitable valve, held to its seat to prevent the accidental escape
of the water from the chamber G by the air pressure which is normally in said
tube. When the combustible charge is ignited, as by the electric current before
referred to, the products of combustion will enter the water of the chamber,
increase its pressure and raise its temperature sufficient to overcome the air
pressure against the valve in the conical tube, so that the heated or vaporised
water and the products of combustion will pass through said tube into the delivery
pipe to mix with the air passing through said pipe to the motor. In thus mixing
the heated or vaporised water and products of combustion with the air, the
temperature of the air will be raised sufficient to prevent it from freezing, and
the volume of gases passing through the motor will be increased.
In a further modification of the invention shown in Fig. 3, substantially the
structure first described is adopted, with the addition of the water chamber G,
and combustion chamber D¹ of the second structure. In this instance, however.
the combustible charge F in communication with the air chamber is perforated
longitudinally to receive an atomising tube h. leading from the water chamber
to the rear end of said charge. Upon the ignition of the combustible charge El
in the combustion chamber D¹ communicating with the water chamber and the
accumulation of the products of combustion in the water chamber. the pressure
thus generated will overcome the air pressure upon the check valve g¹ in said
atomising tube, and will atomise the water in forcing it through said. tube. The
atomised water with the products of combustion will be delivered at the rear

page_text: end of the other combustion chamber D, and will pass with the products of
combustion from the combustible charge therein into the jacket d, through the
orifice e, to air chamber, and thence out by the delivery pipe C, to the motor.
The means for igniting the two charges in this example of the invention may
obviously be the same as that before described.
The forward head of the air chamber B may be provided with a valve k, held
seated by the air pressure therein, which, should the pressure in the water
chamber G become unduly great and overbalance that in the air chamber, will
open to allow the contents of the water chamber to vent directly into the air
chamber. A similar valve may be, of course, provided, in the second structure
referred to for a similar purpose.
Of course, is will also be understood that when the water chamber is employed,
G, sufficient air space should be left in such chamber to provide for the reception
of the products of combustion which are to exert their elastic force in expelling
the water outward toward the motor, so that dangerous pressures shall not be
generated owing to the too close confinement of the explosive.
And
While I have referred to the chambers as being respectively an air or com-
pressed air chamber and a water chamber, it is to be understood that any other
suitable fluid is intended to be covered thereby, such for instance as carbonic
acid gas, liquid hydro-carbons, solutions of ammoniacal gas and the like.
it will also be understood that while I have described and particularly referred
to the use of the improvement in connection with a self-propelling torpedo, that
the invention is not limited thereto, and may, obviously be used for a variety of
useful purposes where comparatively high pressures, heat and great speed, may
be required.
When using compressed air, the same may be mixed with ammoniacal gas, so
that any nitrous fumes given off by the combustion of the explosive compound
may be neutralised to prevent the acid of the said products of combustion tom
attacking the metallic parts of the apparatus or motor, and when a hydro-carbon
or other liquid fuel is employed in the water chamber G, and compressed air is
employed in the air chamber B, it is obvious that the mixture of products of
combustion of the explosive compound and the said liquid fuel would together
be burned by the air as fast as escaping from the combustion chamber D.
When water is employed, or even any liquid in the water chamber G, a
suitable neutralising agent, such as carbonate of ammonia or ammoniacal gas or
urea may be dissolved in it and will serve to neutralise the acid of the products
of combustion of the explosive compound.
Referring now particularly to Fig. 4, as a further example of the invention, I
may employ a closed chamber or boiler L, of any suitable construction, arranged
to contain a suitable quantity of water, or other liquid, and in which is immersed
a charge of the combustible nitro-compound, E, which may consist of one or
more blocks with or without one or more longitudinal or other perforations c¹.
This charge may be ignited in any suitable manner, as for instance, by a spark
formed at the end of a pair of terminals of an electric circuit f¹. As soon as
the charge is ignited, its entire exposed surface will burn and the gaseous pro-
ducts of combustion will impart their heat to the liquid so as to vaporise it and
become intermixed or mingled with such vapor, collecting at the upper portion
of the boiler ready to be utilised by passing off by the feed or delivery pipe C
that may be controlled by the valve c. In this and other examples of the inven-
tion, the weight of the combustible charge may bear such proportion to the
weight of liquid contained in the boiler or chamber, so that when the charge is
entirely consumed the liquid will be entirely vaporised, to the end that the liquid
of the combustible charge originally in the chamber will be replaced by the
intermingled vapor and products of combustion.
The chamber or boiler L, may be provided, as are the other chambers herein-
after referred to, with appendages usual to such boilers, such as a pressure gauge a,
a safety valve a¹, and such other devices as are common,

page_text: In another form of the invention, see Fig. 5, the boiler L¹, may be provided
with a horizontal partition M, providing a lower combustion chamber D, from
which rise a number of vertical tubes m, open at their upper ends, near the upper
portion of the boiler, and at their lower ends opening into the combustion
chamber D³, in which the combustible charge E2 of the character before described
is located. The boiler above the horizontal partition M, is supplied with the
desired quantity of liquid. When the charge is ignited, in any suitable manner,
such as before described, and the combustible burned, the products of combustion
rise through the tubes thereby imparting their heat to the surrounding liquid.
and escape at the upper ends of the tubes, into the boiler, to become mingled
with the vaporised liquid... In this case, it will be seen, that the combustible
charge itself does not come into direct contact with the liquid to be vaporised.
In still another form of the invention, see Fig. 6, the boiler or chamber L³,
is arranged to contain one or more multi-perforated blocks of the combustible
nitro-compound E2 of the character before described, in the perforations e¹, of
which are mounted vertical tubes m', closed at their bottom ends, and open at
their upper ends near the upper end of the boiler. These vertical tubes contain
will escape
vapor
the liquid to be vaporised and in the burning of the charge the
from their upper ends and mingle with the products of combustion collected in
the main portion of the boiler.
In a further modified form of the invention, see Fig. 7, the boiler L3 may
contain one or more multi-perforated charges E2 of the combustible compound
before referred to, the perforations e¹ of which are closely fitted with open-ended
metallic tubes, so that a portion of the contained liquid in the boiler fills the
tubes and covers the charge to the desired depth. The operation will be sub-
stantially the same as before described.
In still another form of the invention, see Fig. 8, the combustible charge E
is contained within a combustion chamber 13, provided with a normally closed
opening and having its exit continued by the longitudinal fire tubes d², of a
horizontal boiler L, containing water or other liquid. During the burning of
the combustible charge, the heated products of combustion will pass through the
fire tubes d, of the boiler, and be thereby cooled to such an extent as that they
may be employed as a motor fluid in themselves, without being diluted with any
other vapors. For this purpose, the cooled products of combustion may pass from
the fire tubes into a flue N, and thence by a pipe n, controlled by the valve n¹
to the valve chest of any suitable engine O. After being utilised to operate such
engine, these products of combustion may pass by the exhaust pipe o to a suitable
gas burner P, arranged in this instance beneath the boiler L just referred to.
As these products of combustion are largely composed of carbonic oxide, they may
be ignited at the burner and burned to heat the liquid contained within the
boiler. While I have shown the exhaust products of combustion from the engine
used to heat the water of the boiler, it is, of course, obvious that they may be
conducted to any other boiler to heat its contained liquid. The steam formed in
the boiler first referred to may, of course, be utilised for any useful purpose, as,
for instance, for driving another engine 0¹, which is connected to a steam
dome, on the said boiler by means of a pipe o¹, controlled by a valve o².
While I have not specifically referred to any particular form of apparatus in
which the combustible charge may superheat a vapor that may have been inde-
pendently or otherwise obtained, it is to be understood that any of the several
forms described for raising the temperature of a fluid, or for vaporising a liquid,
may be employed equally well for the purpose of superheating a vapor, and in
so doing may augment its volume or increase its tension. As the products of
combustion of the nitro-compound, especially when combusted under water, will
set free a small quantity of acid, such acid may be neutralised by adding to the
water a small percentage of urea or of ammonia.
In addition to the advantages incident to these improvements herein before
enumerated, they have further utility where high pressures, as well as high

page_text: speed are needed in the case of emergency. Thus, in the case of torpedo boats,
launches, or even in the case of stationary engines, where, for instance, the engine
may be working under ordinary pressures, and it is desired to very quickly develop
high speed, the apparatus described will speedily provide the high pressure motor
fluid for the emergency.
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 herein described method of producing a motor-fluid for actuating a
motor, which consists in burning a combustible material in the presence of a
neutraliser for its products of combustion and using the resulting gases as the
motor-fluid.
2. In the production of a motor-fluid and the driving of a motor, the method
herein described, which consists in protecting from ignition all surfaces except
one, of a body of nitro-compound, substantially of the character described, ignit-
ing and burning the body of nitro-compound from a single surface, and utilising
the products of combustion to actuate a motor, substantially as described.
3. The herein described apparatus for producing a motor-fluid, which consists
of a rod or bar of combustible material, protected from being burnt on all sides
except one end in communication with a chamber containing a motor-fluid, and
with means for igniting the said rod of combustible material, substantially as
described.
4. The herein described process of producing a motive fluid, which consists in
burning a colloidal nitro-compound in the presence of a compressed or liquid
motor-fluid, or both, whereby the compressed fluid is expanded or the liquid
evaporated, and then conveying the mixed gases to a motor.
5. The herein described process of producing a motor-fluid and actuating a
motor, which consists in burning a nitro-compound capable of supporting its own
combustion, and mixing the products of combustion with additional carbonic
acid, and then driving a motor with the mixture, substantially as described.
6. In an apparatus for the production of a motor-fluid, the combination of a
liquid-holding chamber or gas- or vapor-holding chamber in communication with
liquid-holding chamber, a body of self-combustible material immersed in the
liquid, and means for igniting the body of combustible material, substantially
as described.
7. In the production of a motor fluid and the actuating of a motor, the herein
described process, which consists in burning a nitro-compound, and combining
with its products of combustion ammoniacal gas, or its equivalent, and then
utilising the resulting gases to drive a motor.
8. The herein described process, which consists in burning a nitro-compound,
capable of supporting its own combustion without the presence of atmospheric
oxygen, heating a fluid by the heat evolved, and then burning the products of
combustion in atmospheric oxygen for heating a fluid.
9. The herein described process, which consists in burning under preșsure a
nitro-compound capable of supporting its own combustion without the presence
of atmospheric oxygen, heating a fluid by the heat evolved, then actuating an
engine by the said products, and burning the exhaust gases of the engine to
heat a fluid.
10. The apparatus, substantially as shown, and described, with separate refer-
ence to Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, respectively.
Dated this 25th
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