330 IN THE PRODUCTION OF MOTIVE POWER AND IN APPARATUS FOR THE SAME
Year: 1879

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Alexander Melville Clark, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the
County of Middlesex, Patent Agent, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS
330
IN THE PRODUCTION OF MOTIVE POWER AND IN APPARATUS FOR THE SAME."
A communication from abroad by Thomas Mara Fell, of Brooklyn, in the
County of Kings, State of New York, United States of America.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said Alexander Melville Clark at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 20th May 1879.
ALEXANDER MELVILLE CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex,
Patent Agent.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PRODUCTION OF MOTIVE POWER AND
IN APPARATUS FOR THE SAME." A communication from abroad by Thomas Mara
Fell, of Brooklyn, in the County of Kings, State of New York, United States of
America.
These improvements relate to generators in which the combustion of fuel takes
place under pressure, and the gaseous products of combustion are combined with air
and steam in the direct production of motive power by using one agent as auxiliary to
the other in order to produce heat and utilize the same to the greatest extent. The
gaseous products of combustion combined with air under pressure are used directly
as the motive power, or forced into the steam and water spaces of a boiler, and in
the last named method the Invention may be used as auxiliary to a steam motor
and generator of usual character.
In its simplest form, and for use as a stationary motor, the Invention consists,
first, in an apparatus having a closed fire space for burning fuel under pressure,
preferably of cylindrical form, to which space the fuel is supplied regularly and
automatically for the required length of time; secondly, in the means employed for
supplying air in jets to the furnace by sealed doors fitted with cold air and injection
pipes, such doors being arranged so that the whole mass of fuel in the fire space is
rendered incandescent, and the combustion perfected; and, thirdly, in the arrange-
ment and combination with the described apparatus of separate chambers and
connections by which uniform heat and pressure are maintained.

page_text: In Figure 1 of the accompanying Drawing the apparatus is shown by a sectional
elevation, which I will describe in connection with the letters and figures marked
thereon.
A is the furnace; B, the grate, preferably of conical form and fitted with a
handle C and shaking spindle. Within the furnace A is an inner flanged concentric
ring D made of any refractory or other suitable material, which ring is attached to
the sides of furnace A and divides the fire space and combustion chamber from the
fuel space above ring D. The fuel is supplied through the centre of ring D, and the
products of combustion pass by a pipe M to a secondary combustion chamber S.
At its end, within chamber S, the pipe M is provided with an elbow and a funnel
shaped or flaring mouth with the object to deflect the heated gases against the
entire bottom of said chamber, to evaporate any water leaking by valve U. E is
the coal hopper, the lower end of which extends through the steam space and into
the fire space. This projecting end is purposely made smaller so as to contain only
a small quantity of coal or fuel, as the fuel being cold a large body would tend to
lower the temperature in the steam space. The upper end of the reservoir enlarges
off so as to hold nearly or quite a sufficient supply for a day's run, thus avoiding
the necessity of opening the door and admitting cold air, which would cause loss of
heat and damage to the metal of the boiler. His a water gauge; F is an air pipe
for supply of air to the door P and thence to the fire box; G is a horizontal air pipe
entering the lower side of the door R, and a similar pipe 2 from F also enters. the
combustion chamber; I, I, are perforated diaphragms through which the air passes
in jets into the ash pit and fire box. These diaphragms may be made of iron, fire-
clay, or any suitable refractory material. The diaphragms, doors, and immediate
surfaces are kept comparatively cool by the air blast, which not only preserves them
from burning out but prevents their expansion to such an extent.as to hinder the
doors from being opened. The air supply by the pipe and trap enters the
combustion chamber at a point where the gases are about to escape, and thus ignites
any that would otherwise go off unconsuined. All the air inlets are provided with
stop cocks so that the supply may be admitted where most needed, and regulated
in quantity. The hopper is sealed at O.
The hot air and gases from the chamber S pass by the opening at-the-top to the
mixing and steam generating chamber W. The opening is fitted with a valve U
which is guided on its seat by a central guide rod and guides. 1, 22, are sealed man
holes, the lower one for discharging ashes and cinders that may pass over with the
flame; and 2 is for access to the interior of the generator for cleaning, repairs, &c.;
K is a steam pipe connecting the chamber W with the steam and water space C
that surrounds the furnace A, by which pipe an even and equal temperature and
pressure are maintained in both chambers; L is a feed water pipe connecting with
the two chambers; Y' is a blow-off pipe; Y2 is a pipe with cock for testing the
pressure of water in the chamber S; W₁ is a perforated pipe with a tap for washing
out the chamber S through the man hole ; T is a flue for the escape of smoke
when the fire is first started, and T¹ is a stop or cover inserted when the fire
chambers are under pressure; X is a water gauge; and 28, a pipe for leading the
resultant gases and steam to the engine; V is an inverted cone attached in the lower
part of chamber W and perforated with fine holes which assist the mixture of the
gaseous products of combustion and hot air with the water to be evaporated. It is
also a strainer for foreign matters which fall to the bottom of the vessel, from which
they can be blown off by the pipe and tap Y¹.
Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the cap T' showing the manner of fitting and
packing the same. Figure 3 is a top view of this cap.
In order to successfully use the heat and' gases of combustion as indicated, it is
necessary for the fuel to be burned in a manner to prevent any reaction of incom-
bustible gases upon the fire, also so as to secure perfect combustion of the carbon, to
avoid waste or smoke, and to produce heated gases only. The mechanical requisites
are, a reliable and adjustable feed of air and fuel, a system of chambers for equalizing

page_text: the temperature of the air and gases before they enter the steam or water spaces, a
proper distribution of the same, and means for removing and preventing cinder or
fine ash from passing into the water. The above described device, while it may
be modified in many of the details, is a practical realization of the before named
requisites.
In Figures 4 and 5 I have shown an adaptation of the Invention to a boiler of
the locomotive type, and some modifications applicable to all classes of boilers.
Figure 4 is a vertical longitudinal section, and Figure 5 is a vertical cross section.
The back part or crown sheet of the usual fire box is brought down to the point a,
at which place is inserted a solid cross plate or partition 6 made of refractory or
other material capable of resisting great heat, which partition dips down to within
a short distance of the fire bars and is supported by angle iron bolted to the side
sheets. D is a combustion chamber; S, the heat and distributing chamber; c, e, are
flue tubes; f, the ash pit; g and h, air tight manholes; i, the usual smoke box;
B, grate bar; 1, the main shell and steam dome; E is a circular vessel or hopper for
fuel fitted with a tight man-hole plate o and feed slide n; p is a spy hole or similar
contrivance for observing the condition of the fire, and it consists of a conical pipe
bolted to the front sheet, with a flat slide valve, handle, and stuffing box packed
preferably with asbestos, for holding a disc of annealed glass or mica. and are
perforated air pipes extending across the chamber D and fire space A, which pipes
are connected with an air pump for obtaining a supply of air; s is a pyrometer;
t, an outlet into the smoke box and chimney i from chamber S, which outlet is fitted
with a valve operated by a rod and handle from the outside; this valve is a flat
wedge shape slide similar to the one used at p. u is the main hot air gas valve
connected with the top part of the combustion chamber S and fitted with a circular
cap and flange and a pipe v; on the end of which is placed a flat valve operated by
a long rod that passes through guides a¹, a¹, and through the fuel hopper to the
outside, where it is fitted with a stuffing box and a handle w. Within the coal
hopper this rod is surrounded by a pipe secured at both ends as shown. The stem
of the valve u extends up into a cap which is fastened to a man hole plate x¹ which
acts as a guide, and can be removed at any time for inspection. From the cap above
the valve u also proceeds the distribution gas and air pipe y which descends down
into and through the chamber S back to and near the end of the flues, as shown in
Figure 4. This pipe is perforated with fine holes after entering the water, as indicated
in Figure 5.
The chamber S is formed by a circular vessel attached to the smoke box by angle
iron plates, and shut off from the same by the movable plate z. Within this
chamber is a deflecting plate 6', and from the bottom thereof a pipe and valve g'.
The number of the flue tubes e is about one half that usually put in boilers of the
same size, and they are used in this apparatus more especially for getting up a
starting pressure from steam; the tubes are also shorter for the length of boiler,
and are attached into the back sheet of the chamber S instead of into the usual
tube plate of the smoke box.
The
The motor is operated as follows:-The man holes g, h, and valve t are opened
to permit of a fire being started in the fire space A in the usual manner.
smoke, gases, &c., pass out through chamber D, flues e, chamber S, to smoke box i
until a certain amount of steam is obtained or the engine is required for work; the
man-holes are then closed and compressed air enters by pipes r and r' which renewes
combustion; the hot and expanded gases pass through the valve u down pipe y
into the water of the boiler, where it is distributed by the perforations, evaporating
the water into steam, and is used there with for driving the engine. Fuel is fed
from the large supply vessel E (which is calculated to hold enough for a given time
or for a trip) by the feed slide n as is required, the quantity of which and condition
of combustion being seen through p.
To avoid smoke, and to bring about a proper condition of the various gases and
air, it is necessary to have a depth of fuel in a highly ignited condition; this is

page_text: obtained by the use and construction of the partition or cross plate b which not only
heats said gases but compels them to pass down and up before entering the
chamber D, at which point they arrive in a condition ready for the effect of second
blast of air which completes the combustion of the carbon and converts the gases
to a hot flame without smoke. It is necessary that the partition b against which
the gases impinge should be as hot, or nearly so, as the fuel, to fully convert or
consume the carbon. It is therefore preferred to construct it of material that will
hold or retain a high temperature, and of suitable thickness.
In order to regulate the heat of the mixed steam, air, and gases, so as to produce
the most economical effects by the engine, a certain quantity of the heated gases is
allowed to escape at intervals by the pipe into the steam space, thereby raising
the temperature to the required degree, which is indicated by the pyrometer s
placed on the dome or elsewhere along the top of the boiler. Water leaking by the
valve u will not interrupt the working of the apparatus or interfere with the fire
as the gases delivered at this point are deflected downward by the plate b¹, and
will before entering through valve u evaporate any such water. The pipe and its
valve are used as a test for the pressure of water.
The general arrangement of parts is such that all points are readily got at for
repairs or adjustment, the flue tubes by removing plate z, the ashes by man hole
plate g, and light dust, if any, by plate h. In case of breakage of the glass or mica
at the spy hole the valve attached can be immediately closed and another plate or
dise put in. The ashes of the fire box are brought down into the ash pit by
moving or shaking the grate bars by means of a rod attached to the lug u¹, which
passes through a stuffing box to a handle on the outside (not shown). The supply
pipe to the engine can be taken from the dome at the point m, as at present. The
other usual appliances necessary for engines using either air or steam, such as safety
valves, gauges, &c., are not shown, as their use is well understood.
The above described apparatus embraces the principles of the present Invention
as applied in connection with or auxiliary to steam power with a locomotive engine
of any usual character.
In Figures 6, 7, and 8 there is shown an apparatus embracing the same principles
.of combustion under pressure, and the use of the resultant gases and heated air, and
in addition features rendering it capable of dynamic power by the direct application
of these heated gases without the generation of steam.
There have been attempts made to utilise the fact that the amount of heat
necessary to expand compressed air is not greater but less than is required to
expand rarefied or atmospheric air. The failure to utilise this fact practically for
purposes of power has resulted principally from another property of air, viz., that of
repelling heat in direct proportion to its density, so that while a less number of
heat units is required this a-diathermanous property of air necessitates a great
intensity of temperature, which results in the destruction of the apparatus. Com-
pressed air has been used under a variety of conditions, as for instance, by simple
compression and subsequent heating by contact with heated metal surfaces, by com-
pression in connection with the gases of combustion by circulating it through
hot vessels, condensers, &c., while compressed, and by using it in connection with
steam.
These various plans, methods, or apparatus for obtaining the dynamic value of
heat have been unsuccessful in affording a reasonable amount of power in proportion
to the size of the apparatus and amount of fuel consumed.
The present apparatus, both in the form already described and as hereafter set
forth, is constructed in accordance with well known principles, by the combination
of which I have a new process for obtaining the dynamic power of the fuel con-
sumed.
Figure 6 is a vertical longitudinal section of the motor; Figures 7 and 8 are
sectional plan views taken on the lines x, x, and y—y, respectively.

page_text: In general construction the combustion apparatus resembles those already
described. A is the fire space surrounded by fire clay, brick, or other noncon-
ducting material fitted with a grate that is operated by a rod a² and handle at the
outside; E is the air tight fuel reservoir or hopper fitted with a sliding feeder n;
o and g are man holes for giving access to the hopper and ash pit; h is a plate
bolted to the shell to support the nonconducting lining; I' is a shell, which with
the shell of the hopper and furnace it is preferred to make of boiler iron, and the
shell I¹ is also lined with nonconducting material. The two shells are connected
by double flanged braces k¹, shown plainly in Figure 7. The shell I' has a central
apertured bottom plate that supports concentrically within I' a cylinder or
pipe M', in the lower end of which is a perforated diaphragm n¹ that is provided
with a central rod n², and supports a mass of asbestos, loose cloth, wire gauze, or
other suitable material for the purpose of filtering the air as it passes through. On
the top of pipe M is a valve O¹, having a stem passing to the outside of shell I',
where it is fitted with a curved guide and cap p'; R' is a man hole for removal of
fine dirt or ashes; 8', 81, 81, 81, are plates secured in shell I' around M', and sepa-
rating shell into compartments that communicate with each other by perforations
in plates s'. Each set of perforations it is preferred should be about equal in area
to that of the supply pipe to the cylinder of the engine. T' is a combustion and
air mixing chamber, also lined with nonconducting material, and divided by a cross
partition of fire clay or similar material in a similar manner to the partition b,
shown in the fire place A; wl is a pipe and cock used for discharging air when
necessary; 2 is a connecting flue between the fire place and the chamber T', pro-
vided with a flue y¹ in connection with a chimney, and in flue y¹ is a valve z¹.
The other parts of the apparatus consist of a cylinder or engine A¹ resting on a
bed and provided with valves, pistons, &c., as usual; a main circulating air pump B¹
fitted with a single or double set of suction and exhaust valves, and with stuffing
boxes at each end, and surrounded by a water jacket; an atmospheric air pump C₁
for drawing in atmospheric air, which pump is surrounded by a water jacket, and
fitted with valves, pistons, &c.; an equalizer D' having numerous tubes for
extracting heat from one current of air and communicating to it another; and a
cooler or condenser E, also fitted with small tubes that are surrounded by cold
water circulating among them. The plates shown by dotted lines give direction to
the current of water. A pipe F¹ fitted with an exhaust valve G₁ connects with the
equalizer and condenser. The equalizer D¹ is connected with the chamber T" by a
pipe fitted with a screw valve and a check valve. On the end of pipe H',
within chamber T', is a perforated cross pipe, shown more clearly in Figure 7. The
cooler or condenser is connected with the inain circulating pump B¹ by a pipe I at
the lower or suction valve box of the pump. is a pipe from this pump leading
into the equalizer D' outside of the tubes. M² is a pipe leading the fresh supply of
air from pump C¹ to the fire place above the fuel, and by a connecting pipe O2 to
the flue P is the support for the furnace, and R2 is a yoke attachment for
communicating motion to crank S by piston rod W2. T2 is a pipe fitted with a
hand valve, through which hot air and gases from shell I¹ pass to cylinder A¹.
is a man hole for permitting access to the fire for regulation, removal of clinkers,
&c. is a spy hole fitted to command a view of the fire from the outside.
The operation is as follows:-By means of an auxiliary pump or compresser and
air vessel (not shown) a certain amount or density of air, in proportion to the
working force required, is put into all parts of the apparatus except the water space
of the cooler, fire space A, reservoir E, ash pit chamber T', fluc x2, and pipe M', the
air being kept from these parts by valve O¹ and the screw valve of pipe H. A
fire is lighted on the grate bars, with man holes u² and g and valves 1 open, the
sinoke, &c., then passing freely to the chimney. When the fire is well burnt
through, these outlets are all to be closed, and air turned on from the air vessel (not
shown) through cock N2 and pipe M² to the fire space for renewing combustion. It

page_text: is necessary before opening the valve of pipe T2 that the supply of air be continued
until the gauge Ws shows the pressure to be enough to start the engine. Cold air
of 100 lbs. density, if heated to the extent of 300° F. will give a pressure of 150 lbs.,
or 200 lbs. cold pressure will give a hot pressure of 300 lbs., without additional
heat. This force is applied in cylinder A¹ by opening the valve of pipe T2, and
being opposed by the inferior pressure of pump B¹ motion is obtained, and the sur-
plus pressure used as a motive force by the crank described, or in any other manner.
The exhaust passes by the pipe, shown in dotted lines, first into the equalizer D¹,
through the tubes thereof, and by pipe F' into and through the tubes of the con-
denser E¹, arriving at the opposite end divested of its heat, and from thence it goes
by the pipe 12 to the circulating pump B', which forces the air back into the
equalizer by pipe K', but outside of the tubes, circulating between the tubes by
means of the dividing plates, shown in dotted lines.
It will be seen that the exhaust air from the cooler takes the heat of the exhaust
air from the cylinder, effecting thereby an economy of heat, which is the main
purpose of the equalizer. The heat lost or carried off by the condenser is replaced
by the hot air and gases forming the second body or current of air, which is divided
from simple compression by each stroke of pump C¹ drawn from the atmosphere.
The valve N2 being shut and pipe M² open, this supply, together with the gases of
combustion, pass through the fire at about 900° to 1000° F. of temperature, its
oxygen supporting combustion; thence it passes by the short flue into the
combustion and mixing chamber T¹, from which place both streams of air pass to
the hot reservoir by pipe M' and valve o¹. For the purpose of mixing and pro-
ducing a homogeneous temperature throughout the atoms, the air on its way to the
cylinder is made to pass or blow through the series of small holes in plates s¹.
Having described the circuit of both streams, I will now describe the use of
other parts. O is a pipe and cock for dividing the atmospheric supply of air
passing part of the stream through the fire and a portion into flue x, at the point
shown, for the purpose of securing perfect combustion. The operation of the valve O
is ascertained by removing the cap and guide. G¹ is a pipe and screw valve used
for the purpose of discharging at every stroke of the engine almost as much air as
has been pumped in by pump C₁, either into the air or into the air vessel (not
shown) but designated as the auxiliary air vessel. The constant forcing in of air to
support combustion and for heating must necessarily increase the whole bulk
thereof and go to produce an indefinite pressure unless disposed off by blowing off.
The valve G is therefore left partially open to a greater or less degree, according to
the pressure desired. The necessity of filling the machine in the manner before
described is only incidental to the first erection or operation of the apparatus;
afterwards, at suitable intervals of time, the air may be discharged from the fire
place and adjacent parts by opening pipe and cock w' for filling the coal vessel,
removing ashes, clinker, &c., by first shutting the valve of pipe H¹. The mass of air
is retained in the apparatus, and the apparatus is again started by closing the open
parts and using the reserve of air in the air vessel.
It will be seen that breakage from stuffing boxes and imperfect joints, usually a
constant source of expense and trouble, is in this apparatus of little consequence.
The above construction furnishes a cheap, economical, reliable, and effective motor,
having the following advantages:- (1.) The power will be large in proportion to
the size of apparatus and amount of fuel employed. (2.) The cylinders are free
from dust. (3.) There is no smoke, that being a prominent feature. For small
motors, instead of using coal and wood, a series of gas jets or kerosene oil burners
may be used, and oil or petroleum may be used as fuel.
The various parts are susceptible of re-arrangement to operate in a horizontal
apparatus; the fire place and chamber T¹ may be made as one vessel; the two
streams of air may be commingled at a point nearer to or farther from the fuel than
that shown; and the equalizer may be omitted, but, when used, the best results
will be obtained.

page_text: Having described the Invention as communicated to me, I declare that what I
claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent is,-
1st. The method of generating and supplying heat or heated gases of fire com-
bustion, and forcing the same into direct contact with water contained in vessels,
for the purpose of evaporating the water and using the steam as motive power,
substantially as described.
2nd. In a motive power apparatus, the method of passing air under pressure
through ignited fuel, first, for promoting combustion; and, secondly, for storage in
boilers or receivers, with or without steam, for the evaporation of water, substan-
tially as described.
3rd. In an apparatus for the production of motive power, the combination of the
base D made of any suitable material with the fire box A, and fuel reservoir E with
the grate B, for the purpose set forth.
4th. The fire box A with its base D, the reservoir E and grate bars B, flue M,
and air pipes G, F, combined and arranged substantially in the manner and for the
purposes set forth.
5th. The combination with the fire box adapted to work under pressure of
doors R and P, provided with perforated discs I, I, air supply pipes F and G, and
pipe, arranged substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
6th. The combination of the fire box A having a base D and annular combustion
chamber, the feed box E, air supply doors R and P, and pipe M leading to
chamber S, substantially as set forth.
7th. The combination with the boilers connected together by flue M that delivers
the gases of combustion in a downward direction of the steam pipe K and water
pipe L, as and for the purposes specified.
Sth. The combination in a motive power generator of the internal chamber S,
valve U, and conical perforated diaphragm V, combined for operation, substantially
as and for the purposes set forth.
9th. The combination in a motive power generator adapted to burn fuel under
pressure of the fire box A, internal chamber S, flue M, cxit flue T, and pipe Y,
substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
10th. In an apparatus for the production of motive power by the combined use
of steam, air, and gases of combustion, the combination of heating partition b, air
pipes and, and combustion chamber D connected with the flue or flues C, for
the purposes substantially as set forth.
with fire
11th. The combination of the fuel reservoir E and feeding slide
space A, partition b, and combustion chamber D, substantially as described.
12th. In combination with an air tight fire box, of a spy hole fitted with a valve
and disc of transparent material, as set forth.
13th. In combination, the valve and its perforated delivery pipe, and the
valve v and its pipe connected with the steam space of the boiler, substantially as
and for the purposes specified.
14th. In a generator employing air and the gases of fire combustion for produc-
tion of motive power, an arrangement of mechanism for the employment of two
bodies or streams of air, when one of these bodies or streams of air is circulated and
maintained under pressure, and heated in contact with the second stream or body
of air forced through a fire or hot gases, and both streams immerged with the gases
of combustion, as and for the purposes specified.
15th. In an apparatus employing air and gases of fire combustion for the pur-
poses of motive power, employing two bodies or streams of air, one compressed and
already contained in the apparatus, and the other a fresh supply pumped or forced
in, when said mechanism consists of a main circulating pump B, a combustion and
air mixing chainber T, hot reservoir and pipe M, fire place A with its air tight
coal supply, and vessel and feeder, cooler or condenser E', atmospheric pump C¹

page_text: with air pipes and connections, substantially as described, and with or without the
equalizer D', substantially as and for the purposes specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said Alexander Melville Clark,.have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Nineteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord'
One thousand eight hundred and seventy nine.
A. M. CLARK. (L.S.)