IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO THE GENERATION, STORAGE, AND UTILIZATION OF ELECTRICITY AND APPARATUS OR MEANS TO BE USED THEREFOR OR IN CONNECTION THEREWITH FOR LIGHTING HEATING AND OTHER PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION
Year: 1882

page_text: :: LETTERS PATENT to Joseph Stokes Williams of Riverton New Jersey, United
States of America, now of 8, Southampton Buildings, London. for an
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO THE GENERATION, STORAGE,
AND UTILIZATION OF ELECTRICITY AND APPARATUS OR MEANS TO BE USED
THEREFOR OR IN CONNECTION THEREWITH FOR LIGHTING HEATING AND OTHER
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Joseph Stokes Williams at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 13th February 1882.
JOSEPH STOKES WILLIAMS of Riverton, New Jersey, United States of America
now of 8 Southampton Buildings, London "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO
THE GENERATION, STORAGE, AND UTILIZATION OF ELECTRICITY AND APPARATUS
OR MEANS TO BE USED THEREFOR OR IN CONNECTION THEREWITH FOR LIGHTING
HEATING AND OTHER PURPOSES
"
The object of my Invention is to construct apparatus and employ means to
generate and utilize electricity more economically than hitherto and comprises
various improvements hereinafter specified.
Firstly I construct my thermo electric generator preferably with a base of
metal such as iron or steel, wrought or cast. I construct the parts with, or in, such
form as most convenient for the special purpose or application; 1 then deposit by
decomposition and recomposition, or otherwise, the metal, metals, or metal alloys,
preferably copper or some alloy with copper, for instance nickel, but I may employ
any other metal or metal alloy best suited for the purpose of generating electricity
when combined with iron, steel, or the like in a thermo electric generator.
It will be understood that by employing efficient means for combining uniting
or alloying the different metals or alloys the ordinary and cheaper metals can be
used in the construction of thermo generators and that large and extensive
installations can be effected for generating thermo electric currents

page_text: Secondly I construct my thermo electric generator or generators of metal bars,
sheets, plates wires or coils of metal or of any combination or arrangement of such
with tubes cylinders or other metal forms framings or apparatus, and I provide for
the perfect contact and union of the portions which will become heated, by uniting
or alloying the metals or metal alloys by deposition as herein provided for, that
is to say, I construct my thermo electric generator by the deposition or alloying of
a metal or metal alloys upon, or with, a form or base which constitutes one of the
metals or alloy required to complete or form the thermo electric generator; the
original form is either positive or negative relatively to the other metal or alloy
which is subsequently placed or deposited upon, or alloyed with, such original form
or structure. These different metals or alloys are joined by a third piece, medium,
or metal so as to form a circuit in order to provide for the utilization of the
thermo electric currents generated by such union of metals when heat is applied.
Thirdly I coat, impregnate, or alloy an ordinary form of boiler composed or built
up of iron or steel or both, with other metal or metal alloys. I provide such
boiler composed of duplicate metals or metal alloyed with terminals for the
utilization of the electricity generated in or by such metals when heat is applied,
that is to say, the boiler is constructed of a suitable alloy of metals, or such boiler
is built up or formed in the usual manner of iron or steel of any preferred pattern
or type; after such construction I coat or cover the inner or outer portion of such
boiler, or both, as may be desired, by the electro-plating process or otherwise When
I wish to so coat only the inner portion of the boiler I fill such boiler with an
electro-bath containing the metal which I wish to deposit. In order to ensure the
boiler being filled by the bath I preferably provide an extension from such boiler
extending an equal height or above the surface of the same, or otherwise ensure
that the boiler shall be filled with the solution.
I then connect it with the source of electricity and arrange for the terminals
being in contact with the inner surface of the boiler at as many points or places as
possible and the metal in the bath will become deposited in the usual manner and
so as to completely line the inner portion of the boiler, in other words a complete
structure is formed corresponding to the inner portion of the boiler and any
extension therefrom with which the bath is in contact.
The first or original structure is provided with a terminal or extension; the second
structure which is formed by deposition is also provided with a terminal. These
terminals conduct the currents produced by the respective metals through the
application of heat.
Fourthly. I construct a boiler or apparatus as a thermo electric generator and
I preferably employ a process of decomposition and recomposition for coating and
covering the original structure or form. By this means I obtain a perfect union
of the deposited metal or alloy with the original structure, base, or form, and I can
obtain a deposit of any desired thickness; I can employ copper, nickel, zinc, tin, or
other metals or a combination or alloy of the same, the deposited metal or alloy,
and the original metal, form, or boiler, each being provided with terminals which
are joined by a third piece or metal or are united with another metallic pair. The
currents are utilized by obtaining the electro motive force outside of the first
generator or boiler.
Fifthly. I construct my thermo generators for application to or as furnaces,
boilers, chambers, heaters, vessels, vats, retorts, locomotives, chimneys, flues, pipes
for circulating or conducting heated air, liquids, steam, gases, or flame and I arrange
the metals in one body or form as far as possible and lead off the thermo electric
currents generated in quantity and utilize such currents as may be required from
storage batteries or accumulators. By so constructing my thermo electric
generators I obviate a great number of parts, the apparatus is rendered efficient
for general application and not more liable than an ordinary boiler or apparatus
to become ineffective, but it will be understood that these large thermo electric
generators may be coupled in series.
Sixthly. I employ steain or heated liquids for diffusing the heat in my thermo

page_text: electric generator and I employ a safety valve. This safety valve will perform the
same function relatively to the thermo generator as a safety valve does to an
ordinary boiler and I sometimes employ a fusible plug the object of which will be
well understood.
Seventhly. I employ a governor in combination with a thermo electric generator,
which regulates, controls, or directs the heat, flame, or gas. In some cases this
governor is combined with a float or collapsible vessel or inetal rod, which, when
the liquid shall become heated to a certain determined degree, causes the gas to be
cut off or the flame is lessened, or a damper is turned so as to prevent further or
greater heating of the liquid until the volume of the liquid shall diminish, or in
other words until the temperature shall be reduced. This therino regulator or cut-
off therefore regulates the temperature of the compartment or the metals of the
thermo electric generator
Eighthly. In constructing a thermo electric generator I employ a thermo-
regulator which regulates the heating of the metals dependent upon the temperature
of the compartment in which the thermo-regulator is placed. By these means
the temperature is maintained which is best suited for generating the therino
electric currents from the metals or alloys employed therefor.
A therino regulator or governor is sometimes employed which will act in a
similar manner and at such degree of temperature as to prevent the generation of
steam or so as to prevent undue or dangerous generation. By such apparatus the
evaporation of the liquid will be avoided as the chamber can be a closed one. I
sometimes employ liquids in my thermo electric generator which require greater
heat than water for the production of steam. For instance I can use silicate of
soda conveniently diluted, which is an insulating liquid. I may employ a series
of such thermio regulators or cut-offs in combination with a series of compartiments
in one generator or a series of generators, that is to say, I may subdivide my
thermo-electric generator into compartments or pairs, or series of pairs each
compartment being provided with an inlet for the introduction of heated air or
heating medium. The inlet is also provided with a check valve or gate. This
cut off check or gate is combined with, or controlled by, the thermo regulator, for
instance, if the temperature of the compartment is desired not to be over a certain
degree, when such inaximum temperature shall be attained the regulator shall have
acted upon the cut off so as to prevent the entrance of the heated air or heating
medium or so as to have diminished the quantity introduced, or the gases, or fuel
supply can be controlled through the medium of the governor when such governing
apparatus shall be connected with the gas cock, plug, or regulating apparatus for
the introduction of the gas or fuel into the furnace or heater. By this means each
compartment, pair, or series of pairs will be maintained at a uniform temperature
and unnecessary heat will not be expended in the different compartments of the
generator, but as the temperature falls in one or more of the compartments the
thermo regulator opens the inlet in proportion to the temperature of the com-
partment, therefore each compartment of the thermo generator will receive only the
proportion of heat necessary to maintain a uniformity of temperature. I can so
construct the inlets as to provide for a distribution of the heat into the different
compartments, by employing inlets of different sizes so that the smaller inlets will
be nearer to the source of heat or the temperature of the compartment or space
can be regulated by the thermo electric currents which render active electro
magnets so as to act upon an armature and move the cut-offs or valves but I
prefer to employ apparatus which will be directly effected by the change of
temperature in the metals, liquids, compartments or spaces belonging to, or formning
part of the thermo electric generator.
Ninthly I employ with my thermo electric generator kerosine, petroleum, or
other insulating liquid for the diffusion of heat; I thereby better provide insulation
and protect the apparatus against undue heating.
Tenthly. In constructing my thermo electric generator I employ a cut off or
valve for controlling the circulation of the liquid diffuser, and so arrange the

page_text: conductors which contain the diffusers that they are in series; or will act indepen-
dently of each other, or will act collectively, that is to say, one portion of the
apparatus when sufficiently heated will have the heating medium or diffuser
remaining stationary, and not circulating through the same, or the circulation will
be very much checked.
Eleventhly. I construct and employ thermo-electric generators for generating
electricity for the propelling or drawing of vehicles, tram cars, carriages, locomotives,
waggons or railway-trains, and employ a thermo electric generator and a motor or
motors placed upon a wagon, carriage, vehicle, locomotive or train I preferably
conduct the current from the thermo electric generator to a storage battery or
accumulator or a series of them from which the current is conductor to the motor
or motors placed upon the axles, wheel, or wheels of the wagon, carriage, vehicle,
locomotive or train to be moved. For instance in some cases I place a thermo
electric generator upon a vehicle, wagon, or tramway car, and lead the thermo
electric currents produced by the thermo electric generator to the terminals of the
storage battery placed upon the car or accumulators and preferably coupled in
series. The current is then conducted from such accumulator (couplied in series)
to the motor or motors which are connected or combined with the wheels. When
heat is applied to such thermo generator the thermo electric currents are generated
and the current so produced can either be stored in the aforesaid accumulators and
utilized as needed, or the currents can be led direct from the generator to the motor.
The current so produced can be utilized for the heating of the carriages, wagons,
or trains, by passing the current either direct from the thermo electric generator, or
from the storage battery through resistances which will become heated.
currents may be passed through suitable conductors arranged within, or in con-
junction with, radiating mediums for heating or warming or other purposes, suitable
lighting apparatus, circuit makers, and resistances, and governing apparatus or
devices being provided as is usual for lighting, heating, motive power, or for resisting
the motion through the agency of electricity
The
By employing suitable apparatus the currents so produced may be used for
heating water, other liquids, or for other purposes. 1 employ a cut-off or governor
to control the gas or flame for heating the generator when the storage buttery
shall become fully charged, that is to say, in case the currents are not being utilized
through the motor or otherwise and the storage battery shall become fully charged,
a current of electricity from the storage battery will render active an electro-
magnet or act upon suitable apparatus which will limit or stop the supply of gas
or check the consumption of the fuel. Or the generation of the currents is stopped or
directed into another storage battery or system automatically through the medium
of suitable apparatus controlled by the current. In other words I utilize the
battery as a governing apparatus or medium
Twelfthly I construct and employ thermo electric generators which produce
therino electric currents in quantity or of a low clectro-motive force, the desired
electro-motive force being obtained through the medium of storage batteries,
accumulators, or other apparatus which will give the electro-motive force necessary
for the lighting of streets, buildings, roadways or for heating or other purposes
where greater electro-motive force is necessary than is produced by the generator.
Thirteenthly I construct and employ thermo electric generators as central
generating stations and employ apparatus or means in conjunction therewith, and
outside of the generating machine, such, as a storage battery, accumulator, or other
apparatus so as to obtain the desired electro-motive force for the utilization of the
electricity as may be desired, through the medium of conductors lamps electric-
heaters, inotors, resistances, solenoids, electric governors, thermo regulators, circuit
makers, or other apparatus suited to the special purpose or installation
Fourteenthly. I employ such apparatus and means to generate and utilize the
electricity as herein described for motive power, upon lines of railway that is to
say, I lead the electricity so produced through conductors placed upon, or alongside,
the line of railway. The currents are conducted to electric motors placed upon the

page_text: axles, or combined with the axles or wheols of the carriages, wagons, or trains in
any preferred manner
Branch conductors can be led from the main conductor to moveable mechanism
placed upon the lines of railway which may be used for signalling or other
purposes. I may use electric motors in combination with such movable mechanism
or parts placed upon the lines of railways, or I can employ electro-magnets to
render active armatures which have connected or combined with them the
adjustable or moveable mechanism or apparatus placed along the line or lines. I
can also, when desired, test the position of, and bolt the first moving armature or
armatures and the movable mechanism connected therewith by the means of an
electric motor or an armature which has a testing and bolting face or part to
correspond with or fit into or over a socket, aperture, recess or projection, in connec-
tion with, or forming part of, the armature, motor, or connection thereof which was
first moved. By such an arrangement the movable mechanism employed upon the
lines of railways can be operated at long distances effectually and economically
These armatures or electric motors or both, or any combination of the same, are
preferably controlled at central stations or places and the mechanism for completing
the circuit to such movable parts, in other words the circuit-makers which cause
the currents to pass to such motors or to a series of them, are so combined
mechanically or otherwise as to prevent the conflicting movement or antagonistic
position of any motor relatively to another or of any motor relatively to an
armature, or vice versa
By the employment of such apparatus for controlling the mechanism upon lines
of railway it would be impossible to give an antagonistic signal or a signal which
will occupy a position contrary to the exact state or position of the motors,
arinatures, or movable mechanism combined therewith. The circuit makers for
the transmission or the giving of signals at different stations are preferably com-
bined mechanically with the circuit makers at other stations or places so that
until the signal from one station shall be received that the line is clear it will be
impossible to give a signal of line clear to the engine-driver or attendant of the
train, or where the vehicles or trains are propelled through the agency of electricity
the train vehicle or waggon can be controlled in its movements from the station at
which the circuit maker is placed, and by combining such circuit maker with other
circuit-makers or movable mechanism which are employed to cause the adjustment
of movable parts or interruptions along the line it will be impossible to cause the
train to move along the line or section of railway until all the circuit makers shall
occupy their proper relative positions or until all the electric motors, armatures,
and circuit-makers, or any combination of the same, shall occupy a position con-
forming to safety for the passage of the train over the line or section. Furthermore
I may employ an electric motor or an electric-magnet or armature as a medium to
cause the movement of a locking bar with or without bolting apparatus. This
locking bar affords the means to prevent the movement of antagonistic parts while
the train is passing. I can employ an electric motor or a series of the same for the
purpose of giving movement to, and the adjustment of, a shifting piece pieces or
parts connected therewith which will, or will not, interrupt the line or lines of
railway according to the position thereof; such apparatus can also be tested and
bolted as before described or be prevented from being moved while the train is
passing as before described, or in any preferred manner.
Fifteenthly. I construct a foot-warmer so as to utilize the heat for the gene-
ration of thermo-electric currents and provide such foot-warmer with extremities
or terminals, connections and apparatus so as to utilize thermo electric currents for
lighting, heating, or other purposes, that is to say, when heat is applied to such foot-
warmer, in any preferred manner either by the direct application of burning gas or
by fuel or by heated air gases, or liquids circulating or otherwise. The thermo
electric currents will be generated in the metal pair or pairs of metal alloys of
which the apparatus is composed.
Sixteenthly. I construct a thermo electric generator by placing a form within a

page_text: mould and then pouring into such mould other molten metal with which I wish to
form either the positive or negative portion of my thermo electric generator. As
an illustration, when I wish to construct an apparatus which is applicable as a fire-
place or heater, I first construct, by casting or otherwise, the form I desire to employ.
I then place such form within a mould and pour in the molten metal. Each of
these metals is provided with terminals, extensions, or parts for conducting the
respective thermo electric currents. These terminals are united to their respective
metals by casting, brazing, or otherwise, or I may form such apparatus of a metal
alloy shaped within the mould to the form desired, the terininals being combined
with the moulded alloy.
This completed apparatus may be in the form of a stove, fire-place, hearth,
chimney, retort, boiler-furnace, or other form of vessel or apparatus which is
applicable for domestic, industrial, or other purposes. Under such construction
the apparatus will generate thermo-electric currents in quantity or of low electro
motive force and it is therefore necessary in order to utilize electricity so generated
for lighting, heating, motive power, traction or other purposes where electro motive
force is necessary, to conduct the currents so produced into storage batteries or
accumulators or suitable apparatus and withdraw from such accumulators in series
in order to obtain from them the cumulative electro-motive effect due to their
number. Or instead of employing the ordinary form of storage batteries, I may
obtain a high electro-motive force by passing the currents through a series of
couples outside of the generating apparatus.
It will be understood that large bodies of metal in the form of boilers, furnaces,
retorts, chimneys fire-places smoke stacks hearths, condensers, stoves or other metal
vessels or apparatus or parts thereof, can be constructed of duplicate metals or
alloys which are provided with terminals extensions, or parts to conduct the
thermo-electric currents generated in the respective metals when heat is applied
to such apparatus. By the use of large forms or apparatus I reduce the number
of contact points to a minimum, and by casting the metals together by deposition
or by alloying I avoid the difficulties hitherto experienced in keeping the metals
joined at their point of contact, and am enabled to construct large or extensive
thermo electric generators which will produce the thermo electric currents in
quantity or with low electro motive force the desired electro motive force being
obtained outside or independent of the thermo electric generator. Furthermore
such means for producing and utilizing electricity obviate entirely or to a great
extent the difficulties attending the generating of currents from machinery.
It will be understood that high or long smoke stacks, flues, or chimneys can be
built of sections suited to the special purpose or application and the desired electro-
motive force can be obtained by joining the pairs in series but even this is
without advantage without the heat in the chimney is constant and uniform, as
by charging the storage batteries in quantity and withdrawing therefrom in series,
the electro motive force can be maintained at a uniformity in other words the
electro motive force or pressure in the mains will be constant by providing a relay
of storage batteries or accumulators or the accumulators at different points can be
kept always fully charged from the station, the electricity always passing into
some of the storage batteries or series of the system.
Seventeenthly. In order to construct the thermo-electric generator giving currents
of a high electro motive force, I employ wires or ribbons of different metals in.
pairs or wires or ribbons of metal alloy I twist or wind these pieces of inetal upon
or with each other and subsequently unite such twisted parts together by brazing,
deposition, or immersion in some melted metal. These twisted pieces or wires
are provided with, or have, two terminals. Or I can coat, deposit, or cast upon the
metal bar, wire, or piece the second metal or alloy, or I can form the wires, ribbons,
plates or rods of a metal alloy. The first ribbon or strip is not coated or covered
to the end
The second metal obtained by deposition or otherwise is provided with a
teriniual or extension; such ribbons or strips of metal are stretched across

page_text: a space or chamber and the terminals project through insulating material or walls.
The different metals are connected outside of the walls or chambers. ▲ space or
chamber can be filled with such pairs insulated from each other by space or other-
wise. If the space or chamber in which they are contained is water-tight, they
may be surrounded by, and heated by, a liquid insulating or otherwise. I preferably
employ an insulating plate through which these pairs are passed. I thereby
prevent them coming in contact as they are expanded by heat.
Under this construction a thermo electric generator can be provided which will
give any desired electro-motive force dependent upon the number in the series:
furthermore by casting or deposition the portions which are subjected to heat are
rendered not liable to become ineffective.
Eighteenthly. In my thermo electric generator for obtaining a high electro-
motive force, I sometimes employ pairs covered with an insulating material or
substance and placed within hot water pipes, boilers, or vessels for heating
liquids, or they can be arranged in chimneys, flues, or the like without obstructing
or practically interfering with the draught. Each pair can be independently
covered where they are joined together, with fire-brick, asbestos, terra-cotta or other
suitable material, and may be afterwards placed in moulds and have their ends
covered by similar or insulating substance. The terminals for the conducting of
the currents project beyond the covering I can employ any vitreous cement or
coating or insulating material for protecting such apparatus and in some cases use
an insulating liquid which can be readily poured into the moulds and afterwards
hardens to a given form, for instance I can employ silicate of soda, bi-oxide of zinc,
or chloride of zinc. It will be understood that these filaments as alloys or
metallic pairs can be provided with a terminal at each end, or the terminals can
both be at one end; they can be placed across a space or chamber and their ends
project through the walls of the box or chamber; they are preferably secured in
position with an insulating nut or clamps through which they pass or are secured
to an insulating plate as before described.
I sometimes employ a continuous wire or strip upon which I deposit the metal
or metals alternately, that is to say, the metals or alloys employed are united
together by deposition or otherwise. In carrying this into practice I prefer to
employ a string, wire, or ribbon wound upon a form, the strips, strings, or ribbons,
being separated from each other. This form is then placed in an electric bath
containing a metal salt oxide, or any combination of the same, with which it is
desired to coat the coil. Only a portion of the coil is immersed and so as sections
throughout its length shall become coated. When sufficient metal shall have been
deposited, the coil and form upon which it is wound is then put into another bath
containing metal or alloys of such metals, salts, or oxides as is desired to complete
the thermo pairs, that is to say, the portions or sections of the wire, string, strip or
ribbon which had not been previously coated will be the portions immersed in the
second bath. Such completed wire or strip can be covered with insulating material
and coiled upon or around any preferred form or support, or can be conducted
through hot water pipes, suitable insulation being provided for the same.
Under another construction I can build up or form such continuously coupled
pairs by arranging the terminals projecting into moulds, and pouring into the
chambers of the moulds in which the terminals project the metal alloy which will
constitute the thermo pair. Or I may reverse this operation and arrange the metal
alloy within intermediate spaces or chambers with their ends projecting into other
spaces or chambers into which the metal will be poured so as to unite the pairs in
series. I sometimes arrange that the connecting metal between the pairs shall
be of increased section. This I accomplish either by deposition, moulding, or
compression.
It will be understood that long wires or strips can be constructed under this
system so as to give such electro-motive force as may be needed and without
liability of imperfect contact between the metals.
The section or lengths of the different metals or alloys can be varied as may be

page_text: desired and can. represent the section of a small wire or of a bar or strip of con-
siderable size. When the section of the metal is light such as that of a wire İ
preferably coil the same upon or around insulating supports; such apparatus can
then be placed in a chamber containing an insulating liquid which will be employed
as a beating medium. The thermo electric currents being conducted from the two
terminals of the series when such are combined.
Nineteenthly I construct a thermo electric generator of tubes composed of iron,
steel, or other metal and fill, or nearly fill, such tubes with metal or salts of metal or
alloys which are easily fusible. The outer tube forming one metal of the pair, the
filling the other, and the terminal being supported, and insulated from the metal of
the tube. Or I sometimes cast within a mould upon such tube or bar the other.
metal of the pair and place the terminals common to the two metals on the outer
portion of the tube or bar at each end. When I use flat bars or plates I prefer to
have the casting to extend over the edges of the original form or around it. I
provide terminals as before described. These plates, tubes, or bars may be arranged
across spaces or chambers or within liquids as described with reference to the wires
or plates under the preceding head or paragraph. These tubes or chambers may
be of large or small section, the electro-motive force of the currents being dependent
upon the number in the series. This construction provides for perfect contact
under all circumstances; such pairs may be heated by liquids or otherwise.
I may employ bismuth, antimony, zinc, arsenic, copper, tin, mercury or any com-
bination of inetals which will melt at lower heat than the metal of the original
form, or I can employ the salts or oxides of metals for the filling of the tubes; the
salts, oxides, liquid or liquifiable metal or alloy can be supported against the inner
surface of the tube or chamber by means of a rod placed centrally within the tube
or chamber, this rod being preferably composed of an insulating substance or
compound.
Twentiethly. In constructing large and heavy apparatus which will generate
thermo electric currents in quantity or of low electro-motive force, it is sometimes
necessary to provide for such apparatus being in sections. In such cases I either
operate the apparatus as independent generators and conduct the currents inde-
pendently into storage batteries or accumulators, or couple them in series and I
conduct the current therefrom to storage batteries or otherwise provide for its
utilization as herein referred to or described.
Twenty firstly I construct the metal furnaces, converters, vessels, pans, pots,
retorts, or boilers employed in gas iron chemical works or other industrial affairs, of a
pair of metals or metal alloy so arranged and united relatively to each other or so
alloyed as to generate thermo electric currents when heat is applied and I utilize such
electric energy through the medium of batteries, accumulators, or otherwise for
lighting, heating, motive power and other purposes through the medium of con-
ductors, lamps, electric heaters, electric motors, circuit makers, resistances and other
electric appliances. In fact roadways and streets can be lighted, railways can be
operated, wagons and vehicles can be moved along the highways, metals can be
melted from the energy or force derived from heat which is now wasted in industrial
works or affairs.
Twenty-secondly. In constructing or applying my thermo generators to furnaces
boilers chambers, heaters, vessels vats, retorts, locomotives, chimneys flues, or to
pipes for circulating or conducting heated air, steam, gas, or flame, I sometimes
employ a lining or encasement of fire-brick, fire-clay, asbestos or other comparatively
indestructible material or substance so as to prevent the undue heating or destruc-
tion of the metals forming the thermo generator, and I sometimes employ a liquid
diffuser even when I use for the protection of the thermo electric generator a
lining of fire brick or the like. Where the heat is not too intense or where I can
employ a liquid diffuser I prefer to employ a coating or encasement to prevent the
loss of heat.
I also provide for the insulation of terminals or conductors of such apparatus
also insulating coverings or supports.

page_text: Twenty thirdly. I construct a thermo electric generator to generate currents to
be utilized for the drawing or propelling of trains, locomotives on the lines of
railway; such thermo electric generator or generators are mounted upon suitable
bearings or supports which are insulated from, or providė insulation for, the
thermo electric generator, for instance I can employ the ordinary form of locomotive
boiler as a thermo generator, or both as a thermo generator and as a steam
generator; when I use such apparatus for this double purpose it is necessary to
insulate the machinery from the boiler or in other words to so mount and
separate the portion of the apparatus which generates the thermo electric
currents as to prevent the withdrawal of the electricity other than through the
terminals provided to conduct the thermo electric currents. The current so
produced is led into storage batteries and afterwards utilized in the motors
attached to, or combined with, the wheels or the currents are utilized for both
motive and brake power or for lighting heating or other purposes as herein
described with reference to other apparatus for producing and utilizing thermo-
electric currents in quantity.
Twenty fourthly. I construct the cylinders of gas or other engines as thermo
electric generators of a pair of metal or metal alloys as herein described with
other apparatus, in fact all metallic chambers vessels or apparatus to which heat is
applied or applicable can be constructed of a pair of inetals or metal alloy and
provided with terminals so as to generate and utilize the thermo clectric
currents.
Twenty fifthly. I construct a thermo electric generator and encase or cover it
with glass or other material which will admit the sun's rays and thereby obtain a
sufficiently high temperature to generate the thermo-electric currents in the metals
enclosed therein, that is to say, such apparatus is exposed to the heat of the sun and
the thermo electric currents generated in the metals are conducted to the storage
batteries or other apparatus thence through conductors to or directly from the
generating apparatus to distant or different points places or apparatus for the
utilization of the electric energy either for domestic industrial or other purposes.
Twenty sixthly. In order to construct an apparatus for general installation or
application to private use I construct the thermo electric generator of sufficient size
for the special purpose or installation and in one or greater number of pairs and
combine or connect with such generator a system of storage batteries or accumu-
Intore. I preferably so construct my thermo electric generator as to charge the
batteries in quantity and obtain the electro-motive force from the number of the
accumulators in series and combine with such electric generator and governing or
safety appliances herein before referred to; under such construction and arrango-
ment the thermo electric apparatus can be generally applied and will furnish
electricity for the lighting or heating of houses, motive power, or other purposes and
if gas is used for heating, the apparatus will need no attention whatever but will
be automatic in its working. In some cases I employ a governing apparatus which
controls the electro motive force of the currents generated that is to say when I
do not employ the system of storage when the electricity cannot be utilized or is
not needed the number of the pairs in the series is lessened through the medium of
an automatic cut off or circuit maker. In case the electricity from the full force
of the generating machine shall again be called into requisition or in proportion to
the amount or electro-motive force needed so will be the number coupled in the
series. Or the number of the storage batteries in the series can be thus diminished
or increased. Or 1 may employ resistances as is usual with other methods of
distributing and controlling the current.
It will be understood that by the employment of a storage system battery or
accumulator, or a series of same that there will be no loss of the thermo electric
currents generated upon any scale of quantity in other words the generation of
currents can be perpetual. Such electricity can be utilized from the same tank or
storage system in such quantity or of such electro motive force as may be desired
that is to say by conducting the electricity from a prime reservoir to a storage

page_text: system or series of such with batteries coupled in series according to the electro
motive force needed I am enabled to utilize the electricity from the prime storage
system either with low or high electro-motive force for instance I may utilize the
electricity from the prime storage system direct for the heating of metals ores
mineral vegetable or other substances or any combination of the same and I can
at the same time be utilizing the electricity from the prime store through the
system of batteries or apparatus coupled in series for motive power lighting
heating or other purposes for which a higher electro motive force is necessary or
desirable.
I employ an automatic cut-off to disconnect the prime storage system from the
system in series when the system in series shall become fully charged. I also
employ an automatic cut-off in series so as to reduce the number of batteries in
series in proportion to the use of the electricity, that is to say in the application of
such apparatus each scries represents the maximum electro motive force possible
or necessary for the utilization of the electricity through the medium of the
various appliances employed in the system or installation. In case one or a greater
number or all of the apparatus for the utilization of the electricity shall be
inoperative from any cause whatever so will be the proportion of the batteries
coupled in the system.
I sometimes employ a single storage battery or pair which are charged from the
prime accumulator in combination with this single storage pair I arrange a series
of pairs constructed of mica plates asbestos or thin sheets or strips of non conducting
material; the strips are partly coated with thin layers of metal or metal alloy
and are coupled in series through the medium of liquid or other conductors. I
employ a plunger or series of plungers or displacing apparatus.
These plungers or displacers are controlled by means of an electro-magnet and
an armature or a series of same that is to say that when the electricity is being
utilized to the full extent either as low or high tension electricity or with low or
of high electro motive force as the special installation or apparatus may demand
relative to such supply will be regulated automatically through the number of the
plates or pairs in the series through the medium of the automatic cut off.
This arrangement of apparatus for controlling the number coupled in series is
applicable to other forms of batteries or circuit makers or resistances. It will be
understood that it is necessary to employ an independent conductor or a series to
prevent interruption of the current as the different pairs or series are cut off from
the system so long as any electricity shall be being utilized-Where there is a
constant pressure in the main or a constant supply of electricity this apparatus can
be used with advantage as a regulator either in combination with or without
resistances, or this liquid conductor and plunger or displacer can be used with
advantage in combination with a thermostat galvanometer or other apparatus
which will be affected by the quantity or electro motive force of the current
dependent upon the amount being utilized
My Invention also relates to the generation of electricity by machinery and to
the methods and means for storing distributing regulating utilizing and measuring
electricity so generated.
In carrying this part of my Invention into practice I prefer to employ the class
of machines described in my Provisional Specification filed on the sixth day of
January A.D. 1882 No. 85. I preferably construct such machines so as to generate the
electricity in quantity or with low electro-motive force and I provide for constructing
or arranging the machines in series or, as a battery of generators or I construct a
large machine in sections so as to, at will or automatically, increase or diminish
the power of the machine and I can employ the ordinary class of machines for this
purpose and preferably construct the armature or armatures so as to avoid the
great number of wires or sections in the opposing magnetic fields at a given time.
I can accomplish this by the use of a single wire or metallic surface or by dividing
or arranging the inducing parts into a smaller number than is usual or of inde-
pendent sections. I lead the currents so generated into a storage battery or
-

page_text: accumulator or a series of the same and utilize the currents from such storage
system through a medium of a series of such apparatus and obtain thereby the
accumulative electro motive force due to their number. In order to prevent the
current from passing back to the machine when a storage battery will be come
fully charged I provide an automatic cut-off circuit maker or breaker or resistance
which is controlled or governed through the medium of an electro magnet
armature or electric motor other suitable apparatus and electric current; that is
to say when one battery or system shall become fully charged another battery
accumulator or system is added to the number or is automatically brought into the
circuit with the generator. In case the storage system shall become fully charged
the electric current from such system will render active an electro magnet or will
act upon an electro magnet and other apparatus which will cause the adjustment or
movement of the circuit maker or resistance which will prevent or limit the
generation of the currents by the machine.
In arranging these apparatus I preferably employ a prime storage system which
may consist of a large apparatus and I provide a secondary storage system coupled
in series so as to govern the pressure in the main or the electro motive force of the
current as may be desired. It will be understood that by generating the electricity
as herein described in other words obtaining the greatest possible amount of
electricity from the machine and leading the electricity so produced into storage
systems that I am enabled to obtain greater economy for general application. I
also preferably employ in connection with such system storage batteries, accumu-
lators or apparatus as herein before described for regulating and measuring the
electricity used by different consumers, that is to say, I construct and provide a
storage battery or accumulator as an electric meter or governor or I may say a
resistance and thereby provide for utilizing the electricity and regulating the
electro motive force in the mains, branches, sub branches, lamps, apparatus or
machinery.
In order to distribute and utilize electricity I also employ relays of storage batteries
or accumulators in order to provide for the conducting and distributing of electricity
through long lines of main conductors that is to say a series of storage batteries or
accumulators constitute part of the system for distributing and supplying electricity
and maintaining regulating and governing the electro motive force.
I am enabled by these means to use conductors of light section and transmit and
distribute electricity for any distance. Such a system is also applicable for
telegraphy, telephony and electric cables, electric conductors, and for traction and
railway purposes. By applying such apparatus I maintain or secure the electro
motive force through the medium of each storage system which constitutes a part
of the main, In other words I increase the capacity of the conductors through
the medium of storage batteries or systems I secure the electro motive force due to
their number at each successive storage system.
When I employ the storage batteries or equivalent device or a medium for
measuring the electricity consumed, or for governing the system of batteries or
generators or of a system of storage batteries or communicating systems or
apparatus or of the main branches sub branches or any apparatus or machinery
forming part of the system. I preferably employ a liquid medium as a conductor
which is acted upon through the medium of a motor or electro magnet or a thermo
regulator somewhat on the principal of a thermostat; when I employ the thermostat
the liquid conductor can be used as a medium for increasing or decreasing the resist-
Dance or for increasing or decreasing the number of the apparatus in the circuit or in
other words the efficiency, or power of the machine or system dependent upon a set or
varying consumption of electric energy. The same result will be accomplished
by the electric motor or the electro magnet and circuit maker with or without
resistances for increasing or decreasing the electro motive force by cutting out or
5 putting in a number of storage devices in other words the utilization or storage of
electricity regulates the electro motive force needed and the storage system regulates
the electro motive force and regulates or controls the generation of electricity.

page_text: My Invention also relates to improvements in the construction of floating
batteries for generating electricity such as described in my Provisional Specification
filed on the 4th day of February 1882 No. 500.
In coating the vessels or constructing the batteries I provide for the free
admission of the salt water into or through the chamber or support which contains
the metal to be deposited.
I can employ a series of electrodes connected with the sides of the vessel and
can arrange them either on the outside of the vessel or within its compartment
and below the water line.
In order to prevent the oxidation of the sides of the vessel while building
I apply a graphite or metallic paint or coating; the metals can be deposited
upon the same. In order to cleanse the sides of the vessel when on the docks
I sometimes employ a solution of potash or other suitable cleansing medium.
In constructing batteries solely for the generation of electricity I preferably
arrange or construct them with open bottoms or sides and with air chambers or
compartments to keep them afloat, or I suspend and support them by a sufficiently
buoyant vessel or raft with which I preferably combine the storage battery or
system of accumulators.
When I wish to avoid the removal of the storage batteries I lead a suitably
insulated conductor or cable to the land and utilize the currents as may be desired
or distribute utilize govern and measure as herein provided for.
In order to construct a prime and storage battery I employ one battery or
electrode of iron or copper the other of zinc and use acidulated water or salt water
and arrange for immersing the action of these pairs by substituting or feeding the
electrode which shall be deposited upon the other electrode for instance when
I employ iron and zinc the zinc will be carried to the iron and the battery will
become ineffective in time. I reclaim the zinc from the iron electrode, and render
the battery again active by completing the circuit with another pole free of zinc.
By this means the action of the battery is reversed and electricity will be
generated until sufficient zinc is reclaimed for one pole to neutralize the
other; zinc and iron may be automatically fed into such batterics by means of
clockwork or other mechanism and the zinc can be reclaimed by melting it from
the iron. Such battery may be employed for charging a secondary battery accumu-
lator or a series of the same the electricity being utilized therefrom for lighting
heating and other purposes as herein described.
My Invention also relates to improvements in apparatus and means for regulating
and governing the generating power of electric generators. Also in methods and
means to produce alternating currents from a storage system or system of electric
generators or machines and is especially applicable to the system of generation
described in the Provisional Specifications filed on the 6th day of Jan. 1882 4
No. 85 and on the 4th Feb. 1882 No. 560 and to the improvements herein
described in constructing such current reverser or alternating current apparatus
I use a series of mercury or liquid conductors and employ a rotating circuit
maker and interrupter or a reciprocating arm lever or series of same these
adjustable or movable apparatus can be geared with the shaft of the generators
or with an electric motor or operated by a thermostat or an electro magnet
and armature. When I employ the vibrating circuit maker I preferably arrange
sectional blades or arms with cutting edges, these cutting edges alternately pass
into and from the mercurial terminals from the generating machine apparatus or
machine into and from the terminals of the storage system.
It will be understood that the improved apparatus methods or means of distri-
buting governing regulating measuring and utilizing electricity are applicable with
any system of generation.
5

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Joseph Stokes Williams in the Great Seal Patent Office ou the
12th August 1882.
JOSEPH STOKES WILLIAMS, of Riverton, New Jersey, United States of America,
now of 8, Southampton Buildings, London, "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO
THE GENERATION, STORAGE, AND UTILIZATION OF ELECTRICITY, AND APPARATUS
OR MEANS TO BE USED THEREFOR, OR IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, FOR LIGHTING,
HEATING, AND OTHER PURPOSES.
"
The object of my Invention is to construct apparatus and employ means for the
economical generation, storage, and utilization of electricity, and the said Invention
comprises various improvements hereinafter specified.
In order to provide for the direct transformation of heat into electric energy I
employ thermo-electric elements or pairs so arranged that they will be heated at
one end in the usual, or any preferred, manner, while their other end is maintained
at a lower temperature by radiation, caused by the circulation of the air or by other
means I can employ as the heating medium either steam, heated air, gas, or
liquid. I employ any suitable construction or arrangement of thermo-electric
elements or pairs in a thermo-electric generator and conserve the electric energy
produced when heat is applied to the said elements or pairs and regulate the tension
of the current irrespective of the electro-motive force of the generator.
In some cases I employ a governor or cut-off in combination with a thermo-
electric generator in order to regulate or control the temperature of the thermo-
electric elements or pairs, or the consumption of gas or other fuel used in heating
the same.
This governor or cut-off can be combined with, and operated by, a float
or be controlled by the expansion and contraction of a metal rod or other inedium
placed in close proximity to, or in contact with, the elements or pairs of the thermo-
electric generator, or in a heating medium in connection therewith, so that the
supply of gas or other fuel employed for heating the said elements or pairs will be
so regulated as to constantly maintain the elements or pairs, or the liquid surrounding
or in contact with the same, at a uniform or predetermined degree of temperature.
When I employ a float in combination with the devices for regulating the
temperature of the elements or pairs the position of the same is regulated or
controlled by the height or volume of a liquid which may or may not be in contact
with, but which is employed for maintaining the temperature of, the said elements
or pairs. The said float is combined with a lever or crank connected to a cock,
plug, damper, gate or cut-off which controls the supply of gas or other fuel. As the
said float is caused to rise and fall by any increase or decrease in temperature of
the liquid, movement is communicated to the said cock, plug, damper, gate, or cut-
off in proportion to the variation of the temperature. The said governor, cut-off,
or regulating apparatus therefore regulates the temperature of the elements of the
thermo-electric generator and also the consumption of fuel, that is to say, the
temperature is regulated and maintained at a degree which is best suited for:
generating thermo-electric currents, and is determined in accordance with the:
nature of the metals, alloys, or materials employed in the construction of the said,
elements or pairs.
When I employ a liquid for distributing and diffusing the heat, I, in some cases,
provide a thermo regulator or governor which will act in a similar manner to tho
governor or cut-off above described so as to prevent the liquid from attaining the
temperature requisite for the generation of steam, that is to say, the said regulator
or governor is connected, or combined, through the medium of cranks, levers, or
otherwise, with the stop-cock or valve for controlling the admission of the gas or

page_text: other fluid to the burner or chamber where it is consumed. The chamber
containing the liquid can therefore be closed so as to prevent the loss of the liquid
by evaporation. I sometimes employ in my thermo-electric generator a liquid
which would require to have imparted to it, in order to convert it into steam, a
higher degree of heat than is required to vaporize water. For instance, I can use a
solution containing silicate of soda. I sometimes employ a series of thermo
regulators, governors, or cut-offs in combination with a series of compartments in
one thermo-electric generator or a series of thermo-electric generators; that is to
say, I can subdivide a thermo-electric generator into compartiments, each compart-
ment being provided with an inlet for the introduction of heated air or other
licating medium. This inlet is provided with a check-valve, gate, or cut-off which
is combined, through the medium of cranks, levers, or otherwise, with a thermo
regulator or governor as above described so that if it is desired to maintain a
certain degree of temperature within the compartment or compartments of the
thermo-electric generator, when such temperature is attained. the regulator will act
upon the said check-valve, gate, or cut off so as to prevent the entrance of the
hcated air or heating medium, or so as to diminish the quantity introduced or
control the supply of gas or other fuel through the medium of the governor when
the same is connected with the gas cock, plug, or apparatus for regulating the
introduction of the gas or fuel into the chamber where it is consumed. By such
means each compartment will be maintained at a uniform temperature and
unnecessary heat will not be expended in the different compartments of the
thermo electric generator but as the temperature falls in one or more of the
compartments the thermo regulator or governor will be acted upon so as to cause
the opening of the inlet in proportion to the temperature of the compartment; each
compartment of the thermo electric generator containing the elements or pairs
will therefore receive only the proportion of heat necessary to maintain a
uniformity of temperature. I sometimes provide for regulating the temperature
of the elements or pairs of the thermo-electric generator, or of the compartment or
space containing the same, by operating or controlling the cut-off or valves by
means of an electric current, that is to say, I sometimes employ thermo electric
currents which will render active electro-magnets so as to attract an armature or
armatures connected to the cut-offs or valves. I also sometimes employ other
apparatus which will be affected by a change of temperature in the metals, liquids,
compartments or spaces constituting, or forming part of, the thermo-electric
generators.
I sometimes employ, in connection with the pipes or conduits for supplying the
liquid or heated air or gas to the various compartments of a thermo-electric
generator or to a series of such thermo-electric generators, valves or cut-offs which
are so arranged in combination with the thermo regulating or governing devices
herein described that the temperature in the said compartments or series of
generators will be uniformly maintained by reason of the regulation of the supply
of the heated air or gas. I so arrange the said valves or cut-offs that any desired
number of the compartments of one thermo-electric generator or any desired
number of a series of independent thermo-electric generators may at any given
time be supplied with heated liquid or gases from the main feed pipe or conduit.
By these means the quantity of electricity generated may be controlled or regulated
as desired. I sometimes employ water for heating the elements or pairs of the
thermo-electric generator or generators, or other liquids, such as petroleum or
other oils.
In order to provide for the efficient and economical working of one or more
thermo-electric generators, I arrange, in conjunction therewith one or more accu-
mulators, storage batteries, electric reservoirs or magazines and employ one or more
governors or cut-offs for controlling and regulating the supply or consumption of
the gas or other fuel, or of the liquid or other heat-diffusing medium. The said
governors or cut-offs are arranged in a somewhat similar manner to those herein-
before described and are combined with solenoids, electro-magnets, or other

page_text: suitable clectrical apparatus which are automatically included or placed in the
circuit from the said accumulator, storage battery, or electric reservoir or a series of
them when the charging of the same is completed, that is to say in case the
electricity is not being stored in, or utilized from, the accumulator, storage battery,
or electric reservoir or a series of them or some part connected or combined
therewith, the electric current from the same will cause the adjustment of the
aforesaid governor or governors through the medium of a solenoid electro-magnet
or other translating device or devices so as to limit or stop the supply of gas or
other henting medium or check the consumption of the fuel. Or the said governing
or regulating device or devices are so arranged as to provide for the whole of the
accumulators, storage batteries, or electric reservoirs employed in the system being
charged prior to decreasing or stopping the generation of electricity or the con-
sumption of fuel. In other words I utilize one or more of the accumulators, storage
batteries, or electric reservoirs as a governing apparatus to provide for the con-
servation of electric energy and to decrease or stop the consumption of fuel used in
the generation of the same.
When I employ thermo-electric generators at a central generating station or
stations, I employ accumulators, storage batteries, electric reservoirs, or other
apparatus so as to regulate or maintain the desired electro-motive force of the
current in the conductors. I am thereby enabled to provide for increasing or
governing the tension of the current proceeding from the thermo-electric generator
or generators, and the electricity can be transmitted through long lines of con-
ductors of comparatively light section. When the tension of the current from the
thermo electric generator or generators is less than that desired or requisite for
distributing the electricity the elements or pairs of the generator or generators
are connected with such a number of pairs of electrodes coupled in series in the
accumulator, storage battery, electric reservoir, or a series of the same, or with such
a number of the electrodes of the same connected with the generator in multiple
circuit, as to provide for the current from the said generator or generators
overcoming the internal resistance of the part of the accumulator, storage battery, or
electric reservoir being charged. The different parts of the latter can be suc-
cessively charged by the employment of a commutator which may be operated by
clockwork or electricital or other suitable mechanism. In order to provide for
discharging with high tension, such a number of the said electrodes are connected
in series as to give the desired result either through the medium of a commutator
operated by time mechanism or otherwise.
I employ apparatus such as is herein described for generating, conserving, and
distributing electricity for the production of motive power upon railways; that is
to say, I employ thermo-electric or other electric generating devices and conduct
the electricity so generated into one or inore accumulators, storage batteries, electric
reservoirs or magazines either constantly or during the time that a vehicle or train
is not passing over the section of line which is supplied with electric energy from
the said thermo-electric or other generating devices, and when the consumption of
electricity upon the line is not equal to the generation the regulating and governing
5 devices herein described will prevent loss or unnecessary consumption of fuel. The
electricity is conducted from the accumulator, storage battery, or electric reservoir,
or both from the same and the generator or generators, through suitably insulated
conductors arranged in the usual or any preferred manner, along the lines of railways
so that the electric current can be conducted to the electric motor or motors placed
upon, or combined with, the axles or wheels of the carriages, vehicles, or train. It
will be understood that the accumulator, storage battery, or magazine will act as a
governor or current-regulator between the generating source and the translating
devices on the passing vehicle or vehicles and the electric energy will always be iu
reserve for charging the conductors along the line, which at times are placed in
circuit with the electric motor or motors on the wagon, vehicle, or train. In order
to provide for controlling the movements of a wagon, vehicle, or train froin some
fixed or determined point or station I employ a circuit-making device or devices

page_text: which can be adjusted so as to complete or interrupt the supply of electricity to the
motor or motors on the wagon, vehicle, or train that at the time may be passing
over any given section of the line supplied from a generating source and store of
electricity. Such circuit-making device or devices may be combined by means of
suitable mechanism with other circuit-making devices or movable mechanism
employed to effect the adjustment of movable parts in, upon, or along the line of
railway. By reason of such an arrangement of circuit-makers and mechanism it
will be impossible to cause the transmission of the electric current to the motor
or motors upon a vehicle or train which may be upon the line or section of railway
that is controlled through the medium of the aforesaid circuit making devices for
controlling the supply of electricity to the motor or motors upon the vehicle or
train. The latter cannot therefore be supplied with electric energy until such
circuit making device occupies its proper position relatively to the aforesaid
circuit-making devices or movable mechanism, or the parts connected therewith, or
operated thereby, or until all the electric motors or armatures controlled through the
medium of such circuit-maker or the circuit makers or parts connected or com-
bined therewith, or operated thereby, occupy a position conforming to the safe
passage of the wagon, vehicle, or train over the line or section to be traversed.
I also employ thermo-electric apparatus for generating electricity for the pro-
pulsion or traction of railway vehicles, tram cars, or the like, the latter being provided
with a motor or motors for this purpose. I preferably conduct the current from the
thermo-electric generator or generators to an accumulator, storage battery, or electric
reservoir, or to a series of the same as herein described, from which the current is
conducted to the motor or motors placed upon the axles or upon one or more of the
wheels of the wagon, vehicle, or train to be moved. For instance, in some cases I
place one or more thermo-electric generators upon a railway, vehicle, tramcar, or
wagon and conduct the thermo-electric currents produced by the said thermo-
electric generator or generators, to the elements of the said accumulator, storage
battery, or electric reservoir, or to a series of the same placed upon the vehicle, and
from these elements, when coupled in series, the current is conducted to the electric
motor or motors connected or combined with a wheel or wheels of the vehicle or
train. When heat is applied to the said thermo-electric generator or generators
thermo-electric currents are generated which can be stored in the aforesaid accumu-
lators, storage batteries, or electric reservoirs and utilized as required. The current
so produced can be utilized for the beating of the carriages, wagons, or trains by
passing it from the aforesaid accumulator, storage battery, or electric reservoir, or a
series of the same, through resistances which will become heated. The current may
be passed through suitable conductors arranged within, or in conjunction with,
radiating mediumns for heating or other purposes or through suitable lighting
apparatus, circuit-makers, and resistances, governing apparatus or devices being
provided, as herein described, or as is usual in the utilization of electricity for
lighting, heating, motive power, or for retarding motion.
It will be understood that large bodies of metal in the form of boilers, furnaces,
retorts, chimneys, fire places, hearths, condensers, or other metal vessels or apparatus,
or parts thereof, can be constructed of two different metals or an alloy, provided
with terminals, extensions, or parts which provide for the thermo-electric currents
being generated and conducted from the heated junction or parts of the thermo-
electric elements.
By employing large thermo-electric elements or pairs I am enabled to reduce the
number of contact points to a minimum and avoid the difficulties hitherto
experienced in the use of therino-electric generators, and am enabled to construct a
large or extensive thermo-electric generator or generators which will produce
electric currents in quantity or of low electro-motive force, the tension of the
current being regulated or determined outside, or independent of, the said thermo-
electric generator or generators through the medium of accumulators, storage
batteries, or electric reservoirs or magazines as herein provided for. Furthermore
such means for producing and utilizing electricity will obviate entirely, or to a great.

page_text: extent, the difficulties attending the generation of electricity by means of dynamo
or magneto electric machines, or the like.
It will be understood that high or long smoke stacks, flues, or chimneys can be so
built that the thermo-electric pairs or elements will be subjected to the heat
passing through the said stacks, flues, or chimneys, but I prefer to utilize the waste
heat for heating liquids which will be caused to circulate in contact with, or in
such proximity to, the elements or pairs of the thermo-electric generator as to cause
the generation of electricity in the said elements or pairs.
These thermo-electric elements can have such dimensions or bo of such a gene-
rative capacity as to provide for the utilization of the waste heat according to their
special application, and a high electro-motive force can be obtained by employing a
large number of thermo-electric pairs or elements coupled in series, but even this is
not advantageous unless the heat is constant and uniform.
I prefer to construct my thermo-electric genorator with a smaller number of
elements or pairs than is ordinarily employed in a thermo-electric generator, or
with a less number of pairs or elements than would be necessary to transmit the
electricity directly from the generator or generators to the translating device or
devices, and I conduct the electric energy so produced into an accumulator, storage
battery, or electric magazine or reservoir or a series of the same-I am
thereby enabled to obtain and regulate the tension of the current according
to the number of elements in the electric reservoir coupled in series.
such an arrangement I can construct or employ large thermo-electric elements
or pairs, to simplify the construction of the thermo-electric generator and
lessen or reduce to a minimum, the number of pieces or contact points, and in
proportion obviate the difficulties hitherto attending the construction and use
of thermo-electric generators.
By
By employing the accumulators, storage batteries, or electric reservoirs or
magazines, the number of thermo electric elements or pairs can be reduced,
the electric energy will be conserved, and the electro-motive force in the mains or
system of conductors can be kept constant and uniform. Moreover, electricity of
high tension can be transmitted from the said accumulators or the like for long
or short distances, through conductors of comparatively light section, and by
providing auxiliary or subsidiary accumulators, storage batteries, or electric
reservoirs or magazines placed at different points or stations, electric energy can be
held in reserve at stations, points, or places distant from the generating apparatus
and the main or primary electric magazine or reservoir or a series of the same.
The said auxiliary or subsidiary accumulators, storage batteries, or electric reservoirs
or magazines may be arranged to supply the main conductor or conductors, branches,
and sub-branches therefrom, and other auxiliary or subsidiary accumulators or the
like can be arranged so as to supply and maintain a constant or uniform electro-
motive force in branch or sub-branch conductors supplied either from the primary
electric reservoir or magazine, or from the first named subsidiary or auxiliary
reservoirs or magazines that is to say, the said subsidiary accumulators or reservoirs
are distributed at one or more points, stations, or places throughout the system, and
are connected by a suitably-insulated conductor or conductors with the said primary
electric magazine or reservoir, or a series of the same.
In utilizing the heat in, or from, furnaces, boilers, heaters, vats, retorts, chimneys,
flues, or in, or from, pipes for circulating or conducting heated air, steam, gas, or
flame for the production of thermo-electric currents I sometimes employ a lining
or encasement of fire-brick, fire-clay, asbestos, or other comparatively indestructible
material or substance, so as to prevent the undue heating or destruction of the
metals forming the thermo-electric elements or pairs, and I sometimes employ &
liquid diffuser even when the said lining is used for the protection of the thermo-
electric generator. Where the heat is not too intense, or where I can advan-
tageously employ a liquid diffuser I prefer to provide a conting or encasement to
prevent the loss of heat. I also provide for the insulation of the terminals
13

page_text: or conductors of such thermo-electric apparatus by employing insulating coverings
or supports.
My Invention further relates to the generation of electricity by dynamo or
magneto electric machines, and to the methods and means for storing, distributing,
regulating, and utilizing the electricity so generated. In carrying this part of my
Invention into practice I prefer to use a machine wherein I employ two armatures
(or an armature constructed in two parts) each of which is so constructed and
arranged as to be rotated in the inductive field of a single pole only of a magnet
or magnets and so as to generate electricity in quantity or with low electro-motive
force. A series of the said machines may be employed at any desired point or
station to produce the amount of electricity desired, or a single machine of such
dimensions as to give the desired result may be used.
I sometimes employ, in a machine for generating electricity in quantity, or with
low electro-motive force, an armature constructed in the usual manner.
I employ, in connection with the said machines for generating electricity in
quantity or with low electro-motive force, accumulators, storage batteries, electric
reservoirs or magazines, and obtain by means of the same the accumulative electro-
motive force due to the number of them coupled in series and convey the current
from the said accumulators or electric reservoirs through a suitably insulated
conductor or conductors to distant points, places, or stations as herein described
with reference to the distribution or transmission of electric energy from a thermo-
electric generator or generators.
It will be understood that by generating electricity in quantity and conducting
the electricity so produced into accumulators, storage batteries, electric reservoirs
or magazines, I am enabled to simplify the construction of the generating apparatus
and to effect economy in working, and also to convert, control, and regulate the
tension of the current transmitted through the main branch and sub-branch con-
ductors to the electric translating devices, such as lamps, heaters, inotors, or other
devices. I preferably employ subsidiary or auxiliary electric reservoirs placed at
different points along the inain branch and sub-branch conductors, that is to say, at
distant points, places, or stations for conserving the electric energy at, or near, the
place at which it is to be utilized. I therefore increase the capacity of the con-
ductors through the medium of the said subsidiary reservoirs and am enabled to
regulate the electro-motive force or tension of the currents as may be desired
throughout all parts of the system, as, in accordance with the number of the
elements of the said reservoirs coupled in series, so will be the electro-motive force
or tension of the current transmitted therefrom through the conductors which the
said reservoirs supply.
I will now proceed to describe the manner in which I store, distribute, and
utilize electric energy produced in quantity by one or more thermo-electric
generators or by one or more dynamo-electric machines. For this purpose I
establish a generating station or such a number of generating stations as is best
suited to the installation or purposes for which the electric energy is to be utilized,
and lead from the thermo-electric generator or dynamo-electric machine, or a series
of the same, one or more conductors which connect the said generators or machines
with the elements of a system of accumulators, storage batteries, electric reservoirs
or magazines. In the circuit between the latter and the generator or dynamo-
electric machine or a series of the same I arrange adjustable circuit-making devices
operated by time-mechanism, or by an electric current, or otherwise. The said
circuit-making devices may act as a commutator for consecutively directing the
current into some part of the aforesaid accumulators or electric reservoirs or of the
storage system; through the medium of such devices I am enabled to bring such
a number of the elements or electrodes of the electric accumulator, storage battery,
or electric reservoir consecutively into the circuit with the generator or generators
as to provide for the internal resistance of the said accumulator, storage battery, or
electric reservoir being overcome by the charging current from the said generator
or generators. I also provide a circuit-making device which is so constructed that

page_text: when it is adjusted into a certain position the elements of the accumulator, storage
battery, or electric reservoir will be included in the discharging circuit.
By this
means a current of low tension proceeding from the generator is converted into a
current of such increased tension as may be required. It will be understood from
the foregoing description that the electric reservoir or resorvoirs are combined with
the generator or generators in such a manner as to provide for charging one part
of the reservoir or reservoirs while some other part thereof is supplying electric
energy through the discharging circuit. I am enabled to maintain by such means
a uniform tension of current and a constant electro-motive force in the conductors,
for distributing the electric energy. In order to charge the parts of the accumu-
lator or reservoir consecutively I sometimes arrange the extensions or conductors
leading from the elements of the different parts or series of the reservoir so that
each part shall be in a charging or working circuit common to both parts or series.
By means of a switching device or apparatus I provide for alternately connecting
one part or series of elements of the reservoir successively with the generator or
generators, and at the same time for connecting the other part or series of elements
with the discharging circuit. This switching device or apparatus may consist of a
reciprocating arm or lever or a series of the same, or I can employ a shaft which is
operated by an electric motor or otherwise and has mounted upon it at both ends,
metallic projections or blades, all of which are insulated from each other. These
blades are so arranged as to be placed in electrical connection with the generator
or generators through the medium of the shaft upon which they are mounted so
that when one set or series at one end of the shaft is in circuit with the said
generator part or all of the set at the other end of the said shaft are out of circuit
with the terminals of the elements of the accumulator or reservoir with which
they are designed to be brought into connection. I employ weighted contact-
makers which are adapted to be so adjusted as to discharge the electrical energy
conserved in the reservoir into the discharging circuit as the blades or projections
mounted upon the shaft cause the completion of the circuit through the medium of
these contact makers. Or, instead of employing the said contact-makers I can
provide for the displacement of mercury or other conducting liquid arranged in
cells or recesses, through the medium of the said blades or projections, which act as
displacers so as to cause the mercury or other conducting liquid to come in contact
with, and complete, the circuit between the generator and the reservoir or between
the latter and the discharging circuit. The said circuit-making devices are so
arranged that there will always be some part of the electric reservoir or reservoirs
in the discharging circuit. I am thereby enabled to maintain a constant and
uniform tension of current and pressure in the discharging circuit. It will be
understood that electric reservoirs arranged at distant points or stations can be
operated in a similar manner, the circuit making devices being connected with
electric motors or other translating devices which will communicate motion to the
said circuit-inaking devices. These translating devices are preferably placed upon
a branch or shunt circuit, and the electric energy may be transmitted to them
either direct from the generator, or from electric reservoirs coupled in series as
herein provided for, that is to say, the electric reservoirs at the generating station
may transmit the electric energy to a distant station or place where the subsidiary
or auxiliary reservoir or reservoirs are situated. The prime charging reservoir will
regulate the tension of the circuit for charging the said auxiliary reservoir or
reservoirs, and the latter will, in turn, regulate the tension of the current discharged
therefrom. By this means I am enabled to provide for the transmission over long
lines of conductors, of comparatively light section and to regulate the tension or
electro-motive force of the current discharged from the anxiliary or subsidiary
reservoir or reservoirs placed at different points or stations irrespective of the
tension of the current produced by the generator or generators, or irrespective of
the tension of the current transmitted from the primary or charging reservoir.
I employ an automatic cut-off between the generator or generators and the
accumulator, storage battery, or electric reservoir so as to prevent the return

page_text: discharge of electricity from the reservoir. For this purpose I employ switching
devices operated by an electric governor, or by a governor geared with the electric
generating machine. When the current is generated by a thermo-electric generator,
I employ an electric motor, solenoid, or other electric appliance by which movement
can be communicated to the circuit-maker or resistance. I employ a shunt or
auxiliary circuit, and when the generator is not producing sufficient electric energy
to overcome the internal resistance of the part of the electric reservoir to be
charged, the said shunt-circuit will be completed and the electric reservoir cut out
of the circuit, but when the current produced or the speed of the machine increases,
the electric reservoir is brought into circuit with the generator by the adjustinent
of the aforesaid circuit making device. I sometimes employ for such purpose an
armature-switch so constructed and arranged as to operate somewhat in a similar
manner to the switching apparatus above described, either by completing the circuit
through the shunt or through the accumulators, storage batteries, or electric
reservoirs. I can operate such switch by a pair of electro-magnets, one electro
magnet being placed in the machine or charging circuit, and the other electro
magnet in the shunt circuit, and according to the current in the charging circuit so
will be the position of the circuit-making device. I can employ a spring or weight
in lieu of one of the electro-magnets. The said switching or cut-off devices can be
combined with the thermo-regulating and fuel-supply governing devices herein
described, or I can employ, for operating the said devices, an independent accumulator,
storage battery, or electric reservoir which is placed upon a shunt circuit, and will
represent the actual condition of the main accumulator or reservoir, or a series of
the same.
From the discharging portion or series of the accumulator, elcctric reservoir, or
magazine, an electric conductor or conductors, insulated as is usual, convey the
electric energy to the different apparatus such as electric lamps, motors, or other
translating devices, and when the electric energy is to be translated or used at
distant points or stations I arrange and operate accumulators, storage batteries, or
electric reservoirs as herein provided for at such distant stations or places, and
transmit the electric energy from the same by mains, branches, and sub-branches, in
the ordinary manner.
Having now described the method of generating electricity in quantity, storing
and converting the electricity so generated, and the conversion of the same at the
generating station through the medium of the electric reservoirs, and the trans-
mission of electric energy to distant points, places, or stations where subsidiary or
auxiliary reservoirs are situated, from which electric energy is distributed to the
translating devices-I will proceed to further elucidate the distributing part of the
apparatus or system. As before stated, the electric accumulators, storage batteries,
reservoirs or magazine will provide for holding in reserve the electric energy at
such stations or places and thereby perform important functions, namely the
maintenance of a uniform supply and tension of the current and the lessening of
the prime cost of the apparatus installed for generating and distributing the electric
energy, as it will be well understood that in proportion to the energy held in
reserve at a fixed point or station, or in proportion to the time allowed for the
transmission of such energy to the electric reservoir or reservoirs situated at a
distant point or station, so will the size or carrying capacity of the conductor or
conductors for conveying the electric energy to charge, vivify, or revivify the
accumulator, storage battery, electric reservoir, or magazine, or a series of the same
situated at such distant point or place, be diminished. For instance, assuming that
a represents a generating station and b c d and e represent other distant stations or
places from which electric energy is to be distributed and utilized. I either employ
at station a one or more generating apparatus or inachines which will give a current
of such tension as will be suitable for transmission direct to the reservoir or
reservoirs at the stations b c d and e or I regulate the tension of the current at the
station a as herein provided for, and transmit the energy through the conductors
to the different auxiliary or subsidiary reservoirs at the stations b c d and e or

page_text: from one auxilliary or subsidiary reservoir to another, as in most cases the electric
energy will be most freely used, especially for lighting purposes, during a short time
as compared with the time available for production.
If follows, therefore, that if we assume that the electricity can be produced for
say twelve hours per day, and the consumption of electric energy takes place during
three hours only of such twelve hours, the conductors for the transmission of the
electric energy will require to be made only one fourth the size that they would
have to be made in case the electric energy were supplied direct from the generating
station, instead of from the electric reservoirs placed at, or near, the places where
the electricity is to be utilized.
It will be readily understood that such a method of constructing an apparatus
or system for distributing electric energy will materially reduce the prime cost of
the apparatus or installation, and it will prove especially valuable for the distribu-
tion and conservation of electric energy for the purposes of locomotion, for instance
electric energy can be transmitted from the generating station to the auxiliary or
subsidiary electric reservoirs or relays of the same, and the elements of the said
reservoir or series of reservoirs are, or can be, placed in circuit with the conductors
extending along the line of railway. It is usual to provide electrical conductors for
each electrical section along a line of railway. According to this Invention one or
more of these sections are supplied with electric energy from one or more electric
reservoirs and as the vehicles or trains pass over the said sections, either at long
or short intervals, according to the amount of the traffic over such line the electric
energy will be discharged from such reservoirs in proportion to the energy required
for the propulsion of such vehicles or trains over the said section or sections
supplied by these reservoirs. It will be understood that, instead of providing
conductors as is usual, small conductors can be employed for constantly conveying
the electric energy to the different points, places, or stations where the reservoirs
or magazines are placed. By such means there will be a minimum loss of electric
energy, and there will be a sufficient supply of electric energy in reserve irrespective
of the amount for propelling the vehicles or trains over the line being produced at
the generating station at a given time, and irrespective of the amount of energy
being transmitted through the charging conductor while the train is passing. Such
method of supplying energy for the working of railways, tramways, or the like
will provide against the stoppage of the traffic, even if the generation of electric
energy should be stopped by accident or otherwise for any length of time. In
order to better provide for the safe working of the traffic operated by electricity over
lines of railway, I employ circuit-making devices as herein-before described, which
provide for placing the elements of the electric reservoir in circuit with the
conductors which extend along the line of railway and complete the circuit with
the electric motor or motors connected, or combined, with the axles or wheels of
the vehicles or trains. It is unnecessary to give details as to the arrangement of
the conductors placed along the line, or the arrangement of the electric motors upon
the vehicles or train or the circuit-making devices for putting the motors in
circuit with said conductors, as these various parts can be constructed and arranged
in a variety of ways as will be readily understood. The herein described method
of generating electricity in quantity by thermo electric generators or by dynamo
or inagneto electric machines and conserving the electric energy and regulating the
tension of the current so generated and the apparatus used in connection therewith
or therefor are well adapted for the production of electric energy to be utilized
for heating metals when passing through rolls or other shaping devices, as described
in the Specification of my former letters patent dated December 31st A.D. 1881
No. 5742.
Apparatus for generating and storing electricity in quantity is also well adapted
for the production and conservation of electric energy for the heating or melting of
metallic ores or other substances when placed in suitable retorts or furnaces. The
apparatus, methods, and means herein provided for generating electric energy by
thermo electric, dynamo electric, or magneto-electric generators and of conserving

page_text: the electric energy so generated, regulating the tension of the currents
irrespective of the tension of the current produced by the generator or
generators and the devices and means for regulating or proportioning the
consumption of fuel to the consumption or utilization of electric energy are well
adapted to be used with an apparatus or system for distributing or utilizing electric
energy for the heating of rooms, compartments, spaces, vessels, or chambers as
described in the Specification of former letters patent dated November 30th A.D.
1881 No. 5233. By referring to this Specification it will be found that tho
temperature of the compartment, space, vessel, liquid, or chamber regulates and
controls the consumption of electric energy, and by the improvements herein
described the energy will either be conserved or the consumption of fuel will be
regulated or stopped according to the temperature of the compartment, space, vessel,
liquid, or chamber heated by the consumption of electric energy.
Having thus fully described my said Invention and the manner of performing
the same I wish it understood that I claim :-
First: The combination with one or more thermo-electric generators, of one or
more thermo regulating or governing devices arranged in such a manner as to regulate
or control the temperature of the thermo-electric elements or pairs, by regulating
the consumption of gas or other fuel used in heating the same, substantially as set
forth and for the purposes specified.
Second: The combination with one or more thermo-electric generators, of one
or more thermo regulating or governing devices arranged in such a manner as to
regulate or control the circulation of a liquid or of steam or air for heating the
elements or pairs of the said thermo-electric generator or generators substantially
as set forth and for the purposes specified.
Third: Regulating the temperature of the thermo electric elements or pairs, or
the liquid space or spaces, or any combination of them, in a thermo-electric
generator, through the medium of one or more cut-offs, gates, or dampers, whose
position is controlled by electro-magnets and armaturos or other suitable electrical
appliances and an electric current, substantially as, and for the purposes, specified.
Fourth In an apparatus or system for generating and distributing electricity,
the application and use of one or more accumulators, storage batteries, electric
reservoirs or magazines, connected to, or combined with one or more thermo-electric
generators in such a manner as to provide for the conservation of the electric energy
produced by the said generator or generators or to decrease or stop the con-
sumption of fuel, to regulate the application of heat to the elements or pairs of the
said generator or generators, or to otherwise decrease or stop the generation of
electric currents, substantially as set forth and for the purposes specified.
Fifth-An apparatus or system for distributing electricity, for propelling vehicles
on railways, tramways, and the like, wherein I employ one or more accumulators,
storage batteries, electric reservoirs, or magazines connected to, or combined with,
conductors extending along the line in such manner that an electric motor or motors
mounted upon such vehicles may be placed in or out of the circuit, from, or including,
the said accumulator, storage battery, electric reservoir or magazine, or a series of
the same for the purposes specified.
Sixth-An apparatus or system for distributing the electricity for propelling
vehicles on railways, tramways, or the like, wherein I employ one or more accu-
mulators, storage batteries, electric reservoirs or magazines, for conserving, either
partially or entirely, the electric energy produced by a generator or generators
during the time that vehicles or trains are not being propelled over an electrical
section supplied from the said generator or generators, and the conserving device or
devices, or either of them, or during the time that the consumption of electric energy
is not equal to the generation or conservation of the energy produced for, or capable
of being transmitted to, such section for the purposes specified.
Seventh An apparatus or system wherein I employ one or more thermo electric
dynamo-electric or magneto-electric generators so constructed as to generate
clectricity in quantity or with low electro-motive force, and one or more accu-

page_text: mulators, storage batteries or electric reservoirs or magazines, constructed and
arranged in such a manner as to convert the current of low tension from the said
generator or generators into a current of high tension and transmit the current
thus increased in tension through the mains, branches, and sub-branches, either
directly to the translating devices, or to one or more auxiliary or subsidiary accu-
mulators, storage batteries, or electric reservoirs, or magazines situated at some
distant station or stations, place or places, substantially as, and for the purposes,
specified.
Eighth The employment of one or more circuit making and breaking devices
placed at some central point or station so as to prevent or interrupt the supply of
electric energy from one or more accumulators, storage batteries, or electric reservoirs
or magazines to the conductors placed along the railway or the like or so as to
permit or prevent the placing of the electric motor or motors upon the vehicle or
vehicles in circuit with one or more of the accumulators storage batteries or
electric reservoirs or magazine substantially as and for the purposes specified.
Ninth In an apparatus or system for the distribution of electric energy for
the propulsion of vehicles over railways or the like, the employment of one or more
circuit making and breaking devices such as referred to in the preceding claim, in
combination with one or more other circuit making and breaking devices or movable
mechanism at the same station or place, substantially as, and for the purposes,
specified.
Tenth :-
-The apparatus or system for generating and conserving electric energy,
consisting of a number of thermo-electric elements or pairs arranged and combined
in such a manner as to generate electricity of low electro-motive force when heat
is applied to the said elements or pairs, the terminals of the latter being combined
with the elements of one or more accumulators, storage batteries, or electric
reservoirs or magazines through the medium of one or more conductors which are
provided with switching mechanism in such a manner that the current of low
tension produced by the generator will be transformed into a current of higher
tension through the meum of the conserving or storing portion or portions of the
apparatus, substantially is, and for the purposes, specified.
Eleventh An appara us or systein for generating, storing, distributing, and
utilising electric energy, in which the electric energy is conveyed from one or more
generating sources and one or more primary electric reservoirs to one or more
distant points or stations where one or more olectric reservoirs are placed, or from
one set of electric reservoirs to another set or sets of electric reservoirs situated at a
distance from each other, through conductors of lighter section than would be
required providing such electric reservoirs were not employed in the system,
substantially as, and for the purposes, specified.
Twelfth The method of transmitting electric energy to one or more distant
points, places, or stations where one or more electric reservoirs are placed so as to
conserve the electric energy at such points, places, or stations as set forth in
the preceding claim, and regulate the supply and tension of the current passing
from the said reservoirs to the translating devices, substantially as, and for the
purposes, specified
In witness whereof I the said Joseph Stokes Williams have hereunto set my
hand and seal this Twelfth day of August in the year of our Lord One