Improvements in or connected with Oil-heated Auto-vehicle and other Steam Generators,
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 5th Aug., 1898
Complete Specification Left, 5th May, 1899-Accepted, 5th Aug., 1899
Improvements in or connected with Oil-heated Auto-vehicle and
other Steam Generators,
We, CHARLES MUSKER, ARTHUR MUSKER, and WILLIAM GEORGE HAY, all of
Dundas Street, Bootle, in the County of Lancaster, Engineers, do hereby declare
the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
But
This invention has reference to the generation of steam by oil fuel or liquid
fuel, on auto-vehicles, in which the motor fluid for driving them is steam.
parts of the apparatus or novel characteristics of the invention, are also appli-
cable for use for the generation of steam for other purposes. For convenience
of description, however, the invention will be described as applied mainly in con-
nection with an auto-vehicle steam generator.
The class of oil heated steam generator to which this invention relates is that
in which the oil is vapourized or gasified, and the vapour or gas burned as it is
produced; the vapourization or gasification being effected at or in the burner
or furnace connected to, or on the portion of the steam generator in which the
water is contained and heated.
According to this invention, the oil, water, and air for the burner and gene-
rator, are all supplied in quantities accordingly as required, that is to say,
according to the quantity of heat or steam required; and they are supplied in
relative proportional quantities, or mainly so; the variation of quantity supplied
being effected and governed, say by the pressure of steam or equivalent means,
and the proportion of supply being effected or controlled, preferably, through a
small engine or motor, driven by steam from the generator. The whole, or
substantially the whole, of the air for burning the oil vapour is supplied arti-
ficially, preferably, by the air pump or motor. Thus, when say, the vehicle is
at a standstill, only so much oil and air will be supplied as will keep the neces-
sary amount and pressure of the steam and water in the generator normally
required; that is to say, without generating too much, or allowing a diminution
below the normal quantity and pressure.
In operation, therefore, if, when running, steam is, cut off from the main
engine of the vehicle, and the pressure of the generator exceeds the normal
pressure, or a certain abnormal pressure, this pressure acts through a valve or
governor device, so as to govern the speed of the secondary supply or controlling
engine, or a valve on the supply devices, or some of them; or the speed is
governed by the governor device and this latter valve. Or, when the steam to
the main engine is shut off, the supply to the small engine is largely cut off or
reduced, and its speed reduced to such that the fuel supplied will just about
keep the pressure in the generator ready for starting. Or, again, both of these
nodes of governing may be employed, or their equivalents used.
With regard to the vapourization or gasification and combustion of the oil,
and the vapourizer and burner, preferably, all the air required to support com-
bustion of the fuel is positively supplied by a blower or pump, so that the

page_text: proportion of air to oil shall be positive, and the proportion kept constant by
varying the amount of oil and air supplied, together.
This air is heated to a very considerable temperature, and is then in a heated
condition delivered to the oil vapourizer or gasifying chamber or chambers, and
it passes through them with the oil gases or vapours. The heat of the air assists
the effective and satisfactory vapourization of the oil, and mixing with it, the
two pass together to the burner apertures proper.
The burner portion proper, consists of a plurality of small holes or nostrils,
preferably bored through a block of metal of some considerable thickness; and
they are, preferably, so proportioned in relation to the volume of gaseous fluid,
that the pressure behind or within the burner apertures or nostrils is small, and
the velocity of issuance comparatively low. This obviates noise. Then, this
supply being continuous, the constant proper action, without back firing or
explosions, is obviated.
In front of the nozzle flames there is an obstruction or baffle, say a heavy
metal grid, which assists in breaking up the flame, and prevents too great a
velocity of flame jet, so that it acts in the desired manner, and with an efficient
result, on all the heating surface of the generator; which may, in some cases,
commence just beyond this baffle or obstruction in the burner. Inside the
burner, say at the entrance of the flame holes or nostrils, and also within the
chamber behind or within them, there is or are provided one or more diaphragms
of wire gauze or the like, to assist in preventing back firing which might tend
to happen under special conditions of disturbance.
The oil vapourizer is so constructed that the oil is free to flow or fall over a
heating surface from the point at which it is introduced, until the whole of it
is vapourized, and so that it is not stopped or collected from the time of entrance.
In one form of vapourizer, the oil is introduced at the upper part of an annular
chamber around the burner chamber proper, having partial partitions, or plates
in it, to direct the oil and gas to and fro longitudinally as well as downwards.
The supply of oil being at the upper part, it will separate it at the top and flow
right and left towards the bottom; whence it passes to the inner burner chamber
proper. The heat of the burner is transmitted to the metal walls of these cham-
bers to a sufficient degree to vapourize all the oil.
The air may be heated by passing it through a similar chamber to the
vapourizing chamber; say round the front portion of the burner; and then con-
veyed at the upper part into the oil vapourizer at the point of introduction of
oil. This hot air will thus pass all along with the oil and oil vapour through
into the burner chamber, through the gauze diaphragms, and the long burner
holes or nostrils.
The water container and heating surface, which say consists of a spiral coil
or coils or similar or other equivalent arrangement, may be disposed directly
on the end of the burner, and the gases of combustion made to pass within an
inner coil, or on both sides of this coil and an outer one, and then on the outside
of an outer coil. But as regards the arrangement or type of heating surface, of
course it is not restricted to that just specified, as the characteristics of the burner
just described may be used in connection with different types or arrangements
of water containing vessels, and heating surface.
Water, as stated, is fed to the coils, in regulated quantities, by a pump con-
tinuously, and governed in the manner referred to.
The whole apparatus, namely, vapourizer, burner, and steam generator por
tion, according to one arrangement, is arranged horizontally, and is say of
cylindrical form, the water containing parts being on the end of the burner,
and the heating surface or generating portion being contained or enclosed in a
light suitable casing; and the whole device may be arranged under floor or base
of the vehicle.
As regards the modes of supplying the fluids, and preserving the proportions,
the invention is not restricted in this respect, to the modes or devices more

page_text: particularly mentioned above; and, as already stated, parts of the apparatus
may be modified as to form and arrangement.
Dated this 4th day of August 1898.
CHEESBROUGH & ROYSTON,
Applicants' Patent Agents, 15, Water Street, Liverpool,
Improvements in or connected; with Oil-heated Auto-vehicle and
other Steam Generators.
We, CHARLES MUSKER, ARTHUR MUSKER, and WILLIAM GEORGE HAY, all of
Dundas Street, Bootle, in the County of Lancaster, Engineers, do hereby declare
the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed,
to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
This invention has reference to the generation of steam by oil fuel or liquid
fuel, on auto-vehicles, in which the motor fluid for driving them is steam. But
parts of the apparatus or novel characteristics of the invention, are also appli-
cable for use for the generation of steam for other purposes. For convenience
of description, however, the invention will be described as applied mainly in con-
nection with an auto-vehicle steam generator.
The class of oil heated steam generator to which this invention relates is that
in which the oil is vapourized or gasified, and the vapour or gas burned as it is
produced; the vapourization or gasification being effected at or in the burner
or furnace connected to, or on the portion of the steam generator in which the
water is contained and heated.
According to this invention, the oil, water, and air, for the burner and gene-
rator, are all supplied in quantities accordingly as required, that is to say,
according to the quantity of heat or steam required; and they are supplied in
relative proportional quantities, or mainly so; the variation of quantity supplied
being effected and governed by the. pressure of steam (or equivalent means),
and the proportion of supply being effected or controlled, preferably, through a
small engine or motor, driven by steam from the generator. The whole, or
substantially the whole of the air for burning the oil vapour is supplied arti-
ficially; preferably, by the air pump or motor. Thus, when say, the vehicle is
at a standstill, only so much oil and air will be supplied as will keep the neces-
sary amount and pressure of the steam and water in the generator normally
required; that is to say, without generating too much, or allowing a diminution
below the normal quantity and pressure.
In operation, therefore, if, when running, steam is cut off from the main
engine of the vehicle, and the pressure of the generator exceeds the normal
pressure, or a certain abnormal pressure, this pressure acts through a valve or
governor device, so as to govern the speed of the secondary supply or controlling
engine, or regulate a valve on the supply pumps or devices or pipes, or some of
them or the speed is governed by the governor device and this latter valve.
Or, when the steam to the main engine is shut off, the supply to the small engine
is largely cut off or reduced, and its speed reduced to such that the fuel supplied
will just about keep the pressure in the generator ready for starting. Or, again,
both of these modes of governing may be employed, or their equivalents used.
With regard to the vapourization or gasification and combustion of the oil,
and the vapourizer and burner, preferably, all the air required to support com-

page_text: bustion of the fuel is positively supplied by a blower or pump, so that the
proportion of air to oil shall be positive, and the proportion kept constant by
varying the amount of oil and air supplied, together. And this air is heated
to a very considerable temperature; and is then in a heated condition delivered
to the oil vapourizer or gasifying chamber or chambers, and it passes through
them with the oil gases or vapours. The heat of the air assists the effective
and satisfactory vapourization of the oil, and mixing with it, the two parts
together, to the burner apertures proper; and when the apparatus is in full
work and power, the vapourization practically needs no heat from the metal
surfaces of the vapourizing chamber or chambers, the heat of the air itself
effecting the vapourization.
The burner portion proper, consists of a plurality of small holes or nostrils.
preferably bored through a block of metal of some considerable thickness; and
they are, preferably, so proportioned in relation to the volume of gaseous fluid.
that the pressure behind or within the burner apertures or nostrils is small, and
the velocity of issuance comparatively low. This obviates noise. Then, this
supply being continuous, the constant proper action, without back firing or
explosions, is ensured.
In front of the nozzle flames there is an obstruction or baffle, say a heavy
metal grid, which assists in breaking up the flame, and prevents too great a
velocity of flame jet, so that it acts in the desired manner, and with an efficient
result, on all the heating surface of the generator: which may, in some cases,
commence just beyond this baffle or obstruction in the burner. Inside the
burner, say at the entrance of the flame holes or nostrils, and also within the
chamber behind or within them, there is or are provided one or more diaphragms
of wire gauze or the like, to assist in preventing back firing which might tend
to happen under special conditions of disturbance.
The oil vapourizer is so constructed that the oil at times when the air is not
highly heated, and the apparatus in full work, is free to flow or fall over a
heating surface from the point at which it is introduced, until the whole of it is
vapourized, and so that it is not stopped or collected from the time of entrance.
In one form of vapourizer, the oil is introduced at the upper part of an annular
chamber around the burner chamber proper, having partial partitions, or plates
in it, to direct the oil and gas and air to and fro longitudinally as well as down-
wards. The supply of oil being at the upper part, it will separate at the top
and flow right and left towards the bottom: whence it passes as vapour to the
inner burner chamber proper. The heat of the burner is transmitted to the
metal walls of these chambers to a sufficient degree to vapourize all the oil at
such times.
The air may be heated by passing it through a similar chamber to the
vapourizing chamber: say round the front portion of the burner: and then con-
veved at the upper part into the oil vapourizer at the point of introduction of
oil. This hot air will thus pass all along with the oil and oil vapour through
and into the burner chamber, through the gauze diaphragms, and the long
burner holes or nostrils.
The water container and heating surface, which say consists of a spiral coil
or coils or similar or other equivalent arrangement, may be disposed directly
on the end of the burner, and the gases of combustion made to pass within an
inner coil, or on both sides of this coil and an outer one, and then on the outside
of an outer coil. But as regards the arrangement or type of heating surface, of
course it is not restricted to that just specified, as the characteristics of the burner
.just described may be used in connection with different types or arrangements
of water containing vessels, and heating surface.
Water, as stated, is fed to the coils, in regulated quantities, by a pump con-
tinuously, and governed in the manner referred to.
The whole apparatus, namely, vapourizer, burner. and steam generator por-
tion, according to one arrangement, is arranged horizontally, and is say of

page_text: cylindrical form, the water containing parts being on the end of the burner,
and the heating surface or generating portion being contained or enclosed in a
light suitable casing; and the whole device may be arranged under floor or base
of the vehicle.
The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying
drawings, which shew a steam generator to which the invention is in part
applied, and also improvements connected with power plant for auto-vehicles
and the like.
In the drawings, Figure 1 is a longitudinal section shewing a burner attached
to a steam generator of the type referred to; and Figure 2 is a cross section
through the burner, half taken at the line A, A, and half at the line B, B. This
apparatus comprises a chamber or part in which the oil is vapourized, a part in
which the air used to support combustion of the gases or vapours of oil is
heated; and a burner portion proper.
Figures 3 and 4 are plan and elevation shewing diagrammatically the com-
bined motor apparatus for auto-vehicles, and the like.
In the drawing Figures 1 and 2-the oil vapourizing or gasifying chamber
is designated a; and it is formed by an outer circular wall a¹, an inner annular
wall a², an end wall a³, and an end cover a, bolted on the ends of the wall a¹ a².
The chamber is thus annular. The air heating chamber is designated b, and is
of similar form to a; its outer end inner walls being substantially continua-
tions of a¹ and a respectively, while the outer wall closes one end, and the
other end being closed-except at the upper part where it communicates with a
-by the wall. This wall a³ constitutes a partition between the chambers a
and b. The communication between the chambers and a is at the highest
part, and is made by a portion of this wall being cut away. The entrance of air
to the chamber is by the branch 6 at the bottom of this chamber; this branch
being connected with the source of supply of air. Within the chamber 6 there
are thin annular ribs 5, which convey heat from the burner within the wall b
to the air as it passes through the chamber b. The oil, say ordinary petroleum,
is introduced into the chamber a through the pipes c, entered through the top of
the outer wall a¹, and falls on to the upper part of the wall a² at either side of
the centre. Within the chamber a there are a series of partial partitions a
extending out from the walls and at, alternately; and also extending radially
from the inner wall to the outer wall a¹. These partitions cause the oil
vapour and air to flow in a circuitous course through the chamber a
Within the wall a², at the front end of the burner, there is a chamber d, closed
at one end by a bolted on cover d', and having a perforated wall at the other
end. The perforations in this wall are numerous, and are in the form of tubular
passages of small diameter, arranged closely together; that is, they are relatively
small in diameter, and relatively long. This proportion is conveniently pro-
vided by making this wall of thick metal, and drilling or coring out the holes
through it. In the front end of this wall there is inserted a gauze diaphragm for
the purpose of ensuring, that no back-firing shall take place; and a second wire
gauze diaphragm may also be provided.
In front of the wall there is a perforate block e of iron or fire resisting
material, for breaking up the flame jet, and obstructing its flow, thereby
reducing its velocity, and increasing its heating action in the steam generator.
It also assists in obviating noise in the combustion.
The chamber a communicates with the chamber by an opening at d, in the
bottom of the wall a². And communication between the outside of the burner
and the space in front of the wall is by means of a tube f, which passes
through a cover and the wall d², and is provided with a cap f. By removing
this cap and introducing a kindling device, the combustible fluid issuing through
the wall, is ignited.
In the drawings, h represents the water tubes of the steam generator to be
heated by the burner, three coils being shewn. Outside these coils h, and also

page_text: the chambers a and b, there is a casing of a non-conducting character, say
asbestos, held between two sheet plates. At the bottom beneath the chamber a,
there is a removable cover j; while at the upper part over the chamber b, there
is a cover j. When the apparatus is cold, and it is required to start it, these
covers are removed and the heat of an oil or other lamp is conducted through
the space of an opening in which is normally covered by j; and this heat
passes round the outside of the chambers a and b and out by 7, heating, thereby,
both the air chamber and oil vapourizing chamber.
In action, at starting, or when the apparatus is cool, the oil supplied to the
chamber a, and falling on to the plate a³, flows on both sides over this plate a³,
and is vapourized, and passes with the air to the chamber d; while when the
apparatus is in full heat and work, the hot air coming from the chamber b
(wherein it receives its heat from the wall 63 and annular webs 65), vapourizes
the oil; and this same air also serves to support the combustion of the oil vapours
it carries, being together a combustible or inflammable mixture. This heated
air and oil vapour, therefore, pass together in zig-zag fashion through a, and
become intimately mixed; and pass up through the lower aperture din a² into
the chamber d, and thence through the holes in the diaphragm. And this
combustible mixture of air or oil vapour or gas burns at the discharge ends of
these apertures, being first ignited by passing a kindling device through the
tube f and they burn at the end of these holes as nozzles in the space or chamber
between 2 and c. The device e acts as an obstruction and breaks up the flame
and its velocity, the effect of which is that a steady and more effective burning
and heating action of the combustible gases is afforded, while it also, with the
other parts, obviates all roaring, hissing, or noise, which usually accompanies
burners of large power.
Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, represents the exterior of the steam
generator, which may be assumed is of the general character specified with
reference to Figures 1 and 2. represent cylinders of the main steam engine,
diagonally disposed, and of which i represents the crank shaft. 7 is the steam
pipe conveying steam from the generator to the engine.
m represents the
small engine for supplying the fuel and air, and the water to the generator,
m being its crank shaft, and m² a box base in which the oil, and water pumps
(which may be of any suitable kind) are disposed and work. Steam for this
engine is supplied by the pipe which may be suitably fed from the main steam
supply pipe 7. On this pipe n the governing device o is disposed, it being of
the type which is actuated by pressure. Any suitable form of diaphragm regu-
lator or governor will serve. o is the pipe by which the diaphragm device is
supplied with pressure; that is, through which the pressure can be communi-
cated. Pis the air supply fan; it being driven from the fly wheel of the
small engine m by a belt p³, and supplying air to the oil burner of the steam
generator by the pipe 2. r is the pipe by which oil is conveyed from the oil
pump within the engine box to the burner of the generator. And s is the pipe
conveying the feed water from the pump in the box m² to the steam generator.
The general action, it will be seen, of this motor machinery is, that steam is
supplied to the main driving engines k by the pipe 7, as required, the supply
being regulated and controlled by suitable hand actuated controlling valve or
valves in any convenient way; while the fluids necessary for the supply of this
steam, namely, the fuel, air, and water, are all supplied, and in proportional
quantities, by the separate small engine m; the power of which, obviously will
be very small relatively, with that of the main engine. And, furthermore,
this small engine is controlled and governed automatically by the pressure of
steam in the steam generator through the governor device o, which may be of
any suitable type operated by pressure. Therefore, if this governor be adapted
to diminish the supply of steam to the small engine m, when the pressure in
the generator exceeds that required and fixed upon, then this small engine will
work at a lower rate, and the supply of fuel, air, and water, will be diminished

page_text: proportionately; and, consequently, the heat supplied to the water of the gene-
rator will be proportionately diminished and checked. In other words, by this
supply method, and combination, the generation of steam and its supply to the
motor engine of an auto-vehicle, or similar vehicle engine, is rendered auto-
matically proportional to the power required and used; that is, to the varying
power required under different conditions of load and road; and also when
no power is required and the engines are stopped. When the engine is
at rest (or, say when running light) only so much heat and steam is generated
as will make up for loss of heat through radiation, etcetera. In supplying
this small amount of heat, the mode of effecting the vapourization of oil,
and its combustion as herein above set forth, may be used with considerable advan-
tage under these conditions, as it may be done without trouble, smoke or smell,
and other common defects.
In the drawing-Figures 3 and 4-the crank shaft would operate the driving
shaft through suitable gearing disposed within a gearing box u¹, the circles
marked in Figure 4 represent gear wheels. are driving wheels or pullies,
such as sprocket or belt wheels, on the ends of the shaft u, from which power
is transmitted to the driving wheels or gear of the vehicle.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what
we claim is;-
1. The improvement connected with steam generators heated by liquid fuel,
consisting of the employment in connection with the steam generator, of a small
engine worked by steam from the said generator for supplying the working
fluids to the generator; and a governing valve controlled by the pressure of
steam in the steam generator connected with said fuel supply means, and adapted
to diminish the fuel by an abnormal pressure of steam; substantially as set
forth.
2. In connection with a steam generator heated by liquid fuel, a small engine
worked by steam from said generator; oil, air, and water pumps or supply
devices worked thereby, and supplying proportional quantities of said fluids to
the heating burner and generator; and a governing valve or device controlled
by the pressure of steam in the steam generator connected with said fuel supply
means, and adapted to diminish the fuel supply by an abnormal pressure of
steam substantially as set forth.
3. The improvement connected with steam generators heated by liquid fuel,
consisting of the combination with the steam generator, of a small fuel supply
engine worked by steam from the said generator; a fuel feed and air pump
operated by said small engine; an oil distilling apparatus connected with said
generator for distilling the oil prior to its combustion therein by said air; and
a governing valve controlled by the pressure of steam in the steam generator
connected with said fuel supply means, and adapted to diminish the fuel supply
by an abnormal pressure of steam substantially as set forth.
4. The herein described improvement connected with steam generators heated
by oil fuel, namely, the vapourization of the oil by heating all the air used in
the combustion of the said oil to a high temperature, and bringing such hot air
into contact with the oil as delivered within a chamber or conduit; substantially
as and for the purposes set forth.
5. The herein described improvement connected with steam generators heated
by oil fuel, consisting in heating all the air used for combustion of the fuel to a
high temperature; vapourizing the said oil by bringing such hot air into con-
tact with it; artificially mixing the said vapours of oil and air, and making a
uniform mixture; and then burning such combustible mixture in the burner of
the steam generator; substantially as set forth.
6. In a steam generator heated by liquid fuel, an oil vapourizing apparatus
comprising an oil vapourizing chamber having an inclined hot vapourizing sur-

page_text: face down which the oil is adapted to run; an inlet for the air used for sup
porting the combustion of said vapourized oil; an outlet for the passage of the
combined air and vapourized oil; and a burner in which the said mixed fluid
burns; substantially as set forth.
7. In a steam generator heated by liquid fuel, an annular oil vapourizing
chamber an oil supply conduit feeding the oil onto the upper part of the inner
wall of the said chamber; an opening connected with the said chamber for
supplying the combustion air thereto; a chamber within the said vapourizing
chamber and communicating therewith; and a perforated wall at one end of
the said inner chamber through which the mixed combustible fluid is discharged.
8. In a steam generator heated by liquid fuel, having an oil vapourizing
chamber, and an opening connected with the said chamber for supplying the com-
bustion air thereto; a chamber connected with the said vapourizing chamber
and communicating therewith; a perforated wall at one end of the said chamber
through which the mixed combustible fluid is discharged; and a flame breaking
up and obstructing perforated block directly in front of the said perforated
discharge wall.
9. In a steam generator heated by liquid fuel, an annular oil vapourizing
chamber; an oil inlet at the upper part of same; an annular air heating cham-
ber adjacent thereto and communicating therewith; an inner chamber commu-
nicating with the oil vapourizing chamber; a perforated wall at one end of the
said chamber through which the combustible fluid passes and at which it burns;
and a combustion space within the air heating chamber.
10. In a steam generator heated by liquid fuel, the annular oil vapourizing
chamber air heating chamber adjacent thereto and communicating there-
with chamber d within the chamber a and communicating therewith; and a
perforated wall d².
11. In a steam generator heated by liquid fuel, an annular oil vapourizing
chamber having an oil inlet at the top and directing partial partitions ; an
air inlet also at the top; a discharge opening at the lower part of the top; a
discharge opening at the lower part for the outlet of the combined fluid; and
an internal chamber d into which the said fluid is delivered.
12. In auto-vehicle steam power apparatus, the combination of steam generator
heated by a vapourized oil and burner; a main steam engine; a small engine
and pumps or forcing apparatus for supplying combustion fluids and water to
said generator and burner; and steam pressure governor for governing said
supply operating substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
13. The steam power apparatus set forth with reference to and shew in
Figures 3 and 4 of the drawings, for the purposes set forth.
14. The steam generator oil burner set forth with reference to and shewn in
Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings.
Dated this 3rd day of May 1899
CHEESBROUGH & ROYSTON,
Applicants Patent Agents, 15, Water Street, Liverpool.