IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF ELECTRICAL PILES
Year: 1861

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Jean Armand Calland, of Nantes, in the Department
of the Loire Inférieure, in the Empire of France, Watchmaker, for
the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF ELECTRICAL PILES."
Sealed the 3rd December 1861, and dated the 12th June 1861.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Jean Armand Calland
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on
the 12th June 1861.
I, JEAN ARMAND CALLAUD, of Nantes, in the Department of the Loire
Inférieure, in the Empire of France, Watchmaker, do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF
ELECTRICAL PILES," to be as follows:-
In the ordinary electrical piles, notably in that known as "Daniell's,"
the porous vase separating the liquid has always been recognized as the
most embarassing piece, from the constant derangements and variations
which it occasions in the action of the pile, properly so called. 1 pro-
pose to dispense with this vase and to render the working easier and
more reliable.
My apparatus will consist, with modifications for special
cases, of the following parts;-A glass vase with two knobs pierced with

page_text: holes for the passage of the communicators. In the upper opening will
pass a copper rod soldered to a zinc cylinder furnished with three feet
supporting a glass vase in form of funnel, the bottom being so formed
as to retain the impuritics of the product with which this vase is to be
charged. In another opening will pass a copper conductor, soldered to
a zinc cylinder, upholding a copper disc. This conductor will be held
against the surface of the glass by two nuts and a piece of gutta percha,
which will prevent escapes. The exterior nut will have a tail piece
pierced with a vertical opening, in which will move the communicating
wire, held in position by a press screw. The lower conductor will
carry exteriorly two nuts, between which will be nipped the iron com-
municating wire. The whole will be protected from dust by lid. In
the lower part of the first-mentioned vase I place a certain quantity of
sulphate of copper in cold solution; I then introduce the funnel-shaped
vase, and pour into the other vase (using a very light funnel) a certain
quantity of sulphate of zinc in solution, but so carefully that the two
liquids do not mix; lastly, I introduce into the funnel-shaped vase
crystals of sulphate of copper, which thus enter into communication with
the lower bath of the same salt in solution. By establishing the current
with the two wires above-mentioned the electrical circuit is immediately
established, and continuously if the funnel-shaped vase be fed at long
intervals with sulphate of copper in crystals.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Jean Armand Callaud in the Great Seal Patent Office
on the 11th December 1861.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JEAN
ARMAND CALLAUD, of Nantes, in the Department of the Loire Inférieure,
in the Empire of France, Watchmaker, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twelfth day of June, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, in the twenty-fourth year of
Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant
unto me, the said Jean Armand Callaud, Her special licence that I, the
said Jean Armand Callaud, my executors, administrators, and assigns,
or such others as I, the said Jean Armand Callaud, my executors,
administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no

page_text: others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during the term
therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and
vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the
Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS
IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF ELECTRICAL PILES," upon the condition (amongst others)
that I, the said Jean Armand Callaud, my executors or administrators,
by an instrument in writing under my, or their, or one of their hands
and seals, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the
said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed, and
cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Oflice within six
calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters
Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Jean Armand Callaud do hereby
declare the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is
to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement, reference being had to the Sheet of Drawings
hereunto annexed and forming part of this my Specification, and to the
figures and letters of reference placed thereon:-
The principle by which I am enabled to dispense with the porous vase
employed in Daniell's pile and others, of which it has always proved the
most embarassing piece is the following:-If a vase be about half filled
with a solution of sulphate of copper, saturated cold, and then pure
water, or water slightly charged with sulphate of zinc or marine salt,
be slowly and with much precaution poured thereon, the new liquid,
being less dense, will remain on the top of the first, and from that
moment there will be disengagement of electricity from the contact of
these two different liquids or solutions. If electrodes be placed in cach
this electricity may be employed. The positive electrode may be formed
of a small plate furnished with a conductor intended to carry the positive
electricity outside the pile, and this plate may be placed at the bottom
of the vase; the conductor being coated with an isolating substance will
pass through the upper liquid, it may be, without such coating, but in
such case there will be a slight loss of electricity. Without, or on the
outside, a conductor, not coated, may be used by passing it through the
centre of an isolating cup or funnel, to which I shall hereafter allude.
But these means demand the most cautious and careful manipulation,
which the new arrangements I use permit me to dispense with, while
facilitating tho attainment of a constant current.
My new arrangements are shewn in the accompanying Drawing, in

page_text: which Figure 1. is a section of my new pile drawn to its usual size;
Figure II., section of a similar apparatus, but with different arrangement
of the metallic cylinder for producing the negative pole; Figure III.,
a variation of this method of suspension, of which Figure IV. is the plan;
Figure V. is another variation, of which Figure VI. is the plan;
Figure VII is an arrangement slightly differing from the above-
mentioned; Figure VIII. differs from the preceding only in the mode of
suspension of the zinc cylinder forming the negative pole; Figure IX. is
an arrangement of my improved pile suitable for galvano-plastic work;
and Figure X. is a system of pile entirely analogous to the method
shewn, Figure I., but by the elegance of its form specially adapted to
drawing-room experiments.
The apparatus shewn, Figure I., consists of a glass vase A, with two
knobs a, a, of the same material pierced with holes for the passage of
the communicators. In the upper opening a passes a copper rod b,
soldered to a zinc cylinder B, carrying three arms or feet c, which support
a funnel-shaped glass vase C, having a sort of cup or indentation Cat
its lower part, in which are retained the impurities of the product which
the vase is to receive. In the opening a¹ passes a copper conductor d,
upholding a metallic copper disc D. The conductor b is pressed against
the surface of the glass by two nuts and a piece of gutta percha a",
which prevents leakage; the exterior nut e is provided with a tail piece e'
pierced with a vertical opening, in which moves the communicating wire,
which is held in position by the press screw. The lower conductor d
carries exteriorly two nuts, between which the communicating wire is
pinched. The whole is protected from dust by a lid, and the apparatus
being thus established, I charge it in the following manner:-I place in
the lower part a certain quantity of sulphate of copper, saturated cold,
say, up to the level indicated by i in the Drawing; this done, after placing
the vase C, I introduce into the vase A, by means of a light funnel, and
very gently, a certain quantity of sulphate of zinc in solution, say to the
level, and so that the two liquids do not mix; lastly, I introduce into
my vase C, crystals of sulphate of copper, which thus enter into com-
munication with the lower bath of the same salt in solution. In estab-
lishing the current by the wires leading from band d the electrical
circuit is at once complete and continuous if the vase C be fed at long
intervals with crystals of sulphate of copper. In the more economical
arrangement, Figure II., it will be seen that the vase A is not tubulated
as at Figure I. The zinc cylinder B carries four arms or forked claws b

page_text: supporting it by the edge of the glass. This same cylinder B also carries
interiorly four arms e, which uphold the vase C, receptacle of the crystals
of sulphate of copper. At the lower part of the vase A is a metallic
spiral of copper D, supporting a rod d, which terminates in the piece d'
of the conducting wire of this negative pole, the communication with
the negative solution B being established by a wire attached to one of
the arms b, the vase containing the same liquids as above described.
The arrangement, Figure III., shews the saline vase A, with the
tubing a, and the same arrangement as for the tubing a of the vase,
Figure I. The rod a' is soldered to a disc C, carrying three arms c',
with returns forming hooks for upholding the zinc cylinder B,
this latter being itself furnished with three arms with returns e':
Supporting the funnel-shaped vase C which is to contain the crystals of
sulphated copper. Lastly, at the bottom of the vase is the same spiral D
as at Figure II, with its conductor d, and the same saline liquids for
establishing the currents as mentioned for Figures I and II.
Figure V. indicates an arrangement answering to the preceding, but
more simple; it consists of the same vase A, not tubulated, three arms
forked above (6) and following 62 below, receiving on the one part the
zinc cylinder B, and on the other part, by the arms 6, the vase which
receives the crystals of sulphate of copper. The current may be com-
municated by the arm 6', suitably curved, the spiral D always being at
the bottom of the vase with its conductor d, as well as the same liquids
previously mentioned.
Figure VII. is another arrangement, in which is seen the vase A and
crown B, upheld by the arms b, b', with forked ends, resting on the edge
of the principal vase, and bending following ', establishing the com-
munication. Further, there is at the bottom of the vase A a vase C, in
which the crystals of sulphate of copper are placed beforehand; and
then, lastly, the same saline liquids as above mentioned, to form a suit-
able bath for the vase C and the zinc cylinder B.
Figure VIII. is an arrangement analogous to the preceding, excepting
that the zinc cylinder B is supported by a crown b, which rests on an
inner groove a, of one piece with the vase A. The vase C is in com-
munication, by the rod e, with the negative pole of the adjoining
clement, the whole being fed by the sulphates of copper and zinc.
apparatus shewn, Figure IX., is of an identical type with that shewn,
Figure I., but applicable to galvano-plastic operations. There are the
same pieces as at Figure J. with this difference, that the rod b not only
The

page_text: supports the zinc B, but also an openwork cane basket E, in which are
placed the metallic ingredients which are to be dissolved by the galvano-
plastic process; the liquids being distributed as required for this opera-
tion, and the article to be operated upon resting on the elements, the
ordinary supports for the better reception of the dissolved matters. This
apparatus may also be used for gilding, and all operations within the
range of galvano-plastic dissolvants, by electrical means.
shew in Figure X. an apparatus absolutely similar to that shewn at
Figure I., but of a more elegant shape, and resting on a foot A cast in
one piece with the body of the vase.
Lastly, I
The modifications and improvements which I have made in the
elements of piles have for special objeet the suppression of the porons
vase separating the saline liquids and obtaining constant current without
the necessity of so often renewing the elements and the alimentary and
stimulating liquids; also the application of these elements to all sorts of
uses, either for telegraphs, galvano-plastic operations, gilding, or electro-
motors; to vary their forms, dimensions, and arrangements, as illustrated
in the several Figures of the Drawing hereunto annexed, and thus to
arrive at the production of elements exceedingly simple in construction
and working, whether I use the salines above specified or the acids
usually used, such as sulphuric or nitric acid and the communicating
plates or charcoal; I may also so dispose the cover of the elements that
it may receive, if desired, the alimentary sulphate of copper in greater
quantity than required to feed the lower bath furnishing the positive
fluid. I can also use my elements for feeding electric light, and apply
my arrangements to "Bunsen's" and "Daniell's" piles, by placing the
zinc electrode or negative at the bottom of the vase and pouring into
this vase a solution of sulphate of zinc, saturated cold, to which is added
a quantity of sulphuric acid equal to that which would have been
saturated with pure water. Nitric acid is then poured in with such pre-
cautions as required to prevent mixing, and by the attachment of the
copper plate or charcoal electrode above the level of the acid, or in the
inside of the vase and in the multiple piles, to the wire holder of the
lower adjoining attachment. In one or other composition of the pile,
"Daniel " or "Bunsen," the pile may be established in a partitioned
vase, the separation only descending as low as the level of the first layer
will permit the placement of the electrodes, in each of the parts separated
by the partition, and the addition of the sulphate of copper without fear
of disturbing the pile.

page_text: I will now describe certain other modifications of my improved pile,
referring to the Figures on the left of the Sheet of Drawing hereunto
annexed, which Figures are indicated by the ordinary numeral in lieu
of the Roman numeral indicating the previously described Figures. The
element, Figure I. remains always the most advantageous type, never-
theless, as its fragility will not permit its travelling mounted, and as
this would much limit its use, I have constructed the element shown,
Figure 1. The zinc rests upon three glass supports within the glass
vase. A copper plate soldered to the exterior circumference of the zinc
cylinder carries, soldered to its free end, the copper rod b, which passes
through the tubular opening of the glass vase, and is tightened exteriorly
by the nut e, and the wire tightener e'. This apparatus not having a
glass cup or funnel, the lower electrode plate is formed like a pan pierced
with small holes, in which pan are piled the crystals of sulphate of copper,
which, when dissolved, may be replaced by dropping others through the
liquid. Either this construction or that Figure X. is preferable for
drawing-room experiments. The element, Figure 3, is specially intended
for long and constant service. The cover forms a reservoir, into which
may be introduced, say seventeen and a half ounces of sulphate of
copper; this chamber is formed by the top of the cover and the small
cup or funnel of one piece with it; the orifice is closed by a cork, through
the centre of which is inserted a small glass tube; the rest of the element
is similar to Figure 1, The pile is charged in the usual manner; then,
having removed the cork, the reservoir is filled with sulphate of copper,
a little water is added, and it is put in its place. The water charges
itself with the salts, which it dissolves, and falls to the bottom of the
vase, whilst the less dense liquid which it displaces rises in the reservoir,
and charging itself in its turn, is ready to replace the solution, which
is becoming impoverished by the action of the pile. The four first
Figures, together with Figure 5 (analogous to Figure X.) form the series
of piles for experiment, drawing-room use, or for electric clockwork;
but Figure 5 has no zinc, and the basket serves for the essay of different
metals, or to dissolve the remains' of pieces previously used. Telegraphy,
employing a great number of elements, requires a more simple construc-
tion. In Figure 2 the zinc is hooked on to the rim of the vase by three
thin bands of copper soldered to its circumference. This arrangement
is explained in Figures II. and VII; and in Figure 3 the zinc rests upon
three glass supports of one piece, and coming from the interior of the
vase; the construction of these supports is not completely identical with

page_text: that, Figure 1, where the supports are soldered interiorly. In Figure 3
they are pushed from the exterior to the interior; this latter arrange-
ment is less elegant, but also less costly. In Figures 7 and 8 a round
rod of copper, or one of the bands which serve to hook the zinc, and
which is soldered to the zinc, carries to the bottom of the neighbouring
pile the copper plate electrode; this band or rod is shewn, Figures 2
and 3.
The copper rod C, Figures 2 and 3, which passes through the
positive region of the pile, is tinned, because this metal is less easily dis-
solved than copper; it is further preserved by a coating to prevent the
loss of electricity which would result from the contact of this rod with
the positive liquid. This coating is composed of caoutchouc dissolved
in benzin. A more certain, but more costly arrangement, is to cover it
with a caoutchouc tube. The copper bands by which the zinc is hooked
on the vase are also thus covered or coated. This precaution prevents
the saline crystals rising on these copper bands to the detriment of the
pile. In most of the models above described cast zinc has been sub-
stituted in lieu of rolled or laminated zinc, as permitting a greater supply
of material at a diminished cost, say, for Figures 1, 2, and 3. A material
has been much extolled for charging piles, as being more constant and
energetic than sulphate of copper, namely, a sulphate of protoxide of
mercury. I have arranged piles without diaphragm to utilise this
process. I have suppressed, in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, the funnel or
reservoir. In place of the copper plate electrode, which would allow
itself to be penetrated and dissolved by the mercury, I substitute a
moulded and calcined charcoal of the same form as the zinc, Figure 4;
(or, when the pile does not exact a great volume of electricity, a
parallelogram of coke). A hole is pierced in, but not through, the
charcoal, and the copper rod fixed to the tubing of the vase is adjusted
in this hole, a thick coating of caoutchouc or gutta percha covering that
part of the copper which dips in the mercurial liquid. In uncovered
piles a cylinder or plate of charcoal is adjusted in like manner to the
extremity of the copper rod, and a caoutchouc tube which covers it is
soldered to the charcoal by the aid of the solutions before mentioned,
thus preventing all contact between the liquids and the copper. These
arrangements will enable these piles to act with the agents known as
"Bunsen's," namely, pure nitric acid and diluted sulphuric acid, but
they are not sanctioned by experience. I have previously, but summarily,
alluded to a system of piles without diaphragm, and with a partitioned
In Figure 6 the principal vase is divided into two parts by a glass
vase.

page_text: If two
partition which does not descend to the bottom of the vase.
different liquids be poured into a vase of this form, the heavier, say the
solution of sulphate of copper, will fill one compartment and rise within
the other until equilibrization with the weight of the second liquid, zinc
will be suspended in the second liquid, either by tubing or by hooking
on to the rim of the vase; a copper electrode will be placed in the solution
of copper. This apparatus is well adapted for galvano-plastic work, in
which case a sort of glass ornament or grating will be placed above the
division, which grating will support the zinc and the article to be covered
with galvanic metal. Glass makers having found much difficulty in
making vases with the straight partition just described, and their cost
being proportionate, I have given a circular form to the partition, as
shewn in plan, Figure 72, which is much easier made. Figure 7 repre-
sents the reverse distribution of the liquids. The division, whether
straight or circular, reaches the bottom of the vase, but does not rise
above half its height; the denser liquid occupies, with a copper electrode,
the smallest compartment formed by the partition, and the zinc and its
bath occupy the rest of the vase. In the one or the other case the con-
ductors may either pass through tubings, as at Figure 6, and the pile
be then charged, or by soldered rods rising above the rim of the vase,
as at Figure 7. Figures 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7%, are plans of the several
clevations so numbered.
In witness whereof, I, the said Jean Armand Callaud, have here-
unto set my hand and scal, this Sixth day of December, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-one.
A. CALLAUD. (L.S.)