Improvements in Apparatus for Generating Steam.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 26th Mar., 1889
Complete Specification Left, 15th Nov., 1889-Accepted, 28th Dec., 1889
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Apparatus for Generating Steam.
A communication from abroad by LA SOCIÉTÉ DES GÉNÉRATEURS À VAPORISATION
INSTANTANÉE (Système Serpollet), of 1, Boulevard St. Denis, Paris, France,
Engineers.
I, JOHN CLAYTON MEWBURN of 55 and 56 Chancery Lane in the County of
Middlesex, Fellow of the Institute of Patent Agents, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention to be as follows:-
The invention relates to steam generators of the kind described in the Specification
of Letters Patent No. 14,710 of 1887, in which vaporization is produced instan-
taneously, without any wateror steambeing stored inthe generators. The instantaneous
vaporization is produced in this system by means of tubes of special construction,
that is to say, either with flattened bores or arranged concentrically one within
another so that a capillary space is formed therein; these tubes have by preference very
thick walls, much thicker than is necessary for resisting the pressure of the steam, in
order to constitute by the mass of metal, whether it be brass, steel or other metal or
alloy, a store of caloric which will prevent variations of vaporization that would
otherwise result from variations of the fire.
This mass of metal formned by the very thick walls of the tubes constitutes a sort
of heat equalizer which accumulates and restores alternately the heat necessary for
vaporization and therefore regulates automatically the production of steam for the
saine quantity of water supplied, that is to say, it compensates for variations in the
intensity of the furnace.
In this style of generator the quantity of heat produced depends directly upon the
quantity of water supplied to the generator, consequently the governor of any motor
supplied by this kind of generator will act not on the admission of steam as is usual,
but on the admission of water to the generator, in fact, the feed pump gives a supply
which is varied by the governor of the motor.
Two means of regulation can, however, be applied simultaneously, the one acting
on the water introduced and the other on the steam admitted to the motor, both
being under the sole control of the centrifugal or other governor arranged to
act at once on the water inlet to the generator and on the steam inlet to the
inotor.
The capillary tubes of this kind of generator can vary in their forms and arrange-
ment. They can be of copper, steel, or other metal or alloy and have a lenticular
section with strong ribs, or a rectangular section with rounded corners, or they can
be formed of two concentric tubes, the outer being of great thickness and the
inner being of less thickness and provided with ribs so as to ensure absolute
concentricity. The generator can be formed of a single tube either having a
flattened bore or of two concentric tubes wound in either case into the form of a
spiral or volute, or straight, or bent, or of other form; or a number of tubes can be
arranged above or outside of one another and placed in a furnace of any suitable
arrangement.
.
In the description hereinafter given certain improved types or modifications of
this kind of generator are specified as well as various arrangements based on the
combination of tubes of this description.
In one type or modification the tube gonerator is of lenticular section and flattened.
In the centre of this tube of lenticular section a capillary space of slight width (say
from one to several tenths of a millimetre) is formed with the object of preventing
the movement of the globules which tend to become formed in the spheroidal state,
and to compel then to take up a flattened form so as to be immediately transformed

page_text: into steam.
The side of the tube is preferably very thick so as to form a mass as
has been already explained. It can be strengthened if required by ribs of any form
and arrangement.
In another modification the tube is of flattened section with rounded edges; it can
be of copper, steel or other metal with a capillary space.
In other types or modifications concentric tubes are employed with capillary
spaces between them, their concentricity being ensured in an absolute manner. For
making this type of tube I take first a cylindrical tube of great thickness, of iron,
copper, steel &c., the interior of which is smooth and the exterior of which can also be
smooth or be provided with ribs or enlargements arranged longitudinally or spirally
in order to increase the heating surface. In the interior of this tube I introduce
another tube of less thickness, leaving between its exterior and the interior of the
former tube only an annular capillary space; but in order to maintain concentricity
between these two tubes I furnish the inner tube with external ribs having exactly
the width of the annular capillary space. These ribs, produced by preference during
the drawing of the tube and formed in a piece therewith, can be of any suitable
number I arrange them either along the tubes or spirally. Further, the ribs can be
either continuous or be interrupted at intervals in order to ensure communication
between the various lines of water.
In one arrangement of generator I employ the tube of lenticular section first
above described formed into a volute; the tube rests on a cast iron support having
ribs or wings bearing on the internal flange of the metal bars or plates of the
furnace. Below the support is placed a body of refractory material resting on a
support that receives the grate and itself forms an ashpit. A cast iron front is
applied to the refractory body and carries the furnace mouth. Above the generating
tube is arranged a cap or cover of refractory material for directing the gases down
to the tube before their escape to the chimney. This cap is made in two parts in
order that its cover as well as that of the generator itself can be readily removed
in order to examine the tube when required. The whole arrangement can be enclosed
in a sheet iron casing having several plugged holes formed around, the passages or
flues, with the object of allowing the removal when required of any soot which may
have become lodged therein.
As has already been stated two or more capillary generating tubes can be placed
one within another in the same furnace, which can, if required, be arranged with two
distinct grates, separated by a refractory partition.
For some purposes such as steam carriages or steam boats for example, these
tubes would be arranged to act alternately by means of a cock, the feed water would
be directed alternately into the one and the other, or into some and then into others
when more than two are employed. In this way, while some of the tubes expend the
caloric stored therein, the others take up a fresh supply.
In a modification in which the capillary generating tubes of lenticular section
already described are employed in the straight form, the grate has bars arranged
transversely to or parallel with the direction of the tubes. There are flues for the
circulation of air, having their inlet at orifices above the furnace and their outlet
under the grate after passing over the top of the set of tubes. The flues for the
escape of the products of combustion lead downwards to a central flue below the
ashpit. While the generator is temporarily stopped a diaphragm is introduced below
the tubes in order to protect them from the fire and prevent too great a temperature.
The current of air through the air flues cools the sides of the diaphragm. The water
is distributed to the tubes by branches connected to one or more distributors and
ensuring to each vaporizing tube the charge of the quantity of water which should be
furnished to it. This distributor is hereinafter described. The steam issues from the
tubes at the back and goes to one or more collectors isolated from the generator.
Each steam inlet tube can be fitted with a cock so that at any time it can be ascertained
ii any particular tube is producing steam. There are dampers to direct the gases to
the chimney during stoppages when the diaphragm pushed in and serves as a
protecting screen to the tubes.

page_text: In a modified arrangement in which the capillary generating tubes of flattened
section with rounded edges as herein before described are employed, the tubes are
bent into a semi-circle and placed side by side in a double row; thoy receive water
from distributing collectors and they furnish steam to steam collectors which themselves
communicate with a single central collector. Two or more grates are arranged in
the axis of the semi-cylinder formed by the double row of tubes. Air enters through
the sides, circulates in flues round the tubes, and discharges below the grates. The
hot gases, after having been directed downwards by a diaphragm escape by the
chimney. The whole combination of the tubes with their distributors and receivers is
mounted on a wheeled frame so that it can be readily moved out of the furnace for
repairs, or for changing the tubes, or for simple examination after the front has been
removed. There is a feed water heater through which the water can be made to
circulate before its introduction into the distributors.
In another arrangement concentric capillary generating tubes are employed in the
form of pendant tubes analogous to those in a Field boiler. In this case the water is
supplied by a siall central tube communicating at its lower part with the inner tube.
The steam issues at the top and goes to the collector. The outer tube has wings or
enlargements to increase the heating surface and the inner tube has ribs for ensuring
concentricity. For this arrangement it is preferable to give the tubes a slightly conical
form in order to facilitate their removal.
In another arrangement two capillary generating tubes aro placed in a domestic
generator having a continuous supply of fuel and capable of serving at the same time
for the production of steam to actuate a motor, for the heating of rooms like a stove,
for the cooking of food, for the production of hot water for domestic purposes, and,
in short, for all the uses of an ordinary furnace. The lower tube is firmly connected
to a metal support which is cast so as to surround the tube at every point in order to
increase its heating capacity and to allow it to readily resist the action of the fire
when through want of attention this becomes too brisk. There are reserve chambers
for fuel which by sliding along an inclined plane or part of the grate replaces the spent
fuel and thus ensures a continuous supply. The top plate is formed with as many
orifices as may be suitable for allowing of the cooking of food and for domestic
requirements as above explained. There is a plate or slab of refractory clay for
ensuring the return of the flames before allowing the gases to escape to the chiuney.
The bottom of the lower tube can, if required, be protected by diaphragms having a
circulation of air like those already described.
In the different modifications or arrangements based on the employment of these
capillary generating tubes, the regulation of the production of steam can be effected
by acting on the pump which supplies the water so as to vary the stroke of the
This
piston of this pump by the action of the centrifugal governor of the motor.
can be carried out as follows:-The connecting rod of the pump piston receives its
motion from an excentric through the intermediation of an oscillating piece.
According as a roller on the connecting rod is higher or lower on the oscillating
piece, so is the travel of the piston longer or shorter, and consequently the supply
of water greater or less. Now the position of the roller and of the connecting rod
itself is regulated by a rod which rises or falls under the direct action of the
governor. There is a lever actuated by hand for starting the motor.
When a generator is employed formed of several of the elementary parts or tubes,
each of the tubes should be ensured its proper charge of the water which it has to
vaporize. In order to obtain this object distributing apparatus of any form and
kind can be employed. But the special construction which I will now proceed to
describe is preferably adopted. A circular piece carries the seat of as many valves
as there are generator elements. These valves prevent communication between the
pump and the generating tubes. A disc connected to a pulley by a shaft, when a
rotary movement is imparted to it, lifts, by means of a boss with which it is formed,
each of the valves and thus puts each generating tube in turn in communication with
the pump. In cases where the tubes receive their supply of water under pressure,

page_text: as for example from the water column of a house, the distributing apparatus can be
dispensed with.
In another arrangement the pump itself acts as a distributor ensuring a proper
charge of water to each tube. Connecting nozzles are arranged along the pump
barrel in number equal to that of the tubes to be supplied, and connected to these
tubes by unions. The piston has an annular neck or groove of the width of the
diameter of the bores or orifices of the nozzles. This piston is fitted at the centre
with a hollow valve, the head of which allows a certain play on the piston and serves
as a connection to the driving rod. When the piston moves inwards the shoulder of
the head comes against the top of the piston, the hollow valve is opened, the inlet
valve is closed, and the forcing of the water takes place through the hollow of the
hollow valve and of orifices which pass through the piston and lead to the annular
neck. As the orifices of the nozzles are arranged along the course or travel of the
piston, the result is that according to whether this course, which is variable, is
increased or diminished, more or less water will be distributed into a greater or less
number of tubes.
In order to ensure an equal distribution of water to each tube, the following
arrangement can also be employed. A tube carrying connecting nozzles is connected
to the tubes to be supplied. Another tube fits easily into the first named tube.
This inner tube has a longitudinal opening. A series of orifices of the same diameter
are formed in the two tubes respectively they are at distances exactly equal, so that
when the two tubes are made to slide the one on the other by means of nuts, all
the sections of the orifices are brought to an infinitesimal surface, equal for all, and
thus ensuring an equal distribution of the water, which is introduced through the
side of the outer tube and enters the inner tube by its longitudinal opening.
:
Dated this 26th day of March 1889.
Improvements in Apparatus for Generating Steam.
A communication from abroad by LA SOCIÉTÉ DES GÉNÉRATEURS À VAPORISATION
INSTANTANÉE (Système Serpollet), of 1, Boulevard St. Denis, Paris, France,
Engineers.
I, JOHN CLAYTON MEWBURN of 55 and 56 Chancery Lane in the County of
Middlesex, Fellow of the Institute of Patent Agents, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
The improvements which form the subject of this invention relate to steam
generators of the kind described in the Specification of Letters Patent No. 14710
of 1887 in which vaporization is produced instantaneously without any water or
steam being stored in the generators. The instantaneous vaporization is produced
in this system by means of tubes of special construction, that is to say, either with
flattened bores, or arranged concentricallyone within another so that a capillary space
is formed therein; these tubes have by preference very thick walls, much thicker
than is necessary for resisting the pressure of the steam, in order to constitute by the
inass of metal, whether it be brass, steel or other metal or alloy, a store of caloric
which will prevent variations of vaporization that would otherwise result from varia-
tions of the fire.
This mass of metal formed by the very thick walls of the tubes constitutes a sort of
heat equalizer which accumulates and restores alternately the heat necessary for
vaporization and therefore regulatesautomatically the production of steam forthe same
quantity of water supplied, that is say it compensates for variations in the intensity
of the furnace.
In this style of generator the quantity of heat produced depends directly upon the

page_text: quantity of water supplied to the generator; consequently the governor of any motor
supplied by this kind of generator will act not on the admission of steam, as is usual,
but on the admission of water to the generator; in fact the feed pump gives a supply
which is varied by the governor of the motor.
Two means of regulation can, however, be applied simultaneously, the one acting
on the water introduced and the other on the steain admitted to the motor, both being
under the sole control of the centrifugal or other governor arranged to act at once on
the water inlet to the generator and on the steam inlet to the motor.
The capillary tubes of this kind of generator can vary in their forins and arrange-
ment. They can be of copper, steel or other metal or alloy and have a lenticular
section with strong ribs, or a rectangular section with rounded corners, or they can
be formed of two concentric tubes, the outer being of great thickness and the inner
being of less thickness and provided with ribs so as to ensure absolute concentricity.
The generator can be formed of a single tube either having a flattened bore, or of two
concentric tubes wound in either case into the form of a spiral or volute, or straight,
or bent, or of other form; or a number of tubes can be arranged above or outside of
one another and placed in a furnace of any suitable arrangement.
In the description hereinafter given certain improved types or modifications of this
kind of generator are specified as well as various arrangements based on the combina-
tion of tubes of this description.
Figures 1, 2 and 3 show a tube generator of lenticular section and flattened,
Figure 1 being a longitudinal elevation partly in section, Figure 2 a transverse section
on the line 7-8 of Figure 1, and Figure 3 a longitudinal section on the line -y of
Figure 1. In the centre of the lenticular section of the tube A a capillary space a a
of slight width (say from one to several tenths of a millimetre) is formed with the
object of preventing the movement of the globules which tend to become formed in
the spheroidal state, and to compel then to take up a flattened form so as to be
immediately transformed into steam. The side of the tube A is preferably very thick
so as to form a mass as has been already explained. It can be strengthened if required
by ribs bb of any form and arrangement.
For
In Figures 4 and 5 the tube A is of flattened section with rounded edges; it can
be of copper, steel or other metal with a capillary space all a Figure 4 is an
elevation partly in section and Figure 5 is a transverse section on the line a-B of
Figure 4. In Figures 6, 7 and 8 are shown two types of concentric tubes with
capillary spaces and having their concentricity ensured in an absolute manner.
making this type of tube I take first a cylindrical tube of great thickness of iron,
copper, steel &c., the interior of which is s:nooth and the exterior of which can also be
sinooth, or be provided with ribs or enlargements arranged longitudinally or spirally
in order to increase the heating surface. In the interior of this tube I introduce
another tube of less thickness leaving between its exterior and the interior of the
former tube only an annular capillary space; but in order to maintain concentricity
between these two tubes I furnish the inner tube with external ribs having exactly
the width of the annular capillary space. These ribs, produced by preference
during the drawing of the tube and formed in a piece therewith, can be of any
suitable number; I arrange them either along the tubes or spirally. Further, the
ribs can be either continuous or be interrupted at intervals in order to ensure
communication between the various lines of water.
In Figure 6, which is an elevation partly in section, the exterior tube A is seen in
longitudinal section and the internal tube B in external elevation. Figure 7 is a
transverse section of the two tubes. The capillary space a between the two tubes is
ensured in a permanent and regular manner by the ribs bb which can be longitudinal
as in Figure 6 or spiral as in Figure 8, or be produced by hammering, welding or
otherwise.
I show in vertical section in Figure 11 and in transverse section in Figure 12 on
the line xx an arrangement of generator in which I employ the tube A of Figures 1, 2
and 3 formed into a volute. The water enters at c aud the steain issues at, d; the
generating tube A rests on a cast iron support f having ribs or wings fl bearing on

page_text: the internal fange of the metal bars g of the furnace. Below the support f is placed
a body h of refractory material, resting on the support i. This receives the grato j
and itself forins an ashpit with its door . A cast iron front is applied to the body h
and carries the mouth m. Above the generating tube A is arranged a cap or
cover of refractory material for directing the gases down to the tube before their
escape to the chimney C. This cap is made in two parts in order that its cover as
well as that of the generator itself, can be readily removed in order to examine the
tube when required. The whole arrangement can be enclosed in a sheet iron casing p
having several plugged holes o formed around the passages f¹f with the object of
allowing the removal when required of any soot which may have become lodged
therein.
As has already been stated two or more capillary generating tubes can be placed
one within another in the same furnace, which can if required, be arranged with two
distinct grates separated by a refractory partition.
For soine purposes such as steam carriages or steam boats for example, these tubes
would be arranged to act alternately by means of a cock, the feed water would be
directed alternately into the one and the other, or into some and then into others
when more than two are employed. In this way while some of the tubes expend the
caloric stored therein the others take up a fresh supply.
Figures 13 and 14 represent in transverse and longitudinal sections a modification
in which the same capillary genorating tubes as those shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3
are employed in the straight form. The grate D has bars arranged transversely to
the direction of the tubes A, but it is evident that they can be parallel to the
Lubes. FF are Hues for the circulation of air having their inlet at the orifices T and
their outlet at qunder the grate D. G G are flues for the escape of the products of
combustion which proceed to the chimney by the central flue H. While the generator
is temporarily stopped the diaphragm s is introduced below the tubes in order to
protect them from the fire, and prevent too great a temperature. The current of air
through the flues F cools the sides of the diaphragm. The water is distributed to the
Lubes by the branches J (Figure 14) connected to one or more distributors and
ensuring to each vaporizing tube the charge of the quantity of water which should be
furnished to it. This distributor is hereinafter described. The steam issues from the
tubes A at the back and goes to one or more collectors K isolated from the
generator. Each steam inlet tube can be fitted with a cock so that at any time it can
I is the furnace door.
be ascertained if any particular tube is producing steam.
M M are dampers to direct the gases to the chimney during stoppages when the
diaphragin is pushed in and serves as a protecting screen to the tubes.
sight holes with stoppers.
४
NN are
In the modified arrangement represented in transverse and longitudinal sections in
Figures 15 and 16 the capillary generating tubes shown at A' in Figures 4 and 5
are employed: They can be of steel, iron, copper &c. and are in this case bent into
a semicircle and placed side by side in a double row; they receive water from the
distributing collectors J J and they furnish steam to the collectors K K which
themselves communicate with a single central collector P. Two or more grates DD
are arranged in the axis of the semi-cylinder formed by the double row of tibes A¹.
Air enters through the sides at rr, circulates in the flues tt and discharges below
the grates. The hot gases after having been directed downwards by the diaphragm Q
escape by the chimney H¹. The whole combination of the tubes A' with their
distributors and receivers is mounted on a wheeled frame S S so that it can be
readily moved out of the furnace for repairs or for changing the tubes or for simple
examination after the front T has been removed. O is a feed water heater through
which the water can be made to circulate before its introduction into the
distributors J J.
In Figures 17 and 18 I show in vertical and transverse sections an arrangement
of concentric capillary generating tubes A B in the form of pendant tubes analogous
to those in a Field boiler. In this case the water is supplied by a small central tube u
communicating at its lower part with the inner tube B The steam issues at the top

page_text: atv and goes to the collector. The outer tube A has wings or enlargements
to increase the heating surface, and the inner tube B has ribs for ensuring
concentricity as has been explained with reference to the tubes in Figures 6, 7 and 8.
For this arrangement it is preferable to give the tubes a slightly conical form in order
to facilitate their removal.
Figures 19, 20 and 21 represent two capillary generating tubes A A arranged
in a domestic generator having a continuous supply of fuel and capable of serving
at the same tiine for the production of steam to actuate a motor, for the heating of
rooms like a stove, for the cooking of food, for the production of hot water for
domestic purposes, and in short for all the uses of an ordinary furnace. The lower
tube A is firmly connected to the support B which is cast so as to surround the tube
at every point in order to increase its heating capacity and to allow it to readily
resist the action of the fire when, through want of attention, this becomes too brisk.
C² C² are reserves of fuel which by sliding along the inclined plane of the grate ),
replace the spent fuel and thus ensure a continuous supply. The top plate K² is
formed with as many orifices as may be suitable for allowing of the cooking of food
and for domestic requirements as above explained. R2 is a plate or slab of refractory
clay for ensuring the return of the flaines as seen in Figure 20 before allowing the
gases to escape to the chimney C³. F is the fire-place and the ashpit. The bottom
of the lower tube A can, if required, be protected by diaphragms having a circula-
tion of air like those shown at s Figures 13 and 14.
In the different modifications or arrangements based on the employment of these
capillary generating tubes it has been seen that the regulation of the production of
steain can be effected by acting on the pump which supplies the water so as to vary
the stroke of the piston of this pump by the action of the centrifugal governor of
the motor. Figure 9 is a diagram showing this arrangement. A is the pump
piston; Be the connecting rod of the piston receiving its notion from the excentric C
through the intermediation of the oscillating piece D². According as the roller a
of the connecting rod B2 is higher or lower on the oscillating piece D2, so is the travel
of the piston longer or shorter, and consequently the supply of water greater or less.
Now the position of the roller a² and of the connecting rod itself is regulated by the
rod F which rises or falls under the direct action of the governor. The lever G² is
actuated by hand for starting the motor.
When a generator is employed formed of several of the elementary parts or tubes
each of the tubes should be ensured its proper charge of the water which it has to
vaporize. In order to obtain this object distributing apparatus of any form and kind
can be employed. In Figure 10 a distributor is shown which is preferably employed.
A³ is a circular piece carrying the seat of as many valves S³ as there are generator
elements. These valves prevent communication between the pumpand the generating
tubes. A disc B³, cor nected to a pulley by the shaft H3 passing through the piece C³,
when a rotary movement is imparted to it, lifts by means of a boss D³ with
which it is forined each of the valves S and thus puts each generating tube in turn
in communication with the pump. The water is admitted to the distributor through
the union E' and directed to the tubes by the unions F In cases where the tubes
receive their supply of water under pressure, as for example from the water column
of a house, the distributing apparatus can be dispensed with.
In Figures 22 and 23 I show an arrangement in which the pump itself acts as a
distributor ensuring a proper charge of water to each tube. A+ A+ are connecting
nozzles arranged along the pump barrel, in number equal to that of the tubes to be
supplied and connected to these tubes by unions. The piston B has an annular
neck C of the width of the diameter of the bores or orifices of the nozzles. This
piston is fitted at the centre with a hollow valve D' the head D5 of which allows a
certain play 3-4 on the piston and serves as a connection to the driving rod.
When the piston moves in the direction of the arrow 1 the shoulder of the head D³
comes against the top of the piston B, the valve D is opened, that is closed and
the forcing of the water takes place through the hollow of the valve D and of the
orifices which pass through the piston and lead to the neck C¹. As the orifices

page_text: of the nozzles A' are arranged along the course or travel of the piston the result is
that according to whether this course, which is variable, is increased or diminished,
more or less water will be distributed into a greater or less number of tubes.
In order to ensure an equal distribution of water to each tube the arrangement,
represented in Figure 24 can also be employed. As is a tube carrying nozzles as as
connected to the tubes to be supplied. B' is a tube which fits easily into the
tube A³. The water from the pump arrives through the socket . The tube B' has
a longitudinal opening as indicated by the section shown in dots at Ds. Orifices
of the same diameter are formed at ma n³ on the two tubes A and B respectively;
they are at distances exactly equal so that when the two tubes are made to slide
the one on the other by means of the nuts E' E all the sections of the orifices are
brought to an infinitesimal surface equal for all, and thus ensuring an equal distribu-
tion of the water. In Figures 25, 26 and 27 I show an arrangement in which the
generator is composed of three capillary tubes 1, 2, 3 placed one above another and
arranged in tension" or so that the water is supplied to one of them and then
passes from the tube thus supplied to the others in succession. The water is fed by
the pipe A to the tube and enters it at the centre being the part that receives the
most heat from the fire; the water passes out of the tube 1 at B and then enters the
tube 2 at C; it continues to be heated as it passes through this tube; it leaves it by
the pipe D and is then led to the tube 3 by the pipe E. It is completely vaporized
and the steain passes off at F to be utilized. The gases or products of combustion
rise in the space left between the spirals of the tubes from a to b Figure 27, redescend
by the flues or passages cc and again rise in the corner flues dd from which they
pass through the central aperture O to the chimney. While the generator is at work
the gases follow the course just explained, the damper R being then in the position
shown in Figure 25. But during stoppages the damper R is drawn by the rod T
so as to close the aperture P in order that the tubes, which contain neither water
nor steam, may not be burnt. The gases then follow another course; they go through
the side passage Q without heating the tubes. The tube next the fire is preserved from
being heated by radiation by opening a valve in the fire-door and closing the ashpit;
a current or sheet of cold air consequently flows to the underside of the tube and
serves as a preservative screen to saune. In order that this precaution may not be
omitted the rod T is connected to the key of the cock that stops the water supply, so
that the supply cannot be closed until the damper R has closed the aperture P.
Purging or blow-off cocks can be fitted to each of the pipes connecting the capillary
tubes so as to drive out any salts which collect therein, the pipes being arranged in
any known manner so as to retain the salts.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention as communicated to me and in what manner the same is to be performed
I declare that what I claim in respect of apparatus for generating steam is :-
1. The concentric capillary tubes A B (Figures 6, 7 and 8) formed by the
combination of an outer tube having a thick wall and smooth bore, and provided
or not externally with ribs, wings or enlargements so as to increase the heating
surface, with an inner tube of less thickness having on its external surface
straight, spiral or other ribs, either continuous or interrupted, for the purpose of
ensuring in an absolute manner concentricity between the two tubes substantially as
set forth.
2. The instantaneous vaporizing generator represented in Figures 11 and 12 in
which a capillary generating tube in volute form is placed above the furnace grate
substantially as set forth.
3. The instantaneous vaporizing generator represented in Figures 13 and 14 in
which a set of rows of capillary generating tubes are arranged above the furnace
grate with a series of water distributors at the onc end and a series of steam
collecting tubes at the other end, the last named tubes communicating with one or
more general steam collectors, substantially as set forth.
4. The arrangement of instantaneous vaporizing generator represented in Figures 15

page_text: and 16 in which one or more rows of curved capillary generating tubes are mounted
on the one side on one or more sets of water distributors and communicating at the
other side with one or more sets of steam collectors, the said capillary tubes being
placed above one or more furnace grates and air inlet flues and smoke flues being
combined therewith, all substantially as set forth.
5. The arrangement of instantaneous vaporizing generator represented in Figures 17
and 18, in which a set of concentric capillary pendant tubes are employed, having
water supplied by small central tubes which discharge at the bottom of the inner
capillary tubes and in which the steam issues at the top, all substantially as set
forth.
6. The water supply regulator substantially as described with reference to
Figure 9, having a piston which can be worked by hand for starting the engine and
is controlled by the governor of the engine, as set forth.
7. The arrangement of water distributor substantially as described with reference
to Figure 10, the said distributor comprising the valves S actuated by the boss D³
of the revolving disc Bs, the said boss causing the opening of the said valves
which correspond with the various capillary generating tubes to be supplied as
set forth.
8. The arrangement of the distributing pump herein before described with reference
to Figures 22 and 23, the said arrangement comprising the combination of the
nozzles A arranged along the pump barrel with a piston having a stroke which can
be varied, and formed with a neck C having an internal hollow valve D' which at
the requisite moment puts the pump barrel in communication with the orifices of
the nozzles A through the intermediation of the orifices m of the neck C⚫ so as
to ensure the proper charge of water to the capillary generating tubes as set
forth.
9. The instantaneous vaporizing generator hereinbefore described with reference
to Figures 19, 20 and 21, in which one or more capillary generating tubes are
combined in a domestic generator, having a continuous supply of fuel, and which
can be employed at the same time for the production of steam to work a motor, for
heating rooms, for cooking food, and for other analogous purposes, substantially as
set forth.
10. The water distributor herein before described with reference to Figure 24, in
which the distributing openings are regulated by the longitudinal movement of
two concentric tubes which are formed with equal and corresponding orifices, as
set forth.
11. The instantaneous vaporizing generator hereinbefore described with reference
to Figures 25, 26 and 27, in which several capillary generating tubes are employed.
to one only of which the water to be vaporized is supplied, the water then passing
from the tube thus supplied to the other tubes in succession, substantially as set,
forth.