IMPROVEMENTS IN GALVANIC BATTERIES
Year: 1885

page_text: I, WILLIAM HENRY QUARTERMAN of 75 Borough Road, Southwark, in the
county of Surrey, Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of my said Inven-
tion for "IMPROVEMENTS IN GALVANIC BATTERIES to be as follows:-
DJ
The object of my invention is to simplify the charging and discharging of
galvanic batteries, so that they may be easily used for domestic lighting by persons
having no previous knowledge of electricity and enable them to charge and
discharge the fluid or fluids in a quick and simple manner, without requiring the
removal of covers or interference with connections.
My improved battery may also be used for driving motors or for any other
purpose for which galvanic batteries are applicable.
My said battery has no moveable or flexible parts for charging or discbafging
the fluids, nor any pumps, siphons or valves, and it can be constructed to suit
Galvanic Batteries where either one, two, or more fluids are used and can be made
round, square, oblong or any other shape required and can be employed in con-
nection with either porous plates or pots.
The various parts are made to standard dimensions so that they can be renewed
by duplicates when required.
The outer cell or system of cells is preferably made of glazed earthenware of the
kind generally used for galvanic batteries and in such a manner that from two to
twelve, or more cells can be charged or discharged of their fluids simultaneously
from one end of the battery; and the said outer cell or cells can be constructed in
various sizes as may be desired, according to the power required or the nature of
the work, for which the battery is to be employed. Ducts for conveying the fluids
are formed in the bottom and one end of the said outer cell or system of cells.
The ducts for conveying the fluid to the inner system of porous cells are formed
in or under the bottom of the outer system of cells and are carried up vertically at
one end to the height required for the fluid to rise in the porous cells and finished
with a funnel shaped mouth, so that without removing the cover of the battery
(to which the electrodes are fixed) the person charging the battery can see when
the required quantity of fluid is poured in, or several batteries can be charged from
reservoirs from which pipes with taps are arranged to discharge into the mouths
of the ducts. The bottom of the said outer system of cells having the said ducts
has taper holes leading into the ducts for charging the porous cells and these holes

page_text: are ground perfectly true and round, to one standard size. The outer system of
cells has a hole at the bottom corner of each division to allow the fluid to flow
throughout from cell to cell and is charged by a duct at the same end as that from
which the porous cells are charged.
To discharge the battery a tap is provided for each fluid, one tap communicating
with the ducts at the bottom of the outer cells and the other tap with the outer
cells themselves.
The charging and discharging are both done at one end of the battery as
described and the battery is easily cleansed when required by pouring water
through the ducts, or when the battery is not in use, water can be kept in the
cells to prevent the porous cells from cracking.
The said porous cells have nozzles at the bottom which are ground perfectly
true and round to one standard size to fit the aforesaid taper holes provided for
them in the bottom of the outer system of cells, so that when any of the porous
cells are out of order, they can be quickly replaced by duplicates; at the top of
each porous cell, a flange with a circular recess is provided to receive the carbon
electrode; the nozzles and small portions, say half an inch, at top and bottom of
porous cells are glazed, which is a more effectual protection than the paraffin
usually employed for the same purpose.
The carbon electrodes are cylindrical and hollow and are closed at the top and
provided with a flange to fit in the recessed flange provided for them in the top of
the porous cells. In the centre of the upper side of the said closed top, a round
carbon pin is formed which passes through a hole provided in the cover of the
battery and above the cover a screw is formed on the said carbon pin, to which a
carbon nut is fitted and when coupling up the battery, an Indian rubber washer is
passed over the pin, the electrical connecting medium with the next cell is placed
on the said washer and then the carbon nut is screwed down on the top and so
forms an air-tight joint. The carbon electrodes are made to standard sizes to suit
various sized batteries, but are always made of such a length as not to touch the
bottoms of the porous pots. They are preferably cemented with the recessed
flanges or mouths of the porous pots, and small air-holes are provided in their
upper parts.
The zinc electrodes are tubular and are fixed to the cover of the battery by two
zinc screws passing through holes in the said cover to which screw nuts are fitted
an Indian rubber washer is passed over each screw and the nuts being screwed
tightly down, the said washer forms an air tight joint, and keeps the electrode
perfectly rigid; a second nut is fitted to one screw for connecting or disconnecting
the couple.
The zinc electrodes are made to standard sizes to suit different sized batteries,
and can be renewed when necessary by unscrewing the nuts and replacing by
a duplicate electrode in a very simple and speedy manner. The zinc electrodes
are amalgamated in the usual way with mercury.
Instead of dividing the main outer cell by cross-partitions into the number of
cells required, I generally prefer to dispense with the said partitions and in place
thereof I provide tubular cylinders without bottoms made of gutta percha, (or
similar insulating material) fitted to encase the zinc electrodes and thus isolate the
cells. The said zinc electrodes and their insulating casings are always of such a
length as to be clear of the bottom of the cell, and the said insulating casings
turn round under the bottom edges of the zinc cylinders, and are preferably so
made, as to form a trough to contain a small supply of mercury to ensure the zinc
remaining in an efficient state of amalgamation.
In order to save the mercury given off from the zinc electrodes when drawing off
the fluids, a glass intercepter is provided under the tap, which can be removed
when it is charged and the mercury taken out, and the intercepter replaced.
By continuing a small pipe from the duct of inner system of cells up the opposite
end to that from which they are charged, and by providing a small overflow pipe
to the outer system, a continuous flow of both fluids can be kept going through the

page_text: battery, if desired-When the battery is not required for work the outer fluid can
be drawn off and all action on the zinc ceases.
When all the different parts herein described are fitted, and the battery finished,
there is no need for the persons using it to uncouple or couple up the battery till
the zinc electrodes are consumed, nor to soil the hands with the fluids, but simply
to turn the taps provided from the reservoirs, when the negative and positive fluids
will flow into the mouths of the ducts and when the said fluids reach to the top of
the aforesaid funnel shaped mouths, the whole of both systems of cells are charged
to one uniform height or level simultaneously, and cannot possibly overflow into
each other. To discharge the battery a tap is provided as aforesaid to each system
at the bottom, so that when the fluids are neutralised is is only necessary to turn
on the taps, when the fluid can flow away to a drain, an intercepter being provided
to catch the mercury, or if the bye products are requirod, then the fluids can be
discharged into reservoirs.
Where weight is a consideration the outer system of cells can be constructed in
gutta percha, ebonite, vulcanite, wood or any light and suitable material.
If desired in place of the carbons being contained within the porous cells and the
zines outside, I may reverse the arrangement, and I wish it to be understood that
in the construction of galvanic batteries, provided the features of the said invention
as hereinbefore described be maintained, according to my invention, I do not
confine myself to any precise shapes or forms for the various parts, as I may vary
them to suit different purposes for which the said batteries may be required.
T1
1007
AMBROSE MYALL,
Agent for the Applicant.

page_text: 1, WILLIAM HENRY QUARTERMAN of 75 Borough Road, Southwark, in the
County of Surrey, Civil Engineer, 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 object of my invention is to simplify the charging and discharging of
galvanic batteries so that they may be easily used for domestic lighting by persons
having no previous knowledge of electricity and enable them to charge and
discharge the fluid or fluids in a quick and simple manner without requiring the
removal of covers or interference with connections.
My improved battery may also be used for driving motors, or for any other
purpose for which galvanic batteries are applicable.
My said battery has no moveable or flexible parts for charging or discharging
the fluids, nor any pumps, or siphons, and it can be constructed to form a galvanic
battery, where either one, two or more fluids are used and it can be made round,
square, oblong or any other shape required and can be employed in connection
with either porous plates or pots. The various parts are, in practice, made to
standard dimensions, so that they can be readily renewed by duplicates when
required.
In the accompanying sheet of drawings, Figure 1 is a plan partly in section,
and Figure 2 is a sectional elevation through the line X X on Figure 1 of a
galvanic battery constructed according to my invention, Figure 3 is a plan, and
Figure 4 is a sectional elevation of part of a galvanic battery of a somewhat
modified form to that shewn in Figures 1 and 2, and Figure 5 is a plan of my
improved mode of forming connection between the electrodes of the battery.
Similar letters of reference are used to denote similar parts throughout the
figures.
The outer cell or system of cells A, is preferably made of glazed earthenware
of the kind generally used for galvanic batteries and in such a manner that from
two to twelve, or more cells can be charged or discharged of their fluids simul-
taneously from one end of the battery; and the said outer cell or cells can be
constructed in various sizes as may be desired, according to the power required or
the nature of the work, for which the battery is to be employed.
In figures 1 and 2 the outer cell A, is divided by partitions B, into six cells, but
any larger or smaller number of divisions desired may be used.
Ducts for conveying the fluids are formed in the bottom and one end of the
said outer cell or system of cells. Two ducts C for conveying the fluid to the inner
system of porous cells are formed in or under the bottom of the outer system of cells
and are connected by a cross duct C, while another duct C2 is carried up vertically at
one end to the height required for the fluid to rise in the porous cells and terminated
with a funnel shaped mouth as shewn, so that without removing the cover D of
the battery (to which the electrodes are fixed) the person charging the battery can
see when the required quantity of fluid is poured in; or several batteries can be
charged from reservoirs from which pipes with taps are arranged to discharge into
the mouths of the ducts.

page_text: The bottom of the said outer system of cells A, having the said ducts C, has
taper holes E, leading into these ducts for charging the porous cells, and these
holes are ground perfectly true and round, to a standard size.
The outer system of cells A, has a hole B¹, at one bottom corner of one
division B, in each cell, to allow the fluid to flow throughout from cell to cell and
is charged by a duct or mouth F at the same end as that from which the porous
cells are charged.
To discharge the battery a tap is provided for each fluid, one tap H, communi-
cating with the ducts C at the bottom of the outer cells, and the other tap H¹, with
the outer cells themselves.
The charging and discharging are both done at one end of the battery as clearly
shewn and the battery is easily cleaned when required by pouring water through
the ducts, or when the battery is not in use, water can be kept in the cells to
prevent the porous cells from cracking.
The porous cells J have taper nozzles J at the bottom, which are ground
perfectly true and round to a standard size to fit the aforesaid taper holes E,
provided for them in the bottom of the outer system of cells, so that when any
of the porous cells are out of order, they can be quickly replaced by duplicates.
At the top of each porous cell a flange with a circular recess J' is provided to
receive the carbon electrode K. The nozzles and small portions, say half an inch,
at top and bottom of porous cells are glazed, which is a more effectual protection
than the paraffin usually employed for the same purpose.
The carbon electrodes K are cylindrical and hollow and are closed at the top and
provided with a flange K', to fit in the recessed flange J2, provided for them in the
top of the porous cells. In the centre of the upper side of the said closed top a
round carbon pin K2 is formed, which passes through a hole provided in the cover D
of the battery, and above the cover a screw is formed on the said carbon pin to
which a carbon nut K³, is fitted, and when coupling up the battery an Indian
rubber washer L is passed over the pin, the electrical connecting medium with the
next cell is placed on the said washer and then the carbon nut K³ is screwed down
on the top and an air tight joint so formed. The carbon electrodes are made to
standard sizes to suit various sized batteries, but are always made of such a length
as not to touch the bottoms of the porous pots. They are preferably cemented
into the recessed flanges or mouths of the porous pots, and small air holes K*,
are provided in their upper parts, to allow the air to escape, when the cells are
being filled.
The zinc electrodes M, are tubular and are fixed to the cover D of the battery
by two zinc screws M¹ M², passing through holes in the said cover to which
nuts M³ Mare fitted, an Indian rubber washer L¹ is passed over each screw and
the nuts being screwed tightly down, the said washer forms an airtight joint and
keeps the electrode perfectly rigid; a second nut M³ is fitted to one screw for
making the required connections.
The zinc electrodes are made to standard sizes to suit different sized batteries,
and can be renewed when necessary by unscrewing the nuts and replacing by a
The zinc electrodes are
3 duplicate electrode in a very simple and speedy manner.
amalgamated in the usual way with mercury.
The mode in which I prefer to form the connections between the various cells is
shewn clearly in Figure 5.
N is a strip of sheet copper, preferably tinned or plated having a longitudinal
slot N¹ at one end and a transverse slot N' at the other end. K is a carbon
terminal and M' a zinc terminal.
The connection may be inserted or removed instantly by merely slackening the
nuts on the terminals, and the longitudinal slot N¹ makes the connection serve,
within certain limits, for terminals at varying distances apart, while its peculiar
form gives ample.contact surface and it is very easily cleaned when necessary.
In the upper part of Figure 1 the cover D of the battery is removed, the lower
part of the figure being a section through the line Y Y on Figure 2.

page_text: :
Instead of dividing the main outer cell by cross-partitions B into the number of
cells required, I sometimes prefer to dispense with the said partitions and in place
thereof I provide tubular cylinders O, see Figures 3 and 4, without bottoms, made
of gutta percha, (or similar insulating material) fitted to encase the zinc electrodes M
and thus isolate the cells.
The said zinc electrodes and their insulating casings are always of such a length
as to be clear of the bottom of the cell, and the said insulating casings turn round
under the bottom edges of the zinc cylinders, and are preferably so made as to
form a trough O¹ to contain a small supply of mercury to ensure the zinc remaining
in an efficient state of amalgamation.
In order to save the mercury given off from the zinc electrodes when drawing
off the fluids, a glass intercepter is provided under the tap H¹, which can be
removed when it is charged and the mercury taken out and the intercepter
replaced.
By continuing a small pipe P¹ from the duct of inner system of cells up the
opposite end to that from which they are charged and by providing a small
overflow pipe P2 to the outer system, a continuous flow of both fluids can be kept
going through the battery if desired.
When the battery is not required for work the outer fluid can be drawn off and
all action on the zinc ceases.
When all the different parts herein described are fitted, and the battery finished,
there is no need for the persons using it to uncouple or couple up the battery till
the zinc electrodes are consumed, nor to soil the hands with the fluids but simply
to turn the taps provided from the reservoirs when the negative and positive fluids
will flow into the mouths of the ducts, and when the said fluids reach the taps of
the aforesaid funnel shaped mouths, or overflow pipes, the whole of both systems
of cells are charged to one uniform height or level simultaneously and cannot
possibly overflow into each other. To discharge the battery a tap is provided as
aforesaid to each system at the bottom so that when the fluids are neutralised it
is only necessary to turn on the taps when the fluids can flow away to a drain, an
intercepter being provided to catch the mercury, or if the bye products are required,
then the fluids can be discharged into reservoirs.
Although the porous cells shewn in the drawings are cylindrical, they may be
oval, square, rectangular or of any other desired shape and in such cases the carbon
and zinc electrodes will be shaped to accord therewith.
In place of forming a screw thread upon the carbon pin K³ and employing a
carbon nut K³ as shewn and described, I sometimes prefer to use a metal binding
screw and nut affixed to the pin K' as shown in Fig. 4 or in any other suitable
manner.
Where weight is a consideration, the outer system of cells can be constructed in
gutta percha, ebonite, vulcanite, wood or any light and suitable material, and in
such cases the nozzles of the porous pots are scored or screwed, to hold them more
firmly in place.
If desired in place of the carbons being contained within the porous cells and
the zinc outside, I may reverse the arrangement; and I wish it to be understood
that in the construction of galvanic batteries according to my invention, provided
the essential features of the said invention as hereinbefore described be maintained,
I do not confine myself to any precise shapes or forms for the various parts, as
I may vary them to suit different purposes for which the said batteries may be
required.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim, is:-
(1.) The improved form of galvanic battery constructed substantially in the
manner and for the purposes as herein shewn and described.

page_text: (2.) In a galvanic battery the arrangement of ducts and taps enabling any
number of cells to be filled or emptied simultaneously, substantially as herein
shewn and described.
(3.) In a galvanic battery the peculiar construction of the porous cells with
nozzles and flanges, substantially as herein shewn and described.
(4.) In a galvanic battery the method of encasing the zinc electrodes with
insulating material, substantially as herein shewn and described with reference to
figs. 3 and 4.
(5.) In a galvanic battery the peculiar form of carbon electrode, substantially as
herein shewn and described.
AMBROSE MYALL, C.E.,
Agent for the Applicant.