Improvements in Apparatus for Use in Generating Gas.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 31st Dec., 1896-Accepted, 13th Feb., 1897
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Apparatus for Use in Generating Gas.
1, JOHN SCHUMACHER, of 396 Waubansia Avenue, Chicago, Cook County,
Illinois, United States of America, Inventor, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention and in what munner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
The present invention relates to that class of apparatus in which gas is generated
by. the chemical reaction resulting from bringing together a solid and a liquid
material, such for example as the process by which acetylene gas is generated
when a metallic carbide and water are brought together..
The object of the invention is to provide an improved apparatus by which
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may be generated continuously, as it is needed for immediate use, and the quantity
so generated kept practically constant throughout the entire period of generation
and use.
The invention consists in the features of novelty hereinafter more particularly
described and illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which,
Figure 1 is a vertical section of an apparatus embodying the invention.
Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5 are horizontal sections thereof on the lines 2-2, 3-3, 4-4
and 5-5, respectively, Figure 1.
Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9 are detail views of various devices for admitting a gradually
increasing quantity of water to the generating chamber.
For the purposes of this application I have illustrated the invention as being
carried out by a lamp, which is intended for out-door use and is especially adapted
for use on vehicles of all descriptions, and while I shall in this application, claim
those features to which its especial adaptation for such use are due, still I desire to
have it understood that in its broadest aspect the invention is not limited in this
respect. On the contrary, I reserve to myself the exclusive right to use any
or all of its several novel features in the generation of gas for any and all
purposes, as for example for driving motors either by its expansive force or by
its explosion, for heating, for illuminating, or the like. With this explanation
the following description will be confined to the apparatus as shown in the
drawing.
In an apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention, the
carbide or other solid material is confined in a body of suitable shape, the residue
is confined, where it forms, in contact with the body of carbide and said residue is
used as a medium through which a regulated quantity of water is fed to the
carbide.
The carbide is confined in a body having sides of regular shape (preferably
having practically parallel sides) and in order to compensate for the continually
increasing resistance which the continually increasing body of residue offers to the
passage of water to the carbide, I introduce to the residue continually, throughout
the period of generation a regulated quantity of water and I gradually and
continuously increase the quantity throughout the entire period of generation.
I prefer to accomplish this by means of a device which is operated by force
derived from the expansion of the solid material resulting from the reaction, for the
reason that such an arrangement makes the apparatus entirely automatic.
Referring to the drawing, A represents a chamber hereinafter called the

page_text: generating chamber, and B the reservoir located above it, the two being separated
by a partition C, having an opening through which water passes from the
reservoir to the generating chamber. D represents a tube which is closed at its
upper end, enlarged near its lower end to provide a ohamber d, and provided with
an opening d' which places said chamber in communication with the interior of the
reservoir, the opening d being under the control of a valvo E, the stem of which
passes out through a stuffing box E and is provided with a milled head e for
operating it. The opening c is under the control of a valve F, which, as shown in
Figures 1, 2, 3 and 6, consists of a rod filling the opening and fitting it snugly but
so as to be capable of being moved end wise through it in the manner hereinafter
described, said rod being provided in its side with a graduated depression or
channel. Above this depression the rod has a portion f', which when drawn down
into the opening e completely fills it and prevents the passage of any water from
the reservoir to the generating chamber. Below the diaphragm C a diaphragm G
of fine wire gauze is arranged across the generating chamber, and below this gauza
diaphragm is a diaphragm H of folt, blotting paper or some other similar pervious:
material. The stem F of the valve passes downward and through a screw-cap A
which forms the bottom of the generating chamber, the joint being made liquid-
tight by a stuffing-box a. Permanently secured to the stem is a follower I, which
consists of a cup-shaped, perforated disk i and a wire ganze disk i, both of which
are soldered or otherwise permanently secured to the stem and to each other so as
to leave between them a chamber. In the periphery of the follower is an
annular groove, in which fits an open spring-ring J, which is of such diameter that
it bears against the sides of the generating chamber with sufficient friction for the
purposes hereinafter described. The lower portion of the stem is hollow, as
shown at F, and has a lateral opening f" which communicates with the internal
chamber of the follower. The lower end of this tubular portion of the stem is
in communication with the atmosphere, the communication being controlled by a
safety valve K, the casing of which consists of two parts, kk, screwed together.
Lis a tube which communicates with the generating chamber, preferably near the
bottom thereof, and extends upward for supplying the burner M with gas. N is a
branch tube which communicates with the tube L and with the interior of the
reservoir at the top thereof, for the purpose of equalizing the pressure within the
generating chamber and reservoir, said tubo being provided with a valve N by
which it may be closed when desired.
The manner of using the apparatus thus constructed and its operation are as
follows. The valves E and N are closed and the necessary quantity of water is
introduced into the reservoir through the filling opening O. The cap A is
removed and the stem F' together with the follower l'are withdrawn. A quantity
of metallic carbide X, or whatever other solid material is to be used, is then
placed in the generating chamber, whereupon the stem, the follower and the cap A¹
are replaced, the stem being forced upward far enougli to bring the body of
carbide into contact with the diaphragm H. The apparatus is then in readiness
for use. If the valves E and N' be then opened water will flow from the reservoir
through the opening c on to the diaphragm H, the quantity being regulated by the
cross-sectional area of the channel f at the bottom of the opening c. The water
coming to the bottom of the opening o is drawn therefrom by the capillary action
of the diaphragm H and is, by said diaphragın, distributed over the entire upper
surface of the body of carbide and the generation of gas commences, the gas
generated passing downward through the entire body of carbide, (whereby it is
dried), through the follower I and into the lower portion of the generating
chamber, whence it passes upward through the tube L to the burner. As the
generation of gas proceeds, residue Y accumulates on top of the body of
carbide and, by reason of the fact that the residue resulting from the reaction of
water on a given bulk of carbide is greater than the bulk of carbide itself, the
body of carbide will be forced downward in-opposition to the resistance offered by
the frictional contact of the follower I with the walls of the generating chamber.

page_text: In this way the follower is being forced downward gradually but at a constant-rate
of speed during the entire period of generation and the effect of this is to gradually
and constantly draw the valve F through the opening c. As this movement of the
valve proceeds, larger portions of the channelf are brought to the bottom of the
opening e, and in this way the avenue of escape for the water is gradually enlarged
and consequently a gradually increasing quantity of water is supplied to the body
of residue. If a constant, never-varying quantity of water were fed to the residue,
the quantity reaching the carbide would gradually decrease during the period of
generation and there would be a consequent decrease in the quantity of gas
generated, but by increasing the quantity of water in proportion to the increase in
the quantity of residue the quantity of water reaching the carbide and consequently
the quantity of gas generated can be kept practically constant.
Instead of using a valve having a tapering channel, such as already described,
I may use a tapering valve such as shown at F in Figure 7, the degree of taper
being exaggerated in the drawing for the sake of clearness. Or I may use a
valve F, having parallel sides, fitting within a casing F provided with a series of
perforations as shown in Figure 8, the arraugement being such that as the valve is
drawn downward one after another of the perforations is uncovered to admit water
to the interior of the casing, whence it passes downward through the valve which is
made tubular for the purpose. Or in a stationary apparatus I may use the
arrangement shown in Figure 9 which has no valve at all. Here the upper end of
the tubular part F, which corresponds with the valve of the other forms of the
invention, is provided with a series of perforations F (or with a slot), which are
gradually drawn down below the surface of the water in a reservoir B' in which
the water is maintained at the same level by some suitable means, such for example
as a ball cook B. All of these devices are alike in that they continuously supply
water to the body of residue, and gradually increasing, throughout the period of
generation, the quantity of water so supplied and all of them are alike in that they
are operated by force derived from the expansion of the solid material resulting
from the reaction.
In order to stop the generation of gas before the entire body of carbide is
consumed, it is simply necessary to draw down the stem F whereby the follower [
is drawn down' and the body of dry carbide is permitted to fall away from the body.
of residue, the nature of the latter being such that it will be confined in the place
where it is formed. That is to say the residue will have somewhat the consistency
of wet moulder's sand and when a body of it is pressed together its particles will
adhere. In the construction shown the expansion of the material during the
reaction will produce sufficient pressure to pack the residue and thereby cause it to..
be confined where it forms.
In order to facilitate the. removal of the residue from the interior of the
generating chamber, I provide the generating chamber with an internal shell A*
consisting of a thin tube which is preferably made of metal, but may be of paper
or any other suitable material. When the entire body of carbide is consumed, the
cap A and follower I are removed, as already described, and the lining A³ is
removed with the residue.
I prefer to use the carbide in the form of a powder or small lumps, but if desired
it may be arranged in a compact, individual body.
While, as before stated, I 'prefer to use a metallic carbide and water as the.
materials from which to generate the gas, still I desire to have it understood that
wherever these terms occur in this specification or in the claims it is the intention
that they shall cover and include, any solid and liquid materials which, when
introduced, will cause a reaction resulting in the production of a gas and a body of
residue.
In order to prevent the residue from. binding the valve stem with such firmness
as to prevent its being easily moved by hand when occasion. requires, and in order
to prevent the residue from entering the chaunel, or the equivalent feature of the
valve or corresponding part, the stem of the valve is surrounded by a tube P which

page_text: extends from the follower I quite to the previous diaphragm H. The upper
extremity of this tube is somewhat enlarged and is notched, as shown at p, in order
to permit the escape of water, and below this enlarged portion it fits the valve stem
with sufficient closeness to form a practically liquid-tight joint as against water
under the influence of gravity.
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. In an apparatus for generating gas from a metallic carbide and water and for
arresting the generation when desired, the combination of a generating chamber
adapted to contain the carbide and having an inlet for water, means for introducing
into said chamber, through said inlet, during the period of generation, a regulated
quantity of water, means for confining the residue where it forms, between the
water inlet and the body of carbide, whereby it is made to serve as a medium
through which the water is fed to the carbide and whereby, in order to arrest the
generation of gas, the dry carbide may be allowed to fall away from the residue
and leave the latter undisturbed where it is formed, and means for keeping the
water and carbide apart when the carbide and residue are thus separated,
substantially as set forth.
2. In an apparatus for generating gas from a metallic carbide and water and
maintaining the quantity generated practically constant through the entire poriod
of generation, the combination with a chamber adapted to contain the carbide and
having a water inlet, of means for confining the residue where it forms, between
the water inlet and the body of carbide, whereby it is made to serve as a medium
through which the water is fed to the carbide, means for continuously supplying
the residue, throughout the period of generation, with a limited quantity of water,
and means for gradually and continuously increasing, throughout the entire period
of generation, the quantity of water supplied to the residue, whereby the quantity
of gas generated and consequently its pressure within the generating chamber, are
kept practically constant throughout the entire period of generation, substantially
as set forth.
3. In an apparatus for generating gas from a metallic carbide and water, the
combination with a chamber adapted to contain carbide aud having a water inlet
at top, a pervious body crossing the chamber from side to. side below the water
iolet, means for holding the carbide in contact with said pervious body, means for
introducing a regulated quantity of water on top of said pervious body, means for
confining the residue where it forms between the pervious body and the body of
carbide, whereby it is made to serve as a medium through which the water is fed
to the carbide, and means for gradually increasing, throughout the period of
generation, the quantity of water supplied to the residue, substantially as set
forth.
4. In an apparatus for generating gas from a metallic carbide and water, the
combination with a chamber adapted to contain the carbide and residue and having
a water inlet, of means for supplying the chamber with a regulated quantity of
water, means for confining the residue where it forms opposite the water inlet,
whereby it is made to serve as a medium through which the water is fed to the
carbide, and means operated by force resulting from the expansion of the material
during the reaction for gradually increasing, throughout the period of generation,
the quantity of water supplied to the residue, substantially as set forth.
5. In an apparatus for generating gas from a metallic carbide and water, the
combination with a chamber adapted to contain the carbide and residue and having
a water inlet, of a movable part adapted to be moved by force resulting from the
expansion of the material during the reaction, and means operatively connected
with said movable part for controlling the admission of water, substantially as set
fortli
6. In an apparatus for generating gas from a metallic carbide and water, the

page_text: combination with a chamber adapted to contain the carbide and residue and having
a water inlet, of a movable part adapted to be moved by force derived from the
expansion of the material during the reaction, and a device operatively connected
with said movable part for controlling the admission of water, said device having
means whereby, as it is moved, a gradually increasing quantity of water is
admitted, substantially as set forth.
7. In an apparatus for generating gas from a metallic carbide and water, the
combination with a chamber adapted to contain the carbide and residue and having
a water inlet, of a movable part arranged in contact with the solid material and
adapted to be moved thereby, and a valve operatively connected with said movable
part, for controlling the admission of water, substantially as set forth.
8. In an apparatus for generating gas from a metallic carbide and water, the
combination with a chamber adapted to coutain the carbide and residue and having
a water inlet, of a movable part arranged in contact with the solid material and
adapted to be moved thereby, and a valve, operatively connected with said movable"
part for controlling the admission of water, said valve having means of increasing
the quantity of water admitted to the chamber, as it is moved, substantially as set
forth.
9. In an apparatus for generating gas from a metallic carbide and water, the
combination of a chamber adapted to contain the carbide and residue and having a
water inlet, a movable part arranged in contact with the solid material and adapted
to be moved thereby, and a sliding valve operatively connected with the follower
and fitting in the water inlet, said valve having a graduated passage, substantially
BS set forth.
10. In an apparatus for generating gas from metallic carbide and water, the
combination of means for confining the carbide and residue on all sides and holding
them together in the form of a body of regular shape, the means for confining said
body at one side being held with a yielding force, so as to permit the body to
expand, and means operated by the expansion of the material for controlling the
supply of water, substantially as set forth.
11. In an apparatus for generating gas from metallic carbide and water, the
combination with a chamber adapted to contain the carbide and residue and having
a water inlet at top, of means for holding the body of carbide in contact with the
under side of the body of residue with a yielding force, whereby the body of
carbide may be displaced downward by the force resulting from the expansion of
the material during the reaction, substantially as set forth.
12. In an apparatus for generating gas from metallic carbide, the combination of
a chamber adapted to contain the carbide and residue and having a water inlet at
top, means for normally supporting the carbide and holding it in contact with the
underside of the body of residue, and means for removing the carbide from contact
with the body of residue, substantially as set forth.
13. In an apparatus for generating gas from a metallic carbide and water, the
combination of a chamber adapted to contain the carbide and residue and having a
water inlet at top, a movable follower upon which the body of carbide rests, means
for holding the follower, with a yielding force, in position to support the body of
carbide, and means for lowering the follower at will and thereby permitting the
bcdy of carbide to fall away from the body of residue, leaving the latter confined
where it formed, substantially as set forth.
14. In an apparatus for generating gas from a metallic carbide and water, the
combination of a chamber adapted to contain the carbide and residue and having a
water inlet at top, a follower having frictional contact with the sides of the
chamber, for supporting the body of carbide, and means for lowering the follower
at will, substantially as set forth.
15. In an apparatus for generating gas from a metallic carbide aud water, the
combination of a chamber adapted to contain the ourbide and residue and having a
water inlet at top, a movable follower by which the body of carbide is supported,
means for holding said follower, with a yielding force, in position to support the

page_text: body of carbide, and a stem connected with the follower and projecting from the
chamber for noving it at will; substantially as set forth.
16. In an apparatus for generatingi gas from.a metallic carbide and water; the
combination of a chamber adapted to contain the carbide and residue and having a
water inlet, a follower arranged in contact with the body of carbide, and means
operatively connected with the follower for controlling the admission of water,
substantially as set forth.
17. In an apparatus for generating gas from a metallic carbide and water; the
combination of a chamber adapted to contain the carbide and residue and having a
water inlet at top, a follower located below the body of carbide, means for holding
the follower.with a yielding force in position to support the body of carbide, and
means operatively connected with the follower for controlling the admission of
; water to the chamber, substantially as set forth.
:
18. In an apparatus for generating gas from a metallic carbide and water, the
combination of a chamber adapted to contain the carbide and residue and having a
water inlet at top, a follower located below the body of carbide, means for holding
the follower with a yielding. force in position to support the body of carbide, a
device for controlling the admission of water, and a stem connecting said device
and follower and projecting from the chamber in position to be engaged, substantially
-as set forth.
19. In an apparatus for generating gas from a metallic carbide and water, the
combination of a chamber adapted to contain the carbide, and. having a water inlet
at top, a follower located below the body of carbide, means for holding the follower
with a yielding force in position to support the body of carbide, a. hollow stem
connected to the follower and projecting from the chamber in position to be reached
and moved, the interior of said stem being in communication with the chamber and
.with the atmosphere, and a safety valve for controlling the passage in the stem,
substantially as set forth.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45 Southampton. Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.