Improvements in Electric Batteries.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 27th Sept., 1889
Complete Specification Left. 27th June, 1890 -Accepted, 16th Aug., 1890
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Electric Batteries.
I, Sir WILLIAM VAVASOUR, Baronet, of 50 Holborn Viaduct in the City of London
do hereby declare the nature of the said invention to be as follows:-
My invention refers to Improvements in Electric Batteries wherein the liquid or
liquids or one of them is or are under more or less pressure and fed thereto from
suitable reservoirs arranged and adjusted in such manner as to maintain a more or less
continuous supply all as hereafter described.
In carrying my invention into effect I provide a porous pot or a partially porous
cell containing or surrounding one of the electrodes of the battery-this porous pot
or partially porous cell is closed or cemented up with the electrode therein but having
a connection with the electrode passing through, and provided with inlet or outlet
passage or passages for the liquid under pressure. The other electrode or electrodes
is or are placed outside the porous pot or partially porous cell. The exciting or
opposing liquid is forced by pressure through the porous pot and the invention being
applicable to single or double fluid batteries. I will describe same as applied in each
case and first with reference to a double fluid battery. I place such a porous or
partially porous cell constructed as before described in an outer cell containing the other
electrodes. The liquid is introduced under pressure into the porous cell from a
reservoir the admission being regulated by means of a tap for which a patent was
granted to me the 21st day of April 1888 No. 5977 or by any other convenient and
suitable means while the fluid is supplied to the outer cell from a reservoir the supply
being also regulated by a tap or in any other convenient way and by a suitable
aperture the liquid is allowed to overflow. The regulated pressure in the closed
porous cell ensures the liquid being forced outwards and the liquids are thus caused
to mix only in the outer cell and the fluid in the said outer cell is prevented from
entering the inner.
Although I have described the battery as working with both an exciting and a
depolarizing fluid as is usually the case in a double fluid battery still I may some-
times however use only one fluid that answers the purposes of both and in this latter
case 1 preferably form the porous cell of a flat shape containing a conducting electrode
in one or more parts generating electrodes being placed on either, each, or all of the
outer sides thereof and immersed in the outer cell, but I sometimes reverse the.
relative positions of the electrodes placing generating electrodes in one or more parts
in the enclosed cell with either one or more conducting electrodes in the outer cell.
In like manner I sometimes reverse the position of the enclosed cell, forming the
outer cell or cells so as to contain the fluid under pressure and enclosed, the immersed
cell being open or otherwise fitted or formed with the overflow.
As applied to a single fluid battery place the opposing electrode or electrodes
on the outer surface or surfaces of the porous pot or partially porous cell and with or.
without some conducting material between the electrodes and the porous pot. The
outer electrode or electrodes being however sufficiently close to the outer surface of,
the said porous cell to come into immediate contact with the fluid that exudes through
the pores of the porous cell or pot from the interior thereof. The fluid in the
interior of the cell from the enclosed, form of the cell, and the position of the
reservoir or by other suitable means is as before stated placed under regulated
pressure and the liquid is thus forced out through the pores of the cell and so comes.
in immediate contact with the outer, electrode or electrodes. The electric current
having been generated I allow the fluid to drip run or waste away into any channel or
suitable receptacle that may be adapted to receive it placed around or below the
battery but not so as to form a cell in which the outer electrodes are immersed as

page_text: is usual in single fluid batteries or to form an outer cell wherein a second fluid is
used as in the form of double fluid batteries before described.
The outer electrode or electrodes may be kept at a proper distance from the outer
surface or surfaces of the porous cell, by elastic bands, springs, or by any other
suitable contrivance. The porous cells may be made whole or in parts of earthenware
parchment or of any other porous material and may be fitted with, contain, or use
such form of electrodes or electric plates or such combination of exciting and
depolarizing fluids as may be chosen or found most suitable in any particular case.
Although I prefer a form of closed cell for the cell or cells containing the liquid
under pressure still I also sometimes substitute a cell or cells of more elevated dimen-
sions so that the pressure is caused by gravity.
Dated this 27th day of September 1889.
BREWER & SON,.
Agents.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Electric Batteries.
1, Sir WILLIAM VAVASOUR Baronet of Hazlewood in the County of York and
50 Holborn Viaduct in the City of London, 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:-
My invention refers to Improvements in Electric Batteries, wherein the liquid or
liquids or solutions or one of them contained in the cells. is or are under more or less
pressure according as may be required, the liquid or solution being supplied in such a
manner as to maintain a continuous and regular supply it being acted upon by such
pressure all substantially as hereinafter described.
In carrying my invention into effect, I provide an enclosed or hermetically sealed
porous pot or partially porous cell containing or surrounding one of the electrodes
of the battery. This enclosed porous pot or partially porous cell can be closed or
cemented up with an electrode or electrolytical element therein, the electrode having
a connection passing to the outside of the cell or cells, being provided with an inlet
and outlet passage or passages for the flow of the solution or liquid. The other
electrode or electrodes may be placed outside the porous pot or partially porous cell..
either within an outside cell or cells or not, as may be required, and the exciting or
depolarizing liquid, or a combination of the two can he forced by pressure through the
porous portion of the pot or cell, the invention being applicable to either double or
single or other fluid batteries.
To illustrate more fully my invention I will first describe it in a general way and
illustrate several forms of battery suitable for carrying out my purpose, which is
particularly adaptable where a continuous and steady electric current is required; and
where constant attention is to be avoided.
In a general way, when I employ a form of double cell or double fluid battery; 1
place an electrode within an inner cell that is porous or partly porous, placing the
other electrode opposite the porous portion of the cell in an outer cell. Sometimes
the inner and sometimes the outer cell is closed or sealed up, hermetically or other-
wise, so that the liquid is forced by pressure from the closed cell, and has to percolate or
pass therefrom through the pores of the porous or partially porous cell into the second
cell, where it joins the second fluid which is not enclosed, and from which the liquid
is allowed to overflow or escape. On the other hand when I employ a single fluid
battery I place one of the electrodes within the porous or partly porous cell. the liquid
or solution therein being likewise more or less under pressure and the Huid in like
manner being forced into the outer cell containing the other electrode, which cell,
however, instead of containing a second fluid or solution, as in the case of a double
fluid battery, is entirely open or provided with an outlet for the liquid to overflow or
escape; or the battery'in some cases is not provided with a second cell the liquid 'or'

page_text: solution being allowed to drip straight away. It will be seen that the passage of any
quantity of solution may be easily regulated by the porosity of the pot or plate used
and the pressure exerted by the liquid and in either of these cases of double cell.or
single cell batteries, I supply the fluid or solution from a suitable reservoir or cistern,
either direct to the cells or through a regulating tank, which may be fitted with a ball
tap arrangement of an ordinary kind, or with one of a particular shape for which a
patent was granted to me 21st April 1888 No. 5977 or the supply of solution and
the required pressure, may be regulated in any other convenient way. My invention
will be best understood by describing same with reference to the accompanying
drawings, the following being a few of the forms suitable to what I may term my
pressure system of generating electricity, or my pressure battery.
Figure 1 is a vertical longitudinal section and Figure 2 is a vertical cross section.
Figure 3 is a horizontal section taken about centrally of Figure 1, and Figure 4 is a
horizontal section through line X Y of Figure 1 of a double fluid electric battery
constructed according to one arrangement of my invention.
This battery has 3 partitions or cells A, B1, B2, in a horizontal position, the cell A
in the centre containing a plate of zinc Z and the two outer cells B 1 and B 2 each
containing a plate of carbon (, C, and having the porous plates P, P, between them
and the centre cell A. Two or more sets of cells of this form may be piled in series
one over the other in such a manner that the feeding chambers F1 and F 2 of each
series are in a position one above another, so as to form two continuous chambers from
the top of the pile to the bottom. These chambers F1 and F 2, Figure 3, I feed from
one or more reservoirs according as I use the cells as a single or a double fluid
battery. In the case of a double Huid battery, the chambers F I and F 2 may be fed
with an exciting or depolarizing fluid or solution respectively, but when used as a
single fluid battery, both may be connected or fed with the one fluid, and I can allow
and regulate the required fluids to pass into the cells containing respectively the
positive or the negative electrodes by means of a form of regulating tap T, which
permits of the liquid running through it at the aperture a out of its respective
chamber F1 or 2 into the required cell. Such tap, though the part having the
connecting passage a for the flow of the fluid is inside the chamber or chambers, may
yet be worked from the outside by screwing the handle part-a in or out, which
action regulates the quantity of liquid that is allowed to pass from the chamber or
chambers into the cells, or stops it altogether. In Figure 4 is shewn another method
by which the liquid may be allowed to pass or percolate from the chamber F 2 into
the cells B and B 2, through an aperture G, in which is inserted some kind of porous
material such as porous plate, parchment, or other suitable substance, the porosity of
which will regulate the passage of the liquid. Figure 1 shews how the zine may
be connected with a wire terminal W, Figure 2 shewing in section how carbons
in the outer cells B 1 and B 2 can be connected at their terminals W 1 and W 2
These cells may be piled in sets of three or other numbers one on the other and
bolted down by the bolts b, b, Figure 2 or otherwise fastened together, and thus
placed, the liquid in B1 and B2 is under pressure and so is forced from these
outer carbon cells through the porous plates P, P, into the inner zinc cell, from
which it can overflow at the aperture o, or in any other convenient manner.
Figure 5 is a vertical cross section, Figure 6 is a horizontal section taken about
the lower part of Figure and. Figure 7 is a vertical longitudinal section of
another arrangement of pressure battery constructed according to my invention
arranged in a vertical position.
The centre cell Figure 5 containing a zinc plate Z, the two outer cells containing
carbon plates C, C, such outer cells being separated from the inner cells by two porous
plates P, P, fitted into two partitions a,c, the porous plates being placed in position
through apertures in the outer sides of the battery,, before the outer coverings G. G,
are secured in position and before the carbons are inserted in the outer cells. The
centre or zinc cell may be closed in at the top t, t, so that the liquid which passes into
it from the feed chamber F as shewn Figure 6 through the regulating tap T and the
aperture at the bottom of the zinc cell, is forced by pressure through the porous

page_text: 1
·
plates P, P, into the outer or carbon cells, where in the case of a double fluid battery,
it can join the depolarizing fluid which may be allowed to pass in like manner from
the chamber F' through the apertures and. In this form the chambers may be
fed from suitable reservoirs at K and K 1, with the respective fluids or solutions required,
or in the case of a single fluid battery, it may be allowed to pass from the chamber F,
through the aperture 7 into the zine cell, and so in like manner by pressure be forced
through the porous plates P, P, into the outer cells, from which it is allowed to over-
flow. Figure 7 shews by the dotted line, the manner in which the terminal W may
be fixed or connected in a cell which is closed by the top or lid t, t, and shows a
suitable form of overflow. D, D, which may be used.
Figure 8 is a vertical cross section and Figure 9 is a longitudinal section of another
form of pressure battery constructed according to my invention.
Figure 10 shews in horizontal section a separate supply chamber and Figure 11 is
a vertical cross section of same.
This arrangement shews a similar cell to that described with reference to Figures 5,
6 and 7 with this difference that the supply chambers as shewn Figures 10 and 11 are
separate from the battery and connected therewith by tubes of-rubber or other suitable
material, so that the liquid passes from the taps T, T, through the apertures q, y 1 or
q 2 as before shewn.
The chambers F1, F, may be charged with the required liquid or liquids from the
reservoir through the taps K, K 1, as before or in any other suitable manner. Any
number of these cells may be joined together by rubber or other suitable tubes being
connected to the tubes 1, 2 and i and so on (Figure 8) so as to form a continuous
passage or passages for the flow of the liquid or liquids.
Figure 12 shews in vertical section a cell having a zinc plate inside a porous
pot closed in at the top t, t, the required exciting liquid or solution being
supplied thereto through the tube F, the liquid therein being under pressure, and
so forced out of the porous pot into the outer cell H, which contains two carbon
plates, one on each side as shewn in vertical cross section at Figure 13. If this
cell is used as a single fluid battery, the fluid after doing its work overflows at D
or other suitable part of the outer cell. If this form is used as a double fluid
battery, the exciting fluid may be allowed to pass into the cell as previously
described through the inlet F, and the outer cell may be supplied with the
depolarizing fluid by means of a regulating tap F 2 which may be supplied further
with a tube b which carries such depolarizing fluid to the bottom of the cell before
it mixes with the exciting solution out of the inner or porous cell. The zine
connection may be adjusted to leads or connections as shown at W Figure 13, and
the carbons connected in the same manner as shewn at W 1, W 2, or in any other
suitable manner. I sometimes reverse the position here described, putting the
carbon inside the porous pot, and two zines on the outside. Further I sometimes
reverse the pressure by closing up the outer cell at the top t, t, and letting in the
supply by means of inlets such as F2, so that the liquid is forced in the reverse
way, namely, from the outer cell H, through the porous pot P, whence it is allowed
to flow away.
Figure 14 shews in vertical longitudinal section, Figure 15 in vertical cross section
and Figure 16 in end view another modification of my pressure battery similar in
construction to the one described at Figures 12 and 13 but with a carbon electrode
inside the porous pot, and two zine plates on the outer sides thereof. The pressure in
this form is from the inside of the porous pot, the liquid when used as a single fluid
battery passing into the inner cell through an inlet like F Figure 13 placed in the
position shewn by G and the liquid having percolated through the porous pot P over-
Blowing from the outer cell H by any suitable overflow as at D, or there may be two
tubes G and F 1, Figure 14, working as previously described with reference to
Figures 12 and 13 if the battery be required as a double fluid battery. In this plan
the zincs are shewn not fastened to the top t, as shewn with reference to Figures 12
and 13, but connected with a piece of brass or other conductor e, e, attached to the top
of the zinc, this giving greater facility for removal.

page_text: These parts of brass or other suitable metal attached to the top of the zincs, may be
lengthened out so as to rest at each end on the top of the outer cell and they may be
insulated if required by vulcanite or glass or other packings PP from either the
outer cell H, or from the top t, as may be thought proper. In this form I sometimes
cast the lead terminal 7 on to the top of the carbon in such a form that the porous
plate and th: terminal may be embedded altogether in a cavity of the top by any
suitable cement c, c.
Figure 17 shews in vertical cross section and Figure 18 in longitudinal vertical
section another form of battery constructed according to my invention having a porons
pot or jar P, with a carbon C inside the porous pot, cemented or otherwise tightly
fixed at the tapt to the lead terminal of a carbon, so that the liquid that passes in
from the tap or inlet F Figure 18 is under pressure inside the porous pot and is thus
forced through it. In this form I do not use an outer cell, but I place the zinc or
other consumable electrodes close to the outsides of the porous pot, they being kept
in their places in some cases by elastic, bands b, b, which surround them, or by the
levers shewn at Figure 17 which being at tension at V, work on the fulcrum in such
a manner that the weight of the zincs keeps them up against the sides of the porous
plates or the zines may be kept up against the porous pot in any other suitable manner.
In this case I prefer to cast the zine so that there may be a projection or boss s, to
which suitable terminals W may be applied.
Figure 19 shews in longitudinal side elevation and Figure 20 in vertical cross section
a form of pressure battery consisting of a frame F, F, with the carbon arranged
down the centre, Figure 20, the top & being screwed down, or so secured to the frame-
work F that when the liquid which is admitted at L, or in other suitable place caters
the centre of the frame, it is forced under pressure through the two porous plates P, P,
which are firmly secured with cement, rubber, or in any other suitable manner to the
frame and the liquid so passes under pressure from the inner cell which is formed by
the two porous plates, (or one porous plate and the back, if only one side of the cell is
used), through such plates or plate and so coming in contact with the zines or zine
placed on the outside in similar manner to that shewn with reference to Figures 17
and 18.
Figure 20 shews grooves or gutters o, o, in the bottom of the frame, by which the
waste liquid that drips away from the outside of the porous plates or plate can ba
collected and drained away. The connections of this battery may be similar to those
described with reference to Figures 17 and 18.
Figure 21 shews in vertical cross section and Figure 22 in face view a form of cel
having a framework F, F, containing a carbon inside, which is connected with an
outside terminal W. For convenience of manufacture, I prefer to make this cell in a
round form, but it may also be made square, or of other suitable shape. In the
face of this framework is a ledge in which is cemented the porous plate P, so as
to cause the liquid which may come into the carbon cell at F 1, to be under pressure,
In this case I rest the
the perous.plate P extending over the surface of the carbon.
zine on the porous plate, with or without a suitable packing between so that its
own weight keeps it suitably up against the porous plate as it (the zine) is consumed
and wastes away.
The porous plate P in this battery Figure 22 or the plate or plates
shewn at Figures 19 and 20, I either cement down, or I make a suitable joint
between it and the frame, with a washer of rubber or other material screwing it.
down by the lugs b, b, h, or in any other advantageous way. Round the porous plate
may be placed the gutter o, o, for collecting the waste liquid that runs away from
the surface of the porous plate, from which it may be carried away through a tube K,
or by other suitable means. This form of cell may be adjusted at any angle that
may be found convenient, or it may be placed upright.
The framework of some or all of these cells herein described may be made of
prepared wood, glazed earthenware, vulcanite, or of other suitable material or com-
pound, and the porous partitions may be made of earthenware, parchment, composition
or other suitable substance. The foregoing descriptions of different cells shew that
iny. system of pressure battery can be used in several different forms.

page_text: made in the usual ball shape, or in any other suitable form, but I prefer an open bell
shaped float made of vulcanite or other suitable material, of which material I also
prefer to make any other fittings of the tank that may come in contact with acids
in the solution.
The foregoing demonstrates several advantages of my system of pressure battery,
among the chief of which are these.
1. The avoidance of the customary necessity of frequent renewal of zincs or other
generating electrodes for the zines can be placed in such a position that they may be
cast or made of any length or form, and they will accordingly last any length of time
thought desirable, without having to be re-adjusted.
2. The consumption of zine or other generating electrode only takes place on
one side or face, for it is not immersed, namely the face opposite to the opposing
electrode of the enclosed cell, which is in reality all that is required for electrolytical
action.
3. All consumption of zinc or other electrode or weakening of solutions ceases
simply by the flow of the solution being stopped when work is not required from
the battery.
4. The strength of the battery remains constant as. the cells contain a very
small quantity of liquid which does not get weaker for it is constantly being
renewed with solution of full strength, the current therefore being both regular
and constant.
5. A battery can be kept at work for any desired length of time without attention
thus depending simply on the length of the zincs or other generating or consumed
electrode, and the amount of liquid stored for use.
6. The battery is exceedingly clean and little or no salts need form thereon, as the
solution directly it is exposed drips away.
7. The power required from an installation at any given time can easily be increased
or diminished by using all or part of the cells set up.
I am aware that prior to my invention pressure has existed or affected the fluid
used in primary electric batteries as for instance in elongated cells in order to obtain
a larger supply of fluid for a lengthened period also that supply reservoirs or supply
cisterns have been fixed to cells or in connection therewith, for maintaining a con-
tinuous flow of the liquid through a cell or a series of cells of an electric battery;
also that it has been proposed to place the generating electrode outside and in contact
with the porous plate but I am not aware and 1 define my invention by stating that
prior to my said invention, no means had been devised whereby the solution or liquid
coming from a source of supply was automatically maintained at an even and unvarying
degree of required pressure.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed 1 declare that what. I
claim is :-
1. A primary or generating electric battery in which the liquids or solutions or
one of them employed or used in the cell or cells thereof are maintained at an even
degree of pressure and are preserved in constant supply and regulated in the quantity
used by means of an enclosed cell or cells the liquid therein being under pressure
substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
2. In primary or generating electric batteries a movable cell containing an
electrode or electrolytical element in conjunction with a fixed external electrode,
or electrolytical element or vice versa an external electrode in conjunction with a
fixed cell.
3. In primary or generating electric batteries the use and employment of a pressure
regulator or regulating tank or tanks for maintaining the liquids or solutions at any
required evenness of pressure substantially as hereinbefore described.
4. Generally in primary or generating electric batteries the use of reservoirs in
communication with a pressure regulator or regulating tank or tanks the latter in

page_text: These parts of brass or other suitable metal attached to the top of the zincs, may be
lengthened out so as to rest at each end on the top of the outer cell and they may be
insulated if required by vulcanite or glass or other packings p, p, from either the
outer cell H, or from the top t, as may be thought proper. In this form I sometimes
cast the lead terminal on to the top of the carbon in such a forin that the porous
plate and th: terminal may be embedded altogether in a cavity of the top & by any
suitable cement c, c.
Figure 17 shews in vertical cross section and Figure 18 in longitudinal vertical
section another form of battery constructed according to my invention having a porous
pot or jar P, with a carbon Cinside the porous pot, cemented or otherwise tightly
fixed at the tapt to the lead terminal of a carbon, so that the liquid that passes in
from the tap or inlet F Figure 18 is under pressure inside the porous pot and is thus
forced through it. In this form I do not use an outer cell, but I place the zinc or
other consumable electrodes close to the outsides of the porous pot, they being kept
in their places in some cases by elastic bands b, b, which surround them, or by the
levers shewn at Figure 17 which being at tension at V, work on the fulcrum fin such
a manner that the weight of the zincs keeps them up against the sides of the porous
plates or the zines may be kept up against the porous pot in any other suitable manner.
In this case I prefer to cast the zinc so that there may be a projection or boss s, to
which suitable terminals W may be applied.
Figure 19 shews in longitudinal side elevation and Figure 20 in vertical cross section
a form of pressure battery consisting of a frame F, F, with the carbon Carranged
down the centre, Figure 20, the top & being screwed down, or so secured to the frame-
work that when the liquid which is admitted at L, or in other suitable place caters
the centre of the frame, it is forced under pressure through the two porous plates P, P,
which are firmly secured with cement, rubber, or in any other suitable manner to the
frame and the liquid so passes under pressure from the inner cell which is formed by
the two porous plates, (or one porous plate and the back, if only one side of the cell is
used), through such plates or plate and so coming in contact with the zines or zine
placed on the outside in similar manner to that shewn with reference to Figures 17
and 18.
Figure 20 shews grooves or gutters o, o, in the bottom of the frame, by which the
waste liquid that drips away from the outside of the porous plates or plate can be
collected and drained away. The connections of this battery may be similar to those
described with reference to Figures 17 and 18.
Figure 21 shows in vertical cross section and Figure 22 in face view a form of cel
having a framework F, F, containing a carbon C inside, which is connected with an
outside terminal W. For convenience of manufacture, I prefer to make this cell in a
round form, but it may also b. made square, or of other suitable shape. In the
face of this framework F is a ledge in which is cemented the porous plate P, so as
to cause the liquid which may come into the carbon cell at F 1, to be under pressure,
In this case I rest the
the perous.plate P extending over the surface of the carbon.
zine on the porous plate, with or without a suitable packing between so that its
own weight keeps it suitably up against the porous plate as it (the zinc) is consumed
and wastes away.
The porous plate Pin this battery Figure 22 or the plate or plates
shown at Figures 19 and 20, 1 either cement down, or I make a suitable joint
between it and the frame, with a washer of rubber or other material screwing it
down by the lugs b, b, h, or in any other advantageous way. Round th porous plate
may be placed the gutter o, o, for collecting the waste liquid that runs away from
the surface of the porous plate, from which it may be carried away through a tube K,
or by other suitable means. This form of cell may be adjusted at any angle that
may be found convenient, or it may be placed upright.
:
The framework of some or all of these cells herein described may be made of
prepared wood, glazed earthenware, vulcanite, or of other suitable material or com-
pound, and the porous partitions may be made of earthenware, parchment, composition
or other suitable substance. The foregoing descriptions of different cells shew that
my system of pressure battery can be used in several different forms.

page_text: Figure 23 shews in half transverse section and in half end view two cells con-
structed according to my invention suitable for an installation as hereafter
described and Figure 24 is a transverse section shewing the fixing of the zinc
electrode.
Figure 25 shews in end elevation the cells shewn at Figure 23 arranged as an
installation consisting of a number of cells or batteries, the form of cell however, may
be used singly if desired.
Figure 25 shews an installation of 36 cells B B &c. 18 in front and 18 at the back,
supported on the framework F, F, with regulating tanks, R1, R2, R3 respectively for
each row of cells, supplied from reservoirs S, S, which reservoirs rest on a platform T,
the cells being fitted on one side of a plank K or on both sides according to the
number required or the convenience of position. Figure 25 shews that the cells are
connected in series, but they can be connected also in parallel, or partly in series
and partly in parallel, and further they may be made of any size to suit the work
required from any particular installation.
I prefer in this form to use a single fluid solution which may be contained in a
suitable reservoir or reservoirs of the form shewn at S, or in any other convenient
form of receptacle. From this reservoir the fluid can pass through the tube e sup-
plying a regulating tank R or a number of such one after the other (which regulating
tank or regulator I shall describe more particularly hereafter) and thence on to the
cell or cells B B &c. The regulator R¹ Figure 25 in this instance, supplies the cells
on the upper row through the tube t', and may by means of communicating tubes a, a, &c.
be made to supply any number of cells on the same level; in the same manner the
regulator R 2 supplies all the cells on the second row and regulator R 3 those on the third
row. Any number of cells may be placed in a row, and any number of rows may
be fitted up, according to the requirements of any particular installation.
tubes 1, 2, 3 supply the batteries in their respective rows one after another along
the front of the installation, and if a back row or rows are fitted, such tube or
tubes may pass round and so supply the cells at the back.
The
Figure 26 shews the same installation in section, the zines Z which may be attached
by bolts or as shewn at Figure 24 or by other suitable means on either side of the
plank K are so fixed that they remain in position until exhausted or consumed by
the action of the battery, whilst the cells B can travel along after the zines as they
are consumed, and so are movable, being held in their places in any suitable manner,
as for instance by a wire support h, resting on the top of the zinc, and they may
be made to travel or keep up against the surface of the zinc by means, for instance,
of a cord as shewn with a weight attached which runs over a pulley q fastened
to the plank K. The weight thus adjusted causes the cell B to continually travel
or to be drawn up against the surface of the zine as the latter is consumed.
I prefer to make the cells B of a round shape and to use zines or other electrodes
cast in a round form either amalgamated in a particular manner or not and attached
as shown at Figures 23, 24 and 26, but I do not limit_myself to any particular
shape of cell or composition or form of zinc.
The cell B I prefer to make of glazed earthenware, prepared wood, vulcanite,
composition or other suitable material, filled with carbon C, C either solid or in
pieces, having a terminal W on the outer side for connecting purposes, and having
on its side or face a partition of porous plate, parchment, paper or other porous
materials screwed on, cemented, hermetically sealed, or otherwise firmly secured,
the flow of the required fluid or solution thus being forced by gravity and so passing
into the cell or cells under pressure at f from the regulating tank or tanks it being
regulated by the porosity of the partition and the pressure exerted. I sometimes
place a vent V with a screw or otherwise on the top of each cell, so that the air
or gases, if any form inside, may be allowed to escape by opening the vent. This
vent may also be used as an inlet for the admission of air, if under certain forms
of use this is required. Each row or level may be supplied separately, or the-waste
liquid may be allowed to drain down from an upper cell or upper row of cells and
so supply a cell or cells beneath. The zines or other generating electrodes may be

page_text: set up stationary in more ways than one but I prefer to fix and secure them to thị
board K by a holdfast A, Figure 24, that is attached to a lug b cast or fitted on to
the zine, by a pin c, that goes right through the two, they being thus easily adjusted
or taken away by the insertion or removal of the pin. The reservoir or reservoirs S
Figures 25 and 26 may be made separate and joined together or all in one of glass,
earthenware, vulcanite, composition, prepared wood, or of any other suitable material
as found convenient.
The action of this form of battery takes place in the following manner. The zines
being fixed in permanent position, and the fluid or solution stored in a suitable
reservoir or reservoirs the solution may be turned on at say the tap a Figure 27 and
the liquid allowed to flow to the regulator R', which regulator may be raised or
lowered according to the pressure required, so on through the tube to or one
of them supplying each cell as it passes along through an aperture in the cross piece f.
The liquid in this manner passes in continuously regulated quantity into each cell,
being forced by the pressure exerted in this case by gravity through the porous
plate P attached to the face of the cell, thus coming in contact with the surface of the
zinc, and so forming the required electrical connection between the zinc and the
carbon or other electrodes that may be preferred and use 1. The tap c 1 prefer to be
a double way tap so that turned in one position it allows the solution to piss, in.
another position allowing a supply of water to flow through the cells for cleansing
purposes.
At Figure 23 one of these cells is shown on a larger scale than at Figures 25
and 26 so that the form of battery 1. prefer to use may be better understood, and
Figure 24 shews in like manner a form and a method I prefer to use for the fixing
of the zinc or other electrode.
I am here describing a battery of zinc carbon elements, but my pressure battery
may also be made up of any other form of electrolytical elements or electrodes.
The liquid when used or exhausted may be allowed to drip away from between the
porous partition and the zinc, and may be collected in a trough such as y, or
in a gutter-formed receptacle as y 1, Figures 25 and 26 or in any other way that may
be found convenient according to the accommodation of any particular installation,
and so waste away down a drain, or it may be passed on to other cells as hereinbefore
notified, or it may be collected for other use.
As being economical I sometimes use broken carbon insile the cells, with one piece
suitably connected passing through a hole in the back of the cell, and therein made
fast to prevent leakage by cement or in any other suitable manner, but I do not
consider any particular size or shape or sort of carbon or other electrode as essential.
In like manner I prefer as a fluid a modified solution of sulphuric and nitric acids
with a bi-chromate in suitable proportions, but any desired solution may be employed
in my form of pressure battery.
Figures 27 and 28 shew the form of regulating tank or regulator herein previously
referred to that I prefer to use, the framework of which, H, may be made of prepared
wood, lead, vulcanite, earthenware, composition, or other suitable material, and is
fitted with an adjustment by which the entry of the solution into the regulator is
regulated by the action of a float F of suitable size, and is always kept virtually at
any desired level, say a. The liquid or solution is supplie: thereto from the
reservoir S by turning on the tap a Figure 25 as previously shewn, the liquid
passing through the tube e and the supply way L, and flows along the channel
so as to overflow at c. c, into the tank. When the tank is empty, or as the liquid
is supplied therefrom to the cells through the outlet t, the float Ffalls, and the liquid
flows in, and when it rises, the float Facts on the arm d in connection with the
leverage points so that the channel is closed, and the liquid can no longer
pass in by overflowing at c, c, until the float again falls in consequence of the
lowering of the liquid level at a. This action taking place automatically with the
rise or fall of the liquid in the tank, the liquid preserves virtually an even level,
and so works the batteries at any required evenness of pressure. The float F may be

page_text: made in the usual ball shape, or in any other suitable form, but I prefer an open bell
shaped float made of vulcanite or other suitable material, of which material 1 also
prefer to make any other fittings of the tank that may come in contact with acids
in the solution.
The foregoing demonstrates several advantages of my system of pressure battery,
among the chief of which are these.
1. The avoidance of the customary necessity of frequent renewal of zincs or other
generating electrodes for the zines can be placed in such a position that they may be
cast or made of any length or form, and they will accordingly last any length of time
thought desirable, without having to be re-adjusted.
2. The consumption of zinc or other generating electrode only takes place on
one side or face, for it is not immersed, namely the face opposite to the opposing
electrode of the enclosed cell, which is in reality all that is required for electrolytical
action.
3. All consumption of zinc or other electrode or weakening of solutions ceases
simply by the flow of the solution being stopped when work is not required from
the battery.
4. The strength of the battery remains constant as. the cells contain a very
small quantity of liquid which does not get weaker for it is constantly being
renewed with solution of full strength, the current therefore being both regular
and constant.
5. A battery can be kept at work for any desired length of time without attention
thus depending simply on the length of the zines or other generating or consumed
electrode, and the amount of liquid stored for use.
6. The battery is exceedingly clean and little or no salts need form thereon, as the
solution directly it is exposed drips away.
7. The power required from an installation at any given time can easily be increased
or diminished by using all or part of the cells set up.
I am aware that prior to my invention pressure has existed or affected the fluid
used in primary electric batteries as for instance in elongated cells in order to obtain
a larger supply of fluid for a lengthened period also that supply reservoirs or supply
cisterns have been fixed to cells or in connection therewith, for maintaining a con-
tinuous flow of the liquid through a cell or a series of cells of an electric battery;
also that it has been proposed to place the generating electrode outside and in contact
with the porous plate but I am not aware and 1 define my invention by stating that
prior to my said invention, no means had been devised whereby the solution or liquid
coming from a source of supply was automatically maintained at an oven and unvarying
degree of required pressure.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what. I
claim is:
1. A primary or generating electric battery in which the liquids or solutions or
one of them employed or used in the cell or cells thereof are maintained at an even
degree of pressure and are preserved in constant supply and regulated in the quantity
used by means of an enclosed cell or cells the liquid therein being under pressure
substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
2. In primary or generating electric batteries a movable cell containing an
electrode or electrolytical element in conjunction with a fixed external electrode,
or electrolytical element or vice versa an external electrode in conjunction with a
fixed cell.
3. In primary or generating electric batteries the use and employment of a pressure
regulator or regulating tank or tanks for maintaining the liquids or solutions at any
required evenness of pressure substantially as herein before described.
4. Generally in primary or generating electric batteries the use of reservoirs in
communication with a pressure regulator or regulating tank or tanks the latter in

page_text: connection with various closed cells of a battery all mounted on suitable framework
such as are herein shewn together with other appliances connected therewith all
constructed arranged and acting in connection with and for the purposes hereinbefore
set forth.