IMPROVEMENTS IN GALVANIC BATTERIES
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Henry Johnson, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the
County of Middlesex, Gentleman, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
GALVANIC BATTERIES." A communication from abroad by William Woodnutt
Griscom, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Henry Johnson at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 14th October 1878.
JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of Middlesex,
Gentleman. "IMPROVEMENTS IN GALVANIC BATTERIES." A communication from
abroad by William Woodnutt Griscom, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
of America.
This Invention has for its object constructing galvanic batteries which will
occupy but little space, will possess great power, together with entire constancy,
and will leave the entire control of the liquids in the hands of the operator without
subjecting him to the risk and inconvenience of accidental contact with the acids.
In the case of a battery consisting of battery plates contained within an outer
casing, as herein-after described, it is preferable to make the case or box of hard
rubber lined with roft rubber, or the casing may be made of wood or other material
lined with rubber, or otherwise protected from the action of acid, the joints being
made perfectly water-tight, and being closed on all sides; and it is also preferable
to so construct the box that all four sides and the top and bottom can be detached
from each other, any suitable system of screws or clamping devices being used for
so confining the parts that secure water-tight joints shall be assured.
According to one modification of this Invention the battery consists of a series of
zine or other suitable positive plates, and a series of carbon or other suitable negative
plates, arranged in compound pairs, as in the ancient voltaic pile, but in lieu of
separating the compound plates by means of felt or other porous material, in

page_text: accordance with the ancient method, there are spaces between the pairs, each space
being as narrow as circumstances will permit.
An inlet pipe is provided (say at the bottom of the box) communicating with an
elevated reservoir containing the excitant liquid to be used in connection with the
battery, the pipe being furnished with a suitable cock, and an outlet pipe is also
provided (say at the top of the box) preferably furnished with a suitable cock by
means of which the discharge of the spent or partly spent liquid may be regulated.
The box itself is closed tight at all points, except at the inlet and outlet for the
liquid, and the pipes and the battery thus form in effect a continuous closed passage
or passages for the liquid. The connected plates throughout the series are protected
on all four edges by rubber bands or otherwise, so that the faces only of the plates
are exposed to the excitant liquid. The plates extend across the box or casing and
fit so snugly to the sides of the same that there can be no communication between
an upper compartment of the box above the plates and a lower compartment of the
box below the plates other than through the narrow spaces or channels before
referred to. Binding screws form the positive and negative poles of the battery.
When the plates of each cell are arranged close to each other the inlet and outlet
cocks are so adjusted that when the battery is in operation the excitant liquid shall
flow continuously though smoothly through the narrow spaces, and with sufficient
rapidity to insure the continuous contact of fresh liquid with the faces of the plates
or elements.
When however the plates of each cell are arranged further apart it is desirable
that the exciting liquid should not flow through so rapidly. In this case the liquid
is allowed to flow into the battery until it rises to a level with the tops of the
plates.
The cock in the inlet pipe is then closed until the battery becomes weak, when
this cock is again opened for a moment, and the fresh liquid entering forces the
spent liquid out through the outlet pipe, the fresh supply being then again cut off.
In this manner the excitant fluid is caused to flow through the spaces between
the plates intermittently instead of continuously, but in both cases the whole of the
liquid exerts its influence on the plates and none is wasted. In some instances the
liquid may pass downwards instead of upwards through the said spaces.
Three pipes may be employed, any one of which may be made to communicate
with the inlet pipe by means of a four-way cock, or in lieu of the latter each of the
three pipes may be furnished with a suitable cock or other mechanism for regulating
the flow. These pipes are arranged in connection with three different elevated
reservoirs containing different liquids, each reservoir communicating through one of
the pipes with the interior of the battery, so that by manipulating the cocks any
one of the three kinds of liquid may be introduced into the said battery and caused
to flow through the narrow spaces between the compound plates. For example,
one of the reservoirs may contain a solution known as the "bichromate solution,"
to be used when a battery of great strength is required, a second may contain dilute
acid, and a third a solution of salt or sulphate of zinc, to be used when a weaker
but more economical battery is required; or one of the reservoirs or an additional
reservoir may contain pure water for use in washing the plates or producing minute
currents.
According to another modification of this Invention a series of partitions, pre-
ferably of a triangular section, extend across the box above and below the compound
plates, each partition being in contact with the edges of the said plates. The object
of these partitions is to completely isolate the liquid contents of cach cell, and to
afford room for the introduction of each one of a series of nozzles or branches with
which the pipes are provided; or, if desired, the battery plates may be made to abut
against the top and bottom of the box, the carbon plates being bevilled at the edges
for the purpose mentioned. The nozzles or branches before referred to are carried
by extensions of the pipes, and have for their object distributing the liquid to the
different pairs of plates and discharging it therefrom, and also greatly augmenting
the resistance to electrical leakage from one cell to another, since the contracted

page_text: columns of liquid which the nozzles contain offer an enormous resistance to the
passage of a local current.
In order to confine together and space the compound plates it is proposed to
employ vertical bands or strips of rubber or other suitable material, passed around
alternate pairs of compound plates, such bands determining the width of the spaces.
The whole of the plates are confined within a rubber-lined or other suitable frame,
the sides of which are secured by suitable bolts or other fastenings, and this frame
is provided with a cover and base so as to constitute the box or casing. The head
of a bolt may be soldered to the zinc plate, the bolt passing through the carbon
plate, which is countersunk to receive the nut of the bolt, and is also countersunk
for receiving the head; or the bolt may form a part of and project from the zinc plate.
If desired the bolt connection may be dispensed with, one face of the carbon plate
being coated with copper by electro-deposition, and this copper-coated face then
soldered to the zinc plate. In either case the desired electrical connection between
the plates will be insured. The carbon plate in the vicinity of the connections
should be saturated with paraffine or other suitable material to prevent the access
of acid to the said connections. Where a great quantity of electricity is required,
as for instance in electro-plating, electrotyping, and the like, a single cell battery
may be used arranged in the following manner :-
In this instance the case is provided at one end with a carbon plate, and a block
of zinc having an external screw thread is adapted to the threaded interior of the
case. The excitant fluid is caused to flow continuously through the narrow space
between the inner face of the zinc block and the face of the carbon plate in the
same manner and for the same purpose as described above with reference to the
preceding arrangements. Either the carbon plate or the zinc block is made adjustable
by any appropriate adjusting appliances. The object of this adjustment is to feed
the zinc forward in proportion as it is dissolved, and to maintain the space between
it and the carbon plate as contracted as possible, or in cases where the internal
resistance of the battery is of less consequence, and it is desirable to have a larger
body of liquid between the plates, the distance between the plates may be regulated
at pleasure.
In this battery, since the distance between the plates may be greatly diminished,
the internal resistance is reduced, and therefore the quantity of electricity is aug-
mented, notwithstanding the small size of the plates, while polarization, which
usually militates against the obtaining of large currents from small plates, may be
diminished by increasing the rapidity of the flow of the liquid excitant under
pressure.
A very simple form of single cell battery may be constructed according to this
Invention in the following manner, and in a similar manner may be constructed a
battery consisting of a number of cells:-In the case of the single cell battery the
two plates are separated from each other by a band or strips of rubber or other
suitable material at or near the edges of the plates, which band or strips will form
a tight joint so as to form an interior closed space between the two plates, the latter
being secured together by means of a suitable pair of clamps. Attached to or
forming part of each of these clamps is a binding post, and one clamp is suitably
insulated from, say, the carbon plate, while the other clamp is insulated from the
zinc plate. Through the carbon plate pass two pipes, one of which communicates
through a tube with the reservoir containing the supply of excitant liquid, while
the other communicates with the receiving reservoir, so that by means of suitable
cocks in the pipes or " compresses" on the flexible rubber tubes the excitant fluid
may be allowed to flow continuously or intermittently through the battery.
The size of the space between the plates may be varied by using a band or strips
of greater or less thickness. In the multiple cell battery a number of cells are
formed by securing several plates and bands or strips of packing material between
clamping plates, the connections between the cells being formed by a bolt in the
manner herein-before described or in any other suitable tranner. The binding posts

page_text: .
may be secured to or form part of the clamps, or they may be secured in any suitable
manner to the opposite end plates of the battery.
The tubes communicating with the reservoirs for the excitant are connected
respectively to the horizontal tubes which have a number of nozzles, each commu-
nicating through the carbon plate of its cell or through the edge of the packing
band when this is of sufficient thickness; or the distributor pipes may be passed
through the battery itself from the negative pole to the positive pole. The outer
surface of the carbon plate and of the end carbon plate of the battery are coated
with paraffine or other acid proof material in order to prevent leakage of the fluid
by percolation through the carbon.
The batteries work in a manner similar to those above described, it being observed
however that in these batteries the outside casing or box is entirely dispensed with,
the inclosure for the excitant liquid being formed by the plates themselves in con-
nection with the packing.
With reference to the arrangement of the reservoirs for the excitant fluid the
simplest plan whenever the liquid which has passed through the battery has not
been exhausted, and it is desired to again use it, is to connect the reservoirs with
the battery by flexible tubes, and arrange the supply reservoir on a shelf above the
battery, while the reservoir for receiving the liquid which has passed through the
battery is arranged below the latter.
When the upper reservoir becomes empty the inlet of the battery should be
caused to communicate with the lower reservoir which, being then more or less full,
is placed above the battery, while the empty reservoir which is then connected to
the outlet of the battery is placed below.
The flow of the liquid, controlled by suitable cocks or "compresses," thus continues
as above described.
The reservoirs may if desired be so arranged at opposite ends of a pivotted lever
or balance that when the upper reservoir becomes empty the lever may be tilted,
and the empty reservoir thus carried below and the full one raised above the battery.
According to another arrangement for reversing the reservoirs the battery is
mounted on hollow trunnions, which are adapted to bearings in a frame, and through
which pass the binding posts. The reservoirs are secured to the opposite ends of
the battery by suitable plates, and the inlet and outlet pipes, preferably provided
with the nozzles for the several cells, communicate with the reservoirs on opposite
sides of the battery.
Each reservoir is provided with suitable devices for permitting the escape of air
from or its admission to either reservoir as the flow of liquid may require.
When the upper reservoir becomes empty the battery with the reservoirs attached
is simply turned on its bearings, so that the full reservoir comes uppermost.
Very small plates may be substituted for large ones, since large plates only afford
a greater current of electricity in so far as they diminish the tendency toward
polarization and lessen the resistance.
In applying the Invention to that class of batteries in which two excitant liquids
are employed each space may have a central porous diaphragm, one excitant liquid
flowing through the space, on one side of the diaphragm, and the other excitant liquid
flowing through the space on the opposite side of the said diaphragm, so that each
volume of excitant liquid will be brought into contact with its respective plate.
The nozzles of the distributor tubes or branches may be made with enlarged heads
adapted to one of the walls of the tube through which the nozzles pass, this being
a convenient arrangement for fitting them together.
Although the distributor may be made of other material it is convenient to make
it of a tube of flexible material, such as rubber closed at one end, openings being
formed in the body of this tube at the desired intervals, into which are forced the
nozzles, preferably of glass or hard rubber and with enlarged heads.
In order to render this rubber tube acidproof it is saturated with paraffine.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said John Henry Johnson in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 4th
April 1879.
JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of Middlesex,
Gentleman. "IMPROVEMENTS IN GALVANIC BATTERIES." A communication from
abroad by William Woodnutt Griscom, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
of America.
The said Invention has for its object constructing galvanic batteries which will
occupy but little space, will possess great power together with entire constancy, and
will leave the entire control of the liquids in the hands of the operator without
subjecting him to the risk and inconvenience of accidental contact with the
acids.
In order that the said Invention may be fully understood I shall now
proceed more particularly to describe the same, and for that purpose shall refer to
the several Figures on the annexed Sheet of Drawings, the same letters of reference
indicating corresponding parts in all corresponding Figures.
Figure 1 of the accompanying Drawings represents a vertical section of one form
of the improved battery, and
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the same drawn to a reduced scale.
Figure 3 represents a vertical section of a modification of the battery.
Figure 4 is a perspective view with the top of the battery removed, and Figure 5
is a perspective view showing part of Figure 4.
Figure 6 is an enlarged sectional view, showing a mode of securing the zinc and
carbon plates together.
Figures 7 and 8 represent perspective views of a modification of this Invention.
Figure 9 represents a sectional view of a simplified form of a single cell
battery.
Figure 10 represents a vertical section of a battery with a number of cells of
a similar character.
Figure 1) is a view of a battery with reservoirs, shewing a method of inverting
the same, and
Figure 12 is a view shewing the construction of the distributor pipe.
When the battery plates are contained within an outer casing A, Figures 1 and 2,
it is preferable to make the case or box of hard rubber lined with soft rubber, or
the casing may be made of wood or other material lined with rubber or saturated
with paraffine or otherwise protected from the action of acid, the joints being made
perfectly water-tight and being closed on all sides; and it is also preferable to so
construct the box that all four sides and the top and bottom can be detached from
each other, any suitable system of screws or clamping device being used for so
confining the parts that secure water-tight joints shall be assured.
In Figure 1, a, a, are a series of zinc or other suitable positive plates, and b, b,
carbon or other suitable negative plates arranged in compound pairs as in the
ancient voltaic pile; but in lieu of separating the compound plates by means of
felt or other porous material in accordance with the ancient method there are
spaces between the pairs, each space being as narrow as circumstances will
permit.
D is an inlet pipe communicating with an elevated reservoir containing the
excitant liquid to be used in connection with the battery, the pipe being furnished
with a suitable cock.
B is the outlet pipe preferably furnished with a suitable cock, by means of which
the discharge of the spent or partly spent liquid may be regulated.
It will be seen that the box itself is closed tight at all points except at the inlet
and outlet for the liquid and the pipes D, B, and the battery, thus form in effect a
continuous closed passage or passages for the liquid,

page_text: It should be understood that the connected plates a, b, throughout the series are
protected on all four edges by rubber bands or otherwise, so that the faces only of
the plates shall be exposed to the excitant liquid.
It should also be understood that the plates extend across the box or casing, and
fit so snugly to the sides of the same that there can be no communication between
the upper compartment hand lower compartment i of the box other than through
the narrow spaces or channels cc, c.
Binding screws m, n, form the positive and negative poles of the battery.
When the plates of each cell are arranged close to each other the inlet and
outlet cocks are so adjusted that when the battery is in operation the excitant liquid
shall flow continuously though smoothly through the narrow spaces *, and with
sufficient rapidity to insure the continuous contact of the fresh liquid with the faces
of the plates or elements.
When however the plates of each cell are arranged further apart it is desirable
that the exciting liquid should not flow through so rapidly. In this case the liquid
is allowed to flow into the battery until it rises to a level with the tops of the
plates. The cock in the pipe D is then closed until the battery becomes weak,
when this cock is again opened for a moment and the fresh liquid entering forces
the spent liquid out through the pipe B, the fresh supply being then again cut off.
In this manner the excitant fluid is caused to flow through the spaces between
the plates intermittently instead of continuously, but in both cases the whole of the
liquid exerts its influence on the plates and none is wasted. In some instances
the liquid may pass downwards in lieu of upwards through the said spaces.
It will be observed on referring to the perspective view, Figure 2, that anyone
of the three pipes p, p, and p² may be caused to communicate with the inlet pipe D
by manipulating the plug of a four-way cock q, or in place of the latter each of the
three pipes may be furnished with a suitable cock or other mechanism for regu-
lating the flow. In this case three different elevated reservoirs should be provided
containing different liquids, each reservoir communicating through one of the pipes
with the interior of the battery, so that by manipulating the cocks any one of the
three kinds of liquid may be introduced into the said battery and caused to flow
through the narrow spaces between the compound plates.
as the
One of the reservoirs may for instance contain a solution known
bichromate solution "to be used when a battery of great strength is required, a
second may contain dilute acid, and a third a solution of salt or sulphate of zinc to
be used when a weaker but more economical battery is required, or one of the
reservoirs or an additional reservoir may contain pure water for use in washing
the plates or producing minute currents.
It is generally preferable to arrange the inlet and outlet as shewn, so that
the excitant liquid shall flow upwards through the battery and so expel the air and
gases.
When however the inlet pipe D is at the top of the casing the latter should be
furnished with a suitable cock for admitting air to the interior of the casing; when
it is desired to drain off the liquid contents of the same, and when the inlet
pipe D is at the bottom of the casing, the latter should be furnished with
à supplementary cock, or the inlet pipe should have a branch independent of the
supply branches, through which independent branch the liquid could be drawn off,
air in this case entering the casing through the discharge pipe B at the top.
In the modification shewn in Figure 3 a series of partitions w, preferably of the
triangular section shewn, may extend across the box above and below the
compound plates, as shown at the lower part of the Figure, each partition being in
contact with the edges of the said plates; the object of these partitions is to completely
isolate the liquid contents of each cell and to afford room for the introduction of
each nozzle of the pipes D', B'¹; or, if desired, the battery plates may be made to
abut against the top and bottom of the box, the carbon plates being bevelled at the
edges for the purpose mentioned, as shewn at the upper end of Figure 3; or the
integrity of the plates may be preserved and supply passages formed directly in the

page_text: top or bottom of the box, the passages being so formed that they will serve to
properly spread the supply of excitant liquid.
In Figure 3 is shewn a continuation D' of the feed pipe, having nozzles or branches
for the purpose of distributing the liquid to the different pairs of plates, a similar
continuation B' of the discharge pipe B is also shown.
The nozzles have for their object not only to afford a passage for the liquid but
also greatly to augment the resistance to electrical leakage from one cell to another,
since the contracted columns of liquid which the nozzles contain offer an enormous
resistance to the passage of a local current.
It will be evident that these nozzles may be indefinitely lengthened to meet
special requirements.
Figures 4 and 5 illustrate a mode of combining together and spacing the com-
pound plates; vertical bands, or strips a³ of rubber or other suitable material are
passed around alternate pairs of compound plates, and these bands determine the
width of the spaces x, the whole of the plates are confined within a rubber-lined or
other suitable frame H, the sides of which are secured by suitable bolts or other
fastenings, and this frame is provided with cover and base so as to constitute the
box or casing.
In Figure 6 the head e of a bolt I is soldered to the zinc plate and passes through
the carbon plate which is countersunk to receive the nut f of the bolt and is also
countersunk for the reception of the head, or the bolt may form a part of and pro-
ject from the zine plate.
If desired the bolt connection may be dispensed with, one face of the carbon
plate being coated with copper by electro-deposition, and this copper-coated face
then soldered to the zinc plate.
In either case the desired electrical connection between the plates will be insured.
The carbon plate in the vicinity of the connections should be saturated with
paraffine or other suitable material to prevent the access of acid to the said
connections.
Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a single cell battery made according to the said Inven-
tion, this modification being used in cases where it is required that the internal
resistance to the battery shall be very minute. In this instance the case A is
provided at one end with a carbon plate b and a block of zinc a, having an external
scrow thread, is adapted to the threaded interior of the case. The excitant fluid is
caused to flow continuously through the narrow space between the inner face of
the zinc block and the face of the carbon plate in the same manner and for the
same purpose as herein-before described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 of the
Drawing, indeed the only difference between this modification and that above
described is the use of but one carbon plate and one zinc block, the latter being
made adjustable either in the manner set forth or by any other appropriate
adjusting appliances. The object of this adjustment is to feed the zinc forward in
proportion as it is dissolved, and to maintain the space between it and the carbon
plate as contracted as possible, or in cases where the internal resistance of the
battery is of less consequence and it is desirable to have a larger body of liquid
between the plates, the distance between the plates may be regulated at pleasure.
In this battery since the distance between the plates may be greatly diminished
the internal resistance is reduced and therefore the quantity of electricity is
augmented notwithstanding the small size of the plates, while polarization which
usually militates against the obtaining of large currents from small plates may be
.diminished by increasing the rapidity of the flow of the liquid excitant under
pressure.
In Figure 9 is illustrated one of the simplest forms of a single cell battery made
according to the said Invention, and in Figure 10 is illustrated a similar form of
battery consisting of a number of cells. In Figure 9 a is the zinc or other suitable
positive plate, and b the carbon or other suitable negative plate, the two plates
being separated from each other by a band or strips K of rubber or other suitable
material which will make a tight joint so as to form an interior closed space

page_text: between the two plates which are secured together by means of a suitable pair of
clamps M, N.
Attached to or forming part of each of these clamps is a binding post m or n, and
one clamp N is suitably insulated from, say the carbon plate b, while the clamp M
is insulated from the zinc plate a. Through the carbon plate b pass two pipes D
and B, one of which communicates through a tube with the reservoir containing
the supply of excitant liquid, while the other communicates with the receiving
reservoir, so that by means of suitable cocks in the pipes or compresses" on the
flexible rubber tubes, the excitant fluid may be allowed to flow continuously or
intermittently through the battery.
The size of the space between the plates may be varied by using a band or
strips K of greater or less thickness. In the battery, Figure 10, a number of cells
are formed by securing several plates a, b, and bands or strips of packing material
K between clamping plates M and N, the connections between the cells being
formed in the manner illustrated in Figure 6, or in any other suitable manner.
Binding posts m, n, may be secured to or form part of the clamps M, N, respectively,
as shown in Figure 9, or they may be secured in any suitable manner to the opposite
end plates of the battery, as shown in Figure 10.
The tubes B and D communicating with the reservoirs for the excitant are con-
nected respectively to the horizontal tubes B', D', which have a number of nozzles,
each communicating through the carbon plate of its cell, as shown at the left hand
of Figure 10, or through the edge of the packing band K, when this is of sufficient
thickness, as shown at the right hand of the same Figure; or the distributor pipes
may be passed through the battery itself from the negative pole to the positive pole,
as indicated by dotted lines in Figure 10.
The outer surface of the carbon plate b, Figure 9, and of the end carbon plate of
the battery, Figure 10, are coated with paraffine or other water proof material in
order to prevent leakage of the fluid by percolation through the carbon.
The batteries work in a manner similar to those above described, it being
observed, however, that in these batteries the outside casing or box is entirely
dispensed with, the inclosure for the excitant liquid being formed by the plates
themselves in connection with the packing.
In these batteries, as in those above described, it will be observed that the
chamber or chambers for the fluid are closed at all points, except at the inlet and
outlet, and the exciting liquid can pass through the battery only through the
spaces formed between the adjacent faces of the plates of each cell, and hence no
liquid passes through without exercising its effect upon the battery.
With reference to the arrangement of the reservoirs for the excitant fluid, the
simplest plan, whenever the liquid which has passed through the battery has not
been exhausted, and it is desired to again use it, is to connect the reservoirs with
the battery by flexible tubes, and arrange the supply reservoir on a shelf above the
battery, while the reservoir for receiving the liquid which has passed through the
battery is arranged below the latter.
When the upper reservoir becomes empty; the inlet of the battery should be
caused to communicate with the lower reservoir, and the latter, which is then more
or less full, is placed above the battery, while the empty reservoir, which is then
connected to the outlet of the battery, is placed below.
#
The flow of liquid, controlled by suitable cocks or compressors," thus continues
as above described.
The reservoirs may if desired be arranged at opposite ends of a lever or other
support so balanced or hung that when the upper reservoir becomes empty the
lever support may be tilted or turned, and the empty reservoir thus carried below
and the full one raised above the battery.
In Figure 11 I have illustrated another arrangement for reversing the reservoir.
The battery S is mounted on hollow trunnions 8, 8, which are adapted to bearings in
a frame T, and through which pass the binding posts m and n. The reservoirs R
are secured to the opposite ends of the battery by suitable plates p, p, and the inlet

page_text: and outlet pipes D¹ and B' preferably provided with the nozzles for the several
cells in a manner similar to that illustrated in Figure 3, communicate with
the reservoirs on opposite sides of the battery through tubes D and B respec-
tively.
Each reservoir is provided with suitable devices for permitting the escape of air
from or its admission to either reservoir as the flow of liquid may require.
When the upper reservoir becomes empty the battery with the reservoirs
attached is simply turned on its bearings so that the full reservoir comes upper-
most.
The prominent advantages of this improved battery may be enumerated and
explained as follows:-
First. The battery being closed at all points except at the inlet and outlet, the
flow of liquid under pressure is steady, and none of the liquid can be accidentally
spilled out.
Second. Owing to the fact that the liquid can pass between the plates
of each cell all the liquid that passes through must exercise its effect on the
battery.
Third. As the compound plates may be arranged in close proximity to each
other so that but a thin stratum of liquid intervenes to oppose resistance to the
passage of the current the internal resistance of the battery will be extremely
minute. The contiguity of the plates is also an important element for effecting
depolarization, the increased friction of the fluid against the plates being due to
this contiguity.
Fourth. The electro-motive force of the fresh liquid is not deteriorated by inter-
mingling with spent or partly spent liquid owing to the steady flow of the liquid
through the spaces between the plates under pressure and without agitation.
Fifth. The resistance of the metallic connections between the plates is obviously
very minute compared with that in ordinary batteries.
Sixth. The battery is contained within much less compass than those of ordinary
construction.
Seventh. The improved battery may be charged and emptied much more easily
and rapidly than an ordinary battery.
Eighth. The discontinuance of the operation of the battery need be attended
with no waste owing to the ease of discharging its liquid contents. After the
liquid has been discharged the battery may remain inactive for any length of time
and may be readily rendered active.
Ninth. The amalgamation of the plates may be readily effected by forcing a
stream of mercury or a solution of one of its salts between the said plates after
they have been cleansed by a flow of acid through the battery.
With this form of battery it is evident that the disadvantages hitherto attending
the use of iron in place of zinc plates is to a great extent obviated.
Small plates may be substituted for large ones since large plates only afford. a
greater current of electricity in so far as they diminish the tendency towards
polarization and lessen the resistance.
In applying the Invention to that class of batteries in which two excitant liquids
are employed each space a may have a central porous diaphragm, one excitant
liquid flowing through the space on one side of the diaphragm, and the other
excitant liquid flowing through the space on the opposite side of the said diaphragm,
so that each volume of excitant liquid will be brought into contact with its
respective plate.
The distributor tubes or branches B¹, D¹, with their nozzles shown in Figures 3,
10, and 11, it is preferred to make in the manner illustrated in Figures 12.
Although the distributor may be made of other material it is in this instance
made of a tube Q of flexible material, such as rubber closed at one end, and in the
body of this tube are forined at the desired intervals a number of small openings
into which are forced nozzles q preferably of glass or hard rubber and with enlarged
heads as shown in Figure 12.

page_text: In order to render this rubber tube acidproof it is saturated with paraffine.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of the said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried into
effect, I would observe in conclusion that what I consider to be novel and original,
and therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the herein-before in part
recited Letters Patent is,-
First. A galvanic battery provided with means for allowing the excitant liquid
to flow through the cells intermittently or continuously and closed at all points
except at the inlet and outlet for the pipes conveying the fluid.
Second. A battery provided with one or more inlets and outlets for the excitant
fluid, and so constructed that the only communication between such inlet and
outlet is through the spaces between the adjacent faces of the plates of each cell, as
and for the purpose herein-before described.
Third. The mode herein described of insuring the constancy and diminishing the
resistance of a battery, that is to say, arranging the positive and negative plates of
each cell in close proximity to each other, and causing the fresh excitant liquid to
flow evenly and under pressure through the intervening narrow space without
intermingling with the spent liquid, all substantially as and for the purpose herein-
before described.
Fourth. The combination of a battery with two or more reservoirs containing
different liquids, and with communicating pipes having a cock or cocks for opening
the communication of any one of the reservoirs with the battery while the other
communications are closed, as and for the purpose herein-before described.
Fifth. The combination in a battery of two or more cells arranged in a box or
case with partitions w, all substantially as herein-before described.
Sixth. The combination of a battery having two or more pairs of plates as herein
set forth, with inlet and outlet pipes having brauches with nozzles or tubes, as and
for the purpose herein-before described.
Seventh. A battery provided with an inlet and outlet for the excitant fluid, and
having negative and positive elements and devices for regulating the distance
between the said elements.
Eighth. A battery, each cell of which consists of a negative and positive plate,
and an intermediate packing at or near the edges of the plates, and which has an
inlet to the space bounded by the plates and an outlet therefrom, substantially as
herein-before described.
Ninth. The combination of the negative and positive plates of the cell or cells of
a battery with an intermediate packing band or bands and retaining clamps
and an inlet and outlet for the excitant liquid, substantially as herein-before
described.
Tenth. The combination of a battery with two reservoirs secured to the top and
bottom of the battery respectively and connecting tubes, and with devices for
inverting the battery and reservoirs, as and for the purpose herein-before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Henry Johnson, have to this my Speci-
fication set my hand and seal, this Third day of April, One thousand eight
hundred and seventy-nine.