Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 5th July, 1887
Complete Left, 29th Mar., 1888
Complete Accepted, 18th May, 1888
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON F.C.S. M.I.M.E. of the Agency for Foreign
Patent Solicitors, 6 Lord Street Liverpool and 6 Bank Street, Manchester both
in the County of Lancaster and 323 High Holborn in the County of Middlesex
Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to improvements in furnaces for burning hydrocarbon fuels,
and steam generators therefor and the invention consists in the peculiar construction
and arrangement of the fuel-tank, furnace and boiler and means for injecting and
atomizing fuel in said furnace and automatically regulating the supply thereof, all as
hereinafter fully described.
In the drawing, figure 1, is a perspective view of the steam boiler and a portion
of the fire-box enclosing the same, together with a steam-air pump and regulating
devices connected with the boiler and a liquid-fuel tank above which the latter is
located. Figure 2, is a perspective view of one corner of the fire-box and of the
fuel-tank, showing certain details of construction hereinafter described. Figure 3,
is a perspective view of a portion of one leg of the boiler, several pipes connected
therewith, a hollow bed-plate for the same and portions of water-supply pipes
connected therewith. Figure 4, is an enlarged side elevation, partly in section, of
a portion of the fuel tank, of the boiler bed-plate and air-induction pipe, and of
one of the fuel ejectors and atomizers. Figure 5, is a perspective view of the
liquid-fuel tank, the bed-plate of the boiler connected therewith, the fuel ejectors
attached to the tank, the latter showing through a broken portion of the side
thereof, certain details of construction hereinafter described. Figure 6, is a side
elevation, partly in section, of the fuel-tank and boiler bed-plate illustrating the

page_text: connection with the latter of a lamp for igniting the atomized liquid fuel. Figure 7,
is a side elevation, in section, of the fuel-tank and the boiler bed-plate. Figures 8, 9
and 10, illustrate details of construction hereinafter described. Figure 11, is a sido
elovation, partly in section, of a boiler and furnace, a liquid-fuel tank and atomizers
and air-supplying devices, and an automatic valve for regulating the pressure of
air in the fuel-tank, said figure showing a reservoir for holding compressed air
and a somewhat different air-pump from that shown in figure 1.
A metallic, or other suitable furnace fire-box, 11, is provided in which the boiler, 26,
is located, as shown in figures 1 and 11. The sides of said fire-box are perforated to
admit air for the purpose of combustion, as shown in figures 1 and 2, and at the ends
thereof are suitable openings through which liquid fuel is 'injected into the furnace by
the injectors and atomizers, 12, the latter being arranged in opposite ends of the liquid
fuel tank, 13, as shown in figures 1 and 4 and 11, and they are arranged to inject
fuel into one or both ends of the fire-box, as may be desired, through suitable openings
in the walls thereof.
Figure 1, illustrates in perspective view a steam-generating boiler, 26, and other
co-operating devices directly connected therewith, hereinafter described. Said boiler
consists of a hollow head, 27, of suitable metallic construction, into each side of which
are secured a series of tubes, 28, by one end, their opposite ends being hermetically
closed. Said head, 27; is made in the form shown in figure 1, and said pipes are
attached thereto in such manner as to form on the upper side of the boiler, groups of
pipes with but narrow spaces therebetween, and from the latter, extending downward
on each side of the boiler single groups of pipes, as shown, the latter, in effect,
constituting the sides of that part of the boiler in which the heat-generating flame is
introduced, a chamber being formed within the so to speak, tube-walls of the boiler,
in which the combustion of the atomized liquid-fuel takes place, as below described,
the peculiar construction of the boiler being particularly favourable to the admission,
among all its tubes, of said flame, whereby steam is generated therein almost
instantaneously and with the expenditure of but little fuel.
The bed plate, 30, of the boiler, may consist of a metallic shell, as shown in
figures 5, 6, 7 and 11, having an interior filling of asbestos, 31, or said bed-plate may
be made in the form of a hollow metallic shell, as shown in figure 2, communicating
with the hollow head, 27, of the boiler, and when made hollow, as just described, the
feed-water pipes, 32 and 33, are connected therewith, as shown in figure 2, thereby
aiding in raising the temperature of the feed-water in its passage to the boiler. In
order to cause the atomized liquid-fuel to be forced directly from the tank containing
it into the said chamber within the tube-walls of the boiler, above referred to, the
liquid-fuel tank is located directly under the boiler, as shown in figure 1, and in order
to protect the contents of said tank from the heat of the flame within the furnace, the
bed-plate, 30, is interposed between the boiler and said tank, and when made, as
above described, by filling a metallic shell with asbestos or other non-conducting
substance, as lamp-black, for instance, and supported somewhat separated from the
top of the tank, 13, as shown in the drawing, whereby an air-space is formed between
the bed and the tank, it is found in practice, that the contents of the latter remain
quite cool when heat is applied to the boiler, and practically the same result is
obtained when cold feed-water is passed through a hollow bed-plate such as is shown
in figure 2. The bed-plate, 30, lies on the upper ends of a series of metallic tubes
which pass up through the tank, 13, and project above its upper side, as shown,
and bolts, 34, pass through the bed-plate and through said tubes, as shown by
dotted lines in Figure 7, and are secured therein by nuts under the tank, as there
shown.
As means for suitably securing the boiler within the furnace, 11, and for attaching
the tank and the bed-plate securely to the under side of the furnace and boiler, several
iron straps, 35, are bolted to the sides of the furnace, as shown in figure 4, and have
their lower ends bent inward and extending under the bed-plate, thereby forming a
hook-engagement with the latter.
The fuel-tank, 13, is made in the form shown, that is to say, with its central portion

page_text: between its ends thinnest in order to provide additional air-space at each end of the
tank when nearly filled with liquid-fuel, as shown in figure 7, the air-pipe, 36, which
conveys the air from the air-pump below described, entering the end of the tank, as
shown in figures 6 and 7, and extending thence in a horizontal direction through one
wall of the tank, between the upper side of the latter and the bed, 30, and passing
through a wall of the opposite end of the tank, tho said pipe being perforated, as
shown in figures 6 and 7, to distribute the air in the end of the tank at which it enters
as well as through its open end, in the opposite end of the tank.
The liquid-fuel injectors and atomizers, 12, consist each of an outer bent tube, 37,
(see figure 4) having on the outer end thereof a cap, 38, provided with a small
central perforation, which screws on to the end of said tube 37, a lock-nut, 39, being
placed on said tube behind said cap to lock the latter in any desired position on the
tube. The tube, 37, is secured in the top of the tank, 13, preferably by screwing, but
it may be secured thereto in any suitable manner. A tube, 40, of less external
diameter than the interior of tube, 37, is placed within the latter and extends from
nearly to the bottom of the tank, 13, through tube, 37, and projects beyond the outer
end thereof, as shown. By means of said construction of the ejector and atomizer an
air-passage is formed between the tubes, 37 and 40, which extends from and com-
municates with the air-space in the tank, 13, above the fuel, 41, therein and
terminates at the outer end of the tube, 37, within the cap, 38, through which air
from the tank is forced, as below described, and the same force which drives the air
out of the tank forces the liquid-fuel into and through the tube, 10, as indicated by
arrows in figure 4, causing the same to be delivered in a small jet just within the end
of the cap, 38, and through said perforation therein, thereby forming an atomized
spray of mingled air and liquid-fuel, as indicated in figures 4 and 5. To the end
that such a quantity of air as the best conditions for attaining a proper combustion of
the atomized fuel may demand, may be mixed with the jet of fuel which escapes from
the end of the tube, 40, when it passes through the perforation in the cap, 38, the
latter is made adjustable towards and from the end of the tube, 40, by screwing it on
the end of the tube, 37, thereby restricting or enlarging the air-passage between the
end of tube, 40, and the inner side of that part of the cap which surrounds the
perforation therein through which the fuel is injected. Said lock-nut, 39, serves
to lock the cap, 38, after the latter has been adjusted. By this means just the
quantity of air is admitted to, and mingled with the atomized liquid-fuel which
may be required to produce such perfect combustion as entirely obviates the pro-
duction of smoke in the furnace.
The fuel-tank, 13, is provided with a series of perforated diaphragins, 42, which.
serve to prevent any inconvenient movement of the body of liquid-fuel, 41, from one
end of the tank to the other which might otherwise be caused by the motion of a boat
or vehicle when located therein. The tank, 13, is supplied with said fuel through a
suitable capped-tube, 43.
To provide for the most economical use of liquid-fuel in maintaining any required
degree of mean steam-pressure in the boiler, the supply of atomized fuel and air to
the furnace is automatically governed and regulated as hereinafter described; and by
reason of such provision, the supply of fuel to the furnace is caused to be either
regular or intermittent, according to the amount of steam which the motive power
may demand. Hence, it will be seen that at one moment the furnace is filled with
flame and at the next the latter is totally extinguished, and these conditions of
operation require that the furnace be provided with means for setting fire to the
atomized fuel when, after its supply to the furnace has ceased, its injection is resumed.
To that end a lamp, 44, having its wick-tube and wick, 45, passing through the
bed, 30, is secured under the latter as shown in figure 6. Said lamp is located in an
opening through the tank, 13, hanging downward below the latter, its wick-tube being
attached to a hollow out, which is screwed into a bushing 47, in the bed-plate, thereby
avoiding the communication of heat to the contents of the lamp when any volatile
substance is used therein for maintaining a light. To further provide against any
danger from the accumulation of inflammable gas in the lamp, 44, a tubo, 48, is

page_text: placed therein, extending from above the contents thereof down through the bottom
of the lamp through which such gas should any be generated in the lamp, may pass
freely off. The lamp is easily attached to and detached from the bod 30, by reaching
under the latter and serewing or unserewing the same.
Any desired number of the injector and atomizing tubes, 12, may be attached to
one or to each end of the tank, 13, three being shown at each end thereof in the
drawing, and as there shown in figure 6, the holes in the wall of the furnace through
which said atomizer tubes pass, are of considerably greater diameter than the said
tubes, and said holes are so made to provide for the forced introduction or draught
of a certain amount of air through the holes around the said tubes, caused by the
aforesaid jet of air and atomized fuel which is forced through the cap, 38. The
above-described provision for the introduction of air to the furnace around the
atomizer tubes is found, in practice, to obviate the necessity of maintaining so
high an air-pressure in the tank, 13, and thereby less steam is used for driving
the air pump. The ejecting ends of the atomizer tubes may terminate outside of
the furnace walls opposite the openings therein without prejudice to the supply
of fuel or its perfect combustion. Figure 11, shows a vertical section of the furnace
wail, 11, through said injector-tube holes. The feed-pump of the boiler is connected
with the pipe, 32, which runs through the furnace between the said inner tubular
walls of the boiler to the front end thereof and there enters a T-connection with a.
side branch thereon, from which connection pipes, 33, branch off which are connected
with the ends of two of the boiler-tubes, 28, as shown in figure 1.
To prevent more water from being pumped into the boiler than will fill it up to a
required water-line, a valve-case and float, 58, is connected with the said T-connection
in the feed-water pipes, 32 and 33, in which a valve 55, connected by a suitable
stem, 56, with a float, 57, (see figure 8) is arranged in the aforesaid T-connection.
Said valve, valve-stem and float are contained in said T-connection and in a hollow
case, 58, the circular opening, 59, in said connection, in figure 8, indicating the
opening at the end of the feed-pipe, 32, connected therewith. The central portion of
said T-connection is fitted to receive the valve, 55, when it is lifted up, and said valve
then entirely covers the said opening, 59, thereby preventing the passage of any
water therethrough to the boiler, but to prevent the obstruction of communication
between the lower end of the case-stem, 56, and the boiler, through the pipes, 33,
said opening, 59, is formed below or to one side of the center-line of the passages
through the lateral branches of said T-connection, and thereby provision is made.
whereby the valve 55, may rise and close said opening, 59, without shutting off
entirely the passages through said lateral branches.
A pipe, 60, (see figure 1) connects the hollow case, 58, with one of the higher of
the boiler tubes, whereby the steam-pressure of the boiler is communicated to said
case, and by the connection of the lower end of said case with the feed-water pipe as
aforesaid, water is admitted to said case and rises therein to such height as it may be
in the boiler, and consequently when the float, 57, and valve, 55, are in the positions
shown in figure 8, the opening, 59, is open and water can flow from the pump into
the boiler; but the reverse is the case when said float and valve rise up..
A regular or intermittent supply of atomized liquid-fuel to the furnace for the
purpose of generating steam in the boiler, is provided for by the below-described
automatically operating devices which consist of a steam-actuated air-pump, a valve
located in the steam pipe between the steam-cylinder of the air-pump and the boiler
which allows steam to pass to said cylinder while the pressure in the boiler remains
below a certain point, an air-pipe connecting the air-pump with the liquid-fuel tank,
and a piston-valve connected between said steam-pipe and air-pipe, operated by the
air-pressure of the fuel-tank to shut off the steam from the steam-cylinder of the air-
pump and stop the latter when a certain degree of air-pressure is attained in the fuel-
tank. The above described devices are shown in figure 1, and somewhat differently
arranged devices for supplying air to, and governing the air-pressure in the fuel-tank,
are shown in figure 11, and arc, below. describe:!.
The said air-pump, 64, is of the ordinary construction, having the end of its piston-

page_text: rod, 65, projecting through one head of its cylinder and being adapted to have applied
thereto the handle, 66, for a purpose below described. The air pump is operated by the
piston of the steam cylinder, 67, the piston-rod of the latter and that of the air-pump
being the same. The pipe, 68, projecting from one head of the cylinder, 67, is the
exhaust pipe of the latter, and the pipe, 69, attached to the opposite end of the
cylinder, 67, is the steam supply therefor connecting it with the boiler. The pipe, 70,
connects the air-pump, 64, with the fuel-tank, 13. A valve case, 71, (see figures 1 and 10)
is connected in the said steam-pipe, 69, the inlet to which is at, a, and whose outlet is
at, c. Said valve-case is provided with a piston, 72, having a valve and spindle, 73,
attached thereto, which valve has a seat at, e, in said case, and a spring, 74, under said
piston, capable of resisting the desired working steam pressure of the boiler, holds the
valve, 73, off from its seat, e, thereby permitting steam to freely pass to the cylinder, 67, .
until said steam-pressure exceeds said working point and when it does, the piston, 71,
is thereby moved against spring, 74, causing said valve to be shut, thereby cutting
off the supply of steam to said cylinder and stopping the air-pump and consequently
the supply of air-pressure to the fuel-tank, 13, the result of which is, that the ejection
of fuel therefrom ceases and the fire in the furnace is extinguished. As soon as the
steam-pressure in the boiler hecomes reduced below its working pressure, the said
spring, 74, lifts the valve, 73, off from its seat again, letting stean pass to the
cylinder, 67, thereby causing the air-pump to resume its action, the result of which is,
that the furnace is again supplied with atomized fuel which is lighted by the flame of
the lamp, 44, as above described, and the steam-pressure in the boiler is again increased to
its required degree. An exhaust-steam pipe, 68, leads from the steam-cylinder, 67, of
the air-pump. To provide for an economical use of the liquid-fuel, or in other words, to
prevent the injection of more of the latter into the furnace than can be consumed under
the best conditions, a comparatively low degree of air-pressure is maintained in the
fuel-tank, 13, and care is taken that said air-pressure shall be as regular as is practicable;
to that end the piston-valve, 75, is connected between the steam-pipe, 69, and the air-
pipe, 70, as shown in figures 1 and 9, the details of the construction thereof being
shown in figure 9, wherein 76, is the piston of the valve, 77, the piston-cylinder, 78,
the piston-rod having a valve-shaped end, o, and, 79, is a spring on the piston-rod
between the piston and one end of the case, 77, or cylinder. In said figure 9, 80,
indicates a T-shaped connection in the aforesaid pipe, 69, which receives through a
suitable stuffing-box the valve-shaped.end of said piston-rod, 78, which end is adapted
to be moved by excessive air-pressure against the piston, 76, in a direction across the
steam-passage, z, in said T-connection, 80, and restrict the said passage.
The air-pipe, 70, leading from the air-pump, 64, to the fuel-tank, 13, is connected
with the valve-case, 77, at each end of the passage, n, through the latter, a branch-
passage from said passage, n, connecting the latter passage with the internal chamber
in the case, 77, in which is located the piston, 76. When said air-pump commences:
to operate the air-pressure on the air-pipe, 70, and the fuel-tank, 13, gradually increases,
and to prevent such action of the air-pump as will create too much pressure in said
tank, the resistance of the spring, 79, is so regulated that any excess of air-pressuro
above that required, acts against the piston, 76, giving motion to the latter and to the
rod, 78, against the force of the spring, 79, thereby causing the end of the ro:1, 78, to be.
forced partly across the passage, e, through which steam passes to actuate the pump,
or, to such a degree as to reduce and regulate the movement of the latter, thus keeping
the air-pressure in the fuel-tank at the desired point. When the action of the pump, 64,
ceases, spring, 79, operates to withdraw the end of the rod, 78, leaving the passage, =,
quite open.
It is obvious that boilers somewhat differing in construction froin those herein shown
may be employed in a hydrocarbon furnace, but for several reasons as below set forth,
those shown in figures 1 and 11, or substantially like those, are best adapted to the
advantageous consumption of hydrocarbon fuel for generating steam both for stationary
and marine engines.
Firstly. It is indispensable that the boiler be as light as practicable. Secondly, that.
it. be capable of generating a working pressure of steam from. cold. water in, a few

page_text: moments after lighting the fire (the time actually required by the boiler herein shown
being not more than 2 1-2 minutes) and Thirdly, that the boiler be practically non-
explosive with a view to absolute safety.
The liquid-fuel tank, and the devices connected therewith for forcing, by air-pressure,
said fuel therefrom and atomizing it in the furnace, are adapted to the employment of
crude or refined petroleum, or naphtha, and the described construction and arrange-
ment of the said air-forcing devices, the atomizers, having means for regulating the
admission of atmospheric air with the jet of fuel, and the described arrange-
ment for the introduction of air to the furnace through openings surrounding the
atomizer pipes, all contribute to such a perfect combustion of either of said hydrocarbons
that no smoke whatever results therefrom, and no pipe is required for the furnace either
to carry off smoke or to aid combustion.
Another improved feature of the herein described construction consists in providing
a liquid-fuel boiler and furnace, with injector and atomizing devices through which the
liquid-fuel is forced by a regulated, low air-pressure, instead of by steam-injection,
thereby obtaining a more regular and economical supply of fuel to the furnace, for in
practice, the said air-pressure required for properly conveying the fuel into the furnace
and atomizing it is only 1 1-2 pounds to the square inch, said pressure being so regulated
in order that no more fuel be injected into the furnace than can be advantageously
consumed.
A further novel feature which is embodied in the construction and operation of the
aforesaid steam-generating devices, consists in the means by which a given degree of
steam-pressure up to any desired working point is maintained automatically in the
boiler for several hours, as hereinafter described.
The general operation of the furnace, boiler, fuel-tank, injectors and atomizers and
their above-described regulating devices, is as follows:
Water is supplied to the boiler by any suitable pump. The lamp, 44, is lighted, and
the air-pump is then operated a few strokes by the handle, 66, on the end of the
piston-rod, 65, of said pump, thereby providing such air-pressure in the fuel-tank, 13,
as causes the fuel to be ejected into the furnace and there atomized as described, where
it is at once ignited by the flame of said lamp, the consequence of which is, that in a few
moments a working steam-pressure is generated in the boiler, setting the steam air-
pump in motion and maintaining the requisite air-pressure in the fuel-tank. As soon,
however, as the steam-pressure at all exceeds its fixed working limit, say 75 pounds to
the square inch, more or less, the said valve, 73, in the case, 71, is made to shut by
said excessive pressure, thereby stopping the air-pump by shutting off the steam-
supply thereof, thereby causing the firo in the furnace to be extinguished by reason of
the cessation of air-pressure in the fuel-tank. In a moment or two, however, owing
to the absence of said furnace-fire, the steam pressure will decrease letting valve, 73,
open again, and the air-pump will be again set in motion causing the fire in the furnace
to be again started and the steam pressure to be restored to its working point. In this
manner the furnace-fire is caused to be lighted and extinguished by a slight variation
(say 5 pounds) of the steam pressure from the fixed working pressure. The above
described operation constitutes the aforesaid intermittent action of the furnace-fire
whereby it is maintained only when actually required for steam generating purposes
thus effecting an important saving in fuel.
As above set forth, the air-valve in the case, 64, serves also to regulate the speed of
the air-pump according to the air-pressure in the fuel-tank, preventing said pressure
from rising above a certain point and thereby causing an over-supply of fuel to be
injected into the furnace.
When steam is being drawn from the boiler to run an engine, the action of the
air-pump is more continuous, but when the engine is not running said intermittent
action of the fire-governing devices is frequent, and thereby a working pressure is kept
up in the boiler as long as any water remains in it.
The arrangement, in connection with the fuel-tank, 13, as shown in figure 11, of the
air-pump, 88, connected with the reservoir, 82, to hold compressed air, and the valve-
box, 95, in the pipe which conveys air to said tank, having a valve-spindle to

page_text: automatically regulate the air pressure in the tank, provides means for the use of the
above described liquid-fuel in connection with the boiler and running machinery of a
manufactory, and the devices illustrated in said figure 11, are constructed and operate
as follows.
It will be understood that the fuel-tank, 13, is always provided with such a supply
of liquid-fuel, 41, as to leave an air-space, 104, above the surface of the oil.
To the end of the air-pipe, 36, outside of the fuel-tank is attached one end of a
valve-box, 95, having an air-passage, 96, through it in line with said air-pipe, and to
the opposite end of said valve-box is attached an air-pipe, 94, to which is connected. by
an ordinary union-joint, 93, a pipe, 91, with which is connected an air-pump, 88, by a
pipe, 87, and stop-valves, 92 and 86, are connected in said pipe, 91, as shown. Said
air-pump may be run by any convenient power through a belt running on the
pulley, 90, thereon, or it may be operated by hand by means of the handle, 89,
projecting from said pulley. Said pipe, 91, is connected with a reservoir, 82,
of compressed air, on which is an ordinary pressure-gage, 83, and spring escape-
valve, 85, as shown.
The aforesaid valve-box, 95, has a transverse perforation through it crossing said
air-passage, in each end of which perforation is formed an ordinary stuffing box, as
shown.
One end of a valve-spindle, 98, passes through said valve box and stuffing-boxes as
shown, and across said air-passage therein, and said spindle has a transversely perforated
air-hole, or valve-port, 97, in that part of it within the valve-box. Said stuffing-boxes
prevent the escape of air around the spindle, 98, and the latter is adapted to he moved
in the valve-box in a direction across said air-passage, 96, whereby the hole, 97, in the
spindle is brought wholly or partially into line with said passage, 96, thereby restricting
the latter more or less when said valve-port is moved partially out of line with said
passage as shown in the drawing. On the upper end of said spindle, 98, is secured a
piston-head, 102, which is fitted and adapted to move in an air-cylinder, 103, thereby
imparting a longitudinal or endwise motion to said valve spindle.
A spring, 101, between the lower end of said cylinder, 103, and the under side of
said piston-head, 102, serves to move the latter upward and to bring said valve-port, 97,
of said spindle to a position, when free to do so, in a line with the passage, 96, as below
described, thereby opening the air-passage through the valve-box, and said spring
constitutes an element of resistance to the movement of the end of said spindle across
said air passage, to bring the valve-port to the position shown, as pointed out
hereinafter.
An air-pipe, 99, connects the cylinder, 103, with the air-chamber, 104, of the
fuel-tank.
When the fuel-tank, 8, is arranged to operate in connection with a steam-boiler in con-
nection with other machinery as aforesaid, the air-pump is connected with the running
machinery in any suitable way, and under such conditions the valves, 92, and 86, are
open, and the air which is pumped is sent into the pipe, 91, from whence it is carried
through pipe, 94, and the valve box, 95, into pipe, 36, and by the latter is introduced
into the air-chamber, 104, of the fuel-tank, and any surplus of air which is pumped
into pipe, 91, more than may be required for the fuel-tank, is carried into the
reservoir, 82, and the air-pressure in the latter is regulated by turning the regulating
screw, 84, of the escape-valve, 85, the end of said screw acting on a spring in said
valve which acts against a disk therein over the outlet air-passage through it. Thus,
under a certain air-pressure somewhat in excess of that required to operate the atomizers
and to supply air to the furnace, air is permitted to escape from the reservoir, so that
the pressure under which the air is sent by the pump, 88, into the fuel-tank, is main-
tained at the desired point above that required in the tank so as to insure a constant
air-supply in the latter.
The air-reservoir, 82, is especially useful in connection with the aforesaid fuel-tank
when the air-supply therefor is dependent upon an air-pump which is only capable of
being operated by the said running machinery, and where the operation of the
machinery is dependent upon an engine operated by steam which is generated by

page_text: means of a boiler and furnace such as are herein described. Under said conditions,
a supply of air for the tank, 82, and the furnace must be had to get up steam to
start the engine after steam has been allowed to go down in the boiler and said
air-supply for starting the fire is provided for by storing a certain quantity of
compressed air in the reservoir while the air-pump is running, and by utilizing
said stored air for starting the fire to get up steam in the boiler, as aforesaid.
After storing said air in the reservoir, the valve, 86, is shut until such time as the
said air is required for the purpose set forth.
An air-reservoir substantially such as is shown herein is by any suitable means,
supplied with such a quantity of compressed air as may be required to maintain a
fire in the furnace for a certain time, and can be used in connection with said boiler
and tank in many ways, as for instance, when the boiler is used to drive an engine for
propelling a street-car or other vehicle, or for propelling a boat, and for any other
desirable similar purpose, when it is more convenient to use a reservoir than to run a
pump, and therefore the air-pressure in the reservoir must be considerably in excess of
that under which it is supplied to the fuel-tank.
The power of the spring, 101, to resist compression, together with the slight
frictional resistance of the spindle, 98, in its bearings, are adapted to be overcome by
the said required degree of air-pressure in the fuel-tank, the force of said pressure
being brought to bear on the piston-head, 102, through the connection of the
cylinder, 20, with the air-chamber, 104, of the fuel-tank, by the pipe 99. In conse-
quence of the latter described action of the valve-spindle, 98, the latter will, when air
under pressuro is flowing into the chamber, 104, from a pump or reservoir, be
operated by any pressure in said air-chamber in excess of the said required low
pressure, to operate the injectors, and said valve-port, 97, will be carried more or
less out of line with the air-passage, 96, through the valve-box, 95, thereby
restricting said passage in proportion to said excessive pressure in chamber, 104,
and causing a uniform low pressure to be maintained in said air-chamber for ejecting
fuel and air from the tank, 13.
The spring, 101, may be changed at pleasure for one having more or less
resisting power, in order to regulate the working pressure in the fuel tank to any
other than that inentioned above.
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Agents for the Applicant.

page_text: I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON F.C.S. M.I.M.E. of the Agency for Foreign
Patent Solicitors, 6 Lord Street, Liverpool, and 6 Bank Street, Manchester, both in
the County of Lancaster, and 323 High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex, Civil
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner
the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement :-
This invention relates to improvements in furnaces for burning hydrocarbon fuels,
and steam generators therefor, and the invention consists in the peculiar construction
and arrangement of the fuel-tank, furnace and boiler, and means for injecting and
atomizing fuel in said furnace, and automatically regulating the supply thereof, all as
hereinafter fully described, and set forth in the claims.
Referring to the drawings filed with the provisional specification.
Figure 1, is a perspective view of the steam boiler and a portion of the fire box
enclosing the same, together with a steam air pump and regulating devices connected
with the boiler, and a liquid-fuel tank above which the latter is located.
Figure 2, is a perspective view of one corner of the fire box and of the fuel tank,
showing certain details of construction hereinafter described.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a portion of one leg of the boiler, several pipes
connected therewith, a hollow bed plate for the same, and portions of water supply
pipes connected therewith.
Figure 4, is an enlarged side elevation, partly in section, of a portion of the fuel
tank, of the boiler bed plate and air induction pipe, and of one of the fuel ejectors
and atomizers.
Figure 5, is a perspective view of the liquid fuel tank, the bed plate of the boiler
connected therewith, the fuel ejectors attached to the tank, the latter showing through
a broken portion of the side thereof, certain details of construction hereinafter
described.
Figure 6, is a side elevation, partly in section, of the fuel-tank and boiler bed-
plate illustrating the connection with the latter of a lamp for igniting the atomized
liquid fuel.
Figure 7, is a side elevation, in section of the fuel tank, and the boiler bed-plate.
Figures 8, 9, and 10 illustrate details of construction hereinafter described.

page_text: Figure 11, is a side elevation, partly in section, of a boiler and furnace, a liquid
fuel tank and atomizers and air supplying devices, and an automatic valve for regu-
lating the pressure of air in the fuel tank, said Figure showing a reservoir for
holding compressed air, and a somewhat different air pump from that shown in
Figure 1.
A metallic, or other suitable furnace fire box, 11, is provided, in which the boiler 26,
is located, as shown in Figures 1 and 11. The sides of said fire box are perforated
to admit air for the purposes of combustion, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, and at the
ends thereof are suitable openings through which liquid fuel is injected into the
furnace by the injectors and atomizers, 12, the latter being arranged in opposite ends
of the liquid fuel tank 13 as shown in Figures 1 and 4 and 11, and they are arranged
to inject fuel into one or both ends of the fire box, as may be desired, through
suitable openings in the walls thereof.
Figure 1, illustrates in perspective view a steam generating boiler, 26, and other
co-operating devices directly connected therewith, hereinafter described. Said boiler
consists of a hollow head 27, of suitable metallic construction, into each side of which
are secured a series of tubes 28, by one end, their opposite ends being hermetically
closed. Said head 27 is made in the form shown in Figure 1, and said pipes are
attached thereto in such manner as to form on the upper side of the boiler, groups
of pipes with but narrow spaces therebetween, and from the latter, extending down-
ward on each side of the boiler, single groups of pipes as shown, the latter, in effect,
constituting the sides of that part of the boiler in which the heat generating flame is
introduced, a chamber being formed, within the so to speak, tube walls of the boiler,
in which the combustion of the atomized liquid fuel takes place, as below described,
the peculiar construction of the boiler being particularly favorable to the admission,
among all its tubes, of said flame, whereby steam is generated therein almost instan-
taneously and with the expenditure of but little fuel.
The bed-plate, 30, of the boiler, may consist of a metallic shell, as shown in
Figures 5, 6, 7 and 11, having an interior filling of asbestos, 31, or said bed plate
may be made in the form of a hollow metallic shell, as shown in Figure 3, communi-
cating with the hollow head 27, of the boiler, and when made hollow, as just described,
the feed water pipes, 32 and 33, are connected therewith, as shown in Figure 3,
thereby aiding in raising the temperature of the feed water in its passage to the
boiler.
In order to cause the atomized liquid fuel to be forced directly from the tank
containing it into the said chamber within the tube walls of the boiler, above referred
to, the liquid fuel tank is located directly under the boiler, as shown in Figure 1, and
in order to protect the contents of said tank from the heat of the flame within the
furnace, the bed-plate 30, is interposed between the boiler and said tank, and when
made, as above described, by filling a metallic shell with asbestos or other non-con-
ducting substance, as lamp black, for instance, and supported somewhat separated
from the top of the tank 13, as shown in the drawing, whereby an air space is formed
between the bed and the tank, it is found in practice, that the contents of the latter
remain quite cool when heat is applied to the boiler, and practically the same result
is obtained when cold feed water is passed through a hollow bed plate such as is
shown in Figure 2.
The bed plate 30, lies on the upper ends of a series of metallic tubes which pass up
through the tank 18, and project above its upper side, as shown, and bolts 34, pass
through the bed plate and through said tubes, as shown by dotted lines in Figure 7,
and are secured therein by nuts under the tank, as there shown.
As incans for suitably securing the boiler within the furnace 11, and for attaching
the tank and the bed plate securely to the under side of the furnace and boiler, several
iron straps 35, are holted to the sides of the furnace, as shown in Figure 2, and have
their lower ends bent inward and extending under the bed plate thereby, forming a
hook engagement with the latter.
The fuel tank 13, is made in the form shown, that is to say, with its central portion
between its ends thinnest, in order to provide additional air space at each end of the

page_text: tank when nearly filled with liquid fuel, as shown in Figure 7, the air pipe 36, which
conveys the air from the air pump below described, entering the end of the tank, as
shown in Figures 6 and 7, and extending thence in a horizontal direction through one
wall of the tank, between the upper side of the latter and the bed 30, and passing
through a wall of the opposite end of the tank, the said pipe being perforated, as
shown in Figures 6 and 7, to distribute the air in the end of the tank at which it
enters, as well as through its open end, in the opposite end of the tank.
The liquid fuel injectors and atomizers 12, consist each of an outer bent tube 37
(see Figure 4) having on the outer end thereof a cap 38, provided with a small
central perforation, which screws on to the end of said tube 37, a lock nut, 39, being
placed on said tube behind said cap to lock the latter in any desired position on the
tuhe. The tube, 37, is secured in the top of the tank 13, preferably by screwing, but
it may be secured thereto in any suitable manner. A tube 40, of less external
diameter than the interior of tube 37, is placed within the latter, and extends from
nearly to the bottom of the tank 13, through tube 37, and projects beyond the outer
end thereof as shown. By means of said construction of the ejector and atomizer,
an air passage is formed between the tubes 37 and 40, which extends from and com-
municates with the air space in the tank 13, above the fuel 41 therein, and terminates
at the outer end of the tube 37 within the cap 38, through which air from the tank
is forced, as below described, and the same force which drives the air out of the tank
forces the liquid fuel into and through the tube 40, as indicated by arrows in Figure 4,
causing the same to be delivered in a small jet just within the end of the cap 88, and
through said perforation therein, thereby forming an atomized spray of mingled air
and liquid fuel, as indicated in Figures 4 and 5. To the end that such a quantity of
air as the best conditions for attaining a proper combustion of the atomized fuel may
demand, may be mixed with the jet of fuel, which escapes from the end of the
tube 40, when it passes through the perforation in the cap 38, the latter is made
adjustable towards and from the end of the tube 40, by screwing it on the end of the
tube 37, thereby restricting or enlarging the air passage between the end of tube 40,
and the inner side of that part of the cap which surrounds the perforation therein
through which the fuel is injected. Said lock nut 39, serves to lock the cap 38, after
the latter has been adjusted. By this means just the quantity of air is admitted to,
and mingled with the atomized liquid fuel which may bo required to produce such
perfect combustion as entirely obviates the production of smoke in the furnace.
The fuel tank 13, is provided with a series of perforated diaphragms 42, which
serve to prevent any inconvenient movement of the body of liquid fuel 41, from one
end of the tank to the other, which might otherwise be caused by the motion of a
boat or vehicle when located therein.
The tank 13, is supplied with said fuel through a suitable capped tube 43.
To provide for the most economical use of liquid fuel in maintaining any required
degree of mean steam pressure in the boiler, the supply of atomized fuel and air to
the furnace is automatically governed and regulated as hereinafter described, and by
reason of such provision, the supply of fuel to the furnace is caused to be either
regular or intermittent, according to the amount of steam which the motive power
may demand. Hence, it will be seen. that at one moment the furnace, is filled with
flame, and at the next the latter is totally extinguished, and these conditions of opera-
tion require that the furnace be provided with means for setting fire to the atomized
fuel when, after its supply to the furnace has ceased, its injection is resumed. To
that end a lamp, 44 having its wick tube and wick 45, passing through the bed 30, is
secured under the latter as shown in Figure 6. Said lamp is located in an opening
through the tank 13, hanging downward below the latter, its wick tube being attached
to a hollow nut, which is screwed into a bushing 47, in the bed plate, thereby avoiding
the communication of beat to the contents of the lamp, when any volatile substance
is used therein for maintaining a light. To further provide against any danger from
the accumulation of inflammable gas in the lamp 44, a tube 18 is placed therein
extending from above the contents thereof down through the bottom of the lamp,
through which such gas, should any be generated in the lamp, may pass freely off.

page_text: The lamp is easily attached to and detached from the bed 30, by reaching under the
latter and screwing or unscrewing the same.
Any desired number of the injector and atomizing tubes 12, may be attached to one
or to each end of the tank 13, three being shown at each end thereof in the drawing
fig. 5 and as there shown in Figure 11 the holes in the wall of the furnace through
which said atomizer tubes pass, are of considerably greater diameter than the said
tubes, and said holes are so made to provide for the forced introduction or draught
of a certain amount of air through the holes around the said tubes, caused by the
aforesaid jet of air and atomized fuel, which is forced through the cap 38. The
above described provision for the introduction of air to the furnace around the
atomizer tubes is found in practice, to obviate the necessity of maintaining so high
an air pressure in the tank, 13, and thereby less steam is used for driving the air
pump. The ejecting ends of the atomizer tubes may terminate outside of the furnace
walls opposite the openings therein, without prejudice to the supply of fuel or its
perfect combustion. Figure 11, shows a vertical section of the furnace wall 11,
through said injector tube holes. The feed pump of the boiler is connected with the
pipe 32, which runs through the furnace between the said inner tubular walls of the
boiler to the front end thereof, and thero enters a T-connection with a side branch
thereon, from which connection pipes 33, branch off, which are connected with the
ends of two of the boiler tubes 28, as shown in Figure 1.
To prevent more water from being pumped into the boiler than will fill it up to a
required water line, a valve case and float 58, is connected with the said T connection
in the feed water pipes 32 and 33, in which a valve 55, connected by a suitable
stem 56, with a float, 57, (see Figure 8) is arranged in the aforesaid T connection.
Said valve, valve stem and float are contained in said T connection and in a hollow
case 58, the circular opening 59, in said connection, in Figure 8, indicating the opening
at the end of the feed pipe 32, connected therewith.
The central portion of said T connection is fitted to receive the valve 55, when it is
lifted up, and said valve then entirely covers the said opening 59, thereby preventing
the passage of any water therethrough, to the 'boiler, but to prevent the obstruction of
communication between the lower end of the case stem 56 and the boiler, through the
pipes 33, said opening 59, is formed below or to one side of the centre-line of the
passages through the lateral branches of said T connection, and thereby provision is
made whereby the valve 55, may rise and close said opening, 59, without shutting off
entirely the passages through said lateral branches.
A pipe 60 (see Figure 1) connects the hollow case 58 with one of the higher of
the boiler tubes,.whereby the steam pressure of the boiler is communicated to said
case, and by the connection of the lower end of the said case with the feed water pipe
as aforesaid, water is admitted to said case and rises therein to such height as it may
be in the boiler, and consequently when the float, 57, and valve 55, are in the positions
shown in Figure 8, the opening, 59, is open, and water can flow from the pump into
the boiler, but the reverse is the case when said float and valve rise up.
A regular or intermittent supply of atomized liquid fuel to the furnace for the purpose
of generating steam in the boiler, is provided for by the below described automatically
operating devices, which consist of a steam actuated air pump, a valve located in the steam
pipe between the steam cylinder of the air pump and the boiler which allows steam to pass
to said cylinder, while the pressure in the boiler remains below a certain point, an
air pipe connecting the air pump with the liquid fuel tank, and a piston valve con-
nected between said steam pipe and air-pipe, operated by the air pressure of the fuel
tank to shut off the steam from the steam cylinder of the air pump, and stop the
latter when a certain degree of air pressure is attained in the fuel tank. The above
described devices are shown in Figure 1, and somewhat differently arranged devices
for supplying air to, and governing the air pressure in the fuel tank, are shown in
Figure 11, and are below described.
The said air pump 64, is of the ordinary construction, having the end of its piston
rod 65, projecting through one head of its cylinder and being adapted to have applied
thereto the handle 66 for a purpose below described. The air pump is operated by

page_text: the piston of the steam cylinder 67, the piston rod of the latter and that of the air
pump being the same. The pipe 68, projecting from one head of the cylinder 67, is
the exhaust pipe of the latter, and the pipe 69, attached to the opposite end of the
cylinder 67, is the steam supply therefor, connecting it with the boiler. The pipe 70,
connects the air pump 64, with the fuel tank 13. A valve case 71, (see Figures 1
and 10) is connected in the said steam pipe 69, the inlet to which is at a, and whose
outlet is at c. Said valve case is provided with a piston 72, having a valve and spindle 73.
attached thereto, which valve has a seat at e, in said ease, and a spring 74, under said
piston, capable of resisting the desired working steam pressure of the boiler, holds
the valve 73, off from its seat e, thereby permitting steam to pass freely to the
cylinder, 67, until said steam pressure exceeds said. working point, and when it does,
the piston 71, is thereby moved against spring 74, causing said valve to be shut,
thereby cutting off the supply of steam to said cylinder and stopping the air pump, and
consequently the supply of air pressure to the fuel tank 13, the result of which is, that
the ejection of fuel therefrom ceases and the fire in the furnace is extinguished. As
soon as the steam pressure in the boiler becomes reduced below its working pressure,
the said spring 74, lifts the valve 73, off from its seat again, letting steam pass to the
cylinder 67, thereby causing the air pump to resume its action, the result of which is,
that the furnace is again supplied with atomized fuel, which is lighted by the flame
of the lamp 44, as above described, and the steam pressure in the boiler is again
increased to its required degree. An exhaust steam pipe 68, leads from the steam
cylinder 67 of the air pump.
To provide for an economical use of the liquid fuel, or in other words, to prevent
the injection of more of the latter into the furnace than can be consumed under the
best conditions, a comparatively low degree of air pressure is maintained in the fuel
tank 13, and care is taken that said air pressure shall be as regular as is practicable,
to that end the piston valve 75, is connected between the steam pipe 69, and the air
pipe 70, as shown in Figures 1 and 9, the details of the construction thereof being
shown in Figure 9, wherein 76, is the piston of the valve, 77, the piston cylinder, 78, the
piston rod, having a valve shaped end o and 79, a spring on the piston rod between
the piston and one end of the case 77, or cylinder. In said Figure 9, 80, indicates a
T-shaped connection in the aforesaid pipe 69, which receives through a suitable stuffing
box the valve shaped end of said piston rod 78, which end is adapted to be moved by
excessive air-pressure against the piston 76, in a direction across the steam passage,,
in said T-connection 80, and restrict the said passage.
The air pipe 70, leading from the air pump 64, to the fuel tank 13, is connected
with the valve case 77, at each end of the passage n, through the latter, a branch
passage from said passage n connecting the latter passage with the internal chamber
in the case. 77, in which is located the piston, 76. When said air pump commences
to operate the air pressure on the air pipe 70, and the fuel tank 13, gradually
increases, and to prevent such action of the air pump as will create too much pressure
in said tank, the resistance of the spring 79, is so regulated that any excess of air
pressure above that required, acts against the piston 76, giving motion to the latter
and to the rod 78, against the force of the spring 79, thereby causing the end of the
rod 78, to be forced partly across the passage c, through which steam passes to actuate
the pump, or, to such a degree as to reduce and regulate the movement of the latter,
thus keeping the air pressure in the fuel tank at the desired point. When the action
of the pump 64 ceases, spring 79, operates to withdraw the end of the rod 78, leaving
the passage, quite open.
It is obvious that boilers somewhat differing in construction from those herein
shown may be employed in a hydro-carbon furnace, but for several reasons as below
set forth, those shown in Figures 1 and 11, or substantially like those, are best adapted
to the advantageous consumption of hydro-carbon fuel for generating steam both for
stationary and marine engines.
Firstly. It is indispensable that the boiler be as light as practicable. Secondly.
that it be capable of generating a working pressure of steam from cold water in a few
moments after lighting the fire (the time actually required for the boiler herein shown

page_text: being not more than 2 1-2 minutes) and Thirdly, that the boiler be practically non-
explosive with a view to absolute safety.
The liquid fuel tank, and the devices connected therewith for forcing, by air
pressure, said fuel therefrom, and atomizing it in the furnace, are adapted to the
employment of crude or refined petroleum, or naphtha, and the described construction
and arrangement of the said air forcing devices, the atomizers, having means for
regulating the admission of atmospheric air with the jet of fuel, and the described
arrangement for the introduction of air to the furnace through openings surrounding
the atomizer pipes, all contribute to such a perfect combustion of either of said
hydrocarbons that no smoke whatever results therefrom, and no pipe is required for
the furnace either to carry off smoke or to aid combustion.
Another improved feature of the herein-described construction consists in providing
a liquid fuel boiler and furnace with injector and atomizing devices through which
the liquid fuel is forced by a regulated, low air pressure, instead of by steam injection,
thereby obtaining a more regular and economical supply of fuel to the furnace, for
in practice, the said air pressure required for properly conveying the fuel into the
furnace and atomizing it is only about 1 1-2 pounds to the square inch, said pressure
being so regulated in order that no more fuel be injected into the furnace, than can
be advantageously consumed.
A further novel feature, which is embodied in the construction and operation of the
aforesaid steam generating devices, consists in the means by which a given degree of
steam pressure up to any desired working point is maintained automatically in the
boiler for several hours, as hereinafter described.
The general operation of the furnace, boiler, fuel tank, injectors and atomizers and
their above described regulating devices, is as follows:-
Water is supplied to the boiler by any suitable pump. The lamp 44, is lighted and
the air pump is then operated a few strokes by the handle 66, on the end of the piston
rod 65 of said pump, thereby providing such air pressure in the fuel tank 13,
as causes the fuel to be ejected into the furnace, and there atomized as described,
where it is at once ignited by the flame of said lamp, the consequence of which is, that
in a few moments a working steam pressure is generated in the boiler, setting the
steam air pump in motion and maintaining the requisite air-pressure in the fuel tank.
As soon, however, as the steam pressure at all exceeds its fixed working limit, say
75 pounds to the square inch, more or less, the said valve 78, in the case 71, is made
to shut by said excessive pressure, thereby stopping the air pump by shutting off the
steam supply thereof, thereby causing the fire in the furnace to be extinguished by
reason of the cessation of air pressure in the fuel tank. In a moment or two,
however, owing to absence of said furnace fire, the steam pressure will decrease
letting valve 73 open again, and the air pump will be again set in motion causing the
fire in the furnace to be again started, and the steam pressure to be restored to its
working point. In this manner the furnace fire is caused to be lighted and
extinguished by a slight variation (say 5 pounds) of the steam pressure from the fixed
working pressure. The above described operation constitutes the aforesaid inter-
mittent action of the furnace fire whereby it is maintained only when actually required
for steam generating purposes, thus effecting an important saving in fuel.
As above set forth, the air valve in the case 64, serves also to regulate the speed of
the air pump according to the air pressure in the fuel tank, preventing said pressure
from rising above a certain point, and thereby causing an oversupply of fuel to be
injected into the furnace.
"When steam is being drawn from the boiler to run an engine, the action of the air
pump is more continuous, but when the engine is not running, said intermittent action
of the fire governing devices is frequent, and thereby a working pressure is kept up in
the boiler as long as any water remains in it.
The arrangement, in connection with the fuel tank 13, as shown in Figure 11, of the
air pump 88, connected with the reservoir 82, to hold compressed air, and the valve
box 95, in the pipe which conveys air to said tank, having a valve spindle to auto-
matically regulate the air pressure in the tank, provides means for the use of the

page_text: above described liquid fuel in connection with the boiler, and running machinery of
a manufactory and the devices illustrated in Figure 11, are constructed and operate
as follows:
It will be understood that the fuel tank 13, is always provided with such a supply
of liquid fuel 41, as to leave an air space 104, above the surface of the oil.
.
To the end of the air pipe 36, outside of the fuel tank, is attached one end of a
valve box 95, having an air passage 96, through it, in line with said air pipe, and to
the opposite end of said valve box is attached an air pipe 94, to which is connected, by
an ordinary union joint 93, a pipe 91, with which is connected an air pump 91, with
which is connected an air pump 88 by a pipe 87, and stop valves 92 and 86, are
connected in said pipe 91 as shown. Said air pump may be run by any convenient
power through a belt running on the pulley 90, thereon, or it may be operated by
hand by means of the handle 89, projecting from said pulley. Said pipe 91 is con-
nected with a reservoir 82, of compressed air, on which is an ordinary pressure-
gage 83, and spring escape valve 85, as shown.
The aforesaid valve box 95, has a transverse perforation through it crossing said air
passage, in each end of which perforation is formed an ordinary stuffing box, as
shown.
One end of a valve spindle 98, passes through said valve box and stuffing boxes as
shown, and across said air passage therein. and said spindle has a transversely
perforated air hole, or valve port 97, in that part of it within the valve box. Sail
stuffing boxes prevent the escape of air around the spindle 98, and the latter is adapted
to be moved in the valve box in a direction across said air passage 96, whereby the
hole 97 in the spindle is brought wholly or partially into line with said passage 96,
thereby restricting the latter more or less when said valve port is moved partially out
of line with said passage as shown in the drawing. On the upper end of said
spindle 98 is secured a piston head 102, which is fitted and adapted to move in an air
cylinder, 103, thereby imparting a longitudinal or end wise motion to said valve
spindle.
A spring 101, between the lower end of said cylinder 103, and the under side of
said piston head 102, serves to move the latter upward, and to bring said valve
port, 97, of said spindle to a position, when free to do so, in a line with the passage 96,
as below described, thereby opening the air passage through the valve box, and said
spring constitutes an element of resistance to the movement of the end of said spindle
across said air passage, to bring the valve port to the position shown, as pointed out
hereinafter.
An air pipe 99, connects the cylinder, 103, with the air chamber 104, of the fuel tank.
When the fuel tank 13, is arranged to operate in connection with a steam boiler in
connection with other machinery as aforesaid, the air pump is connected with the
running machinery in any suitable way, and under such conditions the valves
92 and 86 are open, and the air which is pumped is sent into the pipe 91 from
whence it is carried through pipe 94, and the valve box 95, into pipe 36, and by the
latter is introduced into the air chamber 104 of the fuel tank, and any surplus of air,
which is pumped into pipe 91, more than may be required for the fuel tank, is carried
into the reservoir 82, and the air pressure in the latter is regulated by turning the
regulating screw $4 of the escape valve 85, the end of said screw acting on a spring
in said valve which acts against a disc therein over the outlet air passage through it.
Thus, under a certain air pressure somewhat in excess of that required to operate the
atomizers and to supply air to the furnace, air is permitted to escape from the reservoir,
so that the pressure under which the air is sent by the pump 88, into the fuel tank, is
maintained at the desired point above that required in the tank so as to ensure a
constant air supply in the latter.
The air-reservoir, 82, is especially useful in connection with the aforesaid fuel-tank-
when the air-supply therefor is dependent upon an air-pump, which is only capable of
being operated by the said running machinery, and where the operation of the
machinery is dependent upon an engine operated by steam, which is generated by
means of a boiler and furnace such as are herein described.

page_text: Under said conditions, a supply of air, for the tank 82, and the furnace, must be
had to get up steam to start the engine after steam has been allowed to go down in
the boiler and said air-supply for starting the fire is provided for by storing a certain
quantity of compressed air in the reservoir while the air-pump is running, and by
utilizing said stored air for starting the fire to get up steam in the boiler, as aforesaid.
After storing said air in the reservoir, the valve 86 is shut, until such time as the said
air is required for the purpose set forth.
An air-reservoir, substantially such as is shown herein, is by any suitable means,
supplied with such a quantity of compressed air as may be required to maintain a fire
in the furnace for a certain time, and can be used in connection with said boiler and
tank in many ways, as for instance, when the boiler is used to drive an engine for
propelling a street-car or other vehicle, or for propelling a boat, and for any other
desirable similar purpose, when it is more convenient to use a reservoir than to run a
pump, and therefore the air pressure in the reservoir must be considerably in excess
of that under which it is supplied to the fuel-tank.
The power of the spring 101, to resist compression, together with the slight frictional
resistance of the spindle 98, in its bearings, are adapted to be overcome by the said
required degree of air-pressure in the fuel-tank, the force of said pressure being
brought to bear on the piston-head, 102, through the connection of the cylinder, 103,
with the air-chamber, 104, of the fuel-tank, by the pipe 99. In consequence of the
latter described action of the valve-spindle 98, the latter will, when air under pressuro
is flowing into the chamber 104, from a pump or reservoir, be operated by any
pressure in said air-chamber in excess of the said required low pressure, to operate the
injectors, and said valve-port 97, will be carried more or less out of line with the air-
passage 96, through the valve-box 95, thereby restricting said passage in proportion
to said excessive pressure in chamber, 104, and causing a uniform low pressure to be
maintained in said air-chamber for ejecting fuel and air from the tank, 13.
The spring 101, may be changed at pleasure for one having more or less resisting
power, in order to regulate the working pressure in the fuel-tank to any other than
that mentioned above.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said invention,
and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondents, I declare that what I claim is :-
1. In a combination, a steam boiler, an air compressor, a liquid-fuel tank connected
to said compressor, a steam pipe connecting the boiler with said compressor, and a
valve, substantially such as described, controlling the passage in said pipe, said valve
being operatively connected with the steam-boiler, whereby the rise of steam pressure
in the boiler tends to close said valve, and thus cut off steam from the compressor,
substantially as set forth.
2. Means for generating steam by the consumption of liquid or hydrocarbon fuel,
consisting of a boiler and its fire chamber substantially as described, a power actuated
air pump connected with said boiler by a suitable steam pipe, a valve 73, connected in
said steam pipe to automatically close the steam passage in the latter, a liquid fuel
tank in proximity to said furnace, connected with said air pump by a suitable pipe,
and a series of fuel injectors and atomizers, substantially as set forth.
3. Means for generating steam by the consumption of liquid fuel, consisting of a
water tube steam boiler and inclosing casing, a liquid fuel tank below and connected
to said casing, said tank having perforated diaphragms therein as described, a series
of fuel injectors and atomizers connected with said fuel tank and extending into the
casing under the boiler, and an air pump for developing air pressure in the fuel tank,
all in combination, substantially as described.
4. Means for generating steam by the consumption of liquid or hydrocarbon fuel,
consisting of a boiler and a furnace substantially as described, an air pump connected
by a steam pipe with said boiler, a valve 73, connected in said steain pipe to auto-
matically close and open the steam passage in the latter, a liquid fuel tank in proximity
to said furnace connected with said pump by a suitable pipe, through which air is

page_text: forced to said tank, a valve substantially as described, connected in the air pipe
between the air pump and fuel tank, and actuated by the air pressure in the latter,
having its end entering transversely the passage in said steam pipe to restrict said
passage, and a series of injectors and atomizers substantially as described, attached to
said tank and injecting liquid fuel into said furnace, substantially as set forth.
5. Means for generating steam by the consumption of liquid or hydro-carbon fuel,
consisting of a boiler, and a furnace substantially as described, a power actuated air
pump connected with said boiler, a liquid fuel tank in proximity to said furnace and
connected to said air pump by a suitable pipe, a valve and connections substantially
as described, whereby the air pressure is reduced and supply of fuel stopped when the
steam pressure reaches a predetermined maximum, a fuel lighting lamp supplying a
flame within said furnace, and a series of fuel injectors and atomizers, substantially as
described, attached to said tank, and injecting said fuel through the walls of said
furnace, substantially as set forth.
6. In combination, a furnace and boiler substantially as described, the fuel tank 13,
located under the boiler, a bed plate 30, interposed between the boiler and fuel tank,
and having a filling of non-conducting material, and a series of burners having pipes 12,
connected to the fuel tank and passing round the outer edge of the bed plate 30, so
that the latter may serve as a complete fire shield or screen for the fuel tank, substan-
tially as described.
7. In combination, a furnace and a boiler substantially as described, the liquid fuel
tank 13, located under the latter having a series of injectors and atomizing tubes con-
nected therewith to inject liquid fuel into said furnace, and having its central portion
between its ends, of less thickness than the latter, a bed 30, containing a material
which is a non-conductor of heat, interposed between the boiler and fuel tank, and a
power actuated air pump connected with the latter and with said boiler, substantially
as set forth.
8. Means for regulating the combustion of liquid fuel, consisting of a boiler, a fuel
tank connected thereto, a steam driven air pump communicating pressure to said tank,
and a valve controlling the steam passage to the air pump, said valve being actuated
to close said passage by an excess of air pressure in the tank, all combined substantially
as described."
9. Means for mingling atomized liquid fuel and air and for injecting the same into a
boiler furnace for generating steam under the control, automatically, of varying steam
pressure in the boiler, and varying air pressure in the fuel tank, consisting of the
combination with a steam boiler, of an air pump having a steam connection with the
latter, in which steam connection is a valve which is normally open, but capable of
being closed by an excessive steam pressure, a liquid fuel tank in proximity to said
boiler having normally an air chamber therein above the level of its fluid contents, an
air pipe connecting said pump and air chamber, a valve connected in said air pipe and
controlled by the air pressure therein, having connection with the said air pump steam
pipe, to restrict the passage therethrough, and a series of atomizers substantially as
described, attached to said tank, which communicate with the fluid contents of said
tank, and with the air chamber therein, substantially as set forth.
10. A liquid fuel tank having normally an air chamber above the level of its liquid
contents, fuel atomizers attached thereto communicating with the air chamber of the
tank and also with the part of the tank devoted to liquid fuel. A reservoir adapted to
contain compressed air, and having pipe connection with the air chamber of the tank,
and a valve controlling the aperture in said pipe and itself controlled by a passage or
pipe leading from the air chamber in the tank, all in combination, substantially as
stated.
11. A boiler and furnace substantially as described, a liquid fuel tank having.
normally an air chamber therein above the level of its fluid contents, and fuel atomizers
substantially as described, communicating with said fuel and with said air chamber,
combined with a reservoir adapted to contain compressed air, a conducting pipe con-
necting said reservoir with said air chamber, having therein a valve box substantially
as described, an air cylinder connected with said fuel tank chamber, a valve spindle

page_text: having one end connected to a piston head in said cylinder, and its opposite end
entering said valve box, and a spring between said piston head and one end of said
cylinder, substantially as set forth.
: 12. In combination, the fuel tank 13, having the air chamber 104, the air reservoir 82,
a pipe connecting the latter and said chamber, the cylinder 103, connected by an air
pipe with the chamber 104, the valve box 95, connected in said pipe between the
reservoir and the air chamber, the valve spindle 98, having one end connected to a
head in said cylinder, and its opposite end entering said valve box, and a spring on
said spindle within the cylinder 103, substantially as set forth.
13. A liquid fuel tank substantially as described, having normally an air chamber
therein above the level of its fluid contents, and fuel atomizers attached thereto com-
municating with said fluid contents and with said air chamber, combined with an air
pump having a pipe connection with said air chamber, and a valve substantially as
described, controlled by the air pressure in said chamber, to vary the area of the air
passage in said pipe connection between said pump and fuel tank, substantially as set
forth.
14. A boiler and furnace substantially as described, a liquid fuel tank having
normally an air chamber therein above the level of its fluid contents, and fuel atomizers
substantially as described, communicating with said liquid fuel and with said air
chamber, combined with an air pump, a conducting pipe connecting said pump with
said air chamber, having therein a valve box, substantially as described, an air cylinder
connected with said fuel tank chamber, a valve spindle having one end connected to a
piston head in said cylinder, and its opposite end entering said valve box, and a spring
between said piston head and one end of said cylinder, substantially as set forth.
15. In combination, the fuel tank 13, having the air chamber 104, the air pump 88,
a pipe connecting the latter and said chamber, the cylinder 103, connected by an air
pipe with the chamber 104, the valve box 95, connected in said pipe between the
pump
and the air chamber, the valve spindle 98, having one end connected to a head
in said cylinder, and its opposite end entering said valve box, and a spring on said
spindle within the cylinder 103, substantially as set forth.
Dated this 28th day of March 1888.
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Agents for the Applicant.