IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PRODUCTION OF GASES TO BE USED FOR LIGHTING HEATING AND MOTIVE POWER PURPOSES
Year: 1850

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME I ALFRED
VINCENT NEWTON of the Office for Patents 66 Chancery Lane in the County
of Middlesex Mechanical Draughtsman send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria by Her
Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain bearing date at
Westminster the Twelfth day of June in the thirteenth year of Her reign
did for Herself Her heirs and successors give and grant unto me the said
Alfred Vincent Newton Her especial license full power sole privilege and
authority that I the said Alfred Vincent Newton my exors adiñors and
assigns and such others as I the said Alfred Vincent Newton my exors
admors or assigns should at any time agree with and no others from time
to time and at all times during the term of years therein mentioned should
and lawfully might make use exercise and vend within England Wales
and the Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed and in..all her Majesty's Colonies
and Plantations abroad and in the Islands of Jersey Guernsey Alderney
Sark and Man an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PRODUCTION OF GASES
TO BE USED FOR LIGHTING HEATING AND MOTIVE POWER PURPOSES " being a com-
munication from a Foreigner residing abroad. In which said Letters Patent
is contained a proviso obliging me the said Alfred Vincent Newton by an
instrument in writing under my hand and seal particularly to describe and.
ascertain the nature of the said Invention and in what manner the same is
to be performed and to cause the same to be inrolled in Her Majesty's High
Court of Chancery within six calendar months next and immediately after the
22626-2.

page_text: date of the said in part recited Letters Patent as in and by the same reference
being thereunto had will more fully and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE that in compliance with the said proviso I the said
Alfred Vincent Newton do hereby declare that the nature of the said Inven-
tion and the manner in which the same is to be performed is particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following description thereof reference
being had to the Drawings hereunto annexed and to the letters and figures
marked thereon (that is to say).
This Invention as communicated to me by my foreign correspondent mainly
consists in certain improvements in magneto-electrical apparatus for decomposing
water or other fluids in order that the gases evolved therefrom may be applied to
various useful purposes.
The improvements effected in the construction of magneto-electrical ma-
chines are intended to increase the decomposing power of the electric current
and cause it to act with great effect upon the fluid it is intended to resolve
into its elements. Adhering generally to the ordinary form of the helices, I
substitute for the common helical coil a coil of copper tubing or other good
conducting metal, and this tubing I fill at pleasure with water or other elec-
trical absorbent. This arrangement has not only the merit of giving a greatly
increased surface for the electrical currents by reason of the inner and outer
surfaces of the coils but it also admits of great accumulation of electricity,
the water or other absorbent taking up the excess during each revolution
of the helices and retaining the same till relieved by the action of the
dischargers as herein-after explained. These tubular coils may be made of
some metal that will not easily corrode or oxidate the same being insulated
externally or they be made of some non-conducting substance (such as
gutta percha tubing) filled with the liquid and a metallic conducting wire
inserted therein. It has been found that electricity when applied in a
continuous or unintermitting current cannot be used as a successful agent
in decomposing water or other fluid in sufficient quantities and at a cost
that will allow of the application of the products to general purposes, but by
reason of the electric current being made to enter the water in a series of
discharges or pulsations large volumes of gases may be evolved and at a
moderate cost. These improvements admit not only of the discharge of the
electric fluid in such pulsations but of the accumulation to any required
extent between any two pulsations or discharges. In order to prevent
the injurious effects of too great intensity in the electric current and to
ensure a safe and continuous action 1 pass the current of electricity
obtained from the electro-magnetic apparatus hereafter to be described or

page_text: any other arrangement of electro-magnetic apparatus which I may find
convenient to employ through an improved arrangement of governor which
when the current of electricity is too intense will cause it to be discharged
into the earth instead of being allowed to pass to the electrodes. This
Invention also includes some improvements in the construction of elec-
trodes which will be fully described hereafter.
At Figures 1. 3. 4. and 5 of the accompanying Drawings A. A arc
two helices the interiors or cores c, of which are formed of soft iron (or
they may consist of tubing. filled with water) and t. t. are the coils of the
helices also filled with water. These coils t. t. are wound round the cores c,
and they are connected together as at . Fig: 4 which Figure represents in
sectional elevation a pair of helices as they would be mounted in the electro-
magnetic machine. The revolution of the helices is effected by clockwork or
other simple motive power and they are mounted so as to turn between
the poles of a pair of permanent magnets B B upon one common spindle C.
On the head of the spindle is an insulating cap D carrying two metallic
rings one placed around its vertical edge E and the other its top E' each
being insulated from the other-the termini F, F, of the helical coils are
attached one to each ring E. E¹. (The small rod that connects the
discharging rings E. E. on the spindle hoad D with the hollow helical
coils should be split its entire length in order that when it enters the
hollow coil it may convey the fluid up towards the ring and allow the
electricity to enter the water). Now instead of having friction dischargers
pressing against these rings the dischargers are made as follows A wheel
G of the required diameter with its periphery covered with some good
non-conducting substance except at one point H (which must be a good
conductor is made to press by means of a spring arm I against the ring E
on the spindle head, the stud K which supports the spring arm being insu-
lated and the conducting wires J starting from the arm I. By this arrange-
ment no discharge from the helices can take place until the non-insulated point
H on the discharging wheel comes in contact with the ring E and consequently
according to the relative proportions the diameters of the ring and the wheels
so will the amount of accumulation between the discharges be.
One of my improved arrangements of electrodes is shewn in connection with
the electro-magnetic apparatus at Fig: 3, and in sectional elevation and plan
on an enlarged scale and detached from the machine at Figures 10 and 11.
In this arrangement the negative wire of platinum n, is soldered at one end to
one of the conductors i, i and its other end is wound into a coil making a
cylinder of any convenient size into which coil the positive wire p (connected by

page_text: soldering to the other conductor i,) is inserted, the lower end of this wire p
is soldered to a metallic button at the lower end of the negative coil. This
arrangement may be reversed when opposite effects are desired. The electrode
is enclosed in a cylindrical casing f, being a non-conductor, the upper end
of which is pierced with numerous small holes to allow of the escape of the
gases evolved and its bottom has an aperture of about one sixth of the diameter
of the case to allow of water entering therein from the tank or vessel in which
it is immersed.
Another modification or form of the electrodes is shewn at Figures, 10° and
11. In this arrangement the negative pole n, is attached to the inner side
or top of the cell or casing f. The positive pole p, passes down into the cell
about one third its depth terminating in a horizontal plate of copper or other
good conducting metal. From this plate a number of platinum wires or points
extend downwards into the centre of a corresponding number of coils also of
platinum which are attached to the bottom of the call or casing. In this
arrangement (as well as in the one last described) the exterior of each coil
must be covered with a non-conducting substance and so in like manner must
the surfaces of the cell or casing f. be coated.
Another arrangement of electrode is shewn in plan and sectional elevation
at Figures 10 and 11%. This electrode is constructed upon the principle of
conveying the currents on large free conductors terminating in a great num-
ber of radial points 1. 1. the negative pole 2, or pole points radiating from a
common centre around and along the conductor's terminus, and the positive
pole points 3. converging from the interior of a cylinder or cell 4. to which the
positive conductor 3 is attached, and so vice versâ when the positive pole enters
the cell and the negative is attached to its interior. The casing of the elec-
trode must be made a non-conductor on its outer surface by applying to it a
coating of sealing wax or other insulating substance. The top of the casing 5,
is pierced with numerous small holes, and its bottom 6 with an aperture of about
one sixth its diameter. The conductors should be insulated so as not to come
in contact with the water at any time or place. This may be effected either by
passing them through glass tubes or other non-conducting material or by
coating them with some non-conducting substance. Copper or other metallic
cells or casings may be used but I prefer making the electrodes and the radial
points of fine platinum. The points on the interior of the cell or cylinder may
be dispensed with, and the central or radial points of the electrode be made to
come nearly in contact with the cylinder's surface, but practice has proved that
this arrangement is not so good as the double sets of points. In decom-
posing water the cell or casing with the electrodes properly arranged and

page_text: attached is plunged into a tank or vessel of convenient shape filled with
water.
The effect of these arrangements of electrodes is to isolate as it, were a
certain quantity of water in the casing or coil and to bring to bear upon it by
a scries of pulsations or intermittent discharges the accumulated force of the
electric fluid and thus evolve the gases with extraordinary rapidity.
In experimenting with water I recommend that it be distilled or boiled in
order to get rid of the atmospheric air which it generally contains. It appears
that a given quantity or force of the electric fluid is required to decompose
water and that any excess interferes with its decomposing power and causes a
repulsive action at the electrodes subjecting them to injurious action. In
order to guard against this difficulty I pass the electric current to a governor
as before mentioned previous to conducting it to the electrode. The construc
tion of this governor which is shewn in sectional elevation in connection with
an electro-magnetic apparatus at Fig: 3 and detached and on an enlarged scale
at Fig: 9 will be readily understood from the following description thereof.
The conductors J from the electro-magnetic apparatus are made to connect
with the helices around an electro-magnet N and then pass along a conductor
O to the insulated mercurial cylinder P. a platinum bar Q pendent from the
end of a balance beam R dips into the mercury of this cylinder and at the
opposite end of the balance beam a similar platinum bar and mercurial
cylinder Q. and P. are provided from the cylinder P¹. procceds the conductor
T to the electrodes in the water or other fluid to be decomposed. Attached
to the beam R directly above the poles of the electro-magnet N is an armature
W. Taking advantage of the well-known law that the more intense the
current passing around the legs of an electro-magnet the greater the power it
is readily perceived that as all currents passed into the fluid to be decomposed
are first made to pass around the electro-magnet N there is consequently a
continued force acting on the beam R through the armature W. The action
of this force may be easily graduated and governed by placing a spring S so
as to act on the beam on the opposite side of its fulcrum to that on which the
armature is placed. Now if the bean be so adjusted that when the proper
decomposing action is obtained the spring balances the power of the magnet
while a current of the ordinary intensity is passing through the coil it will be
evident that when the intensity increases the power of the magnet will over-
come that of the spring and that end of the beam which carries the platinum
bar Q will be drawn down and consequently the platinum bar Q¹ will be raised
out of contact with the mercury in the cylinder P¹. whereby the connection
with the electrode will be broken. It has been sometimes found that when the

page_text: current is suddenly broken by drawing out the bar in the cylinder Pa vacuum
or partial vacuum is formed into which the mercury rises and consequently
the metal becomes spilt, a result which terminates the action of the machine
until the mercury is replaced. In order to avoid this difficulty an auxilliary.
cylinder Z is placed under the beam between the conducting cylinder P and
the electro-magnet N. This cylinder is filled with mercury like the other and
into it a platinum bar X attached to the beam R dips in manner similar to the
other bars. The mercury is gauged in this cylinder so that the bar shall enter
the mercury before the bar Q leaves its bath and by this means the current is
turned into the cylinder Z and thence passes off into the earth or to a reser-
voir of water by means of the conductor a.
In treating hydrogen gas so as to render it suitable for the purposes of
illumination I pass it through spirits of turpentine or any other suitable fluid
hydrocarbon. The chief matter to be attended to in this operation is to pro-
long to the proper extent the passage of the hydrogen gas through the hydro-
carbon as a given time is necessary in order that the hydrogen may become
effectually endowed with the luminiferous property. I therefore employ
some means to retard the passage of the current and cause it to bubble
through the liquid. The method which I prefer is to attach cotton wick
or the hollow wick of an argand burner or some such substances to the end
of the tube that descends into the turpentine or to perforate the end of the
tube with numerous small holes and by passing the gas through the interstices
of the fabric or the pierced tube to cause it to divide into minute globules.
By this means a greater amount of frictional contact is obtained between the
hydrocarbon and the gas. I have found that when the pipes which lead from
the decomposing tank to the hydrocarbon are made of non-conducting materials
or are coated on their interior with sealing wax or other insulating substance
that the effect is the most brilliant. The hydrogen should therefore be con
veyed by means of such tubes from the decomposing cells and passed with all
possible speed into the hydrocarbon after which it may be collected in
gasoneters or other reservoirs. These latter may also be insulated by position
or by the use of insulating materials and in practice it may be found highly
advantageous to use pipes and tubes of non-conducting materials to convey the
gns to the points of consumption. It deserves also to be borne in mind that
the vessel containing the turpentine or other hydrocarbon should be of some
non-conducting substance since it appears to be essential. to the complete
luminiferating or catalyzing of the hydrogen that it should come in contact
with the hydrocarbon whilst in a highly electrified state: I would observe
also that the height of the column of the hydrocarbon should be nearly equal

page_text: to that of the column of water around the gasometer so that the hydrogen
shall not pass too rapidly through.
Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a small magneto-electric machine in
common use to which I have adapted my improved helices A. A. and dis-
charger G.
'The insulating collar is shewn at D. The conductors J. J. lead
to the electrode which is inserted into a jet of water. This apparatus as
represented is arranged for the purpose of evolving but one gas which is
effected by using only one electrode the other conducting wires as shewn at y
and are brought into connexion with the earth or introduced into a reser-
voir of water.
'T'he foregoing description explains a simple and portable form of apparatus
which may be used with or without the governor, but when large operations
are required the power may be increased either by the use of large magnets
or by combining the powers of several magnets with a proportionate number
of helices. These combinations only require careful mechanical arrangements
directed by practical experience in electrical science.
I will now proceed to describe a magneto-electrical machine of great power
which has been found to act very successfully and which may be termed a
magneto-electric decomposer.
Fig. 1 represents the machine in horizontal section. It contains three sets
of horse-shoe magnets of which the three lower ones are shewn resting on
the frame with their respective helices.
Fig. 2. shews the three upper magnets and also the three pairs of dis-
charging wheels in their relative positions with the spring arms studs &c.
by which they are supported.
Fig. 3 is a vertical section of a part of the supporting frame of one pair of
magnets, one pair of helices, one pair of insulated rings on the head of the
helix spindle of one pair of discharging wheels of the governor or regulator
the decomposing jar or tank with an electrode immersed therein also shewing
the different conductors and the manner of insulating the different parts.
Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 (several of which have been already
referred to) shew in detail the most important part of the machine. Fig. 4
shews a vertical section of a pair of helices in connection with the magnets
and the means of effecting the discharge of the electric current. Fig. 5 is a
horizontal section of a pair of helices. Fig. 6 is a view of the top of the
helix spindle and the insulating rings therein Fig. 7 is a view of the under
face of a discharging wheel with the conducting break at H. Fig. S is an
elevation of its edge shewing one of the supporting spring arms and a flat
conducting wire attached thereto. Fig. 9.is a vertical section of the governor

page_text: or regulator. Fig. 10 is a vertical and Fig. 11 a horizontal section of a
decomposing cell with the electrodes and platinum termini and radial
points.
Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the machine complete (like letters refer to
like parts in all the Drawings). By means of a weight or spring or other
convenient power motion is given to a train of geared wheels which in their
turn cause the helices to revolve between the poles of the magnets. These
magnets need not be permanent but if not, should be inducted immediately
before putting the machine in action. The discharging wheels being of much
larger diameter than the rings on the spindle head the helices necessarily
revolve several times before a discharge can take place. The electricity is
consequently accumulated in the helices and passes off with proportionate
intensity at the periodic times. The conducting wires should be of the best
conducting material and of large surface and in operating upon a great
scale I propose to make them tubular and if need be, to fill them with
water. The cells and coils are important parts of the arrangement and in
their construction the conditions above mentioned should be well observed.
Although I have given this description of a magneto-electric apparatus
I by no means intend to confine myself to any particular form or arrangement
of such apparatus. The various purposes for which theso machines will be
required will render a great variety of sizes necessary and the nature and
principles of the Invention will admit of an equal variety of form and modifi-
cation. Throughout the foregoing Specification water has been spoken of as
being decomposed by the electric currents, but I wish it to be understood that
this has been done merely in accordance with generally received chemical
doctrines and phraseology. It may be that water is a simple element, but
whether or not all I wish to lay down as certain is the fact that by discharging
electricity through water in the modes I have described large quantities of
gases are evolved and that one at least of such gases so evolved when
passed through spirits of turpentine by the means above explained becomes
highly luminiferous.
Having now described the Invention as communicated to me from abroad
I wish it to be understood that under the above in part recited Letters Patent
I claim.
First The use of helices furnished with hollow helical coils or tubes to be
filled at pleasure with water or other electrical absorbent.
Secondly. The construction and use of electrodes as above described.
Thirdly. The mode of applying electricity to the decomposition of fluids by
pulsations or intermittent discharges.