CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION, ARRAGEMENT, AND COMBINATION OF THE SERIES OF APPA- RATUS USED FOR THE PRODUCTION OF GAS PROM PIT COAL AND OTHER SUBSTANCES, AND FOR PURIFYING, STORING, AND DELIVERING THE SAME FOR THE PURPOSES OF ILLUMINATION, AND FOR THE APPLICATION OF CERTAIN PARTS OF THE SAID IMPROVED APPARATUS TO OTHER USEFUL PURPOSES
Year: 1819

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOHN
OUTHETT, of Vauxhall Walk, in the Parish of Lambeth, in the County of
Surrey, Civil Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS His present Majesty King George the Third, in and by His
Letters Patent, bearing date at Westminster, the Twenty-third day of March
last, for Himself, His heirs and successors, did give and grant unto me, the
said John Outhett, His especial licence, full power, sole privilege and autho-
rity, that I, the said John Outhett, my exors and assigns, and every of them, by
myself and themselves, or by my and their deputy or deputy or deputies, servants
or, agents, or such others as I, the said John Outhett, my exors, adñiors, or
assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at
all times thereafter during the term of years therein expressed, should and law-
fully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within England, Wales, and the
Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, my Invention of "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN
THE CONSTRUCTION, ARRAGEMENT, AND COMBINATION OF THE SERIES OF APPA-
RATUS USED FOR THE PRODUCTION OF GAS PROM PIT COAL AND OTHER SUBSTANCES,
AND FOR PURIFYING, STORING, AND DELIVERING THE SAME FOR THE PURPOSES OF
ILLUMINATION, AND FOR THE APPLICATION OF CERTAIN PARTS OF THE SAID
IMPROVED APPARATUS TO OTHER USEFUL PURPOSES;" in which said Letters'
Patent there is contained a proviso obliging, me, the said John Outhett, by
an instrument in writing under my hand and seal, particularly to describe and
ascertain the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is
to be performed, and to cause the same to be enrolled within two calendar
months next and immediately after the date of the said recited Letters
'

page_text: Patent, as in and by the same, reference being thereto had, will more fully
appear
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
John Outhett, do bereby declare that my Invention consists in an improved
method of constructing, combining, arranging, and applying the series of
apparatus used to generate, condense, purify, store, and deliver gas made
from pit coal or other substances, and in applying certain parts of the
said apparatus to other useful purposes. And in order to explain the uses
and superior properties of my Invention, I shall describe the whole under six
seperate sections, which will include the whole apparatus and description of
its mode of operation.
Section the 1st. My improvements in this section consist in placing within a
cylindrical or other shaped retort, or number of smaller retorts or tubes, made
of cast or wrought iron or other suitable material, within which the coals or
other substances are placed for distillation; and for the purpose of charging
and discharging these retorts with greater facility than has ever before been
effected, I have invented and do make use of certain wrought or cast-iron or
other suitable metal cases, which, being made to fit the smaller or internal
retorts, may be slid into each when charged, and withdrawn very readily when
the distillatory process is ended; and to prevent the gas escaping from the
retorts before it has been submitted to a proper degree of heat, the inner
retorts or tubes are so contrived that whatever gas is generated within them
must pass to the back ends of each, where it enters the external retort, and
comes towards the front in it, and escapes through a pipe to the hydraulic main
in the usual manner. And for the purpose of receiving any condensations that
may be formed in this part of the operation, I have constructed in the mouth-
picce of each external retort a recess or cylindrical chamber, from which the
said condensations may be drawn by removing a plug placed in the under side
of the said chamber, or unconnecting the covering plate through which the
plug just mentioned is introduced. And for the purpose of more rapidly
charging and discharging the troughs in which the coals or other substances are
placed, I have invented a cradle or revolving frame, which, being placed upon
a wrought or cast iron horse, forms a support for the whole of the troughs
contained in one of the external retorts. By means of this part of my Inven-
tion I am enabled to withdraw the whole of the troughs at once by the
assistance of three latches or hooks, which are fixed to a sliding frame placed
and retained within the bars of the cradle. And when the troughs are con-
tained within the bars of the cradle the whole together may be revolved upon
two pivots, one of which is placed at each end of the cradle. By this contrivance

page_text: the troughs may in an instant be reversed in position, by which means they
will deliver the whole of their contents, which may be conducted by folding
iron doors into a cellar beneath the floor of the retort house.
Drawing 1, Figure 1, represents a front elevation of a common cylindrical
retort, with its mouthpiece fixed on, and the lid or cover removed. Three
smaller retorts a, a, a, are placed within it, and retained in the position here
shewn by the frame A, the said frame having a projecting cylindrical rim b,
which exactly fits internally the rim,c of the mouth, both being bevilled so as
to form an equal angle with the bevel of the cover. The lid or cover,. being
luted in the usual manner, will securely close the joint between the frame A
and the rim of the mouthpiece c, and force the gas to take a proper direction,
as will be hereafter explained. d, d, d, shew the position of three holes, with
iron plugs fitted in them. By removing either of these the space between the
internal and external retorts may be examined, and if any condensations or
impurities have accumulated there the whole of the internal retorts may bo
withdrawn along with their frame, and the condensations or impure matter
be removed. The mouthpiece B has a chamber formed in it to receive any.
condensations that may collect in this part of the passage of the gas, the
same being drawn of by removing the plug e. The pipe f, issuing from the
top of the mouthpiece, conveys the gas to the hydraulic main in the usual
manner. Within each of the internal retorts a, a, a, may be seen the ends of
the troughs g, g, g, in which the coal or other substance is placed, to be sub-
mitted to the action of heat for the purpose of distillation. These troughs
are rather less in diameter than the retorts in which they are placed, by which
contrivance they may very readily be withdrawn when the operation is complete..
A side elevation of one of these troughs may be seen in Figure 2, in which
figure the place of the circular plates h, h, h, may be seen. The said plates.
serve to divide the troughs into equal compartments.
Figure 2 represents a longitudinal section of Figure 1 through the line k, l.
The direction of the gas after it is generated in the inner retorts will be seen.
by the dotted lines and darts n, n, n. It. will easily be perceived by this
figure, that whatever gas is formed in either of the inner retorts must of
necessity pass to the back end of the external retort. Thus passing through the
greatest heat, it returns towards the front in the spaces between the external
and internal retorts.
Figure 3 represents a section across the centre of the retorts when combined..
The spaces n, n, n, are those in which the gas comes towards the front after,
it has passed the back end of each of the inner retorts. Each of the iron
plates h, h, h, which divide the troughs into separate compartments, are:

page_text: perforated with a number of small holes, to permit the escape of the gas moré
readily..
Figure 4 represents a front elevation of one half of a oven or furnace
which, if it was completed, would contain five of the common cylindri-
cal-shaped retorts set in the usual manner. In this Figure only one
of the large retorts is shewn, those which should fill the holes C, C, being
removed. D, D, D, represent one half of a frame or horse which may
be placed in front of any of the sets of retorts where there are several
sets used in the same building. The use of this frame or. horse is to
support one end of the cradle i, i, in which the three troughs 9, 9, 9, are
placed, when they are either to be charged or discharged. i shews one end of
the cradle, and m, m, m, the sliding frame, which is used to slide or drive
troughs 9, 9, 9, into the smaller retorts after they have received their
charge of coals, &c. To this sliding frame are fixed three iron latches, so
constructed that their projecting ends enter the troughs, and catching in them,
the whole three may be withdrawn from their respective retorts by laying hold
of the handles o, o, and applying a proper degree of force thereto. The
upright bar E may be moved either to the right or left, as occasion may
require, by which. means the notches 'p & q may be placed exactly opposite
the centre of either of the large retorts, so as that the centre pin or pivot fixed
at one end of the cradle may enter the hole shewn at r, Figure 1, the other
end of the cradle being supported by a similar pin, which is placed in either
of the notches p or 9 of the upright bar E in Fig. 4.
Figure 1, Drawing 3, represents a side view of the cradle, the latches of the
sliding frame having each got hold of the troughs g, g, g, the said 'troughs
being shewn in the position they appear in when hälf drawn out from the
smaller retorts. When the troughs are by this means entirely withdrawn, and
placed completely within the cradle, the whole may be revolved by turning the
cradle round, by which means the coke or other substance contained 'will be
disengaged, and fall into a cellar or other receptacle below the floor. To assist
this operation the flooring may be constructed with folding iron doors F, which,
being opened and laid back upon the supports s, t, 'will then form a sort of
hopper to conduct the coke in a proper direction.
Figure 5, Drawing 1, represents an end view of the cradle as it appears when
unconnected with the frame or horse before described. This view has been
given in order to shew-more distinctly the shape of the bars, the ends of which
are seen coming through the' end piece i, i, i. Figure 6 represents an end'view
of the sliding part of the frame. The apertures seen at 1, 2, 3; are those that
received the bars so numbered in Figure 5. Figure 7 represents an improved

page_text: conducting pipe, which I have invented, to, convey the gas from the retorts to
the hydraulic main from the flanch a, which unites it to the retorts. The pipe.
proceeds in a straight line as far as b, from which part the portion from 6 to c
issues, which is continued on from c to g.. As these pipes are very liable to be
choaked by impurities which rise from the retorts with the gas, it becomes
necessary from time to time to clear them out. For this purpose, if any obstruc-
tion is formed between the parts a & b, the screw plug d must be removed, and
a rod of iron must be driven down, and that part cleaned out. Should either
of the upper parts be stopped, the covering. 9 must be removed, and similar
means being applied, the inconveniencies may be more easily removed than
where saddle or H pipes of the ordinary construction are used.
Having described the principal parts and combinations which I have invented
for the purposes before enumerated,. I shall now shew how similar advantages
may be effected should square or elliptical or other similar shaped retorts be
preferred. For the purpose of causing the gas and other products to pass the hot
part of the retort, and to return to the front end previous to quitting it, in a
manner somewhat similar to that described by means of my improved circular
or cylindrical retort, I have invented and do make use of one or more separate
chambers, channels, or passages for the gas to pass through after it has quitted
that part of the retort into which the coal or other matter is introduced for
distillation, these chambers, channels, or passages being intended to cause
the gas and other products to pass by or through the hot part of the retort
previous to quitting it, and thereby more completely effecting the distillation.
The channels or passages are most conveniently made at or within the upper-
part of the square, elliptical, or other similar shaped retorts.
Fig. 1, Drawing 2, represents a front elevation of a retort, the lid or end-
piece being removed. This retort is similar to the square retorts now in use,
excepting that it has an inner top or partition, which does not reach quite to
the back end of the retort, an opening or passage of about six inches in width
being left to allow the gas or other products evolved during distillation to pass
behind and over its inner end, and to traverse over its upper surface towards
the front end. The upper part or outer top, Fig. 1, is similar to the top of the
square retorts now in use. The space between the outer and inner tops may
be about one-sixth part of the depth of the lower part or chamber of the
retort, that is to say, if the lower, chamber be 12 inches in depth the upper-
space or chamber; may be about 2 inches in depth. Near the front end of
this outer top. is an outlet pipe, of the usual size and form, for the gas to escape:
through. The whole retort, together with that part usually called a mouth-.
piece, may be cast at once, be formed into one piece of either cast or.
wrought iron or other suitable metal, as shewn in Fig. 1, or the inner top or

page_text: partition may be made of a separate piece of cast or wrought iron or other
suitable metal, and introduced into the retort, it being guided and held in its
place by grooves in or by ribs or fillets projecting from the sides of the retort,
in a manner similar to that shewn at x, x, Fig. 12. In order to make the
front end of the space between the inner and outer tops of the retort gas tight,
a lid or end piece is to be introduced, having a rim or flanch projecting
towards the front, as seen at z, Fig. 5. A space of about one fourth of an inch
may be left between the rim or flanch and the inner sides of the upper chamber,
to allow cement to be driven in or luting to be put around the flaneh. In the
centre of this upper lid or end piece a circular hole or opening about one inch
in diameter may be made, into which an iron plug or stopper may be fitted.
The use of this opening is to allow a view of the space between the inner and
outer tops of the retort, which can at any time be effected by removing the
plug or stopper for the purpose of facilitating the distillation of the coal, which
is found to be more advantageously performed when spread in thin layers. I
use certain wrought or cast iron or other suitable metal boxes, troughs, or
pans, into which the coal is put previous to being introduced-into the retort..
Any convenient number of these boxes or troughs may be used.
Fig. 2 exhibits an end view of a retort with three similar boxes or troughs
1, 2, 3, placed one upon another. Each of these boxes is made of wrought iron
plates or sheets about three-sixteenths of an inch in thickness. These boxes or
troughs may be strengthened by cross partitions placed at convenient distances,
and a flat bar of iron of about an inch in breadth and one fourth of an inch in
thickness may be rivetted to the under and upper sides of the bottom of the
boxes. This bar may likewise pass over each side of the ends and cross
partitions. c, c, c, are handles for drawing out the boxes.
Fig. 3 is a plan of one of the boxes or troughs. At a 1, a 2, a 3, are the above-
mentioned partitions crossing the box or trough, their upper edge being a little
higher than the sides of the box or troughs. These partitions are rivetted to
the bottom and sides in the usual manner. To the top corner or angle of the
partitions a 1 and a 3 a piece of iron, about one-eighth of an inch thick,
having a hole through its centre, is rivetted or welded. This piece is shewn
by dotted lines and circles in Fig. 2 and 8, having the same letters of reference.
The ends b, b, are of the same height as the cross partitions. c is a handle
welded or rivetted to one end of the box or trough, or the ends of the handles,
may pass between the flat bars d, d, d, d, and the end of the box or trough,
and made fast with a bolt and nut in the usual manner, as shewn at e, e, e,
Fig. 4, in which Fig. the boxes or troughs are shewn in elevation, supported
by the frame or carriage hereafter to be described.
Fig. 5 represents a longitudinal section of a retort, and of three boxes placed

page_text: within it. The arrows shew the direction in which the gass passes from the
lower chamber of the retort along the upper chamber or compartment towards
the exit pipe in front.
Fig. 6 is an elevation of the central cross partition a 2,. Fig. 3.
Fig. 7 represents a rod or bar, with three prongs or hooks at its end, for the
purpose of laying hold of the handle of each of the boxes or troughs when
placed one upon another, and thereby drawing them out of the retort to
discharge the coke, or returning them when discharged with coal, by pushing
against the end of each box.
Fig. 8 is a front view of a retort having a frame and carriage placed
opposite its end.
This frame and carriage I have invented and contrived for facilitating the
operation of charging and discharging the retorts. g, g, h, h, are four iron
bars; about one inch square, and of the same length as the boxes or troughs,
which may be about six inches less than the length of the inside of the retort..
These bars, which form the top of the carriage, are placed parallel to each
other. The bars 9, 9, are placed at such distance asunder as. will allow the
flat bars rivetted to the bottom of the boxes or troughs to slide between them.
The carriage consists of two similar parts A and B, united above by the bent
iron bar i, i, i, and below by the straight iron bar k. These bars are made
fast to the supports 1, 1, 1, 1, Fig. 4, by bolts and nuts, in the usual manner.
m, m, m, m, are braces for supporting the ends of the top bars ġ, g, h, h,
and steadying the carriage. The frame or carriage has four similar cast-iron
wheels of any convenient size, two of which are shewn at n, n. The wheels
run in grooves or channels o, o, similar to those used on railroads, these
grooves or channels being placed in a direction parallel to the front end of the
retorts, so that by moving the frame backwards or forwards it will serve for
any of the retorts set in the same line.
Figure 9 is a plan of the frame and carriage, with the boxes placed thereon.
p, p, p, represents the moveable iron frame used for transferring the boxes or
troughs from that part of the carriage marked A, Figure 8, to the part
marked B. Part of this frame is seen at p in the same Figure.
I shall here observe that corresponding parts in the different Figures of this
Drawing are marked with the same letters of reference. Near the upper end
of the bent iron bars i, i, a frixton wheel or roller is fixed, seen at s, Figure 8,
upon which the frame p, p, slides backwards and forwards during the operation
of emptying the boxes or troughs. 91, 92, q 3, are 3 hooks projecting beneath
the frame. These hooks are used to lay old of such boxes or troughs as
correspond with them in number. A side view of these hooks is seen at

page_text: Figure 10. r, Figure 9, is a cross bar, one end of which is fixed to the frame;
the other has a slit or opening to allow the handles t, t, .to approach towards.or
recede from each other.
Fig. 11 is an elevation of the cross bar; the slit or opening, being shewn at u.
The mode of using: and applying the above-described frame and carriage in
charging the retorts with coal and drawing out the coke I shall here
explain. The part A of the carriage is to be placed in front of the retort to
be charged. The boxes or troughs, having a layer or stratum of coal of
about two inches in depth spread nearly equally over the bottom of each of
them, are to be laid in succession one upon another, the whole resting
upon the carriage. They may then be slid into the retort, by, applying a
sufficient force to their outer ends. When the distillatory process is complète,
the boxes or troughs are drawn out by applying the three-pronged, end of the
rod or bar, Fig:7; to the handle of each box or trough, and pulling with
sufficient force to causé them to slide upon the bottom of the retort and along
the bars of the carriage till they are clear of the front end of the retort. The
handles t, t, of the frame p, Fig. 9, are then to be laid hold of, and the
hook's 91, 91, are to be introduced into the holes at f of the partitions a 1 and
d:3 of the box or trough 1, Fig. 8. This will be facilitated by opening the
bars of the frame, by pressing or forcing the handles to recédé from each other so
as to widen the space between them, which the spring or elasticity of the frame
will admit of, and will cause them to approach each other, after the hooks, have
entered the holes, by which means that side of the box or trough nearest the
hole is to be elevated or lifted up about two inches. The frame is then to be
pulled or drawn towards. B. So soon as the whole of the breadth of the box or
trough has cleared and quitted the one beneath it, its unsupported side will
descend, and suffer the coke to fall out. This box or trough is then to be
placed upon the part B of the carriage. This is easily effected by lowering
the handles of the frame p, and at the same time drawing them a little further
in the same direction as. before. The bars are then again to be opened or
forced apart till the hooks' quit the holes in, the cross partitions of the-box or
trough, which is again to be charged with coal, as before. The handles
being elevated, the frame pushed back, and the bars opened or widened as
before, the hooks.q2, 9 2, are inserted into the holes at f, in the cross partitions
a1& à 3 of the box.or.trough 2,. which is then to be drawn off from the one
beneath it, emptied 'as before "described, and placed upon that which had been
previously drawn off it. The hooks being again disengaged from the holes,
and the second box.or trough charged with coal, the third or remaining one is
then to be removed from the part A, and emptied by means of the hooks q.3,

page_text: 93, being applied to it as before described. It is then placed upon the second;
and charged with coal in a similar manner. The carriage with the boxes on
it is then moved on till the part B arrives at the same place that the part A
had previously occupied. The boxes or troughs will then be opposite to the
end of the retort, and are to be again pushed or slid into it,, and the retort
closed in the usual manner.
20
Fig. 12 represents a front view of a retort differing somewhat in form and
arrangement from those above described. a, a, is, the inner top or partition,
which in this modification and arrangement goes to the back end of the.retort,
but does not quite reach the front end, an aperture about three inches square
being left near each side at its front end for the gass to pass through. This
top or partition may be made of either wrought or cast iron. (I prefer wrought).
The upright partitions 6, 6, are made of wrought iron, and are formed by
bending each side of a piece of sheet or plate iron until they form nearly a
right angle with the central part. The edges of each side being, bent; back
again to nearly a right angle will form a flanch, which is to be rivetted. to the.
upper side of the inner top or partition at about one-fourth of its breadth.from
each edge. These upright partitions, and the part, which connects them, at
top, which I call the upper inner partition plate, go from within about half-ans
inch of the inside bevelled edge of the retort to about six inches from the back,
end of the inside of the retort. The upper inner partition plate.is rivetted or
fastened at its front end to the under side of the outer top, by which means:
the escape of the gas to the exit pipe between it and the outer top is prevented.
The front end of the space between the outer and inner partitions, and between
the upright partitions is made gas tight by a lid or end piece similar to that
described, as seen at z, Fig. 5, excepting that its lower rim or flanch is about
double the breadth, and projects towards the back instead of towards the.
front: It has likewise a similar plug or stopper, and is cemented or luted in
the same way as before described. The inner, top, together with the upright
partitions and inner partition plate rivetted upon it, is slid in between, and
guided in its place by the projections or fillets x, x, cast on or otherwise fixed
to the inner side of the retort. 1, 2, are two boxes or troughs, broader.but in
other respects similar to those described as exhibited by Fig. 2. A frame and
carriage similar to that described as shewn by Fig. 8 is likewise used in
placing the boxes or troughs within or drawing them out of the retorts.
Fig. 13 is a longitudinal and horizontal section across the middle of the
upper chambers, channels, or passages. a, a, is the upper side of the inner.
top. b, b, are the upright partitions rivetted to the inner top. x, x, x, is the
.

page_text: upper fillet or projecting piece. The square apertures y, y, are those by which
the gas enters the upper chambers, channels, or passages. The direction in
which it traverses through them in this modification and arrangement is shewn
by arrows. It is prevented from entering into or escaping from the front end
of the central one, which is kept closed when in action by the lid or end piece
above described, in which situation it is seen in Fig. 14, which is a longi-
tudinal and vertical section through the centre of the retort, and the parts
denoted by the letters a, b, x, and the same as those already described, with
the same letters of reference.
Fig. 15 represents a front view of a retort of an elliptical form, the
interior combinations and arrangements of which are similar to those exhibited
by Figs. 12, 13, & 14, which renders a further explanation of the application
of my improvements on retorts of an elliptical or other similar shape une-
cessary. In this retort only one box or trough is introduced, which is put in
or withdrawn by means of a single carriage similar to the part A, but
supported on four wheels. The top cross bars are curved so as to correspond
with the bottom of the box or trough.
And I hereby declare that my Inventions in this section consist in applying
and combining three or more smaller retorts or tubes, to be placed within a
cylindrical retort, in such a manner that while the coal is introduced, either
by means of troughs, pans, or otherwise, the gas shall be made so to traverse
through the retort that it must of necessity pass by or through a considerable
length of the hotter part of the outer retort previous to its finally quitting the
outer retort, and thus causing it to be exposed to the action of the hotter part
of the retort.
And I further declare that my Invention and improvements in those
descriptions of retorts commonly known by the names of square, parallelo-
pipedal, elliptical, or other similar shaped retorts, consists in so combining
and applying certain chambers, channels, or passages within the said retorts
that the gas shall, in whatever modification or arrangement I use, so traverse
within or through the said chambers, channels, or passages, that the gas
generated in the retorts must of necessity pass by or through a considerable
length of the hotter part of it.
And I also declare that the combination and arrangement of the parts used in
effecting this desirable and beneficial purpose may be considerably varied, as
has been already shewn; but the same beneficial effect cannot be produced
unless the gas be made to pass the hot part of the retort previous to quitting it.
And likewise, to effect the desirable purpose of charging and discharging the

page_text: said boxes or troughs with the greatest rapidity, I have invented and therefore
claim the use of the before-named cradle, frame, or carriage, to assist in effecting
so essential an object.
And I hereby further declare that I do not claim as my Invention
any of the individual parts or minor combinations, which have been used
in a variety of ways before this Patent was granted. My Invention in this
section consists in the peculiar method of combining and arranging the before-
named individual parts or agents, and likewise their minor combinations, in
the manner above described, by which means I am not only able to divide
and subdivide the coal or other materials used for producing gas into smaller
portions than is usually done, but by the use of the before-named internal
retorts or tubes, and the other parts described, I force the whole of the gas
that is generated within the internal retorts, boxes, and troughs to pass the
back end of the external retort, where the greatest heat prevails; and likewise,
by using in combination with the retorts, boxes, and troughs the before-named
cradle, frame, and carriage, I effect the operation of charging and discharging
the said retorts with greater advantage than has ever before been accom-
plished.
The second department of my Invention consists of an improved method of
arranging, constructing, combining, and applying a vessel, which I call 'an hori-
zontal condensing worm vessel, by the use of which, constructed as I shall
hereafter describe, any fluid or vapour may be either cooled or condensed with
greater rapidity than has ever before been effected at the same expence. And
in order to effect the condensation of the impurities contained in coal gas in the
most advantageous manner, I have placed the whole of the passages through
which the gas is made to pass in an horizontal position, and nearly in the
same plane, by which contrivance, added to other advantages, I am enabled
to remove from the vessel or its passages portions of the impurities almost as
soon as they are formed. This vessel will therefore be very different from a
common worm, because, were I to use a vessel of that construction, the
impurities, when formed by cooling at the upper part of the worm, would
have to travel completely through the whole pipe before they could be
removed.
And I hereby declare that by the peculiar manner in which I have formed
and combined the parts of my Invention I am enabled to increase or diminish
the size of the vessel at pleasure, so as to accommodate it to any extent of
effect that may be required.
Fig. 6, Drawing 4, represents a plan of one of my improved worm
condensing vessels, which is constructed in the following manner :-A repre-
:
:

page_text: sents a plain flat square piece of cast iron, with flanches all round its sides,
which project downwards. These serve to unite it by bolts to the four
compartments B, C, D, E, each of which have similar flanches cast upon
them on all sides. a, b, c, represent the upper surface of the passages, in
which the gas is made to travel in an horizontal position. These are cast
along with or upon the bottom of the vessel. One end of these passages or
chambers, being formed with a socket mouth, receive, the ends of the adjoining
compartment, and are made air and water tight in the usual manner, namely,
with lead run into the cavity, or any other suitable substance or material. It
will be very plainly seen that the ends of the three passages cast. upon the
compartment enter the sockets of the passages cast upon the compart
ment E, the dark line immediately beneath, showing the joint or meeting
of the two compartments, which are held fast by bolts and nuts,, the
joint being made water-tight with iron cement or any other suitable
material or composition. This method obtains throughout the whole
vessel, the separation of all the individual parts being easily distinguished
by the dark or double lines shewn at d, e, f, g, h, &c. The external
sides, which inclose the whole, are cast in separate pieces, and bolted
together by flanches as usual, and the joints made perfect by iron, cement.
It should be observed that at those parts seen at i, i; &c., each piece is
formed with a small swell, by which contrivance there is an equal space
left for the water which passes on the outside of the passage to move
in. F represents the passage where the gas enters, and pursuing its
course through the hole in a square spiral direction it enters the small
chamber at G, and makes its exit through the pipe H into the lime vessel. I
represents the pipe which supplies the vessel with water. This is furnished with
a ball cock in the usual way. I shall here observe that the greater the
quantity of water that can be permitted to flow through the vessel the more
perfect will be the condensation; therefore, whatever water is used upon the
works where these vessels may be erected should be. made to pass through the
pipe I to its future destination. The direction of the water will be between
the passages before named, and in an opposite course to that pursued by the
gas, for as soon as the water enters the square chamber or compartment A it
begins to pass towards the extremities of the vessel, as shewn by the dotted
lines and darts at k, l, m, &c., and continuing the same direction it makes its
exit through the pipe K. n, n, &c., represent the places where the pipes
are inserted into the passages, for the purpose of receiving the condensed tar,.
ammoniacal liquor, &c., which is condensed in the worm passages or chambers.
By this contrivance, whatever condensation is formed by the gas in one revolu-
+

page_text: tion is immediately conveyed into a receptacle placed beneath the vessel, into
which the before named-pipes dip, and by that means prevent the escape of the
gas. Upon the upper surfaces of the passages flanches are formed, upon
which the covers 0, 0, 0, &c., are bolted. By the removal of these covers the
state of the pipes and passages may be seen; and if any obstruction is found it
can be easily removed. .
Fig. 7 represents a section of Fig. 6 through the line p, q. The
flanches e, h, r, &c., serve to unite the compartments A, B, L, M, together,.as
before described. The external side, and the method of uniting it, is repre-
sented at N. Portions of the pipes that convey of the condensations are shewn
united or cast to the bottom of the vessel at n, n, &c. Those are formed with
flanches, by which means any convenient length of pipe may be afterwards
added that shall be found necessary.
Fig: 8 represents a plan of one of the compartments, in which it may be
seen that the three projecting ends of the passages or chambers seen at a, b, & c,
are so formed 'for the purpose of entering three sockets formed in the com-
partment to which it may be united. The form and position of these sockets
may be seen at t, 'v, u, in the same Figure; and in order to keep the bottom in
one uniform plane, 'a small recess is formed in the casting at W of sufficient
depth to receive the thickness of the metal of the projecting passage, which is
to enter therein. By comparing this Figure with the plan of the whole vessel
it will be easily discovered that this might supply the place of either of
those compartiments shewn by the letters U, V, B, D, Q, R, or E, S, T. The
angular compartments at that corner of the vessel where the gas enters would'
require separate patterns for each on account of slight variations that are formed.
in each. These will be perfectly understood by inspecting the plan of the whole
vessel combined. The readiest method of fixing the various compartments
together will be as follows:-First, unite D & E by bolts and nuts, holes being "
cast in the flanches for that purpose, then fix these to the square picce A by
similar means. Secondly, join B and C by their flanches, and slide them into
their respective sockets, and then bolt them fast to A, D, and E. If external
side plates were fastened to these compartments they would then form a
complete condensing worm vessel, but of much smaller capacity than the whole
figure united. But to shew how the other compartments are united, but to shew
how the other compartments are united, fix Q, Y, and S together, and then
bolt them to'D and E; place L and Z in their places, and fix them also; V,
10, and W, are then to be joined, and being properly placed must be bolted"
to B, C, and L, Z, by which means a second-sized vessel will be formed. A
further increase may be made by adding the compartments U, 12, X, M; R,

page_text: 11, T, and 13, after which the external side plates are to be united by their
bolts, and the whole of their joints made secure, by iron or other cement in the
usual manner. The flanch pipes that carry off the condensations may then
be united, and their lower ends placed in a cistern or tank in which a sufficient
quantity of coal tar is placed, so as to render the ends sufficiently secure, and
thereby prevent the escape of gas from the worm passages. The covers 0, 0,
&c., may then be bolted on, and the joints made secure by any suitable cement
or packing; and then the exit pipe I may be fixed to the chamber G, the joint
being made good, as before described. Lastly, fix the water pipe I, and when
the spaces between the passages are filled with water the gas may be permitted
to enter at F, and the operation of condensing begins, and will continue as
long as the gas and water continue to travel in opposite directions. And in
order to prevent any infringement upon this department of my Invention, I
hereby declare that worm vessels of the kind herein described may be con-
structed and made of a variety of materials, as, for instance, plate iron, lead,
copper, or carthenware, without departing from the principal feature and
intention of the combination. And I hereby further declare that my Invention
in this department or section consists in the method which I have described of
making the gas and water travel in opposite directions and in a horizontal
plane or direction, by which means the refrigeration and condensation is
more rapidly effected; also in the peculiar combination and arrangement of
the parts and compartments of which my Invention is composed, by the use
of which, in the manner I have described, the condensations may be removed.
from the passages almost as soon as they are formed; and likewise, by the
peculiar method I have invented of combining the worm passages and spaces
for the water to run in, I am enabled to increase or diminish the size of my
condensing worm vessels with greater facility than has ever before been.
effected. And I hereby further declare that I do not claim the exclusive right
of using worms for the purpose of cooling or condensing gas or other fluids or
vapors.
My Invention consists in the method of combining, arranging, and
applying the various parts in the manner before described, by which combina-
tion and arrangement I effect the cooling and condensation of gas in a more
perfect and beneficial way than was ever before known or made use of.
Section the third.-In this section I shall explain the improvements I have
made in the construction of that part of the apparatus commonly called a line
vessel.
Fig. 2, Drawing 3, represents the plan of a lime vessel constructed as
follows:-A, A, represents the upper edge of a common cylindrical vessel.

page_text: formed of cast iron or any other suitable metal or material. B, B, B, shew
the upper side of an inner vessel placed within the external vessel A, A, and
suspended at any convenient height by a chain fixed at one end to the barrel a.
By this contrivance the inner vessel may at any time be lifted completely out
of the external one by means of the winch I; it may also by' the same
means be suspended at any convenient height while it is within the external
vessel. C.represents the framing of a platform, upon which is placed a cylin-
drical vessel D, having a conical termination below, with a sufficient aperture
left open at the bottom to permit the purifying mixture to flow through. E is
a trough or vessel, into which the purifying mixture is poured from the
vessel D in its passage to the external vessel A, A. The quantity of lime
mixture which is permitted to flow through the vessel E is regulated by a
contrivance hereafter to be explained. F shews the position of a bent pipe
used to convey the gas from the lime vessel after it has been there purified,
The part contained between the two circles A, A, and G, is an inclined plane,
under which the gas is made to travel. The lowest part of the plane is shewn at
G, and the highest is seen at H. I represents a winch or handle used to turn
the spindle K when it is applied to lift or raise the inner vessel B, B, B. The
suspension at any convenient height is effected by a pall or catch piece b,
which falls into the teeth of the ratchet wheel c. This pall may be disengaged
at any time by the lever d. The use of these parts will be better understood
by referring to the next Figure.
Fig. 3 represents a front elevation of Fig. 2, the same letters of reference
being placed upon similar parts, the upper part of the outer ring of the
internal vessel being removed. L is a hollow cone which forms part of the
upper surface of the inner vessel. Upon it apex is placed a stuffing box through
which the rod e passes, the said rod being fixed to the arms of the agitator.
Upon the upper end of this rod is fixed the beveled wheel f, which is turned
or driven by the wheel g, fixed upon the end of the spindle K. h is a pinion
fixed upon the same spindle, which may be placed in gear with the spur
wheel i, fixed on the axis of the barrel a. By shifting the spindle K so as to
place the said wheel and pinion in gear the bevelled wheels of the agitator.
will be thrown out of gear, and the power of the winch I may be applied to
lift the inner vessel to any convenient beight, the pall 6 being first lifted by the
lever d.
;
Fig. 5 represents a vertical section of Fig. 2, taken through the line F, A.
The hollow conical part k, k, forms part of the bottom of the external
vessel A, A. 7 represents a pipe through which the gas is supplied from the

page_text: condensing vessel. Upon the upper part of the pipe l is fixed the bearing
piece m, which receives and supports the axis of the agitator e, the arms of
which are seen extending until they reach nearly to the bottom of the external
vessel A, A. The passage of the gas will be nearly as follows:-Entering
at 7 it takes the direction shewn by the darts and dotted lines until it gets
below the inclined plane B 2, where it pursues its course under the said plane
in that half of the vessel that is removed, and passing along under B 1 it
continues on till it attains the highest end of the inclined plane B 3, and
escapes to the gasometer through the bent pipe F, the end of which dips into
the lime solution. contained in the vessel E. The pipe o inclosed in the pipe F
is fixed immoveably, and serves to conduct the purified gas to the gasometer.
By this construction and arrangement of the parts it will be evident that the
inner vessel may be raised or lowered to a considerable extent, for the purpose
of varying the pressure upon the gas, without disarranging any of the combi-
nations. p represents an iron bar fixed to the upper vessel. Upon this bar is
placed the sliding piece q, which may be shifted to a proper position for the
purpose of ballancing the inner vessel, when it is to be elevated by the chain.
When the lime solution is rendered useless, it may be drawn off by a plug s,
or it may be permitted to escape over the top of the pipe l, and fall into any
convenient receptacle below.
Fig. 4 represents a vertical section of Fig. 2, taken through the line M, N.
The serrated plates n, n, may be fixed under the inclined plane B, B, at any
convenient distance or in any number, their use being very well known,
namely, that of dividing the sheet of gas in its passage under the inclined
plane. And further, with a view to identify more clearly the nature and pro-
perties of my Invention in this section, I hereby declare that it consists in
the application and use of a circular or spiral inclined plane, which, being
arranged and combined with the other parts before enumerated, obliges the
gas, after it is forced under the lowest part of the said plane, to take a circular
direction, by which means the agitation of the lime solution will be in part
effected by the gas in its passage; and also by the application and use of this
peculiar agent, the gas will have a longer passage, or, in other words, it will be
à longer time in contact with the lime solution, than has ever before been
éffected; without adding very greatly to the strain or labor of the retorts. And
further, to prevent any infringement upon this section of my Patent, I hereby
declare that the combination and arrangement of this vessel may be consi-
derably varied without departing from the principal feature of my Invention,
namely, that of using a circular or spiral inclined plane, under which the gas

page_text: is made to take its course, for the purpose of purification. Therefore, in
whatever way the said circular or spiral inclined plane may be used, when
applied to a lime vessel for the purification of gas, it will be making use of
my Invention.
The fourth section of my Invention consists of the improvements I have
made in that part of the apparatus commonly called a gasometer, being the
vessel used for storeing gas previous to its being delivered into the main pipes
for supplying the burners. The improvements I have made in this part of the
apparatus consist in a superior method of arranging, constructing, combining,
and applying air vessels for the purpose of buoying up or sustaining the
incumbent weight of a gasometer, by the use of which, arranged, constructed,
combined, and applied in the manner and way hereafter described, the great
friction created by the application of balance weights and chains will be
entirely avoided, and a most perfect and equal pressure be effected in every
part of the delivery of the gas from the gasometer. This most desirable
quality I effect by two methods, which are very different in the mode of
applying the means or agents, although the effect to be produced is precisely
the same in both cases.
Figure 1, Drawing 4, represents a plan of a vat and framing for a gasometer
and other parts placed therein, the portion of the slides of the vat from A to B
being removed for the purpose of shewing the bottom more completely.
C, C, C, represents one half of the upper framing that supports the iron plates
which form the roof of the gasometer; the other half is broken off and removed,
for the purpose of shewing the framing D, D, that is fixed to the bottom of the
gasometer. The upper half of the bottom framing is seen represented in dotted
lines at E, E. F, F, &c., represent circular wooden frames united to the
straight beams of the bottom framing by iron bolts and nutts. To those
circular or curbed frames are fixed six copper air vessels, all of which are made
very securely, air tight, and sufficiently strong to permit air to be condensed
within them, so that its pressure upon the internal surface of the vessel may
be nearly equal to the pressure upon the external surface of the air vessel when
it is at the greatest depth of its descent in the vat. Three of the six close air
vessels just mentioned are furnished with open air vessels attached beneath
them, that is to say, there being one closed air vessel fitted with an open
one, the next closed vessel is without such appendage, the third one again
has it, and so on alternately through the whole series of six.
The open
vessels are placed in an inverted position, and serve to compensate, by the
variation of the buoyant power of the air, or the different quantity of water
displaced by the compression of the air at different depths, for the difference of
B

page_text: the weight of the gasometer when more or less immersed in the water. By the
use of close air vessels the superabundant weight of the gasometer is sustained;
or that which exceeds the weight requisite to give the necessary pressure
and the buoyancy of the open or compensation vessels.
Fig. 2 represents a vertical section of the vat gasometer, two of the
air vessels, &c., taken through the line G, H, of Fig. 1. Fig. 2, a, a,
represent the external iron plates of the gasometer fixed to the framing
C, C, &c. in the usual manner; the upper framing is united to the lower
framing by the upright iron bars b, b, &c. The bottom of the vat I, I,
is pierced with six circular apertures, under which are fixed the iron cylinders
K, K, &c. The upper end of these cylinders are cast with flanches, which
are placed under the bottom of the vat. By this means they are united to
the-bottom by bolts, as shewn at c, c, a portion of the cylinder rising up to
the upper surface of the bottom of the vat. To the lower end of each
cylinder is fixed the hollow conical part, by bolts and nutts, in the usual
manner. The lower end of each cone is united to a smaller cylinder d, the
end of which is made close by the iron plate e bolted on in the usual manner.
The whole six, being united in the same manner, form a support for the bottom
of the vat, the lower end of each being set upon a good foundation. These
vessels are filled with water from the vat; consequently their joints must be
made water-tight by iron cement or any other suitable substance or material.
When the gasometer is empty, and completely down in the vat, the air
-vessels L, L, are received in the iron water véssels K, K, before described,
and consequently do not occupy any space in the gasometer at any time.
Fig. 3 represents a section of one of the close air vessels, inclosed in a
wrought-iron frame. This is united to the bottom framing D, D, of the
gasometer by its four upper ends being passed through the wooden frame
or curb, and secured by nuts, which are fixed firmly upon the screws formed
on the upper ends c, c, c. The four bars c, c, &c., which inclose each air
vessel, are made to approach each other nearly at their lower ends, and there
pass through four apertures, in a ring seen at f, the whole being made fast by
nutts screw'd upon their ends. Fig. 3, g, represents a square bar of iron, upon
which are placed the ballast weights, seen at h, h. This bar passes through
the ring f, and is fixed firmly to the cross strap or brace i by a nutt in the
usual manner. Fig. 3, m, represents a section of one of the open air vessels,
which is combined with every alternate close vessel; consequently, if there are
six close air vessels used, there will be three open ones combined with the
close ones alternately. These open vessels are likewise contained in the water
vessel, as may be plainly seen by referring to its position. Fig. 2, k,

page_text: represents a cock inserted into each close vessel, for the purpose of securing
the condensed air which is to be forced into each vessel, after which each of
these cocks should be covered all over with solder to render them perfectly
secure from leakage. N, N, represents an air pipe, which is fixed to the
side of the gasometer, and passes down under the open air vessel, being bent
up in the form of an inverted syphon until it reaches about half way up the
open air vessel.
One of these pipes are fixed to each of the open air vessels,
for the purpose of either forcing in air or letting it out, as may be found.
most convenient.
Having enumerated the individual parts, and shewn how they are arranged
and combined, I shall here observe, that this arrangement and combination
has been formed for the purpose. of buoying up or supporting a gasometer.
without balance or suspending weights and chains, they having been found;
to create so great a degree of friction as to render their operation very,
precarious and uncertain. The object here sought to be obtained is that of
suspending or supporting the weight of a gasometer purely by the buoyancy
of air contained in open and close vessels, the whole being so constructed and,
arranged that it may at all times when charged with gas float in the water,
of the vat in which it is to act, having thereby no more friction than what is
created by the gasometer rising or sinking down in the water.
Another necessary object which I have obtained in this Invention is, that of
placing a fixed weight or weights below-the-hungent-vessels
the centre of gravity of the whole weight collectively below the supporting or
buoyant line, by which contrivance the proposed weights that are so appended
perform the same office that ballast does when placed in a ship; for in reality.
the weights so applied are to all intents and purposes used as ballast weights,
instead of being applied as balance weights, and suspended by a chain. It
must appear evident that there never can be the least danger of a gasometer
so supported turning over from being top heavy, because in every position,.
whether up or down, the centre of gravity is always below the line of support
or buoyancy. The variation in the pressure upon the gas, occasioned by the
difference of weight of the gasometer when immersed in water or raised out
of it by the introduction of the gas, is compensated or equalized by the action
of the air contained in the compensation vessels, consequently the pressure
of
upon the gas is the same in all positions of the gasometer. This equalization
pressure I effect by allowing about one cubic foot of air in the open or
compensation vessel or vessels for every twenty pounds weight, which the
gasometer varies in pressure, by sinking or lowering eighteen feet into the
water of the vat or tank, and for other depths in the same proportion; the

page_text: gas being lighter than atmospheric air will assist in buoying up the gasometer
in proportion to the quantity contained therein, which has been taken into
account in the above proportion. The variation arising from the difference of
the diameter and other proportions of the gasometer will not materially affect
the accuracy of its operation, if constructed according to the preceding
directions. And I shall here observe, that by making the open or compensation
vessels about one-third larger than would be required by the above rule, the
same vessels may likewise be used to increase or decrease the pressure at
pleasure; for if a portion of the air contained in the compensation vessels be
let out, the pressure will be increased, and, on the contrary, if an additional
quantity be added the pressure will be decreased, by means of the increased
degree of buoyancy so produced. The inconvenience of using water for
ballasting a gasometer supported by an air vessel is by the method here
described completely avoided, because the ballast weights in my Invention are
permanently fixed to their position; whereas in the use of water for that
purpose great inconvenience is found in the water changing its position with
every change of the gasometer. A thorough attention to these circumstances
will clearly point out the advantages that exist in the present Invention; and
it must be evident that in every position of the gasometer when in action the
ballast weights are considerably below the buoyant line, by which means the
centre of gravity is likewise below that line. It must be evident that a
gasometer so arranged and supported cannot have any disposition to overturn
or change its perpendicular position after it is once properly adjusted, which
may be done with the greatest ease by carefully making the gasometer. as
nearly as possible of equal weight all round, and supplying any deficiency by
the addition of a small quantity of weight to produce the adjustment required.
Figure 3 represents a section of one of the double or compound air vessels,
and the iron framing upon a larger scale. This Figure has been introduced
to shew more distinctly the method of making the joints which unite the two
vessels together, these being formed as represented at 1, 1, 1, 1. The position
of the cock used for retaining the condensed air in the upper or close vessel
is also shewn at k. I shall here observe that after the parts are overlap'd
in the manner here shewn the whole of the joints so formed should be made
perfectly tight by solder in the usual manner; and as an additional mode of
securing them, I should advise that all the air vessels should be tinned, which
would be a means of rendering them more secure from leakage. The second
method of producing the same effect by a different arrangement of the various
parts or agents is as follows:-
Figure 4 represents a vertical section of a gasometer, which may be thus

page_text: gaso-
described:-A, B, represents a section of the tank or vat in which the
meter E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, is placed. M is a base of brickwork of a
conical form, built upon the bottom of the vat, which for this purpose is very
firmly supported by a good foundation. Upon the upper end of this is placert
the cast-iron cylinder N, N. This is to be filled with water, except the
space that is occupied by the air vessels which are to support the whole weight
of the gasometer. The form of the two air vessels combined is that of a
cylinder covered by a spherical segment. The partition which separates the
close and open vessels is an inverted cone. a, b, represents the extremities of
the open vessel which is to be used for compensating the gasometer as before
described. Within the upper or close vessel a hollow cone is placed. The
edges of this may be seen at c, d. The use of. this hollow cone or tube is to
admit a strong iron stem or bearer, the upper part of which is firmly bolted
to the wooden framing z, z, which supports the weight of the gasometer.
The end of the iron stem or bearer, being semispherical, is placed in a metal
cup, the upper surface of which is made with a corresponding concavity to
receive it. The consequence is, that the weight of the gasometer rests upon
the metal cup, the said cup being firmly fixed to the lower end of the close
or upper air vessel. I shall also observe that the centre of gravity of the
whole weight of the gasometer is placed considerably below the metal cup,
which is the point of support or suspension, and also the centre of buoyancy
is likewise above the same cup. The consequence is, that when these vessels
are once adjusted to rize perpendicularly they will always be inclined to do so
while they remain under the power of such adjustment.
Figure 4, e, e, f,f, represents two iron frames in which are placed the
friction rollers g, h. Two other frames, exactly like these, are bolted at right
angles to the wooden frame, the four forming a cross, with a friction roller
projecting from each. In case of the air vessels being by any accident pressed
towards the side of the cylindrical water vessel, the rollers would first come
in contact, and consequently tend very greatly to prevent any inconvenience
arising from friction that would be thus created. There is one very great
advantage in this mode of applying the air vessels; namely, that of making
the gasometer ballast itself, by doing which there is no necessity to place any
ballast weight- under it, and consequently the air vessels may be so much
smaller in proportion, they having only the weight of the gasometer and
necessary framing to support. Another advantage will be found in this
method; namely, that there will be no necessity to excavate the earth very
deep, as would be the case where the previous method is adopted. This,..

page_text: although not in all situations an inconvenience, it might be sometimes desirable
'to avoid.
Figure 5 represents a plan of one half of the gasometer and tank
'constructed according to the directions just given. The section previously
described is supposed to be taken through the line A, B. The dotted square
lines in this Figure show the size of the plates that compose the bottom of
the tank. These are cast with flanches, and united in the usual manner by
bolts and nutts. i, i, i, i, represent the wrought-iron braces that support the
sides of the gasometer from the upper part, by which means the whole is
lifted together. k, k, k, shews the method that is used to give strength to
the cone of brickwork by cross walls which unite the sides at four parts;
and thereby form a very firm bearing for the water vessel in which the air
vessels are placed.
And I hereby further declare that my Invention in this section consists
in so combining, arranging, constructing, and applying the various parts
before enumerated and described, that the weight of the gasometer may at
all times be supported by the said air vessels, and that the centre of gravity
of the whole weight may likewise at, all times be considerably below the line
or point of support or suspension. The various parts being thus arranged
will cause the gasometer to float perfectly steady in the water of the vat,
all friction being by this combination entirely removed; and although
gasometers may have been supported by air vessels, and the water contained
or placed in the said vessels to form ballast has been so arranged that the
centre of gravity of the whole weight collectively has been below the line
or point of suspension, yet I claim the right of using fixed weights to produce
the same effect, by which means I avoid the inconvenience arising from the
water changing its position whenever the gasometer is pressed on one side;
my arrangement of the parts being always inclined to keep the gasometer
perpendicular.
And I hereby further declare that I claim the sole right of using close air
vessels and open air vessels combined, as before described, by the use of which
I effect the desirable purpose of producing an equal. pressure upon: the gas
in all positions of the gasometer, that is, to say, whether it be quite.full or
nearly empty. And I likewise claim the sole use of that arrangement of. the
parts which enables me to inake the gasometer, supported by an air. vessel; or
vessels, ballast itself by placing so much of its weight below the point, of
support that it may at all times float perpendicular, owing to the centre of
gravity of the whole weight being below the point or line of suspension.

page_text: -
hereby further declare that i do not claim. any or the individual
parts, nor the minor combinations thereof, which were known and in use
before this Patent. My Invention in this section consists in the method of
arranging and combining the various parts. in such a manner. as to effect the
desirable purposes above mentioned.
The fifth section, of my Invention consists. in so combining and arranging
the parts of that portion of the apparatus used for the purpose of regulating
the delivery or preventing the escape of the gas, usually: called: a. valve, that: I
am enabled to make it tight both by means of a solid plug,. lid, or stopper,
and. by the action or intervention of a liquid of considerably greater specific
gravity than gas, thus closing it pneumatically and hydraulically; the manner
of doing which I shall now explain.
Fig. 8, Drawing 1, represents a plan of the top of my heydro-pneumatic
valve. Fig. 9 represents. a vertical section of it, shewing the valve. open:
The gas flows through it in the direction of the bent arrows.
For the purpose
of closing the valve, a winch spanner or key, or any similar contrivance, is
to be applied to the broader or larger square part a; Fig. 8, and a, Eig. 9;
and the, hollow screw c, Fig. 9, being turned round so as to cause it to
descend by its action in the female screw. d, through the: stuffing, box e;
the rod or piston f of the valve. will be carried down with it until.the collar
or ring 9, 9, made of leather or other suitable material, which is made fast
in the usual way round the edge of the lid h, comes in contact: with: the
upper end of the. inner cylinder: i, i, and is then tightly pressed .down
by the action of the screw c. The winch spanner or key is then. to be removed
from the broader or larger square part, and a. smaller square sided. aperture
applied to the smaller nut or square piece b, which is firmly fixed to the upper
end of the rod or piston f, which passes through a circular perforation in.the
hollow screw c: By turning round this smaller nut or square piece.in' the same
direction as before, the upper cylinder k, k, will be made to descend. till: the
central piece of its upper end l, in which is a female screw; through which the
inner screw m passes, is made to press tightly against the collar or rim n,.n,
made of leather or other suitable material, fixed to the upper. edge of the
concave part o. p, p, are two small pins or screws, the ends of which project
into a groove cut round the lower end of the rod or piston, and serve to
support the lid h when the valve is open. When the valve is to be opened;
the winch-spanner or key is to be. first applied to the..smaller nut or square
piece, and the rod or. piston f turned round in a. contrary direction to that
which closed the valve. . By this means the upper cylinder k,.k, will be raised
or lifted compleatly out of the water or other suitable liquid contained in.the.

page_text: space or chamber between the lower cylinder i, i, and the inner sides of the
valve. The upper cylinder k is prevented from turning round with the rod or
piston by two fillets or ribs projecting from the opposite external sides of
the cylinder, and placed in the direction of its length. The ends of these fillets
are represented by the dotted parts q, q, Fig. 8. These fillets slide between
others hereafter to be explained. r, Fig. 9, is a small plug, which can be
removed for the purpose of introducing fluid into the valve, should it any
time be found necessary. By inserting a small rod of sufficient length through
the plug hole, the depth of fluid in the valve can easily be ascertained. The
outer cylinder of the valve as an outlet branch cast with it or fixed to it,
which projects from nearly the centre of its side. This outlet branch is bent
upwards, and of greater diameter than the pipes leading to and from the valve.
This prevents any portion of the fluid displaced by the descent of the upper
cylinder k, k, from getting into the pipe t, leading from the valve. u, u, are
two small holes perforated through the part of the upper end of the upper
cylinder k, k. These holes allow the gas to escape through them from the interior
of the upper cylinder, as the valve descends, and prevent the displacing of the
fluid by the compression of the gas contained within the upper cylinder during
its descent. These holes are effectually closed by the collar or rim n, n, com-
pletely incircling them. When the part / is brought down in contact to it, and
the screw m tightened, the rod or piston f is prevented from rising by the
shoulder pressing against the under side of the top part of the supports w, w,
which are bolted on with the top of the valve. The joints of the external
parts may either be made good by flanches, and fixed together by bolts, nuts,
and cement, or they may be what are commonly called socket joints. & is the
inlet pipe for the gas. y is a chamber for the reception of any condensations
which may accumulate. is an outlet pipe used to convey the gas away to any
other part when stopped in its usual course by shutting the valve.
Fig. 10 represents a plan of the lower or condensation chamber, and the
inlet and outlet pipes x and z. The central part of this Fig. represents a
section of the valve through the line A, B, Fig. 9. a, a, a, a, are four fillets
or ribs projecting from the inner sides, and reaching from top to bottom of the
valve, and between each pair of which one of the fillets or ribs q, q, projecting
from the opposite external sides of the upper cylinder, slide up and down as
the valve is opened or shut. I shall here observe that I prefer screws with
threads cut to slope different ways, or what are commonly known by right and
left handed screws, for the hollow screw c and the screw m'formed on the lower
part of the rod or piston. And I further declare that my Invention in this
section consists in so applying the agents or parts of a valve that I am enabled

page_text: to close it pneumatically before the hydraulic action commences, and to open it
hydraulically before the pneumatic action ceases; that is to say, the valve is
always shut pneumatically during the time the hydraulic part is shutting or
opening, and thereby preventing the blowing out or displacing the fluid by the
action of the gas during those operations, an inconvenience which hydraulic
valves have hitherto been found to be liable to..
The sixth section of my Invention consists in applying that part of my
apparatus which I have called a horizontal worm vessel to the purpose of
refrigerating or cooling other fluids or liquids. When vapour or any other
gaseous matter is to be cooled or condensed, the same arrangement and combi-
nation of the parts may be used as has been already explained and described,
with such slight modifications as may be found convenient; but for the purpose
of refrigerating or cooling worts, washes, or other liquids, the channels, tubes,
or passages which have been explained for gas to flow through may be left
open at the top, excepting at those parts where they are united together by
sockets, the sockets to be made of the same form as before described and:
explained: By thus leaving the upper side of the channel or passage open,
fluids will be more rapidly cooled, and the whole vessel more easily cleaned
after the operation is performed. The fluid to be cooled may either flow in
the same or in an opposite direction to that described for the gas. The same
similarity or difference may take place with regard to the course through which
the water passes the vessel; for if the fluid to be cooled flow in one direction,
and the water in a contrary one, a like effect will take place; that is, the hottest
portion of the fluid to be cooled will be exposed to the action of the coldest
portion of water in the vessel. My combined horizontal worm vessel may
with great facility be adapted and applied to any square or similar shaped
horizontal cooler now commonly used by brewers and others; for if the two
sides of any sheet or plate of iron or other suitable metal of sufficient breadth
be bent so as to stand upright, and a sufficient breadth of the middle part be
left between the bendings, it will form the bottom of a sort of trough or
channel, a number of which, being united by rivets or otherwise, and combined
in the shape and form I have already described, it will form an improved
cooler or condenser, according to my plan, the under side or bottom of these
troughs or channels being laid upon the upper side of the wooden bottom of
the cooler, and fastened to it in any convenient manner, and spaces nearly.
equal to the width of the troughs or channels being left between to allow
water to flow, as heretofore described, the fluid to be cooled to flow through
or along the inside of the troughs or channels, which may be made of iron, or
iron tinned, or any other suitable metal or material. And I hereby declare

page_text: that I do not claim any of the individual parts used in this combination.
My Invention in this section consists in so combining the whole as to produce
a more effective mode of refrigerating, cooling, or condensing vapours, gases, or
fluids than has hitherto been used. This desirable purpose I attain. by the
means and methods I have now explained.
In witness whereof, I have here set my hand and seal, the Twenty-
second day of May, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight
hundred and nineteen.