IMPROVEMENTS IN GALVANIC, BATTERIES
Year: 1884

page_text: I ALEXANDER SCHANSCHIEFF of Gipsy Hill in the County of Surrey Electrician
do hereby declare the nature of my invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN GALVANIC,
BATTERIES" to be as follows:-
This Invention has for its object improvements in galvanic batteries with a view
to minimize internal resistance and to effect mechanically the depolarization of the
positive element.
"
For this purpose I form the positive and negative elements of the battery in the
form of discs mounted upon an axis to which a slow revolving motion can be
imparted; the axis of the discs is mounted in bearings above the top of a trough
into which the lower part of the discs dip so that one half of each disc will be
exposed to the atmosphere and the other half will dip into the liquid in the
trough in the trough are partitions forming a series of cells. Each cell may have
dipping into it either a positive and a negative disc or two positive plates may be
used one on either side of the negative plate. If the battery is a two liquid
battery, each cell is also divided transversely by sheets of parchment paper (or
other such like suitable material for forming porous diaphragms) to divide the cell
into two or more compartments each to have one or other of the revolving discs
dipping into it. The trough might be divided transversely between the partitions
and the parts are held together by bolts receiving nuts at their ends. The sheets
of parchment paper would be shut in between the sections and serve to render the
joints of the battery watertight.
When a
Each compartment of the cell I put into communication with a reservoir con-
taining liquid similar to that with which the compartment is itself filled.
solution of a salt such as sulphate of copper is used I maintain a supply of such
salt in the reservoir and I make communications between the cell and the reservoir
in such manner that as the liquid in the cell becomes lighter it is displaced and
caused to pass off from the top of the cell into the reservoir whilst at the same
time denser liquid from the reservoir passes into the lower part of the cell.
In this way the liquid in the cell may always be maintained at the requisite
density.
In the case of a Daniel cell each zinc element has its reservoir in which pure
water is placed the sulphate of zinc solution which is constantly produced in the
cell by the action of the battery is heavier than water and it forces its way to the
[Pins77

page_text: reservoir from the communication at the bottom and is replaced by pure water
from the top of the reservoir. In cases where natural sulphurated water or sea
water is used with the zincs of the Daniel battery a free flow of such water is
allowed. In other cases the liquid of the cell must be partly removed and sub-
stituted by fresh water say every 6 hours.
The axis upon which the several discs are mounted is made of insulating
material; in it copper or other metallic conductors are embedded for connecting the
positive element, in one cell to the negative element in the next; or if there are
two positive.discs in each cell to connect these two together as well as to the
negative disc in the adjacent cell. At the end of each axis is a ring of metal
through which the battery current is led off through a wheel bearing constantly
against it. The ring at one end of the axis is coupled to the negative plate at that
end of the battery whilst the ring at the other end is coupled to the positive plate
at the other end.
When the battery is in action a glow revolving motion is given to the axis either
by means of a small dynamo electric engine which receives a portion of the battery
current or by a small water wheel or by other convenient means.
In order that the discs of metal when eaten away may readily be replaced by
fresh discs I form each disc in two halves which may embrace the axis between
them and I secure each of the two halves or parts by screws or otherwise to
metallic flanges which surround the axis and which are in electrical connection
with one or other of the, metallic conductors embedded in it. These flanges I cover
with a protecting or insulating varnish except on the surface which is to be brought
into metallic connection with the disc. By making each disc in two halves. or
parts which can be secured separately to the axis one set of discs when worn out
can quickly be removed from the axis and a fresh set of discs.secured to.it without
its being necessary to remove the axis from its bearings or to touch the internal
connections.
:
$
The above described arrangements-are applicable to any battery whether it is a
single or double liquid one.

page_text: 1,
I, ALEXANDER SCHANSCHIEFF of Gipsy Hill in the County of Surrey Electrician"
do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is
to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-:
: $
7
3 6
This Invention has for its object improvements in galvanic batteries with n
view to minimize internal resistance to effect mechanically the depolarization of
the positive element, to dissipate heat generated in the working of the battery and
to increase the electro. motive force.
÷A
:
For these purposes I form the positive and negative elements of the battery in
the form of discs mounted upon an axis to which a revolving motion can be
imparted; the axis of the discs is mounted in bearings above the top of a trough
into which the lower part of the discs dip so that one half of each disc will be
exposed to the atmosphere and the other half will dip into the liquid in the trough.
In the trough are partitions forming a series of cells. Each cell may have dipping
into it either a positive and a negative disc or two positive discs may be used one
on either side of the negative disc. Or there may be in each cell two negative
discs with, a single positive disc between them-this is the arrangement preferred.
If the battery is a two liquid battery each cell is also divided transversely by,
sheets of parchment paper or other such like suitable material for forming porous
diaphragms. These partitions divide the cell into two or more compartments each
having a revolving disc dipping into it. The trough may be divided' transversely
between the partitions and the parts all held together by bolts receiving nuts at
their ends. The sheets of parchment paper are then shut in between the sections
and serve to render the joints of the battery watertight.
.
Each compartment of the cell I in some cases put into communication with a
reservoir containing liquid similar to that with which the compartment is itself
filled. When a solution of a salt such as sulphate of copper is used I maintain a
supply of such salt in the reservoir and I make communications between the cell
and the reservoir in such manner that as the liquid in the cell becomes lighter it is
displaced and caused to pass off from the top of the cell into the reservoir whilst at
the same time denser liquid from the reservoir passes into the cell. In this way
the liquid in the cell may always be maintained at the requisite density."
By like means also batteries may be supplied with solutions of other salts; for
example bichromate of soda and bichromate of potash are salts which are very
commonly employed.
In the case of a Daniel cell each zinc element has its reservoir in which
acidulated water is placed, the sulphate of zinc solution which is constantly
produced in the cell by the action of the battery is heavier than the water and it
passes into the reservoir by the communication at the bottom and is replaced by
the acidulated water from the top of the reservoir.⚫

page_text: The axis upon which the several discs are mounted is made of insulating material
and tubular in it copper or other metallic conductors are contained connecting the
positive element in one cell to the negative element in the next; or if there are
two positive or negative discs in each cell to connect these two together as well as
to the disc or discs of opposite sign in the adjacent cell. At the end of each axis
is a ring of metal through which the battery current is led off through a wheel
bearing constantly against it. The ring at one end of the axis is coupled to the
negative disc or plate at that end of the battery whilst the ring at the other end
is coupled to the positive disc at the other end.
When the battery is in action a revolving motion is given to the axis either by
means of a small dynamo electric engine or electro motor which receives a portion
of the battery current or by a small water wheel or by other convenient means.
The above described arrangements are applicable to any battery whether it is a
single or double liquid one.
In order that my said invention may be most fully understood and readily
carried into effect I will proceed to describe the drawings hereunto annexed,
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
"
Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of a battery constructed in accordance with my
invention..
Figure 2 is an end elevation and
"
Figure 3 is a transverse section of the same.
Figures 4 and 5 show another form.
it
Figure 4 is a side elevation of one end of the battery and Figure 5 is a plan of
the same.
Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the construction of the trough when it is made in
sections and partitions of parchment paper are employed. Figure 6 is a plan and
Figure 7 is a side elevation of a part of the trough.
"
:
i
In Figures 1, 2 and 3, a a is the wooden trough divided into separate cells by the
wooden partitions a¹ a¹ and these cells are further divided by partitions bb.of
porous earthenware set into grooves in the sides and bottom of the wooden trough
with marine glue.
is
In a single fluid battery the porous partitions b b are omitted. c is an axis
consisting of a tube of vulcanite it is carried in bearings on the ends of the trough
and intermediate bearings may be provided where necessary. These bearings may
be of copper. d'd are discs of copper and ce are discs of zinc, these serve as, the
electrodes; but in place of zinc and copper other materials may be employed as
well understood. The disc e in each case dips down into the central compartment
of the cell between the porous partitions b b and the discs d, d into the outer
compartments on either side. The discs d and e are fixed upon the axis, and
connected electrically in the following manner-connecting strips of copper ff
are provided within the tubular axis and they are secured in their places by screws
inserted through the sides of the tube from the exterior and finished off flush with
the surface. Each disc has a hole in the centre and the axis is passed endwise
through the hole until the disc comes to its place; a metal key or wedge g is then
inserted which fixes the disc in its place and also makes good electrical connection
the key or wedge bearing upon one of the screws by which the connecting strips f
are secured within the axis. Marine glue is applied over the key and around the
axis to prevent the battery liquids reaching the contact parts. By these means
the two copper dises in one cell are connected with the zinc disc in the next and so
on excepting at the terminals of the battery. At the terminal the two copper discs
or the zinc disc as the case may be are connected with a metallic ring upon the
exterior of the axis. The current is led away from the rings hh to the external
circuit by metallic wheels i. i. The wheels i are carried at the lower ends of
forked stems k k which are supported by brackets 1, 1, and pressed downwards by

page_text: springs so that the wheels may bear, firmly and continuously on..the
rings hh, The circuit conductors are attached to the brackets ll in any convenient.
manner.
I
T
The axis with the discs is kept in slow motion so long as the battery is at work
for this purpose a large worm wheel. not represented in the drawings is fixed upon
the axis and with this a worm engages. The worm is upon the axis of a small
electro motor which is supplied with a small portion of the battery current,
Clockwork may be substituted for this électro motor.
The liquids employed in my battery cells may be a solution of sulphate of copper
in contact with the copper discs and diluted sulphuric acid in contact with the zinc
discs. Other liquids may however be used. Sometimes as is seen in Figure 3
I provide in connection with each cell a reservoir m on one side; this reservoir
communicates with the compartments of the cell in which sulphate of copper
solution is contained by in each case two small orifices one at the water line,
and the other at the bottom.
Sulphate of copper crystals are put into this reservoir and they dissolve and the
heavy solution descends and enters the cell as the liquor therein becomes weakened
in the use of the battery. At the same time the less dense liquor from the battery
cell enters the reservoir. A similar arrangement may be made in respect to the
compartments of the battery containing the zinc elements. These reservoirs may
be provided on the other side of the trough; they are charged with acidulated
water or diluted acid such as is required for the supply of the cell. In this case
the denser liquid resulting from the solution of the zinc passes from the cell into
the reservoir at the bottom and is replaced by the lighter liquid from the reservoir
entering at the top.
When the battery is not required for use the axis with the discs is lifted so as to
raise the discs out of the liquids. The lifting may be effected by winding cords
upon a barrel provided above the battery, these cords being connected with rings
loosely surrounding the axis.
Figures 4 and 5 show a single liquid battery in which the zinc discs e only are
carried upon the axis c and carbon plates d. d. are fixed to the walls of the cells-
these carbons may or may not be coated with depolarizing paste.
The carbons are connected by strips n n fixed upon the top of the trough and
by these strips the carbons in one cell are coupled with the zinc of the next cell.
Each strip for this purpose is made to terminate in a metal brush o and this bears
upon a metal ferrule p fixed on the axis. The ferrule has a flange upon it and
the zinc disc is fixed to this flange as the drawing indicates.
The exciting liquid may be supplied continuously to the cells of the battery drop
by drop from an elevated cistern and the overflow may be conducted away by the
trough q.
When parchment paper or like material is used to form the porous partitions of
a two fluid battery I make the trough as represented by the Figures 6 and 7 in
sections r. s. t. which when placed together to any number desired form a complete
trough and sheets of parchment paper shut in and nipped between the sections
both render the joints water tight and form the porous partitions between section
and section.
uu are longitudinal bolts which passing through the sections and receiving nuts
hold the whole together.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is
1.-A battery in which the positive elements or both the positive and negative
elements are in the form of discs and are mounted upon an axis and are coupled
together in series on the said axis and in which the axis is continuously rotated
whilst the battery is in work thereby both depolarizing and cooling the said
elements substantially as described,

page_text: 2. The combination with battery troughs of lateral reservoirs from which by
gravitation the exciting liquids. are replenished or restored as they become
exhausted or saturated substantially as described.
3. A battery trough made in sections and with sheets of parchment paper or
like material inserted at the joints and serving to form porous partitions sub-
stantially as described.