Improvements in Primary Batteries and in Apparatus connected therewith.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 11th Nov., 1890
Complete Specification Left, 3rd Mar
1001
5
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Primary Batteries and in Apparatus connected
therewith.
Sir CHARLES STEWART FORBES, Baronet, 23, Thurloe Square, London, S. W.,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
My invention relates to improvements in primary batteries and in apparatus
connected therewith and has for its object,
1st. The more perfect circulation of the chemical fluid or fluids employed under
a constant or variable head or pressure through perforated or porous carbon plates
or jars, or cylinders, which are in some cases packed with carbon in a granular or
other form.
2nd. Improved apparatus for supplying and regulating the pressure of the
chemical fluid or fluids percolating through the perforated or porous carbon to the
positive element in the outer cell.
3rd. An improved method of connecting the elements whereby the corrosion
arising from acid or other fumes upon the binding contacts, screws or equivalent, is
obviated.
4th. Improved devices for regulating automatically or otherwise the discharge of
spent liquors from the cells or sinks.
5th. Improved apparatus for forcing the acid or other similar liquids employed
as excitants or depolarizers into the tank or cistern, and for re-oxidizing spent
liquors.
To this end I employ, a tank or cistern so mounted upon a frame as to be moved
in a vertical direction by suitable mechanical or hydraulic means.
the cistern may remain fixed and the cells so mounted on a frame as to be moved in
a vertical direction by suitable mechanical or hydraulic means.
Or if preferable
This tank or cistern may be divided into as many compartments as there are
cells, or it may be fitted with a false bottom having compartments, or not, as may
best suit the required conditions; in either case it is preferably fitted with a valve
or valves for regulating the flow of the exciting or depolarizing liquids or cither of
hem with which it is filled. Upon a bench or table beneath the moveable tank
ttached to or forming part of the frame are mounted the cells or troughs, within
hich are placed the carbon plates, jars, or cylinders; the fluid or fluids are con-
ucted from the tank to the working cells by means of an elastic tube, each tube
eing fitted with an ebonite or other valve of special construction, an air vessel or
ulb, for breaking the continuity of the liquid, and an ebonite, glass, or other tube
rconducting the liquid to the base of the cell, jar, or cylinder; the end of this
be in some cases dips into a shallow vessel containing glass beads, or equivalent
anulated material, which serves to break its flow. Each outer cell or trough is
ted with an over-flow pipe or syphon of special construction which discharges a
rt, or the whole, of the spent or partially spent liquor from the cell into a sink
neath.
Beneath the working cells is a sink fitted with a valve which can be balanced so
to automatically discharge any predetermined quantity of liquid the specific
vity of which is so great as to render it of no further use.
The elements are placed in separate recesses formed in the base of each cell, in
h of which is a metallic plate connected to a coupling wire passing through the
tom. To ensure good metallic contact, mercury is poured into each recess so as
urround the element and secure metallic contact with the plate and coupling
connected thereto by means of which the cells may be joined up.
s dispense with this form of coupling; and connect the elements in the
In some
nary manner over the ton

page_text: The operation of my invention is as follows:-The cistern is filled with the
exciting or depolarizing fluid and is raised by hydraulic pressure or equivalent
mechanical means to such a height as shall best adjust the flow of liquid to the
current required. The liquid will now pass through the regulating valve, which
consists of a cup-shaped tube within which is a ball formed of glass or similar
material unaffected by corrosive or alkaline liquids. The ball is so balanced as to
float when the cup is full and the flow of liquid normal; should however, the flow
of liquid suddenly increase by the breaking away of the elastic connecting tube or
from any other cause it is forced upon its seat and any serious waste of liquid
prevented; when the connection is restored or the flow is altogether checked the
liquid in which the ball floats being still, the ball rises and restores circulation; the
liquid now passes into the air bulb and its continuity being destroyed by the stratum
of compressed air-it descends in rapidly succeeding drops to the vessel containing
beads or loose pieces of equivalent suitable material, from whence it passes through
the porous or perforated carbon plates, jars or cylinders packed with broken carbon
or not as the case may be to the outer cell containing the positive elements. When
the liquid rises to the level of the over-flow pipe its heavier portion which collects
at the base of the cell is conducted thereby to the sink; by closing a tap operating
or connecting the over-flow pipes they are converted into syphons and each cell can
be automatically emptied. The partly spent liquid collected in the sink is dis-
charged by a float valve so balanced as to open the valve when its lower stratum
attains any predetermined density. The upper or lighter portion can be used over
again or the sink emptied by operating a lever pivoted to the valve spindle.
To enable the acids or other fluid excitants or depolarizers to be readily trans-
ferred to the tank or cistern, I force air, oxygen or other gas as may best suit my
purpose upon, into, or through the liquids contained in a suitably constructed
closed vessel. Spent liquors may advantageously be re-oxidized in a similar
manner.
If it is not convenient to raise the tank or cistern to a height for the purpose of
obtaining pressure, a closed cistern may be used which may be placed in any
position required and the pressure obtained artificially by forcing in air, oxygen or
other gas upon or over the surface of the liquid.
Dated November 11th 1890.
ROGERS,
FRANCIS M. KUUERO,
Agent.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Primary Batteries and in Apparatus connected
therewith.
Sir CHARLES STEWART FORBES, Baronet, 23, Thurloc Square, London, S.W.,
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 :-
My invention relates to improvements in primary batteries and in apparatus
connected therewith and has for its object,
1st. The more perfect circulation of the chemical fluid or fluids employed under
a constant or variable head or pressure through perforated or porous carbon plates
or jars, or cylinders, which are in some cases packed with carbon in a granular or
other form.
2nd. Improved apparatus for supplying and regulating the pressure of the
chemical fluid or fluids percolating through the perforated or porous carbon to the
positive element in the outer cell.
3rd. An improved method of connecting the elements whereby the corrosion
arising from acid or other fumes upon the binding contacts, screws or equivalent, is
obviated.

page_text: devices for regulating automatically or otherwise the discharge o
spent liquors from the cells or sinks.
5th. Improved apparatus for forcing the acid or other similar liquids employed
as excitants or depolarizers into the tank or cistern, and for re-oxidizing spen
5 liquors.
To this end I employ, a tank or cistern so mounted upon a frame as to be
moved in a vertical direction by suitable mechanical or hydraulic means. Or
if preferable the cistern may remain fixed and the cells so mounted on a frame
as to be moved in a vertical direction by suitable mechanical or hydraulic
10 means.
This tank or cistern may be divided into as many compartments as there are
cells, or it may be fitted with a false bottom having compartments, or not, as may
best suit the required conditions; in either case it is preferably fitted with a valve
or valves for regulating the flow of the exciting or depolarizing liquids or either of
5 them with which it is filled. Upon a bench or table beneath the moveable tank
attached to or forming part of the frame are mounted the cells or troughs, within
which are placed the carbon plates, jars, or cylinders; the fluid or fluids are
conducted from the tank to the working cells by means of an elastic tube, each tube
being fitted with an ebonite or other valve of special construction, an air vessel or
bulb, for breaking the continuity of the liquid, and an ebonite, glass, or other tube
for conducting the liquid to the base of the cell, jar, or cylinder the end of this
tube in some cases dips into a shallow vessel containing glass beads, or equivalent
granulated material, which serves to break its flow. Each outer cell or trough is
fitted with an overflow pipe or syphon of special construction which discharges a
part, or the whole, of the spent or partially spent liquor from the cell into a sink
beneath.
Beneath the working cells is a sink fitted with a valve which can be balanced so
as to automatically discharge any predetermined quantity of liquid the specific
gravity of which is so great as to render it of no further use.
The elements are placed in separate recesses formed in the base of each cell, in
each of which is a metallic plate connected to a coupling wire passing through the
bottom. To ensure good metallic contact, mercury is poured into each recess so as
to surround the element and secure metallic contact with the plate and coupling
wire connected thereto by means of which the cells may be joined up. In some
cases dispense with this form of coupling; and connect the elements in the
ordinary manner over the top.
The operation of my invention is as follows:-The cistern is filled with the
exciting or depolarizing fluid and is raised by hydraulic pressure or equivalent
mechanical means to such a height as shall best adjust the flow of liquid to the
current required. The liquid will now pass through the regulating valve, which
onsists of a cup-shaped tube within which is a ball formed of glass or similar
naterial unaffected by corrosive or alkaline liquids. The ball is so balanced as to
loat when the cup is full and the flow of liquid normal; should however, the flow
f liquid suddenly increase by the breaking away of the elastic connecting tube or
rom any other cause it is forced upon its seat and any serious waste of liquid
revented; when the connection is restored or the flow
quid in which the ball floats being still, the ball rises and restores circulation:
altogether checked the
e liquid now passes into the air bulb and its continuity being destroyed by the
ratum of compressed air-it descends in rapidly succeeding drops to the vessel
ntaining beads or loose pieces of equivalent suitable material, from whence it
sses through the porous or perforated carbon plates, jars or cylinders packed with
oken carbon or not as the case may be to the outer cell containing the positive
ements. When the liquid rises to the level of the over-flow pipe its heavier
rtion which collects at the base of the cell is conducted thereby to the sink;
closing a tap operating or connecting the over-flow pipes they are converted
o syphons and each cell can be automatically emptied.
uid collected in the sink is discharged by a float valve so balanced as to open the
The partly spent

page_text: valve when its lower stratum attains any predetermined density. The upper or
lighter portion can be used over again or the sink emptied by operating a lever
pivoted to the valve spindle.
To enable the acids or other fluid excitants or depolarizers to be readily trans-
ferred to the tank or cistern, I force air, oxygen or other gas as may best
suit my purpose upon, into, or through the liquids contained in a suitably
constructed closed vessel. Spent liquors may advantageously be re-oxidized in a
similar manner.
If it is not convenient to raise the tank or cistern to a height for the purpose of
obtaining pressure a closed cistern may be used which may be placed in any position 1
required and the pressure obtained artificially by forcing in air, oxygen or other
gas upon or over the surface of the liquid.
To enable my invention to be more clearly understood I will now describe the
same by means of the accompanying drawings in which :-
Fig. 1. is a front elevation partly in section of one form of improved battery, the
supply tank being raised and lowered by hydraulic pressure.
Fig. 2. is a front part sectional elevation of modified form operated by screw
gear.
Fig. 3. is a sectional view to enlarged scale of regulating valve.
Fig. 4. is a sectional view to enlarged scale of air vessel for breaking the 2
continuity of the liquid.
Fig. 5. is a vertical section to enlarged scale of working cell shewing the
improved method of connecting the elements.
Fig. 6. is a plan.
Fig. 7. is a sectional view of closed cistern for obtaining pressure by pumping or
other artificial means.
Fig. 8. is a sectional view shewing method of filling the supply cistern.
Fig. 9. is a part sectional view shewing apparatus employed for re-energizing
spent liquids.
Fig. 10. is a part sectional elevation shewing method of raising table when the
supply cistern is fixed.
Fig. 11. is a vertical section of working cell with the electrical connections on top.
Fig. 12. is a plan of same.
Fig. 13. is a longitudinal section of cramp shewing mercury contacts.
In Figs. 1. 2. 1 are the uprights which may be formed of wood and are preferably a
stepped into broad feet 2. they are also stayed thereto by iron struts 3.
In
At such suitable height from the base as shall best suit my purpose I mount
longitudinal and transverse beams 6, 6¹ which are secured to the uprights by
tenons 4. the frame being further strengthened if required by the bolts 5. having
washers and nuts 5. The lowest longitudinal and transverse beam 6. 6¹ in the
frame support a waste trough 7, which is formed of wood suitably coated with
Chatterton or other compound, capable of resisting the action of acids. Through
the centre of this trough a space 8. is left to enable the ram cylinder 45, screw
spindle 44, or other device employed for raising the supply cistern 32, to pass.
any convenient position is mounted a valve 8" so constructed and balanced as to act
automatically when the liquid discharged from the cells above is of too great specific
gravity to be of further use. At a convenient height for my purpose are mounted
a second set of beams 62, 63 secured to the uprights by tenons and if required by tie
bolts and nuts as previously described, these beams are boarded over with stout
board so as to be water-tight and upon this table T. the troughs or working cells 9.
are mounted. The battery here shewn consists of 4 troughs, each containing 6 cells.
The troughs 9, are preferably formed of teak wood, the ends 10, and partitions 11,
being carefully halved into the sides, secured by glue and the whole of the interior
carefully coated with marine glue, Chatterton, or the like material for resisting the
action of acid. Within each cell (see also enlarged view Figs. 5. 6) is mounted a
pot of porous carbon 12. filled with broken carbon 12", having perforations 13. and
within the carbon pot 12. is a vessel of glass or similar material 13ª which I prefer

page_text: grass beads 14. or broken pieces of any material unaffected by aci
Within the vessel 13ª, dips a glass tube 15. the beads being heaped round it a
shown. On either side of the perforated carbon pot 12. are the zinc elements I
These are run in guides 17. formed of wood suitably prepared and rest upon bras
5 plates 17ª sunk in the base of each cell. The carbon pot 12. sits upon a simila
plate 17 and in order that perfect metallic contact may exist between each elemen
and its connecting plate a partition of wood, or equivalent suitable material, 19. i
run round the carbon pot 12. and a similar partition 18. on the opposite side of each
zinc plate, mercury being run in between each element and its partition. The
10 connecting wires 21. 22. are soldered to the plates 17ª, 17" and after passing through
the base of each cell are connected either in series or parallel to the next, all
corrosion of binding contacts is thus avoided. Connected to, or forming part of the
glass tube 15. is an air vessel 23, (see also Fig. 4.) this consists preferably of a
glass bulb, the upper tube 24. being so fused or mounted within it as that the
5 continuity of the liquid descending from the supply tank is broken, and as a
consequence no short circuit can take place between any one cell and its neighbour
through the supply tank 32. Each cell, (see enlarged detail 5. 6.) is fitted with an
overflow pipe or syphon of special construction; it consists preferably of a double
elbow 25, and is conveniently made of ebonite screwed into the cell and to its
respective parts as shewn, a rubber tube 26, is secured to it and dips nearly to the
bottom of the cell. An outer tube 27. reaching down to the waste trough, the
elbow 25, is formed with two nozzles 28. and these are connected by rubber
tubing 29, to each other and terminate in an air cock 30.
device is as follows:-When the cock 30. is opened, air being admitted to each
The operation of this
syphon, it merely acts as an over-flow pipe for each cell, and draws off the dense
liquid accumulated at its base, when the fluid in the interior rises sufficiently high
to admit of such action taking place, if however, the cock or cocks 30 be closed and
the liquid in each cell allowed to rise until it covers the syphon; the cell is
completely emptied into the trough 7. Each air vessel 23, is connected to the
regulating valve 31. mounted in moveable trough 32. by a rubber tube 33. The tube
being made of a length suitable to the required rise and fall of trough 32. The
regulating valve 31, is generally formed of ebonite (see detail Fig. 3). It consists
of a tubular nipple 34, in which a hollow recess 35, is formed, within this nipple
floats a ball valve formed of ebonite or glass 31.
scat of the recess 35, when it is forced into it, and in order to prevent its rising
The ball exactly fits the
through the liquid, it is covered with a screwed cap, having perforations 36, which
is screwed into the base of the trough. The ball is so balanced as that under a
normal flow of liquid it will float, and thus permit of a constant supply to the cell
beneath :-Should however, the rubber tube come off, or the air vessel be broken,
sudden rush of liquid will cause the ball to descend upon its seat, in which it is
eld by the hanging column of liquid in the tube 33; all waste is thereby prevented.
The supply tank, consists of a teak box 32. carefully fitted together and coated
nternally with acid resisting compound, a diaphragm 39, is mounted within it as
hewn; the liquid entering it by means of the valve 40, operated by a lever 41.
ttached to the rod or spindle 42.
pon a cradle 43, which may be made of cast or wrought iron. This cradle is
In the drawing, this tank 32, is shewn as sitting
ised and lowered by the action of the ram 44, when forced in or out of the
linder 45, mounted upon the table T, by the action of the water pumped or
herwise forced into it.
A gauge glass G, is fitted to tank 32 to shew the height
the liquid therein.
The operation of my invention now described is as follows:-
The moveable trough or cistern 32, is filled with the exciting or depolarizing
ids, and the ram 44, operated by forcing in water to the hydraulic cylinder 45,
til the tank has been raised to such height as shall best adjust the flow of liquid
the current required; the liquid descends by the valve 31, and tube 33, until it
ches the air vessel 23; as the lower end of the tube is blocked to some extent
the beads, or equivalent, contained in the pot 13, the liquid flows into the air

page_text: bulb faster than it can get out, the result being that its continuity is broken by the
upward pressure of the contained air; without however, destroying the effect due
to the pressure of the head of liquid. The liquid now flows over the side of the
pot 13, and permeates the carbon or equivalent packing 12", finally reaching the
zinc elements through the holes 13, left in the carbon vessel 12, thereby setting up
a current. As the zinc is dissolved the denser liquid sinks to the base of the cell,
and the air cock 30, being left open, it finally flows out of the syphon elbow 25, and
by the pipe 27, to the waste tank. It is highly important that no discharge of
exciting or depolarizing liquid should take place until it is quite exhausted; and to
secure this, the float 8", of valve 8, is so weighted as to rise only when a pre-
arranged density of liquid has been obtained. To empty the waste tank, the
valve 8, may be operated by the lever 8°, mounted upon the bracket 8, at the side
thereof.
Fig. 2. is a part sectional front elevation of my improved primary battery, shewing
a modification whereby I dispense with the regulating valves, and air vessels, and
operate the supply tank by screw gear. In the drawing 32, is the rising tank which
is supported by a cradle 43. The ram 44, is replaced by a screwed spindle 44°,
which passes through a sleeve 46, revolving in the standard 47, bolted to the table T.
Forming part of the screwed sleeve 46, or bolted to it is a crown bevel wheel 46º,
into which gears the bevel pinion 48, operated by the hand wheel 49. The sleeve
is prevented from rising in the standard by the cover 50, bolted to it as shewn. By
operating the hand wheel the screwed spindle 44", and cradle and tank 32, are raised
or lowered to any desired point and the requisite head or pressure of liquid obtained.
I dispense with the regulating valves 31. and air vessels 23. by forming a series of
divided compartments 51, in the supply tank 32. Into the base of each compart-
ment is screwed a vulcanite plug 52, the rubber tubing 33, delivering the exciting
or depolarizing liquid to the cells beneath being secured to it in any suitable
manner. Perfect insulation between the cells is thus secured.
There are cases in which the height of the apparatus just described would be
inconvenient, and in order to obtain the requisite pressure I employ the device
shewn in Fig. 7, wherein 32, is the tank filled with liquid; I force air upon such
liquid by means of the compression pump 52, the tank being closed and so
constructed as to withstand pressure; the liquid may by means of such a device be
conducted to cells placed at some distance from the supply tank. In order to fill
the supply tank when at an elevation as shewn in Figs. 1. 2. with the acids,
alkaline or other exciting or depolarizing fluids, I employ the devices shewn in
Fig. 8. in which C, is an ordinary carboy which may however, be replaced by any
other suitable closed vessel; through the bung 53, I pass two tubes 54, 55, preferably
of glass or ebonite, tube 55, dips beneath the liquid in the vessel C, but tube 54,
passes merely through the cork; rubber connecting tubes 56, connect the
tubes 54, 55, with the air pump 52, and the tube 57, in tank 32. By operating
the pump, air is forced into the vessel containing the acid or alkaline liquid which
is thereby raised to the tank. I also employ the pump 52, for re-oxidizing spent
liquids as follows (see Fig. 9.):-A syphon or bend 57, so mounted in a closed
waste tank, as to pass nearly to its bottom; the flexible delivery tube 56, (see
dotted lines) from the air pump is now connected to it, and the suction tube
connected with a vessel a. containing oxygen or other suitable gas; by operating
the pump, exhausted acids or oxides may be re-oxidized. If desired the rubber
tube 56, connecting with the bend 57 (see full lines) may be connected directly by
a union and suitable cock 58, with the metallic cylinder or vessel, containing gas.
Although in Figs. 1 and 2. I have shewn my improved form of primary battery
constructed with open porous jars, I do not always construct them in this manner.
I sometimes employ plain plates of carbon, the interstices of which may be packed
with broken carbon or not as may be most convenient, and in some cases, I employ
a closed porous cell of carbon as shewn in Figs. 11, 12, wherein the pot 12, formed
of very porous carbon is fitted with a lid or cover 12, secured by a cramp 13,
pivoted as shewn at 14°, or in any like suitable manner, and fastened by the thumb

page_text: upon
ne zinc elements 16, are in this case mounted upon pins 58, formed
the metallic saddle 59. (see Fig. 12.) two sinall pegs 60. 60¹ dip into recesses 61, 611,
formed in the cramp 13, (see Fig. 13) these being filled with mercury to secure
good metallic contact. The electrical connections are made through the cramp and
5-bracket 14", from the zinc plates. A piece of platinum foil 62, is forced against
the carbon cell, by the action of the wedges 63, 631, a wire being connected
therefrom to the zinc in the next cell or otherwise as may be desired.
Stoneware or glass cells may when suitably constructed replace the wooden
troughs and cells 9.
In some cases it is preferable that the supply cistern should be a fixture and the
table containing the troughs, or stoneware or glass cells should be moveable.
Fig. 10. shews one way of carrying out this modification. The table T, containing
the troughs or cells 9, is seated upon a cradle 43, into which is slipped the ram 44.
operated by hydraulic pressure as already described, or this may be replaced by
the screw gear shewn in Fig. 2.
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. The use and employment of a variable head or pressure upon the exciting or
depolarizing liquids circulating in or through the cells or troughs containing the
elements in the manner and for effecting the purposes described.
2. In a primary battery constructed as described the combination of an hydraulic
ram and cylinder or screw gear for varying the pressure of the exciting or
depolarizing liquids contained in the supply tank mounted thereon in the way and
manner described.
3. In a primary battery constructed as described, the combination of hydraulic
or screw gearing for altering the head or pressure of the liquid contained in a fixed
tank by varying the position of the cells or troughs beneath said tank.
4. In a primary battery the combination of a moveable supply tank, having a
false bottom and fitted with a main controlling valve substantially as described
under Fig. 1.
5. In a primary battery constructed and operating as described under Fig. 1.
the combination and use of the automatic regulating valve and contact breaker
operating with the beads contained in the dash pot within the carbon cell in the
manner and for effecting the purposes set forth.
6. In a primary battery the combination, use and employment of beads for
ontrolling the circulation of the exciting or other liquids supplied thereto in the
ay and manner described.
7. In a primary battery constructed and operating as described the combination
or with the working trough or cell, of the over-flow and syphon device or devices
ontrolled by the cock in the manner set forth.
8. In a primary battery constructed in the manner described, the application and
se of the Hoat valve mounted in the waste trough operated by the varying density
the liquor discharged from the working cells.
9. The combination with a valve operated by the varying density of the liquid in
hich it floats as described in Claim 8. of the lever 8° for emptying the tank as
scribed.
10. The combination in or with a primary battery constructed as described of a
pply tank the height of which can be varied, having as many distinct chambers
there are cells, connected by flexible tubing in the manner described under
g. 2.
11. The use and employment with primary batteries fed by a fixed or moveable
ply tank of the compression pump and tubular connections for forcing by means
air the exciting or depolarizing liquids into the tank as described.
12. The employment of air under pressure in substitution of or in combinadis

page_text: with, a fixed or moveable supply tank, operating in connection with primary
batteries as described.
13. The use and employment of suitable gases under pressure for re-energizing
spent or partly spent liquid excitants or depolarizers in the manner set forth under
Fig. 9.
14. In primary battery cells, the particular arrangement employed for suspending
the zinc elements and forming the electrical connection therewith, and to the
negative electrode substantially as described under Figs. 11. 12. 13.
Dated Monah 2nd 1201
FRANCIS M. ROGERS,
Agent.