US1219966A - Electrolytic gas-generator. - Google Patents

Description

l. H. LEVIN. ELECTROLYTIC GAS GENERATHR.

APPLI QATION FILED NOV/l8, I916. 1,219,966. I Patented Mar. 20,1917.

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I. H. LEVIN.

ELECTROLYTIC GAS GE NERATM. APPLICATION FILED NOV. I8, 1911;.

Patented Mar. 20,, 1917.

3 STEETS-SHEEI 2.

ATTORNEY I. H. LEVIN.

ELECTROLYTIC GAS GENERATOR APPLICATION men NOV-18.1916.

1,219,966. Patented Mar. 20,1917.

j/Ygui 50 50 a ISAAC H. LEVIN, OF NEWARK, NEW JERSEY.

ELECTROLYTIC GASGENERATOR.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Mar. 20, 191 '7.

Application filed November 18, 1916. Serial No. 1 32,211.

To all whom it may concern:

Be itknown that I, ISAAC H. LEVIN, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Newark, in the county of Essex-and State of New Jersey, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Electrolytic Gas-Generators, of which the following is a specification. p

My invention relates to electrolytic apparatus designed to produce hydrogen and oxygen gases by subjecting water containing a small quantity of a suitable electrolyte such, for example, as potassium hydroxid, sulfuric acid,-etc., to the action of a current of electricity which is caused to flow therethrough from one electrode to another, both of which are submerged in the water; the electrolyte bein dissociated by the water, oxygen being li crated at the positive electrode or anode, and hydrogen at the negative electrode orcathode, allin accordance with the well known phenomenon commonly referred to as the decomposition of water by an electric current.

My invention relates particularly to that type or class or electrolytic cells, or electrolytic gas generators, in which the liquid act-ed upon is contained in a. suitable receptacleor casing, and in which the electrodes are entirely independent of the receptacle creasing, as distinguished from electrolytic gas generators in which the casing or container forms one of. the electrodes.

The objects of my invention are to providean improved electrolytic gas generator of the kind or type above referred to and in;

which the interior of :the' casingis divided into three compartments, within each of which an electrode is located; to provide an improved electrolytic gas generator in which the casin is made up of two dished end casing mem ers or sections in connection-with I one or .moreintermediateannular or ring like members or sections, so that casings for 'enerators of any required capacity may be ormed by assembling the requisite number of. intermediate -ring sections with. two dished end sections; to provide improved means; for supplying waterto the interior of the generato'r'casm to-repleni'sh the loss due to the decomposition thereof; to provide improvements in 'and' relating to various of the elements and" parts of devices of the type above referred to; and to otherwise improve upon and enhance the ciliciency of electrolytic gas generating devices of the kind to which my invention relates.

lVith the above enumerated and other objects of invention in view, my invention consists in the improved electrolytic gas generator and parts thereof illustrated in the accompanying crawil'igs, described in the following specification, and particularly claimed in the concluding claims, and in such variations and modifications thereof as will be obvious to those skilled in. the art to which my invennon relates.

In the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this application, and wherein the preferred en lbodiment of my invention is illustrated:

Figure 1 is a view showing a section of my improved electrolytic gas generator upon a plurality of vertical planes indicated by the broken line i, 1, Fig. 3; 1

Fig. 2 is a view showing my invention in P n;

F ig. 3 is a view showing a section taken upon a horizontal plane indicated by the line 3, 3, Fig. 1, looking down;

Fig. 4: is a view showing a section upon vertical planes at right angles to the planesof Fig. 1; and indicated by the broken line 4, 4, upon said figure. looking toward the right; i

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig.-, but showing a modi ied form of my invention;

Fi (3 is a. iew 11 on a smaller scale.

showing a frame member employed in my device; 7 I r Fig. 7 isa view showing a pocket member used in my device in perspective;

Fig. 8 is a sectional view showing the construction of certain packing members means. employed in my device, in perspective and a Fig. 11 is a view showing a second filling device provided or my generator, the same said plane are shown in section, in order to.

better explain the device.

Referring to the drawings, the reference numerals, 11, 12, designate two end sections of a three-part closed external casing withinwhich the electrodes, diaphragms, and other elements to be hereinafter more particularly described, of my improved electrolytic gas generator, are located, while 13 designates an intermediate section held in place between said end sections; the three sections referred to forming a fluid tight casing or receptacle adapted tocontain the water to be decomposed, and having internal electrode compartments, and gas tight chambers located at its upper end within which the gases produced collect, all as hereinafter explained. The end section members are formed from comparatively thin plate or sheet metal, and are herein referred to as dished because they are of dish or pan-like form of large area and of comparatively slight depth, such, for example, as are disclosed and claimed in my application for patent for electrolytic gas generators, filed upon December 20, 1915, Serial Number 67,834; while the intermediate section mem her is in the form of a short piece of a tube of large diameter, which member I refer to as of annular or ring-like form because it resembles a ring and because the casing as a whole may obviously be of a form more or less .approaching a true circular form. as seen in side elevation, instead of rectan- "gular in form as illustrated in the drawings.

The free edges or ends of the several casing' members are provided with flanges as shown at 14, Figs. 2 and 11, in order to provide a more extensive area of contact between the ends of adjacent casing members and the peripheries of two frame members held in place between them the flanges of the 'casing members and the peripheries of the frame members being securedtogether along their meeting edges by welding, soldaring, brazing, riveting or otherwise, in order to 'form a unitary casing structure within which the electrodes and other elements of my: device are located and held in fixed positions throughout the life of the generator, the same as in my pending applicationfor patent hereinbefore referred'to.

Fig. 6 shows one of the frame" members above referred to by itself, the twobe'i'ng alike in all respects and corresponding partsof them being designated by' reference .nu

merals without and with primes in the F rious figures of the drawings. These frame members are-made from plate or thickgh t metal, and have upper portions 18, 18' which provide or form fpartitions which divide the upper portion 0 the interior of the casing into three gas compartments or chambers within the two outer of which, desi nate by the reference numerals 15, 16, igs.-4 and 11, oxygen accumulates, when the generator is in o eration, while hydrogen accumulates within the middle compartment or gas chamber 17. Each frame member also includes oppositely located downwardly ex tending side portions 19, 19; and a bottom bar or strip 20, 20 connecting the lower ends of the sides together, the latter of which is provided with a plurality of spaced upwardly extending lugs21, 21 as best shown in Figs. 1 and 6.

The reference numerals 22, 22, designate two diaphragms made of porous material such, for example, as asbestos, which diaphragms are secured to and carried one by each of said frame members. These diaphragms divide the lower portion of the interior of the casing into three 'electrode compartments or chambers; the outer compartments 23, 24, being anode compartments and the middle compartment 25 being a-cathode compartment in the embodiment of my in vention illustrated in the drawings.

The diaphragms are sho wn'as held in place upon the frames by means of strips 26, 26, extending along the tops, down the sides, and across the bottom of the diaphragms, and secured to the frame members by means of rivets; the bottom strips being secured to the upper ends of the lugs 21, 21', see Fig. 1, whereby openings 27, 27 are provided. beneath the lower edges of the dia phragms through which the lower ends of the electrode compartments 23, 24, and 25 are placed in constant communication with one another.

Located within the anode compartments 23, 24, are two anodes, 28, 29, which are shown as in the form of thin metallic plates provided with perforations to permit a better circulation of the water being decomposed, anda more free discharge of the oxygen liberated at their surfaces. These anodes maybe of any. suitable material, and they are both connected with the ositive lead or terminal of the dynamo emp oyed to furnish. current for decomposing the water contained in the casing, as will be under stood. a Secured to the lowercorners of the anodes are supports 180', 30, having each a hole at its outer end, andBl, 31' designate pockets formed preferably of metal and secured in place-within .and'at the lower end of, and at a art from one another and having'a hole,

t choice-being arranged inline with one another as best shown same to the wall of the casin in Fig. 7. The reference numerals 32, 32, desi nate pins of'nonconducting material whic extend through the holes provided in the sides of thepockets, and also through the holes at the ends of the supports 30, 30, while 33, 33"

designate insulating material, such, for exampge, as asbestos, arranged *within the poo ets and about the ends of the supports .and' the purpose of which is to insulate the said supports from the metallic pockets and from the wallof the casing.

The construction above described provides anchoring means whereby the lower I corners of the anodes are held in fixed ositions, and their lower ends prevented rom coining into contact with the wall of the external casing, or with the diaphragms, which is a feature of importanceinelectrolytic gas genera-tors having anodes of large area located within electrode compartments of slight thickness; and the use of a porous material pervious to the liquid within the casing such as asbestos, asbestos combined with rubber, or an equivalentinsulating material, provides efi'ecti've and convenient insulation for use in generators of the type to which my invention relates.

Th metallic pockets or equivalent members to which the supports 30 are anchored may be secured place within the casing in any way, as by welding or riveting the and may be made with separate side we ls and an intervening end wall, as shown in Fig. 7, or in a single piece from a. suitable blank by suitable pres'smg operations, by casting operations, or otherwise, as will be appreciated.

The upper ends of the anodes are provided with conducting bars or terminals 34.,

35., whichextend through openings provided in the to wall of the casin and are of sufficient sti nessto support t e upper ends of the anodes in fixedpositions' so that they cannot come into, contact with the wall of a the. casing,

conducting through which itjextends',

' soft ru ber orvsimilar insulating- -material bar and filling the opening insulating plates located above and below. said expansible member andprovided with-openings surrounding the to accommodate the conducting .bar,.andmetallic plates39, 40, also having openings, loeated above and below said p a and hav 1 ns. 119168 t ro w h" 41 x d,

or with the diaphragm, the same as in the case of the ;lower ends of the for the condur ting bars extending sections 13 in whicli,,-upo n bsin shortened, draw the plates 39, 40, ton ar one another and against the expansible member; thus compressing said member and forcing the periphery thereof into contact with'the edge-or wall of:

theopening in which it is located and securing. a tight joint about the conducting bar and o ening. The lower one ofthe insulating p ates 38 is formed in two parts, see Fig. 8, in order that the same may be put in place from the exterior of the. casin through theope ning in the top wall thereo or removed in a similar way; said plate being approximately the same as the opening in the casing, and the slots 42 at the endsof tl .e halves permitting the ends to move sidewiie past and operative 'relat on with" the bolts, as the parts which form the lower plate are put in place or removed. v

The reference numeral 43 designates the cathode of my gas generatin' device, the same having vertically exten mg corrugations upon eaci side, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, 1n order to provide a better circulation of the liq aid within the central elec-' trode compartirrent 25' in which it is located and a more free discharge of the hydrogen liberated at the surfaces thereof; and the'same m ay be made from any suitable material and have any structural features. solon as its-:nze and shape are such that com-:

it will e eontai ned within the electrode partmentpro ided to receive it. This cathode .is' provided with supports. atits two lower corners, one only of which is shown at 44, Fig. 4, which supports are trally within the chamber or compartment in which it is located. The upper end of the cathode is provided with a conducting bar or terminal 45 which holds the up er end in proper position, the same as in the case of the anodes, which bar extends througha packing memh er of the same form and construction as tle packingmembers rom the anodes.

urpose 'of said supprovided the .Width of into and out of In the form of my invention illustrated Figs. 1 to 4 it elusive the casing of: the. generator is made up oftwo'dishedend casing members or sections, tOgGthGDWWh- WSiI X'gIB' lao intermediate annular or' ring section; as exvided' into three compartments, twojor'the orator. In tle form illustrated infi-Ei'g '5,

however, a plurality fplained, and t 1e interior ofthe'casing'isdii said intermediate sections being assembled with two dished end sections 11 and 12 like the end sections 11, 12, hereinbefore de scribed. Frame members like the frame members already described are arranged in alternation with and held in place between the ends of adjacent sections of the casing, which frame members carry diaphragmsflfi, which divide the interior of the casing into a plurality of electrode compartments; but the scheme of connecting two anodes in parallel, and using a single cathode between them, is not made use of, the internal. oompartments being alternately anode and cathode compartments within which anodes 47 and cathodes 48 are located.

In this form the anodes 47 and the cathodes 48 are supported and anchored within the casing at their lower ends, the same as hereinbefore explained, and are provided with conducting bars 49, 50, extending through packing members in the top wall of the casing; although the showing as to these minor features is more or less conventional in this figure.

It will be appreciated that the construction illustrated in Fig. 5 provides an arrangement in .Which and shows how two dished end section members may be assembled with a greater or less number of intermediate ring sections, all of said sections being secured together as hereinbefore ex plained, to thereby provide a casing for a generator of any required size, whereby generators of widely difierent sizes or ca pacities may be assembled and made up from dished end and intermediate ring sections all of one form and size.

The openings 27, 27 beneath the dia- 'phragm-s place the three electrode compartments or chambers in permanent communication with one another at their lower ends, as will be understood. It is, however, desirableto place these compartments in communication at their upper as well as at their lower ends, towhich end'I provide two trough or channel shaped members 51, 52, which are secured in place upon opposite sides of the frame members adjacent the level -of liquid in the several compartments. These members are provided with openings 53, 54, and they preferably extend above the level of the liquid in the compartments and are open at their upper ends; and the frame members are provided, with openings located within and so as to be covered by the channels, and some little distance below the'openi- ngs 53, 54, as shown.

All these openings lie below the level of the water in the several compartments when the generator is inuse, so that gas cannot flow from one of the gas chambers provided by the partitions 18 at the upper end of the easing into theothe'r; as the lower edge of thepartition portion of the frame member lies below the normal level of liquid in the casing as best shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings. The upper ends of the compartments are, however, placed in communica tion with one another through the equalizing means here described and, should the level of water become higher in one compartment than in the one next to it, a. flow will occur from one side of the partition between said compartn'ients through the passage provided by the openings 53, 54, 55, and the interior of the channel mem bers in one direction or the other, thus equallzing the level of liquid within adjacent electrode compartments, and upon opposite sides of the partition between them.

Each of the frame members with which the generator is provided should obviously be equipped with one or more equalizing devices such as are above described in order to maintain a constant level of water throughout the casing, and equal pressures within the several gas chambers at the upper end thereof. Also, while the equalizing device in question is shown as used in con nection with other equalizing means such as is provided by the openings 27, 27, this is not necessarily the case; and the equalizing devices located adjacent the level of liquid in the casing as above described may form the sole means for securing a constant level within the casing, and equal pressures within the several gas chambers;

I have shown my improved electrolytic gas generator illustrated in Figs. 1 to a as equipped with two means whereby water may be supplied to the interior of the generator casing, both of which perform func tions, differing in the two cases, in addition to the function of supplying water to the casing to compensate for the water decomposed when the generator is in use. Any particular gas generator may, however, obviously be equipped with one only of these water supplying or filling devices, or with both of them, as herein disclosed.

The less comprehensive of the two filling means above referred to is shown in its relation to the casing in Figs. 1 and 2, while Fig. 9 is another view of the same and shows the relation of its several parts to the electrode compartments withinlthe cas- %his filling means is shown as comprising a trough or receptacle 56, from which two conduits 57, 58, lead into the outside or anode compartments of the generator,

while a third conduit 59 leads into the cen tral cathode compartment; the inlet ends of which conduits communicate and lead from the receptacle at different levels. The lower end of each conduit is provided with a slotted cap 60 closed at its bottom so that gas, which is more or less distributed throughout the entire mass of liquid in the electrode compartmentsin 'the form of the level has fallen below the inlet ends of the conduits which lead into the anode compartments and water has ceased to flow into saidcompartments.

The water within the generator casing contains a small quantity of a suitable electrolyte suchjas potassium hydroxid, sulfuric acid, etc., as explained, and it is found that when the generator is in operation the elecxliI'OlYte tends to pass into the cathode compartment; so that the water within said compartment will, after the generator has been in operation for some time, be found to contain an appreciably greater percentage of the electrolyte than the water in the anode compartments. v filling device above explained, however, prevents this concentration in the cathode compartment, for it will be obvious thateach timethat water is suppliedto the casing'a little more will enter the cathode compartment than enters the anode compartments, thus carrying small quantities of the electrolyte out of the oathode compartment and into the anode compartments each time water is supplied to the casingyfor it will be remembered that the several electrode compartments are in constant communication with one another through one or both the equalizing means above referredto and described, so that the level of; the liquid is equalized after'ea'ch 45 fill" operation and is the same in all the chem ersl wherrthe generator is in operation assuming of course that the ressure of the gases is the same in the severa gaschambers which is a condition intended to be attained and whichlsubstantially exists when ,the generator is in use, althou h it will be appreciated that slight fluctuations of pressure andliquid level may occur in the practical operation of. the device. j

The second of the filling devices above referredto is best shown inFigQ 11 and this device,- in addition to providingfor the supply of;water to the interior ofthe generator casingprovides means for'washing the gases produced in substantially the same way'that' thegases arewashed in the wash bottles or lanterns at present-in use with'electrolytic gas generating devices; and provides, in addition, asafety device "whereby, should the 9 pressure he reduced below'atmo'spheric pres sure in either f the conduits through which the gases produced flow, air from the surrounding atmosphere, instead of gas from the other conduit, will enter the conduit in which the reduction of pressure occurs;

In this last mentioned form of filling device two water chambers 61, 61' are inter posed in the conduits through which the gases produced pass to the gas holders commonly providejl for storing the gases, said chambers being preferably formed by sections of glass tubing 62, 62', held in place between lower and upper heads 63, 64, 63', 64', so that the bubbles of gas passin through the water in said chambers wil indicate whether or not the generator is operating properly, the same as in the lanterns or wash bottles ordinarily used with gas generatmg devices of the type to which my invention relates. C onnected with the lower head 63 is a bifurcated pipe 65, the branches of which lead into the anode chambers 15, 16; while an outlet conduit 66 leads from the upper head 64 1nd through which oxygen is conducted froni the generator. In like man-- ner the lower head 63' is connected with a pipe 67 whicli extends from the cathode compartment 1?; while an outlet conduit 68 leads from, the upper head 6i and conducts hydrogen frolr the enerator.

ater is 'suppli'e to both said water chambers from a common supply trough or receptacle 69 hiving water supply conduits 70, 70 leading, respectively, to the lower heads 63, 63 of the water supply device; the upper ends of the said conduits extend-v ingabove the level of water inthe Water chambers a distance greater than the head of water due to t 1e pressures within the outlet conduits aiid gas reservoirs, in; order that the colum as of water within. the conduits will not be forced or blown out of said conduits by the pressure of the gases within the gas outlet conduits.

The lower he Ids 63, 63' are provided each with a threadel opening within which the lower ends of two gas-discharge pipes 71, '71 are secured, which pipes are provided with outlet openings adjacent their upper ends and with open bottom petticoats or bells 72, 72, which are submerged in the water within the water chambers; whereby gas outlet-paswges are provided through which the gases produced flow from the electrode compartments, The gases, in flowing from the gas :hambers, .passbeneath the lower edges of the bells and upward in the form of bubbles through'the' water in said water. chambers, during which they obviously'overconi'e or flow against a pressure due to the head of water in the water chambers and indict ted by the distance H, Fig.

11, and indicate whether or not gas is being produced properly by the generator.

Located witt in the gas discharge pipe above referred to are water supply pipes 73, 7 3, having each a water seal secured by return bends 7 4, 7 4 at their lower ends, in order to divert the flow of the gases through the water in the water chambers and to prevent a direct flow through said water supply pipes. The upper ends of the water suppl pipes, the gas discharge pipes, and the bells will be secured together by welding, soldering or otherwise, so as to provide tight joints between them, as will be appreciated.

In view of the premises it will be appreciated that when water is poured into the supply receptacle ,69 it will flow therefrom through the water supply conduits 70, and into the water chambers 61, 61; over the upper ends of the bells 72, 72 and water supply pipes 73, 73; and down through said water supply pipes and thetraps 74, 74 at their lower ends and into the electrode compartments within the casing. WVater is thus supplied to both the anode and cathode compartments; and, while in the construction illustrated the water would for the most part enter the left hand anode compartment, the flow may be divided so as to enter both anode compartments. In any event the liquid level is equalized within the casing, as above explained, so thata constant level exists therein irrespective of the quantities actually supplied. "to the several electrode compartments. I e

In electrolytic gas generating devices. of the kind to which my invention relates the gases which pass from the electrode co'mpartments carry considerable water suspended in them, because of the agitation and mixing action which occurs at the surface of the liquid as the rising bubbles break through the surface layer and enter the gas chambers, together with a proportionate quantity of the electrolyte :whichis dissolved in the water; from which it results that the water in the washing bottles of electrolytic gas generators at present in use becomes more and more-concentrated as the generator-is used until the water has dissolved all theelectrolyte which it can dissolve, after which the electrolyte passes on-with the gas and becomes an impurity thereof. In my device as above ex lained, however, the water 01" solution wit in the water chambers is washed back through the water supply passage provided by the pipes 73, 73, and into the electrode compartments each time that water is supplied to the generator, so that the electrolyte is continually restored to the water in said compartments and the uantity of electrolyte in the water user for washing the gases is kept at a minimum.

In view of'the fact that the water supply conduits 70, 70' extend above the level of water in the water chambers 61, 61., as above explained, it will be obvious that water will smain said conduits a distance H above the level of the water in the water chambers, which distance will be equal to the head. H in the water chambers and will be de endent upon the pressure of the gases wit in the gas outlet conduits and gas reservoirs or holders; and that the gases cannot flow out through said water supply conduits because they extend above the height at which the water stands in them when equilibrium exists throughout the system, the columns of water in thembeing of sufficient height to prevent outflow from the water chambers through said conduits. If, on the other hand, the pressure is reduced below atmos-.

pheric pressure in one or the other of the gas outlet conduits or gas holders, due, for example, to an lIlSlllllClBIlt supply to a pump connected with the conduits or reservoirs and employed to compress the gases, which is a condition commonly present in gas manufacturing plants, then the water will be withdrawn from the water supply pipe 70, or 70 associated with the gas outlet conduit in which the reduction of pressure occurs; and air from the external atmosphere, as distinguished from gas from the other gas outlet, conduit, will flow through the supply pipe afi'ectedand into the system to supply the reduction of pressure. Thus, where pumps are used to compress the gases, as is commonly the case in gas manufacturing plants, a pump associated with one gas outletconduit or reservoir can under no. circumstances dr'aw gas from the other outlet conduit, or from gas chamber or reservoir into which said other conduit discharges.

Having thus described and explained my invention, .1 claim and desire to secure by Letters lRatent g 1. An. electrolytic gas generator having an electrolyte chamber and a gas outlet, and

means whereby liquid can be supplied tothe electrolyte chamber through the gas outlet. 1 I

2 In anelectrolytic gas generator having a liquid sealing device included in said gas outlet conduit; means whereby liquid may .be supplied to said liquid sealing device;

and a liquid supply conduit leading from said liquid sealing device anddischarging into said internal'compart 't n g which liquid may be supplied to vsaid compartme'n't; q

4 In an electrolytic gas enerator having an internal'compartment a a ted to contain a liquid, and a gas chamber a ove said 'com partment; a water chamber located above said compartment; a gas outlet passage leading from said gaschamber into, and the upper end of which is sealed by, the water 1n said water chamber; a gas outlet conduit leading from said water chamber; means for supplying water to said water chamber; and means for conducting water from said water chamber into said electrode compartment.

5. In an electrolytic gas generator having an electrode compartment within which a gas is produced; a water chamber located above said compartment; a gas outlet passage through which the gas produced in said electrode com artment passes, and the discharge end 0 which is sealed by the water in said water chamber; a gas outlet conduit leading from said waterchamber; a water supply conduit leading into, and through which water is supplied to said water chamber; and a water supply passage leading from said water chamber an through which water is supplied to said electrode compartment.

6. In an electrolytic gas generator having an electrode compartment within which a gas is produced; a water chamber located above said compartment; a gas outlet passage through which the gas produced in said'electrode compartment passes, and the discharge end of which is sealed by the water inwsaid water chamber; a gas outlet conduit leading from said water chamber; means for supplying water to said water chamber; and a water supply passage leading from said water chamber and through which water is supplied toisaid electrode compartment.

' 7. In an electrolytic gas generator having an electrode compartment within which a gas is produced; a water chamber located above said compartment; a gas outlet passage through which the gas produced in said electrode com artment passes, and. the discharge end 0 which extendsi'nto, and is sealed by the-water in said water chamber; a watersupply passage leading from said watercharn trode'compartment, andhaving a water seal for preventing the flow, of gas therethrough; a gas outlet-conduit leading from said water chamber; anda water supply conduitleadin into; and hrough which water is sup.- plied to said water chamber.

.8. In an electrolytic gas generator, a casing'having anelectrode compartment, anda gas chamber. above said compartment; a water chamber located above said compart ment;. a "s outlet passe e leading from said gas 0 amber into,fan "having a water supply 'pipe leadin from said. water chamber and through w ich water is supplied to said' electrode compartment, and having a water seal 'for? preventing the flow of" gas conduit leading into, and through 1a; or and discharging into said elec- I flow of duit lea ing from said water chamber; andtherethrough; a gas outlet conduitleading from water chamber; anda water su pl which water is supplied to said water chamber.

9. In an electrolytic gas generator, a casing havin an ele :trode compartment, and a gas cham er above said compartment; a water chamber 1c outed above said compartment; a gas ouilet passage leading from said gas chamber into, and dischargin below the level ofwater in said water c am-.

ber; a water suppl ip'e leading from said water chamber a1 1 t rough which water is supphed to said lectrode compartment, and

-having a water sail-for preventing the flow of gas therethro'igh; a gas outlet conduit leading from'sad water chamber; and a water supply conduit leading into, and through which water is suppliedto said water chamber. x

10. In an electrolytic gas generator having an electrode compartment, and a gas chamber above said compartment; a water chamber located LbOVB said compartment; a gas outlet passage leading from said gas chamber into, and having a water seal within said water chamber; a water supply pipe leading from sail water chamber above the normal level of water'therein and through which water is supplied to said electrode compartment, said 1pipe having a water seal for preventing tl'e ow: of gas therethrough; a gas outlet conduit leading from said water chamber; and a water supply conduit lead -in into, and through which water is supphed to said water chamber.

water is supplied to said compartment, and

having awater seal for preventing the flow oi as therethrough; a gas outlet conduit ing from said water chamber; and a water supply conduit leading into said water chamber below' tie level of water therein and through which water is supplied to said water chamber.

12. In an electrolytic gas generator, a casing havin an electrode compartment, and a gas 'cham r above said compartment; a water chamber located above said compartment; a as outlet passage leadin from said gas 0 ambl 51 into, and dischargln be- -low the l'evel oi water in said wat'erc amber; a water supply pipe leading from said water, chamber above the normallevel oi watertherein and through which. water is supplied tosaid electrode compartmenfisaid pipe having a water seal for'preventing the as the 'ethrough; 'a .gas outlet con-.

a water supply conduit leadin r into said Water chamber below the love of water therein and through which water is supplied to said water chamber.

13'. In an electrolytic gas generator having an internal compartment adapted to contain a. liquid, and a gas outlet conduit leading therefrom; a liquid sealing device included in said gas outlet conduit; a liquid supply passage leading from said sealing device and through which liquid is supplied to said internal compartment; and a water supply conduit leading into, and through which water is supplied to said liquid sealing device, the inlet end of said conduit being in permanently open communication with the atmosphere and extending above the level of liquid in said liquid sealing device a distance such that the column of water in said conduit will prevent the outflow of gas therethrough from said liquid sealing device.

14. In an electrolytic gas generator having an internal compartment adapted to contain a. liquid; a water chamber located above said compartment; :1 gas outlet passage leading from said compartment, and the discharge end of which is sealed by the water in said water chamber; a gas outlet conduit leading from said water chamber; a water supply passage leading from said water chamber and through which water is supplied to said internal compartment; and a water supply. conduit leading into, and through which water is supplied to said water chamber, the inlet end of said conduit being in permanently open'communication with the atmosphere and extending above the level of water in said water chamber a distance such that the column of water in said conduit will prevent the outflow of gas there-through from said water chamber.

15. In an electrolytic gas generator having an electrode compartment, and a gas chamber above said compartment; a water chamber located above said compartment; a gas outlet passage leading from said gas chamber into, and having a water seal with in said water chamberaa water supply pipe leading from said water chamber and through which water is supplied'to said electrode compartment, said pipe havinga water seal. at its lower end for preventing the flow of gas therethrough; a gas outlet conduit leading from said water chamber; and a. water supply conduit leading into, and through which water is supplied to said water chamber, the inlet end of said conduit being in permanently open communication with the atmosphere and extending above the level of water in said water chamber a distance such that the column of water in said conduit will prevent'the. outflow of gas therethrough from said water chamber.

16. In an electrolytic gas generator, a casing having an electrode compartment,

' a eases:

and a gas chamber above said compartment a water chamber located above sai compact ment; :1 as outlet pipe leadin fromsaid gas cham er into said water c amber and having abell open at its bottom and the lower end of which is submerged in the water in said water chamber; a water supply pipe located within said gas outlet'pipe and the upper end of which communicates with the interior of said water chamber above the normal level of water therein and through which pipe water is supplied to said electrode compartment, said water supply pipe having a water seal for preventing the flow of gas therethrough; a gas outlet conduit leading from said water chamber; and a Water supply conduit leading into, and through which water is supplied to said water chamber.

17. In an electrolytic gas generator, a casing havin an electrode compartment, and a gas cham er above said compartment; a water chamber located above said compartment; at gas outlet pipe leading from said gas chamber into said water chamber and having a bell open at its bottom and th lower'end of which is submerged in the' water in said water chamber; a water supply pipe located within said gas outlet pipe and the upper end of which communicates with the interior of said water chamber above the normal level of water therein and through which pipe water may flow into said electrode compartment, said water supply pipe having a water seal for preventing the flow of gas therethrough; a gas outlet conduit leadlng from said water chamber; and a water supply conduit. leading into said water chamber and discharging below the level of water therein, the inlet end of said conduit being in permanently open communication with the atmosphere and extending above the leveLof water in said water cham her a distance such that the column of water in' said conduit will prevent the outflow of gas therethrough from said water chamber.

18. In an electrolytic gas generator having electrode compartments within which gases of two kinds are roduced; two water chambers; two gas out et passages through which the gases produced are conducted from said casing, which passages discharge into, and are sealed by the water in said Water chambers; two gas outlet passages leading one from each of said water chambers; two water supply conduits leading one into each of-said water chambers, and which conduits extend to a height such that the columns of water in them. will prevent the outflow of gas from said water chambers through said conduits; and a water supply I, receptacle in permanently open communication with the atmosphere and with. which the nlet ends of all of said water supplyconduits are connected.

each a water seal to prevent the 19. In an electrolytic gas generator, a casing having electrode com artments within with a water seal; two gas outlet passages leading one from each 0 said water chambers; two water su ply pipes leading one from each of said water chambers and through which water is supplied to said electrode compartments, which pipes have ow of gas therethrough; two water supply conduits leading one into each of said water chambers, and which conduits extend to a height such that the columns of water in them will prevent the outflow of gas from said water chambers through said conduits; and a water supply receptacle in permanently open communication with the atmosphere and with which the inlet ends of all of said water supply conduits are connected.

20. In an electrolytic gas generator, a casments, and a plurality of gas chambers located one above ,eac electrode compartment; two water chambers located above said casing; twogas outlet passages through which gases of two kinds are conducted from said gas chambers, which passages discharge one into each of said water chambers and are provided each with a water seal within the chamber into which it leads; two gas outlet conduits leading one from each of said water chambers; two water supply pipes leading onefrom'each of said water chambers and through which water is supplied to said electrode compartments, which pipes are provided each with a water seal to. prevent the fiowof gas therethrough; two water supply conduits leading one into each of said water chambers, and which conduits extend to a height such that the columns of water,

in them will prevent the outflow of gas from said water chambers through said conduits; and a water supply receptacle in permanently open communication with the atmosphere and with which the inlet ends of all of said supply conduits are connected.

21. In an electrolytic gas generator having a plurality of internal liquid containing compartments, and a plurality of gas chambers located one above each liquid comartment; a plurality of water supply conduits. one discharging into each of said liquid compartments, the upper-ends of said conduits being open to the atmosphere and the lower ends thereof terminating below the level of liquid in said compartments; and means whereby liquid may be supplied to all of saidconduits simultaneously. i

22. In an electrolytic gas generatorhaw ing a plurality of internal 1i uid containing compartments; a plurality 0 liquid supply conduits, one of said conduits discharging into each of said internal compartments; and means whereby moretliquid is caused to flow through some of said conduits than throu h others. I

23. n an electrolytic as generator having a plurality of electro ecom artments; a plurality of'water supply condhits, one of said conduits discharging into each of said electrode compartments; means whereby water may be supplied to all of said conduits slmultaneously; an;l means whereby more water is caused to'flow through some of said conduits than through others. a

24. In an electrolytic gas generator having a plurality of electrode compartments; means for supplying water to all of said compartments simultaneously; and means associated with saic'. water supplying means whereby more water is supplied to some of said compartments than to others of them.

25. In an electrolytic gas generator having a partments.

27. In an electroiytic' gas generator having a plurality of electrode compartments; a water receiving re ceptacle; a conduit leading from said receptacle and discharging into an anode compartment; and a second conduit leading from said receptacle at a lower level than the inlet end of mid first mentioned conduit and discharging into a cathode compartment.

28. In an electrolytic gas generator having two anode compartments, and a cathode compartment located between said anode which communicate with said receptacle at substantially the sane level, and which con- 'duits lead into the anode com artlnents aforesaid; and a thf rd water supp y conduit the inlet end of which communicates withsaid receptacle at a lower level than the levelg compartments; a water receiving receptacle; tw water supply conduits the inlet ends of of the inlet ends of said first mentioned conleads intothe cath- 29. In an electrilytic "gas"generator, a

more intermediate [annular or ring-like secclosed receptacle creasing comprising two end section members, together with one or tion members, all of which are secured together; electrodes located within said cas ing; filling means for said casing; and means for conducting the gases produced from the interior of said casing.

30. In an electrolytic gasgenerator, a closed receptacle or casing comprising two dished end section members, together with one or more intermediate annular or ringlike section members, all of which are secured together; means for dividing the in terior of said casing into a plurality of electrode compartments; a plurality of electrodes located one within each of said electrode compartments; fillingmeans for said casing; and means for conducting the gases produced from said electrode compartments.

31. In an electrolytic gas generator, a closed receptacle or casing comprising two end section members,'together. with'one or more intermediate annular or ring-like section members, all of which are secured together; a plurality of partitions arranged within the upper portion of said casing; a plurality of porous diaphragms located one beneath each of said partitions; a plurality of electrodes located within said casing and arranged in alternation with said diaphragms; filling means for said casing; and means for conducting the gases produced from the interior of said casing.

32. In an electrolytic gas generator, a closed receptacle or casing comprising two endsection members, together with one or more intermediate annular or ring-like section members,'all ofwhich are secured together; a plurality of frame members arranged in alternation with and held in place between the ends of adjacent section members; aplurality of porous diaphragms carried one by each 0 said frame members; electrodes located within said casing and arranged in alternation with said diaphragms; filling means for said casing; and means for conducting the gases produced from'the interior of said casing.

33. In an electrolytic gas generator, a

closed receptacle or casing comprising two dished end section members, together with one or more intermediate annular or ring like section members, all of which are secured together; a plurality of frame members arranged in alternation with said section members and which frame members are held in place between the edges of adjacent section members, and the upper ends of which frame members form partitions whereby the interior of said casing is divided to form a. plurality of gas chambers; a plurality of diaphragms carried one by each of said frame members and extending lownward from said partitions; a plurality of electrodes located one beneath each ofsaid gas' chambers; filling means for said casing;

and means for conducting the gases produced from said gas chambers.

34. In an electrolytic gas generator, a closed receptacle or casing "made up of a plurality of parts or sections secured to gether, the end sections of said casing comprising dished casing members and the intermediate sections comprising a plurality of annular-cor ring-like sections; a plurality of partitions arranged in alternation with said casing parts or sections, so that a partition is located between each. two successive sections of the casing, and which partitions" termediate sections comprising a plurality of annular or ring-like sections; a plurality o partitions arranged in alternation with said casing parts or sections, so that a partition is'located between each two successive sections of the casing, and which partitions diide the interior of the casing to thereby provide a plurality of gas chambers; a plurality of electrodes located within the casing and arranged one beneath each of said gas chambers; a plurality of porous diaphragms l ocated'beneath said partitions and arranged in alternation with said electrodes; filling I means for the casing; and means for conducting the gases produced from said gas chambers 36. In an electrolytic gas generator, a closed receptacle or casing made up of a plurality of parts or sections secured together, the "end sections of said casing comprising dished casing members having each a flange at its free-edge, and the intermediate sections comprising a plurality of annular or ring sections each having a flange at each of its ends; a plurality of frame members arranged in alternation with said casing parts or sections, so that a frame member is located between each two successive parts or sectionsjof the casing, and which frame members extend and are held in place between the flanges of adj ace'nt parts or sections of the casing and dividethe inte-.

rior thereof into a plurality of compartments; a plurality of porous diaphragms carried oneby each of said frame members; a plurality of electrodes located one within each of said compartments; filling means for dished end section members, together with a an intermediate annular or rin -like section member, all of which 'are secured together; 10 two frame members held in place between porous cliaphragms, one carried by each of said frame members, whereby the interior of said casing is divided into three electrode compartments; two anodes located one within each of the outer of said electrode compartments; a cathode located within the middle of said electrode compartments; fill ing meansfor said casing; and means for 20 conducting the gases produced from said electrode compartments.

38. In an electrolytic gas generator, a

closed receptacle or casing comprising two dished end section members, together with an intermediate annularor ring-like section member, all of which are secured together; two frame members held in place between the ends of adjacent'casing members and the upper I ortiqns of which form artitions which ivide the upper portion of said casing'into three gas chambers; two porous diaphra carried one b each of said frame mem rs, whereb the lower portion of said a casing is divide into three electrode compartments; two anodes located one within each of the outer of said electrode compartments; a cathode located within the middle of said electrode com artments; filling means for said casing; and means for conducting 40 the gases produced from said gas chambers. A a 39. In an electrolytic gas generator, a

closed receptacle or casing made pip of a plu-l rality of section members secure together;

a plurality of partitions located withinthe porous diaphragms locate the upper ends ofwhich are secured one to each of said partitions md the lower ends of which diaphragms terminate above the an lower end of said casing; means engaging the side and bottom edges of said diaphra gms to thereby hold said edges in fixed positions; electrodes located within said v casing; fillingmeans for said casing; and

means for conducting the gases produced from the interior of said casing.

40. In an electrolytic gas generator, a

closed'receptacle or casing; a frame member comprising an up r portion adapted to form a partition or dividingthe interior ofsaid easing into a plurality of gas chambers, and two oppositely located side por- 'tionsidepending romxsaid upper ortion;

a porous diaphragm the top and si e edges from said com-' the ends of adjacent section members; two 2 'the top and side'edges of which are-secured upper portion of said casing; a plurality o a b eneath and closed receptacl or casing; a partition 10- of which are serured to the loweredge [of 5 said uppenportic n andrto saidside portions;

andewhich diaphragm terminates above the lower end of said casing; and means'extending between said side portions and connected therewith and with the lower edge of said diaphragm to thereby hold said lower edge in a fixed position.

, 1. In' an electrolytic gas generator, aframe member comprisi ug an upper portion adapted to form a, partition, two oppositel located side port1o1 18 depending fromsai upper portion, anda bottom member extending between the lower ends of said side portions; a porous e iaphragm the top and side edges of which are secured to said upper portion and to said side portions, and which diaphragm terminates above said bottom member; and means for connecting the lower edge of end diaphragms with said bottom member to thereby hold said lower edge in a fixed position.

42. In an electrolytic gas generator, :1 frame member comprising an upper portion adapted to form a partition, two oppositely located side portions depending from said upper portion, a bottom bar or strip con necting the lowerle'ndsof said side portions with one another, and a plurality of lugs extending upward from said bottom bar or strip. 1 v

43. In an electrolytic gas generator, a frame member comprising an upper portion adapted to form a partition, two oppositely located side portion's depending from said upper'portion, a bottom bar or strip connecting the lower ends, of said'sidel portions with one another, and a pluralityxof lugs extending upward from said bottom bar, or p a strip; together with I a porous diaphragm to said upper portion and to said side portions, and the ,lowered-ge of whichis secured to -said lugs.

44. In an electrolytic gas generator, a

cated within sai casingand extending from the u-pperend thereof downward below'the level of liquid therein, whereby a gas "charm-- ber is provided upon each side of said partis tion; two electrozlesloca'tedone below each of said gas chambers; and means for equalizing the level 01 liquid upon opposite sides of said partition. v A

45. In an electrolytic gas generator, a closed receptacle or casing; a partition located withinsaid casing and extending from the upper end thereof downward below the levelof liquid t li arein, whereby a gas chem her is provided upon each side-of saidfpartition; two electrodes located onefbeio'w each of" said gas chamhe'rs;;.and anequalizing.

passage located the level' at which i the liquid stands/ in said" casing, and

through which liquid may flow from one side of said partition to the other.

46. In an electrolytic gas generator, a closed receptacle or casing; a partition located within said casing and extending from the upper end thereof downward below the level of liquid therein, whereby a' gas chamber is provided upon each side of said partition; two electrodes located one below each of said gas chambers; and a passage located adjacent the level at which the liquid stands in said casing and extending from one side of said partition through the same and to the other side thereof, and through which liquid may flow from one side of said partition to the other.

47. In an electrolytic gas generator, a closed receptacle or casing; a partition located within said casing and extending from the upper end thereof downward below the level of liquid therein, whereby a gas chamber is provided upon each side of said partition; two electrodes located one below each of said gas chambers; and two channel members secured to and located upon opposite sides of said partition, the upper ends of said channels extending above the level of liquid in said casing and being in perma nently open communication with the gas chambers into which they extend, and each of which channels is provided with an opening below the level of liquid in said casing; said partition having an opening within said channel members and below the openings aforesaid insaid channels.

48. In an electrolytic gas generator, a closed receptacle or casing; a partition located within said casing and extending from the upper end thereof downward below the level of liquid therein, whereby a gas cham- "ber is provided upon each side of said partition; two electrodes located one below each of said gas chambers; and a porous diaphragm extending downward from I the lower edge of'said partition and between said electrodes.

49. In an electrolytic gas generator, a closed receptacle or casing; a partition located within said casing and extending from the upper end thereof downward below the level of liquid therein, whereby a gas chamber is provided upon each side of said partition; two electrodes located one below each of said gas chambers; and a porous diaphragm extending downward from the lower edg'eiof said partition and terminating above the bottomwall of said casing, where b openings are provided beneath said dia- 50. 'In an electrolytic gas generator, a closed receptacle or casing, a partition located within said casing and extending from the upper end thereof downward below the level of liquid therein, whereby a gas chamber is provided upon eachside. of said partition; and a porous diaphragm located be tween said electrodes, the upper edge of which is secured to the lower edge of said partition, and the lower edge of which ter minates above the bottom wall of said casing. v v j I 51. In an electrolytic gas generator, a casing; an electrode located within said casing and having a support adjacent its lower end; a holding member located within said casing and adjacent said support, and to which said support may be secured; means for securing said support to said. holding member; and an absorbent insulating material intermediate said holding member and said support.

52. In an electrolytic gas generator, a casng member located within said member; and an absorbent insulating material having asbestosas an in edient where bysaid support is insulated om said holding member. I

53. In an electrolytic gas generator, a casing; a pocket secured in p ace within said casing and adjacent the lower end thereof,

said ocket having spaced side Walls each of whic is provided with a hole; an electrode located within said casing and havin a support adapted to enter the pocket a oresaid and having a hole; a pin of nonconducting material extending through the holes in the sidewalls of said pocket and in said su port; and insulating material within said pocket and between the walls thereof and said support.

54. In an electrolytic gas generator, a casing substantially rectangular in form; two pockets secured in place within the lower end of said casing and in the corners thereof, said pockets each having spaced side walls and each wall having a hole; an electrode located within said casing and having.

two supports extending one into each of the pockets aforesaid, and having each a hole; two pins, one associated with each pocket,

which pins extend through the holes in the side walls of said pockets and in said supports; and insulating material within each of said pockets and between the walls thereof and said sulpports.

55. In an e ectrolytic gas generator having a plurality of compartments generating gas of the samekind, said generator having means whereby the gas from any one com-- partment may esca e into the atmosphere independently of t e gas from the other compartments. I V

56. In an electrolytic gas generator having a plurality of compartments generating name to this specification this 20th day of gas of the same kind, each of said compart- October, 1916; mentshaving an independent vent through which the gas within said compartment may 5 escape to the atmosphere independently of Witnesses:

the gas from other compartments. I BER'I'HA W. FE Y,

In testimony whereof I have signed my Enw. E.DUN0AN.

ISAAC H. LEVIN;

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