Author Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1902 edition. Excerpt:...and what part of the charge remains unused be thrown away, or, if possible, be picked out and replaced? There is no middle course with a single generating chamber, for either the attendant must wait until the present charge is exhausted (which would be while the gas is being used), or opportunity must be taken during daylight when it is considered that the remaining part of the charge unused is small and will not last the coming evening through. In the example now being described, the water supply to the generating chambers is operated by two drop rods suspended from the bell of the holder in front, these rods pressing on the balanced levers which work the water cocks. One rod is longer than the other, and the length is arranged that one generating chamber receives its water and is eventually flooded before the second one comes into operation. In other words, one chamber receives water when the bell is about half-way down, while the other gets no water until the bell comes lower. In operation the generator in communication with the longest rod is exhausted first, and it can then be opened and re-charged while the other is working. The only extra detail is to change the rods (they are held in by thumbscrews) each time of charging so that the newly charged chamber is given the shortest rod each time. In the illustration the right-hand generating chamber is receiving water as the long rod has pressed the lever down far enough to turn the cock about half on. The left-hand chamber has not received water yet, and may be considered as being newly charged. On each side of the holder is a condenser or washer as well as a generating chamber, and Fig. 28 will serve to describe how generation occurs. In each generating chamber is placed a tray half...