Description: |
The patentee is better remembered as the inventor of the power loom, (patented 1785, much improved in a 1789 patent, and finally in 1792). This patent is for a steam engine that used alcohol instead of water, with the intention of reducing energy usage since alcohol has a lower boiling point, which was based on a misunderstanding of the laws of thermodynamics. The invention is notable for introducing piston rings, which were needed here to minimize loss of alcohol, which is, of course, much more expensive than water. |
|