FIRELESS ENGINES

This term is applied to any steam or vapor engine which derives its power from some sort of storage system, which is recharged or regenerated at intervals by special or auxiliary apparatus. As the name implies, the engine is entirely detached from any heating apparatus, and therefore carries no fuel. Such an engine was designed and used with moderate succe for propelling street cars in New Orleans in 1870 by Dr. Emile Lamm. He utilized the expansion of compre ed ammonia in a machine resembling a reciprocating steam engine. The exhaust pipe led to a tank of water; the tendency of ammonia to di olve in water is so great that a partial vacuum is formed under these conditions, thus increasing the total pre ure at which the engine » operated, making it reasonably efficient. Steam locomotives have been built in which the boiler and fire-box were replaced by an insulated tank which was charged or filled with superheated water. When the throttle was opened, the water expanded into steam, and ran the engine. This type of engine was never economical, and has been replaced by compre ed air and electric traction. ( neni Ital. name for Florence q.v.). 1544), Ital. poet and man of letters; works distinguished by satirical qualities, © licentiousne , and elegant style.