//------------------------------//
// Early Humans : Theodore Grey, Invention Proposal for a Fireless Locomotive  
// Story: Clankers 
// by ISKV 
//------------------------------//

INVENTION DISCLOSURE

1. Title of the Invention:

Fireless Locomotive

2. Inventor: Theodore Grey

Sanctuary, 4th Sector
Ap. Complex 19
Floor 5, Door 8

3. Circumstances and Date of Conception:

On Year 925 six months, I was observing the testing of a steam locomotive and its failure to provide a ride to its passengers without smoke filling the tunnel and cause discomfort, or in one unfortunate case, death. The current and only viable solution would be to bore air vents, however that would be extremely dangerous, considering our level of technology, and would require billions upon billions of Cogs from our wallets. Thus, I decided to leave out the firebox entirely and instead, rely on pressurized steam, which would only have an effect on the humidity of the tunnel, and would leave passengers riding comfortably.

4. Description of the Invention:

a. Purpose - The Fireless Locomotive would make intercity transport safer and more practical.

b. Drawings - My invention and how it operates is shown in FIGURE 1.

c. Description of the Parts - My locomotive is made up of the following, a steam accumulator (1), which is supplied with superheated water by a high-pressure hose coupling (2), that pressurizes the steam lines (3), and is controlled by a set of steam valves (4). The steam passes through the system to the cylinders (5), which forces the connecting rods (6), to move the driving wheels (7).

d. Use - The locomotive is first injected with superheated water under pressure through the high-pressure hose coupling (2) that sends the water to the steam accumulator (1). The pressure is then released by the main steam valve (4) which sends the steam through the steam lines (3) into the cylinders (5) that propel the driving wheels (7) and moves the locomotive and its cargo.

e. Novel Features - All the other solutions to the problem of smoke in the tunnels are "solved" by either switching to a low-smoke coal, or by filtering the smoke with various methods. My invention simply has no fire, and thus no smoke. The fireless locomotive has the following novel features:

Without a fire, there is no smoke to be released in the tunnels.
A fireless locomotive can idle without the need to periodically add coal.
Due to the lack of a heat exchanger, there is no need to acquire a large amount of expensive brass for the use in steam pipes.
By not consuming water constantly, there is absolutely no chance of a boiler explosion.

f. Advantages - The fireless locomotive is cheaper, easier to operate, and considerably safer than the latest prototype of the coal-fueled engine. The superheated steam used by the fireless locomotive is the same type used to power industrial machinery, making its fuel renewable, plentiful, and cheap.

5. Testing Results:

On Year 926 eight months, the final prototype was able to travel roughly thirty miles per hour for seven miles while pulling a cargo of twenty fully-loaded passenger carriages, more than enough to make a round-trip to any city from Sanctuary. All passengers reported a notable increase in satisfaction and comfort, with a 20% reduction in operation costs.

(Attached Letter)

Dear Mr. Grey,

We have received your proposal and have recommended your invention to the Committee of Production, who have promptly approved your "Fireless Locomotive" and have prepared for its mass-production. We invite you to the Blackwall Ironworks where we offer you 250,000 Cogs for the chance to produce this revolutionary new machine.

With regards,
Jack Clark, Blackwall Ironworks