Engineers and Mechanics Encyclopedia 1839: Railways: Charles C. Bombas

Patent granted to Charles C. Bombas, Esq. It was especially designed for the propulsion of carriages or boats, and is dated the 29th of April, 1828.

The patentee specifies it as consisting in the condensing of atmospheric air or gas in strong cylindrical reservoirs having spherical ends; whence it is to be discharged through proper valves and tubes into a cylinder, where it is to operate upon a piston in the same manner as in steam-engines, and communicate motion to the wheels of a carriage, or the paddles of a boat. The vessels to hold the condensed air or gas, are proposed to be from 12 to 18 inches in diameter, and of as great length as can be conveniently stowed, or removed into or out of the vehicle, from or to the stations which it is proposed to establish along the line of road whereon the traffic takes place, for the purpose of receiving the exhausted vessel, and supplying a charged one in its place; which it is proposed shall contain from 30 to 150 atmospheres. The particular construction of the engine and machinery of the carriage are not given; but it is directed on the plan of the high pressure steam engine, and to be worked expansively.

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