Where did you read draining part?
The last paragraph of Column 8 states:
The electron leakage resistor will again raise the upper limit of 8.5 volts amplitude before breakdown as shown at L-5 of FIG. 8. In the generation of the hydrogen and oxygen gasses to an infinite limit, as yet not fully appreciated, the upper level of amplitude of the voltage is removed with the utilization of the electron inhibitor of FIG. 7.
The two paragraphs above that are also relevant.
When he talks about electron leakage, he means from one plate to the other - through the water. So this resistor is draining the electrons which would other wise flow through the cell. This resistor is shown as "60" in FIG. 6 and "75" in FIG. 7. It's mentioned in the abstract, and in claim #33.