Patent GB-190705545-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in Lighting Buoys by Acetylene Gas.
Inventor: BONALLO KEIR
Filed: 1907-03-07
Granted: 1907-06-20
Abstract: 5545. Bonallo, K. March 7. Acetylene lamps ; buoy lamps.-The buoy A contains the gas-generating chamber and a gasholder G, while the carbide holder is placed within a superstructure B, above which is the lamp P. The carbide container D is riveted to a base E, which is connected to a lower casing K by a gastight joint F. The gas-holder G has liquid seals K<1>, R3, guide-pulleys a having rubber tyres, liquid buffers comprising a cylinder X filled with glycerin and a piston Y, an outlet tube 30, and two rods R supporting a cross-head 3 which passes out of the casing K through slots K<2>, K<3>. The cross-head 3 is attached to the square end of a rod 2, which carries a tappet frame V and a tube D<2> within the carbide container. The frame V has tappets S which actuate levers 17 when the gas-bell falls; whereby two rods Tare raised ; these rods in turn raise rods U arranged to disturb the carbide upwardly and slightly centrally. The combined effect of the fall of the tube D<2> and the rise of the rods U, when the gas bell falls, is-to cause some carbide to fall down through the tube D<2> on to a perforated plate A'. Packing is provided at F<1> in the bearings of the tubes D<2> and the rods U, to prevent undue wear by minute carbide crystals. The rods U are controlled byweak springs V<1>, and several such rods may be used, connected to yokes U<1>. Springs 15 prevent the levers 17 from moving too far, and out of the operating position. The acetylene generated escapes through a slot Z, and up a space R<1> into the gas-bell G. A cleaning snug Z<1> is attached to the cross-head 3. A bottom guide 1 is provided to reduce the free surface of the water, and thereby to minimize the disturbing influence of the vibrations thereof. For the same purpose, and also for confining the reaction to a small volume of water whereby the beat of react:on prevents the water from freezing, the water chamber M is made conical, as shown. A sludge door 11 is hinged at 14 and is operated by a chain 8 ; a perforated check door 12 is arranged in connexion therewith to prevent the entrance of weeds or other obstructions. A tube 6 serves to fill or to empty the seal K<1>. A tube 7 is provided for tbrowing down a small quantity of carbide for generating sufficient gas to raise the bell G before the cap Q is opened for recharging the carbide container. The carbide used is previously soaked in a non-viscous and non-freezable oil. The tube D<2> connects with the frame V by parallel flat flanged faces, so that the tube can be disconnected by sliding it sideways when the container D and base E are detached and lifted up. The outlet tube 30 from the gas-holder, connects through a telescopic glycerin seal 0 and a flexible tube to the lamp P. A tubular shield d prevents any water that may enter the gallery B from finding its way to the seal 0. The seal 0 acts also as an indicator of the height of the gasbell. A safety escape device is provided, consisting of a tube 33 dipping below glycerin in a closed chamber c, and a tube 34 rising therein above the level of the glycerin. The lamp P, Fig. 1<a>, is mounted on a frame 21, movable on guides 18 and connected through a wire rope and pulley hoisting- gear 24 to a counterbalance weight 26. The lamp is secured in position by means of a screwed handwheel 27 and a compression rod 19. The attendant gains access to the gallery B by a door C. The buoy is moored by means of a ring 13.