Patent GB-147253-A (GB)
Title: An improved flash signalling or lighting lamp
IPC: G08B5/38
Filed: 1919-04-07
Abstract: 147,253. Courteen, H. April 7, 1919. Lighting burners by frictional devices.-In a flash signalling or lighting lamp in which light is obtained by the abrasion of pyrophoric material, the sparks produced by the rotation of an abrading wheel against the pyrophoric material are directed towards or across the centre of the light-projecting aperture in the lantern casing. In one form, the abrading-wheel projects laterally through a slot in the lantern casing so as to permit its operation, and the adjustment of the pyrophoric material is effected by an adjusting-screw or a screw cap with a centrally-disposed pin at the other end of the holder. In a second form a spirit container f, Fig. 4, and an oil container g, each provided with inclined wicks f<1>, g<1>, are rotatably mounted in a downward extension e of the casing so that the wick f<1> may be brought into position for ignition by the pyrophoric device, and the wick g<1> may be brought into position for ignition by the wick f<1>. The abrading-wheel is mounted on the back of the casing and extends through a slot into the casing. Collars f<2>, g<2> on the containers fit between a partition e<3> and a retaining-plate e<4> secured thereto. In a third form, the abrading-wheel c, Fig. 5, its operating-mechanism, and the holder d for the pyrophoric material are carried by a bracket comprising two side plates j and a cover plate j<2> and secured to lugs on the side of cylindrical casing h of the lamp and at each side of a slot therein. The abrading-wheel c and a ratchet-wheel are respectively loosely and rigidly secured to a spindle having an operating-lever m at one end and are connected by means of spring pawls. The spindle is turned by the lever m so as to twist a spring attached to one of the plates and to the ratchet-wheel and spindle and, on being released, the ratchet-wheel rotates the abrading-wheel. A leaf spring m retains a pivoted finger-piece n on the lever m in its operative or inoperative position by engaging two flats on its boss, and a shoulder n<1> also engages the end of the leaf spring in the operative position. In a modification, the ratchetwheel and the abrading-wheel are formed in one, and are loosely mounted on the spindle but connected thereto by a spring, a pawl preventing the ratchet-wheel from being turned when the spring is being tensioned. A spirit container o provided with a wick burner is pivotally mounted in the lamp casing so that, after being brought into a position for lighting, it can be turned into the position shown for use as a lighter. The rear face of the container o is curved to correspond to the curved back of the lamp casing h which is slotted for the reception of an operating-stud p on the container, the forward side of the container o being formed as a reflector. In addition to the spirit container o, an oil reservoir may be employed with its wick-tube disposed to the rear of or above the wick-tube o' of the spirit container. The abrading-wheel may be automatically operated by means of a cam engaging the operating-lever when the spirit or oil container is moved. According to the Provisional Specification, the spirit container and, in some cases, the oil reservoir .may be pivotally mounted on the spindle of the abrading-wheel.