Improved Apparatus for the Production and Storage of Acetylene Gas.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 24th July, 1897--Accepted, 23rd Oct., 1897
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improved Apparatus for the Production and Storage of Acetylene
Gas.
I, RICHARD FREDRICK CARTER, of the Town of Niagara Falls, in the County of
Welland, and Province of Ontario, Canada, Master Mariner, do hereby declare the
nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
The object of my invention is to devise certain improvements and modifications
of the acetylene gas apparatus described in United States Application
Number 619,447, and it consists, essentially, of a new water measuring device from
which the water is discharged by the tipping of the containing tank, of an
improved condensation chamber and safety valve adapted to relieve undue pressure
and collect the condensation from both the generator and gas holder; and of such
details of construction as are hereinafter more specifically described and then
definitely claimed.
Figure 1 is a sectional elevation of my apparatus.
Figure 2 is a perspective detail of the tip tank.
In the drawings, like letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the
different figures.
A is the generator; B, the gas holder; and C, the tip tank for measuring and
feeding the water.
In the generator, D, is a cylindrical chamber having a water seal formed round
its upper end by the cylindrical casing E.
F is the cover of the generator having a cylindrical wall extending down within
the water seal of the casing E.
G is the carbide grate, preferably formed with suitable openings for the ashes
and slightly dished or concaved. This grate is provided with trunnions a, b.
The trunnion a, is journalled in a bearing formed on or connected to the wall
of the cylindrical chamber D. The trunnion b, extends through the side of the
chamber through the cylindrical casing E, and has its outer end adapted to receive
a lever H, by means of which the grate may be rocked. C is a sleeve surrounding
the trunnion b, and connected to the wall of the chamber D, and the cylindrical
casing E, so as to prevent the water from the seal leaking through the bearing
into the cylindrical chamber. The outer end of the sleeve may be provided with
a suitable gland or stuffing box, if desired.
I is a small tank surrounding the end of the trunnion b. This tank is kept
filled with water and completely prevents the escape of any gas from round the
trunnion.
It will be noticed that the wall of the cover F, is slotted at d, to permit it fitting
over the sleeve c¹.
J is a small gas dome extending upwardly from the cover F, and provided with
a small cock e. K is the gas exit pipe which extends from within the gas dome J,
down through the water seal within the cover F, through the bottom of
the cylindrical casing E, and thence to the gas holder. The gas dome J of the

page_text: generator enables the gas to be drawn off at the highest point possible above the
point of generation where it is likely to be dryest.
L is a water distributing plate suitably supported within the upper end of the
cover F. This plate has a number of perforated tits f, depending therefrom.
M is the water supply pipe extending through the top of the cover and
terminating in the funnel N. Below the funnel the pipe is made U-shaped to
provide an effective water seal, the bottom of the U-extending well below the
point of delivery in the, generator.
O is an opening in the bottom of the cylindrical chamber through which the lime
or ashes may be removed, and is provided with a suitable cover.
The gas holder B, comprises the usual water chamber or tank P, and the gas
dome Q, provided with guide wheels which run on suitable guides connected to
the walls of the chamber P. The gas exit pipe K, from the generator extends
up through the bottom of the water chamber P, a suitable distance above the level
of the water contained therein.
:-
R is the gas supply pipe to the burners extending from above the water space
in the chamber through its bottom and thence to the line pipes.
The water
measuring and feeding device C is constructed substantially as follows:-
S is the outer tank within the ends of which are journalled the trunnions g,
of the inner tip tank T. Only one of the trunnions is seen in the drawing. U is
the lever rigidly secured to one of the trunnions g, outside the tank S. This lever
is preferably weighted so as to tend to retain the tank in a normal untipped position.
V is a stop adjustably secured to the end of the tank and provided with two
pins h, between which the lever may play, the upper pin serving to limit the
degree to which the tank is tipped, as shown in Fig. 2. The tip tank T, is
preferably provided with an outlet spout A¹, located close to its upper edge and
an overflow spout B¹, slightly below the level of the spout A¹.
The spout B extends beyond the edge of the tank S, so as to discharge any
overflow outside the said tank. Unless the upper edge of the inner tank is above
the edge of the outer tank, a notch, either with or without a lip or spout, must
be cut in the edge of the outer tank. If the parts be so proportioned that the
overflow spout B rests upon the edge of the outer tank or the bottom of the notch
when the tank is in its normal position, the lower pin h may be dispensed with.
C is the water tank or other source of water supply. A pipe J extends from
the bottom of this tank to a point just above the tip tank T. D¹ is a valve formed
therein, such as is used for an ordinary flushing tank. E¹ is a float, the lever of
which is suitably pivoted and adapted to operate the valve D¹ in the ordinary
manner.
F is the outlet pipe from the bottom of the tank S. This pipe is preferably
divided and hinged at i so that when the parts are in the position shown in
Fig. 2 a continuous water way is formed from the bottom of the tank S to the end
of the pipe. When, on the contrary, the lower portion of the pipe is raised, as
shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1, the water flows from the joint and runs to waste.
When the pipe is in the position shown in full lines in Figs. 1 and 2, the end
of the pipe F¹, is over the funnel N, and water flowing through it passes to the
generator.
G is an arm connected to the gas dome of the holder and provided with a cord
attached to the lower end of the hinged outlet pipe F. The parts are so
proportioned that the hinged pipe F is not lowered to discharge into the
funnel N till the gas dome is nearly exhausted. When the gas dome is up, the
arm is raised asshown in dotted lines and any overflow or leakage from the tank
falls to the ground and undue generation of gas in the generator, owing to an
excess of water, is rendered impossible.
The lever U is connected by a cord H¹ passing over the guide pulley ; to the
weight I', which either rests upon the top of the gas dome or is inserted in a
depression therein. The operation of this portion of the device is substantially
'as follows:

page_text: Supposing the tip tank T to be full of water, the float E¹ is lifted and the
valve D closed. As the gas dome Q sinks, it gradually takes up the slack in
the cord H¹ till, when the gaseous contents are nearly exhausted the dome moving
away from the weight I allows the latter to draw upon the lever U till it comes
in contact with the upper pin h, on the adjustable stop V. A portion of the
contents of the tank will thus be discharged into the outer tank. As the falling
of the gas dome has lowered the hinged outlet pipe F¹ the water tipped from the
tank goes straight to the generator and a new supply of gas is generated, which
raises the gas dome Q, which immediately raises the hinged outlet pipe F¹, and
allows any further water spilling from the tank to run to waste. The raising of
the tank also takes the strain of the weight I¹ off the cord H', and the weighted
lever U returns the tank to its normal position. The spilling of a portion of the
contents of the tank allows the float E to sink and a further supply of water slowly
trickles in through the valve D' till the normal level of the water in the tip tank
has been reached, when the supply is cut off. In case the valve leaks, any surplus
flows off through the overflow spout B¹.
It will be seen that the pipe J¹, tanks S, T, and the hinged pipe F', form a
water channel between the source of water supply and the funnel or opening of
the pipe M, to the generator and these parts are referred to in the claims under
this name.
The object of making the tip tank of considerable size and then
limiting the amount of its tip so that a considerable portion of its contents still
remains, is this:-
-
Less than half a pint of water is sufficient to generate enough gas to fill an
ordinary small holder. Such a quantity of water would be insufficient to operate
the float E. The difficulty can only be overcome with the tip tank by making
the tank of sufficient capacity to lift the float and then discharging merely a small
portion of its contents. By moving the adjustable stop V, any desired tip may
be given to the tank and any desired quantity of water obtained.
In the gas exit pipe J, I preferably locate a stop cock K¹ between the generator
and the gas dome, so that communication between them may be cut off when
re-charging the generator. To the horizontal portion of the pipe K, I connect
the pipes L, M¹, one on each side of the stop cock K¹. These pipes enter a closed
chamber N¹, preferably filled with water and provided with an outlet pipe 0¹, near
its upper end, which may be led to the outer air. This chamber Ni acts as a
condensation chamber and also as a safety valve, any water forming in the pipe K,
on either side of the stop cock, running down to join the water in the chamber.
In case of an excessive pressure in either the generator or the gas holder, a portion
of the gas bubbles up through the water in the chamber and passes to the outer
air, thus ensuring perfect safety to the apparatus.
1" is an overflow pipe connected to the pipe M¹. Any excess of water flows
out through the top of this pipe, which thus establishes the level of the water
within the chamber N¹.
When it is necessary to recharge the generator, the stop cock K¹ is shut, and
most of the gas within the generator is exhausted by opening the cock & and
lighting the overflowing gas. The cover F may then be removed and a fresh
charge of carbide placed on the grate G. This grate may be operated at any time
to remove the lime from the lumps of carbide by placing the lever H upon the
suitably-shaped end of the trunnion b, and rocking it backwards and forwards for
a few minutes.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is:-
1. In apparatus of the class described, a source of water supply; a generator
and a water channel between the source of water supply and the generator having
as a member a journalled tip tank adapted when tipped to discharge a portion of
its contents into the lower part of the channel; in combination with a float within

page_text: the tank adapted to control the water supply to the upper part of the said channel;
mechanism controlled by the gas supply for tipping the said tank, and a stop to
limit the amount of tip, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
2. In apparatus of the class described, a source of water supply; a generator;
a gas helder; a gas pipe connecting the holder and generator; and a water channel
between the source of water supply and the generator having as a member a
journalled tip tank adapted when tipped to discharge a portion of its contents
into the lower part of the channel; in combination with a float within the tank
adapted to control the water supply to the upper part of the said channel;
mechanism operated by the fall of the dome of the gas holder for tipping the said
tank and a stop to limit the amount of tip, substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
3. In apparatus of the class described, a source of water supply; a generator;
a suitably journalled tip tank; a pipe adapted to carry water from the source of
supply to the tip tank, and a valve in said pipe, in combination with a float within
the tank adapted to control the said valve; mechanism controlled by the gas supply
tor tipping the said tank; and a water channel adapted to receive the water tipped
from the tank and convey it to the generator, substantially as and for the purpose
specified
4. In apparatus of the class described, a source of water supply; a generator:
a suitably journalled tip tank; a pipe adapted to convey water from the source of
supply to the tip tank, and a valve in said pipe, in combination with a float within
the tank adapted to control the said valve; mechanism controlled by the gas
supply for tipping the said tank; a stop to limit the amount of tip; and a water
channel adapted to receive the water tipped from the tank and convey it to the
generator, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
5. In apparatus of the class described, a source of water supply; a generator:
a gas holder; a gas pipe connecting the holder and generator, and a water channel
between the source of water supply and the generator; having as a member a
journaled tip tank adapted when tipped to discharge a portion of its contents
into the lower part of the channel; in combination with a float within the tank
adapted to control the water supply to the upper part of the said channel ;
mechanism operated by the fall of the dome of the gas holder for tipping the said
tank; a stop to limit the amount of tip; and an overflow spout for the tank located
below the normal level of the discharge point of the tank and adapted to convey
surplus water to waste, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
6. In apparatus for the class described, a source of water supply; a generator; a
suitably journalled tip tank; a pipe adapted to convey water from the source of
supply to the tip tank, and a valve in said pipe, in combination with a float within
the tank adapted to control the said valve; mechanism controlled by the gas supply
for tipping the said tank; a water channel adapted to receive the water tipped
from the tank and convey it to the generator; and an overflow spout for the
tank located below the normal level of the discharge point of the tank and
adapted to convey surplus water to waste, substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
7. In apparatus of the class described, a source of water supply; a generator;
a gas holder; a gas pipe connecting the holder and generator; a tip tank; an
outer tank in which the said tip tank is journalled; a pipe adapted to convey water
from the source of supply to the tip tank; and a valve in said pipe; in
combination with a float within the tank adapted to control the said valve; a
lever arm connected to the tip tank; an adjustable stop to limit the movements
of the said lever; a cord connected to the lever passing round a suitable guide
or guides to the gas dome of the holder; and a pipe connecting the outer tank with
the water inlet of the generator, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
8. In apparatus of the class described, a generator; the water supply pipe
thereof provided with a suitable funnel or opening; a gas holder and a pipe
connecting the generator with the holder; in combination with a source of water

page_text: supply; a passage way for water between the said source and the funnel or opening
provided with a hinged member which may be moved to discharge the water into
the said funnel or opening or moved to allow the water to escape at the hinge;
and means for so moving the said member by the rise and fall of the gas dome,
substantially as and for the purpose specified.
9. In apparatus of the class described, a generator and the water supply pipe
thereof provided with a suitable funnel or opening; in combination with a source
of water supply; a passage way for water between said source and the funnel or
opening, provided with a hinged member which may be moved to discharge the
water into the said funnel or opening or moved to allow the water to escape at the
hinge, and automatic means for so moving the said member, substantially as and
for the purpose specified.
10. In apparatus of the class described, a generator and the water supply pipe
thereof provided with a suitable funnel or opening; a gas holder and a pipe
connecting the generator with the holder, in combination with a source of water
supply a divided hinged water pipe connected with said water supply and
adapted normally to discharge into the said funnel; and a cord connected to the
gas dome and adapted when the dome rises, to lift the hinged pipe and allow
surplus water to flow from the hinged joint, substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
11. In a generator, a cylindrical chamber open at its upper end and provided
with a cylindrical casing adapted to form a water seal, in combination with a
cover provided with a cylindrical wall adapted to enter the said water seal; and
a carbide grate journalled within the cylindrical chamber and having one of its
trunnions extended to the outside of the generator, substantially as and for the
purpose specified.
12. In a generator, a cylindrical chamber open at its upper end and provided
with a cylindrical casing adapted to form a water seal, in combination with a
cover provided with a cylindrical wall adapted to enter the said water seal, and an
opening near the bottom provided with a suitable cover; and a carbide grate
journalled within the cylindrical chamber and having one of its trunnions
extended to the outside of the generator, substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
13. In a generator, a cylindrical chamber open at its upper end and provided with
a cylindrical casing adapted to form a water seal, in combination with a cover
provided with a cylindrical wall adapted to enter the said water seal; a carbide
grate journalled within the cylindrical chamber and having one of its trunnions
extended to the outside of the generator; and a water tank formed about the
bearing of the said trunnion to form a water seal to prevent the escape of gas,
substantially as and for the purpose specified.
14. In a generator, a cylindrical chamber open at its upper end and provided
with a cylindrical casing adapted to form a water seal, in combination with a cover
provided with a cylindrical well adapted to enter the said water seal; a gas dome
connected to the said cover and provided with a stop cock; and a carbide grate
journalled within the cylindrical chamber and having one of its trunnions extended
to the outside of the generator, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
15. In a generator, a cylindrical chamber open at its upper end and provided
with a cylindrical casing adapted to form a water seal, in combination with a cover
provided with a cylindrical wall adapted to enter the said water seal; a carbide
grate journalled within the cylindrical chamber and having one of its trunnions
extended to the outside of the generator through a sleeve connecting the wall
of the chamber with the cylindrical casing, substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
16. In a generator, a cylindrical chamber open at its upper end and provided
with a cylindrical casing adapted to form a water seal, in combination with a cover
provided with a cylindrical wall adapted to enter the said water seal; a carbide
grate journalled within the cylindrical chamber and having one of its trunnions

page_text: extended to the outside of the generator through a sleeve connecting the wall of
the chamber with the cylindrical casing; and a water tank formed about the
bearing of the said trunnion to form a water seal to prevent the escape of gas,
substantially as and for the purpose specified.
17. In a generator, a cylindrical chamber open at its upper end and provided
with a cylindrical casing adapted to form a water seal, in combination with a
cover provided with a cylindrical wall adapted to enter the said water seal; a
carbide grate journalled within the cylindrical chamber and having one of its
trunnions extended to the outside of the generator through a sleeve connecting
the wall of the chamber with the cylindrical casing, the wall of the cover being
notched to embrace the sleeve, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
18. In apparatus of the class described, a generator; a gas holder and a gas
exit pipe connecting them, provided with a stop cock adapted to close the
communication, in combination with a water chamber and pipes connected to the
said chamber near its bottom and to the gas exit pipe, one on each side of
the stop cock, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
19. In apparatus of the class described, a generator; a gas holder and a gas
exit pipe connecting them, provided with a stop cock adapted to close the
communication, in combination with a closed water chamber provided with a
gas outlet pipe near its upper end, and pipes connected to the said chamber near
its bottom and to the gas exit pipe one on each side of the stop cock, substantially
as and for the purpose specified.
20. In apparatus of the class described, a generator; a gas holder and a gas exit
pipe connecting them, provided with a stop cock adapted to close the
communication, in combination with a closed water chamber provided with a
gas outlet pipe near its upper end; pipes connected to the said chamber near its
bottom and to the gas exit pipe one on each side of the stop cock; and an overflow
pipe connected with the water space of the said chamber and open at its upper end
below the level of the gas exit pipe of the chamber, substantially as and for the
purpose specified.
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