Improvements in and relating to Self-generating and Self-regulating Acetylene Gas Producing Apparatus applicable to Cycle and other Lamps and Means for Attaching the same to Cycles.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 27th June, 1899-Accepted, 12th Aug., 1899
Improvements in and relating to Self-generating and Self-regulating
Acetylene Gas Producing Apparatus applicable to Cycle and other
Lamps and Means for Attaching the same to Cycles.
I, GEORGE CROYDON MARKS, of 18, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane,
London, W.C., Consulting Engineer (a communication from the Pauli Lamp Co.,
of 875, North Albany Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America,
Manufacturers), 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:-
-
This invention is an improvement in self-generating and self-regulating
acetylene-gas producing apparatus.
Before proceeding to describe in detail the constructions shown in the draw-
ings, I will briefly explain the principal features and mode of operation of the
apparatus. The lamp or apparatus comprises an outer casing which may be
attached permanently in position where the apparatus is to be used, and has a
gas storing chamber in its top communicating by pipes with a burner tube upon
which is mounted an adjustable and removable reflector. Within the casing is
removably fitted a vessel which contains the water tank, the carbide or generating
chamber, and an air chamber in which a body of confined air is constantly
maintained forming an air-cushion. Water can be admitted to the bottom
of the air-chamber from the tank, and may be admitted from the bottom of the
air-chamber into the bottom of the generating chamber through a small opening,
the admission of water into the generating chamber being controlled auto-
matically by the pressure of the gas. The water is admitted to the carbide in
the generating chamber through a longitudinally slitted feed tube, which tube
may be permanently attached to a removable carbide holder fitted tightly in the
generating chamber.
When the vessel containing the water tank, generating chamber, air chamber
and the carbide holder, is removed from the casing, the tank can be filled with
water. Then the carbide holder may be removed from the generating chamber,
filled with carbide and replaced therein, and then the vessel replaced and secured
within the chamber.
Then upon opening the valve a small amount of water will flow from the
tank into the air-chamber until it rises above the inlet openings and the air
trapped therein is compressed sufficiently to prevent further inflow of water.
The amount of water thus primarily admitted into the air chamber will remain
practically constant during the operation of the apparatus. Water will flow
from the air-chamber into the generating chamber, and rise in the slitted tube
therein and attack the carbide through the slot in said tube. If for any reason
surplus amount of water is forced from the tank into the air-chamber, the
esiliency of the air cushion therein will immediately begin to force the surplus
vater back into the tank until only the normal quantity of water remains in
077

page_text: the chamber. The generated gas immediately rises and escapes into a storage
chamber and thence passes to the burner.
In any over-supply of gas is generated the back-pressure of gas in the slitted tubo
forces the water from the carbide instantaneously, and if the over-pressure is
sufficient the water may be forced entirely out of the generating chamber and
into the air-charber, the air in which forms a yielding cushion or buffer between
the generating chamber and the tank; and the shock of any sudden influx of
water from the tank, or of gas from the generating chamber into the air chamber,
is expended on and cushioned by the air in said chamber; the effect of these abnormal
injections of water or gas into the cushioning chamber being merely to additionally
compress the air therein, which immediately begins to restore the equilibrium of
the apparatus. The air cushion relieves the apparatus from any undesirable
sudden inflow of water to the carbide chamber; and from flickerng of gas due
to the sudden raising or lowering of the apparatus, as it prevents the water in
the tank sucking or pounding the gas in and out of the generating chamber.
The air-cushion is always maintained owing to the fact that in the construction
of the apparatus the tube from the water chamber admits the water only at the
bottom of the air chamber, and the supply of water for the carbide is taken
only from the bottom thereof.
The slitted tube which is used to introduce water to the carbide is open at
both ends to permit the free and unrestricted passage of both gas and water and
is important in the practical operation of the apparatus, particularly when used
as a bicycle lamp. In this tube the back-pressure of gas is utilized to hold back
the water, while the slit therein admits the exact amount of water at the exact
level necessary to begin and continue the generating of gas with the utmost
nicety of automatic regulation and supply.
The air cushion between the tank and generating chamber is the result of much
study and experiment and in combination with the slitted feed tube in the
generating chamber produces, in fact, a really automatic lamp.
The gas-generating parts are so constructed and constructed and connected
that they are removable, as if in one piece, from the casing. This is a matter
of great convenience since one need not remove the casing from its support, but
the generator can be taken out of the casing, the old charge removed
and water and carbide put in place, and the generator replaced in the
casing in little time; without disturbing the casing or burner. Another novel
and useful feature of the invention as applied to bicycle lamps particularly, is
providing the same with an adjustable reflector or hood by which the light cau
be turned or oscillated to the one side or the other, so that the light may be
directed to the side when for any purpose it may be desired to have the light
thrown outward at an angle. And by a further provision the reflector or lamp
can be made to turn automatically with the steering wheel to keep the light
directed in front of the latter.
The objects of the prevent invention, therefore, are:
(1) To produce an automatic self-regulating acetylene-gas-producing apparatus.
in which an air-cushion is provided intermediate the carbide or generating
chamber and the water tank, which air cushion will preserve a substantial
equilibrium of pressure in the generating and water chambers. The chamber in
which the air-cushion is formed is so constructed that it will be practically
impossible to fill it with water by turning the lamp on its side or inverting it.
This air-cushion chamber, moreover, will prevent water running into the carbide
or generating chamber should the lamp be turned over.
Further, it is obvious that the air chamber will lessen the weight of the
apparatus by exactly the amount of water which the air cushion displaces therein.
(2) Another object of the invention is to employ a slitted water feed tube
open at both ends within the generating chamber and through which the water
can be admitted from the bottom upward in a most nicely graduated manner
to the carbide at the same time permitting the gas in the generating chamber to

page_text: act instantaneously upon the water in said tube and immediately cut off the
water from the carbide in the holder, when overpressure arises, without necessarily
expelling all the water from the generating chamber.
(3) Another. object of the invention is to facilitate the introduction of the
carbide into the generating chamber and filling of the water tank, by forming the
generating chamber, water tank, and air-chamber, in one vessel, which is
detachable from the other parts of the apparatus so it can be removed and replaced
-at will without any troublesome manipulation of parts.
(4) Another object of the invention is to provide an improved valve by which
the admission of water from the tank to the generating chamber may be con-
trolled and which will also provide a safety vent for the lamp in case of undue
generation of gas, and which when removed will permit the air-chamber to be
drained.
(5) It is frequently the case that cyclists have occasion while riding, to look
sidewise, either to guard against accidents, as at street intersections, or to note
objects of interest they may be passing. As the lamps are now constructed they
cannot do this without stopping and turning either the machine or the front
wheel in the direction they desire to look, or they must detach the lamp from
the machine. Another object of this invention therefore is to enable the rider
to easily and instantly direct the rays of light to either side of his course, without
slacking his speed, or changing the direction of movement, or detaching the
lamp. This he can do in one case by turning the reflector by hand, as in the
construction shown in Figures 1, 4 and 5, or in another modification (Figures 12
and 13) the rider can turn the reflector or lamp to the one side or the other while
riding along, at will; or automatically with the motion of the handle bar.
The invention is shown as a portable apparatus and embodied in the form of a
bicycle lamp, and will be explained in detail as illustrated in the accompanying
drawings, in which
Figure 1 is a side elevation of the preferred form of apparatus in a bicycle
lamp.
Figures 2 and 3 together show the preferred means for securing the generating-
apparatus in the casing.
Figure 4 is a central vertical section through the lamp shown in Figure 1.
Figure 5 is a transverse section on line A-B, Figure 4.
Figure 6 is a detail section on line C-D, Figure 5, showing the tubular supply
and vent valve closed.
Figure 7 is a similar view enlarged showing such valve open.
Figure 8 is a detail view of the slitted water feed tube.
Figure 9 is a side elevation of a modified form of apparatus.
Figure 10 is a vertical section through Figure 9, enlarged.
Figure 11 is a transverse section on line E-F, Figure 10, reduced.
Figure 12 is a side elevation of the front portion of a bicycle showing the
lamp-or-reflector turning devices.
Figure 13 is a front elevation of Figure 12, and
Figures 14 and 15 are perspective views of details hereinafter described.
The casing a of the apparatus may be cylindrical in form, ornamented as
lesired and provided with any suitable supporting devices. It is open at bottom
out closed at top by a plate over which is a dome b the intermediate space form-
ng a gas storing chamber 1 which (as shown in Figure 1) communicates with an
annular chamber 2 at the base of the casing by a tube c.
To chamber 2 is connected a short vertical pipe d provided at top with a burner
ip.
As shown in Figures 1, 4 and 5, the reflector e is provided with supporting
rackets f which conform to the pipe d and are united by a screw. In this
onstruction, the reflector is pivoted on the pipe d but held with sufficient friction
o insure its remaining in any position right or left to which it may be adjusted

page_text: by the rider. It can moreover be removed by lifting it vertically, causing
brackets to slip off the pipe d.
The gas generating portion of the apparatus comprises a water tank 3, a
generating chamber 5, an air cushioning chamber 4 and a cut off and venting
valve which are all contained in a vessel g detachably fitted within the casing a.
Vessel is closed at bottom but open at top when removed from the casing.
Within vessel is a cylinder h closed at bottom but open at top and supported
by means of upper and lower annular partitions i in vessel g. The lower end of
cylinder (Figure 4) extends below the lower partition and close to the bottom
of cylinder and has a small inlet opening j in its bottom, as shown.
The interior of cylinder forms the generating chamber 5. The space between
the partitions i, and exterior to the cylinder h, forms the water tank 3, to which
water can be supplied through an opening in the upper partition (Figure 4).
The space below the water tank and surrounding the lower end of the cylinder h
forms the air chamber 4.
When the generating apparatus is properly secured within the casing a, the
upper edges of vessel g and cylinder h, fit gas-tightly against a packing on the
underside of the top of the casing, so that there is no communication between
the water tank and generating chamber.
shown in
One means of securing the generating apparatus within the casing
Figures 2, 3 and 4, and comprises a rotatable plate pivoted to the bottom of
cylinder and provided with struck-up segmental ledges 7 (Figure 2) adapted
to engage with inwardly projecting ledges m on the lower end of the casing
(Figure 3), one or both sets of ledges being inclined so that when the generating
apparatus is inserted in place and the plate turned, the ledges will ride upon
the ledges m and lock vessel g within the casing and also force the upper edges
of the vessel and cylinder h, tightly against the gasket or packing k When it
is desired to remove the generating apparatus, the plate is turned so
disengage the ledges from the ledges m, permitting the generating apparatus
to be slipped downward out of the casing.
as to
Within the generating chamber 5 is placed a removable carbide holder which
is preferably open at its upper end, so that it can be conveniently filled with
carbide but is closed at its lower end by a bottom which has a small opening in
it, however, communicating with the lower end of a small vertically slitted water
feed tube o, the slit in which is preferably continuous from top to bottom. The
water entering the generating chamber will have to pass into pipe o and through
the slit therein before it can enter the carbide. The water in this tube will be
consequently subjected to the direct action of the gas in the generating
chamber, and, thus the supply of water to the carbide can be automatically regu-
lated by the gas pressure with the greatest nicety. It will be observed that this
tube o is open at both ends and during the action of the apparatus, the water
supply to the carbide is governed solely by the gas pressure on the water in said
tube, affording the nicest regulation due to the fact that water can be forced
out of the carbide holder instantaneously even before it is wholly excluded from
the generating chamber, and even after it has been once admitted to the carbide
holder. In prior apparatus, only the future supply of water is cut off, the water
once admitted to the carbide holder or generating chamber remaining and acting
upon the carbide and continuing to generate gas even after the pressure becomes
such as to exclude the further supply of water to the generating chamber.
The generated gases pass from the chamber 5 to the storing chamber 1 through
an opening in the packing k and top of the casing, as shown.
In Figure 4 the air-chamber is entirely below the tank and surrounds the
lower end of the generating chamber, there being only a very thin space between
the bottom of the chambers 4 and 5 to permit the passage of water or gas from
the bottom of the air chamber into the generating chamber. A body of air is
constantly confined in this air-chamber 4 and serves as a cushion between the
water in the tank and the gas in the generating chamber, lessening and pre-

page_text: venting shocks and fluctuations in the light as described, only sufficient water
being admitted into the chamber 4 to maintain the necessary supply to the carbide.
The water may be admitted from the tank 3 to the bottom of the air chamber 4,
and provision made for the relief of any dangerous pressure of gas without injury
to the apparatus, by means of the novel cut off and vent valve q.
extends from a point close to the bottom of chamber 4 up through the tank 3,
A pipe ?
as shown in Figures 6 and 7. Closely fitted within this pipe 2 is a rotatable
tubular valve which extends entirely through pipe p and through chamber /
and projects above the apparatus, so that it can be operated from the exterior,
as shown.
as
18
In pipe p just above the lower partition i, is an opening r, adapted to register
with an opening in valve 7 when the valve is properly turned,
shown in Figure 7, to admit water into the air-chamber"
also has
4. Pipe p
an openings, just below the upper partition i, which
adapted to register with similar opening in valve q. Above the openings the
bore of valve q is closed by a plug as shown and above the plug there is an open-
ing in the valve 1 communicating with the annular space u above upper
partition i, and exterior to the generating chamber, as shown in Figures 4 and 7.
The valve may be provided with a stop or indicator to show when it is closed
or open.
The tubular valve is removable from the casing with the generating portion
of the apparatus, and may be withdrawn therefrom to cleanse it.
desired to drain the air chamber 4 the generating apparatus can be inverted
If it should be
after the valve q is withdrawn and the water in the air-chamber 4 can escape into
and out of the pipe p, though a small passage v, in said pipe, just below the
lower partition (Figures 6 and 7). This passage is always closed when valve
is in place. In some cases, a split tube may be placed around pipe 2, between
the partitions i, ¹, if desired.
1
The operation of the apparatus shown in Figures 1 to 8 is substantially as
follows:-
The valve is first turned so as to close the opening r, then the generating
portion is removed from the casing. The tank 3 is then filled with water, and
the holder n is removed, charged with carbide and replaced in the generating
chamber 5. The generating apparatus is then repositioned and secured in the
casing, and when it is desired to start the lamp, the valve g is turned so as to
unclose opening r. Water thus enters the air-chamber 4, but the inflow is soon
checked by the trapping and compression of the air therein; yet sufficient water
will enter to rise through the inlet j into the generating chamber 5 where it
will pass between under the bottom of the holder to the tube o and rising
therein will contact the carbide through the slit thereof just at that point where
it can do so most effectively, as described. The generated gases escape from
chamber 5 into chamber 1 and pass down through pipe c to the cooling
chamber 2 and thence through pipe d to the burner.
While there can only be a small quantity of water at any time in the chamber 4,
owing to the constant air cushion there nevertheless, water may flow continually
through said chamber from the tank to the generating chamber, the supply being
egulated automatically by the pressure of gas. The device is exceedingly sensitive in
operation, as every variation of pressure is immediately exerted upon the water
n tube o; and any sudden voluminous generation of gases, or sudden inflow of
water due to inertia or violent shaking of the apparatus, is cushioned by the air
n chamber 4, so that a steady flame will always be maintained.
If there should be an abnormal generation of gas in such quantity as to force
ll the water out of the generating chamber and back through the air chamber,
he pressure will be relieved by the water and gas forcing back through valve 7
nd openings r, s, into the tank 3 and thence through passage u, and opening t
gain into the valve q, above the plug therein and thence to the atmosphere.
f this generation should occur after valve q was turned so as to cut off the

page_text: supply of water, the gas could still rise through the valve to the plug and escape
through openings into the tank above the water and then into passage u and
through opening t into the valve above the plug and out into the atmosphere.
Thus, under all conditions, whether the lamp be lighted or not, or whether the
water supply be cut off or not, ample provision is made against explosion.
In the modified form of lamp shown in Figures 9 to 11, the essential features
of the removable generating apparatus and the air cushion and slitted water
feed tube are retained but the air chamber 4 is wholly below both the tank 3
and generating chamber 5; and pipe e communicates directly with the burner
pipe which is supported directly on the outer casing w. The chamber 2 more-
over instead of being attached to the casing a, is attached to the lower end of
the vessel and instead of being used as a gas cooling chamber forms an enlarge-
ment of the air chamber 4 communicating with said chamber by small perfora-
tions near the bottom thereof. Further in this modification pipe p and valve q
are omitted, and instead thereof water is admitted from the tank 3 to the bottomi
of the cushioning chamber 4 by means of a short pipe, and is taken from the
bottom of the cushioning chamber 4 into the bottom of the generating chamber
by means of a bent pipe y, the inlet of which is closed by a screw-valve,
In this modification also, the vessel g is provided with projecting pins wadapted
to enter slots in the lower ends of the casing and be engaged by key slots in a
band loosely fitted on the lower end of the casing, see Figure 9, so that by partly
rotating said band the vessel g will be locked in the casing and forcibly pressed
upward therein, so as to seat the upper edges of vessel g and cylinder against the
packing.
The construction of the other portions of the apparatus is obvious from the
drawings and the operation of such lamp is substantially identical with that of
the lamp shown in Figures 1 to 8 and already described, parts substantially
similar in construction and mode of operation in the two lamps being indicated
by like letters of reference on the drawings. The first described form of lamp
is considered the most desirable.
When the invention is embodied in a bicycle lamp and as such is applied to
the machine, it is desirable to have the lamp or reflector turn with the steering
wheel so as to always bring the light in front of the wheel. As shown in
Figures 12 and 13, the casing a is mounted by a double pivoted point on the
front of the bicycle frame, and the reflector e is pivotally connected to the casing
as in Figures and 10. The reflector is also connected at its opposite sides by
wires 6 to the extremities of the handle bar 7 so that as the handle bar and steer-
ing wheel are turned the reflector will be turned accordingly and always throw
the light directly in front of the steering wheel. The cords G may be of elastic
material or provided with a resilient. section 9 so that the rider can, while going
straight ahead, turn the reflector to either side by hand, independently of the
handle bar by drawing on the appropriate cord. Obviously this device can be
used to turn either the reflector alone; or. to turn both reflector and lamp if
they are rigidly connected together. The handle bar may be provided with
detachable clips 8 (shown in Figure 15) and the cords may be provided with
hooks on their extremities to engage eyes in said clips and holes in the reflector
so as to connect the same. Thus the cords can be readily taken off and replaced
as desired. With this. device, every steering movement of the handle bar 7
would be- communicated through the cords 6 to the hood e and will turn it
automatically with and as the handle-bar and steering wheel are turned. Where
the automatic turning of the reflector is not desired, the adjustable reflector
shown in Figures 4 and. 5 is very useful.
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 ባከ acetylane 239
annaratus substantialle ng shown and deserihod the

page_text: combination of a water tank, a generating chamber adapted to contain the carbide,
having a small water inlet at its bottom, a longitudinally slitted tube in said
chamber open at both ends, communicating at top with the gas holding portion
of said chamber above the carbide and at its lower end with the inlet to the
5 generating chamber to allow free passage of gas and water and means for
admitting the water from the tank to the bottom of the longitudinally slitted
tube wherein it can rise and escape through the slit into the carbide the supply
of water to the generating chamber and carbide being controlled and governed
solely and entirely by the direct pressure of the gas on the water in said slitted
tube without extraneous devices."
2. In an acetylene gas generator, the combination of a tank, the generating
chamber, and an air chamber intermediate the tank and generating chamber,
and through which the water is passed from the tank to said generating chamber,
said air chamber being so constructed that it shall constantly retain a sub-
stantially uniform confined volume of air in all positions of the lamp such air
forming a cushion substantially in the manner and for the purpose described.
3. In an acetylene gas generator, the combination of the water tank, the
generator chamber, the storing chamber above and communicating with the generat-
ing chamber and with a burner, the air cushioning chamber below and extend-
ing under both the water tank and generating chamber, said air cushioning
chamber communicating with said tank by a small inlet passage and with said
generating chamber by a small inlet passage, said passages opening into the
bottoms of said tank and generating chamber and communicating with the air
cushioning chamber only near the bottom thereof, said passages being so
arranged that a body of air is constantly confined and always maintained in the
said cushioning chamber in all positions of the lamp, substantially as described.
4. The combination of the water tank, the generating chamber, the air cushion-
ing chamber intermediate and communicating with both said tank and said
generating chamber and containing a constant body of confined air, a removable
holder in said carbide chamber having a closed bottom and a slitted tube in said
holder opening through the bottom thereof, substantially as and for the purpose
described.
5. In an acetylene lamp, the combination of the fixed casing, a vessel detachably
secured within said casing, and the water tank, the generating chamber, and the
air-chamber formed within said vessel, and means for detachably securing said
cylinder in the casing, all substantially as described.
6. In an acetylene lamp, the combination of the tank, the air-cushion chamber
below the tank, and the generating chamber communicating with said air
chamber, and the tubular water cut off and venting valve passing through said
tank and communicating at one end with the atmosphere and at the other end
with the cushioning chamber near the bottom thereof for the purpose and sub-
stantially as described.
7. In an acetylene lamp, the combination of the water tank, the cushioning
hamber below the same, and the generating chamber extending into the cushion-
ng chamber and having a water inlet in its bottom near the floor of the
ushioning chamber; with a pipe extending through the tank and opening
uto the cushioning chamber near the floor thereof, and a tubular valve extend-
ng through said pipe, said valve being provided with openings adapted to
espectively register with the water inlet opening in the pipe when the valve is
urned to one position and with the venting opening in the pipe above the
ater when the valve is turned to close the water inlet, for the purpose and
bstantially as described.
8. The combination of the generating chamber, the water tank and the air
shioning chamber, the pipe depending from the tank into the cushioning
amber, adapted to admit water from the tank into the lower end of the cushion-
g chamber, said pipe having an opening in the cushioning chamber near the
ottom of the tank; with a removable tubular cut off valve in said pipe closing

page_text: the opening in the pipe within the cushioning chamber so long as the valve
remains in position, but permitting the cushioning chamber to be emptied of
water when the lamp is inverted and the tubular valve withdrawn.
9. The self-generating and self-controlling acetylene gas lamp, constructed
substantially as shown in Figures 1 to 8 of the drawings and arranged to operate
substantially as described with reference to said figures.,
10. As a modification of the lamp covered in Claim 9 the construction shown
in Figures 9 to 11 and described with reference thereto.
11. A bicycle lamp having its reflector adjustably and frictionally held to
the lamp as described with reference to Figures 4 and 5 of the drawings, whereby
the operator by simply turning the hood is enabled to throw the light to either
side of his path.
12. A reflector as set forth in the preceding claim being removable from the
lamp by a vertical lifting movement.
13. A bicycle having a lamp attached to the frame and connections between
the reflector or lamp and the handle bar substantially as described with reference
to Figures 12 and 13, whereby the reflector, or reflector and lamp, may be turned
on the frame automatically with the steering wheel, or may be turned by hand
independently of the steering wheel to deflect the light to either side sub-
stantially as described.
Natul this
T
1000
MARKS & CLERK,
18, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
13, Temple Street, Birmingham, and
25, Cross Street, Manchester, Agents.