New or Improved Extinguishing Apparatus for Oil and Spirit Lamps.
Year: 1886

page_text: This Specification was, upon the 23rd day of July 1887, amended under
Sections 18 to 21 of the Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks Act, 1883.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (AMENDED).
New or Improved Extinguishing Apparatus for Oil and Spirit
Lamps.
I, EDWARD PHILLIPS, of 84 Bishopsgate Street Within, in the City of London,
Merchant, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention, and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement, reference being had to the accompanying two
sheets of Drawings and to the letters and figures marked thereon, that is to say :-
The object of this invention is to provide extinguishing apparatus or appliances
for oil and spirit lamps, which will safely extinguish the flame when operated by
the person using the lamp, and will also effect the same purpose automatically in
the event of the lamp being upset, or even when inclined or tilted to a dangerous
extent. Loss of life and property by explosion and fire, caused by persons turning
down the wicks and blowing down the chimneys of oil and spirit lamps, or by the
overturning of such lamps, is thereby prevented. The invention is applicable to
lamps fitted with either flat, round or cylindrical wicks, and is illustrated in the
accompanying Drawings as applied in a variety of ways, and to several descriptions
of well known lamps.
Figures 1 and 2 show in front and side elevation respectively, a flat wick lamp
with my improved extinguishing apparatus applied thereto. Figure 3 is a. section
through A-B of Figure 2, and Figure 4 is a plan of Figure 3. The extinguishing
apparatus is shown open in Figures 1 and 2, and closed in Figures 3 and 4.
Figure 5 is a section showing a modification in the means of attachment of the
flat wick burner to the reservoir. Figures 6 and 7 are vertical sections and
Figure 8 is a horizontal section on line C-D of Figure 7, showing the application
of my invention to cylindrical wick lamps.
Referring to Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4, A is the flat wick tube to which is pivotted
on the centre pins B, B, the cap C which forms one part of the extinguisher, and
which is adapted to partially rotate round the centre pins B, B, and to assume the
position shown in Figures 3 and 4 by the action of the weighted rod D in the
manner hereinafter described. The weighted rod is attached to the cap C by the
pin E which passes through a slotted hole in the arm C, which latter forms an
extension of one side of the cap C as shown. F is a plate adapted to slide up and
down in a plane parallel to that of the wick tube A, to which it is loosely connected
[Price 8d.1

page_text: by means of an adjustable stud G, the stem of which passes through a vertical
slot F in the plate F (see Figure 3) and is screwed into the wick tube A. This
plate F is continued round the ends of the wick tube A as shown, and is also
provided with slots F2, through which the centre pins B, B, pass, and which also
form additional guides in the upward and downward movement of the said plate.
H, H, are pins attached to the plate F as shown and passing through slotted
boles C2 in the cap C. I is a tube fastened oiltight to the bottom and top of the
oil reservoir through which the weighted rod D passes freely. D¹ is a short arm
attached to the weighted rod D, and D2 is a cross bar extending through slotted
holes Ds in the stand of the lamp.
The action of the above described apparatus is as follows:-
:-
So long as the lamp is standing on a table or other support the weight D4 of the
rod D rests on such support in the position shown in Figure 2. Or if the lamp is
being carried in the hand the said weighted rod is still retained in the same
position by the fingers of the person carrying the lamp passing under the ends of
the cross bar D, the various parts of the extinguishing apparatus assuming in
either case the position shown in Figures 1 and 2. But should the lamp be tilted
or overturned from the table or other support, or fall from the hands of the person
carrying it, the weight immediately falls below the level of the bottom of the
lamp into the position shown in Figure 1. The arm C¹ being thus drawn down-
wards by the falling of the weighted rod D, the cap C, turning on its centres B, B,
is caused to rise and assume the position shown in Figures 3 and 4. In the act of
rising however the cap C will also have caused the sliding plate F to rise vertically,
by means of the pins H, which are acted upon by the under sides of the slotted
holes in the cap C. The upper edge of the sliding plate F, and the edge of the
cap C, will thus be brought closely together as shown in Figure 3, so as to entirely
enclose the flame and thus extinguish it, the various parts being retained in this
position until the lamp is again placed upon a table or other support, or the
weighted rod is raised by means of the cross bar D2, in either of which cases the
lamp will re-adjust itself, and be immediately ready for re-lighting. The weight D*
may be adjusted on the rod D by means of the screw on the end thereof, as shown
in Figure 2. Figure 5 illustrates an improved method of attaching the burner to
the lamp. J is a ring or union nut fitting over the burner as shown and adapted
to turn loosely thereon while being screwed to the lamp, thus avoiding the necessity
for the rotation of the burner itself. Or instead of the screw the ring J may be
fitted to the lamp by a bayonet joint.
Figure 6 illustrates a modification of my invention to which I make no claim
applied to a well known construction of lamp with a cylindrical wick and flame
spreader, the wick being raised or lowered by the rotation of the burner in a manner
well understood in connection with this class of lamp. In this case I attach the flame
spreader to the upper end of the weighted rod 1, by screwing or other means by
which the former can be adjusted on the latter, and I utilize this flame spreader Cas
an extinguisher. The weighted rod D is in this case central with the lamp and
passes through guides D¹ and it is provided with a cross bar D² passing through
slotted holes D³ as in Figures 1 and 2. On the lamp being overturned, the weighted
rod and the flame spreader or extinguisher descend until the underside of the latter
rests upon and encloses to a certain extent the top of the wick, the bevelled edge
of the underside of the flame spreader or extinguisher fitting more or less tightly
over the bevelled edge of the outer wick tube thus effectually extinguishing the
flame.
In Figures 7 and 8 is illustrated a lamp having a cylindrical wick adapted to be
raised or lowered by means of a rack in a manner well understood. In the modifi-
cation of my invention illustrated in these Figures, I employ the central weighted
rod D in combination with the flame spreader or extinguisher C somewhat as in
Figure 6, but I so shape the underside of the flame spreader or extinguisher Cas
to form a more or less perfect stopper or valve for the end of the inner wick
tube K, and I make the diameter of the upper part of the same rather less in

page_text: diameter than the external diameter of the outer wick tube L. M is a cylinder
sliding freely on the outer wick tube L, and attached to the lower part of this
cylinder Mare two or other convenient number of wires or rods N passing to the
lower part of the lamp through guides O as shown. At the lower end of each of
these wires or rods N is a pin P, which takes into a slot at one end of a lever Q.
This lever is centred at R as shown, and is also slotted at its inner end, which
latter slot takes over the pin S in the weighted rod D, (which in these Figures is
shown as a tube). The action is as follows:-When the lamp is upset the weighted
rod or tube D falls, and brings with it the flame spreader or extinguisher C, which
then assumes the position shown in dotted lines in Figure 7. As the rod or
tube D falls, the pin S therein causes the levers Q also to assume the position
shown in dotted lines in Figure 7, by which it will be seen that the wires or
rods N are raised, and with them the sliding cylinder M, the upper edge of which
closely passes the circumferential edge of the flame spreader or extinguisher C,
thus most effectually extinguishing the flame. The cross bar D2 is in this instance
shown attached to the boss or projection T of the lamp which is free to slide to a
limited extent on the cylindrical portion U of the stem of the lamp, the latter
being slotted to allow the cross bar D² to pass up or down.
In some cases I make the flame spreader stationary, and employ the sliding
cylinder M alone for the purpose of extinguishing the flame. I sometimes make a
flexible or universal joint in the weighted rod D so as to allow its weighted end to
form an angle with the upper portion thereof immediately the said joint has fallen
free of the tube or guides in which the weighted rod works, thus effectually
preventing the return of the rod D to its raised position until the lamp is again
perpendicular.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that I make
no general claim to the application of an extinguisher to a lamp in combination with a
weight arranged in such a manner that the lamp becomes extinguished when the weight
ceases to be supported, but what I claim is :-
First In oil or spirit lamps having flat wicks, the extinguishing apparatus
consisting of the cap C, the sliding plate F, the weighted rod D, jointed or not, and
passing through the body of the lamp, the cross bar D2, with or without the
sliding boss T, the tube I with or without the ring J, the whole arranged, combined
and operating substantially as herein before described, and illustrated in Figures 1,
2, 3, 4, 5 and 8 of the accompanying Drawings and for the purposes specified.
Second-In oil or spirit lamps having cylindrical wicks and flame spreaders, the
extinguishing apparatus consisting of the improved forms of flame spreaders con-
nected with the weighted rod D, jointed or not, and passing through the body of
the lamp, the cross bar D2, with or without the sliding boss T, in combination or
not with the sliding cylindrical tube M, the rods N, and levers Q, the whole
arranged and operating substantially as hercinbefore described, and illustrated in
Figures 6; 7 and 8 of the accompanying Drawings and for the purposes specified.
Dated this 8th day of September 1886.
E. PHILLIPS.
Per W. H. Beck, Agent.

page_text: I, EDWARD PHILLIPS, of 84 Bishopsgate Street Within, in the City of London,
Merchant, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention, and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement, reference being had to the accompanying two
sheets of Drawings and to the letters and figures marked thereon, that is to say:-
The object of this invention is to provide extinguishing apparatus or appliances
for oil and spirit lamps, which will safely extinguish the flame when operated by
the person using the lamp, and will also effect the same purpose automatically in
the event of the lamp being upset, or even when inclined or tilted to a dangerous
extent. Loss of life and property by explosion and fire, caused by persons turning
down the wicks and blowing down the chimneys of oil and spirit lamps, or by the
overturning of such lamps, is thereby prevented. The invention is applicable to
lamps fitted with either flat, round or cylindrical wicks, and is illustrated in the
accompanying Drawings as applied in a variety of ways, and to several descriptions
of well known lamps.
Figures 1 and 2 show in front and side elevation respectively, a flat wick lamp
with my improved extinguishing apparatus applied thereto. Figure 3 is a section
through A-B of Figure 2, and Figure 4 is a plan of Figure 3. The extinguishing
apparatus is shown open in Figures 1 and 2, and closed in Figures 3 and 4.
Figure 5 is a section showing a modification in the means of attachment of the
flat wick burner to the reservoir. Figures 6 and are vertical sections and
Figure 8 is a horizontal section on line CD of Figure 7, showing the application
of my invention to cylindrical wick lamps.
Referring to Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4, A is the flat wick tube to which is pivotted
on the centre pins B, B, the cap C which forms one part of the extinguisher, and
which is adapted to partially rotate round the centre pins B, B, and to assume the
position shown in Figures 3 and 4 by the action of the weighted rod D in the
manner hereinafter described. The weighted rod is attached to the cap C by the
pin E which passes through a slotted hole in the arm C', which latter forms an
extension of one side of the cap C as shown. F is a plate adapted to slide up and
down in a plane parallel to that of the wick tube A, to which it is loosely connected
•
1

page_text: by means of an adjustable stud G, the stem of which passes through a vertical
slot F in the plate F (see Figure 3) and is screwed into the wick tube A. This
plate F is continued round the ends of the wick tube A as shown, and is also
provided with slots F³, through which the centre pins B, B, pass, and which also
form additional guides in the upward and downward movement of the said plate. 5
H, H, are pins attached to the plate F as shown and passing through slotted
holes in the cap C. I is a tube fastened oiltight to the bottom and top of the
oil reservoir through which the weighted rod D passes freely. D' is a short arm
attached to the weighted rod D, and D is a cross bar extending through slotted
holes D³ in the stand of the lamp.
The action of the above described apparatus is as follows:-
1
So long as the lamp is standing on a table or other support the weight D' of the
rod D rests on such support in the position shown in Figure 2. Or if the lamp is
being carried in the hand the said weighted rod is still retained in the same
position by the fingers of the person carrying the lamp passing under the ends of 1
the cross bar D2, the various parts of the extinguishing apparatus assuming in
either case the position shown in Figures 1 and 2. But should the lamp be tilted
or overturned from the table or other support, or fall from the hands of the person
carrying it, the weight immediately falls below the level of the bottom of the
lamp into the position shown in Figure 1. The arm C¹ being thus drawn down-
wards by the falling of the weighted rod D, the cap C, turning on its centres B, B,
is caused to rise and assume the position shown in Figures 3 and 4. In the act of
rising however the cap C will also have caused the sliding plate F to rise vertically,
by means of the pins H, which are acted upon by the under sides of the slotted
holes in the cap C. The upper edge of the sliding plate F, and the edge of the
cap C, will thus be brought closely together as shown in Figure 3, so as to entirely
enclose the flame and thus extinguish it, the various parts being retained in this
position until the lamp is again placed upon a table or other support, or the
weighted rod is raised by means of the cross bar D³, in either of which cases the
lamp will re-adjust itself, and be immediately ready for re-lighting. The weight D
may be adjusted on the rod D by means of the screw on the end thereof, as shown
in Figure 2. Figure 5 illustrates an improved method of attaching the burner to
the lamp. J is a ring or union nut fitting over the burner as shown and adapted
to turn loosely thereon while being screwed to the lamp, thus avoiding the necessity
for the rotation of the burner itself. Or instead of the screw the ring J may be
fitted to the lamp by a bayonet joint.
Figure 6 illustrates a modification of my invention applied to a well known
construction of lamp with a cylindrical wick and flame spreader, the wick being
raised or lowered by the rotation of the burner in a manner well understood in
connection with this class of lamp. In this case I attach the flame spreader C to
the upper end of the weighted rod D, by screwing or other means by which the
former can be adjusted on the latter, and I utilize this flame spreader C as an
extinguisher. The weighted rod D is in this case central with the lamp and passes
through guides D₁ and it is provided with a cross bar D' passing through slotted
holes D³ as in Figures 1 and 2. On the lamp being overturned, the weighted rod
and the flame spreader or extinguisher descend until the underside of the latter
rests upon and encloses to a certain extent the top of the wick, the bevelled edge
of the underside of the flame spreader or extinguisher fitting more or less tightly
over the bevelled edge of the outer wick tube thus effectually extinguishing the
flame.
In Figures 7 and 8 is illustrated a lamp having a cylindrical wick adapted to be
raised or lowered by means of a rack in a manner well understood. In the modifi-
cation of my invention illustrated in these Figures, I employ the central weighted
rod D in combination with the flame spreader or extinguisher O somewhat as in
Figure 6, but I so shape the underside of the flame spreader or extinguisher Cas
to form a more or less perfect stopper or valve for the end of the inner wick
tube K, and I make the diameter of the upper part of the same rather less in

page_text: diameter than the external diameter of the outer wick tube L. M is a cylinder
sliding freely on the outer wick tube L, and attached to the lower part of this
cylinder M are two or other convenient number of wires or rods N passing to the
lower part of the lamp through guides O as shown. At the lower end of each of
these wires or rods N is a pin P, which takes into a slot at one end of a lever Q.
This lever is centred at R as shown, and is also slotted at its inner end, which
latter slot takes over the pin S in the weighted rod D, (which in these Figures is
shown as a tube). The action is as follows:-When the lamp is upset the weighted
rod or tube D falls, and brings with it the flame spreader or extinguisher C, which
then assumes the position shown in dotted lines in Figure 7. As the rod or
tube D falls, the pin S therein causes the levers Q also to assume the position
shown in dotted lines in Figure 7, by which it will be seen that the wires or
rods N are raised, and with them the sliding cylinder M, the upper edge of which
closely passes the circumferential edge of the flame spreader or extinguisher C,
thus most effectually extinguishing the flame. The cross bar D' is in this instance
shown attached to the boss or projection T of the lamp which is free to slide to a
limited extent on the cylindrical portion U of the stem of the lamp, the latter
being slotted to allow the cross bar D' to pass up or down.
In some cases I make the flame spreder stationary, and employ the sliding
cylinder M alone for the purpose of extinguishing the flame. I sometimes make a
flexible or universal joint in the weighted rod D so as to allow its weighted end to
form an angle with the upper portion thereof immediately the said joint has fallen
free of the tube or guides in which the weighted rod works, thus effectually
preventing the return of the rod D to its raised position until the lamp is again
perpendicular.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is
First In oil or spirit lamps having flat wicks, the extinguishing apparatus
consisting of the cap C, the sliding plate F, the weighted rod D, jointed or not, and
passing through the body of the lamp, the cross bar D³, with or without the
sliding boss T, the tube I with or without the ring J, the whole arranged, combined
and operating substantially as herein before described, and illustrated in Figures 1,
2, 3, 4, 5, and 8 of the accompanying Drawings and for the purposes specified.
Second-In oil or spirit lamps having cylindrical wicks and flame spreaders, the
extinguishing apparatus consisting of the improved forms of flame spreaders con-
nected with the weighted rod D, jointed or not, and passing through the body of
the lamp, the cross bar D³, with or without the sliding boss T, in combination or
not with the sliding cylindrical tube M, the rods N, and levers Q, the whole
arranged and operating substantially as hereinbefore described, and illustrated in
Figures 6, 7 and 8 of the accompanying Drawings and for the purposes specified.
Dated this 8th day of September 1886.