Improvements in Burners for Producing Heat, and in Apparatus connected therewith.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 20th Feb., 1894
Complete Specification Left, 20th Nov., 1894-Accepted, 19th Jan., 1895
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Burners for Producing Heat, and in Apparatus
connected therewith.
I, JOSEPH NIXON, Electro Plater of St. John's Square, Clerkenwell, in the
County of London Middlesex, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be
as follows:-
My invention partly consists of a new burner, and partly of new apparatus for
utilising the beat of the burner for various purposes; such as instantly or rapidly
heating water, tea, coffee, cocoa, or other fluids, cooking, smelting, heating plumbers
and tailors and hatters irons etc., heating rooms buildings and conservatories etc., and
ventilating, producing steam, for steam engines etc., and heat for hot air engines,
and for other purposes, where heat is required. The fuel of my said new burner,
may be carburetted hydrogen gas, or coal gas as supplied to the public; or petroleum
and its products such as, paraffine, benzoline, gasoline etc., or spirit of wine, or any
substance or material either solid or fluid, capable of producing a combustible gas;
either with, or without, the aid of heat, or of some chemical combination.
I also use oils or fats, stearine, turpentine, camphine, paraffine, or spirits etc.,
burnt by the aid of wicks, in the manner hereinafter described.
I first describe my new burner which I construct to burn coal gas, as supplied to
the public as a fuel; because, the description applies in the main, to the said other
fuels, with certain minor modifications or additions of or to the said burner, to suit
the nature of the fuel selected; which modifications or additions, are hereinafter
described.
The exterior contour or perimeter of the said burner, may be of any form suited
to the purpose to which it is to be applied; or, to the position in which it is to be
placed; but, as a circular form is the easiest to manufacture, I will commence by
describing a burner of that contour or perimeter; and also, because the description
will apply in the main, to any other contour, perimeter, or form.
I design the said burner, so that the air required for the combustion of the fuel, is
not supplied in a vertical direction to it; but, in a horizontal, or, if in an oblique
direction, preferably downwards. The said air is admitted to the flame or flames of
the burning fuel, through perforations, or a slot or slots, or tubes surrounding the
flame or flames or surrounded by the flame or flames, or both. The burner is
surmounted by a cylinder, or cone, or truncated cone, or an equivalent, as is
hereinafter described; so, that no air can reach the flame or flames, in any other
than the said directions, or in any other way than through the said perforations, or
slot or slots, or tubes; or their equivalent spaces or apertures.
The said perforations or equivalents, may be at or near the base of the said
cylinder or its equivalent, or in a band of metal, or other suitable material, upon
which the base of the said cylinder or its equivalent, would then be placed.
The said perforations or their equivalents, are regulated, so as to supply air
sufficient to maintain complete combustion of the fuel actually burning, and either
no more, or but little more than is sufficient.
The practical effect of this arrangement, is to cause the air to rush in rapid
streams to the flame or flames, causing by natural action, an effect similar to that
produced by a number of blow pipes injecting air into the flame or flames, and thus
producing intense heat.
}

page_text: A certain amount of air may be mixed with. the gas before its ignition, but I do
not prefer this, as it detracts from the blow pipe effect 1 seek to produce.
Fig. 1, shows the vertical central section and plan of an annular trough or
fitting ABCDEFGHIK L M termed or named hereinafter fitting Fig. 1.
This annular trough or fitting can be made of any suitable metal or material that
will stand heat, and which can be wrought into the form shown in Fig. 1, or into an
approximate form either by casting, turning, or filing, or stamping, or spinning, or
otherwise.
Fig. 2, shows the vertical central section, and plan, of a fitting NOPQRST
U V W X Y Z A' C' B' termed or named hereinafter, fitting Fig. 2. This fitting
can be made of any suitable metal or material, that will stand heat, and which can
be wrought into the form shown or into an approximate form, either by casting,
turning or filing, stamping or spinning or otherwise.
Fig. 3. The fitting, Figure 2, I place within the annular trough, fitting Figure 1.
as shown in Figure 3. It must fit accurately, or the circular junctions DG, E F
with the said annular trough fitting Fig. 1, must be cemented or brazed or otherwise
secured so that the said circular junctions may be rendered impervious to gas or to
gaseous vapour. Before or after fixing the fitting Fig. 2, I perforate it for the exit
of the gas, or gaseous vapour just below the angles PA & S X, preferably at equal
distances round the corresponding circles shown on the plan Fig. 2, marked on the
plan P A & S X.
Fig. 4, also shows a plan of the two said circles, and the arrangement and
appearance of the gas jets when alight. Communication is made between the supply
of gas and the interior of the said annular trough, now formed into an annular
chamber by fitting Fig. 2, by means of a tube, as is shown in Figures 8, 17, & 18 or
in any other way that may be more convenient.
Fig. 5, shows the vertical central section, and plan of another fitting, termed or
named hereinafter, fitting Fig. 5.
I perforate this fitting all round through the circular band H'I'. The perforations
being by preference equidistant, and the same in number, as the number of the gas
jets issuing from the inner circle S X Fig. 4. This fitting place so that its
flange JK rests upon the flange E F G H Fig. 1 ; to which it should be so fitted,
or secured, or cemented, that no air can pass between the flanges. The radial
directions of the perforations and of the air currents is shown by the arrows in
.Fig. 5.
Fig. 6, shows the vertical central section, and plan, of another fitting, termed or
named hereinafter fitting Fig. 6. I perforate this fitting all round through the
circular band L' M. The perforations being by preference equidistant, and
preferably the same in number, as the number of the gas jets, issuing from the outer
circle PA Fig. 4.
This fitting is placed, so that its flange N'O' rests upon the flange,A B, LM
Fig. 1; to which it should be so fitted, secured, or cemented, that no air can pass
between the flanges. The radial direction of the perforations, and of the air
currents, is shown by the arrows in Fig. 6.
Fig. 7, shows the vertical central section and plan of the cylinder, as aforesaid
drawn upon one half the scale, of the previous figures which are not drawn to any
special scale, as my said improved apparatus may be constructed of any size, and
the relative proportions of the fittings may be varied or altered as and for the
purposes specified. The said cylinder may or may not, be closed in at the top, but
if closed, then to permit the exit of the products of combustion, when the burner is
in use, a circle of perforations in the position indicated by the arrows, A B, Fig. 7,
or the arrows A B, Fig. 18, is provided. At the base of the said cylinder, which
is not closed, I provide a similar circle of perforations to agree in number, size, and
position, with those in the fitting Fig. 6, the proportionate height of the said
cylinder depends upon the purpose to which my new burner is to be applied. But
a cylinder, as shown or partly shown in Figures 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 & 17, or a
cone, or conės perforated at or near the apex or apices or a truncated cone or cones,

page_text: as shown in Fig. 18, or their equivalent or equivalents, is
produce the required draught of air to my new burner.
or are necessary DỤ
Fig. 8. shows the vertical central section of the fittings or parts previously
described, placed together in their relative positions. The lower part of the cylinder
Fig. 7, is shown in this figure overlapping the fitting Fig. 6, and resting upon it,
necessitating its being perforated, to agree with the perforations in the fitting Fig. 6;
so as to admit air to the burning fuel in the radial directions indicated by the
arrows C, D. This is not essential, as the cylinder could be fixed high enough to
be clear of the perforations in fitting Fig. 6. The square tube shown underneath
the aforesaid annular chamber cominunicates when in use, gas from the supply pipe
or gas holder, to the said annular chamber, through perforations in the tube and in
the base of the annular chamber made to match one the other, and afterwards the
two, namely the said tube and annular chamber, brazed together round each pair of
perforations, or otherwise united in any way that may be preferred. I prefer two
or more inlets into the annular chamber, as the pressure.and supply of gas is more
equally diffused over the interior of the annular chamber, than is the case when
there is only one inlet. The gas or gaseous vapour when supplied to the annular
chamber, escapes through the perforations in fitting Fig. 2, in the radial directions
indicated by the arrows E, F, G, H, Fig. 8, which when lighted, produces the
appearance shown by Fig. 4. The tendency to the production of a vacuum, caused
by the combustion of the oxygen of the air, and the rarefaction of the gaseous
products of combustion caused by the intense heat induces a rush of air through the
said horizontal or obliquely downward perforations in fittings Figures 5 & 6, in
horizontal or obliquely downward streams, into the horizontal or obliquely downward
jets of gas, producing as aforesaid, a blow pipe action, and consequently intense heat.
Instead of the said perforations I may use an annular slot or slots for the admission
of air to the burning fuel. I proportion the size of the said slot or the combined
area of the said slots or perforations, or of the sections of the tubes aforesaid or their
equivalents admitting air to the burning fuel to the maximum quantity of fuel, the
burner is constructed to utilise. If a greater proportion of air is admitted to the
burning fuel the aforesaid blow pipe effect is proportionately diminished. The
exterior contour or perimeter of the burner, as I have hitherto described it, is a
circle; but it may as aforesaid be necessary or desirable in some cases, to construct
it of a square, or oblong, or elliptical, or oval, or other regular form; in which case,
all the vertical sections shown in the preceding figures will apply, and it is only
necessary or requisite, to alter the plans shown, to suit any of the said exterior
contours or perimeters, desired or necessary. It is obvious that the blow pipe effect
of my burner, is not dependent, upon the exterior contour or perimeter of my burner
or of the consequent transverse section of the equivalent of the aforesaid cylinder
or cylinders or cone or cones or truncated cone or cones; but, upon the air being
admitted to the flame or flames, substantially in the manner hereinbefore described.
In my burner as hereinbefore described, there are two circles of gas jets, see
Figures 3 & 4; but, one circle of gas jets may sometimes be employed with
advantage, as is hereinafter described.
Fig. 9. shows vertical central section, and plan, and also the arrangement of
the perforations for the gas jets, of a tubular burner, constructed of square tube,
into which the gas or gaseous vapour enters, and from which it issues in the
directions of the arrows, when in use; the gas jets radiating outwards. Oblong,
or as it is usually termed, flat tube, may be used instead of square, or tube of any
other suitable transverse section.
Fig. 10. shows the vertical section and plan of the burner Fig. 9, with fitting
Fig. 5, superimposed upon it, and surrounded by a cylinder partly shown in vertical
section or equivalent, as herein before described of sufficient diameter, or conforma-
tion to give the jets sufficient room to burn without loss of the fuel by incomplete
combustion. The requisite air being supplied as is herein before described in a
horizontal direction as indicated by the arrows or in an obliquely downward
direction, so as to drive the heat with great force to the base of the cylinder.

page_text: Fig. 11. shows the vertical central section and plan of a
constructed of square tube into which the gas or gaseous vapour enters, and from
tubular burner
which it issues in the radial directions of the arrows when in use; the gas jets
radiating inwards, as is shown in the circular Figure 11ª. Oblong, or as it is
usually termed flat tube, may be used instead of square, or tube of any other
suitable transverse section.
Fig. 12. shows the vertical central section of the burner Fig. 11, with fitting
similar to Fig. 6, superimposed upon it, and surrounded by a cylinder partly shown
in vertical section or equivalent as hereinbefore described, of sufficient diameter,
or conformation, to give the jets sufficient room to burn, without loss of the fuel.
The requisite air being supplied as hereinbefore described, in a horizontal direction
as indicated by the arrows, or in an obliquely downward direction, so as to drive
the heat with great force against auy object placed for smelting or other purposes
in the focus of the jets.
Fig. 17. shows the vertical central section of the burner exactly as Fig. 8,
surrounded, as shown, by another circular and concentric burner, of larger
diameter. There is of course no limit to the number of concentric or parallel
burners, that may be used. Gas or gaseous vapour, may be admitted to these
burners at both ends of the square tube, attached to them, as shown. The burners
may have any number of inlets communicating with the supply of gas. An
interior cylinder or equivalent passing through the closed upper end of an exterior
cylinder or equivalent as indicated in Fig. 17, may be fitted and utilised, or any
number of interior cylinders or cones or equivalents concentrically placed or
otherwise arranged may be utilised for cooking or heating separately different
fluids or for other purposes. The arrows ABCD at the tops of the two closed
cylinders, indicate perforations or slots, for the exit of the products of combustion.
This division of the stove by an interior cylinder, forms an interior oven, for
cooking purposes, and may be fitted with perforated plates, doors, or other
convenient arrangements. Throughout the foregoing description, when the burner
is described as in action, the gas jets have been assumed, to be alight, but I
sometimes place gauze or woven wire of a fine mesh, above the unlighted jets of
gas or gaseous vapor, so that the gas or gaseous vapour may pass through the
said gauze or woven wire, and be lighted above it, forming a sheet of flame or
flames, into which the currents of air rush, as is hereinbefore described, and produce
the blow pipe effect aforesaid. The two fittings Figures 5 & 6, may be so made
and fitted, either one or both, as to project partly over the said jets of gas, or
gaseous vapor, or flame or flames, so as to limit and condense the supply of air,
in cases where the quantity of gas or gaseous vapor supplied, is less in volume, than
the horizontal space in which it has to be consumed.
Fig. 13, shows the vertical central section of fitting Fig. 5, altered so as to
project over the flange EFGH, of fitting Fig. 1, the fitting Fig. 6, remains unaltered
in section, and relative position, the same as it is shown in Fig. 8, and surrounded by
a cylinder partly shown in vertical section. In this case, the heat produced by the
combustion of the fuel, will be driven outwards, that is radially away from the
centre of the burner; assuming as hitherto that the burner is of a circular or
regular plan.
Fig. 14. shows the vertical central section of fitting Fig. 6, altered so as to
project over the flange A B, LM, of fitting Fig. 1. The fitting Fig. 5, remains
umaltered in section, and relative position, the same as it is shown in Fig. 8. In
this case the heat produced by the combustion of the fuel, will be driven inwards,
that is radially towards the centre of the burner; assuming as hitherto, that the
burner, is of a circular or regular plan.
Fig. 15. shows the vertical central section of the fitting Fig. 5, altered so as to
project over the flange EFG N, of fitting Fig. 1, and shows fitting Fig. 6, also
altered so as to project an equal distance over the flange A B, LM, of fitting
Fig. 1, leaving a sufficient space between them, for the combustion of the fuel.
In this case, the heat produced by the said combustion, will be driven vertically

page_text: upwards. If the said fittings Figures 5 & 6, project over the said flanges, an
unequal distance, that is, one more than the other, then the said heat will be
driven more or less inwards, or outwards, as the case may be. The arrows in
Figures 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 & 18, show the directions of the air currents.
The two fittings Figures 5 & 6, may be varied in section, and construction, within
the requirement, that the air passing through the aforesaid slot or slots, or perfora-
tions or tubes, or their equivalents in the said fittings is prevented from taking any
other, than the aforesaid horizontal or obliquely downward directions.
In case the quantity of gas or gaseous vapour supplied to my new burner, is in
excess of the horizontal space in which it has to be consumed, situated between
the fittings Figures 5 & 6, as shown in Figures 8, 10, 12, 13, 14 & 15, then the
said excess quantity of gas or gaseous vapour, passes the said fittings in an
unconsumed, or partly consumed state. The supply of air through the slot or slots
or perforations or equivalents in the said fittings, as hereinbefore described, being
insufficient in this said case to secure perfect combustion. I either increase the
height of the said fittings Figures 5 & 6, so as to provide the room or space, for
an increased number of perforations; or for larger perforations or slots or tubes or
their equivalents providing thereby sufficient air for the combustion of the said
unconsumed or partly consumed gas or gaseous vapour, or I place one or more
fittings over and upon, the single fittings Fig. 5. The number of fittings Fig. 5,
thus superimposed is the number required for the perfect combustion of the gas
or gaseous vapour.
Fig. 16, shows two fittings as Fig. 5, and one fitting as Fig. 6, of equal diameter
superimposed. The arrows in the figure indicate the radial directions of the
currents of air. The said fittings thus superimposed may be of equal or unequal
diameters. The fittings of the same section as fitting Fig. 5, may be of equal diameter
or may successively decrease or increase in diameter. The fitting of the same section
as fitting Fig. 6, may be of equal diameter or may suitably decrease or increase in
diameter. If in the first case, the sets of fittings Figures 5 and 6, are each
respectively of equal diameter, and are superimposed vertically and concentrically,
then the heat produced by the combustion of the gas or gaseous vapour, will
ascend vertically and be neither concentrated nor diffused. If in the second case,
the set of fittings Fig. 5, successively decreases in diameter upwards, and the fitting
Fig. 6, also equally decreases in diameter, the said heat will be directed inwards,
and either be or tend to be focalised. If in the third case, the set of fittings
Fig. 5, successively increase in diameter upwards, and the fitting Fig. 6, also
equally increases in diameter, the said heat will be directed outwards, and be
diffused.
In either of the above cases I may increase the aforesaid blow pipe action of
the currents of air by inserting tubes either in one or both of the top fitting or
fittings, of the said set or sets of fittings of the sections Figures 5 & 6; it is obvious,
that two or more of the herein before described fittings, may be combined and
manufactured as one, or a fitting may be manufactured in two or more separate
parts.
When spirit of wine, is used as a fuel, the aforesaid description applies to the
construction of the burner, I use for it; with the exception of the use of the
fitting Fig. 2, which is dispensed with, in one of the two burners hereinafter
described. I use the burner herein before described, including the said fitting
Fig. 2, for burning the vapour of spirit of wine, exactly in the same manner as
described for gas, that is, either as jets, or on the upper side of fine wire gauze,
I place the spirit of wine in a close metal container, having fitted into the top of it,
a pipe preferably vertical to be connected with the supply pipe to the burner,
which also, I prefer to be vertical. I only half fill the said container with the
spirit of wine or a hydro-carbon, so as to leave room for its vapour, and for its
ebullition, when heated. I apply heat with care to the underside of the said metal
container, in such quantity (not much is required) as will vapourize the spirit or
hydro-carbon and give the vapour sufficient elasticity to force its way, through

page_text: the perforations in fitting Fig. 2. When the jets of vapour are lighted, they burn
with an appearance as coal gas. The said perforations require to be three or four
times the area of those for coal gas. I use the burner herein before described for
carburetted hydrogen gas without the said fitting Fig. 2, for burning spirit of wine
or a hydro-carbon, as follows; I first fill, or partly fill, the annular trough Figure 1,
with some suitable absorbent substance, to prevent danger from the spirit of wine,
or hydro-carbon being accidentally spilled over, and to prevent too rapid an evapora-
tion. The air requisite for supporting combustion, is supplied horizontally or
obliquely downwards, as is hereinbefore described, to both the above described spirit
or hydro-carbon burners.
I sometimes place gauze wire, that is woven wire of fine mesh, over the said
absorbent material and burn the vapour of the spirit of wine or hydro-carbon
above it. Paraffine and most of the liquids derived from petroleum also turpentine
camphine and naptha, etc., and some gases produced by chemical combinations, or
any other fuel, suitable for the hereinbefore described burners; may be used in one
or other, or both, of the above described ways.
I now proceed to describe the second part of my invention, which consists of
apparatus so designed and constructed, as to utilise the herein before described
burners, for various purposes; such as, instantly or rapidly heating water etc., and
for cooking, and other heating purposes.
I first proceed to describe the apparatus, so designed and constructed as to place
the water or other fluid or liquid, in the most favorable position and condition, to
become heated.
Fig. 18, shows the vertical central section of my improved apparatus for heating
water or other liquids, and shows a truncated cone a, b, c, d, and another truncated
cone e, b, f, d.
These two cones, are united at the circle at their bases, so that they, the said
truncated cones, will hold fluid, and withstand heat. I term this construction the
interior container; the drawing also shows an exterior container g, h, i, k, l, m,
similarly constructed. The space between the said two containers and the space
inside the interior truncated cone of the interior container, from the lower ends to
the upper ends, is proportioned to the rate at which it is necessary that the products
of combustion shall pass away. The area of the transverse sections of these
spaces, diminishes from the said lower ends, to the said upper ends, in proportion
to the contraction of the space occupied by the products of combustion, caused by
the comparative coolness of the surfaces in contact with the products of combustion,
when the containers hold water or other fluid, even at the boiling point.
In order that the two containers may have an exterior outlet Fig. 18, or
outlets, for the fluid, they may contain, they are connected by a tube or by tubes o, n,
Fig. 18 or any number of tubes, so that the fluid in the inner container, may
flow into the outer container, and vice-versa. If the tubes uniting the two con-
tainers, are numerous, they will increase the heating surface proportionately. I
also connect the containers in another way, for the purpose of increasing the heating
surface, and connecting the fluid in the two containers, all the way or part of the
way, from the lower ends to the upper ends of the two containers as follows. If
the material of which the two cones are constructed be sheet metal, I cut a vertical
slot, preferably of acute isosceles triangular form, the apex downwards, extending
from the upper to the lower end, of the exterior cone, a, b, c, d, of the interior
container. I do the same to the interior cone, i, h, k, l, of the exterior container.
I braze or solder or otherwise fix into the two slots, a suitably shaped piece of
sheet metal, or other suitable material, so that a water tight, or fluid tight,
junction of a V shaped vertical section, is constructed between the said two con-
tainers. I term or name this, a V junction. Any number of these V junctions may
be placed or attached, as described, between and to, the two containers aforesaid
vertically, or at an angle to the vertical line, or spirally, care being taken, that the
space for the passage and exit of the products of combustion, is sufficient ; and
either no more, or but little more, than is sufficient. In the Fig. 18, two containers

page_text: are shown, but I employ also one, three, or more containers. When a plural
number of containers, is employed they may communicate one with the other, as
above described, or not; assuming there are three containers, one may be used for
tea, another for coffee, another for cocoa, in which case each must be connected
with its own draw off tap, or cock, or one container may for a similar purpose be
divided, into two, three, or more, separate compartments having each its own draw
off cock or tap. The material of which I construct the said containers, varies,
according to whether the prime cost, has to be kept as low as possible, or whether
the amount of the prime cost is of secondary importance. If the latter I use thin
steel protected from rusting or oxidising, by electroplating with nickel or copper
or other suitable metal; steel, of the same substance or thickness as copper, exceeds
copper greatly in rigidity, but heat is not transmitted through the steel, so rapidly
as through copper, but as the steel can be used of one third of the thickness, or
even less, than is requisite for copper, the heat is transmitted through the thin
steel much faster, than through the comparatively thick copper; for the same
reason also, I prefer to electroplate on to the steel a rigid metal, such as nickel or
aluminium. Whatever metal, or combination of metals, or other suitable material,
may be employed for the construction of the whole or part of each of the said
containers, I emboss or form the surface, so as to cover it with small pyramids or
cones, as high or as deep as possible, or as the cost will permit, or I produce the
said embossed surface by electro plating, or electro depositions. This said
embossing largely increases the surface, the water or other fluid to be heated is in
contact with; and also largely increases the surface which the hot products of
combustion are in contact with; thereby increasing the rapidity, with which the
heat is imparted or transmitted to the water, or other fluid to be heated. Any
embossed patterns, will be an improvement upon a plain surface, as and for the
purposes specified; but I prefer four or six sided pyramids, or cones, placed as
close together as possible. In addition to the said embossing, that is to say
upon the metal or other suitable substance that is embossed as above described,
I deposit by electricity, a metal deposit of a rough or matt character, or I
produce the said rough or matt character of surface, chemically by the application
to the surface of a corroding material, or liquid, or by the friction of metal
brushes, or by the sand blast, or in any other convenient or suitable way. The
effect of the said embossing, and of the said roughening of the said embossed
surface, may be described as follows.
A vertical cone, whose vertical section of greatest area, has an equilateral
triangle for its perimeter, has a conical surface of twice the area of its circular
base.
The same may be affirmed of a similar four or six sided pyramid, with square
or hexagon base. A surface covered with such pyramids or cones embossed as
above described, has twice the heating surface and power of absorbing heat.
If
each face or surface of the said pyramids or cones, is similarly covered with much
smaller pyramids or cones of the same equilateral triangular section, then each
face of the pyramids or surface of the cones is doubled in surface, that is the
surface of the doubly embossed sheet of metal, is four times greater than a plain
surface. If each face or surface of the said much smaller pyramids or cones is
similarly covered with minute pyramids or cones, then the surface is again
doubled; that is, it is eight times greater than a plain unembossed surface, and so
on, in geometric proportion, as far as it can practically be carried out.
If the relative height, in proportion to the base, of the said cones or pyramids
is increased, the surface will be proportionately increased. I employ this
embossed metal, or other suitable embossed material, for those surfaces of the
said containers, which are intended to come into contact with the hot products of
combustiou.
The said containers, need not be of circular transverse section, any other
transverse section, or sections, may be used, as square, oblong, oval, etc., and
the said perimeters may be serrated. The said containers, need not be of conical

page_text: or tapering vertical section; any other vertical section, may be used, with or
without deflectors, placed in such manner, as to cause the hot currents of the
products of combustion, to strike or come into contact, with their surfaces, but I
prefer to continue my description as I have commenced it, with conical vertical
containers. The said conical vertical containers, are shown in Fig. 18, enclosed in
a cylinder p, q, w, x; of metal, or other suitable material; which, when placed on,
or over, or attached to, the herein before described burner, extends vertically from
the said burner, to a distance higher than the said containers, as shown by Fig. 18.
Upon the top of the said cylinder, is fitted a container, yz, for the reception of
the liquid to be heated, which may be supplied to it, either by, or from, a jug or
vessel, or from a tap, that is to say, either by a constant, or intermittent service,
or stream. This container, I hereinafter term or name, the cistern. The bottom
of the said cistern, is perforated with suitably placed or concentric circles of
perforations. In each perforation is placed and fitted, a tube, so arranged and
shaped, at its lower extremity, as to lead a stream of the fluid to be heated on to
one of the truncated cones. The said tubes are sufficient in number, to coat the
surface of the cones e, b, d, f, i, h, l, k, with the said fluid. Four of the said
tubes r, s, t, u; are shown in Fig. 18.
The said exterior cylinder pq wx, and the exterior band y z, of the cistern,
may have ornamental equivalents, in stamped or raised metal etc.
The part of my invention for increasing the heating surface, by a series of
embossed cones or pyramids, as is hereinbefore described; I apply, to the heating
surfaces of kettles, and culinary utensils; and boilers, or tubes; for generating
steam etc. etc. My hereinbefore described burner, is applicable, for cooking,
melting metals, heating soldering, and tailors and hatters irons, etc., heating rooms,
buildings and conservatories etc., and ventilating. My burner may be placed under,
or fitted to, boilers, tubular, or otherwise, for heating water, or other liquid, or for
the production of free, or pressure steam; or, may be used to supply the requisite
heat, for driving hot air engines, and for many other purposes, either with or
without, the aid of suitable fittings or arrangements connected therewith.
I also use as a fuel either oil or fat, or stearine, or turpentine, or camphine, or
paraffine, or spirits, etc, etc., burnt by the aid, of a wick or wicks.
In this case,
use any of the arrangements of wicks, and containers for the fuel, in common
use arranging by means of suitable fittings as hereinbefore described, that the
entire supply of air to the flame or flames, shall be in a horizontal or obliquely
downward direction.
My burners as aforesaid are generally applicable combined with suitable
fittings or apparatus, to many purposes including the production of pressure
steam, ventilating & warming rooms or buildings heating conservatories and for
other purposes where heat is required and as is herein before specified.
Dated this 20th day of February 1894.
Improvements in Burners for Producing Heat, and in Apparatus
connected therewith.
I, JOSEPH NIXON Electro Plater, of St. Johns Square, Clerkenwell, in the
County of London, Middlesex, 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 :--
My invention partly consists of a new burner and partly of a new apparatus for
utilising the heat of the burner, for various purposes; such as, instantly or rapidly

page_text: heating water, tea, coffee, cocoa, or other fluids; cooking, smelting heating plumbers
and tailors and hatters irons etc., heating rooms, buildings, and conservatories etc.
and ventilating, producing steam for steam engines etc., and heat for hot air
engines and for other purposes, where heat is required.
The fuel of my said new burner, may be carburetted hydrogen gas, or coal gas,
as supplied to the public; or petroleum and its products, such as, paraffine, benzoline,
gasoline, etc., or spirit of wine, or any substance or material either solid or fluid,
capable of producing a combustible gas either with, or without, the aid of heat, or
of some chemical combination.
I also use oils or fats, stearine, turpentine, camphine, paraffine, or spirits & etc.,
burnt by the aid of wicks in the manner hereinafter described.
I first describe my new burner which I construct to burn coal gas, as supplied to
the public as a fuel; because, the description applies in the main, to the said other
fuels, with certain minor modifications or additions of or to the said burner, to suit
the nature of the fuel selected; which modifications or additions, are hereinafter
described.
The exterior contour or perimeter of the said burner, may be of any form suited
to the purpose to which it is to be applied; or, to the position in which it is to be
placed; but, as a circular form is the easiest to manufacture, I will commence by
describing a burner of that contour or perimeter, and also because the description
will apply in the main, to any other contour or perimeter form.
I design the said burner, so that the air required for the combustion of the fuel is
not supplied in a vertical direction to it, but in a horizontal, or if in an oblique
direction, preferably downwards. The said air is admitted to the flame or flames of
the burning fuel, through perforations, or a slot or slots, or tubes surrounding the
flame or flames, or surrounded by the flame or flames, or both. The burner is
surmounted by a cylinder, or cone, or truncated cone, or an equivalent, as is
hereinafter described; so, that no air can reach the flame or flames, in any other
than the said directions, or in any other way than through the said perforations, or
slot or slots, or tubes; or their equivalent spaces or apertures.
The said perforations or equivalents, may be at or near the base of the said
cylinder or its equivalent, or in a band of metal, or other suitable material, upon
which the base of the said cylinder, or its equivalent, would then be placed.
The said perforations or their equivalents, are regulated so as to supply air
sufficient to maintain complete combustion of the fuel actually burning, and either
no more, or but little more than is sufficient.
The practical effects of this arrangement, is to cause the air to rush in rapid
streams to the flame or flames, causing by natural action, an effect similar to that
produced by a number of blow pipes injecting air into the flame or flames, and thus
producing intense heat.
A certain amount of air may be mixed with the gas before its ignition, but I do
not prefer this, as it detracts from the blow pipe effect I seek to produce.
The drawings refered to are those left with the Provisional Specification.
Fig. 1. shows the vertical central section, and plan, of an annular trough or
fitting ABCDEFGHIKLM.
This annular trough termed or named hereinafter fitting figure or fitting can be
made of any suitable metal or material that will stand heat, and which can be
wrought into the form shown in Figure 1, or into an approximable form either by
casting, turning or filing, or stamping, or spinning, or otherwise.
Fig. 2. shows the vertical central section, and plan, of a fitting N O P Q R S T
U V W X Y Z A¹ C'B', termed or named hereinafter Fitting Fig. 2. This fitting
can be made of any suitable metal or material, that will stand heat, which can be
wrought into the form shown or into an approximate form either by casting, turning
or filing, stamping or spinning, or otherwise.
Fig. 3. The fitting Figure 2 I place within the annular trough fitting Fig. 1, as
shown in Figure 3. It must fit accurately, or the circular junctions DG, EF, with
the said aunular trough fitting Figure 1 must be cemented or brazed or otherwise
B

page_text: gaseous vapor.
secured, so that the said circular junctions may be rendered unpervious to gas or to
Before or after fixing the fitting Fig. 2 I perforate it for the exit
of the gas or gaseous vapor just below the angles PA & S X preferably at equal
distances round the corresponding circles shown on the plan Fig. 2, marked on the
plan PA & S X.
Fig. 4. also shows a plan of the two said circles, and the arrangement and
appearance of the gas jets when alight
Communication is made between the supply of gas and the interior of the said
annular trough, now formed into an annular chamber by fitting Fig. 2, by means of
a tube, as is in Figures 8, 17 & 18 shown, or in any other way that may be most
convenient.
Fig. 5. shows the vertical central section, and plan, of another fitting termed or
named hereinafter Fitting Fig. 5.
I perforate this fitting all round through the circular band H 1. The
perforations being by preference equidistant, and the same in number, as the
number of the gas jets issuing from the inner circle S X Fig. 4. This fitting
I place so that its flange J K rests upon the flange E F G H Fig. 1, to which it
should be so fitted, or secured, or cemented, that no air can pass between the
flanges. The radial directions of the perforations, and of the air currents, is shown
by the arrows in Fig. 5.
Fig. 6. shows the vertical central section, and plan, of another fitting, termed or
namned hereinafter Fitting Fig. 6.
I perforate this fitting all round through the circular band L M
The perforations being by preference equidistant, and preferably the same in
number, as the number of the gas jets, issuing from the outer circle P. A¹ Fig. 4.
This fitting is placed, so that its flange N₁ O', rests upon the flange A B, L M
Fig. 1 to which it should be so fitted, secured, or cemented, that no air can pass
between the flanges.
The radial directions of the perforations, and of the air currents, is shown by the
arrows in Fig. 6.
Fig. 7. shows the vertical central section, and plan, of the cylinder as aforesaid
drawn upon one halt the scale, of the previous figures which are not drawn to any
special scale, as my said improved apparatus may be constructed of any size, and
the relative proportions of the fittings may be varied or altered as and for the
purposes specified.
The said cylinder may or may not be closed in at the top, but if closed, then to
permit the exit of the products of combustion, when the burner is in use, a circle of
perforations in the position indicated by the arrows A, B, Fig. 7, or the arrows A B
Fig. 18 is provided. At the base of the said cylinder, which is not closed, I provide
a similar circle of perforations to agree in number, size, and position, with those in
the fitting Fig. 6. The proportionate height of the said cylinder depends upon the
purpose to which my new burner is to be applied. But a cylinder, as shown or
partly shown in Figures 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 & 17 or a cone, or cones, perforated
at or near the apex or apices or a truncated cone, or cones, as shown in Fig. 18, or
their equivalent or equivalents, is or are necessary, to produce the required draught
of air to my new burner.
Fig. 8. shows the vertical central section of the fittings or parts previously
described, placed together in their relative positions. The lower part of the
cylinder Fig. 7. is shown in this figure overlapping the fitting Fig. 6, and resting
upon it necessitating its being perforated, to agree with the perforations in the
fitting Fig. 6; so as to admit air to the burning fuel in the radial directions
indicated by the arrows C. D. This is not essential, as the cylinder could be fixed
high enough to be clear of the perforations in fitting Fig. 6.
The square tube shown underneath the aforesaid annular chamber communicates
when in use, gas from the supply pipe or gas holder, to the said annular chamber
through perforations in the tube and in the base of the annular chamber made to
match one the other, and afterwards the two, namely the said tube and annular

page_text: chamber, brazed together, round each pair of perforations, or otherwise united in
any way that may be preferred. I prefer two or more inlets into the annular
chamber, as the pressure and supply of gas is more equally diffused over the interior
of the annular chamber, than is the case when there is only one inlet. The gas or
gaseous vapor when supplied to the annular chamber, escapes through the
perforations in fitting Fig. 2. in the radial directions indicated by the arrows E, F,
G, H, Fig. 8. which when lighted, produces the appearance shown by Fig. 4. The
tendency to the production of a vacuum, caused by the combustion of the oxygen of
the air, and the rarefaction of the gaseous products of combustion, caused by the
intense heat induces a rush of air through the said horizontal or obliquely down-
ward perforations in fittings Figures 5 & 6, in horizontal, or obliquely downward
streams, into the horizontal or obliquely downward jets of gas, producing as
aforesaid, a blow pipe action, and consequently intense heat. Instead of the said
perforations I may use an annular slot or slots for the admission of air to the
burning fuel.
I proportion the size of the said slot, or the combined area of the said slots or
perforations, or of the sections of the tubes aforesaid or their equivalents admitting
air to the burning fuel to the maximum quantity of fuel, the burner is constructed
to utilise. If a greater proportion of air is admitted to the burning fuel, the
aforesaid blow pipe effect is proportionately diminished. The exterior contour or
perimeter of the burner, as I have hitherto described it, is a circle; but it may as
aforesaid be necessary or desirable in some cases, to construct it of a square, or
oblong, or elliptical, or oval, or other regular form; in which case, all the vertical
sections shown in the preceding figures will apply, and it is only necessary or
requisite, to alter the plans shown, to suit any of the said exterior contours or
perimeters, desired or necessary. It is obvious that the blow pipe effect of my
burner, is not dependent, upon the exterior contour or perimeter of my burner, or of
the consequent transverse section of the equivalent of the aforesaid cylinder, or
cylinders, or cone or cones or truncated cone or cones; but, upon the air being
admitted to the flame or flames, substantially in the manner herein before described.
In my burner, as hereinbefore described, there are two circles of gas jets, see
Figures 3 & 4; but, one circle of gas jets may sometimes be employed with
advantage, as is hereinafter described.
Fig. 9. shows vertical central section, and plan, and also the arrangement of the
perforations for the gas jets, of a tubular burner, constructed of square tube, into
which the gas or gaseous vapor enters, and from which, it issues in the directions
of the arrows, when in use; the gas jets radiating outwards. Oblong, or as it is
usually termed, flat tube, may be used instead of square, or tube of any other
desirable transverse section.
Fig. 10. shows the vertical section and plan of the burner Fig. 9, with fitting
Fig. 5 superimposed upon it, and surrounded by a cylinder partly shown in
vertical section or equivalent, as hereinbefore described of sufficient diameter, or
conformation, to give the jets sufficient room to burn, without loss of the fuel by
incomplete combustion. The requisite air being supplied as is hereinbefore
described in a horizontal direction, as indicated by the arrows; or in an obliquely
downward direction, so as to drive the heat with great force to the base of the
cylinder.
Fig. 11. shows the vertical central, and plan of a tubular burner constructed of
square tube, into which the gas or gaseous vapor enters, and from which it issues, in
the radial directions of the arrows, when in use; the gas jets radiating inwards as is
shown in the circular Fig. 11ª. Oblong or as it is usually termed, flat tube may
be used instead of square, or tube of any other suitable transverse section.
Fig. 12. shows the vertical central section of the burner Fig. 11., with fitting
similar to Fig. 6, superimposed upon it, and surrounded by a cylinder, or equivalent
as hereinbefore described, of sufficient diameter, or conformation, to give the jets
sufficient room to burn without loss of the fuel. The requisite air being supplied
as hereinbefore described, in a horizontal direction as indicated by the arrows, or

page_text: in an obliquely downward direction, so as to drive the heat with great force
against any object placed for smelting or other purposes in the focus of the jets.
Fig. 17. shows the burner exactly as Fig. 8, surrounded, as shown, by another
circular and concentric burner, of larger diameter. There is of course, no limit
to the number of concentric or parallel burners, that may be used.
Gas or gascous
vapor, may be admitted to these burners at both ends of the square tube, attached
to them, as shown.
The burners may have any number of inlets communicating with the supply of
gas.
An interior cylinder or equivalent passing through the closed upper end of an
exterior cylinder or equivalent as indicated in Fig. 17, may be fitted and utilised,
or any number of interior cylinders or cones or equivalents concentrically placed
or otherwise arranged may be used for cooking or heating separately different
fluids or for other purposes. The arrows ABCD at the tops of the two closed
cylinders, indicate perforations or slots, for the exit of the products of combustion.
This division of the stove by an interior cylinder, forms an interior oven, for
cooking purposes, and may be fitted with perforated plates, doors, or other
convenient arrangements.
Throughout the foregoing description, when the burner is described as in action,
the gas jets have been assumed to be alight, but I sometimes place gauze or
woven wire of a fine mesh, above the unlighted jets of gas or gaseous vapor, so
that the gas or gaseous vapor may pass through the said gauze or woven wire,
and be lighted above it, forming a sheet of flame or flames into which the currents
of air rush, as is hereinbefore described, and produce the blow pipe effect
aforesaid. The two fittings Figures 5 & 6 may be so made and fitted, either one
or both, as to project partly over the said jets of gas or gaseous vapor, or flame
or flames, so as to limit and condense the supply of air, in cases where the quantity
of gas or gaseous vapor supplied is less in volume, than the horizontal space in
which it has to be consumed.
Fig. 13, shows the vertical central section of fitting Fig. 5, altered so as to
project over the flange E, F, G, H, of fitting Fig. 1, the fitting Fig. 6, remains
unaltered in section, and relative position the same as it is shown in Fig. 8, and
surrounded by a cylinder partly shown in vertical section. In this case, the
heat produced by the combustion of the fuel, will be driven outwards, that is
radially away from the centre of the burner; assuming as hitherto, that the
burner is of a circular or regular plan.
Fig. 14. shows the vertical central section of fitting Fig. 6, altered, so as to
project over the flange A, B, L, M, of fitting Fig. 1.
The fitting Fig. 5, remains unaltered in section, and relative position, the same
as it is shown in Figure 8. In this case, the heat produced by the combustion of
the fuel, will be driven inwards, that is radially towards the centre of the burner ;
assuming as hitherto, that the burner is of a circular or regular plan.
Fig. 15. shows the vertical central section of the fitting Fig. 5, altered so as to
project over the flange E, F, G, N, of fitting Fig. 1, and shows fitting Fig. 6,
also altered so as to project an equal distance over the flange A BLM of fitting
Fig. 1, leaving a sufficient space between them, for the combustion of the fuel.
In this case the heat produced by the said combustion, will be driven vertically
upwards. If the said fitting Figures 5 & 6. project over the said flanges, an
unequal distance, that is one more than the other, then the said heat will be
driven more or less inwards or outwards as the case may be. The arrows in
Figures 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, & 18, show the directions of the air currents.
The two fittings Figures 5 & 6 may be varied in section, and construction,
within the requirement, that the air passing through the aforesaid slot or slots or
perforations or tubes or their equivalents, is the said fittings is prevented from
taking any other, than the aforesaid horizontal, or obliquely downward directions.
In case the quantity of gas or gaseous vapour supplied to my new burner, is in
excess of the horizontal space in which it has to be consumed situated between
:
·

page_text: the fittings Figures 5 & 6, as shown in Figures 8, 10, 12, 13, 14 & 15, then the
said excess quantity of gas or gaseous vapor passes the said fittings in an
unconsumed, or partly consumed state. The supply of air through the slot or
slots or perforations or equivalents in the said fittings, as herein before described,
being insufficient in this said case, to secure perfect combustion. In order to
secure perfect combustion, I either increase the height of the said fittings
Figures 5 & 6, so as to provide the room or space for an increased number of
perforations, or for larger perforations, or slots or tubes or their equivalents,
providing thereby, sufficient air, for the combustion of the said unconsumed or
partly consumed gas or gaseous vapor; or I place one or more fittings over and
upon the single fittings Fig. 5. The number of fittings Fig. 5, thus superimposed
is the number required for the perfect combustion of the gas or gaseous vapor.
Fig. 16. shows two fittings as Figure 5 and one fitting as Fig. 6, of equal
diameter superimposed. The arrows in the figure indicate the radial directions of
the currents of air.
The said fittings thus superimposed may be of equal or unequal diameters.
The fittings of the same section, as fitting Fig. 5, may be of equal diameter, or
may successively decrease, or increase, in diameter.
The fitting of the same section as fitting Fig. 6, may be of equal diameter, or
may suitably decrease, or increase, in diameter.
If in the first case, the sets of fittings Figures 5 & 6 are each respectively of
equal diameter, and are superimposed vertically and concentrically, then the heat
produced by the combustion of the gas or gaseous vapor, will ascend vertically,
and be neither concentrated nor diffused. If in the second case the set of fittings
Fig. 5, successively decreases in diameter, upwards and the fitting Fig. 6, also
equally decreases in diameter, the said heat will be directed inwards, and either
be or tend to be focalized. If in the third case, the set of fittings Fig. 5,
successively increase in diameter upwards and the fitting Fig. 6, also equally
increases in diameter, the said heat will be directed outwards, and be diffused.
In either of the above cases I may increase the aforesaid blowpipe action of
the currents of air by inserting tubes either in one or both of the top fitting or
fittings of the said set or sets of fittings, of the section Figures 5 & 6. It is
obvious, that two or more of the herein before described fittings, may be combined
and manufactured as one, or a fitting may be manufactured in two or more
separate parts. When spirit of wine, is used as a fuel, the aforesaid description
applies to the construction of the burner I use for it, with the exception of the
use of the fitting Fig. 2, which is dispensed with, in one of the two burners
hereinafter described. I use the burner herein before described, including the said
fitting Fig. 2, for burning the vapor of spirit of wine, exactly in the same manner
as described for gas, that is, either as jets, or on the upper side of fine wire
gauze. I place the spirit of wine in a close metal container, having fitted into the
top of it, a pipe preferably vertical, to be connected with the supply pipe to the
burner, which also, I prefer to be vertical. I only half fill the said container
with the spirit of wine or a hydro-carbon so as to leave room for its vapor, and
for its ebullition, when heated. I apply beat with care to the under side of the
said metal container, in such quantity not much is required as will vaporise the
spirit or hydro-carbon and give the vapor sufficient elasticity to force its way
through the perforation in fitting Fig. 2. When the jets of vapor are lighted they
burn with the same appearance as coal gas.
The said perforations require to be three or four times the area of those for
coal gas.
I use the burner herein before described for carburetted hydrogen gas without
the said fitting Fig. 2, for burning spirit of wine or hydro carbon as follows;
I first fill or partly fill the annular trough Fig. 1, with some suitable absorbent
substance, to prevent danger from the spirit of wine or hydro-carbon being
accidentally spilled over, and to prevent too rapid an evaporation. The air
requisite for supporting combustion, is supplied horizontally or obliquely down-.

page_text: wards as is hereinbefore described to both the above described spirit or hydro-
carbon burner. I sometimes place gauze wire, that is woven wire of fine mesh,
over the said absorbent material, and burn the vapor of the spirit of wine or hydro
carbon above it. Paraffine and most of the liquids derived froin petroleum, also
turpentine, camphine and naptha etc., and some gases produced by chemical
combination or any other fuel suitable for the hereinbefore described burners,
may be used in one or other, or both of the above described ways.
I now proceed to describe the second part of my invention, which consists of
apparatus so designed and constructed, as to utilise the hereinbefore described
burners for various purposes such as instantly or rapidly heating water etc., and
for cooking, and other heating purposes. I first proceed to describe the apparatus,
so designed and constructed as to place the water or other fluid or liquid, in the
most favorable position and condition, to become heated.
Fig. 18. shows the vertical central section of my improved apparatus for heating
water or other liquids and shows a truncated cone A, B, C, D, and another
truncated cone E, B, F, D. These two cones, are united at the circle at their
bases, so that the said truncated cones will hold fluid, and withstand heat.
I term this construction the interior container, the drawing also shows an exterior
container G, H, I, K, L, M, similarly constructed. The space between the said
two containers and the space inside the interior truncated cone of the interior
container, from the lower ends to the upper ends is proportioned to the rate at
which it is necessary that the products of combustion shall pass away.
The area
of the transverse sections of these spaces, diminishes from the said lower ends,
in proportion to the contraction of the space occupied by the products of
combustion, caused by the comparative coolness of the surfaces in contact with
the products of combustion, when the containers hold water or other fluid, even at
the boiling point. In order that the two containers may have an exterior
outlet V, Fig. 18, or outlets, for the fluid, they may contain, they are connected
by a tube, or by tubes O, N, Fig. 18, or any number of tubes so that the fluid in
the inner container, and vice versa.
If the tubes uniting the two containers, are numerous, they will, increase the
heating surface proportionately. I also connect the containers in another way,
for the purpose of increasing the heating surface, and connecting the fluid in the
two containers, all the way or part of the way, from the lower ends to the upper
ends, of the two containers as follows. If the material of which the two cones are
constructed by sheet metal; I cut a vertical slot, preferably of acute isosceles
triangular form, the apex downwards, extending from the upper to the lower end,
of the exterior cone A, B, C, D, of the interior container, I do the same to the
interior cone I, H, K, L, of the exterior container. I braze or solder or otherwise
fix into the two slots a suitable shaped piece of sheet metal, or other suitable
material, so that a water tight, or fluid tight, junction of a V shaped vertical
section, is constructed between the said two containers. I term or name this
a V junction.
Any number of these V junctions may be placed or attached, as described,
between and to, the two containers aforesaid vertically, or at any angle to the
vertical line, or spirally, care being taken that the space for the passage and
exit of the products of combustion, is sufficient; and either no more, or but little
more, than is sufficient. In the Fig. 18, two containers are shown, but I employ
also one, three, or more containers. When a plural number of containers, is
employed they may communicate one with the other, as above described, or not;
assuming there are three containers, one may be used for tea, another for coffee,
another for cocoa, in which case each must be connected with its own draw off
tap, or cock, or one container may for a similar purpose be divided into two, three,
or more separate compartments, having each its own draw off cock or tap.
The material of which I construct the said containers, varies, according for
whether the prime cost, has to be kept as low as possible, or whether the amount
of the prime cost is of secondary importance. If the latter I use thin steel

page_text: protected from rusting or oxidising, by electro plating with nickel or copper or
other suitable metal. Steel of the same substance or thickness as copper, exceeds
copper greatly in rigidity, but heat is not transmitted through the steel, so rapidly
as through copper, but as the steel can be used of one third of the thickness,
or even less, than is requisite for copper, the heat is transmitted through the thin
steel, much faster than through the comparatively thick copper; for the same
reason also, I prefer to electro plate on to the steel a rigid metal, such as nickel or
aluminium.
Whatever metal, or combination of metals, or other suitable material, may be
employed for the construction of the whole or part of each of the said containers,
I emboss or form the surface, so as to cover it with small pyramids or cones, as high
or as deep as possible, or as the cost will permit, or I produce the said embossed
surface by electroplating, or electro deposition.
This said embossing largely increases the surface, the water or other fluid to be
heated is in contact with, and also largely increases the surface which the hot
products of combustion are in contact with, thereby increasing the rapidity, with
which the heat is imparted or transmitted to the water, or other fluid to be heited.
Any embossed patten, will be an improvement upon a plain surface, as for the
purposes specified, but I prefer four or six sided pyramids, or cones, placed as close
together as possible. In addition to the said embossing, that is to say upon the
metal or other suitable substance that is embossed as above described, I deposit by
electricity, a metal deposit of a rough or matt character, or I produce the said
rough or matt character of surface chemically, by the application to the surface of a
corroding material, or liquid, or by the friction of metal brushes, or by the sand
blast, or in any other convenient or suitable way.
The effect of the said embossing and of the said roughening of the said embossed
surface, may be described as follows. A vertical cone whose vertical section of
greatest area has an equilateral triangle for its perimeter, has a conical surface
of twice the area of its circular base. The same may be affirmed of a similar four
or six sided pyramid, with square or hexagon base. A surface covered with such
pyramids or cones embossed as above described, has twice the heating surface and
power of absorbing heat. If each face or surface of the said pyramids or cones is
similarly covered with much smaller pyramids or cones of the same equilaterial
triangular section, then each face of the pyramids or surface of the cone is doubled
in surface, that is the surface of the doubly embossed sheet of metal, is four times
greater than a plain surface. If each face or surface of the said much smaller
pyramids or cones is similarly covered with minute pyramids or cones then the
surface is again doubled, that is it is eight times greater than a plain unembossed
surface, and so on, in geometric proportion, as far as it can practically be carried
out. If the relative height, in proportion to the base, of the said cones or pyramids
is increased the surface will be proportionately increased. I employ this embossed
metal, or other suitable embossed material, for those surfaces of the said containers,
which are intended to come into contact with the hot products of combustion. The
said containers, need not be of circular transverse section, any other transverse
section, or sections, may be used, as square, oblong, oval etc., and the said perimeters
may be serrated. The said containers need not be of conical or tapering vertical
section, any other vertical section, may be used, with or without deflectors, placed
in such manner, as to cause the hot currets of the products of combustion, to
strike or come into contact, with their surfaces, but I prefer to continue my
description as I have commenced it with conical vertical containers. The said
conical vertical containers are shown in Fig. 18, enclosed in a cylinder P, Q, W, X,
of metal, or other suitable material, which when placed on, or over, or attached
to, the hereinbefore described burner extends vertically from the said burner, to a
distance higher than the said containers, as shown by Fig. 18. Upon the top of the
said cylinder, is fitted a coutainer Y Z, for the reception of the liquid to be
heated which may be supplied to it, either by or from, a jug or vessel, or from
a tap, that is to say, either by a constant, or intermittent service, or stream.

page_text: This container I hereinafter term or name, the cistern. The bottom of the said
cistern, is perforated with suitably placed or concentric circles of perforations.
In each perforation is placed and fitted, a tube so arranged and shaped, at its
lower extremity as to lead a stream of the fluid to be heated on to one of the
truncated cones. The said tubes are sufficient in number, to coat the surface of
the cones E BDF, IHLK with the said fluid. Four of the said tubes RSTU
are shown in Fig. 18.
The
The said exterior cylinder PQ W X and the exterior band Y Z of the
cistern, may have ornamental equivalents, in stamped or raised metal etc.
part of my invention for increasing the heating surface, by a series of embossed
cones or pyramids, as is herein before described; I apply, to the heating surfaces
of kettles, and culinary utensils and boilers, or tubes, for generating steam etc. etc.
My herein before described burner, is applicable, for cooking, melting metals,
heating soldering and tailors and hatters irons etc., heating rooms, buildings and
conservatories etc. and ventilating. My burner may be placed under, or fitted to,
boilers, tubular, or otherwise, for heating water, or other liquid, or for the production
of free, or pressure steam; or may be used to supply the requisite heat, for driving
hot air engines, and for many other purposes, either with or without, the aid of
suitable fittings or arrangements connected therewith.
I also use as a fuel either oil or fat, or stearine, or turpentine, or camphine, or
paraffine, or spirits, etc., etc., burnt by the aid, of a wick or wicks.
In this case, I use any of the arrangements of wicks and containers for the fuel
in common use, arranging by means of suitable fittings as herein before described,
that the entire supply of air to the flame or flames, shall be in a horizontal or
obliquely downward direction.
My burners as aforesaid are generally applicable combined with suitable fittings
or apparatus, to many purposes including the production of pressure steam,
ventilating and warming rooms or buildings heating conservatories and for other
purposes where heat is required and as is herein before specified.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:
The use of the improved apparatus constructed and employed substantially as
herein-described for the purpose of heating water or other liquids by the combined
direct and indirect action of the heat applied.
Dated this 20th day of November 1894
JOSEPH NIXON.