CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN ROOF LAMPS FOR RAILWAY OR OTHER CARRIAGES IN CONNECTIONTH
Year: 1854

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Howard Ashton Holden, of Birmingham, in the
County of Warwick, Carriage Lamp Manufacturer, for the Invention of
"CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN ROOF LAMPS FOR RAILWAY OR OTHER CARRIAGES,
Sealed the 18th April 1855, and dated the 18th October 1854.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Howard Ashton Holden
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on
the 18th October 1854.
I, HOWARD ASHTON HOLDEN, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick,
Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of my Invention for "CERTAIN
IMPROVEMENTS IN ROOP LAMPS FOR RAILWAY OR OTHER CARRIAGES, AND FOR PARTS
USED IN CONNECTION WITH THE SAME," to be as follows (that is to say):-
My Invention consists, firstly, in so constructing the burners of such lamps
as to allow the air to play around the wick, and which object I effect by
diminishing the metal around the wick-holder, and introducing a tube or tubes
for conducting the air from the top or outside of the lamp down to the burner;
this much improves the combustion of the oil, and prevents the too rapid
carbonization of the wick.
Secondly, in dispensing with the inner lining in such lamps, by allowing the
air to enter at the sides in the usual manner, and pass down to the flame
through perforations in the reflector.
Thirdly, in the filling or supplying the reservoirs of such lamps with oil, and

page_text: which consists in uniting the burner to the supply or feed tube or tubes in such
a manner that the oil may be poured through them into the reservoir, the
oil afterwards flowing to the burner, as usual in such lamps when burning.
Fourthly, in the application of a stop-cock in the supply tube of such lamp,
for the purpose of preventing the oil running down to the burner while the
chamber or reservoir is being filled.
Fifthly, in the application of a screw stopper, for securing the mouth of the
supply pipe when the reservoir is supplied from the bottom.
Sixthly, in so constructing the reflectors of rectangular lamps as to increase
their reflecting surface.
Seventhly, in strengthening the cross piece of railway carriage roofs where
it is usually cut away for receiving the lamps, by introducing two metal plates,
made in such a manuer that they may come together at about an angle of
forty-five degrees round the lamp, and which angle or bevilled surface I plate
or cover with a suitable reflecting metal or enamel, or make it of glass, china,
earthenware, or other vitreous reflecting material.
'
And, lastly, in introducing a reflector around and outside the lamp, and
placed horizontally against the roofs of such carriages.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Howard Ashton Holden in the Great Seal Patent Office
on the 18th April 1855.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, HOWARD
ASHTON HOLDEN, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Carriage Lamp
Manufacturer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Eighteenth day of October, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-four, in the eighteenth year
of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant
unto me, the said Howard Ashton Holden, Her special license that I,
the said Howard Ashton Holden, my executors, administrators, and assigns,"
or such others as I, the said Howard Ashton Holden, my executors,
administrators, or assigns, should at any tinie agree with, and no others,
from time to time and at all times thereafter during the term therein
expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within
the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands,
and Isle of Man, an Invention for "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN ROOF LAMPS

page_text: FOR RAILWAY OR OTHER CARRIAGES, AND FOR PARTS USED IN CONNEXION WITH
THE SAME," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said Howard
Ashton Holden, by an instrument in writing under my hand and seal,
should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention,
and in what manner the same was to be performed, and cause the same to
be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and
immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Howard Ashton Holden, do hereby
declare the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to
be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statements thereof, reference being had to the Drawings hereunto
annexed; and to the figures and letters marked thereon, that is to say :-
.
My improvements consist, firstly, in so constructing roof lamps that I am
enabled to keep the cotton holder cold while burning, and this I effect by
means of a tube or tubes extending down from the outside of the lamp to the
socket of the cotton holder, and thus I am enabled to surround the wick with
a constant supply of cold air, which not only improves the combustion of the
oil (or other lunurious fluid), but prevents the rapid carbonization of the wick,
thus ensuring a brilliant and clear light for a much longer time (after each
trimming and lighting) than is obtained from lamps of the ordinary con-
struction; and this improvement is not only applicable to circular, but also to
rectangular, or other desired form of roof lamps.
Secondly, my improvements relate to circular roof lamps, and consist in dis-
pensing with the usual inner lining. In this case I allow the air to enter in
the ordinary manner, and pass down to the flame through perforations made
around the edge of the reflector, or between the outer edge of the reflector and
glass of the lamp.
Thirdly, my improvements consist in uniting the cotton holder to the supply
and air tubes of such lamps by what is called (or known) as union joints, by
which means I am enabled to reverse the position of the socket or cotton
holder, thereby forming a kind of funnel through which the oil (necessary in
supplying the reservoir) may be poured when the cotton holder may be again
reversed, as well as the reservoir, the oil flowing back again to the burner
through the same supply tube, to supply the flame in the usual way.
Fourthly, my improvements consist in the application of a.stop-cock to the
supply tubes of such lamps when the reservoir is to be supplied with oil from
the top; by this means the oil is prevented running down the supply tube
to the wick while the reservoir is being filled.
1.
-And the fifth part of my improvements in roof lamps relate to the manner

page_text: in which I make the stoppers for closing the hole through which the oil is
poured to supply the reservoir, and for this purpose I use a screw stopper,
united to the top or under side of the reservoir by suitable straps, by which
means the stopper is always attached to the reservoir, and this is a great
convenience in many instances, as the loose stoppers of ordinary lamps
often get mixed in the trimming room of the various railway stations, and
a perfect exclusion of the air is indispensable to the well-burning of such
lamps, and which cannot be insured when the stoppers are mixed.
Sixthly, my improvements in roof lamps refer to what is called rectangular
lamps, and consist in so constructing the reflectors that the greatest amount of
reflecting surface shall be obtained, which, in connection with my improve-
ments, as set forth under the first and third part of this my Specification,
adds greatly to the light given out, as well as to the general appearance of
such lamps.
And, seventhly, my Invention consists in applying strengthening plates to
the cross rails that usually support the roofs of railway carriages, but which
rails are necessarily cut away for the purpose of receiving the lamp down from
the top; these plates I allow to meet around the lamp glass at or about an
angle of forty-five degrees, curved or otherwise, so as to expose the flame of the
lamp as much as possible; in addition to which I plate, enamel, or coat with
any suitable vitreous or other reflecting surface the angles of such plates, so
that this part of the strengthening plates may form reflectors around the lamp.
This plan will be found a great improvement on the ordinary mode (but suit-
able only where one lamp is required to light two compartments), and is
capable of some modification, such as the making the reflectors of any suitable
reflecting material, and fixing them between the iron plates before named, or
making each reflector separate, and uniting them together by the plates.
And, lastly, my Invention consists in the use or application of horizontal or
crown reflectors in connection with the roof lamps of railway or other carriages,
such reflectors being made of any suitable material or shape, according to the
form or position of the lamp used.
And in order that my Invention may be fully understood, and readily carried
into effect, I will proceed to describe the Drawings hereunto annexed, in the
various Figures of which the same letters are used to indicate the same part
as they are represented.

page_text: applied to the same; and Figure 2 represents a transverse section, taken through
the lamp glass at A and B of the same Figure. C, C, is the air tube, with a
trumpet-formed mouth at the top, that it may better suck in or gather the air;
D is the socket for receiving the cotton holder, and to which the tube C is
united in such a way that the air passing down the tube (as represented by the
arrows) may freely pass around it and out at the top, between it and the cotton
holder, which fits loosely in the socket, and rests on the projections E, E. The
arrows around the cotton wick represents the escaping of the air after passing
through the air tube, but the main bulk of the air necessary for supporting the
flame pass into the lamp through a row of holes surrounding the lamp at F, F,
as indicated by the arrows, and pass down between the outer and inner lining
of the lamp, entering the body of the lamp through the holes g, g, g, &c., as
indicated by the barbs of the arrows coming through them, and by the aid of
the chimney H (which carries away all the rarified air), a steady and regular
current is kept up; and I will observe that the top fence, represented at J, J, has
heretofore been placed much higher in this description of lamps, and which had
an injurious effect, whereas by my keeping it in the position shewn I generate
an additional current, as indicated by the arrows passing between its under
edge and the top of the lamp, which greatly facilitates the escape of the rarified
air, and greatly improves the ventilation of the lamp. K is the reflector, united
to the air tube C and supply tube L; the dotted lines m, m, simply indicate
the sectional form of the reflector, to which the chimney is united by solder
or otherwise. N, N, is the oil chamber, represented in section, in order that
it may be seen that the air tube C passes right through it on the inside,
while the chimney, which may be suitably made of tin or sheet iron, ascends
concentricly through without touching it; and O is simply the plug, to be
unscrewed when fresh oil is required.
In order to explain my improvements in roof lamps, named under the second
head of this my Specification, I will observe that I dispense with the inner
lining, as represented at p, p, Figure 1, which enables me to increase the size
of my reflector, as exhibited in a top view at Fig. 3; but in this case it is
necessary to perforate or pierce holes through it around the edge, as repre-
sented in this Figure, to allow the air to descend to the flame, or the reflector
may not entirely fill up the space, in which case the air may pass down between
its edge and the glass or body of the lamp.
Figure 4 represents the interior or working part of the lamp, as exhibited in
connection with the outer case at Fig. 1; but I have drawn this detached, for
the purpose of exhibiting the improvements named under the third head, and
relating to the mode of supplying the reservoir with oil, and which consist in

page_text: uniting the socket D to the supply and air tubes by means of the union joints
9,9, by which I am enabled to reverse the socket D, and turn the reservoir
down when the latter requires filling, and which may now be easily done by
pouring the oil into the socket, which (in this position) forms a funnel for
receiving it.
And the fourth part of my improvements in roof lamps consist in the appli-
cation of a stop-cock to the supply tube, for preventing the oil flowing to the
burner when the reservoir is supplied with oil from the top, as exhibited, at O,
Figure 1, and in which Figure I have represented the stop-cock, in dotted
lines at r.
Figure 5 and 6, Sheet 2, represents my improvements in the stoppers of roof
lamps, as stated under the fifth head of my improvements. S, S, are the straps
or cars, united to the supply pipe by the pins t, t, on which they work, as
exhibited by the dotted lines, Figure 6, the screw head u being tapped, through
the centre of the straps, and then united to the conical stopper, shewn out in
Figure 6, and in at Figure 5, so that when the reservoir requires filling, the
conical stopper is drawn out, as exhibited, and moved in the direction of the
dotted lines, leaving the supply pipe free for receiving the oil when it has to be
brought back to its proper position against the stop. V, and the stopper firmly
screwed in.
And Figure 7, Sheet 1, represent my improvements as stated under my sixth
head, and refer to rectangular lamps, and in which Figure I have represented
the body of the lamp in section, as also the oil chamber A', A', the rest portion
being exhibited in a front view, as it would appear in the lamp, in like manner
as I have represented my improvements in Figure 1; and the advantage of
my improvements as exhibited in this Figure is derived from the position of
the oil chamber, which heretofore have been placed in such lamps below the
flame, occupying much space, and necessarily elevating the burner, which has
been found highly objectionable; whereas iny arrangement (as here exhibited)
enables me to keep the burner low, and to extend down the side reflectors
B', B; and again, by keeping the flame low the light meets the top reflector
C' at a more suitable angle for distributing the light. The arrows d', e¹, and
fg, shew how the lamp is supplied with air, while the air tube H' keeps
the cotton holder cold; and I have also found in this case, as in Figure 1,
that the best result is obtained by observing the position of the fence J', J¹,
as it greatly improves the light, and thoroughly ventilates the lamp by inducing
a strong and continuous current of air to pass through it.
Figure 8 is a transverse section taken through K, K, of the last Figure,
and which exhibits the form of the hole e', g, where the air comes through

page_text: to supply the flame, as indicated by the arrows; and also shewing (in a
sectional form) the reflectors B³, B, and B', B', which I prefer meeting at
or about the angle shewn in the Drawing, as it increases the size of the
reflectors.
Figure 9 is a side and end view of the cotton holder. The springs n', n', may
be soldered on or formed out of the brass of which the cotton holder is made,
as here represented by the dotted lines o¹, o', and afterwards bent up into the
required shape.
Figure 10, Sheet 2, represents the mode in which I strengthen the cross rails
of railway carriages, as named under the seventh head of this my Specifica-
tion; P¹, P¹, being a plate of.iron, brass, or other suitable metal, applied each
side of the rail, and screwed with common screws, or screws with nuts, as seen
in the edge view at Figure 11, the wood part VI, V', being represented as
grained; and I may observe that in making this Drawing I have adhered to
no particular scale, as they can be made to any form or size necessary; and it
will be seen that the bevelled edges of the plato is intended to meet in the
middle of the rail, for the purpose of exposing as much of the light as possible,
while the surfaces of the bevel part Q, Q', may be plated or coated with any
vitreous material, for the purpose of reflecting the light; nor am I confined to
the use of a flat surface in the reflecting part, as that portion may be curved,
as represented at R', R', Figure 11, or corrugated in a radial form; or the
reflector may be made separate, as represented in the top and front view,
Figures 12 and 13, the part S¹ being made of glass, china, or any other
vitreous material, and held in its position by the iron plates, shewn only at
T, T', and T', T', Figure 13.
Figure 14, Sheet 2, represents a reflector drawn according to the eighth or
last part of my Specification, and which may be made of glass, china, or other
suitable plastic material, as also of cast or stamped iron, and enamelled in any
desired colour; and this form of reflector I intend to be screwed or secured against
the roof of railway carriages at that part where the lamp would be required,
and in such a manner that the light and glass of the lamp should pass down
through it, as shewn in dotted lines at Y, Y, Figure 1, in which case this
kind of reflector will not only be beneficial as a reflector, but also to form a
neat and elegant finish around the lamp, and is capable of much diversifica-
tion in design and manner of constructing, as it may be formed of glass, and
cut or moulded in the most approved shape for increasing the reflecting
surface or for deflecting the light; or a series of prisms may be cut in a radial
form and secured to a suitable plate, and which plate may be secured by suit-
able means to the carriage; but in this case I have represented in a broken

page_text: form a brass basil, as at W', W', having a flange at the bottom edge lapping
over the reflector, the upper part of the basil or rim being screwed to the roof
of the carriage, as will be best understood by referring to Figure 15, which
represents part of a section of the reflector and basil, shewing the holes X, X,
by which it may be screwed or secured to the carriage; but as this reflector is
more particularly applicable to circular lamps, I have thought proper to shew
in what manner roof or horizontal reflectors may be applied where rectangular
lamps are used.
A", A", Figure 16, represents a suitable rim, which may be of brass, or brass
plated, or any other suitable material, and which rim may be secured by screws
passing through holes (as here shewn), or by means of pins, soldered to the
reverse side, and passed through holes, and secured by screws on the top
side of the carriage; and B" may be a piece of plate glass (silvered on the
top side), or any other suitable reflector may be used; and Figure 17 simply
represents a section of the last Figure taken through D" and E".
Having thus described the nature of my Invention, and the manner in
which the same may be carried into effect, I wish it understood that I do not
confine myself to the exact shape or proportions as exhibited in the Drawings;
but what I claim as my Invention is,-
Firstly, the general arrangement of circular roof lamps, as exhibited at
Figure 1 and 2, without confining myself to the use of one air tube, as it may
be necessary in some instances to use two or more.
Secondly, in so constructing circular roof lamps that the inner lining may
be dispensed with.
Thirdly, I claim the improvements in roof lamps as exhibited at Q, Q,
Figure 4.
Fourthly, I claim the use of a stop-cock or valve to the supply pipe of
such lamps, for the purpose of preventing the oil flowing down to the burner
while trimming, without any regard to the shape or position of the stop-
cock or valve.
Fifthly, I claim the uniting of the stoppers to the reservoirs of roof lamps,
without confining myself to the exact manner and details, as exhibited at
Figure 6.
Sixthly, I claim the general arrangement or construction of rectangular
lamps, as set forth at Figures 7 and 8.
Seventhly, I claim the improvements in connection with roof lamps,
exhibited at Figures 10, 11, 12, and 13, without any regard to the shape
of such plates or reflectors.
And, lastly, I claim the use of horizontal or crown reflectors, as exhibited at

page_text: Figures 14, 15, 16, and 17, without any regard to the shape or material of
which such reflectors may be made, or to the manner of attaching them to the
roof of railway or other carriages.
In witness whereof, I, the said Howard Ashton Holden, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Seventeenth day of April, One thousand
eight hundred and fifty-five.
HOWARD ASHTON HOLDEN. (L.S.)