IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR CARBURETTING ATMOSPHERIC AIR
Year: 1871

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to George Haseltine, of the "International Patent
Office," Southampton Buildings, London, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR CARBURETTING ATMOSPHERIC AIR." -A
communication from abroad by Antoine Ernest Dupas and Arthur
Barbarin, both of New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of
America.
Sealed the 11th April 1871, and dated the 22nd February 1871.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said George Haseltine at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on
the 22nd February 1871.
I, GEORGE HASELTINE, of the "International Patent Office," South-
ampton Buildings, London, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for "INPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR CARBURETTING ATMOSPHERIC
AIR," a communication, to be as follows:-
My Invention has for its chief objects the preservation of a uniform
temperature in the hydrocarbon employed in connection with it, no
matter how great may be the changes of the temperature of the external
air in different seasons of the year and varying conditions of the weather; ·

page_text: and a thorough diffusion of the air to be carburetted throughout all
parts of the hydrocarbon, which is employed to convert said air into
an illuminating or heating agent, but it also subserves other important
objects, which I will indicate when I come to describe the particular
parts of my apparatus through the agency of which these objects are i
accomplished.
My Invention, therefore, may in general terms be said to consist in a
provision in carburetting apparatus or machines for preserving uniformity
of temperature in the hydrocarbon by means of an envelopement or
jacket of water around the same, or in lieu of water some other liquid,
semi-liquid, or solid substance, which will produce the same effect, and
in an improved means for diffusing the air to be carburetted throughout
all parts of the hydrocarbon, which means consist of peculiarly con-
structed and appointed rotating floats.
My Invention also presents an improved mode of indicating the 1
quantity of hydrocarbon that is in the carburetter, with the view to the
regulation of the same by means of a stem attachment to the float
in connection with a vertical casing up-rising from the cover of the
carburetter, which casing is provided with a glass disk. The float has
radiating curved hollow arms to conduct the air into the hydrocarbon ¦
in such manner as to develope a centrifugal force which will revolve the
said float and cause it so to diffuse the air as to make it permeate every
portion of the superincumbent hydrocarbon. The carburetter has a
pipe for the passage of the air into the same. This pipe is connected
with the air pump,.and thence leads underneath the carburetter to the
center of the same, and uprises vertically very nearly to the top thereof;
it terminates by a closed extremity, very near to which side holes are
made through its shell for the escape of the air. The top of thic
carburetter being convex these holes are higher than the sides of the
carburetter, and hence at all times they are out of the reach of the
hydrocarbon because above the highest level to which it is ever carried.
This vertical section of the pipe is enclosed and surrounded by the stem
of the diffusing float, which stem is closed at its top, and passes below
the same in order by being filled with the hydrocarbon below the disk
portion of the float to prevent an escape of air at the lower extremity
thereof, which of necessity must be open. The vertical section of thic
said pipe being enveloped by this hollow stem becomes thereby the
axis of the float in the revolution of the latter during the operation of

page_text: the machine. The stem may be expanded from its lower extremity up
to the lower surface of the disk, as shewn at Figure 2, if deemed desirable,
but there is no special need that this shall be done.
The diameter of the encasing stem must be sufficiently greater than
the diameter of the pipe to provide ample space between the inner
surface of the former and the outer surface of the latter for the free
passage of all the air that can be driven by the greatest allowable pressure
through the lateral holes at the top of the vertical section within the
carburetter of the pipe.
Underneath and in contact with the under surface of the disk of the
float four or more curved hollow arms are provided. These arms com-
municate with the open space around the pipe, and afford the only out-
let for the air which is forced into the said pipe. To prevent the air
from passing too rapidly through the perforations in the disk portion of
the float I make the perforations through the said disk near the points
of the escape of the air from the arms very small, and gradually increase
their size with the distance from said points.
. I encircle the perforated disk with a hollow rectangular rim in such
manner that there is a small open space left around the edge of the
disk between the said edge and rim. This rim subserves the purpose of
floating the disk while yet keeping it beneath the surface of the hydro-
carbon, at the same time preventing any improper escape of the air
upward, and also tends to give steadiness to the disk when in action.
The stem is inscribed with lines that completely encircle it, and are pro-
perly marked with numerals to indicate the height of the hydrocarbon,
the said marks being visible through a glass disk. The apparatus is
supplied with carbon and emptied through the same pipe. It is supplied
by pouring in the ordinary way, and emptied by forcing air through
the central pipe. To facilitate this operation and guard against the loss
of the hydrocarbon, I provide an elbow or turn down the end of the
feed pipe so as to form the same into a proper receiver therefor. By
withdrawing the hydrocarbon in this way I dispense with the use of
stop-cocks, and thus avoid the danger which is always incident to their
usc. I am moreover enabled to discharge the hydrocarbon without
removing the carburetter.
When the apparatus or machine is not in operation after having been
once used there will always be more or less condensation of the car-
buretted air, so that if the supply pipe is not cut off from the space in

page_text: which said condensation takes place it is gradually filled with the con-
densed oil until it is completely obstructed thereby.
In my improved arrangement the hydrocarbon itself occupies a position
which, interposes an effectual bar against this evil, and compels the
condensed hydrocarbon to fall back into the same body from which it
was absorbed or taken up by the air.
Another form of my Invention presents several points of difference
from that have just described, whereby I avoid the consequences
resulting from the construction of the latter in some of its parts under
certain circumstances and conditions which are inevitable in the
universal practice or use of my Invention. For example, I construct
my float differently, and thereby gain a greatly increased surface of
hydrocarbon for the air which is to be carburetted to act on, there being
several points of merit developed by the difference of greater or less
value. I have also in this form introduced a provision which is not in
the other, by which the pressure of the carburetted air is exerted or felt
within as well as without the hollow vertical stem in which the air
supply pipe terminates, and I thus prevent the overflowing of said pipe
by the hydrocarbon, and the stoppage of the apparatus which I have
found sometimes happens in the apparatus just described in consequence
of the want therein of such a provision. Still another difference consists
of a means of drawing off as often as necessary any water which may
from condensation or other cause get into the air supply pipe and stop
the passage of the air into the carburetter.
Instead of diffusing the air through the hydrocarbon by means of a
perforated top in the float and four radiating hollow arms underneath,
the same as when my apparatus is constructed as first herein described,
I accomplish this important end by having a closed top, underneath
which I provide four thin metallic curtains of volute or spiral scroll
form. These curtains are so wide and occupy such a relation to the top
of the float that they extend a little below the surface of the hydro-
carbon. The air is forced into them near the centre of the float out to
the annular opening around the top of the float, and between that and
the hollow rim. To extend the surface of the hydrocarbon to be brought
into contact with tho air still farther, I suspend two curtains of fibrous
material in cach of the channels, the same being secured to the top of
the float by metallic holdfasts. By this fastening I establish an open
space between the fibrous curtains, and thus expose both sides of cach

page_text: to the air passing through the channel to be carburetted; and further-
more I have it in my power to solder the same to the top of the float,
and in this way close the holes through which the two points of said
holdfasts have penetrated said top, in order to fulfil the double office
of hanging the curtains and keeping them apart, and so prevent the
escape of any air through the top before it has reached the annular
opening. The fibrous curtains dipping into the hydrocarbon (for they
must hang low enough always to do this) carry a portion of it up to their
very tops, and in fact spread it everywhere over both their surfaces
by their capillary properties, and thus very greatly extend the surfaco
of hydrocarbon, which the air acts upon as it passes along the channels.
In order to prevent the overflowing of the hydrocarbon at the point
of eduction in the vertical section of the air supply pipe, I terminate the
enveloping vertical indicating stem of the float at its lower end at a
point which will maintain it at all times above the level of the hydro-
carbon instead of extending it down near the bottom of the carburetter,
so that the pressure of the carburetted air will be exerted everywhere
alike on the surface of the hydrocarbon.
Experience has proved that at irregular intervals of time, depending
mainly on the condition of the air, the horizontal section of the supply
pipe in the use of the apparatus is completely filled with water condensed
from the air, which of course stops the machine until the same is
withdrawn. I remedy this difficulty when I construct the machine for
use above the ground by connecting with the air pipe at its outer
knuckle a withdrawing pipe provided with a stop-cock. To increase
the containing capacity of the pipe, and thus to prolong the intervals
at which it is necessary to draw off the water, I may carry the said pipe
through one of the hollow legs of the carburetter, and thus convert this
leg into a reservoir or pocket.
A uniform temperature in the hydrocarbon under varying conditions
of temperature and weather is secured in the same way in both forms
of the apparatus, by surrounding the. carburetter with a jacket or
environment of water or other suitable substance. I do this by means
of an outer vessel or receptacle sufficiently larger than the carburetter
to provide several inches of space for the water or whatever may be
used in licu thereof around the carburetter:

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said George Haseltine in the Great Scal Patent Office
on the 16th June 1871.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME I, GEORGE
HASELTINE, of the "International Patent Office," Southampton Buildings,
London, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Twenty-second day of February, in the
year of our Lord One thousand, eight hundred and seventy-one, in the
thirty-fourth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors,
give and grant unto me, the said George Haseltine, Her special licence
that I, the said George Haseltine, iny executors, administrators, and
assigns, or such others as I, the said George Haseltine, my executors,
administrators, and assigns, should at any time 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 " IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS
FOR CARBURETTING ATMOSPHERIC AIR," a communication to me from abroad
by Antoine Ernest Dupas and Arthur Barbarin, both of New Orleans,
Louisiana, United States of America, upon the condition (amongst others)
that I, the said George Haseltine, my executors or administrators, by an
instrument in writing under my, or their, or one of their hands and
seals, 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 George Haseltine, 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
Drawing forming a part of this Specification:-
My Invention has in both the forms in which I construct it for its
chief objects the preservation of a uniform temperature in the hydro-
carbon employed in connection with it no matter how great may be the
changes of the temperature of the external air at different seasons of the

page_text: year or in varying conditions of the weather, and a thorough diffusion of
the air to be carburetted throughout all parts of the hydro-carbon which
is employed to convert said air into an illuminating or heating agent,
but it also subserves other important objects, which I will indicate when
I come to describe the particular parts of my apparatus through the
agency of which these objects are accomplished.
My Invention, therefore, may in general terms be said to consist in a
provision in carburetting machines for preserving uniformity of tempera-
ture in the hydrocarbon by means of an envelopement or jacket of water
around the same, or in lieu of water of some other liquid, semi-liquid, or
solid substance which will produce the same effect, and in an improved
means for diffusing the air to be carburetted throughout all parts of the
hydrocarbon, which means consist of peculiarly constructed and appointed
rotating floats.
My Invention also presents an improved mode of indicating the
quantity of hydrocarbon that is in the carburetter with the view to the
regulation of the same by means of a stem attachment to the float
in connection with a vertical casing uprising from the cover of the
carburetter, which casing is provided with a glass disc.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING.
Figure 1 is a top view of the said apparatus, a part of the cover
being broken away to show a portion of the upper surface of a perforated
revolving diffusing float which I employ in this form of my Invention;
Figure 2 is a vertical section through the centre of the curburetter in
which this form of my float is employed; Figure 3 is a bottom view of
the float showing radiating curved hollow arms which I employ in con-
nection with it to conduct the air into the hydrocarbon in such manner
as to develope a centrifugal force which will revolve the said float and
cause it so to diffuse the air as to make it permeate every portion of the
superincumbent hydrocarbon.
Figures 4, 5, and 6 illustrate a modification of the said Invention
herein-after more fully described.
In Figures 1, 2, and 3, A marks the circular wall or shell of the
carburetter, and B the pipe for the passage of the air into the same.
This pipe is connected with the air pump of whatever kind it may be,
and thence leads underneath the carburetter to the centre of the latter,
when entering the same it uprises vertically very nearly to the top

page_text: thereof, and terminates there by a closed extremity, very near to which
sido holes, as shown in Figure 2, are made through its shell for the
escape of the air out of it. The top of the carburetter being convex
these holes are higher than the sides of the carburetter, and hence at all
times they are out of the reach of the hydrocarbon because above the
highest level to which it is ever carried. Over this vertical section of
the pipe B the diffusing float D is placed by means of a hollow stem E,
which closed at its top passes through the float an inch and a half or more
below the same according to the size of the carburetter in order by
being filled with the hydrocarbon below the disc portion of the float to
prevent an escape of air at the lower extremity thereof, which of necessity
must be open. The vertical section of the pipe B being enveloped by
this hollow stem E becomes thereby the axis of the diffusing flont D in
the revolution of the latter during the operation of the machine. The
stem may be expanded from its lower extremity up to the lower sur-
face of the perforated dise D, as shown at Figure 2, if deemed desirable,
but there is no especial need that this shall be done. The diameter
of the encasing stem E must be sufficiently greater than the diameter
of the pipe B to provide ample space between the inner surface of the
former and the outer surface of the latter for the free passage of all the
air that can be driven by the greatest allowable pressure through the
lateral holes at the top of the vertical section within the carburetter of
the pipe B. Underneath and in contact with the under surface of the
disc D of the float four or more curved hollow arms Fare provided,
as shown in Figure 3. These arms communicate with the open space
around the pipe B and afford the only outlet for the air which is forced
into the pipe B, and from their formation cause the same to impinge
against the hydrocarbon in the best possible manner to produce the
greatest possible development of centrifugal force to revolve the float.
To prevent the too rapid passage of the air through the perforations
in the disc portion of the float and thus to make its diffusion as complete
or widespread as possible, I make the perforations through the said
disc near the points of the escape of the air from the arms F very small,
and gradually increase their size as the distance becomes greater from
said points of escape, as shown in Figures 1 and 3. I encircle the
perforated disc D with a hollow rectangular rim G in such manner that
there is a small open space left around the edge of the disc between the
said edge and rim, as shown on the Drawing. This rim G serves the

page_text: purpose of floating the disc while yet keeping it beneath the surface of
the hydrocarbon, at the same time preventing any considerable escape of
the air upward except through the perforations of the disc and the
narrow annular open space between it and the circumferential edge of
the disc. It also tends to give steadiness to the disc when in action.
The stem E is inscribed with lines that completely encircle it and arc
properly marked with numerals to indicate the height of the hydro-
carbon, the said marks being visible through a glass disc inserted in an
elbow K that projects as shown from the vertical stem or casing I rising
from the centre of the carburetter.
The apparatus is supplied and emptied of carbon through the same
pipe J. It is supplied through the said pipe by simply pouring it in
the ordinary way, and emptied by forcing air through the pipe B, all the
outlets from the carburetter being closed at the time except the pipe J,
until the pressure expels the hydrocarbon through the same. Το
facilitate this operation and guard against the loss of the hydrocarbon
I either provide an elbow or turn down the end of the said pipe instead
so as to form the same into a proper receiver therefor. By withdrawing
the hydrocarbon in this way I dispense with the use of stop-cocks, and
thus avoid the danger which is always incident to their use, especially
when gasoline is the hydrocarbon employed, in consequence of the
extreme liability of such cocks to leak. I am morcover enabled to
discharge the hydrocarbon in this way without removing the carburetter
from the earth or water should it be surrounded by either. When the
machine is not in operation, after having been once used there will
always be more or less condensation of the carburetted air, so that if the
supply pipe is not cut off from the space in which the condensation takes
place it is gradually filled with the condensed oil until it is completely
obstructed thereby.
-
In my improved arrangement it will be observed that the hydrocarbon
itself occupies a position which interposes an effectual bar against this
evil, and compels the condensed hydrocarbon to fall back into the same
body from which it was absorbed or taken up by the air, as will be
plainly seen by reference to Figure 2. The downward extension of the
stem E below the float into which the hydrocarbon of course enters
compels the air the moment its pressure forces the liquid below the
openings in the arms F to pass through the said openings, and hence
secures the rotation of the float under all conditions and circumstances.

page_text: The other form of this Invention presents several points of difference
from that just described, whereby I avoid the consequences resulting
from the construction of the latter in some of its parts under certain
circumstances and conditions which are inevitable in the universal
practice or use of my Invention. For example, I construct the said float
differently and thereby gain a greatly increased surface of hydro-carbon
for the air which is to be carburetted to act on, there being several points
of merit developed by the difference of greater or less value. I have also.
in this form introduced a provision which is not in the other, whereby
the pressure of the carburetted air is exerted or felt within as well as
without the hollow vertical stem in which the air supply pipe terminates,
and I thus prevent the overflowing of the said pipe by the hydrocarbon
and the stoppage of the apparatus which I have found sometimes happens
in the apparatus just described in consequence of the want therein of
such a provision.
Still another difference consists in a means of drawing off as often as
necessary, any water which may from condensation or other cause get
into the air supply pipe and stop the passage of the air into the
carburetter.
But a reference to Figures 4, 5, and 6 will at once indicate the
distinctive characteristics of this form of the said apparatus; Figure 4
being a top view of the recipient for the hydrocarbon; Figure 5 a
vertical section through the centre of the whole machine, and Figure 6 a
bottom view of the float.
Instead of diffusing the air through the hydrocarbon by means of a
perforated top in the float and four radiating hollow arms underneath
the same, as when my apparatus is constructed on the plan shown in
Figures 1, 2, and 3, I accomplish this important end by having a closed
top A, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, underneath which I provide four
thin metallic curtains a of volute or spiral scroll form, as seen at Figure 6.
These curtains are wide enough and occupy such a relation to the top A
of the float, that they extend a little below the surface of the hydro-
carbon. In doing this they establish four volute and very extended
channels b, see Figures 5 and 6, for the conduit of the air from the
points at which it is forced into them at e'near the centre of the float
out to the annular opening d, around the top of the float, and between
that and the hollow rim B. To extend the surface of the hydrocarbon
to be brought into contact with the air still further, I suspend two

page_text: curtains of fibrous material, a variety of cotton fabrics will answer the
purpose, in each of the channels b, as shown at e, Figure 5. The two
fibrous curtains that are suspended in each channel are formed of one
piece of cloth folded in the middle and secured to the top of the float by
metallic holdfasts, the same being substantially similar to the metallic
brackets commonly used for clamping a number of sheets of paper
together. My object in employing this kind of fastening is to establish
an open space between the fibrous curtains and thus to expose both sides
of each to the air passing through the channel 6 to be carburetted, and
furthermore to have it in my power to solder the same to the top A of
the float, as shewn at i, Figure 4, and in this way to close the holes
through which the two points of the holdfasts have penetrated the said
top in order to fulfil the double office of hanging the curtains and keeping
them apart, and so prevent the escape of any air through the top before
it has reached the annular opening d. The fibrous curtains dipping into
the hydrocarbon (for they must hang low enough always to do this) carry
a portion of it quite up to their tops, and in fact spread it everywhero
over both their surfaces by their capillary properties, and thus very
greatly extend the surface of the hydrocarbon, which the air acts upon
as it passes along the channels b, and this as I have stated before is
the reason I employ such curtains and arrange them in the manner
described.
In order to prevent the overflowing of the hydrocarbon at the point
of eduction in the vertical section of the air supply pipe I terminate the
enveloping vertical indicating stem D of the float at its lower end at a
point which will maintain it at all times above the level of the hydro-
carbon instead of extending it down near the bottom of the carburetter,
as in the case of my apparatus when constructed as first herein described
and as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, so that the pressure of the carburetted
air will be exerted everywhere alike on the surface of the hydrocarbon,
and hence preserve a level and smooth surface in the same. The mode
of indicating the height of the hydrocarbon is precisely the same as that
described in connection with the apparatus constructed as shown in
Figures 1, 2, and 3.
Experience has proved that at irregular intervals of time, depending
mainly on the condition of the air, the horizontal section E of the supply
pipe in the use of the apparatus is completely filled with water condensed
from the air, which of course stops the machine until the same is with-

page_text: drawn, I remedy this difficulty when I construct the machine for use
above the ground, and as shown at Figures 4, 5, and 6, by connecting
with the air pipe at its outer knuckle a withdrawing pipe F provided
with a stop-cock G, as shown in Figure 5. To increase the containing
capacity of the pipe F and thus to prolong the intervals at which it is
necessary to draw off the water beyond what they must needs be in the
arrangement shown in the Drawing, I may carry the said. pipe F
through one of the hollow legs II of the carburetter, and thus convert
this leg into a reservoir or pocket sufficiently ample to hold all the con-
densed water, which the constant operation of the machine for a week
or more would deposit in the supply pipe. The upper disc M. over the
top A of the float is not absolutely necessary and I may or may not use
it according to circumstances and the exigencies of the occasion.
A uniform temperature in the hydrocarbon under varying conditions
of temperature and weather is secured in the same way in both forms of
the apparatus by surrounding the carburetter with a jacket or environ-
ment of water or other suitable substance, I do this by means of an outer
vessel or receptacle, as shown in Figure 5, which is sufficiently larger
than the carburetter to provide several inches of space for the water or
whatever may be used in lieu thereof around the carburetter.
In all other respects than in the particulars pointed out, my apparatus
in both the forms herein described is substantially the same in its
construction and modus operandi.
.
Having thus fully described the said Invention, as communicated to
me by my foreign correspondents, I claim,-
First. A water jacket or equivalent contrivance in connection with
both the forms of apparatus described herein for the purpose of preserving
uniformity of temperature in the hydrocarbon employed to carburet
atmospheric air.
Second. The revolving float composed of a disc D perforated in the
manner herein described, a rectangular hollow or tube like annular
rim G, and a stem E when in other respects the apparatus is constructed
and operates as herein described.
Third. The perforated disc D provided with a rim G and graduated
stem E in combination with a casing I when the latter is provided
with a glass disc as herein described and for the purpose set forth.

page_text: Fourth. The volute or spiral scroll metallic curtains a in connection
with duplicate curtains e of fibrous material in the channels in
combination with a float as herein described for the purposes set
forth.
Fifth. The mode of fastening the fibrous curtains e underneath the top
of the float, and of holding them apart from each other by means of
metallic holdfasts i, as herein described.
'
Sixth. Terminating the stem D at a point above the hydrocarbon, as
shown at Figure 5, for the purpose set forth.
Seventh. The pipe F provided with a stop-cock G when the same is
used in connection with a carburetter, substantially as described in
reference to Figure 5, for the purpose set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said George Haseltine, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Thirteenth day of May, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-one.
Witness,
WM. ROBT. LAKE.
GEORGE HASELTINE. (L.S.)