IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO LIGHTING BY ILLUMINATING GASES, AND APPARATUS TO BE EMPLOYED THEREFOR
Year: 1879

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Walters and Edward Davies, both of Liverpool, in
the County of Lancaster, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND
RELATING TO LIGHTING BY ILLUMINATING GASES, AND APPARATUS TO BE
EMPLOYED THEREFOR."
Sealed the 8th July 1879, and dated the 29th April 1879.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Waltors and Edward
Davies at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 29th April
1879.
JOHN WALTERS and EDWARD DAVIES, both of Liverpool, in the County of
Lancaster. "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO LIGHTING BY ILLUMINATING
GASES, AND APPARATUS TO BE EMPLOYED THEREFOR."
This Invention relates to an improved method of and apparatus for producing a
highly illuminating light suitable for street lamps, churches, factories, theatres,
squares, offices, dwelling houses, and wherever ordinary gas as now applied is
used.
The method and appliances which constitute our Invention, and by which we
produce our improved light are:-The method is that of using ordinary coal gas
mixed with heated atmospheric air (to which may be added oxygen, hydrogen, or
other gas), and ignited at their point of impact upon a slab or disc of precipitated
chalk, plaster of Paris, lime, or composition suitable for withstanding an intense
heat. The apparatus for carrying our Invention into practice consists of a coil pipe
to convey the coal gas to the point of combustion, and a coil of air pipe to lead the
atmospheric air to the same point, namely, to that point where the gas and air mix,
are ignited, and impinge against the disc of lime or other material. In connection
with the gas and air pipes referred to there may be a third pipe leading from a
chamber, which chamber contains a mixture from which oxygen or other gas that
will add to the intensness of the light may be generated. The three pipes referred
to are subjected to the application of heat from suitable gas jet, which may also
serve to heat the said generating chamber, so that the coal gas, atmospheric air,

page_text: and other gas are heated to any required degree before they ignite. The atmospherio
air is supplied under pressure through a suitable regulating valve forming part of
the apparatus. The oxygen gas may, when the air is supplied under pressure and
heated, be dispensed with, and the coal gas and atmospheric air used together
simply, but the coal gas and atmospheric air must one or both be highly heated
before ignition. The air under pressure may be supplied from a blower, as herein-
after described, and.if necessary the coal gas may be supplied at a higher pressure
than the ordinary service.
We would have it understood that the slabs of precipitated chalk and plaster of
Paris compound and the burners may be multiplied, as desired, for producing any
number of lights, and for throwing the light in any straight, round, or curved
direction, or for throwing the light upwards or downwards, as may be required.
The following may be enumerated amongst the improvements which constitute
our Invention-First. An improved apparatus for producing an intense light
suitable for lighting purposes generally.
Second. Improvements in apparatus for using any number of lights required, each
and all of such apparatus having an air regulating pressure valve, and if oxygen or
other gas as well as atmospheric air is used the apparatus to have a reservoir to
contain and generate such gas, such gas being heated by a suitable burner or
otherwise.
Third. Adapting burners to be used upside down, or in any other way necessary
for throwing or diffusing the light in any required direction.
Fourth. The application of a blower for compressing the atmospheric air, such
blower being worked by springs or weights, and wound up when required.
Fifth. In certain improved moulds and apparatus connected therewith for making
the discs or other shaped slabs of lime compound. The mould is composed of a
cylinder and piston compressed by a small hydraulic pump. The discs are made
from precipitated chalk, prepared chalk, and plaster of Paris. We can also use
prepared asbestos or other suitable material.
Sixth. In certain improvements in lampposts, in which are contained the blower
and lighting apparatus, so that such blower being wound up it will go for a stated
time. The lamppost is formed thus-It has projections inside to carry the blower,
and clockwork for working the blower; it also has a door on the side of the lamp
post to get at and to wind the clockwork. The clockwork and blower can be put
in any part of the lamppost suitable.
Seventh. Improvements in producing light on an extended scale, so that stationary
or other engines may be used for forcing the air and gases that may be required
long distances.
Eighth. So arranging the lighting apparatus that the light will be automatically
extinguished at any given time. We accomplish this by the clockwork aforesaid.
Ninth. Of a self acting lighting apparatus for igniting the gas at the burners
when the blowing mechanism is started. Such lighting apparatus consists of a
wheel or other shaped block coated with emery or other suitable composition to rub
against, or be rubbed by a lighting fulminate suitable for the purpose.
Tenth. Slowly revolving the discs of lime compound, and thereby increasing their
durability.
Eleventh. Apparatus consisting of coils of pipe of suitable form, by which the air
or air and gas or gases can be heated in a stove or other fire, or by gas, at any
given point from which the air or gas may be conveyed to any given point where
it is to be applied.