Improvements in Automatic Gas Lighters.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 19th Nov., 1897-Accepted, 22nd Jan., 1898
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Automatic Gas Lighters.
(A. communication by THOMAS ADAMS, the younger, of Brooklyn, in the County
of Kings, and State of New York, United States of America).
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, F.C.S., M.I.M.E., of the Agency for Foreign
Patent Solicitors, 6, Lord Street, Liverpool, and 6, Bank Street, Manchester, both
in the County of Lancaster, 118, New Street, Birmingham, in the County of
Warwick, and 322, High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer,
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: -
This invention relates to Automatic Gas Lighters, the construction and advan-
tages of which will be hereinafter set forth, reference being had to the accom-
panying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the burner;
Figure 2, a similar view, showing the lighting attachment in a different relation
to the tip;
Figure 3, a view illustrating a modified form of construction; Figure 4 a side
elevation, showing the operation;
Figures 5, 6 and 7, views illustrative of a different form or embodiment of the
invention; and
Figure 8, a still different embodiment.
Broadly stated, the object of this invention is to produce a self-lighting gas
burner, one which will automatically ignite the gas and then, through the heat
produced by the flame, withdraw the igniting substance from the path or line
of the flame.
It comprises, in combination, a burner, a substance capable of igniting the gas
by contact therewith, and a thermostatic device connected to the burner for
holding the igniting substance.
Referring to the drawings, and particularly to Figure 1, A indicates the burner,
which may be of the ordinary construction, provided with a perforated lug or
projection, B, extending from one side thereof. Adjustably mounted in said lug
is a rod or bar, C, carrying at its upper end a coil, D. Said coil is composed of
two strips of metal united to each other, the metals possessing different co-efficients
of expansion, so that, when the coil becomes heated, it will unwind. The outer
end of the coil is extended upward, and forms an arm, E, to the upper end of
which is secured a basket, F, containing the substance capable of igniting the
gas when coming in contact therewith.
While in the drawing what is termed a basket is shown, my correspondent does
not desire to confine himself thereto, as any form of holder may be employed,
and, in fact, a body of spongy asbestos impregnated with the igniting compound
may be employed, in which case it may not be necessary to employ any basket or
surrounding substance.
In the form illustrated in Figure 1, when the gas is turned on, it will come into
direct contact with the basket, F, and ignite. Immediately this takes place, the
thermostatic action of the coil will be brought into play, and the arm, E, and

page_text: basket, 1, be withdrawn from the path or line of the flame, as indicated in dotted
lines in Figure 4.
With the parts in the relation shown in the said figures, the flame will come
into direct contact with the coil, D, and produce a very quick action of the parts.
The degree to which the flame will be interfered with by the coil under this
form will be found to be very slight that is, the flame will be cut by the coil,
but will be found to reunite as soon as it passes beyond the same.
So soon as the gas is turned off, the coil will become cool, and in so doing will
draw the arm and its basket back into line with the opening in the tip of the
burner, ready to again ignite the gas when it is turned on.
In Figure 2 the opening in the tip is shown as standing in a line parallel with
the coil, and the coil is below the tip. The basket, F, or other igniting device is
in this instance bent slightly over so as to be in line with the gas as it issues
from the burner, but the action is substantially the same as in the former con-
struction.
In Figure 3 are shown two coils, the arms of which are connected at the top and
carry the igniting device. Under this construction the thermostatic coils may be
The action, however,
made of lighter material than in the forms just alluded to.
is the same.
My correspondent is aware that prior to his invention igniting substances have
been held in line with the gas issuing from the burner, but in said devices the
igniting substance has remained stationary, and consequently been enveloped by
or kept in contact with the flame. Under such conditions the substance of neces-
sity deteriorates, and it has been found that such devices will not work successfully
for any period of time.
He is not aware, however, that previous to his invention any one has applied
an igniting device to a burner in such manner that, when the gas is ignited, the
igniting substance will be automatically and positively withdrawn from the path
of the flame, and he desires to be understood as broadly claiming such idea.
The igniting material to be used may be any of the known compounds or
substances which possess the property of absorbing and giving off oxygen, and
causing combustion, such as sponge platinum, platinum black and the like.
Means other than that shown may be employed for holding the coil.
A different embodiment of this invention is shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7, and,
as shown, the thermostatic coil, B¹, occupies a horizontal position, or is in a
plane at right angles to the axis of the burner.
The outer or free end of the coil is bent at right angles, forming a shoulder or
abutment, C, and from this point an arm, D', extends upward in line with the
opening in the tube, when the parts are in the relation shown in Figure 5.
Secured to the upper end of this arm is a basket, E', containing platinum
black or other substance possessing the power of causing the gas to ignite when it
comes in contact therewith. Instead of the basket, any other suitable means may
be employed to bring about the desired result.
To one side of the burner, in line with the opening in the tube, a stop, F¹, is
provided, which extends out in the path of the coil, and, coming in contact with
the end thereof, holds the arm, D¹, in alignment with the tip, and consequently
insures the gas coming in contact with the basket as it issues from the burner.
A similar stop, G, is provided at a point ninety degrees from the stop, F', so
that, when the gas is ignited and the coil expands, the shoulder, C, will come
in contact with the stop, G¹, and prevent further movement of the coil. The
relation of the parts is shown in Figure 6, and it will be noted that the basket
stands to the flat side of the flame and out of contact therewith, so that the
igniting material will not become deteriorated by direct contact with the flame.
The stops, F¹ and G', always insure the parts being held in their proper position.
The operation of the device will be readily understood. When the gas is turned
on it will come into direct contact with the basket and the igniting material con-
tained therein, and will immediately be ignited. So soon as this occurs, the heat

page_text: generated by the flame will act upon the thermostatic coil and cause it to expand,
carrying the arm, D', and the basket, El, around until the shoulder, C, comes in
contact with the stop, G', in which position the coil will be held until the gas is
turned off. Immediately the gas is turned off, the coil begins to cool, and the
basket or igniting device, E¹, will return to its former position, as indicated in
Figure 5, ready to again ignite the gas as it issues from the jet.
In Figure 8 a still further modification is shown.
Referring to said figure, A2 designates a burner, which may be of any of the
ordinary or usual types, to which, at its upper end, is attached or connected an
outstanding lug or projection, 132.
To this lug is attached one end of a thermostatic coil, C2, which, as shown,
extends downwardly and surrounds the burner at a slight distance therefrom.
The coil may be composed of any two metals which have different co-efficients of
expansion, the layers, a and b, being, as shown, superimposed one above the other,
so that the coil will expand and contract in the direction of the length of the
burner.
Connected to the lower end of the coil is an arm or rod, D³, which extends
upwardly to a point above the burner tip and in line with the opening thereof.
At its upper end it is provided with a basket, E, containing a substance capable
of combining with the gas and causing its ignition. The substance employed may
be platinum black, or any other material possessing the property of combining
with the gas as stated. So, too, while a basket has been spoken of as the means
for holding the substance, it is not desired to be understood as being limited
thereto, as other means may be employed to sustain the igniting material.
A rod or arm, F2, similar to rod, D2, is rigidly connected thereto by a ring, G³,
which passes around outside of the coil.
Said arm, F2, also carries at its upper end a basket for holding igniting
material.
Secured to the lower end of the burner is a stop, H2, which serves to limit the
downward movement of the coil due to its expansion when heated.
The normal relation of the parts is shown in full lines in the drawing, the flow
of gas being shut off and the rods and igniting material elevated.
When the gas is turned on it will, as it issues from the tip, come into direct
contact with the igniting substance and burn.
Immediately this takes place, the coils will begin to separate, due to the action
of the heat thereon, as will be well understood, and the rods or arms, D³ and F³,
will be drawn down into the position indicated in dotted lines, the lower ends of the
bars coming into contact with the stop, H2, and the igniting material being with-
drawn from the flame. This position of the parts will be maintained as long as
the flame continues to burn.
So soon as the gas is shut off, the coil will begin to contract, due to the ther-
mostatic action, and the igniting material will be again elevated into a position
ready to ignite the gas when it is again turned on.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to
me by my foreign correspondent, I declare that what I claim is:-
1. In combination with a gas burner, an igniting device therefor, and a
thermostatic connection between said burner and the igniting device.
2. In combination with a gas burner, an igniting device designed to ignite
the gas by contact therewith, and a thermostatic device carrying said igniting
material.
3. In combination with a gas burner, an igniting device designed to ignite
the gas by contact therewith, and means for supporting said igniting device and
for automatically withdrawing said material from the path of the flame when the
gras is ignited.
4. In combination with a gas burner, a thermostatic coil carried thereby, and

page_text: an igniting device also carried by the coil and held in line with the opening in
the burner, substantially as and for the purpose described.
5. In combination with a gas burner, a thermostatic coil adjustably secured
thereto, and an igniting device carried by said coil in line with the opening
in the burner.
6. In combination with a gas burner, a thermostatic coil carried thereby, an arm
extending from the free end of the coil, and an igniting device carried by the
upper end of said bar in line with the opening in the burner.
7. In combination with the burner, A, lug, B, secured thereto, arm, C, adjust-
ably mounted within said lug, thermostatic coil, D, arm, E, extending upwardly
therefrom, and an igniting device carried by the upper end of said arm.
8. In combination with a gas burner, a thermostatic coil mounted thereon in
line with the opening in the burner and designed to come in contact with the
flame as it issues therefrom, and an igniting device carried by the coil, substan-
tially as described.
9. In combination with a gas burner, an igniting device designed to ignite the
gas by contact therewith, and means for supporting said device and drawing it
into and out of alignment with the flame, said means being controlled in its
movement by the heat generated by the flame.
10. In combination with a gas burner, a thermostatic coil connected thereto and
encircling the same at its upper end, and an igniting device carried by the
free end of the coil in line with the opening in the burner.
11. In combination with a gas burner, a thermostatic coil connected thereto
and encircling the same at or near its upper end, an igniting device carried by
the free end of the coil, and stops to limit the movement of the coil, substan-
tially as and for the purpose described.
12. In combination with a gas burner, a thermostatic coil connected thereto
and encircling the same at or near its upper end, an igniting device carried by
the free end of said coil, a stop in line with the opening in the burner, and a
second stop placed at approximately ninety degrees to the first stop.
13. In combination with a gas burner, a thermostatic coil, B1, connected thereto
and encircling the same at or near its upper end, a shoulder, C¹, formed at the
outer end of said coil, arm, D¹, igniting device, E¹, carried by the upper end of
said arm, and stops, F¹ and G¹, connected to the burner, substantially as and
for the purpose described.
14. In combination with a gas burner, a thermostatic coil lying in a horizontal
plane around the upper end of the burner, and an igniting device carried by the
outer end of the coil normally in line with the opening in the burner, whereby,
when the gas is turned on, it will ignite and the coil be caused to expand and
the igniting device withdrawn from the flame, substantially as described.
15. In combination with a gas burner; a thermostatic coil surrounding the
same and connected thereto at one end; and a substance capable of igniting the
gas by coming into contact therewith, carried by the free end of the coil, sub-
stantially as described. .
16. In combination with a gas burner; a thermostatic coil surrounding the
same and connected thereto at one end, said coil consisting of two metals super-
imposed one above the other; and a substance capable of igniting the gas by
coming into direct contact therewith, carried by the free end of the coil, sub-
stantially as described.
17. In combination with a gas burner; a thermostatic coil surrounding the
same and connected thereto at its upper end; a bar or rod connected to the
lower end of the coil extending upwardly in line with the burner; and a sub-
stance capable of igniting the gas by coming into contact therewith, carried by
the upper end of said bar.
18. In combination with a gas burner: a thermostatic coil surrounding the
same and connected thereto at its upper end; a bar or rod connected to the lower
end of the coil extending upwardly in line with the burner; an igniting sub-

page_text: stance carried by the bar; and a stop to limit the downward movement of
the bar.
19. In combination with a gas burner; a thermostatic coil surrounding the
same and connected thereto at its upper end; a bar or rod connected to the
lower end of the coil; a second rod or bar upon the opposite side of the burner:
a connection between said rods; and igniting material carried by the upper
ends of the rods.
20. In combination with a gas burner; a thermostatic coil surrounding the
same and connected thereto at its upper end; a bar or rod connected to the lower
end of the coil; a second rod or bar upon the opposite side of the burner; a
connection between said rods; igniting material carried by the upper ends of
the rods; and a stop at the base of the burner for limiting the downward move-
ment of the rods.
Toted this 18th dose of November 1807