Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 15th Nov., 1887
Specification Accepted, 16th Dec., 1887
A communication from abroad by BERNARD JOSEPH M. MENGE, of Cincinnati, Ohio,
United States of America, Clergyman.
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, and 323, 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 an improvement in lamps in which vegetable oils are to be
used, and especially to that class known as sanctuary lamps.
Its object is to provide a lamp which is automatic in its action, so that when it is
once filled and properly regulated it will continue to burn, giving a regular brilliant
light for a long time, requiring but little attention.
The invention consists in a peculiar construction of the lamp, whereby the oil is
automatically fed to the wick vase, kept in a liquid state during varying temperatures,
and the flame supplied with the requisite amount of oxygen for the volume of light
required. It consists also of means to automatically cut off the supply of oil to the
wick vase when it is nearly filled, and in case an excess of oil should enter the vase,
provision is made for the surplus, so that waste and uncleanliness is avoided. It also
consists of peculiar mechanism which operates automatically at regular predetermined
intervals to trim the wick, dispose of the wick, crust, and raise the wick before it is
trimmed.
The lamp in its general construction comprises an oil reservoir located above the
flame, a wick vase connected to the reservoir by two tubes, one being the oil feed
tube, and the other the air supply tube; a spring actuated movement located at the
rear of the wick vase and arranged to operate a wick raising stem and wick trimming
device or snuffers, whereby the wick is intermittently trimmed and raised ; a drip
pan or overflow vessel in which the lamp is pivoted and a glass encasing globe or
shell; and registers arranged with it to regulate the admission of air to the lamp.

page_text: The invention will be first fully described in connection with the accompanying
drawings, and then particularly referred to and pointed out in the claims.
Referring to the drawings, in which like parts are indicated by similar reference
letters wherever they occur throughout the various views :
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the improved lamp, the encasing shell being
indicated by dotted line.
Figure 2 is a view of the same, partly in central vertical section, and partly in
elevation.
Figure 3 is a plan view on a diminished scale of the top of the reservoir.
Figure 4 is a plan view of the top of the external case also on a diminished scale.
Figure 5 is a plan view through line of Figure 2. In this view the reservoir
and case top of the spring movement are removed.
Figure 6 is a sectional view of the wick vase through line y y of Figure 2, and a
detail plan view of part of the spring movement, showing its relative position to the
wick vase.
Figure 7 is a front view of the spring movement with the cap removed.
Figure 8 is a rear view of the wick vase.
Figure 9 is a plan view of the removable cap-plate covering the wick vase.
Figure 10 is a central edge elevation of the same.
Figure 11 is a central detail view of the snuffers.
All of the above views except Figures 3 and 4 are drawn to about full size.
Referring to the parts, A is the glass case which encloses the lamp. On top of this
is a metal ring or frame B which is provided with a hinged cover C, the centre of
which is a perforated disk of metal or a fine wire netting, which, while it protects the
lamp from dust and insects, permits the free escape of the gaseous products of
combustion. The cover is large enough to allow the ready removal of the lamp.
The glass case A is perforated at a, and fitted around the line of these perforations
with a metal hoop af, which is correspondingly perforated. The ring a¹ is movable
around the case, so that the perforations a in the globe, and the corresponding
perforations in the ring a¹ may be brought to register truly, as shown in Fig. 2, or
the openings, a, be more or less closed to regulate the supply of oxygen to the lamp.
There are also perforations, a, near the upper part of the glass case to receive hooks
for suspending the lamp, and there are also depressions in the feet or base to receive
steady pins and retain the lamp against accident or displacement when resting upon a
shelf or bracket. The upper reservoir D and the wick vase E are detachably con-
nected by the tubes F and G. The tula F, which is the oil supply tube, extend from
the reservoir to near the bottom of the wick vase. The fresh supply of oil is thus
intrale
Mommy the of
and prevent as mitch
settling. is the tube which supplies air to the respir D to effect the flow of of
from it to the wick vase. The lower end of this tube terminates in an enlarged bulb,
which extends down a short distance into the vase E. Its lower elge is notched to
permit the oil to drip freely from it and thus avoid liability of its settling around the
end of the tube and clogging it. The upper end of the air tube terminates in a cone-
shaped cap to permit the oil to drip off into the reservoir and prevent its clogging the
small aperture in the apex of the cone which admits air into the reservoir. This small
aperture permits sufficient air to enter the reservoir to insure a requisite flow to the
wick vase, and as the tube is in proximity to the lamp flame the air entering the
reservoir will be heated on its passage and assist to keep the oil in a liquid state.
The oil supply tube F is provided with a faucet F1, the stem of which extends
up through a stuffing box f, and above the top of the reservoir its upper end
terminates in a key seat by which it is turned, and its upper end is provided with
an index finger, which in connection with a dial 3, surrounding the stem, enables
the attendant to regulate the supply of oil to the wick vase. The top of the tube F
and the dial finger and valve stem are covered by screw caps f4 and g². The wick
vase with its attachments is pivoted in a drip pan H by means of a cross strip or
plate A, which is secured to the bottom of the wick vase E by set screws. The plate /
has secured to it downwardly projecting screw ', which passes through a central

page_text: upward extension h². The wick vase and drip pan are connected by a nut ½³, secured
on screw h¹, underneath the upward extension.
Within the wick vase is an overflow tube I, which passes through the bottom of the
wick vase and empties into the drip pan. The upper end of this tube oxtends above
the lower end of the bulb G', which is upon the lower end of the air supply tube G.
Ordinarily the oil coming up the bulb G₁, will cut off the supply of air to the reservoir
and prevent a further supply to the wick vase, but should the oil still feed down from
any cause, the surplus will be discharged through tube I into the drip pan H, and as
it is readily detached from the wick vase, the oil collected in the pan may be returned
to the reservoir D.
The reservoir D has a central flue d passing through it, the upper portion of which
flue is provided with a damper or valve d', to regulate the escape of heat, the flue
and valve being located directly over the lamp flame. The base of the reservoir D
surrounding the flue is cone-shaped and highly polished to serve as a reflector. The
top of the reservoir is provided with a capped opening d², through which the reservoir
is kept supplied with oil. The top is also provided with a handle J, by which the
lamp is readily removed from and returned to its case.
On the top of the vase E are two short tubes e opening into the vase for the
admission of air.
The snuffer blades K, K', are pivoted upon a disk k, which has a downwardly
projecting square or angular stem k¹, to enter a corresponding socket in the top of
the wick vase.
The disk has also an upwardly projecting headed pin k², by which the
disk and snuffers are readily detached or lifted out. The blades of the snuffers project
beyond the wick vase. The one K has an upwardly projecting pin k³, and the other K³,
has a downwardly projecting pin, as shown by dotted line, Figure 5. These pins
are to be acted upon by pins projecting horizontally from a disk actuated by the
spring movement to snap the blades together and snuff the wick, as will be hereinafter
described. The snuffer blades after snuffing the wick are thrown suddenly apart by
the U shaped spring k, the loop of which passes around and in a groove in the disk k4,
and has its ends looped in eyes underneath the blades. The snuffer blades are sharpened
in circular indentations to more easily sever the crust, and are also perforated for the
double purpose of preventing the extinguishing of the light and to throw the removed
crust out from the wick when the blades are suddenly thrown apart by the spring k
The wick raising devices consist of a shaft 1, which passes through a stuffing box 1,
to prevent oil from leaking from the wick vase. Upon the shaft, outside the vase is
secured a ratchet wheel L, and upon its inner end is a spur wheel 12, which passes
through a slot in the wick stem 13, and presses against the wick . Upon the opposite
side of the wick is a grooved wheel 1, which passing through a slot in the wick tube
presses the wick against the spur wheel 12, and insures its grip upon the wick so that
it is sure to be elevated as the wheel 2, is turned.
The top of the vase is provided with a cover composed of two parts M, M, united
by a spring hinge between the plates which keeps them together. The plates when
together, as in Figure 9 have perforations to surround the wick stem and snuffer disk.
The spring movement which actuates the snuffers and wick raising stem is enclosed in
a case N, at the rear of the wick vase. It is provided with a main spring going
barrel which is controlled by a balance wheel to which it is connected by a train of
wheels 0, similar to a time movement, and a supplementary spring going barrel 0¹,
which is controlled by the main going barrel. The last pinion of the main train
engages directly with the large spur wheel p, upon the main shaft p¹, of the spring
barrel O. Connected to this wheel p is a ratchet wheel q, which is engaged by a
tappet, which tappet is secured upon a shaft having its bearings in the case N.
Upon the same shaft are secured a pinion ¹, which meshes with the spur wheel of the
supplementary going barrel O¹, and another gear wheel, which meshes with gear
wheel S, which is secured upon shaft s, which shaft projects out through the case to
receive the tappet, t, which actuates the snuffers and wick stem. The disk t, has two
pins, t, projecting from it, which, when the disk is rotated half a revolution strikes
the pins projecting at right angles from the rear blades of the snuffers and actuates

page_text: the blades to snuff the wick. From the periphery of this disk two points, t², project,
which are arranged in advance of the pins, t, so that when the disk is rotated a half
revolution one of these teeth strikes the ratchet wheel L and moves it the distance of
one tooth, turning the wick stem and raising the wick at the same instant that the
wick is snuffed. In order to prevent the ratchet L, moving more than the distance of
one tooth, a spring pressed pawl, 1, is pivoted to bear upon it and act as a brake.
The going barrels are the same as those ordinarily used in time movements and
require no specific description.
Now, it will be seen by reference to Fig. 7 that when the ratchet wheel q, is rotated
in the direction indicated by the arrow, and travels the distance of one tooth which
will require about two hours time, the point of the tappet r, which engages the tooth
will be released, and the force of the spring in barrel Ó' will rapidly revolve the
tappet half a revolution, or until its opposite point engages the next tooth of the
ratchet . This operation raises the wick, snuffs it, and as the snuffers spring open,
dispose of the wick crust. The force of the spring in the barrel O¹ is also exerted
upon the ratchet q, through the point or tappet r, so that the force of both springs are
exerted upon the train of wheels forming the time movement. There is also arranged
a brake (figure 7) in proximity to the balance wheel of the time movement, the
shaft of which extends outside the case, so that, by turning it down to bear upon the
periphery of the balance wheel the time movement will be stopped, whenever, from
any cause, it may be necessary. The brake is thrown back, as shown in dotted line to
release the movement.
The operation of the improved lamp is as follows: the parts being arranged in the
position shown, the reservoir is filled or nearly filled with oil through the opening in
the top, the faucet F¹ being left open until the wick vase is nearly filled. Now, the
spring being wound up by a key applied upon the going barrel shafts, o¹ o², the lamp
lighted, the faucet F1 regulated to feed the requisite amount of oil, the lamp is placed
within its case. Should the oil fed to the wick vase be insufficient, or in excess, it
can be readily regulated by turning the faucet plug in the direction desired. The
time movement may be regulated to run without winding for any time desired, usually
about twelve days, and when properly regulated the lamp will not require attention
oftener, and may be adjusted to run a much longer time.
:
The invention is shown in the form deemed most practical for the purpose intended,
to wit a sanctuary or family lamp, but it is desired that it should be understood that
the invention is notaite to the act form shown, as in re mechanical changes or
variations which will accomplish the same result in substantially the same way aro
within the spirit and cope of the favention.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion 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 a lamp of the character described the combination of the wick vase, the oil
reservoir located above it, and the tube for feeding oil from said reservoir to the wick
vase, and the air supply tube for effecting a flow of oil from said reservoir to said wick
vase, said reservoir and wick vase being connected by said air and oil tubes, sub-
stantially as hereinbefore set forth.
2. The combination substantially as hereinbefore set forth of the wick vase, the
reservoir located above it, the oil supply tube and air supply tube connecting said vase
and reservoir, the catch basin underneath said wick vase, and the overflow tube
leading from the top of the vase to the catch basin.
3. The combination of the wick vase, the reservoir located above it, the oil and air
supply tubes connecting said vase and reservoir, the catch basin underneath said wick
vase and the overflow pipe leading from the top of said pipe to the basin, the said
wick vase reservoir and basin being detachably connected substantially as shown and
described.
4. A lamp composed of the upper oil reservoir and the wick vase beneath the oil
and air pipes connecting the two, the overflow pipe and catch basin, said vase being

page_text: pivoted in the catch basin and combined to operate substantially as specified.
5. In combination, the lamp consisting of the reservoir D, the wick vase, the oil
tube F and air tube G, the basin upturned and perforated in the centre, the pivot
projecting down from said vase through the basin and the nut securing said parts
together, whereby said lamp is movable upon said pivot within the basin, substantially
as described.
6. The combination of the oil reservoir, the wick vase the oil and air tubes F
and G, with the overflow pipe and the catch basin substantially as described.
7. The combination of the reservoir, the vase beneath it, the tube G provided at its
upper end with a perforated cone top, and terminating at its lower end within the
vase in a bulb, G, with an oil supply tube leading from the reservoir to near the
bottom of said vase, and means such as shown for regulating the flow of oil from
said reservoir to the vase, substantially as shown and described.
8. The combination of the wick vase, the reservoir D above it, the air and oil tubes
connecting them, said oil tube being provided with a faucet F1, regulating stem, and
dial finger, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
9. The combination of the oil reservoir, the wick vase located beneath it, the oil and
air tubes connecting the two, said reservoir having a flue or passage provided with a
register, the burner of said vase being located beneath said reservoir, and in line with
said fluc or passage, for the purpose set forth.
10. The combination of the oil reservoir and wick vase, the oil and air tubes
connecting the same, said reservoir having a central flue above the burner and having
its bottom cone-shaped to serve as a reflector, substantially as shown and
described.
11. The combination with a lamp as described of an enveloping glass case A
entirely surrounding the lamp except at the top, and being perforated at a, substan-
tially as and for the purpose set forth.
12. The combination with a lamp of the character described of an enveloping glass
case A, surrounding said lamp, said case being perforated at a, and the perforated
movable ring, a', the perforations in said case and ring being arranged to serve as a
register to regulate the supply of air to said lamp, substantially as and for the
purpose set forth.
13. In combination with a lamp substantially as described the glass case A,
perforated at a, the metal top E, provided with a hinged cover C, and the perforated
central portion to permit the escape of the gases.
14. The combination of the wick vase, the catch basin and overflow pipe leading
from said vase to the basin, said vase wholly covering said basin, substantially as
shown and described.
15. In a lamp the combination of the wick vase and its wick tube, the snuffers
pivoted in a position to trim the wick, a wick raising device having its stem
extending through said vase and provided with an actuating wheel with a mechanism
such as described to actuate the snuffers and wick stem at regular intervals.
16. A lamp having a wick trimming device composed of two pivoted limbs, one
having an upwardly projecting pin, and the other a downwardly projecting pin, com-
bined with an escapement and ratchet wheel having pins to operate upon the pins of
said trimming device, whereby the said trimming device is operated at regular intervals
substantially as shown and described.
17. In a lamp, a trimming device consisting of two members each pivoted inde-
pendently of the other and at the rear of the wick vase, combined with a spring
to rapidly separate the forward ends of the trimmers after the wick crust is removed,
a wick tube, wick raising wheel and its shaft, and mechanism whereby said trimmers
will be operated intermittently at regular intervals, to trim the wick substantially as
described.
18. The combination with a lamp wick tube of a pair of snuffers operated by
mechanism as described, each member of said snuffers having indented cutting edges
and perforated blades whereby the wick will be snuffed and the wick crust thrown
laterally from them substantially as described.

page_text: 19. The combination of the wick tube, the grooved wheel, 15, spur wheel, 12, the
packing box, the ratchet wheel L, and the wick vase whereby the wick raising stem
is rotated at regular intervals, substantially as described.
20. In a lamp a wick trimming device consisting of two members, each pivoted
independently of the other, a spring to spread the two apart, combined with the
operating mechanism and the wick tube, substantially in the manner and for the
purpose set forth.
21. In a lamp, a wick raising device and a wick trimming device combined with
the wick tube and the operating mechanism consisting of a main spring going barrel,
and a supplementary spring going barrel, the snuffer and wick raising tappets con-
necting said spring barrels, whereby the force of both springs is exerted to operate the
time movement, wick raiser and trimmers, substantially as shown and described.
22. In a lamp the combination of the wick vase, wick raising and wick trimming
devices connected therewith and a spring actuated mechanical movement in proximity
to said vase to actuate the wick raiser and trimmer, said movement being provided
with a brake having an external key stem so arranged that when partially turned it
will bind upon the movement and stop it, substantially as hereinbefore set forth.
Dated this 14th day of November 1887.
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Agents for the Applicant.