Year: 1888

page_text: 1, ARTHUR KITSON, of Philadelphia, County of Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania,
United States of America, 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 carbureting gas lamps, adapted particularly for enriching.
a heavy combustible gas with the vapors of a solid crystalline hydrocarbon.
Hertofore, in enriching gas lamps where solid hydrocarbons have been used, it has
been customary to liquefy the top layer of the hydrocarbon in the vessel by conveying
heat to it directly, by the heated gas, or by conduction by means of heated metal
inserted in the material, or by liquefying the entire mass of hydrocarbon in the
vessel; whilst the gas requiring to be enriched has hitherto been brought in contact
with the top layer of hydrocarbon where it has mixed with the volatilized matter.
When, however, a sufficient quantity of hydrocarbon vapor is injected, or otherwise
conducted, into the burner tube in accordance with my invention, it will burn freely
with any kind of combustible gas, producing a flame of great brilliancy. In the
methods hertofore employed, considerable time, varying from fifteen to thirty minutes,
has elapsed after lighting the burners, before the process of carburation commenced.
In cases where the gas pressure has been very low, the process has failed to act
completely; and with a consumption of less than three feet per hour, no lamp,
hitherto constructed, has been able to operate successfully.
While it is quite desirable to enrich and fit the low-grade combustible gases, such
as producer-gas or mixtures thereof with water-gas, for illuminating purposes, it has
been found impracticable to accomplish this object with the carbureting attachments
now in use, since they are constructed to conduct gas up to the burners from the
carbureting vessel, and are for enriching coal-gas requiring only a small addition of
illuminants. Coal-gas possesses sufficient affinity for the vapors of naphthaline used
in these lamps, to carry the proper proportion thereof up to the burners, but producer
gas, now largely used in manufacturing establishments for heating purposes is not
only almost without illuminating qualities, but contains a comparatively large per cent.
of nitrogen and other heavy gas, which have no affinity for the hydrocarbon vapors
and will not therefore, be enriched in the ordinary lamp to a sufficient degree to yield,
in combustion, the necessary illuminating power.

page_text: The object of my invention is, therefore, to provide means, in addition to the gas
itself, for conducting hydrocarbon fluid or vapors directly into the burner-tube and
down to the burner, so as to produce a brilliant light in conjunction with the non-
illuminating heating gas; also, to provide a method of carburation which will operate
effectively with every kind of combustible gas, which will work well on very low gas
pressures, and which will carburet a small quantity of gas as effectively as a large
quantity. Another object is to simplify the construction of the lamp and make it
compact and convenient to manipulate; and further, to provide for quickly starting
the carbureting operation after lighting the gas at the burner.
In carrying out my invention according to one plan of operation, I cause the bottom
layer of crystalline hydrocarbon to be liquefied by heat, and conduct a thin stream
of the liquid by gravity into a tube or chamber, containing a capillary material and
which is heated by the flame of a burner, and through which the gas to be enriched
or carbureted passes, on its way to the illuminating burner. In this chamber, leading
to the burner, the liquid becomes instantly vaporized by the heat and the resulting
vapor is carried on down to the burner.
According to another plan of operation in connection with a slightly modified
construction of lamp, I provide for melting a portion of the solid hydrocarbon and
conducting the liquid by a fibrous capillary conductor, into the heated descending
burner-tube, wherein the vapors given off from such capillary conductor, mingle with
the gas to be enriched and flow readily therewith down to the burner. As soon as
the burner is lighted, the small amount of hydrocarbon lodged in the vaporizing
chamber or capillary conductor in the burner-tube, is vaporized and the carbureting
operation immediately commenced and a brilliant light is yielded almost from
the start.
My invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which :-
Figure 1, represents a vertical section of the lamp with the pipes in elevation.
Figure 2, represents a vertical section of the lamp of modified form. Figure 3,
represents, on enlarged scale, a sectional detail of the three-way valve used for
admitting both carbureted and uncarbureted gas, in varying proportions, to the
burner.
Referring first to the form of lamp shown in figure 1,-A, designates the hydro-
carbon reservoir, to the bottom of which connects a metallic rod or bar R, which also
connects with the vaporizing and carbureting tube or chamber E. The main gas
supply pipe P, connects with the three-way valve C, and to this valve are attached
pipes p, pone of which, p, connects with vaporizing chamber E, near the connection
of the liquid supply pipe, and the other one of which, p¹, connects with such chamber
close to the outlet of the burner-pipe m. A metal casting K, having a vertical
passage and a valve k, connects the bottom of chamber A, with liquid pipe f. A
small screws, serves to contract the passage in casting K, and thus regulate the
flow of liquid to chamber E. A piece of fine wire gauze G, is stretched diametrically
across chamber E, to give steadiness to the flame and prevent pulsations resulting
from the flow or dropping of carbureting liquid into the chamber. In place of this
gauze, or in connection with it, I use a bed of fibrous absorbent material g. The
hydrocarbon liquid then falls upon this material and is absorbed by it, and by the heat
of the burner is instantly vaporized. The gas passing through the absorbent is
thoroughly impregnated with the enriching vapors. This bed of capillary absorbent
material likewise prevents pulsations in the gas flame resulting from the flow or
dropping of liquid hydrocarbon into the chamber. An additional advantage results
from the use of the absorbent since it retains a small amount of vapor and liquid after
turning off the gas, which are quickly supplied to the gas when again ignited at the
burner, before the material in the reservoir becomes liquefied, and increased illumina-
tion is thus obtained almost immediately after lighting the non-luminous gas.
D is a disc partition carried by the rod R immediately above the chamber E,
and serving to disperse the heated products of combustion ascending from the gas
burner.
The lamp is operated as follows:-After turning on the supply of gas at C, through

page_text: the pipe p, it is ignited at the burner. The valve k, is then opened and the screws,
gently unscrewed until sufficient hydrocarbon is conveyed to the gas. The heat from
the flame rapidly heats the chamber E, pipe f, and lower layer of hydrocarbon in A,
by conduction through the metallic rod R. The liquid flows through K, and trickles
gently down pipe f, into the vaporizing and carbureting chamber E, where it is
instantly vaporized by the heat. The gas from pipe p, issuing into chamber E, carries
the vapor-to the opening of burner-pipe m, whence it descends to the burner. When
the screws, is once regulated to a given supply of gas, it should remain unaltered. The
rich gas may be diluted to any degree, by means of the cock C, and a supply of plain
gas sent through pipe p direct to the burner. Before turning off the gas it is
necessary to close the valve k, to prevent the filling of chamber E, with the hydro-
carbon, after the light is extinguished. If the pipe f, is sufficiently large, a partition
of porous material, such as unglazed earthen-ware, may be placed in it, as is shown
at i, and the flow of liquid regulated by the degree of porosity of the partition.
Referring now to figure 2, the construction of my modified form of lamp is as
follows:-
The carbureting vessel A, is preferably cast in one piece with the outward and
inward tubular projections a a¹ at the bottom, and with the ears a", and the heat-con-
ducting plate D, at the top. The outward tubular projection a, is adapted to connect
with the supply pipe by a screw-thread, or other tight connection, and the inward
tubular projection a¹ is preferably screw-threaded internally, for connection of gas
induction pipe P. This pipe rises centrally in vessel A, and has an open upper end
which is internally screw-threaded for receiving the clamping screw H. A lateral
opening p is also provided in the upper end of pipe P, for escape of gas into vessel A.
The cover B, is provided with a circumferential flange n, having on its under face, an
annular sharp bead or rib n¹ for fitting into a groove of corresponding shape in the
top of vessel A. A ring of soft metal e containing the groove is preferably set into
the top of vessel A, so as to better make a tight joint with the rib of the cover. A
lug projects from one edge of the cover for connection, by means of a pivotal pin,
to the ears a¹¹ to form a hinge. A central perforated boss b, is cast with the cover,
and is reamed out at the top to form a cup-like seat for the corresponding shaped
collar of the clamping screw H. This screw takes into the screw-threaded end of
tube P, and thus secures the lid to its seat on top of vessel A. A lug or projection d,
is preferably cast with the heat-conducting plate D, and is cast hollow or is bored out
to form a passage k¹, closed at its outer end by plug e¹, and opening at its inner end
into vessel A. An opening is made through projection d, into passage k¹, and in this
opening is secured gas supply pipe E¹ which extends downward and connects with the
three-way valve C, to which is attached the pipe m, and burner m¹. Pipe P¹ connects
tubular projection a, with three-way valve C, for conducting uncarbureted gas directly
to the burner. Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the plug of the three-way valve in two
different positions, and it may evidently be turned in any desired position to admit
carbureted or uncarbureted gas to the burner, or to admit the two, in any desired
proportion, for producing the quality of light required.
The capillary fluid conductor f¹ is preferably formed of asbestos filaments bound
together by a spirally, wound fine wire, but other fibrous capillary material may be
used, such as mineral wool, hemp, or jute, or fine wire suitably bound together. The
conductor is preferably coiled once or twice in the bottom of vessel A, and is carried
up through passage k¹ and then down into pipe E¹ where it delivers the carbureting
fluid, in uniform small quantities. The crystalline hydrocarbon is preferably supplied
to the vessel A, in the form of a cartridge, cast or moulded, of suitable shape and size
to fit into the vessel, but it may be supplied in the lumps or sticks. The wide open
mouth of the vessel and large cover facilitate filling and cleaning and afford con-
venient means for inspection, to see that everything is in proper condition for effective
operation.
3
The naphthaline cartridge having been inserted in vessel A, the cover is closed and
clamped to its seat, so as to form a tight joint by turning screw H. By opening
valve C, gas is admitted to the burner, either directly through pipe P¹, or through the

page_text: carbureting vessel and pipe E. The heat of the flame quickly melts a portion of the
solid hydrocarbon, and this is carried by the capillary conductor into pipe E', where
it imparts its illuminating vapor to the down-flowing gas, valve C, being so adjusted
that all or a portion of the gas will flow by pipe P, into vessel A, above the charge
of hydrocarbon and thence down pipe E, to the burner. Gas flowing over the top of
the hydrocarbon will not take up enough of the vapor to carburet it to the desired
degree, but the hydrocarbon carried by the capillary conductor is in a finely divided
state and is quickly vaporized in the hot pipe E¹, and the vapors pass most readily
with the heavy gas down to the burner.
This carbureting lamp is very compact and simple and requires no special attention,
but simply the turning of the valves to regulate the size and character of the flame at
the burner. By simply closing valve C, the flame is extinguished and the carbureting
lamp is immediately thrown out of use without danger or annoyance. The hydro-
carbon remaining in the capillary conductor f¹, or fibrous absorbent g, is immediately
vaporized upon relighting the gas at the burner, and brilliant illumination quickly
follows the lighting up.
It will be seen that since the heatis directed immediately on to the material, the enriching
or carbureting operation commences almost immediately after lighting the burner, that
the heat of a very small quantity of burning gas is sufficient to operate the lamp, and
that, as the vapor is actually poured into the burner tube, it cannot fail to enrich every
kind of combustible gas. Finally, the lamp, it will be seen, operates the same, no
matter how large or small be the amount of enriching material in the reservoir A.
Having particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is
1. In an enriching gas lamp for enriching gas or air with the vapors of solid hydro-,
carbons, the combination with a gas supply pipe, a hydrocarbon reservoir, and a gas
burner placed beneath said reservoir, of a vaporizing and carbureting chamber com-
municating with the burner-pipe and situated immediately above the gas burner and
beneath the hydrocarbon reservoir and separate passage-ways connecting respectively
said chamber to the bottom of the hydrocarbon reservoir and gas supply pipe, by
which the gas and hydrocarbon are conveyed to the chamber independently, substan-
tially as and for the purpose described.
2. In an enriching gas lamp, the combination of a hydrocarbon reservoir, a gas
burner placed beneath said vessel, a vaporizing and carbureting chamber placed
between the gas burner and hydrocarbon reservoir, a passage-way leading from the
bottom of the reservoir to the chamber by which the hydrocarbon is conducted in a
liquid state, and a valve for controlling the flow of hydrocarbon into said chamber
with a gas supply pipe and gas burner-pipe, both connected to said chamber, substan-
tially as described.
3. In an enriching gas lamp, the combination with a hydrocarbon reservoir, gas
burner, and supply pipe, of a vaporizing and carbureting tube connecting with the
lower part of the hydrocarbon reservoir, and with gas burner pipe, and containing a
porous partition placed diametrically across its bore, to regulate the supply of hydro-
carbon vapor to the burner, and a gas inlet pipe connecting with such tube, substantially 4
as described.
4. In an enriching gas lamp, the combination with a hydrocarbon reservoir, a gas
burner and its supply pipe of a vaporizing and carbureting chamber placed imme-
diately over the burner and beneath the hydrocarbon reservoir and containing a gauze
partition placed sectionally across said chamber, and communicating with the bottom 5
of the hydrocarbon reservoir by a tube or passage-way, and a gas inlet pipe
connecting with the vaporizing chamber, substantially as and for the purpose
described.
5. In a carbureting gas lamp for enriching gas with the vapors of a solid hydro-
carbon, the combination, with a hydrocarbon reservoir, a gas burner and its supply 5
pipe, of a vaporizing and carbureting tube or chamber, having a connected gas inlet

page_text: pipe, and connecting with the reservoir by a hydrocarbon supply tube, and an
absorbent or porous substance placed in the vaporizing and carbureting tube or chamber,
whereby pulsation or jumping of the gas flame is prevented and a steady light is
secured.
6. In an enriching gas lamp, the combination with a hydrocarbon reservoir, a
gas burner placed below said reservoir, a vaporizing and carbureting chamber for
volatilizing the hydrocarbon and mixing the gas with the vapor, a gas supply pipe
communicating with said chamber, a passage-way leading from the hydrocarbon
reservoir to the chamber, and a valve for controlling the admission of hydrocarbons
from the reservoir to the chamber, of a metallic rod connecting the chamber with
the reservoir for conducting the heat of the flames to the hydrocarbon in reservoir,
and a disc partition placed between the reservoir and chamber for dispersing the
heated products of combustion, substantially as described.
7. In an enriching gas lamp, the combination of a hydrocarbon reservoir, a
gas burner placed beneath said reservoir, a vaporizing and carbureting chamber
situated immediately over the burner and beneath the reservoir, a passage-way having
a controlling valve, leading from said reservoir to the heating chamber with a gas
valve and suitable pipes connecting the said valve to the heating chamber and burner-
pipe respectively, by which the supply of enriched and unenriched gas to the burner
is proportioned and regulated, substantially as described.
8. In a carbureting gas lamp, a capillary hydrocarbon conductor leading from the.
carbureting vessel into the gas supply pipe to which the burner is connected.
9. In a carbureting gas lamp, the combination with a burner pipe extending down-
ward from the top of the carbureting vessel, and a burner attached to its lower end, of
a capilliary conductor leading from the carbureting vessel into such burner-pipe, for
the purpose described.
10. In combination with the carbureting vessel, a supply pipe delivering gas into it
above the contained hydrocarbon, a burner-pipe extending downward fromthe top of the
vessel, a connected burner and a capilliary conductor leading from the vessel into the
burner-pipe.
11. In combination with the carbureting vessel having a gas supply pipe, the burner-
pipe extending downward from the top of the vessel, the burner and a diluting gas
pipe connecting with its lower end, and a three-way valve placed at the junction of the
two pipes and burner.
12. In combination with the carbureting vessel, the gas supply pipe extending up
through.it and having its upper end screw-threaded, and a clamping screw extending
through the cover of the vessel and engaging with the upper end of the supply pipe,
for securing the cover to its seat.
13. The carbureting vessel having outward and inward tubular projections at its
bottom for attachment to the gas bracket, a supply pipe attached to the inner projection
and extending up into the vessel, a diluting pipe connecting to the outer projection
and connecting with the burner, and a burner pipe extending downward from the top
of the vessel and also connecting with the burner, for the purpose described.
14. The carbureting vessel having a ring of soft metal or its equivalent in its top in
combination with the cover having an annular sharp rib or bead for making a tight
joint, as described.