Improved Apparatus for the Production and Storage of Acetylene Gas.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 12th Oct., 1896
Complete Specification Left, 28th May, 1897-Accepted, 3rd July, 1897
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improved Apparatus for the Production and Storage of Acetylene
Gas.
We, ERNEST ALBERT MORTON-BROWN, of the town of Woodstock in the County of
Oxford, and Province of Ontario, Canada, Piano Tuner, and FRANK MAUNDRELL of
the said Town of Woodstock, Lumber Merchant, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention to he as follows:-
The object of the invention is to devise an automatic apparatus for the production
and storage of acetylene gas, which will be both efficient, economical and safe, and it
consists essentially, of a generator in which the decomposition of, the calcium carbide
is effected in a rotatable perforated or open-work cylinder, by the rotation of which
the lime is shaken from the surface of the carbide; of a condenser located in the
water tank of the gas holder; of automatic apparatus for regulating the water supply
and for closing it off when the gas supply to the holder ceases and in such other
improvements as are hereinafter more particularly described.
The generator hereinafter more particularly described is provided with a gas exit
pipe leading from the top of the generator and is in connection with the gas storage
apparatus consisting of a tank a closed cover and a holder the lower end of which is
open and is immersed in water in the tank in the usual manner.
A funnel connected by a pipe provided with a suitable stop-cork, is connected with
the interior of the tank. By means of this funnel, water may be introduced into the
tank as becomes necessary, the funnel being preferably so proportioned that its
upper surface represents the usual level of the water within the tank.
The holder is provided with a suitable number of guide wheels running on guides,
on the inside of the closed cover.
Located in the tank is the condenser which serves the double purpose of condensing
moisture contained in the gas and of reducing the quantity of water contained in the
tank. The gas exit pipe from the generator enters the bottom of the condenser
below the centre of a diaphragm which is provided with a series of openings round
its outer edge; thus the gas entering the condenser strikes the centre of the
diaphragm and is deflected by it so as to be compelled to pass upward in contact with
the sides of the condenser. These being cooled by the water in the tank condense the
major part of the moisture contained in the gas. The moisture thus condensed, runs
down the pipe and into a water seal which is provided with the overflow pipe thus the
condensed moisture running into the seal is allowed to overflow without permitting
the escape of gas. Situated at the top of the condenser is a valve which closes an
opening formed in the top of the condenser or of a tube connected thereto. The
stem of this valve is steadied by a skeleton guide which is shaped so as to permit of
the free passage of gas. This valve permits of the escape of the gas in the condenser
in a series of puffs, but will close to prevent any back flow taking place.
The gas exit pipe from the holder passes down through the water in the tank, its
upper end being located above the level of the same. After passing through the
bottom of the tank, the pipe is turned horizontally and then upwards again. At the
elbow is located a plug which may be withdrawn when desired to clear the pipe of

page_text: any condensed water. Above the plug is located a safety chamber. This chamber
has a quantity of loose asbestos or crushed pumice therein, held between two gause
diaphragms. The purpose of this chamber is to prevent the flame running down the
pipe to the holder from any of the burners in the event of a mixture of the air and
gas being present at any time in the pipe or holder. The gause diaphragms would
probably be sufficient but the asbestos is an additional precaution.
Above the safety chamber the pipe is bent downward again, and a cap is placed on
its end, by the removal of which collected moisture may be withdrawn from the
pipe. Above this cap the connection with the pipe leading to the burners is formed.
Connected to the top of the closed cover is an outlet pipe which serves to permit
of the egress and ingress of the air as the holder rises and falls.
To avoid accidents occuring through an explosive mixture of air and gas formed
within the closed cover a gaused diaphragm is placed in this pipe.
The body of the generator is preferably made of galvanised sheet iron. The ends
of the generator are preferably formed of castings one sheet of which is preferably
flanged to receive circular covers au air tight joint being ensured by the use of rubber
packing between the covers and the casting. The covers are held in place by means
of eccentrics formed on spindles which are held by hocks formed on or connected to
the casting. By revolving these spindles the covers may be clamped tightly against
the casting:
Within the casing is a cylinder constructed of wire netting, perforated sheet metal,
or a grating of bars, having a flanged cover fitting within the end of the cylinder and
bearing against lugs formed thereon. These lugs also form a connecting point for
longitudinal brace rods connecting the ends of the cylinder. A pivot is connected to
the end of the cylinder, and a pivot is provided on the cover. This pivot has its
bearing in the projection on the inside of the cover which is preferably formed with
a cone-shaped opening to guide the pivot into its proper place when the cylinder
is put in position. The cylinder pivot has its hearing in a bearing piece which is
similarly-shaped to the projection on the inside of the cover. This bearing piece is
suitably journalled to the casting and is provided with a spring-operated pin adapted
to engage with any one of a series of holes formed in the end of the cylinder.
Journalled on the bearing piece is a lever on which is pivoted a pawl adapted to
engage with ratchet teeth formed on the bearing piece a pawl pivoted on the casting
is also adapted to engage with the ratchet teeth.
A connecting rod is connected at one end of the lever and connected at the other
end to the piston of a cylinder connected to the top of the generator and
communicating therewith. The piston has pivoted thereon a valve which is adapted
to close the central passage through the piston. To the valve is pivoted a rod which
passes through the end of a pivoted guide. Between a pin through the end of the
rod and the head of the pivoted guide is located a coiled spring.
A finger is connected to the upper end of the cylinder and so placed that if the
piston rises above its normal limit the finger will come in contact with the valve
through the central opening in the piston and forces it open thus permitting an
escape of gas.
A water tank which is connected with a spray pipe is located within the generator
and above the perforated cylinder. The connection between the tank and the spray
pipe is provided with a valve to the spindle of which is connected a lever operated as
hereinafter described.
A pipe connects the generator with the space above the water-level in the tank so
that the pressure above the water is maintained at the same point as the pressure in
the generator into which it is introduced. A suitable screw cap is preferably
provided for the introduction of fresh water into the tank when required.
One or more bars are preferably placed across the machine below the cylinder to
support it when being slid into place.
The operation of the generator is substantially as follows:→
The cover is taken off and the cylinder removed from the machine. The cylinder

page_text: cover is then removed and a quantity of carbide placed in the cylinder. After
replacing the cover, the cylinder is slid into place again the shape of the bearing
piece facilitating the entrance of the pivot into its proper place. If the spring-
actuated pin does not at once fit one of the holes in the end of the cylinder it will
drop into one as soon as the bearing piece is rotated. The cover is then replaced, the
other pivot rising into position in a manner similar to the one described. After the
cover is clamped into place, the water may be turned on and a fine spray of water
will then fall upon the carbide in the cylinder. As the gas is generated, it gradually
lifts the piston the central opening in which is closed by the valve. As the piston
rises the spring on the rod is gradually compressed till finally the valve will rise no
further and the piston is lifted away from it, the gas escaping through the, opening
in the piston.
As soon as the valve is removed, the slightest distance from its seat so as to allow
of the passage of gas, the spring on the rod will immediately draw the valve down to
its lowest point, preventing the valve again closing till the escape of gas has
permitted the piston to drop, when the valve again seats itself and the piston will
begin to rise once more. As the motion of the piston is communicated by the
connecting rod to the lever and pawl the latter will revolve the bearing piece a short
distance every time the piston rises, the other pawl preventing the bearing piece from
going back, when the lever and its connections again drop. As the bearing piece is
connected with the end of the cylinder as previously described, the rise and fall of
the piston imparts an intermittent rotary motion to the cylinder thus effectually
turning over the carbide in the cylinder. The lime formed by the decomposition of
the carbide is thus shaken off and drops through the meshes of the cylinder, leaving
fresh surfaces of carbide to be acted upon by the water spray.
As it may sometimes be desirable to revolve the cylinder by hand, I provide the
bearing piece with a ratchet wheel located outside the casting with this ratchet wheel
a pawl engages. This pawl is pivotted on a disc at the end of a spindle carried in a
gas-tight bearing and provided with a suitable crank handle or hand wheel. By this
connection, a rotary motion may be imparted to the cylinder at any time without
reference to the automatic mechanism for operating the same. The gas, passing
intermittently through the piston escapes to the holder through the exit pipe which
is preferably provided with a check or cut-off valve. It should be mentioned that a
gauze diaphragm may be placed in this pipe between the generator and the holder as
a safety measure and also at any other points where experience shows it to be
advisable.
Access may be had to the lower part of the generator to remove the lime dropped
through the perforations of the cylinder by removing the cover.
Although I describe a specific mode of construction of the cylinder and piston for
revolving the carbide cylinder yet any other device which would intermittently rotate.
the carbide cylinder by the action of the gas generated, would answer the purpose of
my invention, or if the apparatus is placed in a position where an attendant is
always on hand, the hand-operated rotating device would prove sufficient.
It will now be necessary to describe the apparatus for controlling the water supply
and through it the generation of the gas. Connected to the side of the holder is
what is termed a bridge formed with upper and lower inclined surface. Sliding in a
suitable air tight guide is a spindle having journalled at its inner end a wheel
normally pressed inward in the path of the bridge by means of the coil spring
pressing against a pin on the spindle and the guide. The outer end of this spindle
is pivotted to a lever which itself is pivotted at its upper end to a standard. The
lower end of this lever is pivotted to a connecting rod which is adjustably pivotted to
another lever connected to the spindle or a water valve. From this it will be evident
that as the gas holder descends, the water spindle is pushed outwardly, which outward
motion is, by the connections described, transmitted to the lever on the spindle of the
valve and the water supply gradually turned on.
As the holder rises the spring
returns the spindle to its original position and the water supply is thus cut off again,

page_text: Upon the supply of water depends of course the rate of production of acetylene, and
thus the production of the gas is controlled automatically so as to maintain a
practically unvarying supply in the holder. When the carbide becomes exhausted,
the gas holder will continue to descend till the highest part of the bridge has passed
the spindle. As the holder continues to descend, the inclined upper surface of the
bridge permits the spindle to inove again and the water supply is again cut off, thus
avoiding waste during the interval between the exhaustion of the generator and the
introduction of a fresh supply of carbide therein. As it is necessary to maintain a
good supply of water when first setting the apparatus in action, I provide a hook
pivotted on a standard on the casing. The notch of this hook may be engaged with
a pin on the spindle connection and the length of the hook is so proportioned that
when the hook is so engaged with the pin, the valve is held open and a constant flow
of water is maintained. Inward pressure maintained on the connections by the
spring serves to maintain the pin and the hook in contact. As soon, however as
the holder rises sufficiently far to bring the bridge in contact with the wheel the
connections of the spindle are moved outwardly and the hook thus released and falls
slightly further downward motion being prevented by a stop at its pivot point.
A second spindle is similarly mounted and provided with a wheel and coil spring,
such as provided for the upper spindle. The outer end of this spindle has a central
plate connected thereto, which when the spindle is moved outwardly forms a
connection between springs on the spindle mounting to which may be connected the
wires of an electric bell circuit. When the bridge falls low enough to push out the
spindle and thus complete the contact between the springs the bell circuit is closed
and warning given that the gas is becoming exhausted from the generator.
In the top of the holder is formed an opening or openings. These openings are
closed by a valve the spindle of which extends upwardly through the central hole. A
coil spring. is placed on the spindle of the valve bearing against the top of the holder
and a head formed on the said spindle. If the generation of gas is not stopped by
the closing of the water supply, and the holder rises too far the head form on the
spindle of the valve comes in contact with the closed cover and the valve is pressed
downward, thus affording an exit for the surplus gas. This gas may escape through
an outlet pipe.
On the top of the holder are placed a series of studs on which may be placed
weights to regulate the pressure upon the gas in the holder.
A cord may be connected to the holder. This cord passes out through a small hole
in the top of the closed cover, over pulley connected to the top thereof, thence
down under a second pulley connected to an indicating board thence up and over
another pulley connected to the top of the said board. A weight or indicator is
connected to the end of this cord, which thus serves to indicate at all times the
exact position of the holder. The board is suitably supported from the closed cover.
The points of my invention which I consider particularly important are the use of
a rotatable cylinder in the generator to contain the carbide operated upon by the
water spray so that the lime formed by the decomposition of the calcium carbide is
shaken from the lumps of carbide by the rotation of the cylinder, and dropped
through the perforations to be bottom of the generator, thus leaving new surfaces of
carbide to be acted upon by the water spray; the use of automatic means for causing
the revolution of the perforated cylinder; the use of a condenser located within the
water tank of the storage apparatus, which serves to deprive the gas of its surplus
moisture, and also reduce the weight of water required; providing the gas holder
with a closed cover provided with a pipe so that all gas escaping either by leakage or
in the operation of the relief valve at the top of the holder, may be conveyed to a
place where its odour will cause no annoyance; providing the water regulating
apparatus with means for turning the water off when the supply of calcium carbide
in the generator is exhausted as well as for automatically regulating the generation of
gas under ordinary circumstances; and also in the various details of construction
described.

page_text: It will of course be understood that the construction described may in many cases
be varied considerably without departing from the spirit of my invention.
Dated this 12th day of October 1896.
BOULT & WADE,
Agents for the Applicant.
We, ERNEST ALBERT MORTON-BROWN, Piano-Tuner, and FRANK MAUNDRELL,
Merchant, both of the Town of Woodstock, in the County of Oxford, and Province
of Ontario, Canada, 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 :-
The object of the invention is to devise an automatic apparatus for the production
and storage of acetylene gas, which will be both efficient, economical and safe, and it
consists, essentially, of a generator in which the decomposition of the calcium carbide
is effected in a rotatable perforated or open-work cylinder, by the rotation of which
the lime is shaken from the surface of the carbide; of a condenser located in the
water tank of the gas holder; of automatic apparatus for regulating the water supply
and for closing it off when the gas supply to the holder ceases and in such other
improvements as are hereinafter more particularly described and then definitely
claimed.
Figure 1, is a sectional view of the whole apparatus.
Figure 2, is a sectional detail of the generator.
Figure 3, is an enlarged detail in elevation of a portion of the carbide cylinder
rotating mechanism.
Figure 4, is a plan view of half the diaphragm in the condenser.
Figure 5, is a plan view of the valve opening in the top of the gas holder.
In the drawings, like letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the
different figures.
In Fig. 1-A, is the generator hereinafter more particularly described, and C, the
gas exit pipe leading from the top of the generator.
D, is the gas storage apparatus consisting of the tank E, the closed cover F, and
the holder G, the lower end of which is open and is immersed in the water in the
tank E, in the usual manner.
A', is a funnel connected by a pipe B1, provided with a suitable stop cock, with the
interior of the tank E. By means of this funnel, water may be introduced into the
tank as becomes necessary, the funnel being preferably so proportioned that its upper
surface represents the usual level of the water within the tank.
The holder G, is provided with a suitable number of guide wheels H, running on
guides I, on the inside of the closed cover F.
Located in the tank E, is the condenser J, which serves the double purpose of
condensing moisture contained in the gas, and of reducing the quantity of water
contained in the tank E. The gas exit pipe C, from the generator enters the bottom
of the condenser below the centre of the diaphragm K, which is provided with a
series of openings round its outer edge; thus the gas entering the condenser from
the pipe C, strikes the centre of the diaphragm and is deflected by it so as to be
compelled to pass upward in contact with the sides of the condenser. These being
cooled by the water in the tank E, condense the major part of the moisture contained
in the gas. The moisture thus condensed, runs down to the pipe C, and into the
water seal L, which is provided with the overflow pipe M, thus the condensed
moisture running into the seal is allowed to overflow without permitting the escape
of gas. Situated at the top of the condenser is a valve N, which closes an opening
formed in the top of the condenser or of a tube O, connected thereto. The stem of

page_text: this valve is steadied by a skeleton guide P', which is shaped so as to permit of the
free passage of gas. This valve permits of the escape of the gas in the condenser in
a series of puffs, but will close to prevent any back flow taking place.
Q, is the gas exit pipe from the holder. This pipe passes down through the water
in the tank, its upper end being located above the level of the same. After passing
through the bottom of the tank, the pipe is turned horizontally and then upwards
again. At the elbow is located the plug R, which may be withdrawn when desired
to clear the pipe of any condensed water. Above the plug is located the safety
chamber S. This chamber has a quantity of loose asbestos or crushed pumice therein,
held between two gauze diaphragms T. The purpose of this chamber is to prevent
the flame running down the pipe to the holder from any of the burners in the event
of a mixture of air and gas being present at any time in the pipe or holder. The
gauze diaphragmns would probably be sufficient, but the asbestos is an additional
precaution.
Above the safety chamber S, the pipe is bent downward again, and the cap U,
placed on its end, by the removal of which, collected moisture may be withdrawn
from the pipe. Above this cap, the connection with the pipe leading to the burners
is formed.
Connected to the top of the closed cover F, is an outlet pipe V, which serves to
permit of the egress and ingress of the air as the holder G, rises and falls.
To avoid accidents occurring through an explosive mixture of air and gas formed
within the closed cover, a gauze diaphragm a is placed in this pipe.
On reference to Fig. 2, the construction of the generator A, will be readily
understood. The body all of the generator is preferably made of galvanized sheet
iron in the form indicated. The ends of the generator are preferably formed of
castings b, and c, the casting c being preferably flanged to receive the circular covers
e and fan air tight joint being ensured by the use of the rubber packing g, between
the covers and the casting. The covers are held in place by means of the eccentrics h
formed on spindles i, which are held by the hooks j, formed on or connected to the
casting c. By revolving these spindles the covers e and f may be clamped tightly
against the casting c.
k, is a cylinder constructed of wire netting, perforated sheet metal, or a grating of
bars. l, is a flanged cover fitting within the end of the cylinder k, and bearing
against the lugs m formed thereon. These lugs also form a connecting point for the
longitudinal brace rods connecting the ends of the cylinder. A pivot n is connected
to the end of the cylinder and a pivot o to the cover. The pivot o, has its bearing
in a projection on the inside of the cover f, which is preferably formed with a cone-
shaped opening to guide the pivot into its proper place when the cylinder is put in
position. The pivot n, has its bearing in a bearing piece p, which is similarly-shaped
to the projection on the inside of the cover f. This bearing piece p, is suitably
journalled in the casting b, and is provided with a spring-operated pin q, adapted to
engage with any one of a series of holes r, formed in the end of the cylinder k.
Journalled on the bearing piece p, is a lever s, on which is pivoted a pawl 11 adapted
to engage with the ratchet teeth a formed on the bearing piece p (see Fig. 3). 611
is a pawl pivoted on the casting b, and also adapted to engage with the ratchet
teeth a¹¹.
c is a connecting rod pivoted at one end to the lever s, and connected at the other
end to the piston d of the cylinder el connected to the top of the generator
communicating therewith. The piston d has pivoted thereon a valve f1 which is
adapted to close the central passage through the piston. To the valve is pivoted a
rod g which passes through the end of a pivoted guide h". Between a pin, through
the end of the rod gl¹ and the head of the pivoted guide h¹ is located a coiled spring
which is in a state of tension when the parts are in the position shown in Fig. 2.
¹ is a finger connected to the upper end of the cylinder ell, and so placed that if
the piston di rises above its normal limit, the finger will come in contact with the
valve f¹ through the central opening in the piston and force it open, thus permitting
of an escape of gas.

page_text: C, is the exit pipe from the generator, which is connected as previously described
to the gas holder.
jis the water tank which is connected with the spray pipe 11 located within the
generator and above the cylinder k. The connection between the tank and the spray
pipe is provided with a valve g¹ to the spindle of which is connected a lever f¹
operated as hereinafter described (see Fig. 1).
is a pipe connecting the generator with the space above the water level in the
tank so that the pressure above the water is maintained at the same point as the
pressure in the generator into which it is introduced. A suitable screw-cap is
preferably provided for the introduction of fresh water into the tank when required.
One or more bars mll are preferably placed across the machine below the cylinder
to support it when being slid into place.
The operation of the generator is substantially as follows:-
The cover f, is taken off and the cylinder removed from the machine. The cover l,
is then removed and a quantity of carbide placed in the cylinder. After replacing
the cover, the cylinder is slid into place again, the shape of the bearing piece p
facilitating the entrance of the pivot n into its proper place. If the spring-actuated
pin q, does not at once fit the hole r, it will drop into one as soon as the bearing piece p,
is rotated, as hereinafter described. The cover f, is then replaced, the pivot o,
rising into position in the manner similar to pivot n. After the cover f, is clamped
into place, the water may be turned on and a fine spray of water will then fall upon
the carbide in the cylinder. As the gas is generated, it gradually lifts the piston ",
the central opening in which is closed by the valve f. As the piston rises, the
spring on the rod gll is gradually compressed till finally the valve will rise no further
and the piston is lifted away from it, the gas escaping through the opening in the
piston. As soon as the valve is removed the slightest distance from its seat so as to
allow of the passage of gas, the spring on the rod gl will immediately draw the
valve down to its lowest point, preventing the valve again closing till the escape of
gas has permitted the piston to drop, when the valve again seats itself. and the piston
will begin to rise once more. As the motion of the piston is communicated by the
connecting rod c¹ to the lever s, and pawl t", the latter will revolve the bearing
piece p, a short distance every time the piston rises, the dog b₁ preventing the
bearing piece from going back, when the lever s, and its connections again drop. As
the bearing piece is connected with the end of the cylinder k, as previously described,
the rise and fall of the piston d imparts an intermittent rotary motion to the
cylinder, thus effectually turning over the carbide in the cylinder. The lime
formed by the decomposition of the carbide is thus shaken off and drops through
the meshes of the cylinder, leaving fresh surfaces of carbide to be acted upon by the
water spray.
As it may sometimes be desirable to revolve the cylinder by hand, the bearing
piece p, is provided with a ratchet wheel nl located outside the casting b. With this
ratchet wheel a pawl oll engages. This pawl is pivoted on a disc at the end of the
spindle p carried in a gas-tight bearing and provided with a suitable crank handle
or hand-wheel. By this connection a rotary motion may be imparted to the cylinder
at any time without reference to the automatic mechanism for operating the same.
The gas, passing intermittently through the piston d escapes through the exit pipe C,
which is preferably provided with a check or cut-off valve, as indicated in Fig. 1.
It should be mentioned that a gauze diaphragın inay be placed in this pipe between
the generator and the holder as a safety measure, and also at any other points where
experience shows it to be advisable.
Access inay be had to the lower part of the generator to remove the lime dropped
through the perforations of the cylinder by removing the cover l.
Although a specific mode of construction is described of the cylinder ell and
piston d for revolving the carbide cylinder k, yet any other device which would
intermittently rotate the carbide cylinder by the action of the gas generated, would
answer the purpose of the invention, or if the apparatus is placed in a position where

page_text: an attendant is always on hand, the hand-operated rotating device would prove
sufficient.
It will now be necessary to describe the apparatus for controlling the water supply
and through it the generation of the gas. Connected to the side of the holder is
what is termed a bridge t formed with upper and lower inclined surface. Sliding in a
suitable air tight guide u, is a spindle v, having journalled at its inner end the wheel a¹
normally pressed inward in the path of the bridge t, by means of the coil spring b¹
pressing against a pin on the spindle and the guide 1. The outer end of this
spindle is pivoted to the lever c' which itself is pivoted at its upper end to the
standard d'. The lower end of this lever is pivoted to the connecting rod e' which is
adjustably pivoted to the lever f¹ connected to the spindle of the valve g¹. From
this construction it will be seen that as the gas holder descends, the spindle v is
pushed outwardly, which outward motion is, by the connections described, transmitted
to the lever on the spindle of the valve g' and the water supply gradually turned on.
As the holder rises, the spring b¹, returns the spindle to its original position and the
water supply is thus cut off again. Upon the supply of water depends of course the
rate of production of acetylene, and thus the production of the gas is controlled
automatically so as to maintain a practically unvarying supply in the holder. When
the carbide becomes exhausted, the gas holder will continue to descend till the highest
part of the bridge t, has passed the spindle v. As the holder continues to descend,
the inclined upper surface of the bridge permits the spindle to move again and the
water supply is again cut off, thus avoiding waste during the interval between the
exhaustion of the generator and the introduction of a fresh supply of carbide therein.
As it is necessary to maintain a good supply of water when first setting the apparatus
in action, a hook h' is provided pivoted on the standard i¹. The notch of this hook
may be engaged with a pin 1 and the length of the hook is so proportioned that
when the hook is so engaged with the pin, the valve g¹ is held open and a constant
flow of water is maintained. Inward pressure maintained on the connections by the
spring 6', serves to maintain the pin and the hook in contact. As soon, however, as
the holder rises sufficiently far to bring the bridge t, in contact with the wheel a¹,
the connections of the spindle v, are moved outwardly and the hook, thus released,
falls to the position indicated in the drawings, further downward motion being
prevented by the stop indicated at its pivot point.
k¹ is a spindle similarly mounted and provided with a wheel and coil spring, such
as provided for the spindle v. The outer end of this spindle has a central plate
connected thereto, which, when the spindle is moved outwardly forms a connection
between the springs to which may be connected the wires of an electrie bell circuit.
When the bridge t, falls low enough to push out the spindle k, and thus complete the
contact between the springs, the bell circuit is closed and warning given that the
gas is becoming exhausted from the generator.
In the top of the holder G, is formed an opening or openings m' (see Figs. I
and 4).
These openings are closed by the valve n¹, the spindle of which extends
upwardly through the central hole shown in Fig. 4. A coil spring is placed on the
spindle of the valve bearing against the top of the holder and a head formed on the
said spindle. If the generation of gas is not stopped by the closing of the water
supply, and the holder G, rises too far, the head formed on the spindle of the valve n¹
comes in contact with the top of the closed cover F, and the valve is pressed
downward, thus affording an exit for the surplus gas. This gas may escape through
the outlet pipe V.
On the top of the holder are placed a series of studs o¹, on which may be placed
weights to regulate the pressure upon the gas now in the holder.
In Fig. 1, it will be seen that a cord pl is connected to the holder G. This cord
passes out through a small hole in the top of the closed cover F, over a pulley q
connected to the top thereof, thence down under a pulley 1 connected to the board s¹,
thence up and over a pulley t¹ connected to the top of the said board.
A weight
or indicator u¹, is connected to the end of this cord, which thus serves to indicate at

page_text: and generation of gas, in combination with a generator; a water supply pipe leading
to the generator; a valve in the said pipe; a lever connected to the spindle of the
valve; a bridge with two inclined faces set in reverse directions one above the other,
connected to the side of the gas holder; a suitably-supported spindle adapted to be
moved by the said bridge, and connected directly or indirectly with the valve stem
lever and means tending to keep the spindle pressed inwardly, substantially as and
for the purpose specified.
23. In apparatus for the production and storage of acetylene gas; the gas
holder D, suitably arranged and supported to rise and fall with variations in the
consumption and generation of gas, in combination with a generator; the water
supply pipe B, leading to the generator; the valve g¹; the lever f', connected to the
spindle of the valve; the connecting rod e¹; lever c¹; standard d'; connected to the
cover F, or other suitable part; the spindle e, suitably supported and adapted to be
moved by the bridge t, provided with an inclined face; and a spring adapted to press
the said spindle inwards, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
24. In apparatus for the production and storage of acetylene gas, the gas holder D,
suitably arranged and supported to rise and fall with variations in the consumption
and generation of gas, in combination with a generator; the water supply pipe B,
leading to the generator; the valve gl; the lever fl connected to the spindle of the
valve; the connecting rod el; lever cl; standard di connected to the cover I', or
other suitable part; the spindle v, suitably supported; wheel al; bridge t, provided
with two inclined faces, and a spring adapted to press the said spindle inwards,
substantially as and for the purpose specified.
25. In apparatus for the production and storage of acetylene gas, the gas holder D,
suitably arranged and supported to rise and fall with variations in the consumption
and generation of gas, in combination with a generator; the water supply pipe B,
leading to the generator; the valve gl; the lever fl, connected to the spindle of the
valve; the connecting rod el; lever cl; standard d' connected to the cover F, or other
suitable part; the spindle v, suitably supported; wheel al; bridge t, provided with
two inclined faces; a spring adapted to press the said spindle inwards; and the
hook h¹, suitably pivoted and adapted to engage with the pin ji, substantially as and
for the purpose specified.
26. In apparatus for the production and storage of acetylene gas, a part adapted to
rise and fall with variations in the consumption and generation of gas, and provided
with a bridge with two inclined faces, in combination with a generator; a water
supply pipe leading to the generator; a valve in the said pipe; a suitably supported
spindle adapted to be moved by the aforesaid bridge; a spring tending to keep the
said spindle pressed inwardly; and means for imparting the motion of the spindle to.
the valve, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
27. In apparatus for the production and storage of actylene gas, a gas holder
suitably arranged and supported to rise and fall with variations in the consumption
and generation of gas, in combination with two contact springs suitably supported
and insulated; a spindle; a spindle suitably supported and adapted to make and
break contact between the springs; a bridge with an inclined face adapted to move
the said spindle outwardly, and a spring adapted to move it inwardly, substantially as
and for the purpose specified.
28. In apparatus for the production and storage of acetylene gas, a gas holder
suitably arranged and supported to rise and falls with variations in the consumption
and generation of gas, in combination with two contact springs suitably supported
and insulated; and means for making the contact by the descent of the holder,
substantially as and for the purpose specified.
29. In apparatus for the production and storage of acetylene gas, a tank; a closed
cover with an air outlet and a gas holder, in combination with a suitably-supported
index board outside the cover; a cord attached at one end to the holder and passing
through a hole in the cover and round a series of pulleys; and a pointer or weight
connected to the other end of the cord to indicate by its position' the exact height of
the holders, substantially as and for the purpose specifier.

page_text: said ratchet wheel to prevent back motion; a connecting rod pivoted to the end of
the lever; a cylinder communicating with the chamber; a piston adapted to
reciprocate within the said cylinder and connected with the end of the aforesaid
connecting rod; a valve adapted to close an opening formed in the piston; means for
automatically opening the valve when the piston has been raised to a pre-determined
extent and a gas exit above the piston, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
13. In apparatus for the production and storage of acetylene gas, the combination
of a tank adapted to contain water; a condenser located within the tank and having
a gas inlet below and an exit above the water level in the tank; and a holder of
ordinary construction suitably supported to rise and fall in the tank according to the
quantity of gas therein received from the condenser, substantially as and for the
purpose specified.
14. In apparatus for the production and storage of acetylene gas, the combination
of the tank E; the condenser J, provided with a gas inlet and outlet; the
diaphragm K, having an opening or openings round its periphery; and the
holder G, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
15. An apparatus for the production and storage of acetylene gas, the combination
of the tank E; the condenser J, provided with a gas inlet and the outlet valve N;
the diaphgram K, having an opening or openings round its periphery; and the
holder G, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
16. In apparatus for the production and storage of acetylene gas, a gas holder and
tank, in combination with a gas exit pipe communicating with the interior of the
holder; a safety chamber being formed in the said exit pipe, its ends being formed
by two gauze diaphragms, and its body filled with loose asbestos fibres or crushed
pumice, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
17. In apparatus for the production and storage of acetylene gas, a gas holder and
tank, in combination with the gas exit pipe Q, shaped as shown, and communicating
with the interior of the holder, and the plug R, and cap U, located as shown; a
safety chamber with gauge diaphragms being located in the said exit pipe,
substantially as and for the purpose specified.
18. In apparatus for the production and storage of acetylene gas, a generator; a
gas holder; a tank and a condenser located within the tank, in combination with a
pipe connecting the generator with the bottom of the condenser, and a water seal
connected to the said pipe, and provided with an overflow to permit of the escape of
water entering the pipe from the condenser, substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
19. In apparatus for the production and storage of acetylene gas, a generator; a
gas holder; a tank and a condenser located within the tank, in combination with a
pipe connecting the generator with the bottom of the condenser, and a water seal
connected to the said pipe and provided with an overflow to permit of the escape of
water entering the pipe from the condenser, and a check valve located in the said
pipe between the water seal, and the generator, substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
20. In apparatus for the production and storage of acetylene gas, a tank; and a
gas holder provided with guide wheels, in combination with a closed cover to the
tank, provided with guides for the said guide wheels, and an exit pipe, substantially
as and for the purpose specified.
21. In apparatus for the production and storage of acetylene gas, a gas holder
suitably arranged and supported to rise and fall with variations in the consumption
and generation of gas, in combination with a generator; a water supply pipe leading
to the generator; a valve in the said pipe; a lever connected to the spindle of
the valve; a bridge with an inclined face connected to the side of the gas holder;
a suitably supported spindle adapted to be moved by the said bridge, and connected
directly or indirectly with the valve stem lever, and means tending to keep the
spindle pressed inwardly, substantially as and for the purpose specifie 1.
22. In apparatus for the production and storage of acetylene gas, a gas holder
suitably arranged and supported to rise and fall with variations in the consumption

page_text: rotate together, and means for rotating the said bearing piece, substantially as and
for the purpose specified.
7. In an apparatus for the production and storage of acetylene gas, a generator
comprising a chamber, in combination with a rotatable perforated or open-work
cylinder pivoted at one end in a bearing piece journalled in one end of the chamber
and at the other in a bearing piece formed on a removable cover, a connection
between the end of the cylinder and the journalled bearing piece to adapt them to
rotate together, means for rotating the said bearing piece by the action of the gas
generated, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
8. In an apparatus for the production and storage of acetylene gas, a generator
comprising a chamber, in combination with a rotatable perforated or open-work
cylinder pivoted at one end in a bearing piece journalled in one end of the chamber
and at the other in a bearing piece formed on a removable cover, a connection
between the end of the cylinder and the journalled bearing piece to adapt them to
rotate together, and means for rotating the said bearing piece, a spray tube within
the chamber, a water tank with which the said spray tube is connected, and a pipe
connecting the chamber with the space above the water in the tank, substantially as
and for the purpose specified.
9. In an apparatus for the production and storage of acetylene gas, a generator
comprising a chamber, in combination with a rotatable perforated or open-work
cylinder pivoted at one end in a bearing piece journalled in one end of the chamber
and at the other in a bearing piece formed on a removable cover, a connection
between the end of the cylinder and the journalled bearing piece to adapt them to
rotate together, and means for rotating the said bearing piece, a spray tube within
the chamber, a water tank with which the said spray tube is connected, and a pipe
connecting the chamber with the space above the water in the tank, and a removable
cover closing an opening in the lower part of the chamber for the removal of the
lime dropped through the cylinder, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
10. In an apparatus for the production and storage of acetylene gas, a generator
comprising a chamber, in combination with a rotatable perforated or open-work
cylinder pivoted at one end in a bearing piece journalled in one end of the chamber
and at the other in a bearing piece formed on a removable cover, a connection
between the end of the cylinder and the journalled bearing piece to adapt them to
rotate together, a lever pivoted on the said bearing piece, a pawl pivoted on the said
lever, a ratchet wheel formed on the said bearing piece with which the said pawl
engages; a connecting rod pivoted to the end of the lever, a cylinder communicating
with the chamber, a piston adapted to reciprocate within the said cylinder and
connected with the end of the aforesaid connecting rod, a valve adapted to close an
opening formed in the piston, means for automatically opening the valve when the
piston has been raised to a pre-determined extent and a gas exit above the piston,
substantially as and for the purpose specified.
11. In an apparatus for the production and storage of acetylene gas, a generator
comprising a chamber, in combination with a rotatable perforated or open-work
cylinder pivoted at one end in a bearing piece journalled in one end of the chamber,
and at the other in a bearing piece formed on a removable cover, a connection
between the end of the cylinder and the journalled bearing piece to adapt them to
rotate together, a portion of the said bearing piece extending outside the chamber so
that means for rotating the cylinder by hand or machinery may be applied thereto,
substantially as and for the purpose specified.
12. In an apparatus for the production and storage of acetylene gas, a generator
comprising a chamber, in combination with a rotatable perforated or open-work
cylinder pivoted at one end in a bearing piece journalled in one end of the chamber,
and at the other in a bearing piece formed on a removable cover, a connection
between the end of the cylinder and the journalled bearing piece to adapt them to
rotate together, a lever pivoted on the said bearing piece, a pawl pivoted on the said
lever, a ratchet wheel formed on the said hearing piece with which the said pawl
engages; a pawl pivoted on the wall of the chamber and adapted to engage with the

page_text: all times the exact position of the holder G. The board 81, is suitably supported from
the closed cover F.
The points of invention which is considered particularly important are the use of
a rotatable cylinder in the generator to contain the carbide operated upon by the
water spray so that the lime formed by the decomposition of the calcium carbide is
shaken from the lumps of carbide by the rotation of the cylinder, and dropped
through the perforations to the bottom of the generator, thus leaving new surfaces of
carbide to be acted upon by the water spray; the use of automatic means for causing
the revolution of the perforated cylinder; the use of a con lenser located within the
water tank of the storage apparatus, which serves to deprive the gas of its surplus
moisture, and also reduces the weight of water required; providing the gas holder
with a closed cover, provided with a pipe so that all gas escaping either by leakage or,
in the operation of the relief valve at the top of the holder may be conveyed to a
place where its odour will cause no annoyance; providing the water regulating:
apparatus with means for turning the water off when the supply of calcium carbide
in the generator is exhausted as well as for automatically regulating the generation
of gas under ordinary circumstances; and also in the various details of construction,
set out in the claims forming a part of this specification.
It will of course be understood that the construction shown may in many cases, be
varied considerably without departing from the spirit of the invention.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we'
clain is:-
1. In an apparatus for the production and storage of acetylene gas, a generator:
comprising a chainber, in combination with a rotatable perforated open-work cylinder,
pivoted therein and adapted to contain calcium carbide, substantially as and for the.
purpose specified.
2. In an apparatus for the production and storage of acetylene gas, a generator
comprising a chamber, in combination with a rotatable perforated or open-work
cylinder pivoted therein and adapted to contain calcium carbide, and a spray tube.
adapted to convey water to the carbide within the cylinder, substantially as and for.
the purpose specified.
3. In an apparatus for the production and storage of acetylene gas, a generator
comprising a chamber, in combination with a rotatable perforated or open-work
cylinder pivoted therein and adapted to contain calcium carbide, and a spray tube,
connected to a water supply and located above the cylinder and adapted to convey
water to the carbide through the openings in the cylinder, substantially as and for.
the purpose specified.
4. In an apparatus for the production and storage of acetylene gas, a generator
comprising a chamber, in combination with a rotatable perforated or open-work.
cylinder pivoted therein and adapted to contain calcium carbide, and a spray tube
adapted to convey water to the carbide within the cylinder, and means for rotating,
the cylinder by the action of the gas generated, substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
5. In an apparatus for the production and storage of acetylene gas, a generator
comprising a chamber in combination with a rotatable perforated or open-work
cylinder pivoted therein and adapted to contain calcium carbide, and a spray tube
connected to a water supply and located above the cylinder and adapted to convey.
water to the carbide through the openings in the cylinder, and means for rotating the
cylinder by the action of the gas generated, substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
6. In an apparatus for the production and storage of acetylene gas, a generator.
comprising a chamber, in combination with a rotatable perforated or open-work
cylinder pivoted at one end in a bearing piece journalled in one end of the chamber
and at the other in a bearing piece formied on a removable cover, a connection
between the end of the cylinder and the journalled bearing piece to adapt them to

page_text: 30. In apparatus for the production and storage of acetylene gas, a tank; a closed
cover with an air outlet and a gas holder, in combination with a relief valve located
in the top of the holder and adapted to open when pressed by the holder against
the inside of the top of the cover substantially as and for the purpose specified.
31. In apparatus for the production and storage of acetylene gas, a tank and a gas
holder, in combination with a relief valve located in the top of the holder and adapted
to open when pressed by the holder against any fixed part located above the holder,
substantially as and for the purpose specified.
Dated this 28th day of May 1907