Improvements in Incandescent Vapour Lamps.
Year: 1899

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Incandescent Vapour Lamps.
I, DAVID SAMUEL WILLIAMS, of 903, Walnut Street, in the City and County
of Philadelphia, State of l'ennsylvania, United States of America, Mechanical
Draughtsman, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
My invention relates to improvements in "hydrocarbon incandescent lamps"
in a peculiar construction and arrangement of the parts so as to adapt the lamp
to the use of high test hydrocarbon oils. The vaporizer to which the oil is con-
ducted from a tank under pressure, is divided into a number of retorts com-
municating with each other and are arranged above the burners which are
provided with incandescent mantles. The vaporizer discharges into a centrally
arranged mixing tube of large diameter from which the vapor which is there
mixed with air is conveyed to the burners. A needle valve is arranged within
the mixing chamber and enters a nozzle in the vaporizer through which the
vapor passes to the mixing tube. The air inlet passages are arranged at the
top of the mixing tube so that as the vapor rushes into the mixing tube it
carries a large volume of air with it.
Dated this Seventh day of February 1899.
DAVID SAMUEL WILLIAMS.
Improvements in Incandescent Vapour Lamps.
I. DAVID SAMUEL WILLIAMS, of 903, Walnut Street, Philadelphia, in the
County of Philadelphia, and State of Pennsylvania, United States of America,
Mechanical Draughtsman, 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 :-
-
My invention relates to incandescent vapour lamps, and has for its object to so
construct such lamps that they will be capable of burning high-test petroleum-
oil.
The problem of successfully utilizing high-test petroleum-oil as an illuminant
has been an extremely difficult one owing to the fact that an intense degree of
heat is required to vaporize it, and that the vapour, unlike that of naphtha or
gasoline, does not become fixed, but will liquefy if it be not maintained at an
intense heat. Hence said vapour must be consumed while in a highly-heated
condition. Hydro-carbon oil of this character is also so heavy that to produce
the necessary Bunsen flame, permitting the employment of an incandescent
mantle, the oil must be first so thoroughly vaporized that the vapour will be

page_text: dry and superheated, as distinguished from comparatively heavy vapour tending
to liquefy upon passing beyond the zone or influence of intense heat of the
incandescent mantle. After vaporization the quantity of air that must be mixed
with a given volume of vapour must be relatively large owing to the said oil
being very rich in carbon; and the vapour, before being fed to the burners and
while being mixed with air, must be allowed the greatest possible room for
expansion. It is also essential to maintain the mixed air and vapour. within the
effective heat zone of the mantle in its passage to the burner-that is to say, the
mixed air and vapour must not be conveyed to the burner by a path so remote
that its temperature will drop to a point that will cause partial condensation of
the vapour, resulting in. deposits of carbon which clog or choke the lamp, and
also producing a flame of lower temperature due to insufficient heating of the
cold air that has been mixed with the vapour.
Now according to my invention I provide a vaporizer, to which the oil is
conducted under pressure fromí a tank, such vaporizer consisting of one or more
tubes or retorts communicating with each other and located above the burners
and preferably at or near the top of the incandescent mantles. The arrangement
is such that the vaporizer will receive the direct as distinguished from merely
the radiant heat emitted by the mantles; that is to say, the tube or tubes are
placed in such position that they will be in direct contact with the highly-heated
air and products of combustion rising from the burners. The vaporizer, or the
tubes or retorts composing the same, extend in a lateral or approximately lateral
direction above the burners, so that a sufficiently long section or sections of
the vaporizer will be subjected to the intense heat necessary to effect thorough
vaporization of the oil. The highly heated vapour is discharged through a nozzle
into a mixing tube or chamber of relatively large diameter or capacity to permit
the necessary free expansion of the vapour. Openings for the admission of air
are provided at the inlet end of this tube so that as the vapour rushes into the
same it draws in and carries with it a large volume of air. The opposite end
of the said mixing tube communicates with the burner or burners. This mixing
and expansion tube is located within the effective heat zone of the burner and
preferably at a distance therefrom less than the diameter of either the said tube
or the burner, the vaporizer being so disposed as to permit this arrangement. I
thus secure thorough vaporization and the maintenance in a vaporized con-
dition of the oil until it is consumed. Where, as is usually the case, the lamp
comprises two or more burners, this mixing tube is arranged centrally between
the burners, whereby the vapour is subjected in its passage to the burners to
direct heat on both or all sides of the conducting-tube, and thus entirely escapes
the cooling influences of the surrounding atmosphere. This arrangement is
important, when high-test hydro-carbon oil is employed, as it insures the
operation of the lamp with any degree of external or atmospheric temperature.
A needle regulating valve is preferably arranged within the mixing tube and
enters a nozzle in the vaporizer through which the vapour passes to the mixing
tube.
The stem or rod of this valve extends through the mixing tube and
passes through the wall thereof at the low-pressure end, from which end it is
operated, thus avoiding the use of a gland or stuffing-box and the consequent
inevitable leakage and unpleasant odour.
The problem of heating the combined mixture of petroleum-vapour and air
sufficiently without heating it excessively has been one of the most difficult of
the problems that have had to be solved in the attempt to utilize high-test petro-
leum oil for illuminating purposes. An insufficient heating of the mixture
occasions the partial condensation of the vapour, with the resultant evils to
which allusion has herein before been inade. An excessive heating of the mix-
ture, on the other hand, produces a complete chemical combination of the oxygen
with the oil-vapour, forming carbon-monoxide (CO), which burns with a dull
blue flame, or carbon dioxide (CO2), which will cause a back firing of the flame.
Attempts have been made to secure effective heating of the mixture by pro-

page_text: viding a separate mixing and expansion chamber above the lamp, or above an
auxiliary flame not intended for illumination, and supplying heated air thereto and
then conveying the heated mixture to the burner by a separate tube. The dis-
advantages of this expedient are serious-first, because when the air is heated
not nearly as much thereof will mix with the vapour as will mix therewith when
the air is cold; and, secondly, because the rate or flow of the mixture will be
seriously diminished owing to its having to travel to the burners by a relatively
long and circuitous route. In my construction, by reason of there being but
two parts or chambers in which the combustible fluid is prepared-namely, the
laterally-extending vaporizer above the mantle and an upright combined mixing
and expansion tube of relatively large diameter connected directly with the
vaporizer above and with the burner or burners beneath-I am "enabled to
introduce a sufficient volume of air and maintain the flow of the mixture to
the burners at the necessary rate of speed. Besides possessing these advantages
my construction is extremely simple and obviates the use of any separate chamber
between the vaporizer and the mixing and expansion tube. I provide a chimney
in the hood of the lamp for carrying off the products of combustion and to
prevent the same heating the air-inlet tube.
The tendency to liquefaction which would otherwise arise from the admission
of relatively cold air to the mixing and expansion chamber, is overcome by
the close proximity of the said chamber to the mantle or mantles, the mixture
being brought to and maintained at a temperature that will be as high as possible
consistent with the preservation of a mechanical mixture as distinguished from
a chemical combination.
In order that my invention may be clearly understood and readily carried
into effect I will proceed to describe the same more fully with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of the oil supply tank or reservoir and some
lamps in communication therewith by a line of piping.
Figure 2 is a perspective view, and Figure 3 a plan, of the vapourizer, mixing
tube and burners of one form of lamp constructed according to my invention.
Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 2, showing the arrangement of a lamp
having three burners.
Figure 5 is a plan of Figure 4 showing the vaporizer in section.
Figure 6 shows detached and in vertical section, the vaporizer illustrated
in Figures 2 and 3.
Figure is a plan of the hood and connections employed in conjunction with
the parts shown in Figures 2 and 4.
Figure 8 is a vertical sectional view of the hood with the burners attached,
the latter being provided with incandescent mantles and surrounded by a trans-
parent globe.
Figure 9 is a horizontal section taken on the line 9-9 of Figure S, showing
the manner in which air is admitted through the hood to the mixing chamber.
Figure 10 is a vertical section of the hood and burner taken on the line 10-10
of Figure S looking in the direction of the arrow.
Figures 11 and 12 are detail views of certain valves which will be hereinafter
referred to.
In all the figures like letters and figures of reference designate the same or
similar parts.
A, A, (Figure 1), is a reservoir in the upper portion or chamber, A, of which
the oil is maintained under a considerable pressure by the use of a small pump a
This pump is secured to the lower portion A¹ of the reservoir into which the oil
is placed prior to being forced into the portion A, the pump having a con-
nection, provided with a check valve a³, and a strainer, a, all of said parts
being arranged within the portion A¹ of the reservoir. Above this portion A¹
is a connection a, leading from the pump to the upper or pressure portion of the
reservoir, and provided with a check valve a. On the opposite side of the

page_text: reservoir is an opening a through which oil is admitted and which is kept
normally closed by means of a spring controlled valve as.
Within the portion or chamber A, is a float a³, to which is secured a tape 10,
having marked upon it figures which indicate the number of gallons of oil in
the chamber. These figures are visible through the glass covered sight hole "
in the top of the reservoir. The tape is wound upon a spool 2, by means of
a spring, which takes up the slack tape as the oil enters the chamber and
raises the float. is a pressure gauge to indicate the pressure in the tank.
a is an oil supply pipe for conveying the oil to the lamps L. This pipe is
provided with a diaphragm valve 6, so constructed as to completely cut off
the supply of oil to the lamps when desired. 17 is a connection leading from
the supply pipe a, to the upper end of the chamber A, and provided with a
diaphragm or other valve a
It frequently becomes necessary, for extending the supply pipe, for making
repairs, or for other reasons, to remove the oil from the supply pipe, and for
this purpose I provide a connection a, and valve 20, by which the oil may
pass from the supply pipe to the lower part A of the reservoir.
Where a large number of lamps are used the hand pump a¹ can be dispensed
with, and a ram employed, controlled by water pressure, as will be well under-
stood.
My improved lamp is especially adaptable for the employment of two or more
burners, and the construction of the vaporizer is such that the oil or vapour
therefrom will be conveyed from one to another of the retorts comprising the
vaporizer until the required heat is taken up by the fluid to produce, when mixed
with air, a perfect reducing flame.
Referring now to Figures 2 to 6, B represents the vaporizer, which is divided
into as many retorts as there are burners in the lamp.
In Figures 2 and 3 the vaporizer is divided into two retorts B1 and B2, the
former being connected with the oil supply pipe a, by means of a coupling 6,
screwed thereto. The opposite end of this retort B₁, is reduced in diameter
and enters the retort B2. The two retorts are secured together by a screw
thread connection as shown particularly in Figure 6. The retort B2 is provided
with a discharge openings, which has a detachable nipple & Working in
the said discharge opening 2 is a needle valve d for regulating the supply of
vapour to the burners. The use of this needle valve is desirable but not
absolutely essential.
Below the vaporizer is a mixing chamber C, having at its upper end air inlet
tubes C and C2, and at its lower end branches C and C+, communicating with
the burners C and C. The burners are provided with nickel wire gauze covers
or mouths and e, and with binding posts and 8, to which may be clamped
the supports for the incandescent mantles.
The vaporizer is arranged in such a manner that the retorts, B1 and B2, are
directly over the burner heads. It is detachably secured to the mixing tube
by a set screw, for the purpose of permitting its ready removal and replace-
ment when it becomes filled with a deposit of carbon due to the intense heat to
which the oil, being of high test, is subjected.
Screwed to the bottom of the mixing chamber is a nut c¹0, which is internally
threaded to receive the stem I) of the needle valve ; and upon the said nut is
fixed a cup E, into which a small quantity of alcohol may be placed for the
purpose of heating, and causing the initial vaporization of oil in, the vaporizer.
By turning the lower end of the stem D so as to screw it up or down, the valve d
is operated.
In the construction illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 the vaporizer B, comprises
three retorts, corresponding to the three burners. In other respects it will be
seen that the construction of the parts is substantially the same as that illustrated
in Figures 2 and 3.
The vaporizer B has a retort B', provided with a coupling ', communicating

page_text: with the supply pipe a¹. From the retort B', a passage b, leads into a pipe b³,
within the retort B³, which pipes forms practically an extension of the retort B'.
From the retort B2, a passage 66, leads into the pipe 7, within the retort B³;
and from the retort B³, a passage communicates with the opening 69 of the
discharge nozzle.
The branches c1, c2 and c¹³ afford communication between the expansion and
mixing chamber C, and the burners C7, C and C, which are arranged directly
below the retorts, B1, B2 and B3. 14, 15, and 1 are the binding posts for
supporting the mantles.
Figures 7, 8, 9 and 10, illustrate the general arrangement of the lamp, which
is provided with a hood F, and chimney F. Below the hood I have shown a
glass cover or globe G, enclosing the burner. The air inlet tubes C¹ and C³,
are secured to the hood F, by nuts f and f¹. Above the hood is a curved
collar F3, which surrounds the central portion F2, of the hood and forms an
annular chamber F. In the said collar are formed apertures or openings f*
and f, through which air can pass to the inlet tubes C and C2. The object
of the above mentioned annular chamber and the arrangement of the air passages
therein is to break up the vibrations caused by the induction of air into the
mixing chamber, which vibrations produce a very annoying sound peculiar to
lamps of this type.
Above the chamber F4, is the chimney F¹, which has an enlarged or widened
base F5, supported above the hood by means of supports f. An annular space
is thus left between the base and the central portion F2, of the hood, through
which space a current of air is induced by the upward flow of the products of
combustion through the chimney. This current of air reduces the temperature
of the hood and chimney of the lamp.
Over the chimney F¹, is a cap F6, attached thereto by a brace F7; and between
the cap and the chimney is placed a ring F8, formed of wire gauze, which serves
to prevent the flame from passing out through the top of the chimney should the
lamp be badly adjusted in starting. The lamp is supported from above by a
rod F, surrounded by a casing F10 which is of sufficient diameter to also enclose
the oil supply pipe a¹5.
One of the chief annoyances, if not a source of danger, in lamps of this kind
is the oxidizing or burning out of the vaporizer, which cannot be avoided except
by constructing the vaporizer of platinum or some other non-oxidizable metal,
the cost of which would preclude the general use of the lamp. Where a system
of lamps is carefully attended by a skilled operator this burning out would not
occur, as the retorts when bady oxidized could be readily removed and new ones
replaced; but devices of this kind are frequently handled by unskilled and care-
less persons. I entirely avoid any danger which might result from this cause
however, by placing in that portion of the supply pipe adjacent to the lamp a
spring-actuated check valve H, the spring, S (Figure 11) of which is so adjusted
as to hold or balance the valve h, in a raised position when the lamp is working
under normal conditions. Should a break in the vaporizer, or any other similar
derangement of the working parts of the lamp occur, the pressure will be
suddenly relieved at the lamp side of the valve and the valve will be closed and
firmly held upon its seat by the pressure on the other side thereof, thus com-
pletely cutting off the supply of oil to the lamp.
I also provide a valve K, preferably of the diaphragm type, for cutting off the
This valve is secured to
oil supply to each lamp when the same is not in use.
the hood by a plate L', and is arranged in the supply pipe a15, between the check
valve H, and the vaporizer B.
The initial vaporization of the oil in the retorts is preferably effected by
igniting a small quantity of alcohol in the cup E, and I find it desirable in
producing this initial vaporization to place above the vaporizer a baffle plate, I
which is suspended from a bracket I¹, by a rod i, and is curved so as to reflect
the heat onto the vaporizer. The outer ends of this baffle plate are curved

page_text: inwardly to form a support for a strip of asbestos or other refractory material.
For street lighting and other outdoor use, the cup may be dispensed with and
a torch employed for heating the retorts to produce the initial vaporization.
It will be understood that, while I have shown and described a preferred and
desirable construction of my improved lamp, many changes may be made in the
details without departing from the nature of my invention.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said in-
vention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what. I
claim is:
:!
j
1. In a hydro-carbon vapour lamp, a vaporizer comprising two or more
retorts through each of which the oil passes substantially as described.
2. In a hydro-carbon vapour lamp the combination with a vaporizer of an
expansion chamber of greater diameter or capacity than the vaporizer, into
which chamber the vapour is discharged and in which it is mixed with air,
substantially as described.
3. In a hydro-carbon vapour lamp the combination with a series of burners, of
à vaporizer comprising a corresponding series of intercommunicating detachable
retorts each disposed directly over a burner, the first being in communication
with an oil supply pipe and the last having a vapour discharge orifice, com-
municating with a centrally arranged expansion chamber provided with air
inlet tubes and communicating with the burners, for the purposes specified.
4. An incandescent vapour lamp having its parts constructed arranged and
combined to operate substantially as described with reference to either of the
forms or modifications illustrated in the accompanying drawings and for the
purpose specified.
Dated this 17th day of November 1899.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicants.