Ax Ix- PROVED SIGNAL LIGHT, AND IN. APPARATUS EMPLOYED IN THE PRODUCTION THEREOF
Year: 1859

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Henry Johnson, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in
the County of Middlesex, and of 166, Buchanan Street, in the City of
☐ Glasgow, North Britain, Gentleman, for the Invention of "Ax Ix-
PROVED SIGNAL LIGHT, AND IN. APPARATUS EMPLOYED IN THE PRODUCTION
THEREOF." A communication from abroad by Messieurs Silas and Pegot
Ogier, of Paris, in the Empire of France.
Sealed the 7th February 1860, and dated the 8th August 1859.
'PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Henry Johnson at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
8th August 1859.
I, JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of
Middlesex, and of 166, Buchanan Street, in the City of Glasgow, North
Britain, Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
"AN IMPROVED SIGNAL LIGHT, AND IN THE APPARATUS EMPLOYED IN THE PRO-
DUCTION THEREOF," a communication from abroad by Messieurs Silas and
Pegot Ogier, of Paris, in the Empire of France, to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to the production of a new signal light capable of
being used at sea as a signal of distress, and applicable in all cases where a
powerful signal light is required, such as on railways or in lighthouses.
In carrying out this Invention it is proposed to apply the spontaneous com-
bustible properties of phosphuretted hydrogen to the production of signal lights,
for which purpose any phosphuret is applicable, but more particularly the
Price d

page_text: phosphuret of calcium.
The phosphuret is enclosed in a hermetically sealed
vessel or chamber, so constructed as to admit of the introduction of water
therein when the gas is required to be generated. When intended to be used
at sea or on the water, this vessel is made buoyant, and is provided with a
tightly stoppered tube at the top and at the bottom, the bottom one serving
for the admission of water when the vessel is floated on the surface, whilst the
other tube at the top allows the gas generated by the admixture of the water
with the phosphuret to escape, and become inflamed by contact with the air.
Before casting the apparatus into the water, the stoppers of the tubes are
perforated. when the generation of the gas will immediately commence.
When required for use on land. two vessels or a divided vessel may be used.
the upper portion containing water, and the lower one the phosphuret, a pipe
and stop-cock connecting the two. so that water may be readily admitted to
the lower vessel at pleasure by turning the stop-cock. It is obvious that
various forms of apparatus might be employed, the sole object, to be attained
being the admission of the water to the phosphuret, and the free escape of the
phosphuretted hydrogen generated thereby. This peculiar light is admirably
adapted for use at sea in stormy weather, as it is not affected or extinguished
either by wind or moisture..
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said John Henry Johnson in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 8th February 1860.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOHN
HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of Middlesex, and
of 166, Buchanan Street, in the City of Glasgow, North Britain, Gentleman,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date flic Eighth day of August. in the year of our Lord Onė
thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine, in the twenty-third year of Her
reign, did. for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me.
the said John Henry Johnson. Her special license that I, the said John
Henry Johnson, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as
I, the said John Henry Johnson, my executors. administrators, or assigns,
should at any time agree with, and no others. from time to time and at all
times thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might
make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain

page_text: and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "AN
IMPROVED SIGNAL LIGHT, AND IN THE APPARATUS EMPLOYED IN THE PRODUCTION
THEREOF," a communication from abroad by Messieurs Silas and Pegot Ogier,
of Paris, in the Empire of France, upon the condition (amongst others) that
I, the said John Henry Johnson, by an instrument in writing under my
hand and seal, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said
Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed, and cause the
same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months
next and immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said John Henry Johnson, do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement. reference being had to the accompanying Drawings, and to the
letters and figures marked thereon, that is to say:-
The said Invention relates to the production of a new signal light capable
of being used at sea, as a signal of distress, and applicable in all cases where
a powerful signal light is required, such as on railways or in lighthouses, or
generally on land, and everywhere where a signal, order, or communication
might be required.
In carrying out this invention it is proposed to apply the spontaneous com-
bustible properties of phosphuretted hydrogen to the production of signal lights,
for which purpose any phosphuret is applicable, but more particularly the
phosphuret of calcium and the phosphuret of barium. The phosphuret is
enclosed in a hermetically sealed vessel or chamber, so constructed as to admit
of the introduction or entrance of water therein when the gas is required to
be generated. When intended to be used at sea, or on the water, this vessel
is made buoyant by being attached to a float, or by having a requisite quantity.
of air contained therein, and according to one modification is provided with a
tightly stoppered tube at the top and at the bottom, the bottom one serving
for the admission of water when the vessel is floated on the surface, and whilst
the other tube at the top allows the gas generated by the admixture of the
water with the phosphuret to escape, and become enflamed by contact with
the air. On casting the apparatus into the water, the stoppers of the tubes
are perforated by the withdrawal through them of a wire attached to a cord
or otherwise, when the generation of the gas will immediately commence by
reason of the entrance of the water into and among the phosphuret.
When required for use on land, two vessels or a divided vessel may be
used, the upper portion containing water, and the lower one the phosphurel,
a pipe and stop-cock connecting the two, so that water may be readily admitted

page_text: to the lower vessel at pleasure by turning the stop-cock. It is obvious
that various forms of apparatus might be. employed, the sole object to be
attained being the admission of the water to the phosphuret, and the free
escape of the phosphuretted hydrogen generated thereby. This peculiar light
is admirably adapted for use at sea in stormy weather, as it is not affected or
extinguished either by wind or moisture.
And in order that the said .Invention may be fully understood, I shall
now proceed more particularly to describe the same, and for that purpose
I shall refer to the several Figures on the Sheet of Drawings hereunto annexed,
the same letters of reference indicating corresponding parts throughout all
the Figures.
Figure 1 of the annexed Sheet of Drawings is a vertical section of the
simplest form of apparatus to be used at sea, and adapted to life buoys. A is
a cylindrical metal box, the interior of which is lined or coated with enamel in
order to prevent the contact of the phosphuret B with the metal. A neck or
mouthpiece C is formed on the cover D, which cover is soldered on to the
cylinder after the phosphuret has been introduced; E is a lead or other soft
metal diaphragm soldered on to the neck of the cylinder. Through this
diaphragm is passed a wire F, the inner end of which is connected with a cock
or stopper G in the neck of the cylinder, which stopper may be provided with
a sharp circular cutting edge or perforator on its upper surface, so that on the
wire (which is connected by a cord H to the ship) being suddenly withdrawn
by the casting overboard of the apparatus, the cock or stopper will be pulled
out, and the cutter or perforator will puncture a bole in the soft metal
diaphragm, and allow the water to enter freely into the interior of the cylinder
during its momentary immersion, and by mingling with the phosphuret,
produce the flame desired, which will continue to burn with an intense light
from the mouth of the cylinder until the whole of the phosphuret is decom-
posed. In order to prevent the phosphuret from becoming accidentally
displaced or shaken, it is proposed to insert a wire gauze diaphragm above
it inside the cylinder. It is intended to use this apparatus in connection with
any suitable life buoy or float, so that after the first plunge. on being cast into
the water it will float on the surface, and serve as a beacon, signal of distress;
or otherwise. Figure 2 represents a vertical section. and Figure 3 a sectional
plan of another form of apparatus adapted to be used with the ordinary life
buoys of the Royal Navy. In this case a tube K is passed through the top
and bottom of the cylinder A. and projects sufficiently below the bottom of the
cylinder to project through the barrel or hollow light supporting stanchion of
the buoy, the cylinder itself resting upon the top end of the stanchion at a
.

page_text: slight elevation above the water. The tube K is perforated with numerous
holes at that part within the cylinder, and is closed at the top and bottom by
a lead diaphragm E, through which a wire F passes. The bottom end of this
wire has a small knob formed upon it, whilst its upper end is connected by
a cord H with the ship. The apparatus which is fixed to the buoy on being
cast overboard causes the cord H to be pulled, and the wire F to be with-
drawn; this withdrawal of the wire leaves a perforation or aperture in each of
the lead diaphragms, and as the latter is some distance below the surface, the
water by the constant oscillation of the buoy or float and apparatus rises up
the tube K, and passes through the lateral perforations into and among the
phosphuret contained within the cylinder. The inflammable gas thereby pro-
duced escape at the upper end of the tube K, where it burns with a bright
flame in spite of wind or water. Figure 4 represents a vertical section of
a smaller apparatus suitable for use either at sea when hoisted at the mast
head or yards of a ship, or as a signal or beacon on land when placed in any
elevated position. This instrument is of a similar construction to that illus-
trated by Figures 2 and 3, with the addition of the second or lower chamber or
compartment L containing water which is introduced therein by the lateral
pipe and mouthpiece 7. The lower end of the tube K dips into the water in
the chamber L, and when the wire F is withdrawn, and a perforation thereby,
made in the diaphragms E, E, the water rises up the tube K, and enters
among the phosphuret B in the upper chamber A, through the lateral openings
made in the tube K. Phosphuretted hydrogen gas is immediately generated,
and on its escaping by the upper end of the tube K into the atmosphere, it
ignites spontaneously, and burns with a bright and powerful flame which con-
tinues a longer or shorter period according as more or less phosphuret is
contained in the apparatus. Rings are secured to the sides of the chamber A
for the facility of attaching ropes or halyards, or hoisting it to a mast head or
pole. Figure 5 represents a vertical section, and Figure 6 a plan, of a
modified form of apparatus to be used for railway or other signals, both on land
and at sea where a powerful and inextinguishable light under control is required.
In this apparatus I prefer to make the vessel A of a spherical form, although
any other shape may be given to it. Above this vessel is placed a water
chamber L, which communicates by means of the pipe and stop-cock M with
the vessel A below containing the phosphuret. A second pipe and stop-cock
N connect the upper portion of the chamber vessel A with a tube K, which
passes through the water chamber or vessel L, and serves as the burner for
the gas. is the nozzle or mouthpiece through which the water is introduced
into the chamber L, and b is a similar but larger mouth made in the vessel A

page_text: for the introduction of the phosphuret, both apertures being closed by screwed
plugs or other convenient and tight-fitting stoppers; c, c, are feet which may be
cast upon the vessel A, so as to form a tripod or support for the apparatus.
The size of the burner (which may be either moveable or fixed) is regulated
according to the size of flame jet required. The respective vessels A and L
having been charged with phosphuret and with water as shewn, the cocks M
and N being first closed, the apparatus is ready for usc. When required to be
put into operation the cocks M and N are opened, and a supply of water
is thereby allowed to enter the vessel A, and mingle with the phosphuret,
the resulting phosphuretted hydrogen gas escaping through the cock N,
into and out of the tube or burner K, and becomes spontaneously ignited on
coming in contact with the atmosphere. The gas cock N may be kept shut if
desired, so as to confine the gas until required for use, when by opening it an
instantaneous light is obtained. In this way the apparatus may be always
kept charged ready for use on a sudden emergency, and the jet may be shut
off again when no longer needed, to be again used when necessity requires.
I may here remark that the immense lighting power of this apparatus, which
casts its brilliancy and reflections vertically as well as horizontally, makes this
light particularly useful on lines of railways or roads where curves are frequent.
In such cases the reflection may be seen at a distance of several miles from
the places where it is working. Figure represents a vertical section of
a simplified form of the last-described apparatus, the upper water vessel being
here dispensed with. This apparatus consists simply of a vessel A containing
the phosphuret B, and provided with a neck or mouth-piece C, formed on the
cover D, which is soldered on to the vessel. Into this mouth-piece is screwed
tightly the short tube or burner K, which is provided with a stop-cock N.
The phosphuret is introduced through the mouth C, and the tube or burner K
is then screwed firmly into its place, as shown. When required for use, water
is injected by means of a syringe or other suitable apparatus applied to the end
of the burner, and when a suflicient quantity has been introduced, the cock N
is closed, and the apparatus is then ready for instant service. On opening
the cock again, the gas will escape by the burner and become ignited as
hercin-before described. Figure 8 represents a vertical section of a somewhat
similar apparatus to that last described, but adapted for use as a submarine
light or lamp for visiting the screw, keel, or other part of a vessel, or for con-
ducting submarine operations or searches, as in the case of wrecks, or laying
submarine foundations for structures. In this apparatus the nozzle of the
tube or burner K is surrounded by a concentric pipe O, which extends slightly
above the end of the burner. This concentric pipe is connected by a branch

page_text: P with a flexible pipe Q. leading to an air-pump at the surface. The object
of this addition is to supply the atmospheric air indispensable for combustion
under water to the light by forcing air down the pipe Q, which air is brought
in contact with the light by means of the concentric tube O surrounding the
burner. The instrument shewn in Figure 8, and intended to be employed as
a submarine light, is not connected with any oxygen supplier. When required
for service as a submarine light, it receives the necessary air by the pipe Q,
but the same instrument may be used on land with the same concentric pipe;
in this case, however, the tube Q is connected with an oxygen gasometer. I
may observe, however, that even when used under water, the supply of oxygen
and air may be found desirable, such supply being effected by means of two
separate pipes. By this additional and forced supply of oxygen, the brilliancy
of the flaine is very greatly increased beyond what it would be, were it supplied
merely by the oxygen contained in the surrounding element. If a regular.
steady. and more brilliant light is required. the burner may be surrounded by
a glass shade, in which case a tube or chimney should be provided for the
escape of the smoke produced by the combustion. If found desirable, the
brilliancy of the light may be still further increased by connecting the tube Q
with an oxygen gasometer, whereby pure oxygen may be mixed with the
phosphuretted hydrogen gas issuing from the burner K. When this instru-
ment is used in infected water. such as occurs in certain rivers and in sewers,
the gas issuing from the burner should be directed against the putrescent.
matter at the bottom, when its neutralizing or disinfectant properties quickly
annihilate the infection. The means of supplying oxygen gas round the
burner may be also applied to the signal light apparatus herein-before described
and illustrated by Figures 4, 5, 6, and 7. These instruments may also be
placed in colored glass shades, in order to augment the combinations of signals
when required for such purposes; but in this case the shades ought to be made
very strong and of large diameter, as the gas in burning forms a vaporous
deposit, which might injure the transparency of the glass.
When oxygen gas is supplied to the flame, glass shades should not be
employed, as the explosive power of the oxygen might cause the breakage of
the glass. In cases, however, where oxygen gas is employed, a wire gauze
cylinder, similar to that used in the Davy safety miner's lamp, is fitted on to a
suitable support, and made to surround the burner in order to prevent the
diffusion of the oxygen. As oxygen gas possesses the property of greatly
increasing the combustible and lighting power of phosphuretted hydrogen gas.
it will be understood that this admixture is only desirable where an immense
light is required. Signal apparatus constructed on the principle herein-before

page_text: described, when required for military or naval purposes, may be used in groups
composed of different numbers, and of plain or colored lights by the addition
of variously colored glass shades, so that by suitably combining or arranging
them, telegraphic signals may be transmitted to great distances.
But a more simple method of communicating telegraphic messages would
be to use one of the strong lights, which by illuminating a group of soldiers
or inanimated objects, could represent signals, and might in this case be seen
at very long distances, the light in this case serving to illuminate the signal.
Reflectors may also be combined with these lights, either at sea or on land,
but they should be placed sufficiently far behind the focus to prevent the
polished surface of the reflector from becoming dimmed by the action of the
vapours arising from the combustion.
Figure 9 represents a vertical section of another modification of this
apparatus constructed in the form of a hollow shot or shell. A' is the body
of the shell, which may be made of wood or thin metal; it is composed of
two halves, screwed together tightly at d, d, and provided with a central
division piece R, which divides the internal cavity into two separate and
distinct compartments or chambers A and S. In the chamber A is fitted a
metal receptacle, a, a, for containing the phosphuret, the mouth of this
receptacle being covered by the wire gauze diaphragm I to prevent the
phosphuret from being shaken out. A metal neck or mouth-piece C is
screwed into the top of the chamber A, and this mouth-piece is covered by a
disc or diaphragm of lead E soldered thereon. Through this disc, a wire
F passes and enters a cock or stopper G, into which it is firmly secured; the
outer end of the wire is connected to a string for the purpose herein-after
explained. The lower chamber S is made perfectly air and water-tight for
the purpose of imparting buoyancy to the shell, and it is weighted by a plate
of metal m, inserted into the bottom to ensure the shell floating with its
mouth upwards. This shell may be used as an alarm in case of fog, or as a
signal in war, or as a powerful light for illuminating the coast and exposing
an enemy's fleet. It is intended to be fired from a gun or mortar, the act of
firing withdrawing the wire by means of the cord, which should be secured to
the gun or other convenient fixed point, so that when the shell drops into the
sea, the water will enter the chamber A, and mix with the phosphuret con-
tained therein. The gas then generates and burns at the mouth-piece C,
whilst the shell floats on the surface of the water. This shell may also be
made to convey documents, letters, or despatches, which may be inserted by
the opening into the air chamber, and tightly corked up again before firing:
In cases of distress, the fate or situation of a ship may thus be readily made

page_text: 1.
known to any ship in the neighbourhood, which would be instantly attracted
by the intense light of the burning shell.
I may add that the shot, being reduced to small proportions, can even be
used as a bullet, and fired from a gun or rifle, or used as a rocket. It could.
moreover, easily be adapted as a light and fired from a moriar. used on the
coast at life-boat. siations, thereby serving to point out the position of the
rope sent to or from the vessel.
It is obvious that various forms of apparatus may be employed in carrying
out the main features of this Invention, the sole desideratum required being
a ready means of introducing water, or of allowing water to introduce itself.
into and among the phosphuret contained in any suitable receptacle; and.
therefore, I have given the annexed Drawings as examples of some of the
various means which may be adopted for putting the said Invention into
practise without confining or restricting myself to the precise arrangements
shewn,
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of the said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried
into effect, I would observe, in conclusion, that what I consider to be novel and
original, and therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the herein-
before in part recited Letters Patent, is,―
First, the general constructions and arrangements of apparatus for producing
signal lights, as herein-before described.
Second, the application and use of phosphuretted hydrogen gas for the
production of signal lights at sea or on land, as herein-before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Henry Johnson, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Eighth day of February, One thousand
eight hundred and sixty.