New or Improved Apparatus for Indicating the Level of the Oil in Lamp Founts.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 15th Jan., 1889
Complete Specification Left, 15th Oct., 1889-Accepted, 16th Nov..
1889
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
New or Improved Apparatus for Indicating the Level of the Oil in
Lamp Founts.
I, SIDNEY WATERS, of 33 Eastcheap in the City of London, Merchant, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
My invention relates to apparatus for indicating the level of the oil in the founts of
lamps whereby certain advantages are obtained.
A drawback which exists in lamp founts as ordinarily constructed is the difficulty of
ascertaining when, during the process of filling, the proper amount of oil has been
inserted. If one depends upon the eye and hand to detect the moment when the
fount is just full, and to cease pouring then, one is almost certain to overstep the
mark, and produce an overflow of oil, which not only results in waste but in daniago
and increased fire risk, as well as involving an expenditure of time and trouble in
cleaning. The trouble involved in such uncalled for cleaning is particularly
noticeable in the case of the embossed metal founts now so much in demand for oil
lamps. On the other hand if to avoid any chance of overflow one ceases to pour in
the oil when within what is deemed a safe limit, it generally results that the fount is
insufficiently filled, and the light is liable to become extinct just at the time when it is
most wanted. My invention is designed to overcome this drawback.
The essence of my invention lies in the employment of a Hoating body which rises
with the level of the oil as the latter is poured into the fount; until, when the proper
limit has been attained, an indication is given of the fact by the appearance, through
a suitable orifice at the top of the fount, of the float, or a dovico in connection therewith.
It is evident that the mechanical parts constituting my invention may take a number
of different forms, but such need not be further referred to here.
In addition to the overcoming of the above mentioned drawback, my invention
further presents the advantage, not only of extending the use of highly embossed and
ornamented metal founts, but of enabling many other useful and artistic materials to
he employed for this purpose-materials which cannot at present be conveniently used
on account of the difficulty of cleaning or removing oil from their external surfaces.
My invention will further be of great benefit in countries where oil is expensive.
T
T. 1800
J. G. LORRAIN, M.I.E.E., M.I.M.E.,
Norfolk House, Norfolk Street, London, W.O, Agent for Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
New or Improved Apparatus for Indicating the Level of the Oil in
Lamp Founts.
1, SIDNEY WATERS, of 33 Eastcheap in the City of London, Merchant, 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 apparatus for indicating the level of the oil in the founts of
lamps whereby certain advantages are obtained.
A drawback which exists in lamp founts as ordinarily constructed is the difficulty
of ascertaining when, during the process of filling, the proper amount of oil has been
inserted. If one depends upon the eye and hand to detect the moment when the
fount is just full, and to cease pouring then, one is almost certain to overstep
the mark, and produce an overflow of oil, which not only results in waste but
in damage an increased fire risk, as well as in involving an expenditure of time

page_text: and trouble in cleaning. The trouble involved in such uncalled for cleaning is
particularly noticeable in the case of the embossed metal founts now so much in
demand for oil lamps. On the other hand if to avoid any chance of overflow one
ceases to pour in the oil when within what is deemed a safe limit, it generally results
that the fount is insufficiently filled; and the light is liable to become extinct just at
the time when it is most wanted. My invention is designed to overcome this
drawback.
The essence of my invention lies in the employment of a floating body which rises
with the level of the oil as the latter is poured into the fount; until when the
proper limit has been attained an indication is given of the fact by the appearance
through or opposite a suitable orifice at the top of the fount, of the float, or a device
in connection therewith.
Having thus specified the nature and object of my invention I shall now proceed
to describe by way of types or examples a few ways in which it is to be or may bo
performed or carried into effect, and for this purpose I shall refer to the figures in the
accompanying sheets of drawings in which figures similar letters of reference refer
to similar parts. I desire it to be understood however that the ways of carrying my
invention into effect are not by any means limited to those ways hereinafter described
and illustrated. The scope or compass of my invention is defined in the immediately
preceding paragraph.
Figures 1 and 2 are respectively vertical section and plan viows of one form of
my invention. A is the fount of reservoir and B the collar of same. B is perforated
by the narrow orifice C the upper part of which is recessed or countersunk as
shown at c. This orifice is designed for the passage and play of the indicator D
which in this case consists of the metal wire or stem dd together with the float ¹
attached to its lower extremity and the indicating ball or bead at its upper
extremity. To understand the action of this form of my apparatus let us assume that
the lamp is empty or nearly so. The indicator will occupy the position shown in
dotted lines its weight being supported by the bead d³ in the recess c¹. Let oil now
be poured into the fount A through the neck or collar. The level of the oil in the
fount will gradually rise till it reaches the float and continuing to rise will raise the
float and with it the stem d and bead d until the indicator attains the position shown
in full lines in figure 1. As soon as the person filling the lamp sees the bead d
emerge from the recess he may cease pouring oil into the fount which will then be
found to contain the amount of oil required. A hollow metal ball forms a convenient
float whilst a small metal ball coated with luminous paint or enamelled in a
brilliant colour makes a suitable indicating bead. The function of the guard-plate E,
conveniently stamped from sheet brass, is to shield the float and lower part of the
stom from the wick. By cutting a male thread on the stem and a female thread on
the float so that the former may be screwed more or less far into the lattor, the
indicator may be adjusted to act at varying levels of the oil in the fount. When the
burner is screwed into the neck of the fount the indicator is pressed downwards till
the bead d² is bedded in the recess c¹.
Figures 3 and 4 aro respectively a vertical section and plan of another example of
my invention. In this case the fount A is fitted with a tube F (perforated as shown
at ff) which serves at the same time as a shield and as a guide for the indicator.
This tube projects above the upper wall of the fount and the part so projecting is
threaded to receive the screw cap f. The indicator in this case is similar to that
shown in figures 1 and 2 but has mounted on its stem the thin metal disc & and felt
washer d. The form of fount shown is one having a separate filling hole and cap G,
so that it is unnecessary to unscrew the burner to replenish the lamp with oil. When
the lamp is being filled the cap f is unscrewed so that the bead may be seen as
soon as it comes into view through the orifice in the collar. The disc d³, whose
diameter is almost equal to the internal diameter of F, aids in securing a truly vertical
movement of the indicator, whilst the washer serves in pressing against the
collar to close the orifice therein and prevent any spilling of the oil therethrough
after the indicator has risen to the position shown and pending the screwing on of the

page_text: capf. The diameter of the washer dis less than that of the disc d³, as the former
if allowed to touch the side of the tube might stick and prevent the indicator from
acting. After the lamp has been filled the cap f' is screwed on and the fount
rendered tight.
Figures and 6 show in vertical section and plan respectively another type of my
invention. In this case the indicator instead of boing freely suspended as in the two
previously cited cases is hinged or jointed so as to inake an angular instead of an
integral movement. In these figures d represents the hinge or joint piece to which
one end of the stom d is attached. d' is the float and the bead as before. E is the
guard, perforated for the free passage of the oil, in this case enclosing the indicator
in a compartment by itself. Before filling the lamp the screw cap is removed.
Oil is then poured in till the indicator moves from the position shown in dotted lines
to that shown in full lines in figure 5 when the bead appearing shows that sufficient
oil has been inserted. Capfis then screwed on.
Figure 7 is a vertical section and figure 8 a plan of part of a lamp constituting a
fourth forin of my invention. In this case the indicator moves in an angular direction
as in the case illustrated by figures 5 and 6 and the action is in other respects similar.
It will be seen that in this caso instead of a bead appearing at the exterior of the
fount, a tablet d' with the word "Full" marked thereon appears opposite a small pane
of glass let into the upper part of the fount. The tablet might also conveniently
take the form of a circular disc without the word "full" thereon and the window
might then consist of a small circular pane of glass of the same diameter as the
tablet. Oil would then cease to be poured in when the tablet and the pane of glass
coincided with one another. To prevent any leakage of oil at the window I paint
"Neuxene,"
the edges of the pane with the composition known in the market as
which forms a good packing and successfully resists the action of petroleum and other
oils and spirits. The small stop or projection de sorves to prevent the free end of the
indicator from descending so far as to be liable to jam against the guard E.
I illustrate in figures 9 and 10 another type of my invention. In this case the
float is attached to a light driving band or chain H which serves to actuate the
drum Jrotating freely on the centres jj. K is a small weight, of heavier material
but of less total weight than the float d', which serves to keep H taut. Upon J is
fixed the tablet L, in this instance shown as having the word "Full" engraved
It will be seen
thereon, which appears opposite the window when the lamp is full.
that as the oil is poured into the lamp and the float rises the drum J turns in the
direction of the arrow till the parts are in the position shown in full lines. As the oil
burns away the float descends and the drum turns in the opposite direction to that
shown by the arrow till the parts assume the positions shown in dotted lines.
Yet another form of my invention is shown in figures 11 and 12. In this case d¹
and H instead of actuating a tablet-bearing drum actuate a pair of crown pin
wheels m', m³ (a cheap and simple substitute for a pair of bevil wheels), which serve
to rotate the spindle N and pointer O. As the oil is poured in and the float rises
from the position shown in dotted lines to that shown in full lines the pointer is moved
round from the word "Empty" to the word "Full" as will be seen on reference to
figure 12. The position of the pointer is seen through the glass pane above it.
For
The various constituent parts of the several forms of my invention shown are
readily capable of rearrangement and recombination amongst themselves.
example an are shaped rack attached to the free end of the indicator stem shown in
figure 7 might by gearing into a spur wheel actuate the crown pin wheels and pointer
shown in figure 11.
In addition to the advantages hereinbefore cited my invention presents the further
advantage not only of extending the employment of highly embossed and ornamented
metal founts but of enabling many other useful and artistic materials to be employed
for this purpose-materials which cannot at present be conveniently used on account
of the difficulty of cleaning their surfaces and removing oil therefrom. My invention
will further be of great benefit in countries where oil is expensive as it effects a
considerable saving in the quantity used.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is.
1. Apparatus for indicating the level of the oil in lamp founts characterised by the
employment of a floating body which rises with the level of the oil as the latter is
poured into the fount until when the proper limit has been attained an indication is
given of the fact by the appearance through or opposite a suitable orifice at the top of
the fount, of the float or a device in connection therewith.
2. The new or improved apparatus for indicating the level of the oil in lamp founts
substantially as set forth.
3. The new or improved apparatus for indicating the level of the oil in lamp founts
set forth with reference to figures 1 and 2.
4. The new or improved apparatus for indicating the level of the oil in lamp founts
set forth with reference to figures 3 and 4.
5. The new or improved apparatus for indicating the level of the oil in lamp founts
set forth with reference to figures 5 and 6.
6. The new or improved apparatus for indicating the level of the oil in lamp founts
set forth with reference to figures 7 and 8.
7. The new or improved apparatus for indicating the level of the oil in lamp founts
set forth with reference to figures 9 and 10.
8. Tho new or improved apparatus for indicating the level of the oil in lamp founts
set forth with reference to figures 11 and 12.
Dated this 15th day of October 1889.
SIDNEY WATERS.