Improvements in Apparatus for Igniting Gas by Electricity.
Year: 1884

page_text: Improvements in Apparatus for Igniting Gas by Electricity.
BY
I, PHILIP MIDDLETON JUSTICE of 55 and 56 Chancery Lane in the County of
Middlesex, Fellow of the Institute of Patent Agents do hereby declare the nature
of said invention for IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR IGNITING GAS
ELECTRICITY & communication to me from abroad by Charles W. Weiss of Brooklyn
Kings County in the State of New York United States of America, Engineer to be
as follows:-
This invention relates to that class of gas lighting apparatus, wherein an electric
spark is produced by friction between a resinous and a metal plate, or by what is
commonly known as an electrophorus.
The novel features of the invention relate in part to the particular metal
employed to form the frictional surface for the resinous plate to impinge against
and move over, and in part to the particular construction of the various forms of
the apparatus, all as are hereafter more fully set forth.
The object of the invention is to so construct the generating device used for the
production of the electric spark, that it shall not be subject to changes due to
atmospheric influences, and with this object in view, the plates of electrophorous
are enclosed in an hermetically sealed case which is usually made of metal in a
circular form; but this is not essential. When the apparatus is in the form of a
torch the case is provided with a suitable handle and a branch preferably curved
to enable the person using the torch to easily reach the gas tip when enclosed in a
globe. It can, however, be made straight, or of any desired shape or length.
Within the case is arranged the generator, which consists of a metal plate mounted
on insulating posts on the back of the case; the face of this plate is covered with
some suitable soft material preferably kid, or other soft leather.
A resinous plate which is usually made of hard rubber is mounted on a second
metal plate which forms a backing. To the centre of this metal plate is fixed a
cylindrical stem which passes out of the case through a stuffing box and is provided
with a suitable knob or cross handle whereby the resinous plate may be turned.
A spring of. suitable form is arranged within the case for the purpose of keeping
the resinous plate pressed up to the soft material on the first metal plate.

page_text: To actuate the apparatus a thumb lever is employed having its fulcrum on the
outside of the case, and provided with a forked extremity which embraces the
cylindrical stem attached to the second metal plate or backing and rests against a
collar or other projecting part on the same. By means of this thumb lever the
operator is enabled to lift the resinous plate. On the insulated metal plate first
mentioned is a metallic contact piece which is arranged to make contact with the
second metal plate or backing when the two plates are brought together.
This contact piece is attached to a metallic conductor which may be of wire, and
which is led through insulated bearings along the curved branch, where it terminates
in a point which faces a second point on the same branch, which is usually a tube,
the conductor being enclosed therein.
A modification of the generator consists in the employment of lead for the plate,
or as a surface for the plate whereby the necessary spark is produced with a circular
plate of considerably less diameter, than where cloth or leather is used to form a
frictional surface for the resinous plate to impinge on and play over which has
usually been the method employed. Tin foil containing considerable lead answers
fairly well; but its value increases with the lead it contains. It has been found
that pure lead is the best and that it possesses among other properties, that of
increasing the length of the spark generated. In order that the resinous plate may
adjust itself to the lead plate, the latter is backed with a layer of some soft yielding
material, which serves as a cushion but the lead may be secured directly to its
supporting plate, its face being dressed off smoothly to fit the resinous plate, or the
entire back plate may be made of lead. It is desirable, however, to make the back
plate of some hard metal or insulating material. The lead or resinous plates may
be flat concavo-convex or other suitable shape as desired, it being only important
that the frictional surfaces should be in contact to the fullest extent possible.
When the apparatus is adapted to form a cigar lighter, the case is mounted
horizontally on a base, which may be of wood or other suitable material. The
inner parts comprising the generator may be the same as those already described
or the metallic plate may have the lead surface if preferred.
Vertically mounted on the case is a gas burner which may be supplied through
a flexible tube and is provided with an ordinary gas cock to which is attached a
lever the end of which engages in a circumferential groove in a collar fixed upon a
cylindrical stem conuected to the generator plates as before described the spark
being formed between points arranged over the tip of the burner in the usual way.
Upon a thumb lever being depressed, the stem is raised; but the engagement of
the lever upon the gas cock with the groove in the collar, causes said lever to turn
on the gas an instant before the spark is produced whereby one operation of the
lever serves to turn on the gas and ignite it. If it is desired to leave the gas
turned on and ignited, this may be effected by inserting a pin through a hole in
the fulcrum bearing of the lever with which a hole in said lever registers. A
retracting spring may be used to shut off the gas; the lever being only a con-
venience, the metal plate being raised and lowered by the knob or handle on the
top of the stem.
It is not essential that the contact piece before described be employed as the
means of connection between the insulated plate and the conductor as the latter
may be connected with the plate independently of it.
Where the apparatus is applied to a gas burner the generating device is attached
to the gas pipe. It consists of a box or case having metal front and back plates
and a drum or hoop of some insulating material, such as hard rubber or glass; the
case may be wholly composed of rubber or glass. The front and back metal
plates are preferably screwed directly on to the drum but they may be secured in
other ways.
On the inner face of the back plate is a layer of some soft fabric, as muslin or
leather and on this fabric is mounted a plate of lead or an alloy of lead, to provide
a frictional surface to receive the resinous plate, which is made by preference, from
hard rubber and attached to a metallic backing, which is fastened to an axial

page_text: metallic stem which passes through a stuffing box in the front plate its outer end
being provided with a handle or thumb piece by which the resinous plate is rotated
and lifted. The foot of the stem is flanged and is connected with the resinous
plate by metal screws or rivets and these are relied on to form the necessary metallic
connections between the back plate and the earth. Various other means however,
may be provided for this purpose.
In
The resinous plate is held in contact with a leaden plate by means of a spring
arranged between the said layer of soft fabric and the front plate of the case.
order that the resinous plate may be first rotated slightly, and then lifted from the
lead plate by one rotatory operation of the thumb-piece a hollow cup is provided
which screws into the aperture in the front plate on to a suitable packing thus
forming a stuffing box for the axial stem. The thumb-piece rests normally
between two inclined projections or cams on, or forming a part of a plug or boss.
One side of these is inclined, and the other side is perpendicular-therefore, when
the thumb piece is turned, the first movement is that of rotation; but when the
lower faces of the piece strike the inclined faces of the projections the rotation
continues, but the thumb-piece rides up the incline, lifts the resinous plate from
the lead plate and compresses the spring before referred to. A continuation of the
rotation causes the thumb-piece to pass over the cams when the spring draws it
back to its normal position.
The spark is produced between metallic points arranged over the burner-tip one
being attached to the back plate and being electrically connected with this plate
and the friction plate thereon the second being attached to the pipe or body of the
burner and electrically connected with the resinous plate and the ground through
the various conducting parts.
It is not essential that the gas be turned on by the same means that produces
the spark ;. the gas cock may be entirely separate and the gas turned on before the
spark is produced. For convenience however it is preferred to employ the means
hereafter described, or any equivalent device for turning on the gas and producing
a spark by one movement, and nearly simultaneously. To accomplish this the
burner is provided with an ordinary gas cock having a thumb piece. Projecting
parts on the thumb piece connected with the generator will strike against the
wing of the thumb piece of the gas cock the first movement serving to turn the
gas-cock so as to let on a little gas-the further movement of separating the plates
produces the spark and ignites the gas. When the apparatus is employed as first
described in the form of a torch for igniting the gas the branch is usually provided
with a funnel like tip, adapted to be placed over the burner tip, the curve enabling
the tip to be brought over the burner but the particular form given the end of the
torch, is not essential.
The resinous plate is made movable in order that the plate which is charged and
discharged, may be maintained stationary but by properly insulating the resinous
plate the metal plate can be the one made to move. In either case the conductor
is mounted in fixed insulated bearings and rigidly attached to the fixed plate.
The resinous plates and metal backing may be considered as one, the latter being
merely a metallic backing, and the soft material may be considered a part of the
insulated metal plate.
One of the points on the arm where the spark is formed is electrically connected
with the resinous plate and to the earth through the body of the operator. The
other point as before described is electrically connected with the insulated plate
through the conductor and contact piece.
It is preffered to japan or varnish this conductor or to provide it with some
other insulating covering.
To the curved branch is fixed a device in the nature of a key for turning on
the gas.
When it is desired to produce a spark, the handle of the torch or apparatus
is grasped by one hand, and the resinous plate given a partial rotation by means
of the knob or handle situated on the stem connected to the generator. This

page_text: negatively excites the resinous plate through the frictional contact with the soft
material on the insulated plate, or as in the case where the metal plate has a
surface of lead, with that material.
The rotation, as described, is only necessary in that form of device where the
metallic plate is covered by a layer of soft material.
Where the metallic plate has a surface of lead, it is not necessary to rotate the
plate, as it has been found that the friction caused by the mere lifting of the plate
will ordinarily produce the desired spark. To lift the plate, the operator depresses
the thumb lever and this lifts the resinous plate from the insulated plate breaks
the contact of the contact piece with the metal plate or backing and leaves the
resinous plate negatively charged.
When the resinous plate has been moved a certain distance from the insulated,
plate which has become positively charged by induction, the latter plate will be
discharged in the form of the spark passing between the points in the end of the
torch.
It has been found that an electrophorus constructed as described, is not affected
by ordinary atmospheric changes. It may be found convenient to form a vacuum
in the case containing the plate or the cavity of the case may be filled with any
chemically dried gas, such as nitrogen or the handle may be hollow, and filled with
any powdered material having an affinity for moisture, such as chloride of calcium,
whereby the inner part of the case and plates are rendered dry and free from
moisture.
1007

page_text: Improvements in Apparatus for Igniting Gas by Electricity.
I PHILIP MIDDLETON JUSTICE of 55 and 56 Chancery Lane in the County
of Middlesex, Fellow of the Institute of Patent Agents do hereby declare the
nature of this invention (a cominunication from abroad by Charles W. Weiss
of Brooklyn, Kings County in the State of New York United States of America
Engineer) 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 that class of gas lighting apparatus, wherein an electric
spark is produced by friction between a resinous and a metal plate, or by what is
commonly known as an electrophorous.
The novel features of the invention relate in part to the particular metal
employed to form the frictional surface for the resinous plate to impinge against
and move over, and in part to the particular construction of the various forms of
the apparatus, all as are hereafter more fully set forth.
The object of the invention is to so construct the generating device used for the
production of the electric spark, that it shall not be subject to changes due to
atmospheric influences, and with this object in view, I enclose the plates or electro-
phorus in an hermetically sealed case.
The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention in which,
Figure 1 is a side elevation of the device adapted as a portable torch. A portion
of the case is shown broken away, so as to more fully show the relation of the
various parts.
Figure 2 is a section taken on the line 2. 2. of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a detached front view of the tip or end of the torch.
Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the application of the invention to a cigar lighter, the
former an elevation partially in section, and the latter a plan.
Figure 6 is a vertical section of the device as applied to a gas burner.
Figure 7 is a front view of the same.
Figure 8 is a plan.
Figures 9 and 10 are fragmentary sections illustrating various modifications.
In Figures 1 to 5 A represents an hermetically sealed box or case enclosing the
electrophorus. This I usually make of metal in a circular form; but this is not
essential The case is provided with a suitable handle B, and a branch C, prefer-
ably curved to enable the person using the torch to easily reach the gas tip when
enclosed in a globe. It can, however, be made straight, or of any desired shape or
length. In Figure 1 it is shown broken off, for lack of room. Within the case A
is arranged the generator, which I will now describe in reference to Figure 2.
D is a metal plate mounted on the insulating posts, a. a. on the back of the case;
the face of this plate D, is covered with some suitable soft material b preferably
kid, or other soft leather.
E is the resinous plate, which I usually make of hard rubber, and is mounted on
a metal plate c, which forms a backing. To the centre of the metal plate c, is fixed
a cylindrical stem d which passes out of the case A through a stuffing box F, and
is provided with a suitable knob or cross handle G whereby the plate E may be
turned.

page_text: H is the spring of any form, arranged within the case, and adapted to keep the
plate E pressed up to the soft material b, on the plate D.
I is the thumb-lever having its fulcrum on the outside of the case A, and
provided with a forked extremity f which embraces the stem d, and takes under a
collar g or other projecting part on the same. By means of this lever, I, the
operator is enabled to lift the plate E by pressing on the thumb plate h. On the
insulated metal plate D, is a metallic contact piece i. which is arranged to make
contact with the plate c. when the two plates are brought together, as in Figure 2.
This contact piece is attached to a metallic conductor J which may be of wire, and
which is led through insulated bearings i. i. along the branch C, where it terminates
in a point opposite to a point 1 on branch C which is usually a tube, and the
conductor J is enclosed therein.
In the Figures 6. 7. 8, 9 and 10, I have shown a modification of the generator.
Heretofore so far as I am aware, the metallic plate has usually been covered with
cloth or leather to form a frictional surface for the resinous plate to impinge on and
play over. I find by experiment, however, that by employing lead for the plate, or
as a surface for the plate, I am enabled to produce the necessary spark with a.
circular plate of considerably less diameter, than where the cloth or leather is
used. Tin foil containing considerable lead, answers fairly well; but its value
increases with the lead it contains. I find pure lead to be the best, and to possess
among other properties, that of increasing the length of the spark generated.
In order that the resinous plate may adjust itself to the lead plate, I usually
back the latter, as shown in Figure 6, with a layer of some soft yielding material,
which serves as a cushion; but I may secure the lead directly to its supporting
plate, its face being dressed off smoothly to fit the resinous plate, or I may make
the entire back plate of lead, as at b in Figure 10. It is desirable however, to
make the back plate of some hard metal or insulating material.
I do not limit myself to any particular shape of the lead or resinous plates they
may be concavo-convex if desired. It is only important that the frictional surfaces
should contact to the fullest extent possible.
Referring to Figures 4 and 5, showing the modification of my device as applied
to a cigar lighter, the case A is mounted horizontally on a base L, which may be of
wood or other suitable material. The inner parts comprising the generator, are the
same as shown in Figure 2, or they may be modified in such a manner that the
metallic plate shall have the lead surface as described.
M represents the gas burner having a tip w, which may be supplied through a
flexible tube m. An ordinary gas cock n is provided with a lever o, the end of
which engages in a circumferential groove in the collar g, on the stem d. The
points and, are arranged over the tip w, as shown.
When the thumb plate h on the lever I is depressed the stem d, is raised; but
the engagement of the lever o, with the groove in g causes said lever to turn on the
gas an instant before the spark is produced, whereby one operation of the lever I
serves to turn on the gas and ignite it. If it is desired to leave the gas turned on
and ignited, this may be effected by inserting a pin through a hole p in the fulcrum
bearing of lever I with which a hole in the lever registers, when the parts stand as
in Figure 4; the spring 4 serves as a retracting spring to shut off the gas; the
lever I is only a convenience, as is also the spring H, the plate E can be raised and
lowered by the knob or handle G.
It is not essential that the contact piece i, be employed as the connection
between the plate D and the conductor J, the latter may be connected with the
plate independently of i.
In Figures 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 I have shown a modification of my device as applied
to a gas burner.
A represents an ordinary burner-tip, and B a pipe which screws
on to the gas lighter. To this pipe, the generating device is attached, the latter
consists of a box or case, of which a is the metal front plate and b the metal back
plate, and c is a drum or hoop of some insulating material, such as hard rubber
or glass; the case may be wholly composed of rubber or glass. I have shown the

page_text: metal plates a and b, screwed directly on to the drum c, but they may be secured
in any good ways.
On the inner face of the back plate b is a layer of some soft fabric, as muslin or
leather d, and on this fabric, is mounted a plate of lead or an alloy of lead, to
provide a frictional surface to receive the resinous plate, which is made by
prefererce, from hard rubber g, and attached to a metallic backing g' which is
fastened to an axial metallic stem h, which passes through a stuffing box in the
front plate a and its outer end is provided with a handle or thumb-piece i, by
which the resinous plate is rotated and lifted. The flange foot of the stem h is
connected with the resinous plate g by metal screws or rivets p and these are
relied on to form the necessary metallic connections between the plate b and the,
earth. Various other means, however, may be provided for this purpose.
The resinous plate is held in contact with a leaden plate e. by means of
a spring arranged between the said plate d. and the plate a of the case. In order
that the plate g may be first rotated slightly and then lifted from the lead plate by
one rotatory operation of the thumb-piece i. I provide a hollow cup k which screws
into the aperture in the front plate a, on to a suitable packing 1, thus forming &
stuffing box for the stem h. The thumb piece i rests normally between two
inclined projections or cams m. m. on or forming a part of the plug k. One side of
these is inclined, and the other is perpendicular-therefore, when the thumb piece i,
is turned, the first movement is that of rotation; but when the lower faces of the
piece i, strike the inclined faces of the projections m, m, the rotation continues,
but the thumb-piece rides up the incline, lifts the resinous plate from the lead
plate and compresses spring j. A continuation of the rotation causes the thumb-
piece to pass over the cams m, when the spring draws it back to its normal position
shown in Figure 7.
In Figure 8, the thumb-piece is shown partly turned around and riding up the
incline on m. The spark is produced between the metallic points n and o,
arranged over the burner-tip A, the former is attached to the back plate b, and is
electrically connected with this plate and the friction plate thereon, and the
latter o is attached to the pipe B, and is electrically connected with the resinous
plate g and the ground through the various conducting parts.
It is not essential that the gas be turned on by the same means that produces the
spark; the gas-cock may be entirely separate and the gas turned on before the
spark is produced. For convenience, however, I prefer to employ the means I will
now describe, or any equivalent device for turning on the gas and producing a
spark by one movement, and nearly simultaneously.
Referring to Figures 6 and 7, q represents the gas-passage in B, shown in dotted
lines, and an ordinary gas-cock with a thumb-piece s. Projecting parts t on the
thumb-piece contact with the wing of the thumb-piece 8, and the first movement
serves to turn the gas-cock, so as to let on a little gas--the further movement
of i, as before described, separates the plates, produces the spark, and ignites
the gas.
of
In order to steady the torch when igniting the gas from a jet, I usually provide
the branch C with a funnel-like tip K, adapted to be placed over the burner-tip w,
as indicated in Figure 1, where the tip K is broken away. The curve in C enables
me to bring the tip over the burner. I have found, however, that the particular
form given the end of the torch, is not essential.
I make the resinous plate movable, in order that the plate which is charged and
discharged, may be maintained stationary. I have found, however, that by
properly insulating the resinous plate, that the metal plate can be the one made to
move. In either case, the conductor J is mounted in fixed insulated bearings and
rigidly attached to the fixed plate. The plates E and C may be considered as one,
the latter being merely a metallic backing, and the soft material b may be
considered a part of the plate D.
As will be seen, the point is electrically connected with the plate E through the
various parts C, A, F, & and c, and to the earth through the body of the operator,

page_text: The point is electrically connected with the plate D through the conductor J and
contact piece i. I prefer to japan or varnish the conductor J, or to provide it with
some other insulating covering. J¹ is a device in the nature of a key for turning
on the gas.
Having thus described the construction, I will now describe the operation of the
device, referring more particularly to Figures 1 to 5.
When it is desired to produce a spark, the handle B is grasped by one hand, and
the resinous plate E given a partial rotation by means of the knob or handle G.
This negatively excites the resinous plate through the frictional contact with the
soft material on the plate D, or as in the case where the metal plate has a surface
of lead, with that material.
The rotation, as described, is only necessary, in that form of device where the
metallic plate is covered by a layer of soft material, as shown in Figures 1 to 5.
Where the metallic plate has a surface of lead, as in Figures 6 to 10, it is not
necessary to rotate the plate, as it has been found that the friction caused by the
mere lifting of the plate will ordinarily produce the desired spark. To lift the
plate, the operator depresses the lever I, and this lifts the resinous plate E from
the plate D, breaks the contact of ȧ with the plate C, and leaves the plate E
negatively charged.
When the plate E has been moved a certain distance from the plate D, which
has become positively charged by induction, the latter plate-will be discharged in
the form of the spark passing between the points k and in the end of the torch.
I have found that an electrophorus constructed as described, is not affected by
ordinary atmospheric changes. I may find it convenient to form a vacuum in the
case containing the plate, or I may fill the cavity of the case with any chemically
dried gas, such as nitrogen, or I may make the handle B hollow, and fill the same
with any powdered material having an affinity for moisture, such as chloride of
calcium, whereby the inner part of the case and plates are rendered dry and free
from moisture.
Having thus particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed as communicated to
me by my foreign correspondent I declare that what I claim is
1st A portable electric gas lighting apparatus complete in itself, and comprising
the following elements: a generator of statical electricity arranged and enclosed in
a case constructed to preserve it from atmospheric influences, ineans for inducing
and collecting the charge, and. means for discharging the current charge at the
required point, and at the will of the operator, substantially as described.
1
2nd In a stationary or portable instrument for producing an electric spark, an
électrophorus enclosed within a hermetic casing and the movable plate of the same
provided with an operating stem arranged to pass out from said case through a
packed or air-tight passage, the said movable plate being so constructed, sub-
stantially as described, that it may be moved toward and from the fixed plate, as
well as rotated, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
"
3rd In an electric gas lighter, the combination with the hermetically sealed case,
of a fixed metallic plate, an electrical conductor rigidly attached thereto, and means
for electrifying the plate and discharging the same as set forth.
4th In an electric gas lighter, the combination with the hermetically sealed case,
of the fixed and movable generating surfaces, and the means for collecting the
induced charge from the metal plate, and conveying the same to the point where it
is to be discharged, substantially as described.
5th In an electric gas lighter, the combination of the fixed and movable
generating surfaces with the thumb-piece and rotating lever, substantially as
described.
6th An electric gas lighter, in which the generating surfaces are enclosed in an
hermetically sealed case, and can be separated and brought into contact by the

page_text: axial movement of one plate upon its stem toward the other, substantially as
described.
7th An electrophorus comprising a metal plate to be excited, mounted fixedly in
a hermetic case and insulated from the said hermetic case, a conductor of.sub-
stantially the character described, attached to said fixed plate and terminating in a
point, a resinous plate mounted movably in said hermetic case, a metallic contact
piece for connecting the fixed case electrically with the metal backing of the
resinous plate, means substantially as described for moving the resinous plate
toward and from the fixed plate, and a conductor terminating in a point, connected
electrically at all times with the resinous plate through the medium of metallic
parts, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
8th In an apparatus for lighting gas by electricity, the combination with the
gas-burner, of a generator of static electricity enclosed in a hermetically sealed case
of non-conducting material, and rigidly attached to said burner, means consisting
of a rigid conductor for conveying the positive electric current to the point where
it is to be discharged, means consisting of a rigid conductor, gas burner and the
pipe to which it is attached, for conveying the negative electricity to earth, means
for operating the generative plates, all arranged and combined to operate, sub-
stantially as described.
9th In an electric gas-lighting apparatus, the combination of the gas-burner and
its tip, an electrophorus contained in a hermetically sealed case and attached
thereto, means for rotating one of the generating plates upon and lifting it from
contact with the other, and turning on the gas, all in one operation, substantially
as described. .
10th An electrophorus, the metallic plate of which has a frictional surface of lead
or lead alloy for the resinous plate to impinge against, substantially as set forth..
11th An electrophorus having a yielding frictional surface of lead or lead alloy
for the resinous plate to impinge against, substantially as described.
12th An electrophorus in which the frictional surface of the metallic or positive
plate is mounted upon or supported by a flexible or yielding substance or material,
substantially as and for the purposes described.
13th An electrophorus, the metallic, plate of which is provided with a frictional
plate of lead or lead alloy, and a cushion of some soft material, as cloth or leather
interposed between the frictional plate and the said metallic plate, substantially as
set forth.
14th In an electrophorus, the combination with the hermetically sealed case of
the two generating plates enclosed therein, one consisting of a metallic plate
having a surface of lead or lead alloy, and the other a plate of vulcanized rubber
attached by means of metallic screws to a metal plate forming a backing, together
with means for operating the said plates from the outside of the case, substantially
as described.
DAL
1