IMPROVED COMBUSTIBLE COMPOUNDS AND APPARATUS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF GAS FOR DOMESTIC, MANUFACTURING, MILITARY, AND OTHER PURPOSES.
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake,
& Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for the Invention of
"IMPROVED COMBUSTIBLE COMPOUNDS AND APPARATUS FOR THE PRODUCTION
OF GAS FOR DOMESTIC, MANUFACTURING, MILITARY, AND OTHER PURPOSES.".
A communication from abroad by Henri Montinagnon, of Paris, France,
Chemist.
Sealed the 16th September 1876, and dated the 24th March 1876.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 24th March 1876.
"
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. IMPROVED COMBUSTIBLE COMPOUNDS AND
APPARATUS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF GAS FOR DOMESTIC, MANUFACTURING,
MILITARY, AND OTHER PURPOSES." A communication.
The object of this Invention is to utilize, chiefly for purposes of general domestic
economy, gaseous substances which ignite spontaneously when brought into contact
with air, such, for example, as arsendimethyl, phosphoretted and siliciuretted hydro-
gen, sodium, ethyl, and the like, known to chemists but not employed for industrial
purposes. I employ these substances for purposes of lighting with flame, for the
priming of guns and of projectiles used in warfare for giving light and for heating.
These gases may be used either alone or mixed with other combustible gases which
possesses the same properties of compressibility or liquefaction and vaporization or
expansion, and to which they communicate the property of igniting spontaneously.
The liquefaction by pressure or by reducing the temperature may be effected
either before or after the mixing. The mixing may also be effected with liquid
carburet of hydrogen evaporating at low temperatures.
The property known but not employed of gases igniting spontaneously in air,
that a very small quantity mixed with combustible gases, vapours, or liquids, is
sufficient for setting light to the latter, forms the principal basis of this Invention.
The production of fire for domestic purposes, after having been effected by the
most primitive means, such as rubbing one piece of wood against another, and the
employment of steel, flint, and tinder, is now effected by means of phosphorised
[Price Gd.]

page_text: matches or by chemico-physical apparatus, which by means of electricity ignites
combustible gases or vapours.
The various means for obtaining a light with flame have many drawbacks, of
which I may point out (as regards ordinary matches and the like) the difficulty of
getting them to operate in all weather, and the danger (for nearly all kinds)
of carrying them in the pocket.
My method of producing a flame light has none of these disadvantages, neither
wind or rain can prevent it, and the appliance can be carried in the pocket without
any danger.
I carry this Invention into practice in the following manner:-Gases which
ignite spontaneously on contact with the air are produced by the ordinary means
known to chemists, and are collected in gasometers and the like, or they may be
mixed with other known combustible gases, such, for example, as methylin. The
gas alone or the mixture is compressed and liquefied by means of pumps and in
suitable receptacles. From these receptacles the liquid flows into a small portable
apparatus, from which it can at the will of the person using it vapourize and be
allowed to escape to ignite on coming into contact with the air.
The passage of the liquid from the receptacle where it is generated to the appa-
ratus from which it is to be used is effected by means of the tube with multiple
cocks shewn in Figure 1.
A is the generating receptacle; B is a tube communicating with the said recep-
tacle ;
B' is a communicating cock; C is a support for the tube B; D is a cock with
double outlet communicating at pleasure with the receptacle and with a nozzle E
(placed at the end opposite to the handle), to which is connected an india-rubber
tube communicating with a reservoir of combustible and liquefiable gas; F is a
small tubulure on the shell of the cock with an interior screw-thread.
The apparatus for using the gas, which I call "flammgaz," is composed of
receptacles, cocks, valves, or slides for filling or emptying expansion chambers,
burners, springs, and other parts known and used in this manufacture.
The com-
position of these objects may take, as applied by me, various forms, according to the
use to which they are to be put. As an example, I will mention the two following
forms, which are to be taken only as indicative of the principle and not as a
limitation of this Invention.
In Figure 2 A is a metal tubular cistern or reservoir; C is a shell or box screwed
into the said reservoir, and hollowed in the part D to form an expansion chamber;
E is a conical core passing through the shell; F is an opening in the core for
making a communication according as the core is turned between the receptacle and
the expansion chamber by one or a number of openings F provided in the division
of the chamber adjoining the core; G is an opening for communicating between the
expansion chamber and the burner; H is the burner screwed on to the upper
part of the core; I is a handle for turning the core and putting its openings into
communication with the receptacle, the expansion chamber, and the exterior
air, or to close them; J is a spring to keep the handle and core in position ;
K is a hinged hood presenting a bayonetted channel which keeps the apparatus
at rest.
To fill the flammgaz with inflammable gaseous liquid the burner H is unscrewed,
the lower part of the small tube G of the core is placed in front over the opening
L provided in a curved part of the division of the expansion chamber, and which
communicates with the receptacle A. The unscrewed part of the core E is
screwed into the small tube F, Figure 1, and the screwed or soldered hole M is
opened.
The cock B¹, Figure 1, is then open to the communication E, Figure 1, the gas
passes into the cistern and drives out any air which it may contain, the air driven
out the hole M is again closed, the cock D, Figure 1, is then turned shutting off
the communication at E, Figure 1, and opening that of the receptacle A, Figure 1.
The pressure existing in this receptacle through the liquefaction of the gas which
it contains forces the gaseous liquid to flow into the flamigaz. The cock D is then

page_text: closed against the two communications (gas and compressed liquid), the core E is
turned so as to interrupt its communication with the receptacle at Land at F. The
flammgaz is unscrewed from the small tube F¹, and the burner H is screwed again
to it. To produce a flame the hood K must be opened, and the handle I so pressed
as to cause the core to turn, the spring J yielding.
The effect is produced as follows:-The core in turning communicates at F
with the reservoir A, the liquid contents being under pressure flow into the
chamber in expanding where the expanded liquid then in the form of gas arrives
at the outlet communicating with the core at G and passes to the burner whero
it ignites on contact with the air. As soon as the pressure is removed from
the handle the spring J operates upon it in an opposite direction, and the core
in turning shuts off all communication between the receptacle, the chamber, and
the air.
The exhausted flammgaz is filled again in the same manner as above described.
The priming is effected by attaching to ordinary gas piping as near as possible
to the burners flamingaz, the contents of which flowing into the circulating gas.
pass out at the burner, and in igniting spontaneously in the air also ignite the gas
with which they are in contact. The gas thus lighted the flamimgaz is shut off, and
it can be used in this manner until the whole of the compressed liquid contained
therein is exhausted.
The priming flammgaz may be constructed as follows:-In Figure 3 A¹ is a metal
receptacle, B is a cock fixed on to the small tube of the receptacle, C¹ is the end
of the small screw tube, D¹ is part of a tube soldered on to the ordinary piping Fl
of the gas to be ignited, E is a cock. The flamingaz is filled in the same manner
as the one above described, but with a liquid richer in gas spontaneously in-
flammable in the air, and it is used by screwing it to the end of the tube D¹, the
cock of which is to be opened. The cock B¹ is then opened, the liquid contained
in the receptacle expands, and the mixed gases reaching the burner ignite simply
by coming into contact with the air. The flammgaz shut off by its cock B₁
may remain screwed to the tube D' until its contents are exhausted. One
flamingaz may thus serve to ignite a considerable number of burners at the same
time..
For projectiles used in warfare the same means may be employed for filling the
interiors of any forms which may be projected and caused to explode by any
known ineans, with the certainty that the contents will always take fire at all parts
immediately upon coming into contact with the air.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said William Robert Lake in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 23rd
September 1876.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVED COMBUSTIBLE COMPOUNDS AND
APPARATUS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF GAS FOR DOMESTIC, MANUFACTURING,
MILITARY, AND OTHER PURPOSES." A communication from abroad from Henri
Montmagnon, of Paris, France, Chemist.
The object of this Invention is to utilise, chiefly for purposes of general domestic
economy, gaseous substances which ignite spontaneously when brought into contact
with air, such, for example, as arsendimethyl, phosphoretted, and siliciuretted
hydrogen, sodium, ethyl, and the like, known to chemists but not employed for
industrial purposes. I employ these substances for purposes of lighting with flame,
for the priming of guns and of projectiles used in warfare, for giving light and for
heating. Theso gases may be used either alone or mixed with other combustible
gases which possess the same properties of compressibility or liquefaction and

page_text: vapourization or expansion, and
igniting spontaneously.
WHICIL
Unicy
properoy
The liquefaction by pressure or by reducing the temperature may be effected
either before or after the mixing.
The mixing may also be effected with liquid carburet of hydrogen evaporating
at low temperatures.
It is a well known, though heretofore unemployed property of gases spontaneously
inflammable in air, that a very small quantity mixed with combustible gas,
vapour, or liquid is sufficient for setting light to the latter, and this property forms
the principal basis of my Invention.
The production of fire for domestic purposes, after having been effected by the
most primitive means, such as rubbing one piece of wood against another, and by
the employment of steel, flint, and tinder, is now effected by means of phosphorised
matches or by various forms of apparatus, which by means of electricity ignite
combustible gases or vapours.
These various means for obtaining a light with flame have many drawbacks, of
which I may point out (as regards ordinary matches and other flaming lights)
the difficulty of getting them to operate in all weathers, and the danger (for nearly
all kinds) of carrying them in the pocket.
My method of producing a flaming light has none of these disadvantages, neither
wind nor rain can prevent it, and the appliance can be carried in the pocket without
any danger.
I carry this Invention into practise in the following manner, that is to say, gases
which ignite spontaneously by contact with the air are produced by the ordinary
means known to chemists, and are collected in gasometers and the like, or they
may be mixed with other known combustible gases, such, for example, as methylin.
The gas alone or the mixture is compressed and liquefied by means of pumps,
and in suitable receptacles. From these receptacles the liquid flows into a
small portable apparatus, from which it can at the will of the person using it
vapourize, and be allowed to escape to ignite on coming into contact with the
air.
The passage of the liquid from the receptacle where it is generated to the
apparatus from which it is to be used is effected by means of the tube with multiple
cocks, shewn in Figure 1.
A is the generating receptacle; B is a tube communicating with the said
receptacle; B' is a communicating cock; C is a support for the tube B; D is a
cock with double outlet communicating at pleasure with the receptacle and
with a nozzle E (placed at the end opposite the handle), to which is connected an
india-rubber tube communicating with a reservoir of combustible and liquefiable
gas; Fis a small tubulure on the shell of the cock with an interior screw-
thread.
"
The apparatus for using the gas, and which is called a flammgaz," is com-
posed of receptacles, cocks, valves, or slides for filling or emptying expansion
chambers, and of burners, springs, and other well-known devices. The combina-
tion of these devices may take, as applied by me, various forms according to the
use to which they are to be put. As an example, I will mention the two following
forms, which are to be taken only as indicative of the principle and not as a
limitation of this Invention.
In Figure 2, A is a metal tubular cistern or reservoir; C is a shell or box
screwed into the said reservoir, and hollowed in the part D* to form an expansion
chamber; E is a conical core passing through the shell; F* is an opening in the
core for making a communication according as the core is turned between the
receptacle and the expansion chamber by one or a number of openings F" provided
in the division of the chamber adjoining the core; G is an opening for communi-
cating between the expansion chamber and the burner; H is the burner screwed
on the upper part of the core; 1 is a handle for turning the core and putting its
openings into communication with the receptacle, the expansion chamber, and the

page_text: exterior air, or to close them; J is a spring to keep the handle and core in position ;
K is a hinged hood presenting a bayonetted channel which keeps the apparatus in
repose.
To fill the "flammgaz" with inflammable gaseous liquid the burner H is un-
screwed, the lower part of the small tubulure G of the core is placed in front over the
opening L provided in an enlargement of the side of the expansion chamber, and
which communicates with the receptacle A*. The upper end of the core E* is
screwed into the small tube F, Figure 1, and the screwed or soldered hole M is
opened.
The cock B', Figure 1, then opened to effect the communication, and the gas
passes into the cistern drives out any air which it may contain, the air driven out,
the hole M is again closed; the cock D, Figure 1, is then turned, shutting off the
communication at E, Figure 1, and opening that of the receptacle A, Figure 1. The
pressure existing in this receptacle through the liquefaction of the gas which it
contains forces the gaseous liquid to flow into the flammgaz." The cock Dis
then closed against the two communications (gas and compressed liquid) the core E*
is turned so as to interrupt its communication with the receptacle at L and at F*.
The "flammgaz" is unscrewed from the small tube F, and the burner H is screwed
again to it. To produce a flame the hood K must be opened and the handle I so
pressed as to cause the core to turn and the spring J to yield.
The effect is produced as follows:-The core in turning communicates at F
with the reservoir A. The liquid contents being under pressure flow into the
chamber and expand the expanded liquid then in the form of gas arrives at
the outlet communicating with the core at G and passes to the burner where it
ignites on contact with the air. As soon as the pressure is removed from the
handle, the spring J operates upon it in an opposite direction, and the core in
turning shuts off all communication between the receptacle the chamber and
the air. The exhausted "flammgaz" is filled again in the same manner as above
described.
The priming is effected by attaching to ordinary gas piping as near as possible
to the burners "flammgazes," the contents of which flowing into the circulating gas
pass out at the burner, and in igniting spontaneously in the air also ignite the gas
with which they are in contact. The gas thus lighted the "flammgaz" is shut off,
and it can be used in this manner until the whole of the compressed liquid contained
therein is exhausted.
The "flammgaz" for priming may be constructed as shown in Figure 3, A' is a
metal receptacle; B' is a cock fixed on the small tube of the receptacle; C is the
end of the small screw tube; D' is part of a tube soldered on the ordinary
piping F' of the gas to be ignited; E' is a cock.
The "flammgaz" is filled in the same manner as the one above described, but
with a liquid richer in gas spontaneously inflammable in the air, and it is used by
screwing it to the end of the tube D', the cock of which is to be opened. The cock
B' is then opened the liquid contained in the receptacle expands, and the mixed
gases reaching the burner ignite simply by coming into contact with the air. The
flammgaz "shut off by its cock B' may remain screwed to the tube D' until its
contents are exhausted. One "flammgaz" may thus serve to ignite a considerable
number of burners at the same time.
tr
For projectiles used in warfare the same means may be employed for filling their
interior, and they may be thrown and caused to explode by any known means, with
the certainty that the contents will always take fire at all parts immediately upon
coming into contact with the air.
Having thus fully described the said Invention as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondent, and the manner of performing the same, I wish it understood
that I claim-
First. The employment for domestic, manufacturing, or military purposes of gases
which ignite spontaneously by contact with the air, which gases may be either
pure or mixed with other gases and compressed or liquefied as above described.

page_text: Second. The means for filling the apparatus which I employ for utilizing these
gases, and which apparatus I call a "flanimgaz."
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-third day of September, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and seventy-six.
W. ROB, LAKE.
(L.S.)