IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE- LIGHTERS
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Charles Edward Taylor, of West End Works, Wakefield,
in the County of York, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE-
LIGHTERS."
Sealed the 18th July 1876, and dated the 7th April 1876.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Charles Edward Taylor at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 7th April 1876.
CHARLES EDWARD TAYLOR, of West End Works, Wakefield, in the County of
York. "IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE-LIGHTERS."
"
The Invention has for its object improvements in fire-lighters, and relates to the
application of suitable igniting composition thereto, so that they may be readily
ignited by rubbing them on a prepared surface and the use of matches or separato
igniting ineans thereby obviated, whilst all danger from their accidental ignition is
also prevented.
In carrying my Invention into effect various igniting compositions may be
employed, but that which I have found to answer well is as follows:-
I first dip a portion of the fire-lighter, the body of which may be of any known
composition, material, and form, in dissolved or melted sulphur, and when the
sulphur is hardened I dip it in a composition formed of chlorate of potash, sulphuret
of antimony, and glue or other cement.
Then by rubbing the prepared part of the lighter on a surface having applied
thereto a composition formed of amorphous phosphorus, oxide of manganese, and
glue, or other cement, the lighter may be readily ignited.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by the
said Charles Edward Taylor in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 7th October
1876.
CHARLES EDWARD TAYLOR, of West End Works, Wakefield, in the County of
York. "IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE-LIGHTERS."
The Invention has for its object improvements in fire-lighters, and relates to the
application of suitable igniting composition thereto, so that they may be readily
[Price 2d.]

page_text: ignited by rubbing them on a prepared surface, and the use of matches or separate
igniting means thereby obviated, whilst all danger from their accidental ignition is
also prevented.
In carrying my Invention into effect various igniting compositions may be
employed, but that which I have found to answer well is as follows:-
1 first dip a portion of the fire-ligter, the body of which may be of any known
composition, material, and form, in dissolved or melted sulphur, paraffin, stearine,
wax, spermacetti, or other matter capable of readily communicating fire from the
igniting matter or compound to the materials of which the fire-lighters are com-
posed, and when the sulphur, paraffin, stearine, wax, spermacetti, or other matter is
hardened, dip it in a composition formed of chlorate of potash, sulphuret of
antimony, and glue or other cement. Then by rubbing the prepared part of the
fire-lighter on a surface having applied thereto a composition formed of amorphous
phosphorous, oxide of manganese, and glue, or other cement, the lighter may be
readily ignited.
The compound or material which I prefer to apply to the fire-lighters is com-
posed as follows:-Chlorate of potash, G parts by weight; sulphuret of antimony,
2 to 3 parts by weight; glue (weighed dry) 1 part.
The compound or material I prefer to apply to the rubbing or friction surfaces.
is composed as follows:-Amorphous phosphorous, 10 parts by weight; oxide of
manganese or sulphuret of antimony, 8 parts by weight; glue (weighed dry) 3 to
6 parts.
The ingredients must be thoroughly mixed, and care must be taken not to mix
the chlorate of potash in a dry state with any of the other materials.
It should be
mixed first with the glue dissolved in warm water, and the sulphuret of antimony
afterwards added. The paste for the rubbing surface must be spread with a brush
or wooden spatula upon the box to contain the fire-lighters, or upon other suitable
surface.
If desired, other igniting compositions may be employed in lieu of the above.
Having thus described the nature of my said Invention, and the mode in which
I prefer to carry the same into effect, I would have it understood that I do not
confine myself to the employment of the compositions or preparations herein
described, nor do I claim such or other igniting compositions separately considered;
but what I do claim is the application to fire-lighters of any suitable igniting
composition whereby they are rendered capable of being lighted in manner sub-
stantially as herein described, thereby rendering the use of matches or separate
igniting means to fire-lighters unnecessary.
In witness whereof, I, the said Charles Edward Taylor, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Fourth day of October, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and seventy-six.
C. E. TAYLOK. (L.S.)