Improvements in and connected with Vapour Lamps for Lighting, Heating, or Signalling Purposes.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 13th Apr., 1889
Complete Specification Left, 13th Jan., 1890-Accepted, 5th Apr., 1890
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and connected with Vapour Lamps for Lighting,
Heating, or Signalling Purposes.
1 GEORGE ROSE of 70 Wellington Street Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Engineer, do
hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to that class of lampswherein mineral or other oil isburned,
in the form of vapour, for lighting, heating, or signalling purposes.
Vapour lamps, as usually constructed, consist of an oil tank or reservoir, upon
which is supported, on a stand pipe or tube, the burner and vaporizing chamber;
the oil to be burned being forced up the stand pipe to the vaporizing chamber
and burner by the action of compressed air contained within the oil tank or
reservoir.
Under this invention the stand pipe or tube, supporting the burner of the lamp,
instead of being a single tube, as heretofore, consists, by preference, of two tubes
fitted concentrically the one within the other. Into the inner tube (or it may be the
outer tube) the oil to be vaporized and burned in the ordinary manner is conducted,
whilst into the outer enclosing tube, (or the inner tube may be used) oil is supplied
from the tank or reservoir and is led by a branch pipe into a cup which it fills or
partially fills, the cup is so screwed on or cast in one piece with the lamp burner as
to surround and enclose it. The vapour issuing from the burner sprays the oil in the
cup. The object of supplying oil to be sprayed by the vapour as herein before
described, is, to replace the carbon extracted from the oil in the vaporizing process,
by the addition to the flame of an extra supply of hydro-carbon. Vapour flames
when enriched in this manner have their luminosity and brilliance greatly increased.
Instead of having the two oil supply pipes fitted concentrically the one within the
other the pipes may be separate.
The oil before passing into the cup surrounding the burner is, by preference, led
into an oil cistern or vessel, which has a ball cock or float valve fitted in it for
automatically regulating and controlling the oil supply. The float or ball can be so
fitted in connection with the oil inlet valve that when the oil rises above a pre-
determined level, the rising of the float or ball cuts off the supply. By this means
a steady and regular supply of oil is obtained, the necessity for using a cock or valve
on the stand pipe to regulate the supply of oil is obviated.
1 further provide the lamp with a fube or pipe which,at one end,communicates with
the air space of the oil tank or reservoir, and, at its other end, is connected to the oil
pipe which communicates with the vaporizing chamber and burner. When starting
the lamp instead of igniting oil saturated waste, to heat the vapour chamber, as
formerly, I allow an air blast to pass from the tank, through the pipe connection into
the stand pipe and so to the burner nipple, from whence it issues and sprays the oil
contained in the burner cup, thus producing a powerful flame which heats
up the
vapour chamber in a very short time. With this arrangement, immediately after the
lamp has been put out, a blast of air from the tank may be turned on and be allowed
to circulate through the vapour chamber, for the purpose of assisting in the dislodge-
ment of any risidual carbon which may be contained therein before it has time to
harden. Instead of conducting the air blast to the vaporizing chamber and burner
as hereinbeforedescribed it may be led by a separate pipe or by a branch, directly to,
or near to, the burner.
The oil and air blast supply to the burner is preferably controlled by means of a
three way cock or valve, two of the ways being in communication, the one with the

page_text: oil supply pipe or tube from the tank or reservoir, and the other with the air supply;
the third way is in communication with the tube or pipe leading to the vapour
chamber and burner. The valve has two channels so bored in it, that, when it is
desired to turn on the air blast, as when starting the lamp, the valve can be turned a
little to the right or left and communication be opened between thepipe leadingto the
vapour chamber and the air way, and, by again turning it a little further round, the
air way can be cut off and the oil way opened. By using a three way cock or valve,
as herein before described, the necessity for having a controlling cock or valve on each
pipe is obviated.
Under my prior Patent No.3778 of 1888 I have described and shown various forms
of vapour generating chambers which may be used with the present invention, or
instead of these chambers I may use a vapour generating chamber consisting of two
or more square shaped tubular castings having screw plugs at the angles for cleaning
purposes or instead of being castings the chamber maybe made upof tubes connected
together by tee, cross, or knee pieces at the angles. The several squares would be
connected together by vertical tubes or connections.
For the purpose of forcing air into the tank or reservoir I prefer to fit to it a
simple construction of pump, which consists of a body, made by preference of two
pieces of drawn metal tube, in which the pump piston or plunger works, and on the
lower end of which the air outlet valve is fitted. The pieces of tube are or may be
screw connected together by a metal ring or equivalent through which one or more
holes are bored for the inlet of air, when the piston, at its upstroke rises above the
level of the holes; On the down stroke of the piston, the air imprisoned in the body
of the pump is driven through the outlet valve at the bottom and so into the tank
or reservoir: In order that this pump may have as long a body as possible it may be
immersed in the oil contained in the tank. If desired the screw nut for securing the
leather of the plunger in position may be made hollow and have a valve fitted in
it or a screw cap may be used instead of the nut-This valve is capable of opening
and admitting air through a hole or channel bored in the piston rod, at the upstroke,
but closes against its seat, which may be constituted by the lower end of the piston
rod, on the down stroke. This construction of pump may be used for forcing air
into the oil or water tanks of spray lamps, or into the tanks of liquid fuel furnaces,or
in other situations where suitable.
cup
When desired a small tank to contain oxygen gas may be fitted in connection with
the main oil tank, and, when it is desired to strengthen the flame, a small supply of
this
gas may be conducted to the burner to intensify the light or heat.
When a low flash point oil is being burned with my improved lamp, 1. by
preference, fit on the cup surrounding the burner, or in the combustion box of the
lamp, a cylindrical piece or tube for the purpose of preventing a series of
sudden explosions which would otherwise arise from the air admixing too freely with
the vapour.
When using my improved lamp for heating purposes. I prefer to use a burner
consisting of a solid piece having two channels bored in it, the one being bored
longitudinally, from end to end of the burner, whilst the other is bored through at
right angles to the first channel and meets it at the centre. The longitudinal channel
constitutes the gas or vapour burner proper, whilst the cross channel serves, either
as an inspection or cleaning opening, or through it is supplied oil to enrich thevapour
jet. This supply of oil may he regulated by a plug or equivalent screwed or inserted
into the cross channel and which has air holes bored in it a movable lid or cup being
fitted over the holes to control air supplied to the vacuum caused by the rush of
vapour through the longitudinal channel. The burner would be preferably hollowed
out at its end, and would be preferably directed horizontally into the furnace or
chamber to be heated.
When the lamp is to be used for signalling purposes a cylindrical hood or casing
having an opening at one part of its circumference which may be covered up by a

page_text: sliding or swing door or a swivel, blind, or equivalent, is provided. The casing is
of sufficient size as to entirely cover up the flame when the door, or equivalent,
is shut; flashes may be given at will by merely opening the door, blind, or
equivalent.
1
1800

page_text: From the vaporizing chamber M the vapour is conducted by the pipe M² to the
chamber L' at the lower part of the burner L. From thence the vapour escapes in a
powerful jet through the burner nipple L2. The oil is led into the pipe G by means
of the channel band pipe I which latter communicates with the oil tank as shown in
dotted lines at I1 (fig.1). Into the outer enclosing tube H (or the inner tube G.
may be used) oil is supplied from the tank or reservoir by means of the pipe J shown
dotted at fig. 1 and channels d and c and is led out at the tee piece 13 by a branch
pipe e, which has a valve el on it, through the casing of the lamp and into the cup K
of the burner L which it fills or partially fills; the cup is cast in one piece with or it
may be screwed on the lamp burner so as to surround and enclose the nipple L². The
vapour issuing from the burner nipple Le sprays the oil in the cup. The object of
supplying oil to be sprayed by the vapour as herein before described, is, to replace the
carbon extracted from the oil in the vaporizing process by the addition to the flame of
an extra supply of hydro carbon. Vapour flames when enriched in this manner have
their luminosity and brilliance greatly increased.
The burner L which is preferably, as shown, cast in one piece has the nipple L²
screwed up through the partition L³ (see fig. 8) which separates the oil well K and the
vapour chamber L'. The burner is preferably fitted with a small tap or cock Lt for
drawing off liquid tar or dirt.
In fig. 4 a slightly different construction of stand tube from that at fig. 4 is shown:
in this case a second tube N is fitted inside the outer enclosing tube H. The tubes G
and N, as shown, are screwed into solid pieces H and H at each end of the stand
tube. The pipe G communicates by the channel and pipe connections I, I' with the
oil in the tank A, on the one hand; and by the channel a and a suitable pipe
connection with the vaporizing chamber M of the lamp. The pipe N communicates
bythe channel and pipe connection o,shown broken off, with the air space in the oil
tank A,on the one hand, and by the channel 4 and a suitable pipe connection with the
chamber L' and nipple L² of the burner. The supply of oil and air to the pipes G.N
is regulated by the valves 12, 0¹. The auxiliary supply of oil to the cup K of the
burner L is supplied from the outer enclosing tube H, which communicates with
the oil in the tank, on the one hand, by means of the channel c and pipe J; and with
the cup K by means of the channel and pipe c. The oil supply to the cup is
regulated as before by means of the tap e¹.
The stand tube is preferably built up asherein before described as itenablesthetubes
to be easily taken asunder for inspection or cleaning purposes.
Instead of the tubes G, N being enclosed in an outer tube H as herein before
described the tubes may be led up separately to the burner although this is not to be
recommended as it gives the lamp an ugly appearance and takes away from its
compactness.
The object of using the air blast tube N is to enable the use of oil saturated waste
from lightingthelamp to be dispensed with. Instead of heating the vapour chamberM
as usual I turn on an air blast from the tank A by means of the valve 01. The air
passes up the tube N to the burner nipple where it escapes in a powerful jet and
sprays the oil in the cup K. The spray flame thus produced is sufficient to heat up
the vapour chamber in a short time. The air blast arrangement further enables the
lamp to be lit instantly. When a stand tube, such as shown at fig. 4, is used instead
of passing an air blast up a second tube, N, the air blast is passed up the oil tube G
from whence it circulates through the vapour chamber and passes down to the
burner nipple L2 to spray the oil in the cup Kas before. To facilitate the turning on
and off of the oil and air to the tube G I, preferably, use a three way valve or
cock P, see fig. 1. This valve or cock which is fitted on the connection I has two of
its ways P1 and P2 in communication, respectively, with the air space of the tank A
and with the oil tube I' (shown in dotted lines) whilst its third way communicates
with the tube G. The valve has two channels, preferably, so bored in it that when
it is desired to turn on an air blast, as when starting the lamp, the valve canbe turned
a little to the right or left and communication beopened between the pipe G and the
air way P¹; and, by again turning it a little further round, the air way can be cut off

page_text: and the oil way 12 opened. By using a three way cock or valve as hereinbefore
described, the necessity for having a controllingcock or valve on each pipe is obviated.
Instead of using a three way valve or cock for regulating the oil and air a double
valve arrangement, such as shown in figs. 18 and 19, may be used. In this arrange-
ment the air passes up the way or channel i and out by the opening to the pipe I
leading to the tube G being controlled by the valve; whilst the oil passes up the
pipel through the channel andout at the opening into the pipelbeing controlled
by the valve. By opening the valve and closing the valve air is supplied to the
pipe I and stand tube G whereas when the valve is closed and the valve opened
oil is supplied thereto. If both valves are kept open oil and air are supplied together.
Further, with this arrangement, immediately after the lamp has been put out.a blast
of airfromthe tank may be turned on and be allowed to circulatethrough the vapour
chamber, for the purpose of assisting in the dislodgement of any residual carbon
which may be contained therein before it has time to harden.
Instead of conducting the air blast to the vaporizing chamber and burner as
herein before described it may be led by a separate pipe or by a branch, directly to or
near to the burner.
In some cases and especially where heavy oils are used it is found advantageous
to lead the oil before it passes to the burner cup K, into an oil cistern or vessel, see
fig. 14. The oil vessel or cistern Q is preferably mounted on a pipe Q¹ which is
connected to the tee piece H³ of the stand tube 13. From the pipe the oil. from
the pipe H, flows into the syphon tube Q and thence through a valve Q3 of any
suitable construction into the casing or vessel Q. A float Q automatically regulates
the supply of oil to the cistern. In the figure the float Q is shown as connected
to the spindle Q of the valve Q23 which is a ground valve having a spring Q, to
counter balance the weight of the float, at its under side. With this arrangement
when the oil rises above a predetermined level the rising of the float cuts off the
supply; when, on the other hand, it sinks, the falling of the float opens the valve Q³.
The oil passes from the cistern Q along the pipe Q, which has, preferably, a
controlling valve Q8 on it, to the oil cup K of the burner. In fig. 20 à ball cistern
or float arrangement is shown, in this case the oil from the stand tube
passes by the
pipe Q into the side of the cistern Q and the inflow through the tap Q³ is regulated
by the rising and falling of the ball Q. The outflow is at Q7
With the arrangement of ball or float cistern herein before described a steady and
regular supply of oil is obtained and the necessity for using a cock or valve on the
stand pipe to regulate the supply of oil is obviated.
Under my prior patent No. 3778 of 1888 I have shown circular rectangular and
other forms of vapour generating chamber any of which may, if desired, be used with
the present lamp, I prefer to use, however, a vapour generating chamber on the
rectangular principle and consisting of two or more squares, see figs. 1, 2, 3 and S.
The squares are, preferably, built up of small pieces of tubing connected together
by tee pieces at the angles, as shown; or cross or knee pieces may be used; or the
squares may be east. The several squares are connected together by small vertical
connections M³ as shown and screw plugs are provided at the angles for cleaning
purposes. The oil before being passed to the vapour chamber is, preferably, made
to circulate through a coil M (or a series of small squares or their equivalent may
be used instead of the coil) which is only heated sufficiently to warm the oil so as
to dissolve any naphthaline crystals in it before it passes to the chamber M. To
prevent the coil being too highly heated it is so placed that the flash point is just
outside its upper part.
A vaporizer and burner such as shown at fig. 9 may be used with the lamp. The
vapour is generated in the tube M which is closed at each end by plugs. Oil is
admitted at Me and the vapour escapes at M to the "T" shaped tube burner Mª
which has two small nipples M fitted in it. As shown the flames play downwardly
and heat the chamber M³. M10 is a drip tube and M" a casing. Instead of having
two flames, a single one may be used or three or more may be provided.
For the purpose of forcing air into the tank A I prefer to fit to it a simple

page_text: construction of pump as shown broken in half at figs. 12 and 13, consisting of a
body I made of drawn metal tubing in which the pump piston works. On the lower
end of the tube R the air outlet valve R' is fitted. The valve R' is preferably of the
.construction described in my prior patent No. 506588. A piece Re is screwed on to
the lower end of the tube R to constitute the valve seat. This piece R2 has a groove
or recess R3 in it filled with rubber or other yielding material and against which
the sharp edge of the valve closes air tight. The valve has a guiding spindle R
and a spiral spring R³. The spindle R works freely in a perforated cap R which is
fitted to the piece R² so as to enclose the valve. Any other description of outlet valve
instead of that shown may be used if so desired. The pump body may if desired
be made in two pieces the upper piece being shorter and having holes in it so that
when the pump piston which, with this construction, would be without an inlet valve
in it, rises above the holes, air would be admitted to the body and at the next down
stroke be driven through the valve R. The pump is however preferably made with
a piston having a valve fitted to it as shown. The valve R' is screwed on to the lower
end of the piston or the piston rodand communicatesthrough a channel or opening R
in the piston rod with the air space above the piston. Air is admitted to the body of.
the pump through small holes R made in the cap R10. With this arrangement at the
down stroke air is drawn in through the holes R to the space at upper side of piston
and at the same time air at the lower side of piston is forced through the valve R¹;
whilst, at the upstroke, the air in the space at upper side of piston rushes through
the valve R to fill up vacuum at lower side of piston. Instead of admitting air
through the holes R' the nut R" may be made deeper and have a channel bored in it
to which is fitted an air inlet valve R3 (as shown in dotted lines). The air is drawn
in at each upstroke through the pipe R and is forced through the valve R' at each
down stroke. The piston would not be provided with a valve in this case. A packed
piston or a cup leather may be used with my pump. In the case of a cup leather the
nut for securing it in position may be hollow and have a valve similar to R' fitted in
it. The pump is made as long as possible and may be immersed in the oil. My
improved pump maybe used for forcing air into the oil or watertanks of spraylamps
or into the tanks of liquid fuel furnaces or in other situations where suitable.
When desired a small tank S (fig. 10) to contain oxygen gas may be fitted by
straps Sin connection with the main oil tank A and, when it is desired to strengthen
the flame a small supply of this gas may be conducted by the pipe S2 to the burner
to intensify the light or heat.
When a lowflashpoint oil is being burnedwith my improved lamp,I,by preference,
fit in the cup K surrounding the burner nipple L³ or in the combustion box of the
lamp, a cylindrical piece or tube Lō (see fig. 11) for the purpose of preventing a
series of sudden explosions which would otherwise arise from the air admixing too
freely with the vapour. The piece L5 is screwed on to the top of the nipple L².
When using my improved lamp for heating purposes I prefer to use a burner A¹
consisting of a solid piece (see figs. 5, 6 and 7) having two channels j, j, bored in
it, the one being bored longitudinally whilst the other is bored through at right
angles to the first channel. The longitudinal channel constitutes the gas or vapour
passage, whilst the cross channel serves, either as an inspection or cleaning opening or
through it is supplied oil to enrich the vapour jet. The gas or vapour is led from
the vapour chamber, which is preferably situated immediately in front of the burner,
to the chamber k and thence passes out through the channel j. A screw plug 7 may
be provided for enabling the chamber k and channel to be cleaned. When oil is
supplied to the channel ja tee piece is preferably fitted on top of the burner, as
shown, the oil flowing from the tank in through the branch 3. This supply of oil
may be regulated by a plug or equivalent j screwed or inserted into the tee piece ³
or the cross channel, and which has air holes 5 bored in it; a movable lid or cap je
being fitted over the holes to control the air supplied to the vacuum caused by the
rush of vapour through the longitudinal channel. The burner would be preferably
hollowedoutor conedat its endas shown and would be, preferablydirected horizontally
into the furnace or chamber to be heated.

page_text: For signalling the lamp may have a cylindrical hood or casing T figs. 15, 16 and 17
fitted on or to the head so as to enclose the flame. This hood T may have an opening
in it at one side which may be covered by a simple hinged door T; or a sliding
door T2 with weight Te and pull T7; or a swivelling blind arrangement T³. The
blind T3 turns or swivels on the fulcrum T so as to leave open or cover up the
opening in the hood T. A small handle T5 is provided for working the blind T³.
The various parts of my improved lamp may be slightly altered without departing
from the invention.
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. In vapour lamps a stand tube consisting of two tubes fitted the one con-
centrically within the other the inner tube (or it may be the outer tube) being for the
oil tobevaporized and the outeriube(or itmaybe the innertube) being for an auxiliary
supply of oil to the burner, substantially as hereinbefore described and shown on the
annexed drawings.
2. Invapourlamps a stand tube consisting of twotubes fitted the one concentrically
within the other the inner tube (or it may be the outer tube) being for the passage
from the tank of an air blast to the burner and also for the oil to be vapourized and
the outer tube (or it may be the inner tube) being for an auxiliary supply of oil to
the burner, substantially as hereinbefore described and shown on the annexed
drawings.
3. In vapour lamps, a stand tube consisting of an outer enclosing tube H and two
inner tubes G, N, the oue for the passage of oil and the other for the passage of an
air blast, substantially as herein before described and shown at fig. 4 of the drawings
annexed.
4. In vapour lamps the three way valve or cock P or its equivalent for controlling
the supply of air and oil to the burner, substantially as herein before described and
shown on the drawings annexed.
5. In vapour lamps the burner L wherein is combined an oil well K in which a
nipple L is fitted and a vapour chamber L' substantially as herein before described
and shown on the drawings annexed.
6. The combination with the burner L of an oil warming coil or equivalent (M)
and a rectangular vaporizing chamber (M) substantially as hereinbefore described
and shown on the annexed drawings.
7. In vapour lamps the enriching of the vapour jet by means of an auxiliary supply
of oil drawn from the oil tank and supplied to a cup or well surrounding the burner
nipple, substantially as herein before specified.
8. In vapour lamps the combination with the oil well burner L of an oil cistern
or vessel having a ball or float fitted therein for automatically opening and closing
the oil inlet valve and thus regulating and controlling the oil supply to the burner,
substantially as hereinbefore described and shown under modified arrangements at
figs. 14 and 20. of the annexed drawings.
9. In vapour lamps, the passing of an air blast up the oil tube of the lamp or
through a separate tube to the vaporizing chamber for the purpose of assisting in the
dislodgement of any residual carbon contained therein, substantially as and in the
manner herein before described.
10. Theforce pumpconstructed substantiallyasherein before described with reference
to figs. 12 and 13 of the drawings annexed.
11. In vapour lamps the combination with the oil tank (A) of a tank (S) for con-
taining oxygen to be supplied to the burner for intensifying the flame, substantially
as hereinbefore described and shown on the drawings annexed.
12. The combination with the burner L of a nipple L² and a cylindrical piece L
fitted on said nipple, substantially as and for the purpose hereinbefore set forth.
13. In vapour lamps a burner (A') consisting of a solid piece having two channels

page_text: bored in it, preferably at right angles, one for oil and the other for vapour, sub-
stantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figs. 5, 6 and 7 of the drawings
annexed.
14. The combination with the burner A¹ of a plug, or its equivalent, having air
holes in it, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
15. The combination, with the burner A, of a plug having air holes j in it,
and a movable air supply controlling lid or cap jº.fitted over said holes, substantially
as herein before described and shown.
16. In vapour lamps the combination with the burner L, of the cylindrical hood T
having an opening in it which is covered by a movable door or blind, substantially
as and for the purpose set forth and as shown under modified arrangements at figs.15,
16 and 17 of the annexed drawings.
Dated this 11th day of January 1890.
H. D. FITZPATRICK,
70, Wellington Street, Glasgow, Applicant's Agent: