Improvements in and connected with Vapour-burning Apparatus.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 20th Jan., 1896-Accepted, 16th Jan., 1897
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and connected with Vapour-burning Apparatus.
We, HENRY ALONZO HOUSE, of East Cowes, Isle of Wight, Mechanical
Engineer, and ROBERT RINTOUL SYMON of 20 Abchurch Lane, London,
Gentleman do bereby 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 :-
This invention relates to certain new and useful improvements in and connected
with vapor-burning apparatus, and it consists substantially in such features of
construction, arrangement, and combination of parts as will hereinafter be more
particularly described.
The invention has reference more particularly to that class of vapor-burning
apparatus in which a liquid fuel is vaporized in a retort or generator communi-
cating with and supplying vapor to the burner; and the chief object of the
invention is the more perfect admixture of the air and vapor for the production of
a richer and better flame. A further object of the invention is the provision of
means for regulating the flame of the burner both under high and low pressure as
well as under varying degrees of pressure between the minimum and maximum
limits. A further object of the invention is the provision of means for increasing
the general efficiency of the burner, as well as to provide increased facilities for
cleaning the ports and valves, also to provide means for igniting the burner when-
ever the same may have become extinguished temporarily, either from the presence
of water in the vapor, or from other causes, and finally to provide means for
regulating the draft in the chimney in accordance with the character of the flame
all substantially as will hereinafter more fully appear when taken in connection
with the accompanying drawings, in which :-
Figure 1 is an elevation of one arrangement of my improved vapor-burning
apparatus; and
Figure 2 is a perspective view taken from the underside of the refractory cap
which surmounts the retort or generator.
Figure 3 is a central vertical sectional elevation of both the generator or retort
and the refractory cap, the latter having in connection therewith a superposed
deflector the same as is shown in Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a horizontal sectional view of the generator or retort, indicating
more clearly the interior construction.
Figure 5 is a vertical sectional elevation, to a larger scale, of one arrangement öf
the burner proper.
Figure 6 is a central vertical sectional elevation of another form or arrangement
of our improved vapor-burning apparatus.
Figure 7 is a top or plan view of the burner shown in Figure 6.
Figure 8 is a vertical sectional elevation of certain modifications in the
construction and arrangement of the burner proper and its weight.
Figure 9 is a central vertical sectional view of a generator or retort, a burner,
and an igniting device constituting another form or arrangement of our improved
vapor-burning apparatus.
Figure 10 is a top or plan view of the burner shown in Figure 9.
Figure 11 shows certain of our improvements applied to a stationary horizontal
tubular boiler.

page_text: This invention may be carried out in a variety of ways but we prefer the
constructions and arrangements illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
In the arrangements shown in Figures 1 to 5 of the annexed drawings it will be
seen that the burner proper A is arranged below the retort or generator B in the
usual way. Oil is supplied to the latter from any suitable source through an inlet
pipe 3, and the vapor passes from said retort or generator through a pipe 4
leading to the said burner A. As shown, the said generator or retort is composed
of a casing a having a series of internal partitions 6, 7 extending from opposite
sides so as to form a continuous tortuous passage from the inlet port s to the outlet
port, and in the center of this casing is an opening y extending through from top
to bottom. As is usual in this class of apparatus the burner and generator or
retort are relatively so arranged that the flame from the burner passes upward to
the generator or retort, and is deflected outwards and passes up and around the
edges of the latter. It has heen found that when the flame strikes the inlet pipe 3,
which is more or less chilled by the entrance or passage of cold oil into the pipe,
the hot products of combustion are chilled by contact with the pipe, and carbon is
deposited on the latter, with accompanying bad results. On the other hand that
point or part of the outlet pipe 4 where the flame comes in contact therewith, is apt
to be greatly overheated so as to tend to convert the vapour passing from the
retort or generator into a fixed gas, which causes an internal deposit of hard carbon
that clogs the pipe adjacent to the said retort or generator. In order to over-
come these defects we arrange shields or deflectors 8, 9 in position to prevent the
gases from striking directly either pipe at the parts thereof adjacent to the retort
or generator. These said shields or deflectors may be formed and supported in
various ways but we prefer to construct them in one piece with the casing of the
generator or retort, and each consisting of a downwardly extending arm, triangular
in cross section as indicated in dotted lines, Figure 4, whereby the gases are
deflected from the pipes without breaking or dividing, to any material extent, the
continuous circular character of the flame which passes above the generator or
retort. One difficulty resulting from the use of vapor burners where gas is
generated from oil which is supplied to a generator or retort heated by a flame, is
that the flame frequently becomes extinguished in consequence of water being
mixed with the oil, because at times steam is generated in the retort, passes to the
burner, and cuts off the flame, and before the latter is ignited again the generator
or retort becomes more or less cooled, which interferes with the continuous rapid
generation of gas. In order to overcome this defect we provide a self-igniter
which may be constructed in a great many different ways, but which is preferably
made in accordance with either of the three forms represented in Figures 1, 2
and 3 of the drawings. The igniter is composed of a suitable block of refractory
material which becomes incandescent under the heat of the flame from the burner,
and remains at a very high degree of heat during any time that the flame may be
cut off by reason of the presence of steam, and, which igniter serves, when vapor
again passes through the burner, to immediately ignite such vapour. We maintain
the heat of the generator by arranging in juxtaposition to the same a mass of
refractory material, which transmits heat by radiation or convection to the casing
of the generator or retort. As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3 this self-igniting
device is in the nature of a circular convex cap d having a peripheral flauge 12
.extending downwards and resting on top of the casing a of the retort or generator.
It is provided on its underside with radial ribs 13 and a ceutral downwardly pro-
jecting stem 14 which passes through the opening y of the casing a, and the said
stem is preferably cruciform in cross section so as not 'to close said opening; the
said cap d is perforated at intervals for a purpose to be hereafter explained. The
said downwardly projecting stem 14 becomes heated to incandescence by exposure
to the flame from the burner below, and therefore if the gas is cut off at any time,
and its generation afterwards resumed, the said stem will serve to again ignite the
gas at the escape orifice or port of the burner. Inasmuch, however, as at times
the heat is near the periphery of the generator or retort, we provide the cap d with

page_text: additional arms 15, 15 which extend downwards over the edge of the casing a of
the generator or retort, where they are exposed to the flame as it passes around
said edge, and they thereby become highly heated and serve to insure the ignition
of the gas. These pendent arms also serve to center the cap d upon the casing of
the generator or retort; and while the cap may be composed of any suitable kind
of refractory material, we prefer to mould it from clay and to hard bake the same."
The material of which the said refractory cap d is constituted becomes highly
heated during the operation of the burner, and it retains the heat for a sufficient
length of time, after the burner has been cut off by the presence of steam and
until it is again lighted, to keep the generator or retort in a highly heated
condition, so that it will vaporize the oil that is admitted after the passage of the
steam.
3
When the supply of oil to the generator is limited and the flame is not too
forcibly expelled from the port or orifice of the burner, the vapour will meet a.
sufficient amount of air to preserve the continuity of the flame from a point.
adjacent to the burner up through and around the generator or retort.
When,
however, the vapour is very forcibly expelled from the burner and in large.
volumes, sufficient air will not combine therewith, immediately adjacent to the
burner, to insure thorough combustion, and while the gas will pass as a flame
around the burner, a certain portion thereof will escape unconsumed under ordinary.
circumstances. We therefore provide the central passage y for a portion of the
gas, as well as the channel or passage beneath the cap d together with the openings
in the cap, whereby the burning gas which passes directly upwards fro n the burner.
is distributed over a wide heated surface, and escapes through the numerous
openings in the cap, in streams which bring it into immediate contact with the air,
and insure, in most instances, a very thorough combustion. To still further.
combine the gas and air where the gas issues with great pressure, we make use of.
a deflector f superposed above the cap d and preferably made integral therewith,.
which deflector causes the gas to commingle more intimately with the air. Both
the plates d and fare deflectors in every proper sense, and it is evident that they.
may be differently arranged to effect the desired results.
We have
To prevent the overheating of the generator or retort, as well as the clogging of.
the same with carbon, the character or energy of the flame should depend upon.
the quantity of oil passing through the generator or retort. If, for instance the
latter were heated to as great a degree when a small portion of oil passed through-
it, as when the maximum flow took place, the generator or retort would be over-
heated; but by reducing the size or energy of the flame when the flow of the oil
through the generator or retort is small, and only increasing the size and energy
of the flame when the flow of oil is great enough to tend to cool down and prevent
undue heating of the retort or generator, the accumulation of carbon. may be
prevented. We therefore combine with the generator or retort a burner having a
jet orifice or port which is controlled by a valve weighted in accordance with the
pressure and volume of the gas or vapor which passes to the burner.
represented in the drawings three different arrangements of burner proper of this
general character, but for the present will only refer to Figure 5, wherein it will
be seen that G is a casing to which the vapor passes from the pipe 4, and this
casing is provided at its upper end with a port Z which is closed by a valve I.
The said valve I is provided with a downwardly projecting stem 20 which passes
through a number of weights w, wl and w 2 the two latter of which have concentric
flanges resting on the bottom of the casing G, each flange being of such a height
that as the valve rises it will first lift the lowermost weight, then bring the latter
against the next highest and then this against the next so that the weights are
successively lifted by and applied to the valve in accordance with the increase of
pressure brought to bear at the port Z where the vapor escapes to be burned. Of
course as the pressure decreases the weights will be returned to the bottom of the
casing G in the reverse order and the size of the flame and the volume of escaping
vapour will be correspondingly changed or altered. By this means when the

page_text: pressure is light, the valve will rise to the extent required by the said pressure,
and the flame will be proportioned to the small flow to the generator or retort, but
as the flow through the generator or retort increases, the opening or port Z for the
passage of the gas also increases, but this opening is prevented from becoming
unduly increased by the greater relative increase of the weights raised by the valve.
It is evident that the weights could be arranged in a great many different ways,
and that equivalent springs could be adopted in their stead, under certain circum-
stances. It frequently happens that at the beginning of operations, or when the
generator has become unduly cooled down, unvaporized oil flows to the casing of
the burner, but in order to prevent this, I elevate that part of the casing G which
receives the stem 20 of the valve I, thus producing an annular chamber in the
said casing which receives the vapor from the pipe 4 as it is generated, and which
chamber also in virtue of the said central elevated portion thereof prevents any
unvaporized oil from flowing downward and clogging the weights. As shown, the
burner A in Figure 5 is surmounted by a hollow coue 22 which surrounds the
valve I, and is provided with air inlets near the base. Above this cone is a
superposed additional cone 23, open at the bottom to facilitate the mixture of
air with the vapour passing from the jet orifice or port of the burner. By arranging
the weights within the casing G and beneath the vapor chamber o in said casing,
we avoid bringing the heated gases in contact with the weights so as to obviate any
chilling of the gases, or in any way clogging the weights and interfering with their
effective operation.
Another arrangement of my improved vapor-burning apparatus is illustrated in
Figures 6 to 8 inclusive of the drawings, wherein it will be observed that the retort
or generator B is of the same general construction as that already described in
connection with Figures 1 to 4. This second arrangement however, comprises
certain alterations in the construction and arrangement of both the burner proper
and the weights employed in connection therewith for varying the flame in
accordance with the varying degrees of pressure resulting from variations in the
flow of liquid fuel to the retort, or generator. Thus in Figure 6 the burner A is
constructed with a casing or chamber 30 which receives the lower end of the vapor
conducting pipe 4, and this burner has a port 31 to which is fitted a valve D having
a hollow stem 32 which, instead of extending into the casing of the burner, slides
upon a spindle or guide 33 extending upwardly from a bearing or support 34 iu the
bottom of said casing 30. This valve inay be otherwise guided or directed, as for
instance in the manner shown in Figure 8, to which reference will be hereinafter
made; but in any case the casing or chamber 30 of the burner may be made very
small. For the same reasons as herein before explained; and in order that the
burner may operate with equal efficiency, whether the gas admitted thereto be
sufficient in pressure and quantity to produce five horse power or fifty horse power,
we employ substantially the same arrangement of weights which are brought
successively into action to increase the load on the valve in proportion as the latter
is raised to a higher point. Thus, as shown in Figure 6 the valve stem 32 carries
at its upper end an igniter device E which comes below a block 34° of cruciform
cross section and which passes downwardly through the central opening y of the
casing of the retort or generator. This block is integral with or connected to a
ring 35 resting on the top of the retort or generator, both the block and the ring
constituting a weight. Above the block 34, and ring 35, is a concave perforated
disk 36 which rests upon a ring F on top of the generator, being thereby supported
a short distance above the ring 35, so that when the ring 35 is raised a certain
distance, the weight of the perforated disk 36 will be added to that of the ring-35
and to the valve. The stem of the valve is extended upwardly at 39, through
the central opening of the igniter device E, and the said stem, engages with
the block 34 when the valve has been elevated to a certain extent, and then the
successive additions of the weighting devices takes place as already explained, on
the pressure increasing by the required amount. Of course the operation is
reversed on the decrease of the pressure exerted on the valve. As shown the igniter

page_text: device E, the block 34, the rings 35 and I, ant the perforated deflector or disk 36
are all of refractory material, so that after they have become thoroughly heated
by the flame they will serve to re-ignite the huruer whenever the fame has become
extinguished temporarily from incidental causes, as for instance when water is
mixed with the oil and becomes vaporized into steam in the generator or retort as
before explained. Thus it will be seen that in this particular arrangement I
provide three different sections of refractory material which serve not only as
igniters for the vapor passing to different points of the apparatus, but they also
serve the function of weights which are successively lifted in the manner already.
fully explained. That portion E which I have specially designate I as the igniter
device has a central hub receiving, the stem of the valve, and is provided with
radiating fingers 41 reaching out to different points within, the area of passage of
the vapor. The said portion E is supported by an adjustable collar or ring 14% of
refractory material provided with a set screw 43 by which the height of the sail
portion. É can be adjusted: by raising or lowering the said ring upon the stem of
the valve. As a modification of this arrangement approaching more nearly, the
construction of that first above described, reference is made to Figure 8 where.a
the weights wo, wo and to 2 are employed, but instead of being, enclosed within a
casing of the burner they are located or arranged externally of the chamber 30,
and the inner one of the weights is attached to the valve, each weight wl and wo2
being provided with inwardly projecting flanges 43 which enable the weights to be
lifted in the proper order.
In the arrangement shown. in Figures 9 and 10 the generator or retort B is of
the construction already explained, but the burner while possessing substantially
the same general characteristics is of a slightly modified form or construction.
With this construction we are enabled to change the intensity of the flame against
the retort or generator and whenever there is any tendency to a cooling down of the
retort or generator, which is apt to occur under certain conditions, the operation is
such as to permit of the escape of the vapor in increased volume. The burner
comprises the same form of chamber 30 as is shown in Figures 6 and 8, into which
the vapor conducting pipe 4 leads, and it is also provided with a port 31, which in
this instance constitutes a high pressure port. Projecting upwards from the base
of the chamber is a hollow post i in which is held or supported a vertical rod or
stem which, as will be observed, is formed with several longitudinal grooves k in
its sides, the said grooves starting at about the point l, aud extending along the
rod or stem for the remainder of its length. The numeral 50 represents a hollow
cone open at top and bottom, and formed or provided with a central sleeve 51
which fits and works upon the rud or stem j. This sleeve terminates at its lower
end in a valve m corresponding in shape to the opening or port 31, and in the upper
end of said sleeve an opening or port n is provided for the passage or escape of the
vaporized liquid fuel in the manner hereinafter described. The said central sleeve
is uuited to the cone by means of a suitable number of internal ribs or wings n'.
The said ribs or wings are separated by spaces which permit of the escape. or
passage of the vapor upwards through the cone, and it is evident from the co::-
struction explained that this cone is movable with the central sleeve thereof which
works upon the stem or rud j. The said central sleeve preferably extends above
the top of the cone, and fitting upon the sleeve, and having an independent move-
meut with respect thereto, is a weighted supplemental sleeve o, provided with a
number of ribs r which are separated by spaces g, while pendent within said upper
portion of the said supplemental sleeve is a valve r which, when the sleeve is
lowered upon the upper end of the central hollow sleeve 51, serves to completely
close the port n in the upper end of the said sleeve. It is obvious that when the
combined coue 50 and sleeve 51 are in their lowermost position, uo vapor can
escape through the port 31 of the burner, and it is likewise apparent that when the
weighted supplemental sleeve.o is in its lowest position the valve will preveut
the escape of any vapor through the port n. Normally the valves m and close
their respective ports, and they are separately caused to be lifted by different

page_text: pressures of vapor, as will hereinafter appear. Supported in any suitable manner
above the cone 50, but preferably by means or ruds or posts a extending upward
from the base of the burner, is an additional or a supplemental cone 60, which is of
'larger dimensions than the cone 50, and is also open at top and bottom, and is
hollow throughout. Projecting inwardly therefrom at or near the base are wings
or ribs 61 which are notched at t', so as to conveniently rest on the upper edge of
the cone 50, when li ted by the latter in any upward movement thereof caused by
increased pressure or velocity of the vapor fluid passing through the burner. The
arrangement of the cones is simply another form of weight for the valve m, and
the cone 60 in additional to its function as a weight, also acts as a mixer for the
air and gas, in that induced air currents are produced in the direction indicated by
the arrows. As before stated, the port n in the top of the sleeve 51, together with
the valve 1, constitutes what I call a primer or low pressure burner, while the
port 31 and valve m constitute a main or high pressure burner, the two burners
being so combined that when the valve of the main port is closed, and the vapour
is passing from the retort at a pressure of say about five pounds to the square inch,
the valve of the said primer burner will be elevated, against the resistance of the
weight of the supplemental sleeve o, so as to permit the escape of sufficient vapour
through the port n to produce a small flame but yet at the proper- degree of
pressure or velocity. As long as the vapour maintains this low degree of pressure,
the said primer burner will be constantly supplied with vapour by-passage of the
latter through the sleeve 51 and along the grooves k of the rod or stem. When
more oil is introduced to the generator or retort, or whenever the pressure is
increased from any cause, with a consequent tendency to a cooling down of the parts
on account of imperfect vaporization, due to the increase of volume, then the valve
is lifted, and the focal point or point of ignition of the flame is changed from the
port to the port 31, which allows the increased volume to escape at a much
greater velocity, say that due to a pressure of about ten pounds to the square inch.
In this way I allow for the escape of the increased volume of vapour which cannot
pass through the port n fast enough to be burned against the surface of the retort
or generator with the desired effect; and at the same time, I counteract the
tendency to any cooling down of the said retort or generator. When the pressure
is reduced the valve m is lowered by the weight which it carries, and as long as
the pressure continues at say about five or six pounds to the square inch the primer
burner will continue to burn in the manner already explained. Thus it will be
seen that this particular arrangement comprises a low pressure burner, or a port
for the vapor under low pressure burner, or a port for the vapor under low pressure
controlled by a valve, as well as a main or high pressure burner or port also
controlled by a valve. The upper or supplemental cone 60 is readily detached or
lifted from the cone 50, and it will be observed that the several parts are readily
taken apart either for the purpose of cleaning the valves and other parts or for
replacing some part when it has become broken or worn out.
In the present
instance the igniter device is comprised of a chamber N of suitable form and
dimensions preferably contracted in diameter at O, and terminating in a down-
wardly extending conical portion L which passes through the central opening y of
the retort or generator B. The said contracted portion O rests upon the upper
surface of the retort or generator at u, and the chamber N is provided with a
number or series of transverse grate bars d upon which is supported a mass of
crushed or broken refractory material S such as fire-brick and asbestos fibre,
placed within the chamber N through a suitable opening T at the top, which is
closed by a cap or plug U. The projecting portion L is of course hollow, and in
the sides thereof 1 provide a number of openings 65, while in the side of the
contracted portion O similar openings 66 are formed, and in the top of the chamber
openings 67 are also provided. The lower end of the hollow portion L by
extending to a point near the ignition point of the burner will allow a considerable
portion of the flame to pass up into and through the mass of refractory material
in the chamber N, and this mass is thereby heated to a state of incandescence.

page_text: By reason of being enclosed within the chamber N in a manner described, the said
mass S retains its heat for a very long time, and whenever the burner is-
extinguished for a length of time either accidentally or otherwise it will be again.
ignited by the action of the igniter device. After the burner has been cut off, and.
the vapor is, again allowed to be conducted thereto, a sort of circulation is induced
above the burner by the heat of the refractory mass, and the vapor flows upwards.
in the direction of the hollow extended portion L; an explosion then takes place-
in a direction downward towards the point of escape of the vapor from the burner,.
and the latter is thus re-lighted or ignited in an obvious manner.
Figure 11 of the drawings illustrates certain improvements in or connected with.
vapor burner apparatus which have for their object to insure a more thorough.
combustion of the gases, to prevent the loss of oil, and the dangers resulting from.
the leaking of oil from the burner, and to secure a uniform draft in the uptake
or chimney of a steam hoiler heated by the vapour-burning apparatus. The
drawing represents these improvements applied to a stationary horizontal tubular-
boiler.
68 represents the fire-box of a boiler which may be of any suitable construction,.
a horizontal tubular boiler being shown with the fire box mounted upon a suitable
foundation.
Within this foundation is arranged the burner A which is a liquid fuel burner
of the kind herein before referred to or of any other suitable construction supported
beneath a generator B, to which oil is supplied through a pipe 3, and from which.
the vapor flows through a pipe 4 to the burner A.
Heretofore, it has been usual to arrange such burners within the fire-place-
without any attempt to regulate the quantity of air which is supplied to the same,
and as a result there is very frequently an over-plus of air which tends to chill
and condense the vapors and keep the parts in too cool a condition, causing a
deposit of carbon and preventing perfect combustion.
In order to prevent these effects, we enclose the burner in a casing of a suitable.
character, as for instance, a surrounding casing 69 open at the top to permit the
air to pass upward around the burner, and communicating with a duct or flue 70-
through which the air can pass to the casing, and in this duct or flue, we arrange
a valve 71 by which the passage of air through the duct and to the casing may be-
regulated. The valve 71 may be set by hand, but it is far preferable to adapt it
to act automatically, and for this reason we combine with it some automatic-
operating apparatus which will open the valve so that the proportion of air
admitted to the burner shall be in proportion to the amount of oil admitted,
inasmuch as the greater the supply of oil which is evaporated, the greater the
amount of air required to thoroughly consume the product of this evaporation.
The supply of oil through the pipe 3 is regulated by means of a cock or
valve 72 in the pipe and a regulating apparatus, which may be of any suitable
construction, is so connected with the valve 72 and the damper or valve 71 that in.
proportion as one is opened the other will be opened.
Preferably the regulating apparatus is of such a character as to be operated by
the pressure of the steam in the boiler, so that as the pressure increases above the
normal amount, the air and oil cocks will both be gradually closed. As shown,.
there is a regulator 73 comn.unicating with the steam space of a boiler and
containing a piston 74, the piston rod of which bears against a lever 75 connected
by light rods 76, 77 with arms upon the spindles of the valves 72, 71 respectively.
The pressure lifts the piston 74 against the action of a spring 78 bearing upon the
lever 75 and this spring may be compressed to any desired extent by forcing
downward a block 79 which, as shown, is in the form of a nut in which the lower
threaded end of a spindle 80 turns. By turning the spindle 80 the nut 79 can be
depressed so as to compress the spring, or be raised so as to relax the spring.
From the nut 79 a pointer 81 extends through a slot in the side of the casing
containing the nut and when the engine is running, the spindle 80 is turned so a8-
to force the nut with the pointer down to the lower end of the slot, thereby

page_text: putting the greatest pressure upon the lever 75, so that the oil and air will not be
cut off except when there is an excess of pressure in the boiler; but when the
engine is at rest the spindle 80 is turned so as to lift the nut, the pointer indicating
the extent to which this is lifted, thereby relaxing the pressure of the spring, so
that a less increase of pressure will cut off the oil and air from the burner.
. In burning apparatus of this character, the oil is sometimes applied in excess,
or the parts are cold so that all the oil is not vaporized and a certain portion
passes to and flows from the burner. The overflow of oil into the fire-box or fire-
place is in most instances attended with danger or injurious results, and we
therefore provide a pan 82 for collecting this oil, and as it should not accumulate
in any quantity even in such a receptacle, we connect with the said receptacle a
pipe 83 preferably provided with one or more traps, as shown, and leading to a
reservoir 84.
This reservoir may be arranged in any suitable position but we prefer to arrange
it in such position that it may be made, in connection with a float 85, the means of
controlling the flow of oil through the pipe 3. Thus the float is connected with a
cock 86 in the pipe 3, and if through any accident, the flame should be extinguished
and the parts of the burner become cold, and the oil flow continuously through
the pipe 3, the flow of oil would be automatically cut off as soon as sufficient oil
bad collected in the reservoir 84 to lift the float 85 and close the valve 86;
It is of the utmost importance in liquid fuel burning apparatus that the draft
should be regulated in accordance with the character of the flame. If the draft
should become too strong, the gas is sucked away from the burner and no com-
bustion takes place adjacent thereto and much of the heat is lost. For this reason,
we provide the apparatus with a damper regulating the draft passage, as for
instance the uptake or passage 87. The damper 88 is arranged as usual in the
said uptake and is connected by means of connecting rods and levers with the
diaphragm 89 of a regulator 90, the space below the diaphragm communicating
with the smoke-chamber 91. In proportion as the draft tends to increase the
vacuum in the smoke chamber, the diaphragm 89 is drawn down, and the damper 88
is turned towards a horizontal position so as to close the uptake in proportion as
the strength of the draft increases, thereby maintaining an uniform draft at the
burner.
While we have shown the various appliances above described in connection with
a horizontal boiler, it will be evident that they may be used in connection with
boilers or generators of other characters, and that in some instances, some of the
devices may be used without the others:
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is :-
First. In a vapor-burning apparatus, the combination with the retort or
generator, and the burner located beneath said retort or generator, of the igniting
devices substantially as described with reference to Figures 1, 2, 3, 6 and 9 of the
drawings.
Second. In a vapor-burning apparatus, the combination with the retort or
generator, and the burner located beneath the same, of the igniting devices
depending into proximity to the port or ports of said burner substantially as
described with reference to Figures 1, 2, 3, 6 and 9 of the drawings.
Third. In a vapor burning apparatus, the combination with the retort or
generator having a central opening, of a burner located beneath said opening, and
igniting devices of refractory material extending through the said opening into
proximity to the burner, substantially as described with reference to Figures 1, 2,
3, 6 and 9 of the drawings.
Fourth. In a vapor-burning apparatus provided with a burner the outlet of
which is covered with a valve, the use in connection with such valve of a series
of weights so arranged and adapted that as the valve rises it raises with it each of
'

page_text: the said weights in succession, substantially as described. with reference
Figures 5, 6, 8 and 9 of the drawings, and for the purpose specified.
Fifth. In a vapor-burning apparatus, the combination with a retort or generator
having a central opening and a burner located beneath, the same, of a weighted
valve for such burner, and a combined weight and igniter device located above
Baid retort or generator, and adapted to co-operate with the said valve, substantially
as described with reference to Figure 6 of the drawings.
Sixth. In a vapor-burning apparatus, a burner having a low pressure, port and
valve, and a bigh pressure port and valve, substantially as described with reference
to Figures 9 and 10 of the drawings.
Seventh. Inia vapor-burning apparatus, a burner having a low pressure port and
a weighted valve, and a high pressure port and a weighted valve, substantially as
described with reference to Figures 9 and 10 of the drawings.
Eighth. In a vapor-burning apparatus, a burner having a low pressure port and
weighted valve, a high pressure port and weighted valve, and additional weights
adapted to be-lifted by the valve as the pressure of the vapour-at-the high pressure
port increases-substantially as described with reference to Figures 9 and 10 of the
drawings.
Ninth. In a vapor-burning apparatus, a burner having a low pressure port and
valve, a high pressure port and valve, the two ports being in communication with
each other, and suitable weights for each of the said valves, substantially as
described with reference to Figures 9 and 10 of the drawings.
Tenth. In a vapor-burning apparatus, the combination with the burner, of a
casing through which the air is supplied to the burner, an air duct communicating
with the said casing and provided with a valve, substantially as described with
reference to Figure 11 of the drawings.
Eleventh. In a vapor-burning apparatus the combination of a burner, a casing
enclosing the burner and supplying the air thereto, an air duct communicating with
the said casing, a valve in the said duct, and a regulator for automatically moving
the said valve, substantially as described with reference to Figure 11 of the
drawings.
Twelfth. The combination with the burner of a vapor-burning apparatus, of a
casing through which the air passes to the burner, an air inlet and valve, a vapour
generator communicating with the burner, an oil supply pipe and valve, and a
regulator connected to operate the air and oil valve, substantially as described with
reference to Figure 11 of the drawings.
Thirteenth. The combination with the vapor-burning apparatus of a steam
generator, and with the air and oil supply pipes and valves of such vapor-burning
apparatus of a regulator actuated by steam from the steam generator, and con-
nected to operate the air and oil valves, substantially as described with reference
to Figure 11 of the drawings.
Fourteenth. The combination with the vapor-burning apparatus of a steam
generator, and with the oil and air supply pipes and valves of such vapor-burning
apparatus, of a steam actuated regulator connected with the said valves, and an
adjustable spring for varying the action of the regulator, substantially as described
with reference to Figure 11 of the drawings.
Fifteenth. The combination with a vapor-burning apparatus, and with a draft
pipe or uptake for taking away the products thereof, of a damper arranged in said
pipe, and a regulator for closing the damper in proportion as the draft increases,
substantially as described with reference to Figure 11 of the drawings.
Sixteenth. The combination with the damper of a draft pipe or uptake of a
steam generator, and with the vapor-burning apparatus of such generator of a
regulator connected with said damper and having a diaphragm the space below
which communicates with the smoke-box of the generator, substantially as described
with reference to Figure 11 of the drawings..
Seventeenth. The combination with a vapor-burning apparatus, of an oil pan

page_text: arranged to receive the oil leaking from such vapor-burning apparatus, and a
reservoir communicating with said oil pan, substantially as described with reference
to Figure 11 of the drawings.
Eighteenth. The combination with the burner and generator of a vapor-burning
apparatus, of an oil supply pipe for the generator, provided with a cock or valve,
an oil pan arranged adjacent to the burner, a reservoir communicating with the
pan, and a float in the reservoir communicating with the cock or valve in the oil
pipe, substantially as described with reference to Figure 11 of the drawings, and
for the purpose specified.
Dated this 20th day of January 1896.
H. A. HOUSE;
R. R. SYMON,
Per W. H. Beck,
115 Cannon Street, London, E.C., Agent.