Improvements relating to the Generation of Gas, and to Apparatus therefor.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date claimed for Paten
DECL
being date of first Foreign Application (in (1st Feb., 1896
United States of A erica),
Date of Application (in United Kingdom), 10 h Mar., 1896
Complete Specification Left, 10th Mar., 1896-Accepted, 18th Apr., 1896
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements relating to the Generation of Gas, and to Apparatus
therefor.
I, EUGENE THOMAS TURNEY, Electrical Engineer, of 1595 Fulton Street, in
the City of Chicago in the County of Cook and State of Illinois, United States
of America, do hereby 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 :-
The present invention relates in part to a process of generating gas, in part to a
process of both generating and burning gas; in part to an apparatus for generating
gus, and in part to an apparatus for both generating and burning it. So far as the
process is concerned, the invention relates to only that class of processes in which
the gas is generated by the chemical combination of suitable ingredients, such, for
example, as the process by which acetylene gas is generated when calcium carbide,
or other metallic carbide, and water are introduced to each other.
One of the objects of the present invention is to generate gas in only the limited
quantity needed for immediate consumption, and to keep the quantity generated
practically constant throughout the process of generation, and another object of the
invention is to burn or otherwise use the gas thus generated directly after it is
generated and at substantially the pressure at which it was generated.
One of these objects I accomplish by exposing a portion of the surface of a
cartridge containing a solid ingredient of the gas-generating compound in the form
of a compact body of uniform sectional area to a liquid ingredient and protecting
the remainder of said surface therefrom in such manner that the area of the exposed
portion, and consequently, the quantity of gas generated, are kept practically
constant, and the other object I accomplish by burning or otherwise using the gas
thus generated directly after it is generated and at substantially the pressure at
which it was generated.
So far as the apparatus is concerned, the invention relates in part to that class of
apparatuses that may be used in carrying out my improved process of generating
gas, and in part to that class of apparatus that may be used in carrying out my
improved process of both generating and burning gas.
So far as the invention relates to the apparatus, for the purpose of this application,
I have illustrated it as being embodied in a portable apparatus that is designed
especially and is particularly adapted for use as a lamp for bicycles and similar
vehicles, and while I shall in this application claim those novel features of the
apparatus to which its adaptability for this particular purpose is due, still I desire
to have it understood that the invention is not so restricted and that I reserve to
myself the exclusive right to embody any or all of its several novel features in
apparatuses either portable or stationary, that are intended or adapted for use in

page_text: other connections, such, for example, as table lamps, chandeliers, head-lamps, street
lamps, car lamps, etc., etc.
In a lamp constructed in accordance with my invention, the gas is generated only
so fast as it is needed for consumption, and the quantity generated is kept practically
constant during the process of generation, and the gas is burned directly after it is
generated and at substantially the pressure at which it is generated. This regulated
constancy of supply can only he maintained by similarly regulating and maintaining
constant the supply of the ingredients of the gas-generating compound. Main-
taining practical constancy in these respects is a necessary condition in an apparatus
that burns or otherwise uses the gas as fast as it generates it, and this condition
may be brought about by gradually introducing the ingredients to each other in
just such quantities as will result in the generation of the proper quantity of gas.
The ingredients that I prefer to use are a solution of methyl alcohol (one part) and
water (nine parts) to which calcium carbide, or other metallic carbide, is gradually
added in just sufficient quantity to produce the quantity of gas needed for immediate
use. The calcium liberates hydrogen from the water and this hydrogen combines
with the carbon and forms acetylene gas. Without the alcohol, this chemical
combination would be very rapid, and it is simply to retard it that the alcohol is
used. If such quantities of these ingredients as will when mixed in this way
generate sufficient gas to supply the lamp with a proper quantity for a given length
of time were all mixed together at one time, the result would be the immediate
generation of an excessive quantity of gas so that at first the burner would have an
excessive supply and the supply would rapidly decrease until it became insufficient.
The present invention is concerned especially with the structural characteristics
of the solid ingredient of the gas-generating compound and with the means for
exposing a portion of the surface of this solid ingredient to the liquid ingredient and
protecting the remainder therefrom. In form, the solid ingredient is compact; that
is to say, its particles are firmly united or bound together in a.solid mass, the word
"compact" being herein used to point out this characteristic and distinguish from
a body whose particles are readily displaceable. In shape, it is of practically
uniform cross-sectional area from end to end, and preferably it presents a
substantially rectangular outline in any plane cutting it longitudinally. It is called
a "cartridge" for the reason that it contains a charge for the generator, and is, to
this extent, analogous to other cartridges. It contains (either alone or mixed with
some other substance) an ingredient of the gas-generating compound, but the
invention is not limited to the use therein of any particular ingredient. With
a cartridge having these characteristics, by protecting a portion and exposing the
remainder of the surface as hereinafter fully described, whether the liquid be at
rest or in motion, and however much it may swash about, under any and all
conditions, the liquid can have contact with only a predetermined proportion of the
surface of the cartridge and the area of this exposed surface will be kept practically
constant throughout the process of generation.
The invention consists in the features of novelty that are particularly pointed out
in the claims hereinafter, and in order that it may be fully understood, I will
describe it with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are made a part of
this Specification, and in which,
Fig. 1 is a side elevation of an apparatus for generating and burning gas
embodying the invention, so far as it relates to the apparatus, and adapted to carry
out the invention so far as it relates to the process said apparatus being of
a portable type that is particularly adapted for use as a lamp for bicycles
and other vehicles, a portion of the frame of a bicycle being shown in side
elevation.
Fig. 2 is an end elevation of the apparatus for generating the gas.
Fig. 3 is a vertical section thereof on the line 3-3, Fig. 2.
Fig. 4 is a vertical section thereof on the line 4-4, Fig. 3, looking in the direction
of the arrow.

page_text: A represents the gas-generator, and B the lamp, each of which, when the
apparatus is of a portable type that is intende! for use on bicycles and other
vehicles, is provided with means for securing it to the most suitable part of the
vehicle. In Fig. 1, the apparatus is shown as being secured to a part of a bicycle,
for which purpose the generator is provided with a clip C, that embraces the
horizontal top-bar D of the frame, and the lamp is provided with a clip having a
loop B* for receiving an arm projecting from the clip E that embraces the steering-
head of the frame, but the present invention is not limited to any particular
means for securing the apparatus in place, as said means will necessarily vary more
or less, according to the shape of the frame to which it is to be secured. From the
generator projects a short tube a, onto which is slipped one end of an elastic tube a³,
the other end of which is slipped onto the lower end of the burner B¹, said tube
forming a direct connection between the generator and the burner. The lamp has
a hollow base B", which is removably held in place in the lower end of the
cylindrical body of the lamp by means of a spur carried by the base and occupying
a perforation near the bottom of said body, and a spring B, which is secured to the
body and is provided with a spur b₁ that enters a perforation formed in the
removable base at a point diametrically opposite the spur b. This is a familiar
means for securing two parts of a lamp together and forms no part of the present
invention.
G is the shell or casing of the generator, the interior of which is divided by a
diaphragm G into two chambers g and g' that communicate through a small
opening 9 formed through the diaphragm, preferably at mid-length. The
chamber g is that in which the generation of the gas takes place. The top of the
shell G and the diaphragm G are provided with openings in which is permanently
secured a tube H, the outer end of which is closed by a screw-cap H', and the
inner end of which is in open communication with the chamber g. When the
cap H is removed, the ingredients that are to be used in the chamber g for
generating gas may be introduced through the tube H, and when introduced, the
chamber may again be hermetically closed by replacing the screw-cap.
The casing is also preferably provided near the bottom with an opening through
which access may be had to the interior of the chamber 9 for cleaning it, a
screw-cap I being provided for hermetically closing said opening. Through the
casing G is also an opening in which a tube J fits and is permanently secured.
The outer end of this tube is closed by a screw-cap J' and its inner end is in
open communication with the interior of the chamber g. Surrounding the inner
end of the tube is an elastic ring or collar K, the diameter of which when not
stretched, is less than the diameter of the tube, so that when arranged thereon, as
shown in the drawing, with a portion projecting beyond the end of the tube, this
projecting portion will form an elastic lip k, which has a constant tendency to
contract. Beyond this elastic lip and opposite the end of the tube is a reticulated
diaphragm L, which is preferably supported by means of a sleeve M that surrounds
the elastic ring K and is secured to a ring N, which latter is, in turn, secured to
the outside of the tube. Within the chamber G is placed a liquid ingredient of the
gas-generating compound, (preferably methyl alcohol and water in the proportions
already stated) and within the tube J is placed a cartridge O having the
characteristics already described, which cartridge is of less diameter than the.
interior of the tube, but of greater diameter than the elastic lip k when the latter
is not under tension. The tube and lip form an insoluble envelope for enclosing
the cartridge and the joint between the envelope and cartridge is liquid tight.
Within the tube J is also arranged a coiled spring P, one end of which bears
against the screw cap J', by which the outer end of the tube is closed, and the
other end of which bears against the cartridge O; whereby its other end is held in
contact with the reticulated diaphragm L, the diaphragm being located a sufficient
distance beyond the elastic lip k to leave a very short portion of the cartridge
projecting beyond the lip. This arrangement leaves this projecting portion of the

page_text: cartridge exposed to the liquid in the chamber g and so long as it is so exposed, the
generation of the gas will go on. As the chemical action proceeds the cartridge is
fed up to the diaphragm by means of the spring P, and in this way, (the cartridge
being of uniform cross-sectional area from end to end), calcium carbide in exactly
the proper quantity is gradually added, the ratio of its addition being the same as
the ratio of its consumption, and as the consumption proceeds, the quantity of
calcium carbide added does not vary materially. The elastic lip k fits the
cartridge O sufficiently tight to positively prevent any liquid from passing the lip
and coming in contact with that portion of the cartridge which is within the tube,
but it does not fit it sufficiently tight to prevent the spring F from feeding the
cartridge up to the reticulated diaphragm in the manner described.
Located within the chamber a, opposite the end of the tube I, is a disk Q,
provided on its face with an elastic pad 9, preferably of rubber, and secured at its
back to a thumb-screw R, wbich passes out through a threaded sleever secured in
an opening in the casing G. By turning this thumb-screw in one direction, the
disk may be brought to bear against the end of the sleeve M, and in this way
prevent the liquid in the receptacle from coming in contact with the cartridge O.
and when this is done, the generation of gas will of course cease.
Arranged upon one end of the casing G, is a chamber S, which communicates
with the chamber g', through a small opening surrounded by a valve-seat, and with
which the tube a communicates. The cross-sectional area of this chamber S is
greater than the area of the openings into and out of it, and consequently the flow
of gas through it will not be so swift as it is through said openings. This retarding
of the gas within the chamber S allows the precipitation of any excess of moisture
which it may carry from the chamber 9. The supply of gas to the burner is
controlled by a valve T, whose screw-threaded stem extends through a threaded
bushings, secured in an opening in the wall of the settling chamber S and is
provided at its outer end with a milled head whereby it may be turned. U is a
chamber located below the settling chamber S and communicating with it through
a small opening, and V is a screw-plug, by which an opening in one end of the
chamber U is closed. This chamber is for the purpose of collecting the liquid
that is precipitated in the settling chamber S and holding it until such time as is
convenient to empty it, which may be done by removing the plug V.
Preferably the casing G is enclosed within an outer ornamental casing, so that
the only parts shown in Fig. 3 that are visible are the screw-caps and thumb-screws.
It is stated herein that the generator and burner or other means for using the
gas are directly connected, but this is not to be construed as meaning that there is no
intervening part. In fact, as shown in the drawing, the tube intervenes, and it is
immaterial, so far as the essence of the invention is concerned, what the length of
the tube is. By "directly connected" is meant so connected that the gas may flow
directly from the generator to the burner or other device for using it, so that
throughout the entire apparatus and at the burner or other device the gas will be
under substantially the pressure at which it was generated. This is intended to
differentiate the apparatus from one in which the gas flows from the generator to a
receiver or other device or is stored in the generating chamber itself, whereby it is
put under more or less pressure, necessitating the use of strong containing vessels
and of means for reducing its pressure before it reaches the burner.
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. The process of generating gas which consists in exposing a portion of the
surface of a cartridge containing a solid ingredient of the gas-generating compound
to a liquid ingredient and protecting the remainder of said surface therefrom by
an insoluble envelope, said cartridge consisting of a compact body of uniform
sectional area in planes parallel with its exposed surface, whereby the area of the

page_text: exposed surface and consequently the quantity of gas generated are kept practically
constant, the products of the reaction being removed to present new surfaces
throughout the process of generation, substantially as set forth.
2. The process of generating and using gas which consists in first generating gas
by exposing a portion of the surface of a cartridge containing a solid ingredient of
the gas-generating compound to a liquid ingredient and protecting the remainder
of the surface therefrom, said cartridge consisting of a compact body of uniform
sectional area in planes parallel with its exposed surface, whereby the area of the
exposed surface and consequently the quantity of gas generated are kept.
practically constant throughout the process, and then using the gas directly after
it is generated and at substantially the pressure at which it was generated,
substantially as set forth.
3. In an apparatus for generating gas, the combination of a chamber adapted to
contain a liquid ingredient of the gas-generating compound, a cartridge containing
a solid ingredient of the gas-generating compound, an insoluble envelope for
protecting a portion of the surface of said cartridge from the liquid and exposing
the remainder of the surface thereto, said cartridge consisting of a compact body
of uniform cross-sectional area in planes parallel with its exposed surface, the joint
between the envelope apd cartridge being liquid tight, whereby the area of the
exposed surface and the quantity of gas generated are kept practically constant
throughout the process of generation, substantially as set forth.
4. In an apparatus for generating and using gas, the combination of a chamber
adapted to contain a liquid ingredient of the gas-generating compound, a cartridge
containing a solid ingredient of the gas-generating compound, means for protecting
a portion of the surface of said cartridge from the liquid and exposing the
remainder thereto, said cartridge consisting of a compact body, of uniform
sectional area in planes parallel with its exposed surface, whereby the area of the
exposed surface and consequently the quantity of gas generated are kept practically
constant throughout the process, and means directly connected with the generator
by which the gas is used directly after it is generated and at substantially the
pressure at which it was generated, substantially as set forth.
5. In an apparatus for generating gas, the combination of a chamber adapted to
contain a liquid ingredient of a gas-generating compound, a cartridge containing a
solid ingredient of the gas-generating compound, means for protecting a portion of
the surface of said cartridge from the liquid and exposing the remainder of said
surface thereto, said cartridge consisting of a compact body of uniform sectional
area in planes parallel with its exposed surface, whereby the area of the exposed
surface and consequently the quantity of gas generated are kept practically
constant throughout the process, and means under the control of the operator for
separating the cartridge and the liquid and thereby stopping the generation of the
gas, substantially as set forth.
6. In an apparatus for generating gas, the combination with a chamber adapted
to contain a liquid ingredient of the gas-generating compound, of a tube com-
municating therewith, a cartridge containing a solid ingredient of the gas-
generating compound arranged in the tube, said cartridge consisting of a compact
body of uniform sectional area, and a packing located at the opening through
which the tube and chamber communicate and fitting the cartridge, substantially
as set forth.
7. In an apparatus for generating gas, the combination with a chamber adapted
to contain a liquid ingredient of the gas-generating compound, of a tube com-
municating therewith, a cartridge containing a solid ingredient of the gas-
generating compound arranged in the tube, said cartridge consisting of a compact
body, and an elastic lip located at the opening through which the tube and
chamber communicate and fitting the cartridge, substantially as set forth.
8. In an apparatus for generating gas, the combination of a chamber adapted to
contain a liquid ingredient of the gas-generating compound, a tube communicating
therewith, a cartridge containing a solid ingredient of the gas-generating compound

page_text: arranged in the tube, a spring engaging the cartridge and tending to expel it, and
means for resisting its expulsion, substantially as set forth.
9. In an apparatus for generating gas, the combination of a chamber adapted to
contain a liquid ingredient of the gas-generating compound, a tube communicating
therewith, a cartridge containing a solid ingredient of the gas-generating com-
pound arranged in the tube, a spring engaging the cartridge and tending to expel
it, and means surrounding the cartridge and preventing the liquid from entering
its containing tube, substantially as set forth.
10. In an apparatus for generating gas, the combination of a chamber adapted to
contain a liquid ingredient of the gas-generating compound, a tube communicating
therewith, a cartridge containing a solid ingredient of the gas-generating com-
pound arranged in the tube, a spring engaging the cartridge and tending to expel
it, and a reticulated diaphragm against which the end of the cartridge bears,
substantially as set forth.
IT A hach day of Enbrary 1806
EUGENE THOMAS TURNEY.
Haseltine, Lake & Co.,
45 Southampton Buildings, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.