IMPROVEMENTS IN MECHANISM USED IN CONNECTION WITH OIL LAMPS FOR THE PURPOSE OF OBVIATING THE NOISE CAUSED BY THE WORKING OF SAID MECHANISM
Year: 1883

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Henry Erasmus Phillipson of 30 Stafford Street,
Dublin Ireland for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN MECHANISM USED
IN CONNECTION WITH OIL LAMPS FOR THE PURPOSE OF OBVIATING THE NOISE
CAUSED BY THE WORKING OF SAID MECHANISM
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Henry Erasmus Phillipson
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 18th April 1883.
HENRY ERASMUS PHILLIPSON of 30 Stafford Street, Dublin, Ireland, "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN MECHANISM USED IN CONNEXION WITH OIL LAMPS FOR THE PURPOSE
OF OBVIATING THE NOISE CAUSED BY THE WORKING OF SAID MECHANISM
"3
My Invention has reference to improvements for the purpose of obviating the
noise caused by the working of the mechanism or apparatus in lamps used for
burning oils without the aid of chimneys or globes; and is especially designed for
application to that class of lamp known commercially under the name of the
Empress" lamp.
"
In the said class of lamp there is a clockwork mechanism employed for the
purpose of imparting rotation to a horizontal fan fixed in the standard of the lamp,
the object of which is to cause a considerable draught of air to be drawn through
the passage below and to impinge on the flame, thereby increasing the luminosity
of the light and enabling the use of chimneys and globes to be dispensed with.
Considerable noise is caused by the vibration of this mechanism while in
operation; and to obviate the inconvenience and annoyance arising therefrom is
the object of my Invention.
To this end I cause the pinions of the spindle which carry the fan to revolve or
play in bearings composed of some non-conducting substances (instead of metal)
such as vulcanite, papier-mâché, ivory, wood, prepared cloth, or other similar
material. The introduction of such substances has the effect of preventing the
vibration of the fan spindle caused by the very high speed at which the fan
rotates, and thus the vibration hitherto communicated to the brass or metal
framework of the lamp is effectually prevented.

page_text: One of the bearings of the spindle or arbor of the fan is arranged about midway
between its lower and upper ends, and is formed of a bridge-like piece of metal
bushed with vulcanite or other similar substance and insulated at parts where
fastened to the frame-work; or it may be formed entirely of vulcanite.
By the introduction of this bridge-piece, I am enabled to dispense with the
horizontal plate hitherto requisite to hold the spindle or arbor at the top, thus
securing a free passage for the air draught to pass unimpeded to the burner of the
lamp, and consequently affording an increased volume of air to be supplied to
the flame.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed 1
by the said Henry Erasmus Phillipson in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
18th October 1883.
HENRY ERASMUS PHILLIPSON, of 30, Stafford Street, Dublin, Ireland, "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN MECHANISM USED IN CONNEXION WITH OIL LAMPS, FOR THE PURPOSE
OF OBVIATING THE NOISE CAUSED BY THE WORKING OF SAID MECHANISM
"3
My Invention has reference to improvements for the purpose of obviating the
noise caused by the working of the mechanism or apparatus in lamps used for
burning oils without the aid of chimneys or globes, and is especially designed for
application to that class of lamp known commercially as the "Empress" lamp.
In the said arrangement of lamps there is a clock work mechanism employed
for the purpose of imparting rotation to a horizontal fan placed in the standard of
the lamp, the object of which is to cause a current of air to be drawn through the
passage underneath and to impinge on the flame, thereby increasing its luminosity,
and avoiding the necessity of a chimney.
Considerable noise is caused by the vibration of this mechanism while working,
creating both annoyance and inconvenience, and it is to obviate this defect that my
invention is designed.
To this end I cause the pinions of the spindle which carry the fan to revolve or
play in bearings composed of some non-conducting or non-resonant substance, such
as vulcanite, papiér-mâché, ivory, wood, prepared cloth, or other similar material,
instead of the usual arrangement-one metal bearing on, and working in, another.
Pieces of such substances may also be inserted between other parts of the
mechanism, the introduction of which has the effect of preventing the vibration,
thus effectually deadening or obviating the noise hitherto complained of.
Underneath the fan, or about midway between the fan and the lower end of
the spindle, I arrange a bridge like bearing which enables the spindle to be
shortened, thereby reducing the vibration of same, and also enabling the whole of
the fan to be exposed, leaving a free passage for the air produced by the rotation
of the fan to travel to the burner, thus increasing the volume of air to be supplied
to the burner,

page_text: This bridge-like bearing may also be placed over the fan when required for
greater steadiness in working-such as when the lamp is used in vessels at sea,-
but I then place the end of pivot in a vulcanite bearing same as at lower or under
portion of fan arbor.
Having thus described the nature of my said Invention, and the manner of
carrying the same into effect, I would have it understood that what I consider
new and useful and therefore claim as the Invention to be secured to me by the
herein before in part recited Letters Patent is
1st The introduction of non-conducting or non-resonant substances in the
construction of clockwork mechanism for the purpose and in the manner
substantially as described.
2nd. The introduction of the bridge-like bearing in the clock-work mechanism
of lamps in the manner and for the purpose substantially as described and set
forth.
In Witness whereof I the said Henry Erasmus Phillipson, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Fifteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord, One
thousand eight hundred & eightythree.
HENRY E. PHILLIPSON
HENRY ERASMUS PHILLIPSON
(L.S.)