Improvements in and relating to Apparatus for Generating Acetylene Gas for Lighting Purposes.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 12th Aug., 1896
Complete Specification Left, 12th May, 1897-Accepted, 24th July, 1897
Lyon, in the Republic of France, Engineers.]
Improvements in and relating to Apparatus for Generating
Acetylene Gas for Lighting Purposes.
I, HENRY HARRIS LA KE, of the firm of Haseltine, Lake & Co., Patent Agents, 45
Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex, do hereby declare the nature of
this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to apparatus which I term "acetylene producer," having
for its object the production of acetylene by means of suitably prepared calcium
carburet.
In constructing the said "acetylene producer" the object has been to provide
a simple apparatus, in which the production of acetylene gas should take place in
proportion to the requirements of the consumption in a methodical manner without
having in the presence of water an excess of calcium carburet.
In order to realize a similar result it was necessary to employ calcium carburet in
quite a special form, ensuring the measuring off even of the sinallest quantities, and
for this purpose the use of calcium carburet in grains of a definite size was absolutely
necessary.
In fact by the crushing of calcium carburet to grains of known dimensions passing
through a sieve of definite fineness according to the exigencies of the distribution a
product is obtained which an appropriate distributor can divide into exact doses
designed to give rise, by their contact with the water, to a known volume of
acetylene gas measured beforehand.
The enormous importance of such a rational employment of calcium carburet will
be understood at once, the mass intended to cause the reaction is not all placed in
the presence of water at once, which would occasion a tumultuous production carrying
away water vapours, which production would be too rapid and too abundant, and
would continue when it would be useless and dangerous.
It is not necessary here, to set forth all the inconveniences and all the dangers
which result from the immediate action by water upon a mass of calcium carburet ;
it may however be stated that by effecting, inversely to what has heretofore been
done, a partial distribution of calcium carburet in water, it has been the intention to
completely isolate the calcium carburet from the ambient action, thus to obviate the
decomposition of its mass in the presence of moisture, to avoid the excess of
production of the gas and the pressure (occasioning a loss of gas or an accident) and
also to preclude the fear of the ever possible presence of calcium phosphuret in the
mass of carburet placed in contact with water.
On the other hand it is preferable to keep the calcium carburet in its solid form,
when it is an excellent accumulator of gas and portable energy, and which presents
real advantages as compared with acetylene gas stored up in gas holders or liquefied
under pressure, inasmuch as this necessitates in the first place comparatively large
holders and in the second place receptacles which are at the same time heavy,
strong and dangerous to handle occasioning expenses for maintenance, transport and
gas

page_text: liquefaction, which solid carburet in the form of grains does not necessitate, and
which gives instantly acetylene with the "acetylene producer by a simple
operation of a cock.
The improved apparatus which is used for carrying out the method of employment
of calcium carburet, which forms the subject of my patent, is hereinafter set forth.
In claiming the inode of employment of calcium carburet in the state of grains of
a different size I have pointed out the mode of employment, and not the employment,
of any pulverulent carburet projected upon liquid.
In fact no person may entertain the idea of pateating the principle of the
projection upon water of calcium carburet in any form whatsoever, for the first
inventor of calcium carburet, and more especially Mr. Moissan, in order to study the
properties, of the same, has certainly thrown it upon water in the form of powder or
blocks, and inversely has thrown water upon it, so that the distribution of calcium
carburet in water or the distribution of water upon calcium carburet cannot constitute
the subject matter of a patent embodying a principle.
Only the mode of distributing calcium carburet in definite form as to size by means
of a practical and certain apparatus is patentable, and in order to ensure me this
property in an indisputable manner, I proceed to set forth the essential elements of
the same together with the mechanism used.
The principle of calcium carburet falling into water being the only rational one"
it is absolutely necessary to fix the dimensions of the carburet to be projected, for a
single piece of 1 cubic centimetre falling into the liquid would disengage with a
disquieting noise a volume of acetylene of 600 cubic centimetres sufficient for
developing, in a receptable of for instance 1 litre, a pressure 20 times greater than
the normal pressure, whilst the latter must be varied only from 1 to 2 per cent of its
value.
I have therefore been led to reduce the calcium carburet into sinall elements. But
on the other hand it constitutes in the pulverulent state a material which cannot be
manipulated, which does not run, and which is not divided with mathematical
exactitude like a liquid, and when it is reduced into too fine a powder it does not run
at all and gives rise to frequent obstructions in the outlet pipes.
Direct experiments with well constructed distributors are needed for fixing the size
of the grain, not causing any deflagration in the water, allied to the form of the
appropriate distributor, if it is desired to realize a silent, regular and mathematically
accurate distribution of the calcium carburet.
Hence again the absolute necessity for fixing the size of the grain and the form of
the corresponding distributor in order to set forth the industrial property which I
claim.
As far as we are concerned and as regards the distributors which we use, the
calcium carburet is crushed to grains of the size of from 1 to 2 millimetres on the
side and bolted in sieves ensuring these two sizes. All fine powder is rejected.
Accordingly it is the grain of from 1 to 2 millimetres on the side, in respect of which
I claim the rational distribution.
The distributor has the form of a sand box and is based upon the principle of the
running of solids along inclinations determined by experiment.
In order not to cause at all the turning back of the vein in motion, the plug is
cylindrical, very smocth and without any bulge.
The central cycliuder made from 20 to 25 millimetres in diameter and acting as a
hopper, is of the same diameter as the cone which effects the closing of the outlet
orifice and which is actuated by a powerful spring always tending to close the
same.
The spring which forces the cone vigorously upon its seat is placed in the sieve
cylinder situated at the centre of the distributor. By reason of this fact it is kept
from all exterior contact and has such large dimensions as to ensure in an indisputable
manner its regular operation and its certain and indefinite preservation.
Should it happen to break, the trunks would continue to operate, imprisoned as
they are in a tube which prevents any disunion of the elements.

page_text: On the other hand the power of this spring is such as to reject any grain which
might get between the seat and cone, inasmuch as the contacts take place upon the
seats forming edges and will not allow of the stoppage or rest of a grain in
motion.
Lastly the central cylinder regulates the outlet of the carburet like a real hopper
by limiting the thickness of carburet in the form of a grain which will pass upon the
cone of the distributor in order to ensure the mathematically accurate dosing of the
grains to be distributed.
For fixing the distance from the hopper cylinder to the side of the distributing
funnel which distance is represented by e, I proceed according to the following
equation:
Accordingly it is necessary that the edge of the central tube forming a hopper
shall be at a distance from the funnel of at least half the radius of the outlet
orifice.
In practice I make this distance e equal to r.
The distributing plug has not only the function of closing the distributor, but also
that of regulating the discharge and even that of provoking it if in consequence
of an agglomeration of the solid material forming an arch upon the outlet orifice
the distribution should cease.
As already stated, the solid material does not run out in an absolutely certain
manner like liquids, and although the law which regulates its outlet has been defined
by our eminent professor Tresca, he has had occasion to recognize many times that
the said outlet ceased when the hooked grains became agglomerated, constituting a
real arch which cannot be destroyed by anything, but which causes all outlet to cease
if the hooked molecules are not successfully disunited.
It is therefore impossible to obtain a certain and regular discharge of carburet in
the form of grains if the distributing plug is not connected in respect of its movement
to an agitator forcing the material towards the outlet orifice and breaking any arch
which may tend to be formed in the mass.
The distributing cylinder with a conical plug and a seat with a section forming an
edge, provided with a powerful spring ensuring its closing is actuated by two levers
to which two or four spatula S are fixed according to circumstances, which spatula
like diggers push a shovel full of carburet in the form of grains as soon as the cone
uncovers the outlet orifice.
The proportions of the levers are such that the spatula traverse double the way of
that which the distributing obturator moves, and impart to the material upon the
inclined plane of the funnel a movement of translation towards the outlet orifice so
as to ensure a distribution which is always certain and mathematically dosed.
I conclude then on this point by stating that the methodical distribution of calcium
carburet in the form of grains of from one to two millimetres in a distributor presenting
the form of a sand box is ensured by the mechanical pushing of the carburet in
conjunction with the upward movement of the distributing cone which so to speak
compels the grains of carburet to pass out without turning back and without deviation
of the outrunning vein towards the decomposition water.
This distribution thus defined sets forth and fixes at the same time the new
elements which form the subject matter of this invention.

page_text: Inasmuch as, in order to operate the mechanism for controlling the acetylene
producer, I can use practically only the pressure itself, obtained by the acetylene gas
produced, it is necessary to cause this pressure to act upon the greatest possible
surface, if we desire so have at our disposal a force sufficient for overcoming the
resistances of the distribution.
The valves, pistons, whatever they may be, are rendered powerless, and only the
bell of the gas holder is adapted for setting in action sufficient forces for easily
overcoming the accidental perturbing causes which the outlet of the carburet in the
form of grain may present.
Moreover, the bell of the gas holder ensures to the apparatus an absolute security;
it is in fact the largest valve which can be made, because it has the dimensions of the
apparatus itself; it is the pressure regulator and is balanced for the working pressure
of from 10 to 20 centimetres of water according to the circumstances which I impose
upon myself. Any increase in the volume of gas produced is stored up in the bell
without enabling the pressure to be modified and if an undesired disengagement of
acetylene should take place, the entire orifice of the bell would serve for its discharge
without any possible accident.
In the constitution of the acetylene producer the gas holder corresponds exactly to
the lungs in the human organisin, also ensuring to them the movement and the
regularity of the vital functions.
Owing to it, the operation of the distributor in the acetylene producer is ensured,
and, what is absolutely essential and remarkable, the production and the pressure of
the gas generated have exactly the coefficient of regularity, which we may impose.
In fact, I find that the distributing plug furnished its levers, and the bell subjected
to the interior pressure of the gas, form the balanced system susceptible of being put
in an equation.
If I designate by S the surface of the bell, by P the working pressure of the
acetylene gas passing to the burners by p the force produced by the distributor and
which may be stated exactly in weight, it will be readily seen on inspection of the
mechanism that the distribution of carburet takes place only if the bell bears upon
the levers of the plug and consequently if the pressure P diminishes and becomes P¹.
Then the equation as regards the equilibrium will be expressed thus:
Now PP¹ is the difference of pressure of the gas which causes the distribution
of the carburet and which must be the least possible in order to have a regular flame.
It is equal to the constant of which constitutes the coefficient of regularity which
we impose upon ourselves.
My object is therefore to reduce p, that is to say the force at the distributor, and
to augment S, that is to say the surface of the bell of the gas holder.
In these circumstances will be reduced to a minimum, and the coefficient of the
regularity of pressure will be the best possible, or to speak more exactly will be the
one which it is intended to have.
In this respect, in order to realise the aforesaid conditions as to the proper operation,
I have adopted large diameters for the gas holders, and I have adapted the bell
to act upon levers which reduce to one-sixth the force required for the distribution,
so that with the sizes used for the several types of acetylene producers I convert them
into veritable gas pressure regulators giving to the flame of the burners a steadiness
not exceeded by any light.
A very important feature to be mentioned and altogether special to the present
apparatus is the employment of a vessel of the gas holder which is distinct from the
water reservoir for the decomposition of the carburet.

page_text: By reason of this arrangement the bell slides in the said vessel and not in the
water reservoir for the decomposition as is the case in all the gas holders heretofore
used.
Under these circumstances no escape is possible between the vessel and the bell,
because the acetylene is produced in a distinct reservoir; it is possible to use in the
said vessel any liquid which does not congeal, such as glycerine, and even mercury if
the height of the bell is to be diminished.
Admitting a pressure of gas which would project the water out of the vessel, there
is no occasion to fear the projection of muddy water, such as would take place in case
the hell were put directly upon the water of the decomposition reservoir.
It is important to also mention that the distributor carrying the supply of calcium
carburet is placed in the interior of the gas holder, and that by this means I gain
the entire height of the latter upon the total height of the acetylene producer, thus
obtaining an apparatus of comparatively reduced size.
As to the watching of the distributor and its supply, it becomes extremely simple
owing to the transparency of the bell which is a veritable house of Socrates, the floor
of which, made of a glass plate, lights up the whole interior of the apparatus in which
are the parts in motion.
By this adaptation I also suppress the odours which may be occasioned by the
carburet reservoir being badly jointed to the gas holder. I simplify the apparatus
considerably and on the other hand, as the carburet in the form of powder always
remains perfectly dry by reason of its very nature, there is no need at all for a special
closing device when this reservoir is placed inside the apparatus.
Lastly I may say that the bell is not fixed to any part or element of the apparatus,
so that it controlled like a safety valve only by the action of the interior pressure of
the gas and by its own weight. Under these circumstances nothing can interfere
with its action as a regulator and as a safety valve with an enormous orifice, ensuring
the absolute security of the acetylene producer.
The arrangement of the gas holder having the vessel and with its dimensions, the
position of the distributor in relation with the bell, the easy watching of the level of
the water in the vessel and in the reservoir for the decomposition water, the
transparency of the bell permitting of the entire distribution, are as many new
elements precisely setting forth and fixing the claims.
As already stated the water reservoir for the decomposition of the carburet is
distinct from the vessel of the gas holder, and this is absolutely necessary if the
regular and certain operation of the bell is to be ensured.
This independence moreover enables me to easily increase the diameter of this
reservoir and therefore the volume of water used in the decomposition.
Under these circumstances the temperature for beating the acetylene in conjunction
with the weight of carburet distributed is thus regulated like all my types of
apparatus when they work normally, and, according to the conditions given, rise only
2 degrees in temperature per hour of work.
The reservoir has an intermittent or continuous water feed connected to an
extracting purge for the lime milk produced, so that in a continuous or intermittent
manner aud during the operation of the acetylene producer I may effect the feed and
constant purging of the apparatus and cause the total emptying only at very long
intervals, 2 or 3 times per year at most.
To accentuate further this veritable automatic action of my apparatus I have solved
the problem of charging the distributor in motion by fixing upon the bottom of the
bell, forming a glass plate a feed funnel having the arrangement of a machine
lubricator with two cocks so as to introduce the grains of carburet in two successive
phases.
Under these circumstances the acetylene producer, provided with various spy
glasses and water levels facilitating investigations, and adapted to be fed with carburet
and water without the need for stopping it, and at the same adapted to have its soiled
water discharged, these too, are new and characteristic elements which fix our claims
in a precise manner.

page_text: The acetylene produced in a regular and continuous manner in the acetylene
producer must be washed and freed from the water vapour which it contains, and also
from the solid particles which it may carry away mechanically..
The washer in this apparatus is placed very simply in the interior of the gasholder
and the whole height of the vessel comprised between the distributor and the level of
the water in the reservoir.
This entirely new washer which is simply placed upon a diaphragm and is taken
up in the apparatus, is annular.
It is filled with sponges, iron turnings, dust of coke, charcoal and glass wool
separated by a wire gauze.
The sponges dip at the lower part into the water of the reservoir so that by way of
capillarity all the sponges will become moist.
The gas descends methodically into this washer and passes through the multiple
channels of the different stratified porous bodies and then traverses those of the moist
sponges which obstruct and retain all the solid particles carried away, washing in a
complete manner the acetylene which has traversed this complicated labyrinth.
A large drying tube which is purged and cleaned of itself through the orifice filled
with sponges, glass wool and calcium carburet in pieces of the thickness of a nut,
acting hygroscopically, the whole contained between the pierced partitions or wire
gauzes suspended from an axis, completes the removal of water and impurities of any
kind from the gas in such a manner that the acetylene arrives in the burners absolutely
cleaned and dry.
It will again be seen that these elements are of the greatest practical use, which it
is well to mention.
The form which I have given to my apparatus belongs essentially to me and is
absolutely methodical.
It is the result of all the conditions of a good operation, inasmuch as it ensures the
independence of dimensions to all the parts.
In fact the gasholder and its vessel have their own dimensions like the reservoir of
decomposition water.
The relative distance from the distributor to the decomposition water, which I put
at 20 centimetres at least in all my apparatus, enables me to have a height of bell
which ensures all the variations of pressure which may be required in the apparatus.
The position of the washer, the feed, the extractor, and the drier are also the
consequence of the form adopted, as are likewise all the spy glasses for reading off
the level of the water in the vessel of the gas holder, and as also the inspection of the
entire distribution by means of the large glass without a tint which constitutes the
bottom of the bell itself.
I have now settled the form and the operation of the apparatus which constitutes
the subject of this invention, comprising the gas producer, the gas holder, the purifier,
the washer, the regulator, the drier and the burner, so that if an acetylene producer
were constructed according to this invention, an apparatus would be realized which
would work under the described conditions, giving regularly and in a continuous
manner, without variation of pressure, washed acetylene gas which would be burned
by the burner without the least fouling of the orifices.
This statement is necessary with regard to the claims often hazarded respecting
apparatus, a simple graphic inspection of which shows a mechanical artlessness which
cannot bear examination.
The invention therefore bears specially upon the form and relative dimensions
given to the acetylene producer.
(a) Upon the pulverization of the calcium carburet to the form of grains of a
size of from 1 to 2 millimetres for a rational distribution of these grains.
(b) Upon the form and the arrangement of the appropriate distributor placed in
the acetylene producer and watched from the exterior through one or more spy glasses,
placed upon the bell of the gas holder.
(c) Upon the arrangement of the gas holder composed of a vessel and of a bell

page_text: wherein spy glasses are provided for the inspection of the level of the liquid in the
vessel and for the operation of the distributor in the interior of the apparatus.
(d) Upon the absolute independence of the bell performing the part of a superb
safety valve.
(e) Upon the arrangement of the levers and springs of the distributor forming with
the bell a system in suspension and in movement like a precision balance, and
ensuring the absolute regulation of the pressure of the gas at the burner.
(f) Upon the reservoir of decomposition water, which, in view of its independence
of position inay be as large as desired to prevent any heating in the production of
acetylene gas.
(9) Upon the washer economically placed in the interior of the acetylene producer,
compelling the gas to descend which ensures its distribution throughout the extent
of the annular section, and upon the employment of sponges and iron turnings for
obtaining obstructions and microscopic tubes ensuring the washing and purification
of the material carried away by the acetylene.
(h) Upon the mode of feeding the carburet in motion without introduction of air
by distributing coils placed upon the bell of the gas holder.
(1) Upon the continuous mode of distribution of the water into the reservoir
for the decomposition of the carburet, and upon the corresponding extraction of the
soiled water during the operation of the apparatus.
(k) Upon the mode of drying of the gas by sponges, strips of glass, calcium carburet
and various pierced membranes.
(1) Upon the possible and immediate removableness of all the parts which are
connected only by hydraulic joints so that without any attachment or joint we remove
the bell, the distributor, the washer and that thus the vessel and the reservoir are
open for any inspection and cleaning which are necessary, and that in a few seconds
all is put back in place for the immediate operation of the acetylene producer.
Dated this 12th day of August 1896.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45 Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.
Improvements in and relating to Apparatus for Generating
Acetylene Gas for Lighting Purposes.
I, HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the firm of Haseltine, Lake & Co., Patent Agents,
45 Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex, 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:-
In constructing the said "acetylene producer" the object has been to provide a
simple apparatus, in which the production of acetylene gas should take place in
proportion to the requirements of the consumption in a methodical manner without
having in the presence of water an excess of calcium carburet.
In order to realize a similar result it was necessary to employ calcium carburet in
quite a special form, ensuring the measuring off even of the smallest quantities, and
for this purpose the use of calcium carburet in grains of a definite size was absolutely
necessary.
In fact by the crushing of calcium carburet to grains of known dimensions passing
through a sieve of definite fineness according to the exigencies of the distribution.a
product is obtained which an appropriate distributor can divide into exact doses
designed to give rise, by their contact with the water, to a known volume of acetylene
gas measured beforehand,

page_text: The enormous importance of such a rational employment of calcium carburet will
be understood at once, the mass intended to cause the reaction is not all placed in
the presence of water at once, which would occasion a tumultuous production carrying
away water vapours, which production would be too rapid and too abundant, and would
continue when it would be useless and dangerous.
It is not necessary here, to set forth all the inconveniences and all the dangers.
which result, from the immediate action by water upon a mass of calcium carburet; it
may however be stated that by effecting, inversely to what has heretofore been done,
a partial distribution of calcium carburet in water, it has been the intention to
completely isolate the calcium carburet from the ambient action, thus to obviate the
decomposition of its mass in the presence of moisture, to avoid the excess of
production of the gas and the pressure (occasioning a loss of gas or an accident) and
also to preclude the fear of the ever possible presence of calcium phosphuret in the
mass of carburet placed in contact with water.
On the other hand it is preferable to keep the calcium carburet in its solid form,
when it is an excellent accumlator of gas and portable energy, and which presents
real advantages as compared with acetylene gas stored up in gas holders or liquefied
under pressure, inasmuch as this necessitates in the first place comparatively large
gas holders and in the second place receptacles which are at the same time heavy,
strong and dangerous to handle, occasioning expenses for maintenance, transport and
liquefaction, which solid carburet in the form of grains does not necessitate, and
which gives instantly acetylene with the "acetylene producer" by a simple operation
of a cock.
The improved apparatus which is used for carrying ont the method of employment
of calcium carburet, which forms the subject of my patent, is hereinafter set forth.
In claiming the mode of employment of calcium carburet in the state of grains of
a definite size I have pointed out the mode of employment, and not the employment,
of any pulverulent carburet projected upon liquid.
In fact no person may entertain the idea of patenting the principle of the projection
upon water of calcium carburet in any form whatsoever, for the first inventor of
calcium carburet, and more especially Mr. Moissan, in order to study the properties
of the same, has certainly thrown it upon water in the form of powder or blocks, and
inversely has thrown water upon it, so that the distribution of calcium carburet in
water or the distribution of water upon calcium carburet cannot constitute the
subject matter of a patent embodying a principle.
Only the mode of distributing calcium carburet in definite form as to size by
means of a practical and certain apparatus is patentable, and in order to ensure as
this property in an indisputable manner, I proceed to set forth the essential elements
of the same together with the mechanism used.
Calcium Carburet. The principle of calcium carburet falling into water heing the
only rational one, it is absolutely necessary to fix the dimensions of the carburet to
be projected, for a single piece of 1 cubic centimetre falling into the liquid would
disengage with a disquieting noise a volume of acetylene of 600 cubic centimetres
sufficient for developing, in a receptacle of for instance 1 litre, a pressure 20 times
greater than the normal pressure, whilst the latter must be varied only from 1 to
2 per cent. of its value.
I have therefore been led to reduce the calcium carburet into small elements. But
on the other hand it constitutes in the pulverulent state a material which cannot be
manipulated, which does not run, and which is not divided with mathematical
exactitude like a liquid, and when it is reduced into too fine a powder it does not run
at all and gives rise to frequent obstructions in the outlet pipes.
Direct experiments with well constructed distributors are needed for fixing the size
of the grain, not causing any deflagration in the water, allied to the form of the
appropriate distributor, if it is desired to realize a silent, regular and mathematically
accurate distribution of the calcium carburet.
Hence again the absolute necessity for fixing the size of the grain and the form of

page_text: the corresponding distributor, in order to set forth the industrial property which I
claim.
As far as this invention is concerned and as regards the distributors which are used,
the calcium carburet is crushed to grains of the size of from 1 to 2 millimetres on the
side and bolted in sieves ensuring these two sizes. All fine powder is rejected.
Accordingly it is the grain of from 1 to 2 millimetres on the side, in respect of which
I claim the rational distribution.
The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing in which
Figure 1 is a vertical section partly in elevation of the improved apparatus,
Figure 1 is a portion of Figure 1 detached on the line 1-2 and
Figure 2 is a side elevation drawn to a reduced scale.
The distributor D, as shown in Figure 1 of the drawing, has the form of a sand
box and is based upon the principle of the running of solids along inclinations
determined by experiment.
In order not to cause at all the turning back of the vein in motion, the plug is
cylindrical, very smooth and without any bulge.
The central cylinder O, made from 20 to 25 millimetres in diameter and acting as
a hopper, is of the same diameter as the cone C which effects the closing of the outlet
orifice and which is actuated by a powerful spring R always tending to close the
saine.
The spring which forces the cone vigorously upon its seat is placed in the sieve
cylinder O situated at the centre of the distributor. By reason of this fact it is kept
from all exterior contact and, as shown has such large dimensions as to ensure in an
indisputable manner its regular operation and its certain and indefinite preservation.
Should it happen to break, the trunks would continue to operate, imprisoned as
they are in a tube which prevents any disunion of the elements."
On the other hand the power of this spring is such as to reject any grain which
might get between the seat and cone, inasmuch as the contacts take place upon the
seats forming edges and will not allow of the stoppage or rest of a grain in motion.
Lastly the central cylinder regulates the outlet of the carburet like a real hopper
by limiting the thickness I cf carburet in the form of grain which will pass upon the
cone C of the distributor in order to ensure the mathematically accurate dosing of the
grains to be distributed.
For fixing the distance e from the hopper cylinder to the side of the distributing
funnel D, I proceed according to the following equation:
The radius of the outlet orifice being r, the outlet section will be represented by
On the other hand it is needful that the outlet section left by the central cylinder
having the same radius r as the outlet orifice should also be equal to S in order that
there may be no choking.
In these circumstances we have
Accordingly it is necessary that the edge of the central tube forming a hopper
shall be at a distance from the funnel of at least half the radius of the outlet
orifice.
In practice I make this distance e equal to ".
The distributing plug CC has not only the function of closing the distribution, but
also that of regulating the discharge and even that of clearing it if in consequence of
an agglomeration of the solid material forming an arch upon the outlet orifice the
distribution should cease.
As already stated, the solid material does not run out in an absolutely certain

page_text: manner like liquids, and although the law which regulates its outlet has been defined
by our eminent professor Tresca, he has had occasion to recognise many times that
the said outlet ceased when the grains became agglomerated, constituting a real arch
which cannot be destroyed by anything, but which causes all outlet to cease if the
molecules are not successfully disunited.
It is therefore impossible to obtain a certain and regular discharge of carburet in
the form of grains if the distributing plug is not connected in respect of its move-
ment to an agitator forcing the material, towards the outlet orifice and breaking any
arch which may tend to be formed in the mass.
The distributing cylinder with a conical plug and a seat with a section forming an
edge, provided with a powerful spring ensuring its losing is actuated by two levers LL
to which two or four spatula S are fixed according to circumstances, which spatula
like diggers push a shovel-full of carburet in the form of grains as soon as the cone
uncovers the outlet orifice.
The proportions of the levers are such that the spatula traverse double the distance
of that which the distributing obturator O C noves, and impart to the material
upon the inclined plane V of the funnel a movement of translation towards the outlet
orifice so as to ensure a distribution which is always certain and mathematically
dosed.
I conclude then on this point by stating that the methodical distribution of calcium
carburet in the form of grains of from one to two millimetres in a distributor presenting
the form of a sand box is ensured by the mechanical pushing of the carburet in con-
junction with the upward movement of the distributing core which so to speak
compels the grains of carburet to pass out, without turning back and without deviation
of the outrunning vein, towards the decomposition water.
This distribution thus defined and clearly represented in the accompanying drawings
sets forth and fixes at the same time the new elements which form the subject matter
of this invention.
Inasmuch as, in order to operate the mechanism for controlling the acetylene pro-
ducer, I can use practically only the pressure itself, obtained by the acetylene gas
produced, it is necessary to cause this pressure to act upon the greatest possible surface,
if we desire to have at our disposal a force sufficient for overcoming the resistances of
the distribution.
The valves, pistons, whatever they may be, are rendered powerless, and only the
bell of the gas holder is adapted for setting in action sufficient forces for easily over-
coming the accidental perturbing causes which the outlet of the carburet in the form
of grain may present.
Moreover, the bell of the gas holder ensures to the apparatus an absolute security;
it is in fact the largest valve which can be made, because it has the dimensions of the
apparatus itself; it is the pressure regulator and is balanced for the working pressure
of from 10 to 20 centimetres of water according to the circumstances which I impose
upon myself. Any increase in the volume of gas produced is stored up in the bell
without enabling the pressure to be modified and if an undesired disengagement of
acetylene should take place, the entire orifice of the bell would serve for its discharge
without any possible accident.
In the constitution of the acetylene producer the gas holder corresponds exactly to
the lungs in the human organism, also ensuring to them the movement and the
regularity of the vital functions.
Owing to it, the operation of the distributor in the acetylene producer is ensured,
and, what is absolutely essential and remarkable, the production and the pressure of
the gas generated have exactly the co-efficient of regularity which we may
impose.
In fact, I find that the distributing plug O C furnished with its levers, L L and the
bell K subjected to the interior pressure of the gas, form the balanced system suscep-
tible of being put in an equation.
If we designate by S the surface of the bell, by P the working pressure of the
acetylene gas passing to the burners, by p the force produced by the distributor and
which may be stated exactly in weight, it will be readily seen on inspection of the

page_text: mechanism that the distribution of carburet takes place only if the bell K bears
upon the levers L L of the plug O C and consequently if the pressure P diminishes
and become P¹.
Then the equation as regards the equilibrium will be expressed thus:
Now PP is the difference of pressure of the gas which causes the distribution
of the carburet and which must be the least possible in order to have a regular
flame..
P
It is equal to the constant S which constitutes the coefficient of regularity which I
impose upon myself.
The object is therefore to reduce p, that is to say the force at the
distributor, and to augment S, that is to say the surface of the bell of the gas
holder.
P
In these circumstances S will be reduced to a minimum, and the coefficient of the
regularity of pressure will be the best possible, or to speak more exactly will be the
one which it is intended to have.
In this respect, in order to realize the aforesaid conditions as to the proper operation
I have adopted large diameters for the gas holders, and I have adapted the bell to act
upon levers L L which reduce to one-sixth the force required for the distribution, so
that with the sizes used for the several types of acetylene producers I convert them
into veritable gas pressure regulators giving to the flame of the burners a steadiness
not exceeded by any light.
A very important feature to be mentioned and altogether special to the present
apparatus is the employment of a vessel A of the gas holder which is distinct from the
water reservoir B for the decomposition of the carburet.
By reason of this arrangement the bell K slides in the said vessel A and not in the
water reservoir B for the decomposition as is the case in all the gas holders heretofore
used.
Under these circumstances no escape is possible between the vessel and the bell,
because the acetylene is produced in a distinct reservoir; it is possible to use in the
said vessel A any liquid which does not congeal, such as glycerine, and even mercury
if the height of the bell is to be diminished.
Admitting a pressure of gas which would project the water out of the vessel,
there is no occasion to fear the projection of muddy water, such as would take
place in case the bell were put directly upon the water of the decomposition
reservoir.
It is important to also mention that the distributor D carrying the supply of calcium
carburet is placed in the interior of the gas holder, and that by this means we gain
the entire height of the latter upon the total height of the acetylene producer, thus
obtaining an apparatus of comparatively reduced size.
As to the watching of the distributor and its supply, it becomes extremely simple
owing to the transparency of the bell which is a veritable house of Socrates, the floor K
of which, made of a glass plate, lights up the whole interior of the apparatus in which
are the parts in motion.
By this adaptation I also suppress the odours which may be occasioned by the
carburet reservoir being badly jointed to the gas holder. I simplify the apparatus
considerably and on the other hand, as the carburet in the form of powder
always remains perfectly dry by reason of its very nature, there is no need at
all for a special closing device when this reservoir is placed inside the apparatus,

page_text: Lastly I may say that the bell K is not fixed to any part or element of the
apparatus, so that it controlled like a safety valve only by the action of the interior
pressure of the gas and by its own weight. Under these circumstances nothing can
interfere with its action as a regulator and as a safety valve with an enormous orifice,
ensuring the absolute security of the acetylene producer.
The arrangement of the gas holder having the vessel A and with its dimensions,
the position of the distributor D in relation with the bell, the easy watching of the
level of the water through N N in the vessel and in the reservoir for the decom-
position water, the transparency of the bell K permitting of the entire distribution,
are as many new elements precisely setting forth and fixing the claims.
As already stated the water reservoir B for the decomposition of the carburet is
distinct from the vessel A of the gas holder, and this is absolutely necessary if the
regular and certain operation of the bell is to be ensured.
This independence moreover enables me to easily increase the diameter of this
reservoir and therefore the volume of water used in the decomposition.
Under these circumstances the temperature for heating the acetylene in conjunction
with the weight of carburet distributed is thus regulated like all types of apparatus
when they work normally and, according to the conditions given, rises only 2 degrees
in temperature per hour of work.
The reservoir has an intermittent or continuous water feed G connected to an
extracting purge P for the lime milk produced, so that in a continuous or intermittent
manner and during the operation of the acetylene producer we may effect the feed and
constant purging of the apparatus and cause the total emptying by the plug Z only at
very long intervals, 2 or 3 times per year at most.
To accentuate further this veritable automatic action of my apparatus I have solved
the problem of charging the distributor in motion by fixing upon the bottom of the
bell a feed funnel M having the arrangement of a machine lubricator with two cocks
so as introduce the grains of carburet in two successive phases.
Under these circumstances the acetylene producer, provided with various spy glasses
and water levels facilitating investigations, and adapted to be fed with carburet and
water without the need for stopping it, and at the same time adapted to have its soiled
water discharged, these, too, are new and characteristic elements which fix our claims
in a precise manner.
The acetylene produced in a regular and continuous manner in the acetylene
producer must be washed and freed from the water vapour which it contains, and also
from the solid particles which it may carry away mechanically.
The washer T in this apparatus is placed very simply in the interior of the gas
holder and the whole height of the vessel comprised between the distributor D and the
level of the water J in the reservoir.
This entirely new washer T, which is simply placed upon a diaphragm U and is
taken up in the apparatus, is annular as shown in the drawing.
It is filled with sponges, iron turnings, dust of coke, charcoal and glass wool
separated by a wire gauze.
The sponges dip at the lower part into the water of the reservoir so that by way of
capillarity all the sponges will become moist.
The gas descends methodically into this washer and passes through the multiple chan-
nels of the different stratified porous bodies and then traverses those of the moist sponges
which obstruct and retain all the solid particles carried away, washing in a complete
manner the acetylene which has traversed this complicated labyrinth.
A large drying tube H which is purged and cleaned of itself through the orifice X
filled with sponges, glass wool and calcium carburet Q in pieces of the thickness of a
nut, acting hygroscopically, the whole contained between the pierced partitions Y, or
wire gauzes suspended from an axis, completes the removal of water and impurities of
any kind from the gas in such a manner that the acetylene arrives in the burners
absolutely cleaned and dry.
It will again be seen that these elements are of the greatest practical use, which it
it is well to mention.

page_text: The form which I have given to our apparatus belongs essentially to me and it
absolutely methodical.
It is the result of all the conditions of a good operation, inasmuch as it ensures the
independence of dimensions to all the parts.
In fact the gas holder K and its vessel A have their own dimensions like the
reservoir B of decomposition water.
The relative distance from the distributor to the decomposition water, which I put
at 20 centimetres at least in all my apparatus, enables us to have a height of bell
which ensures all the variations of pressure which may be required in the apparatus.
The position of the washer T, the feed G, the extractor P, and the dryer H are also
the consequence of the form adopted, as are likewise all the spy glasses N N¹ for
reading off the level of the water in the vessel of the gas holder, and as also the
inspection of the entire distribution by means of the large glass K without a tint which
constitutes the bottom of the bell itself.
I have now settled the form and the operation, of the apparatus which constitutes
the subject of this invention, comprising the gas producer, the gas holder, the purifier,
the washer, the regulator, and the drier, so that if an acetylene producer were
constructed according to this invention, an apparatus would be realized which would
work under the described conditions, giving regularly and in a continuous manner,
without variation of pressure, washed acetylene gas which would be burned without the
least fouling of the orifices of the burner.
This statement is necessary with regard to the claims often hazarded respecting
apparatus, a simple graphic inspection of which shows a mechanical artlessness which
cannot bear exainination.
The invention therefore bears especially upon the form and relative dimensions given
to the acetylene producer.
(a.) Upon the pulverization of the calcium carburet to the form of grains of a size
of from 1 to 2 millimetres for a rational distribution of these grains.
(b.) Upon the form and the arrangement of the appropriate distributor D placed in
the acetylene producer and watched from the exterior through one or more spy glasses
placed upon the bell K of the gas holder.
(c.) Upon the arrangement of the gas holder composed of a vessel A and of a bell K
wherein spy glasses N are provided for the inspection of the level of the liquid
in the vessel and for the operation of the distributor D in the interior of the
apparatus.
(d.) Upon the absolute independence of the bell V performing the part of a superb
safety valve.
(e.) Upon the arrangement of the levers L L and springs R of the distributor D
forming with the bell K a system in suspension and in movement like a precision
balance, and ensuring the absolute regulation of the pressure of the gas at the
burners.
(f) Upon the reservoir of decomposition water, which, in view of its independence
of position may be as large as desired to prevent any heating in the production of
acetylene gas.
(g.) Upon the washer T economically placed in the interior of the aetylene produced,
compelling the gas to descend which ensures its distribution throughout the extent
of the annular section, and upon the employment of sponges and iron turnings for
obtaining obstructions and microscopic tubes ensuring the washing and purification
of the materials carried away by the acetylene.
(h.) Upon the mode of feeding the carburet in motion, without introduction of air
by distributing cocks M placed upon the bell of the gas holder.
(.) Upon the continuous mode of distribution G of the water into the reservoir for
the decomposition of the carburet, and upon the corresponding extraction P of the
soiled water during the operation of the apparatus.
(k) Upon the mode of drying H of the gas by sponges, strips of glass, calcium
carburet and various pierced membranes.
(L.) Upon the possible and immediate removableness of all the parts which are

page_text: connected only by hydraulic joints so that without any attachment or joint we remove
the bell K, the distributor D, the washer T, and that thus the vessel A and the reservoir B
are open for any inspection and cleaning which are necessary, and that in a few
seconds all is put back in place for the immediate operation of the acetylene
producer.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to
me by my foreign correspondents, I declare that what I claim is :-
1. An apparatus for lighting purposes characterized by the fact that the acetylene
produced is prepared from grains or particles of calcium carbide of from one to two
millimetres in size automatically distributed by means of the mechanism which has been
described within the apparatus and connected with it by water seals only, such
hydraulic arrangement allowing of the withdrawal of the mechanism when required
without it being necessary to undo any connection or attachment in order to take out
the bell or dome K or the distributor D whilst the receiver A and the reservoir B
remain open so as to facilitate their being examined or cleansed in case of need and
replaced in a few seconds, in order that the action of the acetylene producer inay
again proceed immediately.
2. In an apparatus for lighting purposes as described in claim 1, the arrangement
of a distributor D of the described construction and which being placed in the acetylene
producer can be viewed from without by means of one or more windows or lights
provided in the gasometer bell or dome K.
3. In an apparatus for lighting purposes as described in claim 1, the arrangement of
the gasometer comprising a receiver A and a bell or dome K which acts as an entirely
independent safety valve; such dome having in addition glazed windows or lights N
permitting of the inspection and control of the level of the liquid in the receiver and
likewise of the working of the distributor D in the interior of the apparatus.
4. In an apparatus for lighting purposes as described in claim 1, the arrangement of
levers LL, the spring R and of the distributor D forming with the dome K a system in
suspension having the movement of a balance of precision and ensuring the absolute
regularity of the gas at the burners employed.
5. In an apparatus for lighting purposes as described in claim 1, the arrangement of
the water of decomposition reservoir B, which owing to its independent position may
be as large as desired in order to prevent any heating in the production of the
acetylene gas.
6. In an apparatus for lighting purposes as described in claim 1, the arrangement
of a mechanism G for the continuous distribution of the water in the reservoir for the
decomposition of the carbide, and also the arrangement for extracting, whilst the
apparatus is acting, the water fouled thereby.
Dated this 12th day of May 1897
HASELTINE LAKE, & Co.,
45 Southampton Buildings, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.