Improved Apparatus for the Production and Storage of Acetylene Gas.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 23rd Aug., 1897-Accepted, 30th Oct., 1897
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improved Apparatus for the Production and Storage of Acetylene
Gas.
We, HAROLD JESSOP BELL of the Corner of Park and Wellington Streets in
the Town of Niagara Falls, in the County of Welland, and Province of Ontario,
Canada, Mechanical Engineer, and NIAGARA FALLS ACETYLENE GAS MACHINE
COMPANY, LTD., of the same place, Manufacturers, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention, and of the manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
The object of our invention is to devise a machine for generating and storing
Acetylene Gas which will be simple in construction and effective in operation and
it consists more especially in an improvement in the means of feeding measured
quantities of water to the generator and in such other details of construction as
are hereinafter more particularly described and then definitely claimed.
Figure 1, is a perspective view of my improved machine.
Figure 2, is a vertical cross-section of the same.
Figure 3, is a sectional elevation of the Water-feeding device on a larger scale.
Figure 4, is a sectional detail showing the method of supporting the float of
the Water Feeding Device.
Figure 5, is a sectional detail showing the method of withdrawing the lime
from the machine. In the drawing like Letters of reference indicate corresponding
parts in the different figures.
Figure 6 is a section through X-Y in Figure 4.
A, is the Generator.
B, the Tank of the Gas Holder, and C, the Dome of the Gas Holder.
The Generator is substantially similar in construction to that described in the
Specification of British Patent No. 2284 of 1897 but is provided with a screw
top D, instead of the water sealed top shown therein.
An
A short Cylinder a extends through the top for the admission of Carbide.
annular Plate b connects the Cylinder with the conical top of the Generator. This
plate is perforated, and provided with suitable tits for the discharge of the water
upon the carbide.
E, is the Water Supply Pipe, which enters the space above the Plate b, as
indicated in Figure 2. This Water Supply Pipe is provided with a suitable Trap,
and Pet cock, and terminates in a small water Tank F, within which is journaled
the Tip Tank G, so proportioned that when filled with water it will tip and
discharge its contents into the Tank F, and thence to the Generator.
Supported upon a tray suitably connected to the Tank B, are the Water
Chambers H, and I, suitably connected by a Pipe J, so that the water level will
always be the same in each.
K, is a closed Water Holder, having a short Pipe L, extended from its lower
end within the Water Chamber H; the bottom of the Holder normally resting
upon the flaring top of the said Chamber. From this construction it will be
seen that the water level in the chambers H, and I, will always be maintained at
the level of the lower end of the Pipe L. In order to prevent the contents of the
Holder escaping when it is being placed into position, or removed, we connect a Cap
C

page_text: to a Wire d extending through the Pipe L, and resting upon the bottom of the
Chamber H. When the Holder is raised the Cap drops over the upper end of
the Pipe L, and thus prevents the escape of water. The lower end of the wire
is preferably provided with a small button to prevent injury to the bottom of the
Chamber.
M, is a Displacement Float carried by a Rod N, connected to the Dome C, of
the Gas Holder. This rod preferably extends down the side of the Dome and
passes through the Guide e connected to the inside of the Tank B.
Extending from the side of the Water Chamber I, is the Discharge Spout f
opening into the Chamber slightly above the normal level of the water therein.
O, is a Conical Sleeve journaled upon the Spout f, and provided with a Crank
Arm g, whereby it may be rocked. When in the position indicated in Figure 3,
the sleeve, will discharge any liquid passing from the Spout into the Tip-
Tank G. When however it is dropped to the position shown in dotted lines in
Figure 3, the water in the Spout will flow into the tray supporting the Water
Chambers.
This device answers the purpose of the Pipe F¹, in Patent Specification No. 2284
of 1897, and prevents any leakage passing into the Chamber, and thus generating
an undue quantity of gas.
In order to operate the Sleeve 0, I connect a Wire P. to the displacement
Float M, and bend a portion thereof to form an incline Plane h. When the
Dome is raised the Sleeve is in the position shown in Figure 1. When the Gas
is nearly exhausted, and the Dome falls to its lowest position the incline h, engages
the crank g, and tilts the sleeve into the position shown in Figure 3. At the
same time the Displacement Float M, descends into the Water Chamber I, and
displaces a portion of its contents. The water so displaced flows through the
Spout f, and Sleeve O, into the Tip-tank G, which becomes filled, and then tips
and discharges its contents into the Generator.
The object of interposing the Tip-tank between the Chamber I, and the Generator
is that unless the measured quantity of water displaced by the Float be discharged
in bulk into the Generator an insufficient quantity of gas would be generated to
raise the Displacement Float from the Water Chamber I; and unless the Float is
so raised the water level in the Chamber E, will not drop sufficiently to permit
of the discharge of a further quantity of water from the Water Holder K.
Q, is the Gas Exit Pipe from the Generator, which passes to the Safety Trap R,
which is similar in construction to that shown in the Specification previously
mentioned, and need not be further described.
From the Pipe Q, a vertical Pipe S, ascends above the Water level in the
Tank B.
The Gas Supply Pipe T, running to the house is also connected with the Safety
Trap R.
U, is a vertical rod connected at its lower end to the Tank B. The upper end
of this rod extends through an opening in the top of the Dome C.
V, is a Sleeve connected to the top of the Dome and extending around the
rod . This sleeve extends downwardly to the bottom of the Dome, and is
suitably braced thereto. The rod T, thus forms the vertical guide for the Dome C,
which is held from turning by the construction shown in Figure 4, which has
heen previously described.
i, is a pipe extending outside the Safety Trap R, through which the trap may be
filled as found necessary. In Figure 5, is shown the device for removing the lime
from the machine without creating a disagreeable dust and odor.
From an
A cylinder A', with a closed top and open bottom, is provided.
opening in the top extends an L shaped Pipe B¹, which is adapted to fit closely
about the wall of the opening C. A Scraper E, extends through the vertical
wall of the shaped Pipe B', and which may be used to rake the lime from the
Generator through the Pipe B', and cylinder A¹, into any suitable receptacle such
as D¹.

page_text: From the above construction it will be seen that we have devised a very simple
and efficient Acetylene Gas Generator and Holder, in which measured quantities
of water may be discharged with great precision into the Generator, and in which
absolute immunity is ensured from any undue generation of gas caused by water
leakage.
It will also be seen that we have devised efficient means for removing the lime
from the machine without causing any annoyance, and for the introduction of both
water and carbide at the same point at the top of the machine.
It should be mentioned that in Figure 3, the Displacement Float M, as shown,
is dropped very low in the water in the Chamber I, as it would appear when the
carbide is almost exhausted. Under ordinary circumstances its position would be
so adjusted that its fall will only displace enough water to fill the tip tank G,
once, or at most twice.
In the same figure it will be noticed that the pet cock is located at the bend of
the U trap in the pipe E. The outer limb of this trap is longer than the inner, as,
owing to the pressure of gas in the Generator, the water always stands higher in
the outer limb. When the Generator is open and the pressure removed this extra
water will flow back into the Generator and cause a generation of Acetylene Gas,
which goes to waste. By putting a pet cock in the trap the extra water can be
drawn off when the Generator is open and all waste avoided.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what
we claim is :-
1. In a machine of the class described a generator and a water chamber adapted
to discharge into the said generator in combination with a displacement Hoat
controlled by the supply of gas, and adapted when the gas supply is low to enter
the water in the said chamber and discharge a portion of its contents substantially
as and for the purpose specified.
2. In a machine of the class described a generator; a water supply pipe for the
generator and a water chamber adapted to discharge into the said water supply
pipe in combination with a displacement float controlled by the supply of gas and
adapted when the gas supply is low to enter the water in the said chamber and
discharge a portion of its contents substantially as and for the purpose specified.
3. In a machine of the class described a generator; a water supply pipe for the
generator and a water chamber adapted to discharge into the said water supply
pipe in combination with a gas holder; a pipe connecting the generator
and holder; and a displacement float connected to the dome of the gas holder and
adapted when the gas supply is low to enter the water in the said chamber and
discharge a portion of its contents substantially as and for the purpose specified.
4. In a machine of the class described a generator; a water supply pipe for the
generator; a tank discharging into said pipe; a tip tank journaled in said tank
and a water chamber adapted to discharge into said tip tank in combination with
a displacement float controlled by the supply of gas and adapted when the gas
supply is low to enter the water in the said chamber and discharge a portion of
its contents substantially as and for the purpose specified.
5. In a machine of the class described a generator; a water supply pipe for the
generator a tank discharging into said pipe; a tip tank journaled in said tank;
a water chamber; a spout for said chamber; a suitably journaled tiltable sleeve
surrounding the said spout; and means for automatically tilting the said sleeve
to discharge into the said tip tank when the gas supply is low or to waste when
the supply is large; in combination with a displacement float controlled by the
supply of gas and adapted when the gas supply is low to enter the water in the
said chamber and discharge a portion of its contents substantially as and for
the purpose specified.
6. In a machine of the class described a generator; a water chamber adapted to
discharge into the said generator; a second water chamber communicating with

page_text: the aforesaid water chamber; and a closed water holder having a tube extending
from its lower end and supported with the lower end of the tube at the normal
water level in the chamber in combination with a displacement float controlled
by the supply of gas and adapted when the gas supply is low to enter the water in
the first mentioned chamber and discharge a portion of its contents substantially
as and for the purpose specified.
7. In a machine of the class described a generator; a water chamber adapted
to discharge into the said generator; a second water chamber communicating
with the aforesaid water chamber; a closed water holder having a tube extending
through its lower end and supported with the lower end of the tube at the normal
water level in the chamber: a cap adapted to close the upper end of the tube;
and a wire connected to the cap and resting on the bottom of the water chamber so
as to normally maintain the cap in a raised position in combination with a dis-
placement float controlled by the supply of gas and adapted when the gas supply
is low to enter the water in the said chamber and discharge a portion of its
contents substantially as and for the purpose specified.
S. In a machine of the class described a generator: a gas holder: a pipe con-
necting the generator and gas holder; a water supply pipe for the generator:
a water chamber: a spout for said chamber adapted to discharge into said pipe;
a suitably journaled tiltable sleeve surrounding the said spout: a crank arm
connected to the said sleeve; a rod connected to the dome of the gas holder and
formed with an inclined plan to engage the said crank arm in combination with
a displacement float connected to the dome of the holder, and adapted when the
gas supply is low to enter the water in the said chamber and discharge a portion
of its contents substantially as and for the purpose specified.
9. In a machine of the class described a generator in combination with the
water supply pipe thereof open at its outer end and formed with a U trap, the
outer limb of the U being longer than the inner; and a pet cock located at
the bottom of the Usubstantially as and for the purpose specified.
10. In a machine of the class described a generator in combination with a
cylinder having an open bottom and an upward L shaped extension adapted to
fit the wall of the lime opening of the generator substantially as and for the
purpose specified.
11. In a machine of the class described a generator in combination with a
cylinder having an open bottom and an upward L shaped extension, adapted to
fit the wall of the lime opening of the generator: and a scraper rod passing
through an opening in the vertical wall of the L shaped extension substantially
as and for the purpose specified.
12. In a machine of the class described a generator the generator A, having
a lime opening C, formed therein in combination with the cylinder A', with a
closed top and open bottom; the receptacle D), fitting closely about the cylinder A';
the shaped pipe B, extending from an opening in the top of the cylinder
and adapted to fit the wall of the lime opening therein and the scraper E¹,
extending through the vertical wall of the L shaped pipe B', substantially as
and for the purpose specified.
13. In a machine of the class described a generator: the water supply pipe
thereof and a tank discharging into said pipe in combination with a tip tank
journaled therein at a point above its centre of gravity when empty and below its
centre of gravity when full and means of supplying water to the said tip tank
substantially as and for the purpose specified.
:
14. In a machine of the class described a generator: a tank having a guide
formed thereon in combination with a displacement float; a gas dome; a vertical
rod connected to the side of the dome so as to engage the said guide, the end of
the rod being turned outwardly to support the said float substantially as and for
the purpose specified.
15. In a generator a short cylinder extending through the top of the generator
and provided with a suitable cap in combination with a perforated annular plate

page_text: extending from the side of the cylinder to the generator so as to enclose an
annular water space; and a pipe communicating with the said space substantially
as and for the purpose specified.
BOULT & WADE,
Agents for the Applicants.