A New or Improved Gas Lamp and Igniting Device.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 7th Jan., 1889
Complete Specification Left, 7th Oct., 1889-Accepted, 23rd Nov., 1859
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
A New or Improved Gas Lamp and Igniting Device.
ROBERT BARKOWSKI Engineer of 7, Angel Road Hammersmith London do hereby
declare the nature of my said invention to be as follows:-
My Invention relates to peculiar devices and Improvements in that class of Lamps
known as "
Regenerativ lamps" viz.: Lamps, where the flame burns inside an air
tight vessel, oxygen being supplied by means of a recuperating body" consisting
of various channels, some forming the inlet of air feeding the flame, others forming
the exit of combustion; the lightning of these lamps generally being effected by
either removing the Globe or by removing the "Recuperator" or through the
funnel or chimney or by the introduction of a seperate small and constant burning
flame.
And my Invention consists primarily and essentially in forming such "recuperating
bodies" with all their various channels in one piece and by one operation of a
non metallic and non combustible substance preferably fireclay closely mixed with
minerals like Asbestos tending to absorb and retain heat in a high degree.—I do
not describe the actual process of forming as the moulding of hollow earthenware
articles for other purposes is known; nor can I now accurately state the exact
proportion of mixing at it varies according to the size of bodies. My "Recuperator'
is represented by a body of such substance and preferably of circular form, having
in two circles perforations formed through the body; the outer circle forming the
air inlet, the inner circle forming the exit of heat or combustion. The centre of
this body on the side facing the flame is formed with a spherical projection and
contains in proportion the most substance in order that it may absorb most heat.
The two perforation circles are divided by a thin wall but preferably a thin layer
or layers of metal is inserted. Arms of the same substance connect the centre with
this wall, the spaces between forming the perforations and the object of these arms is
to gradually conduct the heat absorbed by the centre to the wall and thereby to
warm the air inlet.-These " recuperating bodies" being thus formed with all their
channels with or without the metallic insertion in one piece and by one operation;
apart from being more heat absorbing and retaining, their production is rendered
symetrical and correct.
The second feature of my, Invention is the application of a peculiar bracet or arm
so deviced that one end.carries the globe and the actual burner or burners and also
the novel igniting appliance (hereafter explained) the other end carries the "Recu-
perator" with all its external attachements requisite and universally used in lamps of
this class, in the following simple and effective manner. The bracet or arm is here
formed into a pin or stud capable of taking or fitting a corresponding hole formed
either in the "Recuperator" itself or in any of its external attachements and its
object is, that whenever it becomes expedient to cleanse the globe, it is only required
to slightly lift the "Recuperator" on such stud or pin and then turn it round its own
axis or centre. This action will at once release the globe which after being cleansed
is again inserted and by the above action being repeated in the reverse order the
globe is securely held between the "Recuperator" and the other portion of the arm.
Thus no parts become detached and the flame when relit resumes its proper shape and
function without loss of time.
Thirdly my Invention consists of a "burner igniting and globe protecting device"
preferably mounted unto, attached or forming part of the bracet hereinbetore described
and placed in a convenient distance from the burner or burners.
That portion of the bracet or arm carrying the globe and burners is externally

page_text: :
shaped in the requisite manner, viz. that the globe can be easily lifted therefrom or
pushed thereon.
The interior of this portion forms a double chamber. The central chamber serving
as the main gas duct and to this the connection from the supplying pipe is made.
The other or outer chamber is perfectly isolated from the above and in such or through
such outer chamber the ignition takes place. The burner or burners are secured to
that end of. the inner chamber extending into the globe. The igniting chamber also
extends into the globe but below the burners and its extension forms an open ring
around the bottom of the barner or burners. On the outside of the ignition chamber
I attach a lever pivoted or hinged thereon. One end of such lever forms a mantle
round the ignition chamber and its extension represents a handle, the other end forms
a shield. The ignition chamber has a hole. Said lever when in its normal position
covers the hole, the lever when raised exposes the hole and the shield on the other end
is brought to cover portion of the globe. When in this position, any light brought
near the hole in the outer or ignition chamber will momentaneously ignite the gas in
the ignition chamber and the flame will ply through its extension around the burner
or burners and thereby ignition is effected inside the globe. The shield simultaneously
protecting the globe from external residue and danger that otherwise would he
caused.
To the above described lever I also attach a valve. This valve passes and fits
through both the inner and outer chamber and when said lever is in its normal
position such valve lays open the inner chamber or constant gas duct and simul-
taneously entirely closes its fitting in the outer chamber. Said lever when raised
tends to act on such valve in such a manner that it partly closes its fitting in the
inner chamber or gas duct and widely opens the passage thus caused between the
inner and outer chamber. And the effect is that a small portion of gas will continue
to pass through the inner chamber to the actual burners and a larger portion will pass
into the igniting chamber, thus rendering the ignition above described absolutely safe
and perfect.
London Ton 711. 10un
COMPLETE
SPECIFICATION.
A New or Improved Gas Lamp and Igniting Device.
I, ROBERT BARKOWSKI, of 7, Angel Road, Hammersmith in the County of London,
Engineer, 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:
My invention relates to improvements in that class of gas lamps known as
Regenerative lamps, or lamps in which the flame of the ignited gas burns in a
chamber, closed from the air in every direction, except one or more pre-arranged
inlets, and one or more pre-arranged outlets. The latter serves to carry off the
products of combustion, while the former provides for the admission of air from which
the oxygen necessary for combustion is derived. The inlet and outlet orifices are
generally placed as closely together as possible; they are usually separated from cach
other by sheet or other metal partitions made as thin as possible; and are situated
at the upper portion of the lamp. This metal work also forms the framework of the
lamp.
The metal framework at the top of the lamp, also adapted to carry a dependent
glass bowl which forms the combustion chamber of the lamp, and this glass vessel
has to be removed or opened, to some extent, in lighting the lamp; or else some
portion of the regenerative part of the lamp. Either plan is inconvenient, and hence
lamps of this class are often lighted by turning on the gas, and applying a light at
the top of the chimney, which causes a slight explosion; and therefore, in some

page_text: cases, a small flash light is provided which is always kept burning when the principal
light is out.
By my invention i make the inlet and outlet part of the lamp, (called the
recuperative part) of an incombustible, non-metallic body; preferably in one piece
with all required orifices formed therein; or else in two or more parts, fitted or
adapted to each other so as to practically form one piece. This recuperative portion
may be made of asbestos combined with fire clay, or other like substance, moulded
or pressed into the required form; or I may use fire clay only, pressed into shape,
and burnt afterwards, in a manner well known.
The recuperative block is formed with two series of annular perforations, concentric
with each other, and supporting ribs between them; the outer series forming the
air inlets, and the inner circle the exits for the products of combustion. The centre
of the underside of the block is formed with a hemispherical projection, of pro-
portionately large mass, in order that it may absorb heat, and this is to some extent,
transmitted to the outer annulus, or air inlet, by the supporting ribs and the thin wall
separating the inner from the outer annular divisions. Thin metallic plates may be
used to assist in the transmission of heat from the centre to the incoming air. The
recuperative block is adapted on its upper side to receive and carry a central chimney
with an exterior low casing having perforations therein, through which air passes to
the combustion chamber beneath.
The combustion chamber is within a suitably formed glass vessel, the upper portion
of which is fitted tightly against the under side of the recuperative block. Tbo
lower part of the glass vessel has a central orifice sufficiently large to pass over
the gas burner, and to seat itself upon a flange attached to a casing which carries
the burner at its upper end, and extends downwardly to a metal arm. The metal
arm is usually made tubular, but in any case the lower end of it is adapted to
carry the burner, the casing aforesaid, the communicating gas tube, and stop cock
therefor.
This metal arm is bent to conform generally to the form of the glass combustion
chamber, which latter being seated upon the casing, as above stated, is carried by
the metal arm, together with the recuperative block on the top of the glass vessel,
and the chimney and air inlet above. The upper portion of the arm is bent inward,
first to support the shade or reflector, and afterwards it terminates in a vertical pin
which passes through a socket attached to the metal work surrounding the recuperative
block. When the arm is made tubular, it is formed for attachment either to a
horizontal or vertical gas pipe connection; so that it serves for a standard or bracket
lamp, corresponding means of attachment being provided; the orifice not required
being plugged up or omitted altogether, as desired.
The plug of the burner stop cock is made to pass through the casing that surrounds
the base of the burner, and the communicating orifice in the plug is slightly enlarged
on each side so as to pass a small amount of gas through an exterior hole drilled in
the shell of the plug seat, when the plug is in a certain position. The key or lever
which turns the plug has a bent end of a curved cross section, conforming to the
exterior of the casing, so that when it is down in its lowest position it fits snugly
against the casing forming a shield or mantle and practically excluding the air. The
casing has an orifice therein at a part covered by the curved key when down, so that by
lifting the key and uncovering the hole, a small amount of gas is passed through the
hole in the shell into the space enclosed by the casing, at the same time that gas
passes through the burner. If a light is applied, the gas in the casing is fired,
passing through a hole in the flanged ring at the top of the casing, and so to the
burner; and on the key being turned down close against the casing, all air is
excluded therefrom and the gas is fully turned on to the burner. The curved key
likewise serves to protect the glass from being smoked when the gas is lighted, as
described.
It has already been stated that the lower part of the glass combustion chamber is
seated upon a flange of the casing, and has an orifice large enough to pass over the

page_text: burner. By lifting the glass, and with it the whole of the top of the lamp carried
by the vertical pin at the upper end of the arm, the glass may be readily removed
for cleaning purposes, the vertical pin and arm sustaining the remainder of the lamp ;
or the latter may be swung on one side, and the glasses cleaned in position. As the
upper portion of the lamp has but a limited movement downward upon the vertical
pin, it will be supported thereby even if the glass breaks, while the light may
continue to burn.
It is to be understood that the vertical pin which carries the upper portion of the
lamp may be reversed, or that the pin may be attached to the upper portion of the
lamp, the top of the arm being formed as a socket to receive the same, without
departing from the nature of the invention.
In the accompanying drawings, Fig. I indicates an elevation of the lamp, partly in
section Fig. 11 is a partial sectional plan of the regenerative portion of the lamp;
Fig. III denotes an elevation, partly in section, of the igniting device; and Fig. IV
is an elevation of the same, at right angles to Fig. 1V.
In the drawings, a is the regenerative block of non-combustible, non-metallic
substances, in one or more pieces, a', a¹ denoting the air inlet orifices, and a², a² the
outlets from the combustion chamber to the chimney c. The lower part of the
centre of the block a is of proportionately large mass and rounded on the lower side
as shown. The heat absorbed by this and the whole of the centre portion of the block
is transmitted through the radiating ribs to the thin annular shell a³ to assist in
warming the incoming air passing down through the orifices a¹ into the chamber b.
This transmission of heat may be assisted by thin metal plates placed on the ribs, or
a metal framework may be used for this purpose and to hold the regenerative
substance. The block a is formed on the under side to receive the upper part of the
glass combustion chamber b, and to support the chimney on the upper side, the
latter resting on the annular ring a³. The block a is fitted within a metal ring or
frame a to which a socket or strap d is secured. casing e¹ surrounds the base of
the chimney c, which extends downward to the metal ring or frame at, and is
perforated to admit the air to the inlets a' and thence to the combustion chamber.
A bent or curved arm e terminates above in the vertical pin et which fits into the
socket upon which the whole of the upper part of the lamp may swivel. The pin e
is made longer than the depth of the sockot, and has a shoulder at its junction with
the arm e, so that the upper part of the lamp may be lifted clear of the glass and
swung upon one side, the socket d resting upon the shoulder aforesaid, or upon a
projection higher up, and thus allowing the glass to be removed, or the cleaning of
it in place.
The arm e is sometimes made hollow, with a socket e (shown by dotted lines), in
order to form a bracket fixture. The lower part of the arm is likewise formed to
be attached to a vertical gas pipe at e³, thus forming a standard or pillar light. The
arme may have both these means for attachment, with a plug to close up the orifice
not in use, as indicated by dotted lines at e³. The arm e is curved inwardly at the
top, and to this a holder f is secured. This holder receives an annular shade or
reflector which is kept in place by the screw
The lighting device extends upward from the lower end of the arm e to the burner,
and it also serves to support the glass combustion chamber b. The burner g, (which
may be of any convenient kind) is secured with its stop-cock or tap g' to the arm e,
at the point e³, with a surrounding casing g, in the manner shown. An orifice y
is made in the casing and the key or lever g of the tap plug is hinged or secured
thereon, and formed and arranged to fit closely over the orifice q³ when it is closed
down in the position indicated by Figs. 1 and 4. A small hole g³ in the shell of the
tap plug y with the extensions of the gas passage through the plug, (as shown in
section in Figs. 1 and 3), permits gas to enter the chamber formed by the casing g²
at the same time that gas is turned on at the burner. When a light is applied at
the orifice g³, the gas within is fired, and passing through the hole or holes g, in the
ring at the top of the casing, ignites the gas at the burner. The key
is then

page_text: turned down closely against the casing g which closes the orifice g³ and turns the
gas on full to the burner; this position being indicated by Figs. 1 and 4. The usual
stop cock (not shown) is placed on the outside of the arm e.
A flanged extension g' of the ring g receives the lower part of the glass b, and it
is preferred to seat it upon a washer of asbestos, or other suitable non-conductor.
The orifice at this part of the glass is made sufficiently large to pass over the burner g
for cleaning or other purposes.
It will be noticed that the glass b, forming the combustion chamber, does not or
need not, come in contact with metal, and that it is free to expand or contract
without materially affecting the air passages. The regenerative block a, not being a
good conductor of heat, and expanding less than the glass, is not liable to break the
same. Moreover the air inlet annulus being adjacent closely thereto, tends to keep
the outer ring of a at a moderate degree of heat. It is also to be observed that
while I may make the regenerative block a in one or more pieces, I prefer to make
it in one; or if in two, for example, to form the inner portion including the thin
wall and outer radiating ribs in one piece, the outer part of a then being the
second piece. My object in thus forming the block a is to avoid any break in the
material which would impair the heating capacity of the surfaces exposed to
the incoming air.
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 1
claim is
1. A regenerative gas lamp comprising a burner with igniting device supporting
a glass combustion chamber, a regenerative block having air inlets and outlets resting
upon the said glass chamber, a chimney and air inlet casing above the said block and
pivotally arranged therewith, and a single arm adapted to carry the said parts and
an annular reflecting shade; substantially as described.
2. A regenerative non-metallic, incombustible block, formed with inlet and outlet
orifices, ribs, and central mass, constructed and operating substantially as and for the
purpose described.
3. A non-metallic, incombustible, regenerative block, formed with inlet and outlet
orifices, combined with an air casing and chimney respectively placed in communication
with the said inlet and outlet orifices, and a glass combustion chamber supporting the
said block; substantially as and for the purpose described.
4. The combination of the air inlet, regenerative, and chimney portions of a
regenerative gas lamp, pivotally supported and capable of being lifted off the glass
combustion chamber and swung aside, substantially as described.
5. In a regenerative gas lamp, a bent arm adapted to carry at its lower end the
burner portion of the lamp, a glass combustion chamber resting on the same, and
the top portion of the lamp pivotally connected to the upper portion of the arm;
substantially as and for the purpose described.
6. In a regenerative gas lamp, a bent arm adapted to support the upper and lower
portions of the lamp and to serve as the gas supply pipe; substantially in the manner
and for the purpose described.
7. In a regenerative gas lamp, a bent arm adapted to serve as a gas supply pipe
with double inlet, and as a support for the upper and lower portions of the lamp, and
for an annular reflector or shade; substantially as described.'
8. In a regenerative gas lamp, an igniting device comprising a burner with its
communicating supply pipe and controlling plug tap therein, a casing surrounding
and forming a chamber at the tap portion of the pipe, a lever actuating the plug and
adapted to fit closely against the said casing, and orifices or gas passages, substantially
as and for the purpose herein described.
9. In a regenerative gas lamp, an igniting device adapted to support the burner,
glass combustion chamber and upper portion of the lamp; substantially in the manner
shown and described.

page_text: 10. An igniting device having a plug lever adapted to actuate the said plug, to
close the igniting orifice, and to act as a shield against smoking the glass combustion
chamber substantially as described.
Dated this 7th day of October 1889
FAIRFAX & WETTER,
433, Strand, London, Agents for the Applicant.