IMPROVEMENTS IN IGNITION FUSES AND IN THE MEANS FOR IGNITING THE SAME, APPLICABLE TO LAMPS, GAS BURNERS, CIGAR LIGHTERS, TORCHES, AND OTHER LIKE PURPOSES
Year: 1874

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Arthur Chandor, of the City of New York,
in the United States of America, but at present of 14, Southampton
Buildings, London, Merchant, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS
IN IGNITION FUSES AND IN THE MEANS FOR IGNITING THE SAME, APPLICABLE
TO LAMPS, GAS BURNERS, CIGAR LIGHTERS, TORCHES, AND OTHER LIKE
PURPOSES." A communication from abroad by William Augustus
Leonard, of Boston, State of Massachusetts, in the United States of
-
sion Chemist
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Arthur Chandor
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition,
on the 27th October 1874.
I, JOHN ARTHUR CHANDOR, of the City of New York, in the United
States of America, but at present of 14, Southampton Buildings, London,
Merchant, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "Im-
PROVEMENTS IN IGNITION FUSES AND IN THE MEANS FOR IGNITING THE SAME,
APPLICABLE TO LAMPS, GAS BURNERS, CIGAR LIGHTERS, TORCHES, AND OTHER LIKE
PURPOSES," a communication to me from abroad by William Augustus

page_text: Leonard, of Boston, State of Massachusetts, in the United States of
America, Chemist, to be as follows:―
This Invention relates to ignition fuses, and to the means for igniting
the same, suitable for lighting lamps of every description, whether oil,
gas, vapour, or candle lamps, for lighting fires in stoves and fire-grates
of all kinds, for lighting cigars, and generally for all purposes where it
is required to ignite or inflame combustible materials or substances in an
effectual and expeditious manner without the necessity for the employ-
ment of ordinary or other matches.
The essential feature of my said Invention consists in the use of col-
lodion compounds or their equivalents (such, for example, as are known
as xylodine and pyroxyline), by preference in the form of hard strips,
which strips are coated or covered either over the whole or a portion of
their surface with any suitable or well-known friction match composition.
The collodion compound may if desired -be mixed with a resinous or
other inflammable or gummy substance of a less combustible naturo
than collodion, in order that the improved ignition fuse may burn, not
only with the degree of intensity required, but for a sufficient length of
time to insure the complete ignition of the wick or other combustible
substance intended to be ignited.
The said fuse strips may be moulded or otherwise formed entirely of
collodion compound, or the said compound may be applied to the surface
of any other material to be used as the foundation or base for the fuse.
the friction match composition being afterwards applied thereto cither
by pressure in moulds or otherwise. A coating of collodion may be
finally applied over the surface of the match composition to render it
impervious to moisture.
The peculiar arrangement for igniting the said fuse consists of a tube
or holder for the reception of the fuse, which fuse is elevated as required
for use by a ratchet tooth worked by a button handle, such tooth
engaging into ratchet teeth cut in the fuse itself. The same movement
which clevates the fuse causes a sharp point to scratch the fuse compo-
sition, thereby igniting the same.
A similar arrangement to the above is to be applied to lamps, gas.
burners, cigar lighters, and torches, for the purpose of lighting the same
by the aid of the before-mentioned ignition fuse.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said John Arthur Chandor in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 8th April 1875.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOHN
ARTHUR CHANDOR, of the City of New York, in the United States
of America, but at present of 14, Southampton Buildings, London,
Merchant, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Twenty-seventh day of October, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-four, in the
thirty-eighth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and suc-
cessors, give and grant unto me, the said John Arthur Chandor, Her
special license that I, the said John Arthur Chandor, my executors,
administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said John Arthur
Chandor, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any
time agree with, and no others, from time to time and all times
thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might
make, use, excrcise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Inven-
tion for "IMPROVEMENTS IN IGNITION FUSES AND IN THE MEANS FOR IGNITING
THE SAME, APPLICABLE TO LAMPS, GAS BURNERS, CIGAR LIGHTERS, TORCHES, AND
OTHER LIKE PURPOSES," a communication to me from abroad by William
Augustus Leonard, of Boston, State of Massachusetts, in the United States
of America, Chemist, upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said
John Arthur Chandor, my executors or administrators, by an instrument
in writing under my, or their, or one of their hands and seals, sliould
particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention,
and in what manner the same was to be performed, and cause the
same to be filed in the Great Scal Patent Office within six calendar
months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters
Patent.
NAH KNOW on that T the said Tala At Chandan da haualam

page_text: carried in the pocket. The said fuses were moreover uncertain in their
action.
Now this Invention consists in the manufacture, as herein-after fully
described, of a continuous ignition fuse or match which possesses the
before-mentioned qualifications of a perfect fuse or match for the
purposes specified, and is practically free from the objectionable qualities
inherent to all continuous or repeating matches for the said purposes
which have been heretofore proposed or tried.
The improved ignition fuse, which constitutes the first and most im-
portant part of this Invention, consists of a strip composed of puro
collodion compound or dissolved nitro-cellulose, known in commerce as
'xylonite." With this is subsequently combined, mixed, or incorporated
from 25 to 45 per cent. of camphor, taking care that the proportion is
sufficiently large to provide for waste in case the strip has to be kept or
stored for any length of time. When proportions of camphor such as
are above indicated are used no additional matter such as gums or oils
will be needed. The strip is next coated or covered, either wholly or
partially, with any good friction match composition, which may be
rendered impervious to moisture and protected from the action of
changes in temperature by the application of a coating or film of col-
lodion over the surface thereof.
The said strip is in some cases made with teeth, serrations, or indenta-
tions in it for facilitating the protruding of a portion of the fuse from
its holder when required for use, as I shall hereafter fully explain.
In manufacturing the before-mentioned continuous ignition fuse I take
one ounce of nitro-cellulose (soluble cotton), and I dissolve the same in
a sufficient quantity of a mixture of ether and alcohol to form a solution
of about the consistency of thick honey. The proportions of ether and
alcohol which I employ in the said mixture are 3 parts of ether and
1 part of alcohol. To the thick solution of nitro-cellulose thus obtained
I add from 30 to 40 per cent. about of camphor dissolved in just so much
ether and alcohol as will suffice for its dissolution.
I may here point out that the object of the camphor is to check the
too rapid combustion that would take place if the collodion compound or
xylonite were used in its pure or unmixed state. Moreover as
camphor possesses the property of leaving little or no residuum after
29

page_text: combustion, it is specially adapted for admixture with the "xylonite"
or collodion for the purpose set forth, provided it be used in sufficient
quantity, and the compound will burn without leaving any appreciable
residuum if it be not adulterated with any foreign substance which will
leave a deposit or residuum after combustion. It will thus be obvious that
the camphor alone should be mixed with the "xylonite" or collodion
compound to produce the desired result. It is important morcover not to
add too large a proportion of camphor, as in that case the compound
will be liable to melt or fuso inside the fuse tube or holder, whilst if too
little camphor be added the compound will burn too rapidly.
The entire mass of dissolved nitro-cellulose and camphor is to be
thoroughly stirred or mixed, and is afterwards allowed to stand for about
48 hours for the purpose of allowing of the escape
of any
air which may
be contained therein. When entirely free from air it is in a fit condition
to be formed into sheets, which may be accomplished by pouring the
mass on to a shallow tray or slab of soapstone or other equivalent
substance, having, slightly raised edges and a perfectly smooth surface,
and so arranged as to be cooled on its under side by the application
thereto of cold, water or ice, as is herein-after more particularly described
with reference to the Drawings. So soon as the mass has been evenly
distributed over the entire surface of the slab, it is to be covered by a
thick screen or covering of textile fabric with a view to preventing the
too rapid evaporation which would take place if the mass in its extended
fórm were left entirely and freely exposed to the atmosphere. In from
12 to 48 hours (according to the thickness of the mass) after such mass
has been poured on to the said slab it will be found to have attained the
consistency of a tough jelly, and may then be removed from or peeled
off the slab in the form of a sheet, which is to be allowed to dry for a
period ranging from 48 to 96 hours, according to the thickness of the
said sheet. After having been thoroughly dried the said sheet is to be
pressed and rolled to any desired size and thickness by steam heated
rollers (I have found about 300th of an inch to be a useful thickness
in practice), and will present the appearance of a thin sheet of transparent
gluc or horn, which sheet is both tough and flexible, and is susceptible
of being readily moulded into any desired form by the application of
heat and pressure.
It possesses morcover the property of burning
slowly and quietly without-leaving any appreciable residuum of any
kind

page_text: I shall now proceed to describe, with reference to Figure 1 of the
accompanying Sheet of Drawings, the particular arrangement of tray
or slab herein-before mentioned, and the means for cooling the same.
Figure 1 of the Drawings is a perspective view of the contrivance. It
consists of a shallow smooth tray or slab a of any convenient dimensions,
and composed by preference of soapstone, and provided with raised
edges b. This tray or slab forms part of a hollow receiver c, made with
a rising portion d at one end, in which is left an opening or mouth for
the facility of supplying the said hollow receiver with a cooling medium,
such as cold water or ice, the said mouth rising above the level of the
bottom of the tray or slab, so that the level of the water may always be
maintained high enough to be in direct contact with the under side of
the slab. e represents the screen or diaphragm of woven fabric stretched
upon a frame for the purpose of covering the mass of dissolved nitro-
cellulose and camphor on the slab, and thereby checking the otherwise
too rapid evaporation, such screen or diaphragm resting upon the raised
edges b, b, of the slab.
It is obvious that various means may be employed for reducing the
said mass of dissolved nitro-cellulose and camphor to a sheet form, and
therefore I do not confine or restrict myself to the contrivance herein-
before described and illustrated by Figure 1 of the Drawings.
Having obtained the sheets or plates of the said compound of dissolved
nitro-cellulose and camphor, the said sheets are to be cut into narrow
strips of any desired length by the aid of circular or other cutters,
which strips are then to be moulded or shaped by means of dies, or by
passing them whilst in a heated condition between shaping rolls, of the
form shown in section in Figure 2 of the Drawings on an enlarged scale,
whereby one side of the strip is formed with a scries of serrations,
indentations, or teeth, as shown clearly at Figure 3, which is an enlarged
clevation of the back of a portion of one of the improved fuses, whilst
on the opposite or front face of the strip there is rolled or pressed a
recess of rectangular section, as shown by the cross section of the fuse
at Figure 4, narrow grooves or channels being at the same time formed
along the bottom of the said recess at the opposite sides thereof. The
said recess is intended for the reception of the match composition, which
is uniformly pressed therein by rolling or otherwise, and by being caused
to enter the narrow grooves or channels the said composition is more
securely retained in the recess.

page_text: I prefer that the outer surface of the match composition, and the
adjacent surface of the strip itself shall form a curve in cross section, as
shown clearly in Figure 4, which combined surfaces I also prefer to coat
with a layer of dissolved nitro-cellulose and camphor to protect the
match composition from moisture and from changes of temperature,
which coating also produces a smooth and uniform surface on the igniting
side of the fuse.
The inclined indentations a (Figures 3 and 4) in the back of the strip
constitute the feed teeth, which enable the fuse to be protruded from its
holder and retained when so protruded with absolute certainty of action,
in the manner and by the mechanism herein-after described.
I shall now proceed to describe the peculiar combination or arrange-
ment of mechanism for propelling, retaining, and igniting the said fuse,
which mechanism is applicable to lamps and gas burners, torches, cigar
lighters, and other appliances intended for the production of flame.
Figure 5 of the Drawings is a side elevation of ouc form of combined
fuse propelling, retaining, and igniting apparatus more particularly
adapted to a lamp wherein a wick is burned; Figure 6 is a vertical
section of the same taken at right angles to Figure 5; and Figure 7 is a
plan of the arrangement. In these Figures a represents a portion of
the mounting of the burner of a paraffin or other oil lamp; b is a tube
of a corresponding section to that of the fuse, such tube constituting the
fuse holder. It is brazed or otherwise secured to the lamp mount, and
extends upwards along the side of the wick c to about level with
the top of the same. The fuse is placed within its holder with its side
containing the match composition facing the lamp wick, and with the
teeth or serrations facing outwards. In the outer or flat side of the fuse
holder a longitudinal slot or slots is or are made, through which passes
the blunt end of a propelling pall d, which engages with the teeth or
serrations made in the back of the fuse. This propelling pall is jointed
at its lower end to one end of the propelling and igniting lever e, which
works vertically on a fixed centre at f, so that each time the outer or
free end of the said lever is depressed the propelling pall & will rise,
thereby pushing the fuse upwards along with it to the extent of
one tooth, or about 1/8 of an inch, causing a corresponding amount of
fuse to protrude beyond the top of the fuse holder close to the wick of
the lamp. On reversing the motion of the same lever e a sharp point
on the upper and bent end of the igniter g, which consists of a lever

page_text: arm forming part of or rigidly secured to the actuating lever e, is caused
to scratch the match composition by moving across the end of the fuse
protruding from the holder, and thereby ignites the match composition,
which again ignites the compound of dissolved nitro-cellulose and
camphor composing the body of the fuse. This compound burns quietly
with an intense flame until that portion which has been protruded
beyond the fuse tube or holder has been entirely consumed, by which
time the wick of the lamp will have been effectually lighted. Simul-
taneously with the action of the striker or igniter the propelling pall a
is drawn down one tooth in the fuse, the fuse being maintained stationary
or prevented from being drawn down along with the descending pall by
the fixed detent or retaining spring catch (shown dotted in Figure 5),
the free end of which also passes through the slot in the fuse tube and
engages in turn with the several teeth in the fuse.
I
The fuse may be made of any convenient length so as to last for a long.
period, and should it be found expedient to protect it from contact with
the oil in the lamp reservoir a tubular sheath i is fitted over the lower
end of the fuse tube, so as to enclose the projecting fuse inside the said
sheath, as shown clearly in Figures 5 and 6 of the Drawings, but I make
no claim to the use of such sheath. k is the ordinary lamp wick
clevator.
By the combination of the propelling pall d and fixed detent with
the inclined notches, teeth, or serrations made in the fuse itself I obtain
a certainty of action in the elevation of the fuse which has not hitherto
been accomplished in apparatus of this description.
"
Figure 8 represents a sectional elevation of a combined fuse propelling
and igniting attachment suitable for gas burners, and also as a portable
or pocket apparatus for various purposes, as herein-after described;
Figure 9 is a plan of the top of the attachment. In this arrangement
the inclined notches, teeth, or serrations in the fuse are not essential.
a represents an ordinary "bat-wing gas burner; b is the tubular
attachment, which is fitted on to the burner by a ring or loop c and a
pinching screw d, or otherwise, or may form a part of the burner itself.
This attachment contains within it the fuse tube e, which extends from
the bottom to the top of the outer tube or attachment b, and is situate
excentrically therein to afford space for the actuating spindle f, which is
outside of but parallel to the actual fuse tube. This spindle has its

page_text: bearings in the opposite ends of the tubular attachment, in which
bearings it is retained longitudinally whilst being allowed to revolve
freely therein, a milled headed button handle g being secured to the
lower end of the spindle for enabling the said spindle to be casily rotated
by the finger and thumb, as will be readily understood on referring to
the Drawing. A single, double, or multiple screw thread is formed
upon the spindle f, such screw extending along the spindle to an extent
corresponding to the whole length, or thereabout, of the fuse tube. On
this screw spindle works a travelling nut 4, and from this nut there
projects a lateral arm, which enters the fuse tube through a long slot
made in the side thereof. This arm acts as the propeller to the fuse,
which is inserted into the fuse tube from the top, the bottom of the fuse
resting on the propelling arm. It is obvious that on imparting a turn
or portion of a turn (according to the pitch of the thread) to the screw
spindle in the direction required the nut will travel upwards, and
the propelling arm will propel the fuse along with it, causing about th
of an inch to project above the top of the attachment for the purpose of
being ignited, which is accomplished in the following manner :-On to
the top of the screw spindle, outside the end of the attachment, there is
secured a small rotating disc or igniter i provided with one or more
points, which points are of such a length as just to come into contact
with the friction match composition in the side of the fuse, and to scratch
and thereby ignite the same on their being rotated by the turning of the
screw spindle. The two operations of elevating or propelling a portion
of the fuse, and of igniting the said protruded portion, are thus accom-
plished simultaneously.and by one and the same operation.
•
The fuse in the attachment for lighting gas burners is to be in
sufficiently close proximity to the burner to insure the ignition of the
gas, the said fuse burning until the protruded portion has been consumed,
and this without leaving any appreciable trace either of carbonaceous or
liquid deposit or residuum so objectionable in continuous matches or
fuses heretofore proposed. As in this arrangement the fuse is propelled
by a propeller which presses against the end of it, the necessity for teeth
or serrations therein is obviated.
Figure 10 of the Drawings represents a slightly modified arrangement
of the last described apparatus arranged as a torch for gas lighting
purposes. is a tubular case containing a fuse tube e, screw spindle f,
11

page_text: & 9. To the lower end of this tubular case there is attached a hollow
stem of any desired length (or the stem may form à continuation of the
case b, as shown in the Drawing), and provided with a convenient handle
for holding the torch by. The lower part of the screw spindle is
extended down through the hollow stem and through the handle Z, and
is provided at the lower extremity with a milled headed button g for.
turning the screw spindle, as and for the purpose described with reference
to Figure 8. For the convenience of opening and closing the gas cock
a species of clip is fitted to. the top of the torch, the extremity of the
fuse and the igniting apparatus i being situate between the two jaws of
the clip.
Figure 11 represents a longitudinal section, and Figure 12 a plan of a
portable or pocket apparatus on the same principle, adapted for use as a
cigar lighter. is the tubular case, containing within it the slotted fuse
tube c, scrow spindle f, and travelling nut h, as already described.
m is
a second tube, brazed or otherwise secured to the side of the casing, for
containing "spunk" or prepared tinder for use out of doors; or if
required for indoor use the "spunk" may be replaced by a wax taper.
The said "spunk" or taper is fed forward as required by a small toothed.
wheel 1, similar to a lamp wick elevator, so that by passing the thumb.
or finger over the said wheel the required amount of "spunk" or taper
can be protruded, and subsequently lighted by the ignition fuse as
already described. is a removeable cap or cover attached by a chain..
This arrangement of apparatus is not only more simple and less liable to
get out of order than the portable or pocket arrangements which have
heretofore been proposed, but it morcover possesses the advantage of
effecting with certainty the ignition of the fuse simultaneously with its
propulsion, whereas in previously proposed arrangements of portable or
pocket apparatus no provision was made for igniting the fuse except by
rubbing or striking it against a roughened surface, as in the case of an
ordinary match, which is not only liable to waste or wear away the fuse,
but is exceedingly uncertain in. its action.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of the
said Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or
carried into effect, I would observe in conclusion that I am aware that
.it. has been proposed to manufacture what have been designated as
"continuous" or repeating matches, consisting of lengths or strips of
paper or tape, saturated with stearine.to_render it more combustible, and,

page_text: having friction match composition applied to one surface thereof, cither
continuously or in the form of equidistant dots; also consisting of bands
of pyroxiline alone, provided on one side with a strip or layer of match
composition also consisting of thin narrow strips of pyroxiline mixed
with resinous and oleaginous substances, such, for example, as gum
copal and olive oil, mixed therewith in addition to camphor; also con-
sisting of sticks or pencils composed of friction match composition
combined, mixed, or incorporated with some clastic or flexible binding
substance or compound, such as collodion, gums, resins, glue, gelatine,
caoutchouc, gutta percha, treacle, bitumen, oils, and oily matters, and
therefore I do not claim continuous matches or fuses so manufactured,
which are all more or less objectionable for the reasons herein-before
stated. I am also aware that various mechanical contrivances have been
proposed for the purpose of applying continuous matches to the lighting
of lamps and gas burners and to other lighting purposes, and therefore I
do not claim generally such applications, but only the peculiar com-
binations and arrangements of apparatus herein-before described and
illustrated by my Drawings, but what I consider to be novel and original,
and therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the herein-before
in part recited Letters Patent is,—
First. The manufacture and use of ignition fuses or continuous
matches, consisting of suitable friction match composition applied to
the whole or to a portion of the surface of a strip composed of xylonite
or dissolved nitro-cellulose and camphor in or about the proportions
specified, as and for the purposes hercin-before described.
Secondly. The peculiar combination of the slotted fuse tube b, the
propelling pall & engaging with teeth or indentations in the back of the
fuse, the detent or retaining catch also engaging with the teeth in
the fuse, the actuating lever e, and the igniter g, when arranged to
operate together in the manner and for the purpose herein-before
described and illustrated by Figures 5, 6, and 7, of the Drawings here-
unto annexed.
Thirdly. The peculiar combination of the tubular attachment or
casing b, the slotted fuse tube e, the screw spindle f (with its button g)
disposed outside of but parallel to the fuse tube, the travelling nut h
(with its lateral arm or propeller), and the rotary igniter i on the top
of the screw spindle, when arranged to operate together substantially in

page_text: the manner and for the purposes herein-before described and illustrated
by Figures 8, 9, and 10 of the Drawings hereunto annexed.
Fourthly. The combination with the several parts or elements set forth
in the last preceeding claiming clause of an additional tube or holder m
for containing "spunk" or its equivalent or a taper, and provided
with meaus for protruding the same as required, so as to form con-
venient portable lighting apparatus, such as may be carried in the
pocket or otherwise, substantially as and for the purposes hercin-before
described and illustrated by Figures 11 and 12.of the Drawings liéreunto
annexed.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Arthur Chandor, have herc-
unto set my hand and scal, this Seventh day of April, in
the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-
YC.
J. A. CHANDOR. (L.S.)
Witness,
F. J. RAPSON,
Clerk to E. P. Alexander,
Consulting Engineer and Patent Agent,
14, Southampton Buildings,
Chancery Lane,
W.C.