An Improved Porous Saturator for Producing the "Etho-oxo' Limelight for Single, Biunial, or Triunial Optical or Magic Lanterns.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 5th Feb., 1894
Complete Specification Left, 1st Nov., 1894-Accepted, 19th Jan., 1895
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Porous Saturator for Producing the "Etho-oxo'
Limelight for Single, Biunial, or Triunial Optical or Magic
Lanterns.
THOMAS TIMBERLAKE Queen Street Cycle Works, Maidenhead, Berkshire
Limelight Expert and Cycle Manufacturer do hereby declare the nature of this
invention to be as follows :-
An improved porous saturator to fit into an optical or magic lantern, for
producing a brilliant illumination, by burning oxygen gas, saturated with ether,
benzoline, gasoline, or other volatile hydro-carbon. The said saturator being
shaped, and constructed with any suitable metal, baving within itself a novel
means of conveying and mixing the heavy saturated portion of oxygen, with the
pure oxygen, by means of a special metal block, containing the passages in
connection with, and conjunction to, a concentric mixing chamber, communicating
with a special non-return valve, under which the gases thoroughly commingle,
issuing thence to the nipples or burners, the said valve acting as check to, and
preventing any flame from passing into the saturator, thereby ensuring perfect
safety from the accidents hitherto attributable to the "flying back" of the mixed
gases.
On the said saturator, when used for two or more lights, is placed, above the
said non-return valve, and in connection with the passage to the burner, or burners,
a special revolving valve, acting as a stopcock with one light, a dissolver with
two lights and a regulator for one, two, or three lights, as the case may require.
If for more than one light, the said saturator has an improved connection applied
to the extension of the lights, whereby the necessary adjustments for the second &
third lights are made by means of telescopic tubes attached to the holder of the
revolving valve & connecting the passages with the channels on the said valve
which is actuated by a connecting rod having a cranked handle at the back, acting
in its turn upon a quadrant with certain guides or stops made therein or fixed
thereto for the purpose of indicating the number & conditions of lights in relation
to the movements of the said cranked handle.
The said saturator and special parts referred to, being more plainly indicated
and explained by reference to the letters & numbers on the accompanying drawings
berewith, Sheet No. 1 being outline of side elevation of saturator as used for
producing two or more lights. Sheet 2, section of saturator. Sheet 3. parts in
section. A A A being the metal case or vessel of saturator containing suitable
porous material for saturation and the special block U with its attached tubes
(as described on Sheet 2) in its interior.
B is the special revolving valve referred to, C is the quadrant. D the cranked
handle of connecting rod marked which actuates valve B admitting gas. to. the
burners marked EE by means of channels cut in its periphery (as shown on
Sheet 3) communicating with tubes marked G and H H leading to block I from
which may start a second set of telescopic tubes for a third light in a similar
manner to H. H. J. J. are milled heads attached to rods M. M. for revolving &
raising the limes marked Q Q. K. K. are similar milled heads attached to tubes L. L.
which being revolved causes a screw on the ends of L L to enter into or recede
from an. internally screwed piece. attached to A causing the lime carriages

page_text: .
marked N N to recede from or advance toward the burners.marked E. E. The
rods M M passing through L L and communicating motion to N N by means of a
small collar fixed on rods M M, against which the ends of L L press.
O and O2 are tubes admitting oxygen through valves regulated by milled or
other heads marked P. R R are shields of metal to prevent flame from touching
case A. S. is the screw plug, filling orifice through which is poured the liquid
hydro-carbon for saturating the porous material enclosed in A. A A.
T. T. is one of two tubes attached to block U proceeding from that to top of
case A where it is open to collect saturated oxygen, and conduct it to the concentric
passage V under valve W, where it mixes with pure oxygen coming up central
passage X (which may be formed as shown on Sheet No. 2 or as shown in section
of block U on Sheet No. 3) passing thence through valve B if for more than one
light, by tubes G or H. H. as required by moving cranked handle D to burners E. E.
.then impinging on limes QQ and if lighted will produce a most brilliant illumination
by rendering the lime or limes incandescent.
The action taking place, may be briefly explained as follows. Oxygen entering
the saturator by means of the oxygen tube 02 passes out into the saturator
through the slotted tubes Z. Z. Then passing through the porous material, taking
up on its way the vapour of hydro-carbon it enters tubes T T (which can be
arranged as shown on Sheet No. 2 or as indicated in the sectional block U on
Sheet No. 3) passing down which, it enters concentric passage V V and is mixed
under valve W with a suitable proportion of pure oxygen which has been admitted
at valve P passed along tube 0 and up central passage X (which may be arranged
as shown on Sheet 2 or 3 either way being equally effective). Oxygen can be duly
proportioned by manipulating valve P and can be supplied from any source by
attaching suitable tubing to inlet 3. The valve W serves a double purpose as it
compels the heavy saturated oxygen to mix with the lighter pure oxygen, allowing
it to pass after mixing by its own pressure to burners E E.
It also acts as a certain check, valve W stopping the passages to the interior,
thus adding security to the use of the saturator, by covering all the passages in the
event of "back suction," caused by any means whatsoever.
Dated this Third day of February 1894.
"
An Improved Porous Saturator for Producing the "Etho-oxo'
Limelight for Single, Biunial, or Triunial Optical or Magic
Lanterns.
I THOMAS TIMBERLAKE of Queen Street Cycle Works, Maidenhead, in the
County of Berks, Limelight Expert and Cycle Manufacturer 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:-
This invention relates to an improved saturator apparatus or lamp filled with
porous material and so constructed that it may fit into single, double biuuial or
triunial optical or magic lanterns for producing a brilliant illumination with
absolute safety, and may be used for any purpose requiring a brilliant illuminating
light.
I attain this object by burning oxygen gas, which has become saturated with
vapour of ether, benzoline, gas line, or other volatile hydro-carbon in its passage
through the said saturator herein after described, and as illustrated in the
drawings left with the "Provisional Specification" and the drawing herewith, in

page_text: which the said saturator and special parts referred to are more plainly indicated,
set forth, and explained by letters and numbers on the drawings before mentioned.
Sheet No. 1 of the provisional drawings being side elevation outline of the
said saturator or limelight apparatus as constructed according to this invention for
producing two or more lights.
Sheet No. 2 is a sectional side elevation of the saturator, lamp, or apparatus as
constructed according to this invention for producing one light.
Sheet No. 3 contains back sectional view of block U. Front section of valve B
showing method of dissolving, and connection to telescopic tubes H. The position
indicated in said sectional drawing of valve B shows full power on to the bottom
light and a small quantity (as bye-pass only) passing to top light and side section
of valve B.
"The drawing accompanying the Complete Specification is a sectional elevation
of the back of said saturator, lamp or apparatus showing the arrangement
of tubes T. T. for collecting the vapourized oxygen, and tube A for charging or
saturating the porous material at the bottom part of saturator with ether or other
liquid.
In carrying out my invention I construct an L shaped vessel of any suitable
metal cast or wrought into the requisite shape. This is filled with a suitable porous
material for saturation and absorption.
Inside at the front part I place a special block of metal containing the requisite
gas passages and tubes screwed or fixed thereinto. The said block containing in
connection with and conjunction to the gas passages, a concentric mixing chamber,
where the heavy saturated oxygen is mixed with the proper proportion of pure
oxygen. The said concentric chamber being covered by and with a non-return
valve, under which the gases mix and thoroughly commingle, before issuing thence
to the burner or. nipple.
The peculiar construction of the said passages chamber and valve being a certain
or back
prevention of the accidents hitherto attributable to the "flying back
On the said
suction of the mixed gases, thus insuring perfect safety to the user.
saturator when constructed according to this invention for two or more lights, is
placed above the non-return valve and in connection with the passage to the
burner or burners, a special form of revolving valve, having a diminishing channel
cut on its periphery, which causes it to act as a stopcock with one light, a
dissolver with two lights, and a regulator to the one, two, or three lights as the
case requires.
When the said saturator is constructed for use with more than one light, the
adjustments are made for the second and third lights by means of telescopic tubes
attached to and connected with the passages of the said revolving valve, which is
actuated by moving a connecting rod having a cranked handle at the back acting
in its turn upon a quadrant with certain guides or stops fixed thereto or made
therein for the purpose of governing and indicating the number and condition of
the lights in relation to the movements of the said cranked handle which being
moved actuates the said valve, admitting gas to the burner or burners by means of
the aforementioned diminishing channels communicating alternately to the upper
and lower lights upon moving the cranked handle to the left or right; or by
placing it midway on either side of the quadrant it will admit gas to both burners
at once.
If a third light is required it can be obtained by starting another set of telescopic
tubes from block or junction underneath the upper jet.
The said saturator, lamp or apparatus being shown in section on Sheet 2 of the
provisional drawings as constructed in accordance with this invention for a single
light, has the shaped vessel A constructed of any suitable metal, preferably cast
in one piece, containing porous material and block U with its attached tubes as
hereafter described. J is a milled head attached to a rod M which passing
through a tube passes through vessel A by which the lime Q is revolved, raised or
Jowered

page_text: "
K is a milled runner attached to tube L, the said runner being revolved between
two collars fixed to rod M by screws causes a screw on end of L to enter into or
recede from an internally screwed piece attached to vessel A said internal screw
may be cut in the tube covering rod M. When runner K is thus revolved between
the two fixed collars. The motion communicated by the screw causes the lime
carriage N N to advance toward or recede from the burner E. The bevel wheels.
being the seat of power applied through rod M. O and O2 are the tubes
admitting oxygen into the saturator through nozzle 3 attached to O and O 2.
The oxygen being controlled and regulated by the two valves P which may be
manipulated by milled round or other shaped heads or terminals.
The inflow of the oxygen may be still further regulated by means of a similar
valve placed end wise in the end of nozzle nearest to the vessel A and between the
other two valves P. The more particular use of this valve would be for setting
and fixing the exact amount of oxygen to be admitted with any automatic regulator
which may be on the cylinder of oxygen. Or it may be used as a screw-down
regulator when oxygen is used direct from the cylinder, leaving to the valves P
the duty only of splitting the stream into the requisite proportions.
(This said centre or screw-down valve is not shown in the drawings.)
R is a shield to prevent flame from touching vessel A. S in the drawing
accompanying the Complete Specification is a screw plug or valve filling orifice of
tube a through which the liquid for saturation and absorption is poured and
conducted to the bottom of the saturator vessel A, thus saturating more particularly
the bottom or lower portion of the porous material contained in vessel A, the back
or upright portion of the vessel À being more tightly packed with the porous
material, thus acts as an absorbing and vapourizing chamber, effectually absorbing
any excess of the liquid used, and precludes the possibility of any liquid being
forced into or entering the tubes TT which are open at the top to collect the
vapourized oxygen thus allowing this saturator to be used immediately after
charging with liquid, if required.
The action taking place while the said saturator or lamp is in use for the purpose
of producing a brilliant illumination may be briefly described as follows.
After being charged with ether or other hydro-carbon the oxygen from a
cylinder bag or other container is admitted by a tube attached to nozzle 3,
passes through the left hand valve into tube 02, passing through block U. it is
diffused through the saturator by means of the split or slotted tubes Z attached
to said block U. The oxygen thus liberated into the saturator passes through the
saturated porous material in the bottom of saturator, it then ascends through the
porous material in the back or upright portion of vessel A which absorbs any
excess of liquid taken up by the oxygen in its passage through the bottom portion
(and is still further vapourized by the warmth of the vessel A after the gas has
been ignited)..
The saturated oxygen is then collected by the two tubes T T always ensuring a
double quantity of vapourized oxygen, and while the vapourized oxygen is in excess
the safety of the apparatus and continuity of the light is insured while working.
The said vapourized oxygen is then conducted by the tubes T T to the concentric
passage or chamber V V. under valve W where it is mixed with a suitable
proportion of pure oxygen conveyed thence through the right hand valve P by
tube O & issuing thereinto by central passage X, (said passage may be made or
formed as shown in drawing on No. 2 Sheet or as shown in section of block U on
No. 3 sheet) the mixed gases lifting valve W then pass by tube G to burner E
where they impinge on lime Q and being ignited produce a most brilliant illumination
by rendering the lime incandescent.
The valve W acting as a certain check-valve stops the passage of any flame
to the interior, thus adding more security to the use of the saturator by completely
covering the concentric passage or chamber V. V in the event of suction caused by
any means whatsoever.
The saturator is adjusted to the optical axis of any lantern or lenses by raising
:-1

page_text: or lowering the screws in the bottom. These may be set at any desired height by
the small lock-nuts.
The upper light (when saturator is made for two lights) being raised or lowered
by unscrewing clamp bolt and moving the telescopic upper tube which when
adjusted is clamped in the required position by screwing up the clamp bolt.
The valve B may be used instead of, or in place of valves P for the admission of
oxygen to the said saturator.
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 I
claim is
In limelight apparatus for producing the "etho-oxo" limelight for single,
biunial, or trinnial optical or magic lanterns, or any purposes requiring a brilliant
illuminating light.
1. The use of an L shaped cast or wrought metal vessel as a saturator or lamp,
in combination with the collecting and delivery tubes and gas passages substantially
as set forth and for the purpose described.
2. In limelight apparatus a double set of collecting tubes in conjunction to, and
connection with a concentric mixing chamber, the orifice of which is covered by a
valve (W) substantially as set forth.
3. In limelight apparatus a simple and novel means of adjusting and regulating
the distance from the nipple or burner to the lime by means of a milled and
screwed runner (K) and screwed tubes (L) substantially as shown and set forth.
4. In limelight apparatus, a valve (B) having diminishing passages or channels
so cut in its periphery that renders it capable of dissolving from one jet to the other,
regulating, controlling and cutting off one or two lights, and which may be used for
the inflow, or outlet of gas, as shown, and substantially as set forth.
5. An improved method of saturation, or means of charging the saturator with
liquid, by means of the tube (A) which goes to the centre of the bottom of the
saturator, thus allowing the liquid passing through the said tube to saturate the
bottom portion of the porous material therein contained (instead of the upper or
top portion as in some forms) thus allowing the saturator constructed in accordance
with this invention, to be used immediately after charging with liquid, or saturation,
if so required, substantially as shown and set forth.
6. In limelight apparatus a combination of an _ shaped saturator or lamp,
and jet or jets, with movements, valves, and gas passages as described for the
purpose of producing a brilliant illumination with perfect safety and security,
substantially as set forth, and herein before described.
Dated this 30th day of October 1894.
THOMAS TIMBERLAKE.