Improvements in Lighting Devices and Continuous Consuming Strips therefor.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 25th Feb., 1890-Accepted, 17th May, 1890
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Lighting Devices and Continuous Consuming
Strips therefor.
I, JOHN HARVEY FARREL, a citizen of the United States, residing at Camden, in
the County of Camden, and State of New Jersey, United States of America, Mechanic,
do hereby declare the nature of my invention for IMPROVEMENTS IN LIGHTING
DEVICES AND CONTINUOUS CONSUMING STRIPS THEREFOR, 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 in general to lighting devices as applied to the burners of
chandeliers and other fixtures and especially to that class of lighting devices in which
an inflammable or ignitible continuous consuming strip is fed and fired to cause gas
issuing from a burner to be lighted either intermittently with the feeding and firing
of the strip or simultaneously with the firing thereof.
My invention further relates to the manufacture of a continuous consuming strip of
ignitible material or substances susceptible of being used in connection with said
lighting devices.
Heretofore lighting devices have been provided with strips composed of fulminating
pellets which have been fed forward by means of more or less complicated and
delicately adjusted mechanism beneath an oscillating hammer in proximity to a jet of
escaping gas and the pellets exploded by the hammer to cause the escaping gas at a
burner to be lighted, but in the practical application of such type of lighting devices,
the flash produced by such fulminating pellets is of so minute duration as that the
escaping gas is not always ignited and consequently it often becomes necessary before
being able to light the gas to explode several of the pellets; moreover, it is extremely
difficult if not impossible, even when the device is comparatively new to 30 maintain
the adjustment of the feeding mechanism thereof as to cause the hammer to always
strike and explode the pellets and when the device becomes worn and the parts
necessarily more or less disarranged it not unfrequently happens that the hammer
fails to explode the pellets and thus the device is rendered thereby practically
worthless.
The principal objects of my invention are first, to provide a combined burner and
lighting device in which the disadvantages and imperfections above mentioned are
obviated and a lighting device furnished which in action is partially automatic and
adapted to contain an ignitible or consuming strip which is fed and ignited to produce
a flame continuing to burn until the gas is lighted, in contradistinction to the strips
as heretofore made having fulminating pellets for producing a momentary flash when
exploded for such purposes; second to provide a lighting device of durable con-
struction for holding an inflammable strip readily ignited by friction and with
comparatively simple mechanism to feed said strip so as to ignite the same at the
exposed end thereof by its being brought into frictional contact with a scratcher ;
third to provide a lighting device with means by which the flame produced. at the
exposed end of the strip may be extinguished; fourth provide a burner with an
automatic lighting device of simple construction and comparatively inexpensive and
without complicated or delicately adjusted feeding mechanism, whereby effective action
in use of the device is ensured; and fifth to provide an inexpensive continuous
consuming or ignitible strip that may be handled with safety and one perfectly
reliable and effective in its application to lighting and other somewhat similar
devices.
My invention consists of a lighting device provided with a burner and a receptacle
or housing adapted to receive an inflammable or ignitible strip formed into a coil or
into any other preferred form and a strip of such character as inay be readily ignited

page_text: by friction and the device provided with means to feed- and fire the same and
simultaneously with the firing allow the gas to be lighted and the flame at the exposed
end of said strip to be then extinguished and the gas passing through the burner of
the fixture or chandelier to be cut off when required.
My invention further consists of a lighting device such as hereinafter described
and adapted for the use of a continuous consuming ignitible strip.
The nature and characteristic features of my invention will be more fully under-
stood from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying
drawings; and in which
Figure 1 is a front elevation of a gas burner with a lighting device applied thereto
and embodying the particular features of one form of my invention and provided
with depending chains or cords for actuating the same to light and extinguish
the gas.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the several parts of the device detached and of the
type illustrated in fig. 1, and showing also the relative positions of one part to the
other in the device.
Fig. 3 is a front elevation of a burner with another form of lighting device applied
thereto.
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the several parts of the device detached and of the
type illustrated in fig. 3 and showing also the relative positions of the parts to one
another in the device; and
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a continuous consuming ignitible strip embodying
the features of my invention and of the type especially adapted for use in such lighting
devices.
A
Referring to the drawings and especially to figs. 1 and 2, A is a gas burner of any
preferred material and construction and such as may be adapted to a chandelier or
other fixture and provided with a lava or other suitable tip a. This burner A, has a
seat a¹, for the reception of the stop-cock B. A vertical slot a² is formed in one of
the walls of the burner for a purpose to be presently fully described. One end of the
stop-cock B, is recessed at band b, and to which is fitted a device C, having arms c
and c, a scratcher c³, a central slot c', and a curved or other form of slot c, in the
lower part thereof. The stop-cock B, of any preferred construction is pivotally held
to its seat a', by means of a screw 62, and an interposed gasket . The arms c and c¹
of the device C, are provided with apertures adapted to receive chains or cords 65
and 6°, for actuating the scratcher e³ and stop-cock B, of the burner. D is a plate or
disc provided with an aperture d, a rear pin d', and lateral arms & and d³, to which
curved springs d' and d, are attached. E is a receptacle or housing provided with a
central opening e, and having slits e¹ and e², formed in the rear wall thereof.
vertical tube E is connected with this receptacle or housing E, having slits e* and es,
formed in the side walls thereof. The tuhe E' is extended downward into the housing
or receptacle E, wherein it is spread out and secured to the inner wall or annular
rime, thereof. Two flat springs fand f¹, are secured in any preferred manner to
the spread out portion of the vertical tube E or to the interior surface of the annular
rim e, of the housing or receptacle E, and extend into the vertical tube E¹. These
springs serve not only to support but also to maintain the continuous ignitible strip
in such a position so as to be fed in an upward direction through the tube E¹, by
means of the curved springs d' and attached to the lateral arins d' and d³, of the
plate or disc D, normally engaging in the slits e¹ and e, of the vertical tube E¹, when
the arin c, of the device C is actuated by means of the chain or cord 6, and when the
arm c', is depressed by means of the chain or cord 6, the disc or traveller D, is
drawn downwards with its pin d', afforded a range of movement through the
eccentric groove e, and sliding in the vertical groove or slot a², of the burner A.
G is a surrounding cover for the receptacle or housing E, within which is con-
tained the principal parts of the device as well as the continuous consuming or
ignitible strip y, preferably formed into a coil.
Referring now to figs. 3 and 4, A is the burner provided with the seat a', for
the reception of the stop-cock B. Formed preferably integral with the burner is

page_text: or cord
a radial or curved arm a³, provided with a scratcher c². This radial or curved
arma, has formed therein a slot, for a purpose to be presently fully described.
The stop-cock B, of any preferred construction is pivotally held to its seat a¹,
by means of a screw 62, and an interposed gasket 6. The arm c³, secured to or
formed integral with the stop-cock B, has an aperture adapted to receive a chain
E is a circular plate or disc made of brass or other preferred
material having a central opening e, therein and lugs e¹ and e³, partially cut out
stamped or secured thereto. This plate or disc E, has an arm c, adapted to receive
a chain or cord 3, and it also has a rearwardly curved dog e. An annular rim et,
provided with a spring catch e8, is secured to the plate E, and forms a housing or
receptacle e, for the consuming or ignitible strip y. A tube E', having similarly
disposed parallel slots e and e, formed therein is secured to the annular rim e, and
communicates with the interior of the housing or receptacle e. Similarly disposed
flat springs fand f', secured in any preferred manner to the exterior surface of the
rim e, extend into the slots e and e³, of the tube E', and these springs not only
support but maintain the continuous ignitible strip in a vertical position in the
tube E. The lugs e¹ and e², of the plate or disc E, are bent parallel with and are
slightly in rear of the plane of the plate or disc E. A wire or strip g, is soldered or
otherwise secured at one end to the tube E¹, and at the opposite end to the wall of
the housing E, forming ways or bearings d, in which slide the inverted U-shaped
traveller D, provided with a lateral pin d. This pin extends into the slot c³, of the
radial aran a Carved strips d', provided with guards or guides d³, and with similarly
disposed feed strips and d, extending into the parallel slots e¹ and e, of the vertical
tube E, are secured to or formed integral with the inverted U-shaped traveller D.
The plate or disc E, and the several parts of the device as above described, are
pivotally connected with the stop-cock B, by means of a screw k, and an interposed
gasket or washer k¹. The cover G, of the housing e, for the ignitible strip y, is held
to place against the edge of the rim D, by means of the spring catch e. A spiral
springs, is attached at one of its extremities to the lever-arm c, and at the opposite
extremity to any convenient portion of the burner A. The springs, performs auto-
matically the function of directing the position of the tuhe E¹, in relation to the
burner when the chain or cord 6, is released as will be readily understood from the
drawings.
The ignitible strip y, for use in the device and to which preference is given is made
of several sheets of paper, cloth or other preferred material coated with a substance or
materials of a readily ignitible nature.
The sheets of paper or other material after they arrive at their perfected condition
by a treatment to be presently fully described are cut up into strips and preferably
formed into coils for use.
°
A convenient method of manufacturing a continuous consuming strip for use, is
as follows:
In five (5) parts by weight of water four (4) parts of Irish glue are dissolved in
any preferred manner. When dissolved three (3) parts by weight of phosphorous
are added and the mass in solution stirred or agitated until thoroughly dissolved
when three (3) parts of pulverized chlorate of potash preferably moistened in water
are added and then four (4) parts by weight of whiting. The mixture or mass is then
thoroughly stirred or agitated until it assumes the consistency of a thin paste. The
proportions of the different materials used in the formation of the composition or
compound hereinabove mentioned may be varied, but in practice the said materials in
about the proportions above mentioned have given most excellent results.
The ignitible composition or compound as above described preferably of the con-
sistency of a thin paste is spread first over one side or surface and then over the
other side or surface of a sheet of paper, cloth or other preferred material by means
of a brush or other appliance and another similar sheet coated on one or both sides
with said composition or materials is united with the previously coated sheet. The
two united and coated sheets have then applied to them top and bottom sheets of
uncoated paper, cloth or other material and are then pressed out smooth and

page_text: partially dried in any preferred manner. The two united and partially dried sheets
are then conducted through suitable rolls or calenders in order that they may be
caused to assume a uniform thickness throughout as well as to adhere more intimately
to one another. The sheets thus treated are then cut up in any preferred manner
into strips and subjected to a bath composed of shellac and alcohol or the top and
bottom surfaces and sides of the strips are coated with shellac and alcohol in any other
convenient manner. The strips after becoming perfectly dry are formed into
coils for use or they may be caused to assume any more convenient shape or form
for use.
The particular advantages incident to the use of such character of strip are; first,
the sheets of paper cloth or other similar material coated with the composition or
materials as hereinabove described become so saturated therewith that when cut up
into strips for use they are not only readily ignitible, but are effectually or thoroughly
consumed when frictionally or otherwise ignited; second, the shellac and alcohol
applied to the top, bottom and sides of the strips render them water-proof and also fire-
proof to a greater or less extent, that is, while handling for use in connection with the
lighting device. If the sheets of paper or other material were not applied to the
coated sheets in such manner, but were made as strips have heretofore been made of a
single strip coated on either one or both sides with an ignitible material or substance,
the strip in use in one instance by percussion would be ignited, not as a percussion cap
is ignited, but the entire strip irregularly burnt with pieces of the paper dropping off,
while on the other hand in the use of a single strip coated on both sides the
instant used, the entire strip would be burnt by its frictional contact with the
operative parts of the lighting device.
By making the strips in the manner hereinbefore described such objectionable
features are entirely obviated, because the coated and united sheets in the first place
are protected by the top and bottom uncoated sheets applied to those coated and
saturated with an ignitible material and in the second place the shellac and alcohol
serve to render the product water-proof and also fire-proof as far as the handling of
the sheet is concerned or while the strip is being fed to be fired, to ignite the gas
caused to issue from the burner; and third, the strip lasts longer than one provided
with fulminating pellets and is less expensive and more economical because the
entire strip may be consumed before occasion arises to supply a new strip to the
device.
The mode of operation of the gas lighting device and especially of the type shown
in figs. 3 and 4, is as follows:-
The cover G of the device being removed the inflammable strip of readily ignitible
material formed into a coil is mounted in the housing, and the free extremital
portion of the same passed between the springs f and f¹, feed springs and d³, and
into the vertical tube El and said cover then restored to its former position in con-
tact with the edge of the annular rim es, of the plate or disc E, and held in that
position by means of the spring catch e8.
The lever-armi c', is then drawn downwards by means of the chain or cord 68, and
simultaneously the stop-cock B, is turned which prevents the gas from escaping at
the burner. The tension of the spring s, raises the arm c, from the position it occupies
in fig. 3, and moves the plate or disc E, and the parts connected therewith about the
screw k, to the right so that the pin d¹ of the inverted U-shaped traveller D, is
afforded a range of movement in the slot. c, of the radial arm a³, of the burner, thereby
depressing said traveller D, and with it the feed springs d' and do. The tube E¹, now
occupying a position to the right and beneath the scratcher c³. It will be understood
that when the feed springs d and d, are being depressed the stationary springs f
and f, so support the ignitible strip as that the feed springs slip along the strip
without moving the same.
In order to light the gas the arm c, is drawn downwards by means of the chain or
cord, which causes the feed springs d* and do, to be raised and to feed the ignitible
strip y, a short distance beyond the tube E¹ and at the same time the projecting or
exposed end of said strip is brought into contact with the scratcher c³, thereby igniting

page_text: the same and producing a flame. The lug or dog e, engages the arm c¹, and thereby
turning the stop-cock B, and allowing the gas to escape from the burner A, while at
the same time the burning strip y, is brought into close proximity with the tip a, of
the burner as clearly illustrated in fig. 3, and thereby igniting the gas escaping there-
from. When the gas is ignited the chain 6, is released and the springs, returns the
tube E, to its normal position.
The ignitible or consuming strip y, is extinguished either by burning down to the
upper edge of the tube E', or by being smothered beneath the scratcher c³.
The inverted U-shaped traveller D, and with it the feed springs & and do, may be
actuated and the springs caused to feed the ignitible strip y, either while the tube E',
is advancing toward the gas burner or while the tube E¹, is receding from the
burner A, by varying the shape or form of the slot c³, but I prefer, however, to cause
the springs d and do, to feed the strip y, while the tube E¹, is advancing toward the
burner A, and scratcher c², in order to obviate any tendency of the exposed end of
the ignitible strip to again strike against the scratcher c³, after the gas escaping
through the burner has been lighted.
The mode of operation of the device shown in fig. 1 is substantially the same as
that above described with this exception that the scratcher c³, in the one instance
is stationary and the vertical tube E', movable while in the other instance the
operation of these parts especially is reversed as will be readily understood from
the drawings as to fig. 1 and the foregoing description thereof.
It is manifestly obvious that as to minor details slight modifications may be made
without departing in any way from the spirit of the invention.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature and objects of
my invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that
what I claim is :-
1. The combination of a device adapted to hold a continuous consuming or
ignitible strip and means to feed said strip through a tube and fire the same,
substantially as and for the purposes described.
2. The combination with a gas burner, of a device adapted to contain an ignitible
strip and means to feed and fire said strip and to case the gas to escape at the
burner intermittently with the feeding of said strip to be fired, substantially as
described.
3. The combination with a burner, of a device adapted to contain an ignitible
strip and meaus, substantially as described, to feed and fire said strip and to permit
gas to escape at the burner simultaneously with the firing of said strip, substantially
as described.
4. The combination with a burner, of a lighting device provided with a housing
adapted to contain an ignitible strip capable of being consumed and means to feed
and ignite said strip and to cause gas to escape at the burner and then to extinguish
the flame at the exposed end of said strip, substantially as described.
5. The combination with a burner provided with a radial arm having a slot
therein and a scratcher connected therewith, of a device provided with a tube and
a pin engaging in the slot of said arm, and said device adapted to contain an
ignitible strip and means, substantially as described, to feed said strip through said
tube and cause the same to contact with said scratcher, substantially as and for the
purposes described.
6. The combination with a burner provided with an arm and a scratcher connected
therewith, of a device adapted to contain an ignitible strip, a vertical tube connected
with said device, stationary springs supporting the strip in said tube, a traveller
having feed springs, and means to permit of the strip being fed through said
vertical tube to contact with said scratcher, substantially as and for the purposes
described.
7. The combination with a burner provided with a slotted arm carrying a scratcher,
of a receptacle provided with a feed tube and springs and ways and adapted to
contain an ignitible strip, a traveller sliding in said ways, feed springs caused to

page_text: contact with said strip, a pin engaging in said slotted-arm and means to actuate
said traveller, substantially as and for the purposes described.
8. The combination with a burner provided with an arm and a scratcher in
pivotal connection therewith, a receptacle provided with a vertical tube adapted to
contain an ignitible or consuming strip, stationary springs extending into said tube
and means, substantially as described, to feed said strip through said vertical tube
and to cause said scratcher to ignite said strip by frictional contact therewith,
substantially as and for the purposes described.
9. The combination, in a lighting device, of a continuous consuming strip ignited
by frictional contact with a scratcher and means to feed, ignite and extinguish the
exposed end of said strip, substantially as described.
10. A continuous consuming or ignitible strip adapted for use in a lighting device
as described and for the purposes set forth.
11. An ignitible strip consisting of two or more sheets or layers of paper,
cloth or
other material having a paste or composition composed of an ignitible material or
substance distributed over the surface and uncoated sheets applied to the top and
bottom thereof, substantially as and for the purposes described.
12. An ignitible strip consisting of two or more sheets of paper, cloth or other
material having a paste or composition as described spread over the surface thereof
and uncoated top and bottom sheets applied thereto and the sheets compressed
together, substantially as and for the purposes described.
13. An ignitible strip consisting of two or more sheets of paper, cloth or other
material having an ignitible material or substances spread over the same and uncoated
top and bottom sheets applied thereto and rendered water-proof, substantially as and
for the purposes described.
14. An ignitible strip consisting of two or more sheets of paper, cloth or other
material having an ignitible material or substances distributed over and permeating
the surfaces thereof and uncoated top and bottom sheets applied thereto and rendered
water-proof and dried, substantially as and for the purposos described.
Dated at Philadelphia, Pa., this 30th day of Jannary AD. 1900.
JOHN HARVEY FARREL.
W. P. Thompson & Boult,
Agents for the Applicant.