An Improved Lighter for Igniting Blasting Fuses.
Year: 1897

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Lighter for Igniting Blasting Fuses.
I, JOSEPH POPE, of Beacon Terrace, Camborne, Cornwall, Mining Engineer, do
hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention consists in an improved lighter for igniting blasting fuses.
The improved lighting device which constitutes this invention consists of a cylin-.
drical case closed at the outer end by a plug of inflammable composition such as is
used for the heads of safety matches, that is to say, matches which are designed to
light when rubbed on a prepared surface. Such composition is well known as a
mixture of chlorate of potash and other substances. The cylindrical case is made to
fit over the end of the fuse, and when in place ensures dry contact between the
ignition charge of the cap or case and the gunpowder column of the fuse which is to
be ignited.
On the application of a flame to the outer end of the case, the composition is fired
and thus the fire is communicated to and in considerable degree concentrated upon
the fuse end, the ignition of which is ensured, and effected with increased.
rapidity.
The lighting caps or cases constituting this invention are made waterproof by being
coated externally with a waterproofing solution such as a solution of pitch and paraffin
wax, or any other suitable solution, which is preferably of an inflammable nature.
Dated this 6th day of August 1897.
NICHOLAS WATTS,
Chartered Patent Agent, Bristol.
An Improved Lighter for Igniting Blasting Fuses.
I, JOSEPH POPE, formerly of Beacon Terrace, Camborne, Cornwall, and now of
Penlee, Tregony, Grampound Road, Cornwall, Mining 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 :-
This invention consists in an improved lighter for igniting fuses such as are used
in blasting and like operations.
The improved lighting device which constitutes this invention consists of a
cylindrical tubular case or cap of rolled stiff paper, cardboard, millboard, or other
suitable substance, closed at the outer end by a plug of inflammable composition.
The case or cap is made waterproof by being coated externally with a water-proofing
solution such as a solution of pitch and paraffin wax, or by any other suitable solution
which is preferably of an inflammable character. The plug of inflammable

page_text: composition is placed in the case end while the composition is in a moist state. On
drying, it firmly adheres to the case.
In applying the case or cap to a fuse, the case or cap is slid on the fuse which it
approximately fits. The plug aforesaid is thus brought into dry contact with the
outer end of the gunpowder column of the fuse. Various compositions are suitable
to constitute the said plug. The composition used for the heads of "safety"
matches is suitable. This composition is, as is well known, a mixture of chlorate of
potash and other substances, for example, sulphide of antimony, mixed together in
approximate proportions of 66 per cent. of chlorate of potash and 33 per cent. of
sulphide of antimony.
Another suitable material to form the plug-and which is preferred-is a mixture
of gunpowder and shellac dissolved in methylated spirit. These ingredients are
mixed together in proportions of approximately 90 per cent. of gunpowder to
10 per cent. of dissolved shellac.
Another suitable composition for the plug is nitrate of potassium, sulphur,
sulphide of antimony and charcoal mixed together in approximate proportions of
65 per cent. of nitrate of potassium, 15 per cent. of sulphur, 5 per cent. of sulphide
of antimony, and 15 per cent. of charcoal.
Referring to the accompanying drawings, Fig. 1 represents in elevation, and Fig. 2
in section, a fuse igniter as made in accordance with this invention and shown as
applied to a fuse.
The igniter consists of a case or cap a, of rolled stiff paper, cardboard, millboard
or other suitable substance, the outer end of which is closed by a plug b of
inflammable composition of any of the kinds above mentioned, or of other suitable
kind. The case or cap a is slid on the fuse c and thus the outer end of the latter
is brought into contact with the inner face of the plug b. The case or cap a is
coated externally with a water-proofing solution. As a suitable example for such
coating a solution of pitch and paraffin wax may be mentioned. Other water-proofing
preparations may be used.
In practically applying the igniter, the plug 6 is fired by a flame or an electric
spark. From the plug 6 the fuse is ignited. The case or cap a with its plug 6 of
inflammable composition constitutes a fuse igniter by means of which dry contact is
made and maintained between the plug and the fuse by the protecting water-proofed
covering of the case or cap.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is
66
A fuse igniter consisting of a case or sleeve such as a preferably coated with a
water-proofing" solution and substance and closed.at the outer end by a plug such
as b of inflammable composition, such as a mixture of gunpowder with shellac
previously dissolved in, methylated spirit, or with, a mixture of chlorate of potash
and sulphide of antimony, in proportions approximately as hereinabove set forth, or
of other like or analogous substance or substances, the said case or sleeve being
adapted to be slid on and approximately fit the outer end of the fuse, substantially
as herein before described.
Dated this 3rd day of May 1898.
NICHOLAS WATTS,.
Chartered Patent Agent, Bristol.