Improvements in or connected with Oil Burners for Lighting or Heating.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 12th May, 1898
Complete Specification Left, 10th Feb., 1899-Accepted, 22nd Apr., 1899
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or connected with Oil Burners for Lighting or
Heating.
I, JOSEPH GREGORY, of 338, East 28th Street, New York City, in the County
and State of New York, United States of America, Gentleman, do hereby declare
the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
A general complaint against the use of lamps and heaters using oil and a wick
is the escape into a room of unconsumed carbon and noxious odours and gases,
especially when the flame is turned low and at the instant of extinguishing the
light. These objections also apply upon turning the wick too high, as in this
event the supply of oil is greater than can be consumed by the limited current of
air. Another objectionable feature met with is the frequent requirement of
snuffing and trimming the wick to keep it in good condition and the adjustment
thereof to allow for consumption and trimming.
By this invention the foregoing enumerated objections and others are obviated,
a soft white light attained, the burner rendered practically inodorous, a nearly
perfect combustion secured, the wick kept cool and the air fed to the flame heated
in its passage thereto and enriched with gaseous vapour, the wick controlled in
its movements and prevented from over feeding and trimming not rendered neces-
sary, and the general construction simplified, whereby a better and clearer light
results and the oil is consumed more economically.
Other objects and advantages are contemplated and will appear and suggest
themselves as the invention in its details is fully comprehended. Hence to this
and such other ends as pertain to the nature of the invention, the latter consists
of the novel features, details and combination of parts which hereinafter will be
more fully set forth.
While the invention is chiefly designed to be applied to a lamp, it is to be
understood that it is to be used in connection with lamp stoves for heating pur-
poses and other situations where oil is the primary agent for producing light or
heat and is fed to the point of combustion by means of the wick. The lamp body
or fount may be of any pattern or design and be mounted upon a stand or be of
the pot variety, and is supplied with a burner having a central air draught. The
wick tube comprises an inner casing which passes through the lamp body and the
outer casing, the upper end of the inner casing terminating short of the upper
end of the outer casing to give ample clearance for the movement of the spreader
and wick lifter. The inner casing has an annular depression a short distance
from its upper end to receive the curved ends of spring arresters applied to the
band mounted upon the inner casing. The wick space between the casings is
larger than the thickness of the wick, whereby a space is provided between the
wick and the outer casing for the passage of air whereby the wick is kept cool.
The upper end of the outer casing is contracted to come in contact with the wick
and retain the latter in place and provide a scraping edge for removing impuri-
ties, charred portions and other matter which may accumulate upon the wick

page_text: when the lamp or burner is in operation. The contracted terminal portion of the
outer casing directs the ascending air to the end of the wick, thereby ensuring a
contact of the air with the flame.
The spreader is formed with or has applied thereto a wick lifter, the latter em-
bracing the upper portion of the inner casing and forming a continuation thereof.
The lower portion of the spreader is contracted or made hollow to secure the best
results in the distribution of the air to the flame, and this spreader above the
hollow or contracted portion has an extinguisher. The wick lifter is provided
at its upper end with hooks, radial bars, and a ring. The radial bars and ring
extend horizontally and the hooks project vertically and have their bent ends
adapted to engage with the top edge of the wick and cause the latter to descend
when lowering the spreader and lifter. Teeth are provided at the sides of the
wick lifter and have their upper ends curved inward to extend across the path
of the extremity of the inner wick casing so as to ride thereon and be projected
outward into the wick space to engage with the wick and elevate the latter when
moving the spreader and wick lifter upward. These teeth are preferably integral
with the wick lifter and are formed by cutting portions therefrom, and operate
in the slots formed by cutting the teeth from the body of the wick lifter. The
spreader rests upon the outer ends of the radial bars and is held in place by the
aforesaid hooks. The lower end of the wick lifter is adapted to wedge between
the inner casing and the teeth thereof for arresting the wick, and is limited in
its downward movement thereby.
The wick lifter and spreader is limited in its upper movement by means of a
loop applied to the lower end of a rod which is connected at its upper end with
the spreader in any convenient way. One side of the loop is slotted and the other
side is formed with a series of openings. The wick raising shaft is supplied with
a pinion which operates in the slot of the loop, the teeth of the pinion co-operating
with the openings in the loop so as to effect a vertical movement of the rod and
spreader upon turning the wick raising shaft in one or the other direction. The
lower end of the aforesaid loop is constructed and so proportioned with reference
to the wick raising shaft and spreader as to engage with said shaft and limit the
upward movement of the wick lifter and prevent the wick from being turned
too high and causing smoking. The gallery is provided with chimney holders
and has an outer flange which forms a support for a reflector, which latter is an
annulus and may be of glass backed in the usual manner, whereby a reflecting
surface is obtained, or may be of highly polished metal, and this reflector may
extend horizontally or in any direction desired and may form a holder for the
shade. The gallery is movable relatively to its support and is positively con-
nected therewith by links, the latter curving longitudinally to conform to the
curvature of the gallery so as to fold snugly into an annular space formed between
the gallery and its support and be out of the way and concealed from view when
the gallery occupies a normal position. The end portions of the links connected
with the gallery have one corner rounded and the opposite corner left intact to
provide a stop to engage with the horizontal portion of the gallery and limit its
vertical movement when it reaches the highest point, thereby supporting the
gallery until the lamp can be lighted without requiring any special effort on the
part of the person lighting the lamp. The gallery is elevated and lowered by
imparting a turning movement thereto, and in all stages of its vertical adjust-
ment the gallery will be directly above its support and parallel therewith. This
arrangement provides for the ready lighting of the lanip when desired.
In some forms the upper portion of the shell or gallery support is contracted
and terminates about on a level with the outer casing and forms therewith a
narrow space whereby the air is directed upon the flame close to the upper end of
the wick. The sides of the spreader are perforated from the top to the plane of
the ends of the wick lifter and outer casing and inasmuch as the relation of the
spreader and wick remains fixed the air entering the inner casing is directed
towards the edge of the wick, whether the flame is high or low, thereby preserv-

page_text: ing an uninterrupted supply of air, which is essential to the attainment of a
perfect combustion so as to prevent the burner from throwing off carbon or noxious
vapours.
The outer casing of the wick tube and the gallery support have a space formed
between them which is closed at its lower end by a connecting portion, the latter
being perforated for the entrance of air into the fount, said air coming in through
perforations in the sides of the gallery support and passing upward into the wick
space so as to keep the wick cool and promote combustion by carrying to the flame
vapour rising from the ascending oil in its passage to the burning edge of the
wick. When it is required to extinguish the light the spreader is lowered and
carries with it the wick lifter and wick, and when the extinguisher rests upon or
engages with the upper end of the outer casing the gases and vapours confined
in the space closed by the extinguisher are condensed by the cool air entering
through the body of the lamp and passing to said space through the annular pass-
age, thereby preventing the escape of odour or carbon. The inner and outer
draughts have been found sufficient in practice to carry off ashes resulting from
a consumption of the wick, thereby rendering trimming of the wick unnecessary,
and the ascending current of air through the wick space keeps the wick sufficiently
cool to prevent its charring to the extent common in lamp burners as generally
constructed, whereby the life of the wick is prolonged. As the wick is consumed
it is automatically fed by reason of the limited movement of the wick lifter. Upon
lowering the spreader the hooks, teeth or spurs thereof engage with the top edge
of the wick and cause the latter to descend. When the lower edge of the wick
lifter engages with the wick arresting teeth the latter are thrown outward and
engage with the wick and prevent its further descent. The teeth of the wick
lifter move inward when they clear the top edge of the inner casing of the wick
tube and are forced outward into engagement with the wick by riding upon the
inner casing when lowering the spreader and wick lifter.
The combined wick lifter and spreader is formed of two parts in the preferable
construction, and these parts are connected in any convenient way, preferably
by means of the rod carrying the loop at its lower end operating in conjunction
with the pinion of the wick raising shaft. It is not absolutely necessary that
the wick lifter and spreader be formed separately, as they may be constructed of
a single piece, and the upper portion of the spreader may be of uniform diameter
and devoid of the contracted portion hereinbefore referred to.
When the lamp is of the stand variety, the wick raising shaft will be mounted
in the stand, but when the lamp is of the pot type the wick raising shaft will
pass diagonally through the fount or reservoir and be enclosed in a tube having
close connection at its upper outer end with the reservoir and at its inner end
with the inner casing of the wick tube. The rod having connection with the
spreader and wick lifter may be provided at its lower end with a series of teeth
so disposed that when the last tooth is in mesh with the pinion of the wick raising
shaft the rod will be at the limit of its upward movement and the wick at its
highest point, the parts being relatively arranged so as to prevent the wick from
being turned too high and the lamp from smoking. As previously stated the rod
may be connected with the spreader in any convenient way, and one of the forms
consists of a pivoted catch having a notched portion to engage with an annular
groove formed in the upper end portion of said rod. This construction provides
for a ready separation of the spreader from the rod when it is required to remove
the spreader and wick lifter for any cause.
It is contemplated to reduce the upper end portion of the inner casing of the
wick tube so as to enable the teeth of the wick lifter to become disengaged from
the wick prior to said teeth clearing the upper end of the wick tube. The spreader
is secured to the wick lifter a short distance from the upper end of said wick
lifter, and the latter has its upper portion perforated and formed with an outer
flange which engages with the top edge of the wick. A space is formed between
the upper portion of the wick-lifter and the lower portion of the spreader for the

page_text: escape of gases which come in contact with the ascending column of air, mix
therewith and are carried to the flame and consumed. Where the wick lifter and
spreader are integrally formed and of uniform diameter throughout their length,
a sleeve is secured thereto and has an outer flange at the upper end to come in
contact with the top edge of the wick, a space being provided between said sleeve
and the spreader for the same purpose as the space formed between the spreader
and the upper end portion of the wick lifter in the construction referred to.
The upper end portion of the lifting rod is directed in its vertical movement
and centralised within the wick tube by a guide fitted within the upper portion
of the wick tube. This guide consists of a ring having an edge portion separated
therefrom at opposite points and pressed inwardly forming radial arms and out-
wardly curved parts, the latter unitedly forming a guide opening through which
the said rod moves. It is to be understood that any means may be employed for
fixing the position of said rod and controlling it in its vertical movements.
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Of 6, Lord Street, Liverpool, Agents for the Applicant.
Improvements in or connected with Oil Burners for Lighting or
Heating.
I, JOSEPH GREGORY, of 338, East 28th Street, New York City, in the County
and State of New York, United States of America, Gentleman, 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:-
A general complaint against the use of lamps and heaters using oil and a wick
is the escape into a room of unconsumed carbon and noxious odors and gases,
especially when the flame is turned low and at the instant of extinguishing the
light. These objections also apply upon turning the wick too high, as in this
event the supply of oil is greater than can be consumed by the limited current of
air. Another objectionable feature met with is the frequent requirement of
snuffing and trimming the wick to keep it in good condition and the adjustment
thereof to allow for consumption and trimming.
By this invention the foregoing enumerated objections and others are obviated,
a soft white light attained, the burner rendered practically inodorous, a nearly
perfect combustion secured, the wick kept cool and the air fed to the flame heated
in its passage thereto and enriched with gaseous vapor, the wick controlled in
its movements and prevented from overfeeding and trimming not rendered neces-
sary, and the general construction simplified, whereby a better and clearer light
results and the oil is consumed more economically.
Other objects and advantages are contemplated and will appear and suggest
themselves as the invention in its details is fully comprehended. Hence to this
and such other ends as pertain to the nature of the invention the latter consists of
the novel features, details, and combination of parts, which hereinafter will be
more fully set forth, illustrated, and finally embodied in the claims hereto
appended.
The improvement is susceptible of various changes in the form, proportion,
and the minor details of construction without departing from the principle or
sacrificing any of the advantages thereof, and to a full disclosure of the inven-
tion an adaptation thereof is shown in the accompanying drawings, in which-

page_text: Figure is a vertical central section of an oil burning lamp of the stand variety,
constructed in accordance with and embodying the essential features of this
invention.
Figure 2 is an elevation of the gallery and gallery support, showing the gallery
partly elevated by full lines, and lifted to its fullest extent by the dotted lines.
Figure 3 is a detail view showing the relation of the gallery, the gallery sup-
port and the connecting links, when the gallery is lowered.
Figure 4 is a top plan view of the spreader, showing the catch for connecting
it with the lifting rod or stem.
Figure 5 is a detail view in perspective of the guide for the upper end portion
of the lifting rod or stem.
Figure 6 is a view in elevation of the wick lifter.
Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 1 of a lamp of the pot type.
Figure 8 is a detail view of the inner wick tube, the wick lifter and spreader,
and the guard.
+
Figure 9 is a cross-section on the line 9-9 of Figure 1.
Figure 10 is a vertical central section of a lamp showing a modification of the
improvements in operative relation.
Figure 11 is a detail view in elevation, parts being broken away, of the inner
wick-casing and lower section of the spreader and wick-lifter.
Figure 12 is a vertical central section of the lower section of the spreader and
wick-lifter.
Figure 13 is a top plan view of the part shown in Fig. 12.
Figure 14 is a detail view in perspective of the wick adjusting or elevating and
lowering mechanism, and which also serves to limit the upward movement of
the wick.
Corresponding and like parts are referred to in the following description and
indicated in the several views of the drawings by the same reference characters.
While the invention is shown applied to a lamp. it is to be understood that it is to
be used in connection with lamp-stoves for heating purposes and in other situations
where oil is the primary agent for producing light or heat and is fed to the point
of combustion by means of a wick.
The lamp body A may be of any size, pattern or construction, according to the
design of the lamp, and may be mounted upon a stand, as shown in Figure 1,
or adapted to be fitted into a receiver of any of the usual forms, as will be readily
understood. In the latter construction the lamp body will be devoid of a stand,
as illustrated in Figure 7. The inner wick tube 1 connects with the bottom of the
body A and extends vertically therethrough and its upper end portion is reduced
in diameter, the connecting portion of the tube being inclined and forming an
annular offset or shoulder 3 a short distance from the upper end of the wick tube.
The outer wick tube or casing 17 has connection with the upper portion of the
lamp body in the ordinary manner, and between the parts 1 and 17 is formed
the wick space in which is located the wick 16. The upper end portion of the
outer wick tube or casing 17 is contracted in diameter and extended vertically
to form a straight terminal flange continuation, so as to come in intimate contact
with the outer surface of the wick 16 and act as a scraper to remove charred por-
tions and impurities and foreign matter therefrom, thereby keeping the wick in
prime condition so that the lamp is at all times ready for lighting. The restrain-
ing teeth 13 for preventing the downward movement of the wick 16 have con-
nection with the lower portion of the wick tube 1 at 14, and their upper ends
terminate opposite depressions 15 in the sides of the tube 1, whereby their active
ends may move inward and permit of the free ascent of the wick when elevating
it prior to lighting the lamp.
The wick-lifter hand or sleeve 8 is slidably mounted upon the upper portion
of the tube 1 and is provided with teeth 2, which normally spring inward and
are projected outward into engagement with the wick 16 by riding upon the
shoulder 3 of the tube 1. An outer flange 9 is provided at the upper end of the

page_text: wick-lifter band or sleeve 8 and constitutes an annular guard' which is designed
to come in contact with the upper end of the wick 16 so as to maintain proper
relation between the wick-lifter and wick and secure an even and uniform flame.
The upper end portion of the wick-lifter band or sleeve 8 is perforated, as shown
at 18, to allow gases to escape into the space 19 formed between the wick-lifter
and spreader, said gases being consumed by coming in contact with the flame,
as will be readily comprehended.
The spreader B has connection at its lower end with the wick-lifter at a distance
from its upper end, as shown at 7, and is formed at its upper end with an
extinguisher 4 above which is provided a perforated portion. The guard 9 is of
such relative length as to enter and move freely in the wick space, thereby per-
mitting the part 4 to settle on the upper end of the outer wick tube 17 and inter-
cept the upper current of air and vapor and extinguish any flickering flame after
the wick has been lowered. The upper end of the spreaded is closed by a cap or
plate 5 secured to the spreader by a rolled joint 6. This cap or plate 5 is centrally
apertured for the passage therethrough of the conical end of the lifting rod or
stem 10, the latter having a reduced portion 11 near its upper end which is en-
gaged by a catch 12 pivoted at one end to the cap 5, the opposite end of the
catch having a curved slot to receive the reduced portion 11, and formed with
a finger projection C, whereby the catch can be operated so as to release the rod 10
or be engaged therewith. The upper portion of the spreader is perforated to admit
of the column of air ascending through the tube 1 to escape and promote com-
bustion, whereby the light is intensified in the ordinary manner. At this point
it is to be observed that the imperforate extinguisher or extinguisher-ring 4 is
disposed above the wick-tube so as to overhang the latter by forming the upper
end portion of the spreader with an annular perforate offset portion, as plainly
illustrated in Figure 1, 7 and 8 of the drawings. By reason of forming the
spreader at its upper end with the annular offset portion, the separate perforate
parts of the spreader connect respectively with the inner and outer edges of the
extinguisher-ring .4, thereby enabling said extinguisher-ring to perform the
additional office of a flame-deflector. The ring 4 acts as an effective flame-
deflector, especially on account of its relation to the imperforate guard flange 9.
which rests upon and covers the upper end of the wick, as said guard flange is
formed on a member movable with the spreader and maintains a fixed relation to
the combined extinguisher-ring and deflector 4, so that the distance or space
between the guard 9 and the ring 4 remains the same in all adjustments of the
spreader.
The lifting-rod or stem 10 makes screw-thread connection at its lower end
with a toothed bar 20 which operates through a guide 23 formed of a strip of
sheet metal doubled upon itself and having its end portions secured to the lamp
stand at 24. The wick-raising shaft 22 is journaled in the side members or parts
of the guide 23 and has a pinion 21 secured thereto and in mesh with the toothed
portion of the bar 20. By turning the shaft 22 the rod or stem 10 is elevated or
lowered, thereby lifting or depressing the wick surrounding the wick-lifter, which
latter has connection with the part 10. in the manner set forth. By properly
disposing the teeth upon the bar 20 the upward movement of the rod 10 and the
wick can be limited, thereby preventing the smoking of the lamp. The parts
are so constructed and proportioned that when the bar 20 has reached the limit
of its upward movement the wick will be at its highest point so as to give the
maximum flame without smoking.
The upper end portion of the lifting-rod or stem 10 is directed in its vertical
movements and centralized within the tube 1 by a guide .D fitted within the
upper portion of the tube 1. This guide consists of a ring having an edge portion
separated therefrom at opposite points and pressed inwardly forming the radial
aris 29 and the outwardly curved parts E, the two parts E unitedly forming
puide opening through which the rod 10 moves.
The gallery support 26 is fitted to the lamp body in the ordinary manner, and

page_text: the gallery 27 is movable relative thereto and is positively connected therewith
by links 25, the latter curving longitudinally to conform to the curvature of the
gallery so as to fold snugly into the space 28 formed between the gallery and
its support so as to be out of the way and concealed from view when the gallery
occupies a normal position. The end portions of the links 25 connected with the
gallery 27 have as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2, one corner rounded and the
opposite corner left intact to provide a stop to engage with the horizontal por-
tion of the gallery and limit its movement when the gallery reaches its highest
point, thereby supporting the gallery until the lamp can be lighted, without
requiring any special effort on the part of the person lighting the lamp. The
gallery is elevated and lowered by imparting a turning movement thereto, as
will be readily understood, and in all stages of its adjustment the gallery will be
directly above its support and parallel therewith, which is of material advantage.
Figures 7 and 8 show a different construction of the tube 1, the wick-lifter and
the spreader. The tube 1 is of uniform diameter or straight throughout its length
except for the vertical recesses formed to receive the restraining teeth 13 and
the wick-lifter 8 and spreader B are integral. The guard 9 is formed at the
upper end of a band or sleeve F secured at its lower end to the wick-lifter, the
lower portion of the part F being contracted so as to form a space 19 between
the upper portion of the part F and the spreader. The upper portion of the band
or sleeve is perforated, as shown at f, for the same purpose as the openings 18
at the upper end of the wick-lifter shown in Figures 1 and 6.
In lamps of the pot variety, as shown in Figure 7, the wick must be operated
from the upper portion of the lamp body and in order to effect this result a
tube 31 passes diagonally through the lamp body and makes an oil tight joint
with the tube 1 as indicated at 32. The shaft 22 passes through the tube 31
and the pinion 21 at its inner lower end is in mesh with the toothed portion of
the bar 20. The bracket guide 23 and the lower portion of the bar 20 are con-
structed so as to prevent turning of the part 20 and any binding between the
cooperating toothed portions of the parts 20 and 21. The teeth or cogs upon
the bar 20 are disposed as herein stated so as to limit the upward movement of
the wick and prevent smoking of the lamp.
By having the upper portion of the tube 1 reduced, as shown in Figure 1, the
teeth 2 of the wick-lifter release the wick prior to passing above the upper end
of the wick tube, whereas if the tube were straight the teeth 2 would lift the
wick out of the wick space before letting loose when removing the spreader. This
construction also admits of the spreader being replaced and entering the wick
space before the teeth 2 are thrown out into engagement with the wick 16 by
riding upon the shoulder 3.
Another embodiment of my invention is shown in the modified construction
illustrated in Figures 10, 11, 12 and 13 of the drawings, a description of which
construction is given as follows;-
The lamp body or fount 40 is mounted upon a stand 41 in the usual manner
and may be of any pattern and is supplied with a burner having a central air-
draft. The opening in the top portion of the lamp-body to one side of the burner
for filling is closed by a cap 42 in the ordinary manner.
The wick-tube comprises an inner casing 43, which passes through the lamp-
body, and an outer casing 44, the upper end of the inner casing terminating a
short distance from the upper end of the outer casing to give ample clearance for
the movement of the spreader and wick-lifter and having a hollow or annular
depression a a short distance from its upper end to receive the curved ends b of
spring-arresters c, attached to a band d (Fig. 11) mounted upon the inner casing 43
and held in place by a bead e. The wick-space between the inner and outer
casings is larger than the thickness of the wick 45, whereby a space 46 is provided
between the outer casing and the wick for the passage of the air, whereby the
wick is kept cool. The outer casing is contracted at its upper end at 47 to engage

page_text: with the wick 45 and retain it in place, the contracted portion extending over and
closing the space 46 and serving to direct the air to the end of the wick.
The spreader 48 is formed with or has applied thereto a wick-lifter 49, the
latter embracing the upper portion of the inner casing 43 and forming a con-
tinuation thereof. The lower portion of the spreader contracted or made hollow,
as shown at 51, to secure the best results in the distribution of the air to the
flame, and this spreader above the hollow or contracted portion 51 has an
extinguisher 52. The wick-lifter has hooks 50 at its upper end, radial bars 53,
and a ring 54, the latter and the bars 53 extending horizontally and the hooks 50
projecting vertically and having their bent ends extending outwardly to engage
with the top edge of the wick 45 to cause the latter to descend when lowering
the spreader and lifter. Teeth fare provided at the sides of the wick-lifter and
have their upper ends g curved inward to extend across the path of the extremity
of the wick-casing 43 to ride thereon and be projected outward into the space
occupied by the wick, so as to engage with the latter and elevate it upon moving
the spreader and wick-lifter upward. These teeth are integral with the wick-
lifter and are formed by cutting portions therefrom and operate in the slots result-
ing from providing the teeth. The spreader rests upon the outer ends of the
bars 53 and is held in place by the hooks 50. The lower end of the wick-lifter
is adapted to wedge between the casing 43 and the wick-arresting teeth e and is
limited in its downward movement thereby.
The upward movement of the wick-lifter and spreader is limited by means of
a loop 55, applied to the lower end of a rod 56, which is connected at its upper
end with the spreader in any convenient way and secures the spreader and wick-
lifter together. One side of the loop 55 has a series of openings, 57, and the other
side is formed with a vertical slot 58, and the wick-raising shaft 59 has its
pinion 60 operating in the slot 58 and the teeth of the pinion co-operating with
the openings 57, so that upon turning the shaft 59 the rod 56 and the parts con-
nected therewith are correspondingly moved up or down, according to the direc-
tion of turning the shaft. The lower end of the loop 55 is so constructed and
proportioned as to engage with the shaft 59, thereby limiting the upward move-
- ment of the wick-lifter in the manner set forth through the connections between
it and the wick-controlling mechanism. After the wick 45 has once been properly
adjusted upon the wick-lifter, so as not to smoke when raised to the limit of its
upward movement, it can never be raised too high and is limited in its upward
movement by the loop 55 engaging with the shaft 59 in the manner set forth.
The chimney-holders 66 are secured to the gallery 67 in the ordinary manner,
and this gallery has an outer flange or bead 68, which forms a support for a
reflector 69, which is an annulus and may be of glass backed in the usual manner,
whereby a reflecting-surface is attained, or may be of highly-polished metal, and
this reflector may extend horizontally or in any direction desired, so as to secure
the objects in view, and may form a holder for the shade.
The upper portion of the shell h of the gallery is contracted and terminates
about on a level with the outer casing 44 and forms therewith a narrow space 62,
whereby the air is directed upon the flame close to the upper end of the wick.
The sides of the spreader are perforated from the top to the plane of the ends
of the parts 44 and h, and inasmuch as the relation of the spreader and wick
remains fixed the air entering the inner casing is directed toward the edge of the
wick, whether the flame is high or low, thereby preserving an uninterrupted
supply of air to a perfect combustion, which is essential to prevent the burner
from throwing off carbon or noxious vapors. The casing 44 and shell h inclose
a space i, and the connecting portion is perforate, and the sides of the shell h
have openings for the entrance of air, which enters the fount and, with the air
coming in through the cap 42, passes into the space 46, formed between the wick
and the outer casing 44, and rising in said space cools the wick, and at the same
time is heated and becomes impregnated with gaseous vapor, and discharging
upon the flame promotes and increases the combustion and materially assists in

page_text: producing the soft white light peculiar to a burner constructed in accordance with
this invention. When it is required to extinguish the light, the spreader is
lowered and carries with it the wick-lifter and wick, and when the extinguisher
rests upon or engages with the upper end of the outer casing 44 the gases and
vapors confined in the space closed by the extinguisher are condensed by the cool
air entering through the body of the lamp and passing to said space through
the annular passage 46, whereby no odor carbon, or vapor is given off. The inner
and outer drafts have been found sufficient in practice to carry off the ashes
resulting from a consumption of the wick, thereby rendering trimming thereof
unnecessary, and the ascending current of air through the space 46 keeps the wick
sufficiently cool to prevent its charring to the extent common in lamp-burners as
generally constructed, thereby resulting in prolonging the usefulness of the wick.
As the wick is consumed it is automatically fed by reason of the limited move-
ment of the wick-lifter. Upon lowering the spreader the hooks, teeth, or spurs 50
engage with the top edge of the wick and cause it to descend. When the lower
edge of the wick-lifter engages with the teeth 6 they are thrown outward and
engage with the wick and arrest its further descent. The teeth f move inward
when the top edge of the casing 43 is cleared and are forced outward when riding
upon the casing 43.
The combined wick-lifter and spreader is formed of two parts which are cou-
nected together by the rod 56, the latter having lateral wings m at its upper end.
and a shoulder or stop na short distance from the said upper end, the wings m
extending over the top of the spreader and the stop n engaging with the lower.
side of the part 54, projecting across the space of the wick-lifter.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is
1. In a lamp, the combination with inner and outer tubular portions forming.
a wick space between them, the inner part having its upper end portion perfor-
ated, of a spreader movable vertically and having a space formed between it and
the upper perforated portion of the inner part or wick tube, substantially as and
for the purpose set forth.
2. In a lamp, the combination with inner and outer tubular parts having a
wick space formed between them, the inner part having its upper end portion
perforated and formed with an outer flange overhanging the wick space and
adapted to rest upon and come in contact with the upper end of the wick, of a
spreader movable vertically and having an annular space formed between it and
the upper perforated portion of the inner tubular part of the wick tube, substan-
tially as and for the purpose set forth.
3. In a lamp, the combination with the inner and outer tubes having a wick
space there-between, the inner tube having an upper straight contracted portion,
the connection web of the contiguous ends of the large and contracted portions of
the inner tube being inclined and providing an annular shoulder at the base
of the contracted portion, of a vertically movable spreader, and a wick-lifter
carried by the vertically-movable spreader and provided with a plurality of teeth
thrown into contact with the wick by engagement with said annular shoulder,
and adapted to become automatically disengaged from the wick by normally
springing into the annular depression formed by the contracted portion of the
inner tube, when said teeth pass above the plane of the annular shoulder, sub-
stantially as set forth.
4. In a lamp, the combination with the wick tube, and a spreader movable
vertically with reference to the wick tube, of a lifting rod having connection with
the spreader, and a guide for the lifting-rod located within the wick tube and
formed of a single piece of sheet metal and consisting of a ring, and radial arms
having outwardly curved parts, the latter unitedly forming a guide-opening for
the lifting-rod, substantially as specified.

page_text: 5. In a lamp, a fixed outer wick-tube or casing contracted in diameter at its
upper end to form a straight terminal flange continuation adapted to firmly con-
tact with the outer surface of the wick and act as a scraper to remove charred and
foreign matter therefrom, substantially as set forth.
6. In a lamp, the combination with the gallery and its support, of longitudi-
nally curved links having pivotal connection at their ends with the outside of the
support and the inside of the gallery, whereby the links are caused to fold in the
space left between the gallery and its support, so as to be entirely out of the way
and concealed from view when the gallery is lowered, substantially as described.
7. In a lamp, the combination with the gallery and its support, the former
having a horizontal portion which is adapted to close down over the top of the
support, of longitudinally curved links having pivotal connection at their ends
with the outside of the support and the inside of the gallery, whereby the links
are caused to fold in the space left between the gallery and its support so as to
be entirely out of the way and concealed from view when the gallery is lowered,
the pivotal connection of the links with the gallery being below the horizontal
portion thereof, and the end of each link contacting with the under side of said
horizontal portion, whereby the gallery is made self-supporting, substantially as
described.
8. In a lamp, the inner wick tube having the restraining teeth at the lower
end for engaging the wick, combined with the wick lifter sliding on the upper
part of the tube and also having teeth engaging with the wick, substantially as
described.
9. In a central draft burner, the combination of the wick tube, and spreader,
with a band secured to the spreader and movable therewith and having its upper
portion perforated for the escape of gas from the sides of the wick, and having
its upper end bent outwardly forming a guard, and a centrally disposed rod for
limiting the vertical movement of the spreader and band, substantially as
described.
10. In a central draft-burner, the combination with the wick-tube, of a verti-
cally-movable spreader carrying a member having a guard adapted to rest upon
and cover the upper end of the wick, and gas-vents adjacent to said guard, sub-
stantially as set forth.
11. In a central draft-burner, the combination with the wick-tube, of a verti-
cally-movable spreader carrying a member having lateral gas-vents permitting
the escape of the gas from the inside of the wick and its mingling with air before
reaching the flame, substantially as set forth.
12. In a central draft-burner, the combination with the wick-tube, of a verti-
cally-movable spreader carrying a member having an imperforate guard adapted
to rest upon and cover the upper end of the wick, and with gas-vents or perfora-
tions immediately below the plane of said guard, substantially as set forth.
13. In a central draft-burner, the combination with the wick-tube, of a verti-
cally-movable spreader carrying a member provided with a horizontal imperforate
wick-guard adapted to rest upon and completely cover the upper end of the wick,
substantially as set forth.
14. In a central draft-burner, the combination with a wick-tube, of a verti-
cally-movable spreader, a band arranged on the exterior of the spreader and
movable therewith, said band being provided at its upper end with an outturned
imperforate guard for the wick, and a plurality of gas-vents or perforations con-
tiguous to and below the plane of said guard, substantially as set forth.
15. In a central draft-burner, the combination with the wick-tube, of a verti-
cally-movable spreader having an annular imperforate combined extinguishing
and deflecting ring, said spreader also carrying a guard adapted to rest upon and
cover the upper end of the wick, the distance between the guard and said ring
remaining constant in all adjustments of the spreader, substantially as set forth.
16. In a central draft-burner, the combination with the wick-tube, of a verti-
cally-movable spreader provided with an annular offset portion having at its under

page_text: side an imperforate horizontal combined extinguishing and deflecting ring over-
hanging the wick-tube, the perforations in the spreader being both above and
below the plane of the said ring, substantially as set forth.
17. In a lamp-burner, the combination of an inner and an outer casing forming
between them a wick-space, the inner casing terminating below the outer casing,
and a spreader and wick-lifter working together, the wick-lifter operating in the
wick-space and the spreader having its sides perforated to the line of separation
between the spreader and wick-lifter to supply an equal amount of air to the
burning end of the wick at all adjusted positions, substantially as set forth.
18. In a lamp-burner, the combination of an inner and outer casing inclosing
a wick-space, the upper end of the inner casing terminating a distance below the
plane of the upper end of the outer casing, and a spreader and wick-lifter moving
together, the wick-lifter operating in the wick-space and embracing the inner
casing and forming a continuation thereof and the spreader being perforated
from its upper end down to the end of the wick, substantially as set forth for
the purpose described.
19. In a lamp-burner, the combination of an inner and an outer casing forming
a wick-space, the inner casing having its upper end terminating a distance from
the plane of the upper end of the outer casing, and the casings being of such
relative proportions as to provide a passage between the outer casing and the
wick, and a spreader and wick-lifter constructed to move together, the wick-lifter
operating in the wick-space and forming a continuation of the inner casing, sub-
stantially as set forth for the purpose described.
20. In a lamp-burner, the combination with a wick-tube, and means for raising
and lowering the wick, of an arrester normally held out of engagement with the
wick and constructed to engage therewith and limit its downward movement when
lowered to a predetermined point, substantially as set forth.
21. In a central-draft burner, the combination of a wick-lifter provided at its
upper edge with vertically-disposed hooks having deflected ends extending out-
wardly across the wick-space to engage with the wick, a spreader having its lower
end fitting within the space inclosed by the said hooks, and means for holding
the spreader and wick-lifter together, substantially as set forth.
22. In a central-draft burner, the combination of the wick-tube having its
inner casing terminating below the upper end of the outer casing, a wick-lifter
slidably mounted upon the inner casing within the wick-space and having its
upper end forming a continuation thereof, and having portions cut from its lower
portion, forming teeth, and having the upper parts of the teeth curving inwardly
and adapted to be projected by engaging with the inner casing of the wick-tube
and means for raising and lowering the wick-lifter, substantially as set forth.
23. In a central-draft burner, the combination with the wick-tube, and a wick-
lifter operating in the wick-space, of an arrester located in the wick-space and
having teeth curving at their upper ends and normally held out of the path of
the wick, and caused to engage with the latter by the wick-lifter coming in con-
tact with the curved ends of the said teeth, substantially as set forth.
24. In a central-draft burner, the combination with the wick-tube having an
annular depression, and a wick-lifter operating in the wick-space, of a wick-
arrester having spring-teeth formed with curved ends normally resting within
the annular depression and projected by contact therewith of the wick-lifter,
substantially in the manner set forth for the purpose described.
Dated this 9th day of February 1899.
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co..
Of 6, Lord Street, Liverpool, Agents for the Applicant.