IMPROVEMENTS IN LIGHTING
Year: 1856

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Jules Etienne Lafond, of Belleville, near Paris, in
France, Engineer, and 4, South Street, Finsbury, London, for the Inven-
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Jules Etienne Lafond
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
24th June 1856.
I, JULES ETIENNE LAFOND, of Belleville, near Paris, in France, Engineer,
and 4, South Street, Finsbury, London, do hereby declare the nature of my said
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN LIGHTING," to be as follows, that is to say:-
This Invention consists in an improved construction of lamps for self-gene-
rating the gas obtained by burning oils and other inflammable liquids, as
represented in the annexed Drawings.
Figure 1shews the improved lamp: A, body of the lamp, closed hermetically
by a screw stopper B and tap C, and the head of the lamp is connected to the
body A. B, orifice for the introduction of oil; C, cock fixed to the top of
the lamp, which allows the air to enter the body of the lamp; D, valve working
in the interior of the body of the lamp A in two grooved guides E, E; F, valve
rod, working in the stuffing-box G, which completely intercepts the air from
the interior. This form of valve allows the regulation of the liquid to the
tube H, which conducts this liquid to the burner; I, outer part of the burner,
provided, with two tubes J and K; the tube J serves to introduce the air to

page_text: the burner by means of the cock L, the tube K receiving the liquid from the
body of the lamp A from the pipe H; I', space left all round the tube K,
serving to heat the liquid and convert it into vapour by the small orifice M
into the chimney N, whence it mixes with the oxygen of the atmosphere
arriving from outside by means of the cock L, then mounts to the burner O
and heats it. It is sufficient for obtaining a light to present to the burner a
ring dipped in the same liquid and lighted. The liquid inflamed heats the
burner, converts the liquid into vapour, which escapes by the small orifice M,
and rises to the burner, where it becomes mixed with the oxygen introduced
by the tubes P, P, P, and the tube J.
Figure 2 represents a fish-tail burner adapted to the same lamp.
Figure 3 shews the body of a lamp. All the pieces depending on the uses of
wicks are suppressed and replaced by a gas burner. The light gaseous oils used
in my apparatus are produced from the distillation and rectifying of hydro-car-
burets suitable for all kinds of lamps. A, body of the lamp; B, screw stopper
for introducing the liquid into the body of the lamp; C, tube passing into the
interior of the lamp, to which it is attached by the nut D screwing on to the
vessel E; F, tube placed in the centre of the tube C, traversing its entire
length to the bottom G of the lamp, to which it is soldered, to retain the liquid
In this small tube is a brass rod H, provided with a valve I and a swinging
support J, serving, by means of a small knot K, which can be raised or lowered
in a slide made in the lamp, to work the valve I; this effects a communication
between the air and the burner of the lamp L, which is screwed to the orifice
of the tube C, by which it can be lowered at will. The burner is pierced with
a row of small holes, through which the gas escapes mixed with air entering
the burner from the body of the lamp. To obtain the light it is necessar
to raise the lever J by the knob K, which lifts the rod II, and by that
means the valve I; a light is then held to the under part of the burner,
which will heat the liquid at the surface, convert it into vapour, and cause it
directly to ignite; it may also be lit by applying, as before, a metal ring
dipped in the same liquid as that producing the gas. M, regulator, which is
unscrewed each time it is necessary to lower the valve I; the object of the
regulator is to keep the burner at a uniform temperature. N, collar fixed
inside the burner, supporting the valve I, which affords a passage to the gas
and oxygen of the atmosphere; O, support in which is placed the glass; it is
closed at bottom by the ring P, perforated with holes, and made to turn to
regulate the admission of air; R, space or chamber containing the vapour
produced by heat combined with the oxygen necessary for the supply of the
burner.

page_text: Figure 4 shews a burner simpler than the preceding, provided with a tube
indicated by the same letters, with screw and burner, furnished with a capillary
stopper for conducting the liquids to the burner, which is ignited by the same
process as before. The burner is like the last, and may be equally adapted to
all apparatus and to the bodies of all lamps now in use.
Figure 5 shews a fish-tail burner, which may replace the one or the other of
these two burners.
Figure 6, section shewing an oil-gas burner adapted for chandeliers. This
apparatus is composed of a copper tube A; B, brass support of the burner;
D, copper tube furnished with capillary stopper conducting the liquid to the
burner; E, cork through which passes the tube D, this cork confines the
liquid; F, burner, fitting in the tube A, and forming a reservoir for the gas;
G, regulator for regulating the flame of the burner.
Figure 7, section of a lamp similar to the preceding, mounted on a stand.
Figure 8, exterior view of the burner for general purposes.
Figure 9, section of a lamp with a circular reservoir, which may be adapted for
street lamps commonly using gas, oil, or otherwise. To this lamp is applied the
burner described in Figure 1 for consuming heavy oils. A, circular reservoir; B,
screw stopper, serving for the introduction of the liquid into the reservoir A;
C, screw stopper, which is opened to let the air escape and allow the liquid to
enter the reservoir; D, tube connected to the reservoir and burner, for con-
veying the liquid to the latter; E, valve rod communicating from the interior
to the exterior of the reservoir; F, valve which regulates the admission of
liquid to the burner; G, screw on the valve rod; H, handle fixed to the end
of the rod E; J, tube attached to the reservoir of the burner and to the
tube D; K, emptying pipe, with screw stopper L; M, reservoir of the burner,
receiving the liquid from the reservoir A by means of the tube D and valve F.
The vapour arising from the heated liquid ascends to the nipple N through
the tube O by means of small holes pierced on the side and in the interior of
the burner; 0, bent tube for introducing the oxygen of the atmosphere to the
burner; P, valve fixed to the reservoir M, and perforated with small holes ;
it is merely necessary to open or close this valve to regulate the quantity of
air necessary for combustion; Q, burner, perforated outside, and fixed on the
reservoir M; R, cup serving as glass holder, and in which a light liquid may
be placed for lighting.
Figure 10 is a section of a lamp of novel construction to which is fitted
the form shewn in Figure 9.
Figure 11 represents a section of a reservoir and burner applicable to all
kinds of light oil lamps. A, reservoir; B, pipes conducting the liquid from

page_text: the reservoir to the büfuer C, as in Figure 4; D, tube closed at its lower
part.
Figure 12 shews the application of my system of lighting by means of oil
gas to a walking stick. A, tube forming a reservoir for the liquid, placed in a
part of the stick hollowed out for the purpose; B, khob of the stick; of metal
or other material, shutting down like the lid of a watch; this knob screws to
the exterior of the stick after the introduction of the tube A; C, second tube,
furnished with a capillary stopper, plunged into the liquid in the tube A; D,
cork through which is inserted the tube C, maintaining it in the centre and
retaining the liquid in A; the cork is covered externally with a sinall metal
washer; E, tube forming a burner adjusted to the outer part of the tube C;
this small tube is pierced with several small holes, by which escapes the oil in
a gaseous state; it is lit like a candle: F; cork, serving, when necessary, to
close the tube C at its outer part, and which is there placed on withdrawing
the tube E forming the burner; the same is applicable to all similar articles.
G, small button and spring, which is pushed to open the knob when a light
is required.
Figure 13 shews the application of the same process to pencil cases and
other similar articles. To effect the lighting, it will be necessary to unscrew
the head forming a seal, and hold a light to it, which inflames the liquid. The
same letters are here used to represent similar parts to those in Figure 12.
Figure 14 shews the section of an inkstand to which this principle is
applied. A, body of the inkstand; B, réservoir forming the piston of the ink-
stand receiving the illuminating liquid; it äets by a knob provided with a
small chain turned to cause it to ascend or descend to regulate the ink in the
cup. This reservoir has one or more burners like that described in Figure 12,
which may be fixed of made moveable, passing through the lid D of the ink-
stand; one of these burners 18 shewn at C. E, tube for the introduction of
liquid into the reservoir B; F, burner fixed to the stand; this stand is hollow,
and serves as a reservoir for the liquid supplying the burner A; G, box for
liquid, provided with a ring to light the burners; to light the burner the ring
should be first inflamed and then held to the other burners.
Figure 15 shews the same application to a stick of umbrella. The knob
described in Figure 12 is replaced by another in a single piece provided with
socket and stops, which is made to pass over the body of the stick so far as to
allow the burier to egress by a hrote mate in the top.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Jules Etienne Lafond in the Great Seal Patent Office on tho
24th December 1856.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JULES
ETIENNE LAFOND, of Belleville, near Paris, in France, Engineer, and 4, South
Street, Finsbury, London, send greeting:
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Iler Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-fourth day of June, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-six, in the twentieth year of Her reign,
did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said
Jules Etienne Lafond, Her special license that I, the said Jules Etienne
Lafond, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the
said Jules Etienne Lafond, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should
at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times
thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make,
use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN LIGHTING," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said
Jules Etienne Lafond, by an instrument in writing under my hand and seal,
should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention,
and in what manner the same was to be performed, and cause the same to
be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and
immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Jules Etienne Lafond, do hereby
declare the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to
be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement thereof, reference being had to the annexed Sheets of
Drawings, and to the figures and letters marked thereon, that is to say:
This Invention consists in an improved construction of lamps and burners
for self-generating the gas obtained by burning oils and other inflammable
liquids, as represented in the annexed Drawings.
Figure 1, fixed lamp, which may also be mounted at will on a moveable
tripod or any other stand. This system is applicable to lighting in all situa
tions, it being simply necessary to place reservoirs in such a manner that the
liquid is transmitted to the burner at a constant level. A, A, body of the
lamp, hermetically closed by a screw plug B and stop-cock C; it suffices to
suppress the domes forming the level and to solder to the body the head of the
lamp in order to obtain a perfect closing. B is an orifice for the introduction

page_text: of the oil. In introducing the liquid the lamp is laid over, as in the Figure,
and only set upright after being filled and hermetically closed, so that the
liquid is maintained at a level with the opening. C, stop-cock fixed to the
dome of the lamp and serving to pass air into the body on the liquid, forcing
the latter to ascend to the orifice of the burner, which is indispensable to
counterbalance the pressure of the gaseous products evolved by the heat of the
burner; C¹, screw plug for the emptying of the lamp. In this arrangement
may be consumed the densest oils of 92° to 100° out of doors, as in court,
streets, squares, workshops, stables, &c., &c.; it requires neither special appa-
ratus nor lamps, being susceptible of adaptation to all without further change
than the substitution of the parts for working the wick in the lamps now
employed. D, valve working in the interior of the lamp A, mounted with
two slide rods E, E, and ring F, closed above by a stuffing box G, which
completely intercepts the air. This system of valve permits of regulating the
liquid at the curved tube H communicating with the burner, and allows the
suppression of the stop-cocks which are liable to leakage. I, outer part of the
burner, mounted with two tubes J and K; the one J serving for introduction
of air to the burner by means of the stop-cock L, and the other K receiving
the liquid from the body of the lamp A by means of the curved tube H¹.
I', space reserved round the tube K, serving to heat the liquid and to convert
it into vapour, which passes, by the small orifice M, into the chimney N, where
it mixes with the oxygen of the air coming from without by the stop-cock L,
rises to the burner O, heats it, and retains it always at the temperature neces-
sary to combustion.
To light the apparatus it is only necessary to present to the burner O a
lighted taper steeped in the same liquid; the burner is then heated; the liquid
volatilised escapes from the small orifice M, and passes to the burner, carrying
with it the oxygen introduced by the tubes P, P, P, attached to the tube J,
and communicating with the exterior. By means of this vapor, combined
with the oxygen, a volume of light is produced more considerable than that
obtained by the ordinary wick system. These burners may be of any desired
form, round, oval, fan, and others. The combustible matters employed being
of much higher density than those used at present, permit of lighting at a much
cheaper rate than on any other system.
Figure 2 is a burner adaptable to the same lamp, for the production of flat
or fan flames, &c., &c.
Figure 3 is the body of a moderator, carcel, or other similar lamp. All the
parts relating to the working of the wick now employed are suppressed, and
replaced by a burner, in which I use the light oils treated in my apparatus,

page_text: and procured by the distillation and rectification of the hydro-carburets from
peat, coal, lignite, &c., &c. By means of these oils, combined by fractions, I
obtain light oils, burning without smell, and adapted for use in houses.
A, body of the lamp; B, screw plug for the introduction of the liquid; C, tube
passing to the interior of the lamp, and fixed to the nut D, screwing to the
cup E; F, tube placed in the middle of the tube G, traversing its entire
length to the bottom of the lamp, where it is soldered, to prevent the running
off of the liquids. In this tube is a brass rod II, mounted with a valve I and
lever J, serving, by means of the small knob K, to work the valve I, which
gives air to the burner of the lamp L, screwed to the orifice of the tube C.
This burner is pierced with small holes, from which escapes the gas mixed
with air proceeding from the part G of the lamp. To light the apparatus it
suffices to raise the lever J by the knob K, which causes the rod H to rise;
this, in its turn, raises the valve I; a match is then beld below the burner,
which heats the liquid at its surface, converts it into vapour, and lights it.
The same end may be attained by means of a metallic ring dipped in the
same liquid. M, screw regulator, which is withdrawn as often as it may be
necessary to unmount the valve I. The object of this regulator is to maintain
the burner constantly at an equal heat. N, washer fixed inside the burner at
the situation of the valve I, giving passage to the gas and oxygen of the air;
O, support for the glass, closed below by a ring P pierced with holes, which
may be turned at will so as to regulate the supply of external air to the burner
of the lamp and prevent flickering of the flame. This support slides at will in
a socket Q fixed to the body of the lamp. R, chamber containing the quantity
of vapor produced by the heat, and combined with the oxygen necessary to
the constant feeding of the burner.
Figure 4 represents a simpler burner than the preceding one, mounted with
a tube, with its nut and burner furnished with a cotton roll serving to con-
duct the liquids to the burner, which is lighted by means already described.
This burner is like the preceding one, and is also applicable to all apparatus
at present in use. The rod Hand the valve I work by means of the rack and
pinion S.
Figure 5 represents a flat fan burner, which may be substituted for one or
other of the above.
Figure 6, section representing an oil-gas apparatus, which may replace
composite, stearine, and wax candles, &c. in chandeliers. This apparatus A is
composed of a copper tube to be adapted to a candlestick, indicated by the
letters B, C. D, copper tube mounted with cotton roll, conducting the liquid
to the burner; E, cork in which passes the tube D, and cutting off the liquid;

page_text: F, burner adapted to the tube A, forming reservoir of the gas, which is lighted
by a match or ring dipped in the liquid; G, chimney for the regulation of the
flame of the burner. To obtain a fan or separate burner it suffices to pierce
small holes at different inclined planes; and to obtain more or less intensity of
light I change the burner F, G.
Figure 7, section representing one of these burners adapted to a part of a
chandelier or candelabra. The parts of which it is composed are indicated by
the same letters as in Figure 6.
Figure 8 is an exterior view of this burner adapted to all situations.
Figure 9, section of a lamp mounted with its dome. This lamp, mounted
with a burner, already described, is intended for burning heavy oils of ninety-
seven degrees to one hundred degrees by means of the oxygen of the air, which
combines in rising to the burner, and which is regulated at will. A, circular
reservoir intended to receive the liquid; B, screw plug, for the introduction
of the liquid into the reservoir; C, second screw plug, for the escape of the air
and to permit the liquid passing into the dome; D, tube giving passage to the
liquid to transmit it to the burner; E, copper or other metallic rod passing
from the interior to the exterior of the reservoir; F, part of the rod E, forming
valve for regulating the supply of liquid to the burner, and suppressing the use
of stop-cocks; G, nut attached to the reservoir A, in which is screwed the
rod E; H, handle placed at the extremity of the rod E, and working it at
will; I, bulb receiving the liquid and the valve F of the rod E; J, tuba
attached to the reservoir of the burner and to the tube D; K, exit pipe,
mounted with a screw L, forming socket, and serving to draw off the liquid
contained in the reservoir of the burner; M, reservoir of the burner, receiving
the liquid from the reservoir A by means of the tube D and valve F. The
liquid is here heated and converted into vapor, ascending afterwards to the
chimney N, traversing the tube by means of small holes formed on the side
and in the interior of the burner; O, copper tube traversing the reservoir M,
and serving to pass the oxygen of the atmosphere to the burner; P, jointed
valve, pierced with small holes, and placed at the exterior of the reservoir M.
It suffices to open or close this valve to regulate the quantity of oxygen
necessary to the combustion of the burner; Q, copper burner, pierced with
holes at the exterior, and fitting on the reservoir M. The section permits the
position of the oxygen conducting tube O to be seen, as also the chimney
giving passage to the volatile products of the oils, which pass by the small
holes a, a, a, where they combine in the burner with the oxygen of the air,
which they carry in their passage to the orifice of the burner, where they are
inflamed; R, cap serving when required as support to the glass. In this glass

page_text: is poured some of the light liquid, burning without smoke, and which is
inflamed by the same processes as employed for lighting the gas. It therefore
suffices to light this liquid, which heats the burners, volatilises the liquid con-
tained in the reservoir M, ascends to the burner, inflames as above stated, and
is kept up by its own heat. This lighting process may, however be effected in
any other convenient way.
Figure 10 represents in section a lantern, of a new model, to which is
adapted the arrangement described at Figure 9, and which may be employed
in all situations or localities.
Having thus described the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner
the same is to be performed, I would have it understood that I do not confine
myself to the precise details herein laid down; but what I claim is,―
First, the general arrangement and construction of lamps for self-generating
the gas or vapour consumed, as herein-before described, and represented in the
annexed Drawings.
Second, the mode of constructing the burners for self-generating the gas or
vapour, and of supplying inflammable liquid to the same, as herein-before
described, and referred to in the accompanying Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said Jules Etienne Lafond, have hereunto-set
my hand and seal, this Twenty-second day of December, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-six.
JULE ETIENNE LAFOND. (L.S.)