Improvements in and relating to Acetylene Generators.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 2nd June, 1899-Accepted, 29th July, 1899
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Acetylene Generators.
I, EMIL HILBERG, D.Ph., of 16, Schellingstrasse, Berlin, in the German Empire,
Chemist, do hereby declare the nature of this invention, and in what manner
the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement:-
This invention relates to acetylene generators and more particularly to that
type which is used in combination with or forms part of lamps such as table lamps.
The principal object of the invention is to provide means or devices for checking
the generation of gas when the lamp is turned out or when the consumption of
acetylene is stopped. At the same time provision is made for keeping the gas
at a safe pressure, and for regulating the pressure so that fluctuations are not
noticeable at the burner.
The accompanying drawing illustrates in vertical section one form of the
improved generator designed for use as part of a table lamp.
The water is contained within a tank h which forms the base of the apparatus.
Secured to the top of the tank is a cylinder b which opens at its lower end w into
the tank and contains the receptacle e for the granulated carbide. The outlet of
the receptacle is closed by a valve d which consists of two semicircular discs of
indiarubber the straight edges of which are arranged opposite to each other, the
circular edges being secured to the mouth of the receptacle. A complete disc of
rubber may be substituted having a slit along a diameter. In the normal state
of the valve the edges of the indiarubber come together and close the outlet of
the carbide receptacle.
It is opened to permit the passage of the carbide by the rod or spindle d which
is forced down by the spring o into the position shown in the drawing, when car-
bide is free to fall into the water tank. The generated gas passes upwards through
the filter f into the space g whence it may be led to the burner or burners through
the passage a formed in the valve spindle d.
Attached to the valve spindle is a flexible diaphragm or piston m which is
forced upwards when the pressure of the gas exceeds a safe or pre-determined
point and withdraws the head of the rod from the valve and thus permits
the latter to close and cut off the supply of carbide. When the pressure falls
again the valve is once more forced open by means of the spring o, carbide is
again supplied to the water, and the generation of gas is resumed, to be again
interrupted upon an excessive increase in pressure.
Should, by accident, the pressure of gas continue to increase after the supply
of carbide has been cut off, then the water will be forced upwards through the
tuber to an extent dependent upon the pressure. This upward displacement of
the water may continue until the stopper s is forced out and the water may escape
until the lower end of the tube r is uncovered, in which event the gas is also
free to escape.
In the normal working of the apparatus this displacement of the water effects
the regulation of the pressure of the gas and prevents fluctuations.

page_text: If any carbide falls into the water tank when the water is at its lowest level n,
it will be caught upon the perforated top or cover i of the mud receptacle z and
will be kept dry.
The nutt serves to withdraw and to hold the valve spindle d in its inoperative
position when the, apparatus is not in use.
In this improved apparatus all the metallic parts which move in contact with
each other are arranged so as not to be exposed to the unfiltered gas. They would
otherwise soon be covered with a muddy deposit consisting essentially of lime
which would prevent them working properly. The valve which is exposed to
the unfiltered gas, does not show the slightest deposit after long continued work-
ing, as the frequent bending and straightening of the indiarubber prevents
adhesion. Another advantage of the indiarubber valve is that very little power is
required to work.it.
For purposes of cleaning the cylinder may be easily separated from the tank h,
and the valve may be as easily removed from the carbide receptacle.
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. An acetylene generator, constructed arranged and operating substantially as
and for the purpose herein before described and as illustrated by the accompany-
ing drawing.
'
2. In an acetylene generator, the combination of a valve which is operated by
the variations of pressure, a safety escape tube, and a device for retaining any car-
bide which falls into the water tank when the water is at a low level, all con-
structed and arranged substantially as hereinbefore described and as illustrated
by the accompanying drawing.
Dated this 1st day of June A D 1899