GB410123A - Improvements in imitation fuel - Google Patents

Abstract

410,123. Imitation fuel ; embossing non - metallic substances. PREMIER ELECTRIC HEATERS, Ltd., and NEWTON, A. E., Premier Works, Keeley Street, Birming- ham. Nov. 9, 1932, Nos. 31579/32 and 6611/33. [Class 126.] Imitation fuel is manufactured from fabric such as calico, voile, or muslin by applying to it a stiffening fluid, subsequently pressing or folding it to the shape of fuel, and then setting it so that it retains this shape ; alternatively, the fabric is moistened, folded or pressed to the shape of fuel whilst moist, and set in this shape by heating. In one method the fabric is crushed into a ball, immersed in an aqueous solution of ammonium chloride, and dried. The fabric, thus stiffened and fireproofed, is then cut into pieces which are shaped by folding or pressing, overlapping parts 10 being retained by sewing, riveting, &c. The resulting fuel bodies are then dipped in a silica solution, prepared for example as described in Specification 290,717, [Class 1 (i)]. After drying, a second application of the solution is made, and small flakes of mica, glass, &c. are applied. Further applications of the solution follow, the body being also coloured black in parts, whilst ash-simulating material may be applied. In another method, the fabric is moistened with an adhesive, such as glue, then placed on a die or former, which may be made of synthetic resin, steel, or other non-adhering material, and finally dried by heat and removed. In a third method, the material is immersed in an aqueous suspension of magnesium borate, wrung out, and placed whilst wet in a hollow liner 16, conveniently formed by electrodeposition or beaten from a metal sheet. The liner is then placed in a heated die 20 of castiron and an upper die 21, preferably of lead, is applied. When dry, the fabric is removed, painted, and treated one or more times with an aqueous solution of sodium silicate, which is dried by heat. Alternatively, the silica solution previously referred to may be used. The fuel pieces may comprise a single lump or a unit representing a complete fire. They may also be made to resemble logs.