US1849528A - Gas igniter - Google Patents

Description

March 15, 1932. 5, JOHNSON 1,849,528

GAS IGNITER Filed DEC. 8, 1950 FIGJ.

B. 6, c/OHNJO/V INVENTOR BY ATTORNEY Patented Mar. 15, 1932 UNETED STATES PATENT QFFICE BURR C. JOHNSON, OF PORT NECHES, TEXAS, ASSIGNOR TO THE TEXAS COMPANY, OF

NEW YORK, N. Y., A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE GAS IGNITER Application filed December 8, 1930.

My invention relates to igniters and more particularly to a pyrophoric device for use in the igniting of gas burners or torches or wherever a natural or artificial gaseous fluid may be discharged, the principal object of the invention being to provide an igniter which may be used with safety and which cannot be accidentally operated in a manner to cause an unintended fire or explosion.

With the gas igniters now in use wherein a pyrophoric substance is adapted to be moved over and in contact with a relatively fixed friction element, it often happens that the igniter is carried in the pocket of a Workman or attached to his belt, and is thus in such a position that should the operator accidentally brush against an obstruction or perhaps sit upon the igniter, a shower of sparks might be given 01f which, if occurring near a source of gas or inflammable liquid or within a gaseous tank, would result in a fire or explosion.

In accordance with my invention I have provided a gas igniter with a safety device which will prevent accidental relative movement of the parts of the igniter while in no way interfering with the intentional use thereof. In carrying out my invention I 39 have provided a small receptacle secured to the frame of the igniter and in which the pyrophoric metal or flint will be securely held against unintentional movements with respect to the other parts of the igniter.

For a better understanding of my invention reference may be had to the accompanying drawings in which Fig. 1 is a top or plan View of an igniter embodying my invention while Figs. 2 and 3 are respectively side and end views thereof.

Referring to the drawings a U shaped frame 10 of suitable spring wire serves to support a friction member 11 and a spark producing element 12. The frame 10 is preferably formed with a loop or coil 13 to aid in giving resiliency to the device, and a second coil 14 at one side to permit the igniter to be more easily held in the hand. One end of the frame 10 is clamped or otherwise secured to a supporting member 15 which Serial No, 500,685.

is provided with an enlarged flat portion 16 and a pair of side portions 17 and 18. Between the side portions 17 and 18 is mounted the friction element 11 which is preferably cylindrical and is rotatably supported on a fixed shaft or rod 19 so that it can be turned as desired. It is to be understood that the member 11 has a roughened surfaceupon which the pyrophoric metal 12 may be moved to produce a spark or series of sparks. The pyrophoric metal 12 is suitably secured to the other end of the frame 10 such as by means of a cap 20 which may be threaded to the downturned end of the frame 10.

In order to prevent unintentional operation of the igniter, I have provided a receptacle 21 which may be formed of a short piece of metal tubing and which is secured to the side portion 18 of the supporting member 15 by suitable means such as by soldering. The upper rim of the receptacle 21 is preferably turned slightly inwardly as at 22.

After the igniter has been used, the side of the frame 10 having the spark producing member 12 attached thereto is lifted slightly and the member 12 is lowered into the receptacle 21. The spring of the frame 10 will cause the cap 20 to engage the inner surface of the receptacle 21 and the inwardly turned rim 22 will prevent the spark producing member from slipping out of the receptacle.

When it is desired to use the igniter the side of the frame is lifted and the pyrophoric member 12 placed upon the friction element 11. By squeezing the sides of the frame together a shower of sparks will then be produced to ignite the gas, after which the spark producing member 12 may be returned to its position within the receptacle 21.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the invention, as hereinbefore set forth, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and therefore only such limitations should be imposed as are indicated in the appended claims.

What I claim is 1. In a pyrophoric device, a resilient frame, a friction element secured to one end of said frame, a spark producing member secured to the other end of said frame for engagement with said friction element, and means for holding said spark producing member out of engagement with said friction element when the device is not in use.

2. In a igniter, a U shaped supporting frame. a friction member having a roughened surface secured to said frame, a pyrophoric member also secured to said frame, and a receptacle supported by said frame and friction member and adapted to hold said pyrophoric member when not in use.

3. In a pyrophoric device, a resilient frame, a friction element secured to one end of said frame, a spark producing member secured to the other end of said frame for engagement with said friction element, and means for holding said spark producing member out of engagement with said friction element when the device is not in use, said means comprising a receptacle secured to said frame and having an inwardly turned rim for engaging said spark producing member.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 18th day of November, 1930. BURR- C. JOHNSON.

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