US2769326A

US2769326A - Smokers' lighters

Info

Publication number: US2769326A
Application number: US363265A
Authority: US
Inventors: Perlin Fred
Original assignee: Parker Pen Co
Current assignee: Parker Pen Co
Priority date: 1953-06-22
Filing date: 1953-06-22
Publication date: 1956-11-06
Anticipated expiration: 1973-11-06

Description

Nov. 6, 1956 F. PERLIN 2,769,326

SMOKERS' LIGHTEIRS yFiled June 22, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 5% g e 6@ fg; /255 25g 70 *1r-'2 25 l Y --iwv nml Q 20 5% V; fifi," 6@ f l 35 :$7111 M i .Il ZZ 60 Z2 50 62 Q Q5 "lh-f Illundun l .160 ,250 @mi Nv. 6, 1956 F. PERLIN 2,769,326

SMOKERS' LIGHTERS Filed June 22, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 26 27 Z' ze@ 275 F. PERLIN 2,769,326

SMOKE-RS LIGHTERS Nov. 6, 1956 'Filed June 22, 1955 -4 sheets-sheet s Nov. 6, 1956 F. PERLIN 2,769,326

SMOKERS" LIGHTERS Filed June 22," 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 UnitedI States Patent sMoKERs LIGHTERS Fred Perln, Oconomowoc, Wis., assignor to The Parker Pen Company, Janesville, Wis., a corporation of Wisconsrn Application June 22, 1953, Serial No. 363,265

11 Claims. (Cl. 67-7.1)

This invention relates to lighters of the type commonly employed in lighting cigars and cigarettes and has to do particularly with a lighter of the so-called gaseous fuel type which employs as a fuel a normally gaseous mate` rial which is stored in the lighter in the form of a ,compressed or liquefied gas and is discharged and burned in gaseous form.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved lighter of the gaseous fuel type having an improved mechanism for controlling the discharge of fuel.

Another object is to provide a lighter of the gaseous fuel type having an improved mechanism for controlling the dischargeof fuel and simultaneously igniting the discharged fuel.

A further object is to provide a lighter of the gaseous fuel type having improved means for adjusting the rate of ow of gas from the tank or container of the lighter.

Another object is to provide a lighter oftheA gaseous fuel type wherein the rate of flow of gas from the tank is controlled'in such manner as to be generally uniform regardless of the temperature of the air surrounding the lighter, whereby the llame is maintained` at a generally uniform height. Y

Another object is to provide a lighter of the gaseous fuel type having a simple, positive and effective mechanism for controlling the ow of gas from tneftank and for igniting the discharged gas. Y l

A further object is to provide a lighter of the gaseous fuel type having a sparking wheel, which includes improved means for actuating the sparking wheel, and an improved valve construction for controlling ow of fuel from the tank to a lighting station, together with means for controlling the operation of the valve by the operation of the means for actuating the sparking means so that fuel is emitted at the lighting station immediately prior to actuation of the sparking wheel. y

Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear from the following description taken in connection with the appended drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of a lighter made according to the present invention, with portions broken away and shown in section; A v

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary sectional View taken on line 2 2 of Fig. 1, with the bottom portion of the tank of the lighter omitted;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary sectional View taken'on line 3-3 of Fig. l showing particularly the valve and flow control structure;

Fig. 4 is a view taken substantially on line 4-4 of Fig. 3; l v

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken on line 5-5 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of certain elements of the structure of Fig. 3;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentaryv sectional view taken on line 7 7 of Fig. l; y

Fig. 8 is a fragmentaryY sectional view taken on line 8-8 -of Fig. 1;

2,769,326 Patented Nov. 1956 "ice Fig. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on line 9-9 of Fig. l;

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary view taken from the right of Fig. 9 but with a portion broken away; l I

Fig. 1l is a sectional view taken on line 11-11 of Fig. 2;

Fig. l2 is a sectional view taken on line 12-12 of Fig. 2, and showing certain elements in differentY positions relative to Fig. l1;

Fig. 13 is a view similar to Fig. 124 but with certain elements in diiferent positions relative to Fig. l2;

Fig. 14 is a bottom view of the sparking wheel, taken substantially on line 14-14 of Fig. 2;

Fig. l5 is a View taken substantially on line 15-15 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 16 is an axial sectional view of a modified form of valve suitable for use in the lighter instead of the valve of Fig. 3; and

Fig. 17 is a fragmentary sectional view of the metering plug included in the valve of Fig. 16.

Referring particularly to Figs. 1 and 2, the lighter,

` made according to the present invention, includes a chassis 20 and 'a tank 22 together with an enclosing casing 24. The casing 24 is herein shown diagrammaticallyand may assume any desired and suitable form such,

for example, asa casing'generally similar to the casing parts of the lighter while the tank 22 contains the supply of fuel which is conducted through the valve means in the chassis to the burner as controlled by the means for actuating the flintsparking'- wheel in the normal use of l the lighter'.

The lighter is preferably made of al suitable metal throughout its construction except certain elements as will be referred tol specifically such, for example, as the flint, resilient sealing lmeans and resilient metering means.

The chassis 20 includes a base or lower portion 26 extending substantially throughout the length and breadth of the chassis and is provided with a longitudinal wall portion or rib 28 along one side thereof and an upwardly facing supporting surface 30 on which is mounted a second main portion32, preferably separate from the base, and which may be termed a flint holder, serving to slidably support the ilint and feed means therefor as well as to aid in supporting'the sparking wheel and other elements. The flint holder 32 includes a lower block portion 34 resting on the surface 30 and engaging the wall element 28 and secured thereto by suitable lmeans such as screws 36. Preferably a laterally extending guide pin 37 is secured in the wall element 28 for insertion into an aperture 39 in the iiint holder for guiding the flint holder into proper'position on the base. The block portion 34 is of lesser length than the base 26 (Fig. V2) and for enabling the flint to be fed toward and into engagement with the sparking wheel 46 which is operatively mounted in the recess 40. 4The bore 42 may also open through the opposite end of the chassis, as shown in Fig. 2. Preferably the flint holder is provided with an opening 43 in the form of a groove communicating with the bore i2 and opening upwardly through the top of the llint holder for enabling insertion of va new int into the bore 4i-2 when desired, as when a previous flint is eX- pended. The bore 4Z is preferably circular in cross section to accommodate conventional flints which are cornmonly also circular in cross section. Hom/ever, the specic cross-sectionalshape of the bore and flint may be otherwise than stated, if desired. v

The sparking wheel is provided with a knurled or otherwise roughened peripheralsurfacefor engaging the int in rotation ofthe wheel, and throwing sparks therefrom toward the stream of fuel issuing from the tank of the lighter as will be brought out fully hereinafter. The flint 44 is fed toward the sparking wheel by means of a flint follower 56 and spring means S2, the latter having engagement with the int follower and being secured1 to the chassis at a convenient location, such as the wall element 23 of the base, as will bepointed out-presently. The follower 50 is preferably in the form of a cylindrical plug-like element and may have a vroughened forward surface S4 engageable with the flint, if desired, to prevent the flint from turning. The follower 50 is provided with a transverse aperture or bore 56 through which extends a shaft 58, the latter 4extending through side slots 60 in the flint holder (Figs. l and 2) and on which isrnounted a negator spring 52 constituting means for urging the flint follower in direction to feed Vthe flint toward the sparking wheel. One end of the shaftrSS is provided with an enlarged head or circular flange 62 preferably integral therewith. The other end of the shaft is provided with a similar head or flange 64 overlyingthewall element 28 and spaced from the fiint holder a substantial distance. The shaft and

heads

62 and 64 form a drum with which the negator spring 52 cooperates, :thespringencircling the shaft between the head 64 and the adjacent portion of the flint holder wall. v

The negator spring 52 preferably-takes the form of a plurality of leaves 66 (Fig. 10) which are preferably three in number. The leaves are stacked to form an effective single spring and at one end are together secured to the chassis at a suitable location, such as on the upper surface of the wall element 28, by meansof a screw 63 inserted through apertures in the leaves and threaded into the wall element. The leaves-are otherwise disconnected from each other, and are disconnected from the shaft 58, while encircling the shaft. The individual leaves are pre-stressed in coil formand each leaf may. be readily coiled in a small diameter coil, but'because of the plurality of leaves, the spring has substantial strength. Upon the spring being straightened it tends to re-coil. ri`he flint follower 5@ may be-retractedtto the left,-Figs. l and 2) by engagementof the thumb withthe negator spring 52 or the adjacent head 64,V and since the spring is connected to the chassis, the retracting movement tends to straighten the spring and upon release ofthe thumb from the spring or head, the tendency Yof the spring to re-coil urges the follower to the right (Figs. l and 2) and thus yieldingly feeds the fiint'through the bore 42 into engagement with the sparking wheel 46.

The lighter is provided with a burner tip 7i) (Figs. l, 2 and 7) from which gaseous fuel-is emitted injan upwardly flowing stream or column, -so located that'the sparks thrown from the flint by the lsparking wheel, are directed into the stream. The casing 24 is provided with a suitable opening in the top -above the burner tip for accommodating the stream of fuel, and theame when the fuel is lighted, such `for* example ,as is .provided in the casing of the lighter `disclosedinthe copendingapplication referredto above- Ille .fuel :is fedtoiftherbrimer 4 tip from the tank 22 through the valve means illustrated in Fig. 3 which will be described in detail hereinafter.

The tank 22 may assume any desired form but is preferably constructed generally similarly to the tank 2 of the copending application referred to above. The tank (Fig. 8) in its preferred .construction includes a generally cup-shaped member'72 which, for convenience, may have a generally square overall shape although the particular shape may be as desired, as will be understood. A cover 74 is permanently and sealinglysecured to the body member 72 in a suitable manner asby welding or brazing. The cover member '74 as well as the body member 72 mayhavesuitable strengthening ribs 76 for imparting the Adesired strength to the tank. The tank is formed with a lling and discharge opening '73 surrounded by an inwardly turned flange or wall element Si?. The opening is adapted to receive a plug 82 formed of a suitable resilient material such as a;rubberlike product having Vsufficient resilience to provide the necessary sealing action at the opening, and which is inert to the fuel Vused in the lighter. Neoprene has been found suitable-furthe purpose. The plug 82 may be inserted in the opening 78 inanysuitable manner and is provided with upper and lower flanges .84 Vand 86 for engagement with the tank portions for sealing the opening 78. The lighter is adapted for replacement of an empty tank by a full tank by the user and the full tank of fuel must, of course, be sealed until itis connected with the chassis. 'For this purpose the reserve tank is provided with suitable closure means, such as the plug core of the above mentioned copending application, which is fitted in the central aperture 83 of the resilient plug 82. When such tank is connected with the chassis, thel plug core is removed from the central aperture 83 by the stem 90 and forced into the interior of the tank. The stem `90frorming an extension ,of one of the elements of the valve mechanism for controlling the flow of uel fromthe-tank, isy of such dimensions that it is sealingly engaged bythe plug 82 so as to prevent the escape of fuel therepast.

The lighter, similarly to thelighter of the above-mentioned Ycopending application, is adapted for using fuel such, for example, as butane, which, at temperatures at which the lighter is normally to be used, takes the form of gas but which may be readily liquefied by compression and/ or cooling. The fuelis introduced into the tank when the latter ischarged in the form of a liquid, and preferably at a temperature below the vaporizing temperature, after which the tank is closed. When the tank is at a normal use temperature, the fuel in the tank is under substantial pressure and a portion of the fuel is in gaseous form, the remainder being in liquid form. The valve disclosed herein is adapted to conduct and control the flow of fuel from Ythe tank and deliver. it to the burner tip 70 in gaseous form. The opening 78 may be utilized `for charging the tank, after which the plug and core referred to above are inserted in the plug 82.

The stem 90 not only serves as a means for directly connecting the tank 22 to the chassis Ztl, but also as a passage for conducting fuel from the tank to the valve mechanism of Fig. 3, from which it emerges at the lighting station. The stem 90 is of generally tubular form having a passage-9? therethrough communicating with the interior of the tank and with other passages through the chassis and Valve means. The inner or lower end of the stem 90 is preferably tapered as at 94 for aiding insertion of the stem through the plug S2, the tip portion preferably having a reduced bore portion 96 communicating with the bore 92. The upper or outerend of the stem 90 includes an exteriorly threaded portion and a flange portion 100. The threaded portionr93 is threaded into a bore 102 in the chassis base 26 which has an inner threaded portion and an ^outer,-slightly V`enlarged portion 104, The portion 102 of the stem-andthe bore 102 are so dimensioned thatwhen thevbody portionV is threaded into the bore, the flange 100 engages the under surface of the chassis base andvserves as a -means for limiting insertion of the body into the bore. The flange 100 is provided with suitable sealing means such as a resilient ring-shaped gasket 106 tted in an annular groove 108 in the flange and positioned for Iengagement with the under surface of the base 26 of the chassis when the portion 98 is threaded into the bore 102. The portion 98 is provided with a radial bore 110 leading from the bore 92 outwardly to the bore portion 104 and establishing communication between the two bores mentioned, whereby gaseous fuel from ythe tank is enabled to pass through the stem 90 and into lthe annular space in the bore portion 104. The gaseous fuel in the annular space passes through a bore or passage 112 formed in the body of the chassis and leading from the annular space to another and enlarged bore 114 also formed in the base 26 of the chassis. It will be noted at this point that the bore 114, which as shown in Fig. 3, contains the operating parts of the valve and the burner tip 70, is positioned in the chassisl so as to properly position the burner tip 70 (Fig. l) so that the stream of fuel issuing therefrom is properly positioned for receiving the stream of sparks from the flint when the sparking wheel is rotated clockwise (Fig. l). The bore 114 at its lower end is interiorlyy threaded as at 116 for receiving a threaded adjustment screw 118 having an upwardly extending, central reduced-diameter projection 120. An annular space 122 is thus formed around the projection 120, communicating with the bore 112. The adjustment screw 118 is preferably provided with a screw driverslot 124 'for engagementby a screw driver for insertion of the screw in the bore and for adjusting movement for increasing or decreasing v the valve opening through thevalve structure, vas will be brought out in detail hereinafter. The,A lowerend of the bore 114 is-preferably closed by a suitable plug screw 126 which may be recessed into lthe base of thechassis and positioned substantially ush with the under surface thereof. A gasket 128 of suitable resilient sealing ma'- terial is compressed between the head of thescrew and the wall of the recess 127 Afor sealing the bore 114 and the threaded portion v116fagainst .the Vescape lof gaseous fluid therethrough. y .Y Y Y The bore 114 at its upper end is provided Awith a relatively large counterbore 130 interiorly threaded `for receiving the burnerfvalve body 132V which 4contains the burner tip 70. The body 132 is ofgenerally. tubular form having a lower Vexteriorly threaded portion 134 threaded into the counterbore 130, a gasket 1 36 of suitable resilient sealing material being interposed between the valve body 132 and the bottom surface of the counterbore 130 for sealing the bore 114 at its upper end against the escape of gaseous fuel. The upper vend of the valve body 132 is preferably of reduced dimension to Af orm the burner tip 70. The bore through the valve/body 132 includes three main portions, namely a lower, relatively large-diameter portion 138, a centralthreaded portion 140 preferably of relatively reduced diameter, and an upper portion 142 of still greater reduced diameter.

Mounted in the lower bore portion 138 is a metering plug or inlet member 144 of generally disc-like shape having a central solid portion engageable with the projection 120 and aplurality of axially extending apertures 146, preferably two in number (Figs. and 6), disposed radially outwardly of the central portion and outwardly of the projection 120, forming passages communicating with the annular space 122. The apertures 146 may be of any desired number and dimension so as to provide the desired and optimum capacity for ow of gaseous fuel therethrough. Disposed above the metering plug 144 is a metering disc or outlet member 148 provided with an aperture 150 therethrough of generally cruciform shape and having laterally or radially extending wing portions 152 which, in the form utilized, are

four in .,number. The metering disc is positioned with opposite ones of the wing portions 152 in register and alignment with the apertures 1.46 in the metering plug. The width of the aperture wing portions 152 is preferably greater than the diameter of the apertures 146. The metering plug 144 and metering disc 148 are dimensioned for snug but sliding engagement with the Wall of the bore 138v for sliding movement therein, inl response to adjusting movement of the adjustment screw 118. Positioned above and in engagement with the metering disc 148 is a metering ring 154 of yieldable and resilient material, capable of being compressed between the metering disc 148 and the elements thereabove. The metering ring is preferably in the shape of a torus, circular in cross section when in its normal unstressed condition (Fig. 6).

The metering ring 154 is disposed between and engaged by the metering disc 148 land -a valve-plug 156 threaded in the central bore portion 140 of the valve body 132. The undersurface of the valve plug is flush with the upper surface of the lower bore portion 138, thus presenting a continuous annular lsurface 158 for engagement with the metering ring 154. Upon upward adjustment of the acljustment screw 118, the metering plug 144 `and metering disc 14,8 are moved upwardly, reducing the space between the metering ydisc :and the surface 153 and thereby compressing the metering ring therebetween. This action results in forcing portions of the metering ring down into the aperture 150 in the metering disc, and particularly inlto'the wing portions 152 thereof. The greater the compression force applied to the metering ring and the consequent projection of the metering ring downwardly toward lthe apertures 146, the greater is the restricting effect on the 4apertures 146 and hence reduction in rate of flow of fuel therethrough. Upon adjusting of the adjustment yscrew 11S in the opposite direction, i. e. ,downwardly, the 4space between the metering 'disc and surface V158 is increased, enablingthe metering ring to tend to resume its toroidal shape Iwhich, as ay consequence, retracts a proportional extent from the aperture wing portions 152, and from the 'aperture-s 146, enlarging the effective opening from -the latter apertures and permitting :a greater rate of `lowof fuel.

lchanges in temperature ambient to the lighter.

Similar Acontraction and expansion of the metering ring takes place' in. response to For vthis purpose the metering ring 154 is made of a suitable elastomer having a relatively high coefficient of thermal expansion, whereby in response to increased ambient temperature it expands and projects farther into the aperture wing portions 152 and tends to close the apertures 146 and thus' reduce the effective opening thereof, compensating for the tendency to greater rate of flow due to increased pressure of the gas caused by increased ambient v temperature. Upon lowering of the ambient temperature, the metering ring contracts, and withdraws or retracts a proportional amount from the apertures 146, in a manner described above in connection with adjustment of the adjustment screw 118. Thus regardless of the ambient temperature, the rate of flow of fuel through the valve remains substantially constant and hence the height of the flame produced thereby remains substantially constant.

The valve plug 156 is provided with a bore 160, and has an enlarged recess 162 in Iits under surface, which maybe polygonal in shape for engagement by a suitable tool for inserting the valve plug into the bore 140. The bore extends upwardly through the valve plug which has a reduced tapered portion 164 extending lupwardly into the bore 142 of the valve body. The bore 160 in the valve plug is adapted to be closed by a valve closure or shut-off member l166 which preferably includes a resilient valve seat 168 formed of sealing material and suitably mounted as in a valve seat housing 170, slidably mounted in the bore portion 142. The housing 170, as illustrated, is preferably cup-shaped for receiving the valve seat 168 which is secured therein in any suitable avea-see manner, |and has an outer substantially cylindrical surface for guiding and sliding engagement with the surface of the bore portion 142. Upon depression of the valve closure member 166 the valve seat 168 engages Ithe upper end of the Valve plug 156 land closes the bore 160 against the flow of fuel therethrough. A suitable ball 172, which is preferably rigid and may be made of steel, is disposed in the bore portion 142 above the valve member 166. The ball is freely rotatable and reciprocable in the bore and is held therein by inturned or peened portions 174 formed on .the upper edge of the inner surface of the bore portion 142. The dimensions of the various elements are such that when the ball 172 is uppermost and engaged with the peened portions 174, its upper portion extends out of the bore for engagement by a lever arm 176 which will be referred to again in connection with the means for actuating the sparking Wheel. The inner surface of the bore portion 142 is provided with a plurality of grooves 178, preferably fou-r in number (Fig. 4) opening through the top of the burner tip 79 and extending downwardly to a position. at least below the upper end of the valve plug 156 for providing passages for flow of fuel therethrough and past the ball. The ball 172 thus serves only as a valve-closing member and does not close the burner tip outlet. Gaseous fuel, upon issuing upwardly through the bore16t in the valve plug, lifts the valve member 166, except when the valve member is held down, passes into the bore portion 142 below the valve member, and flows through the grooves 178 in by-passing relation to the valve member 166 and ball member 172. The valve closure member 166 and ball 172 fare dimensioned for easy sliding movement in the bore portion 142 so that they may belifted by the pressure of the gaseous fuel in and issuing from the bore 16) when the restraining force is removed from the ball. When the ball is depressed by the lever arm 176 the required yield'ability for closing the bore 16@ is provided by the resilient valve seat 168. The lever arm 176 includes an aperture or hole 1.8i) (Fig. 3) of suiciently great dimensions to enable the ball to move upwardly, until limited by the peened portions 174., to thereby provide the desired opening for issuance of the fuelfrorn the burner tip 70. The conditions under which the hole or aperture'lt) isrdisposed in register with the ball 172 will be describedin connection with the mechanism'for operating the sparking wheel 46, the lever `arm 176 in which the hole 180 is formed being directly manipulated by the user in the act of operating Vthe lighter.

The sparking wheel 46 (Fig. 2) is rotatably mounted on a shaft 182 extending vertically through the recess or :cavity 40, the shaft. supporting not only the sparking wheel but certain other related operating elements as well. r`he shaft 182 is suitably mounted in the chassis as by means of a recess 1%4 in the base 26 which receives the lower end of the shaft and the overhanging arm portion 38 on the int carrier 32. The upper end l186 of the shaft is preferably of reduced diameter and fitted in an aperture 188 -in the overhanging arm portion 3S, the reduced portion 186 forming 'a shoulder engaged by the under surface of the overhanving arm portion for prop* erly securing the shaft in position against axial displacement, and the overhanging larm portion similarly retains the elements mounted on the shaft against displacement laxially of the shaft. It will be understood that the-shaft 182 together with the elements mounted thereon may be inserted in position upon removal of the flint carrier 32 from the base 26, after which the flint carrier portion is inserted in position :and secured to the braise.

rfhe sparking wheel 46, or flint wheel as it is sometimes called, is arranged for rapid rotation through a predetermined angular movement in response to the teI1- sioning of a spring which is tensioned by an element actuated by the thumb or finger of the user. Y.It is desired that vthe sparking wheel be rapidly rotated so that a greater spark will' be produced than would'be the case'if VS the sparking wheel were rotated slowly as often is the case when it is rotated directly by the thumb of the user in operating the lighter. Thus, the spring is tensioned by an element movedby the thumb,. during which time the sparking wheel is restrained against rotation, and when the spring is properly tensioned the sparking wheel is released andthe tension in the spring causes the sparking wheel to be rapidly rotated.

VThezlever arm 176, which is actuated by the user for rotating the sparking wheel and controlling the valve means (Fig. 3), is mounted for rotation on the axis of the shaft 182 and includes an operating handle 19t? (Fig. 1)`projecting through a suitable opening in the casing'2ll to the exterior and ,positioned for convenient engagement by the thumb. 'The lever arm also includes a platelike portion or sector '192 overlying the burner tip 7), in close proximity thereto, in which the hole 18d therein is formed, and positioned for registering with the burner tip in a predetermined positionof .the lever arm. The plate-like portion or sector`192 is` generally in the form of a quadrant'for controlling the valve means (Fig. 3) throughout rotation of the lever arm substantially as is desired, in the act of operating the lighter. The lever arm 176 is` directlymounted on and supported by a-housing194. mounted on the shaft 132, which may also be referred to as the driver spring housing, containing a driver spring 196. The housing 1% includes a generally cup-shape upper housing proper'197 and a lower tubular hub portion 199 snugly engaging the shaft, but preferably rotatable thereon.' The housing has bearing support on the base 26 asin a recess. 201, and is provided with an annular recess193 in its outer surface adjacent its upper edge, forming a reduced-diameter extension 2% extending into aniopening 202 in the lever arm 17 6 Vand serving as a means for mounting the lever arm. The lever arm is secured to the"` housing 194 by suitable means such as by soldering or'brazing at -Y204,;foreffecting rotation of thehousing 194 in response to the rotation of the lever arm. rThe recess'198 is suitably dimensioned so that the upper surface ofthe lever'jarm is substantiallyiiush with the upper surface of the reduced portion 2G15 for forming a continuous annular bearing surface for supporting a driver 206. Y The driver 206 is generally in the form of a ring but with Acertain conformationsformed in its periphery, vas will be, described in detail'hereinafter (Figs. ll, 13).` AThe'jdriver is provided with a tubular hub 208 rotatably ,mounted on the shaft 182, and preferably formed as a separate piece from the driver 206 and securedV thereto in a suitable manner'such as by soldering or brazing at`210,=the'hub having a reduced central portion extending into the central kaperture of the driver 2% forminga convenient means for mounting the driver and hub together.

The driver spring 196 contained in the housing 194, in surrounding Vrelation to the shaft 182 and hub 20S, is arranged for rapidlyrotating Vthe sparking wheel in the manner'referredto above and to this end is connected effectively to the-driver 206 and lever arm 176. One end portion of the driver spring 196, e. g. the lower end por tion, is turned'outwardly at 212 and fitted in a radial aperture 214-formed in the wall of the housing 194 while thev other and upper end portion 216 is turned inwardly and fitted in a recess 21S in the hub 203. Thus, when the housing-194B rotated by rotation of the lever arm 176, the rotational -force is transmitted through the driver spring 196`and'when the driver 236 is held against rotation, las it is throughout a portion of the lighting operation, in a mannerto be explained hereinafter, the spring 196 is tensioned. Then-later, when the driver 266 is released, -towardithe end of the rotational movement, the tension in the spring rapidly rotates the driver which, through adriving connection, rotates the sparking wheel 4,6.

The drivingconneetion between the driver 206 andthe sparking wheel; includes a clutch' 220-connected with the driver 206 for rotation therewith. The clutch is preferably formed as an element separate froml the driver for the sake of convenience in manufacturing, .and when connected thereto is effectively unitary therewith. The clutch includes a clutching element releasably engageable with the sparking wheel for advancing the sparking wheel in one direction andv enabling the clutch to move in retracting direction while the sparking wheel is held against rotation (as explained below), for enabling the clutch to be positioned successively for advancing the clutch in each actuation of the lever arm 176. The clutch 220 is preferably in the form of a relatively thin annular disc or wafer having ay central aperture 222 (Fig. l1) fitted on the shaft 182 and dimensioned for enabling rotation relative thereto and about the axis thereof. :The clutch 220 is provided with a lug 224 (Figs. 1l and l2) at a convenient location on its periphery turned down and fitted into a complementally shaped recess or notch 226 formed in the periphery of the driver 206. The driver and clutch are both restrained against lateral play and substantial axial play and thus the lug 224 is retained in the notch. The lug 224 hasl adequate axial dimension so as to be restrained against axial displacement in the incidental but small axial play permitted the clutch. Such axial play results from the space between the driver and the sparking wheel as is necessary for proper actuation of the clutch through the clutching iinger 228 on the clutch (Figs. 2 and 1l) which formsv the means for engaging the sparking wheel and rotating it in response to rotation of the clutch. The clutching nger 228 is preferably formed by means of cutting or slotting the clutch as at 229 (Fig. 11), and bending the portion thus formed upwardly so that its extended end projects at an angle to the plane of the clutch (Figs. Zand 7). The material from which the clutch is formed is preferably spring metal so that the clutching inger'228 will return to its normal shape and position after being flexed therefrom. The clutching finger is normally biased upwardly into the desired position but enabled to flex downwardly toward the plane of the clutch. The clutching nger 228 is positioned for engaging the teetht230.v formed in the lower surface of the sparking wheel 46 (Figs. 2 and 7). Upon rotation of the clutch 220 inthe intended direction (clockwise, Figs. 1 and 1l),` the clutching iinger 228 engages one of the teeth 230.and rotates the sparking wheel in that direction.` In the reverse and retracting direction, the sparking wheel is normally retained against rotation by reasonof the friction between the sparking wheel and flint, and the clutching finger 228 rides on the camming surfaces 232 of the teeth, being deflected downwardly or toward the plane of the clutch, enabling it to ride past one or more teeth so as to position it for engaging with a successive tooth in the next operation. The sparking wheel may be provided with any desired number of teeth 230 but preferably five such teeth are provided, whereby since it is desired that the driver 206 be rotated substantially a quarter turn in each operation, finger is retracted after each operation sufficiently for engaging the successive tooth on the sparking wheel.

Means is provided for restraining the sparking wheel against rotation throughout the greater portion of the rotation of the lever arm 176 and releasing the sparking wheel toward the end of the movement of ythe lever arm for accomplishing the result noted above, namely, rapid rotation of the sparking wheel. Such restraining means includes a holding pawl 234 suitably mounted on the base 26 of the chassis and positioned for engagement with the driver 206. The pawl 234 is pivotally ymounted at one end on the chassis as on a boss or projection 236 by suitable means such as a screw 238. The boss orprojection 236 is of proper height for positioning the holding pawl substantially in the plane of the driver 206 (Fig. 2). The holding pawl is disposed in the cavity or recess 46 with its free end swingable toward and from the driver 206, being.,biased vtoward the driver by suitable means, such asa spring240fwhich, lin the present instance, may convenientlyy take ,the` formof a V-shaped spring having one leg :secured tothe chassis, as by a screw 242, and its other leg. in engagement with the pawl, the normal biasing effect of the spring urging the free end of the pawl toward the driver. The holding pawl 234 is provided with a notch 244 cooperable with a lug 246 formed` in' the periphery of the driver 206f The notch and projection are complementally formed with abutting surfaces shaped to prevent rotation of the driver in clockwise direction (Fig. l1) when they'are in interengagement, for example, `extendingj generally radially of the driver, but with respective camming surfaces on the opposite sides for enablingthe projection to ride out of the notch when the driver isl rotated in the opposite or retracting direction. The driver 206 is also provided with a peripheral notch or cut-out portion 248 leading in a counterclockwise direction from the projection 246 (Figs. y11e-13) and having an end surface 249,*for receivingra pin 250 on the lever arm'176.` The pin 250 serves both as a means for releasing the holding pawl 234 and as a stop for limting the extent of rotational movement of the driver 206 in advancing direction, as well as for `returning the driver to its initial position by the lever arm, as will bel described more` fully hereinafter.

The lever arm 176V and driver 206 aretogether'returned or retrarcted to a` normalposition by means of a return spring 252'havin'g'connection between the base of the chassis and the housing 194. It will be recalled that the lever arm 176 is connected with the housing 194 and rotaryrrnovement'imparted to one of the elements is transmitted tothe other, and lreturn of the housing to its initial position effects return of the lever arm. The return spring 252 isl positioned in surrounding relation to the hub 19,9 and hasone end 256 appropriately shaped and fitted into'a recess 258 formed in the chassis while theother end260 is'sit'ably lshapefdand fitted in a re' ce's s"262 in'thefhub 199. .Rotation of thehousing 194 in one direction relativeto'the` base tensions the return springA 252 and upon release of the rotational force, the

return springv returns thehous'in'g to itsinitial position. The means v,for limiting the extent of rotational movementof the housing 194 may'take any of several desired forms but. preferably it includes a stop pin 266 mounted in the base'of thechassis and positioned in a cut-out portion or notch A 268 (Figs. 2 and 15) in the lower end of the hub 19,9. 'The notchr268 of the desired circumferential Ydimension for enabling rotationalmovement of the lever arm 176, as desired, which, in the present instance, is preferably on theorder of 90 degrees. The

i opposite surfaces of the 'notch 268 alternately engage the latitude is provided for assuring that the clutching e stop pin and limit `the rotational movement of the driver housing194 and lever arm `176 inv both directions.

The initial'position of the lever arm 176 is as shown in Figs. l and' l1 where it is normally retained by the return spring 252. The plate element 192 in all positions overlies the ball 172 of the burner tip 70, but in its initial position and all'but more advanced positions (Figs. l2 and 13) an imperforate portion'thereof engages the ball -to retain the valve controlled thereby closed. The valve is permitted to open only when -the plate element approaches the fullyadvanced position wherein the hole 180,k registerswith the ball.- In the initial position of the lever arm, the driver 206 `ris disposed in'its initial position, which isythat shown in Fig. ll, being so positioned by virtue-of the p'in'250y on the lever arm, which engages the end surface 249 of the peripheral notch 248 in the driver :and moves the driver to its initial position upon movement of the lever armin retracting direction (countenclockwise).` Further, in i the initial position of the parts, the holding pawl 234 is'as shown in Fig. ll wherein the notch 244 andv projection 246 vare-in holding or latchingrelation, r I y f To operaterthe lighter, the user places his thumb on the operating handle 1,90 `and rotates thelever arm 176 clockgrease/ti wise (Figs. 11-13). T he .driver206' is restrained against suchrnovement, which wouldotherwise result 'through the driver spring 196, by -they holding pawl 234. 'Toward the end ofthe rotational movement of vthe lever arm, the pin 250 riding inthe notch Y248rengages the holding pawl and swings itsfreeerid away from thedriver against the action of the spring 240, discngaging the notch v244 and the projection 246. VDuring this movementof the lever arm 176, thetdriver spring Y196 is tensioned since the driver 206 is restrained -against rotation, but when the holding pawl 234`is released, as `just described, the tension in the driver` spring 196 operates to rotate the driver 296. The ydriver is, therefore, rapidly'rotated and its rotation is transmitted through the clutch 220 which, as above referred to, is-effectively unitary with 'the driver, and the clutch in turn, through engagement of the clutching ringer 228 .with one of the teeth 230 of the sparking wheel, rotates the sparkingwheel. The rotational movement of the lever arm l176 in clockwise direction in the use of the lighter` is limited by the stop pin 266 (Fig. l) and the` rotational movement `of the driver 206 is limited by engagement ofthe end surface '249 with theupin 250 on the lever arm.

During the fore `portion and major portion of the movement of the lever arm 1'76 in advancing direction, an imperforate portion ofv the. plate element 192 remains in engagement with kthe ball' 172 inthe burner tip 70 and retains the valve (Fig.3) closed so that no gaseous fuel emerges from the' burner tip. However, thevalve is permitted to open atan instant before the sparking wheel is rotated so that the desired stream or column of gas reaches up intoithe path of the sparks at the time the sparks areproduced. This isaccomplished'by theprovision of the hole 180 referred to above and formed in the lever arm 176. The hole is appropriatelyy dimensioned in circumferential direction, and positioned adjacent the far or trailing edgeof the plate element 192,v relative to advancing movement ofV thexlatter, so that it is'in register with the ball for perrnittingthe ball to rise and the valve to open shortly before the holding pawl 234 is released, and to remain open in fully advanced position. 'The gasecus fuel in the valve which stands atthe upper end of the bore 160 then flows, when the valve is open, upwardly through the bore 142 and through the'holelStl and forms a stream or column above 'the burner tip of sufficient height to be ignited by the sparks issuing from the int.

So long as the user holds the lever arm 176 in advanced position wherein 'the' hole 180 registers with the ball in the valve, a flame continues and so continues until the user releases the handle member190 and permits the lever arm l176 to be retracted. Upon retracting movement of the leverarrn of only a smallamount, the hole 1S@ moves out of register withthe ball and the imperiorate portion of theplate element 192 reengages and depresses the ball andcloses the valve. It will be recalled that in advance-d position, the shoulder 249 on the driver 266 is in engagernentfwith the pin 250-and upon retracting movement of the lever arm 176, the pin 250 acting through the shoulder 249r retracts the driver 206 with the lever arm. The lever .arm and .driver during such'retracting movement thus `act `as a-solid and unitary member whereby the driver spring y196 hasno--effective reaction between lthe connected parts and thereforekproduces no counterettcctto the return spring 252. -The clutch 220 being connected with the driver 206 is also returned with the latter, and in the returning or retracting movement the clutching nger 228 rides under the camming surfaces 232 of the teeth 230. A suitable space is provided lbetween the clutch 220 and the sparking wheel 46 so as to enablet-heclutching.finger 228 to be flexed or depressed asuitable extent without'being depressed entirely into thev planeA ofthe body of the clutch. Preferably the sparking wheel 46, as well as all the-other elements mounte'df-onftheshaft-182, Aare rotatable relative to .the shaft -so `vthatfthefshaft may -remain-stationary.

' I'hevarious elements are maintained in position axially of the` shaft by reason of the lappropriate dimensioning oflthe elements relative to the recess or cavity di?, the clutching linger 228 Ythrough its resilient character aidingr in maintaining the various elements in proper axial position. It.-will,be understood that as a practical matter andfinview of the small dimensions of the various elements,the clutching linger 228 will eiectively maintain the elements inthe .desired axial positions.

:The driver housing 194 is of :appropriate axial dimension, as wiilbe understood, for positioning lever arm 176,.v and particularly the plate portion-192 thereof, irnmediately above vthe burner tip in position for engaging: the` ball 172.

`A'l`heinvention 'also encompasses a modied form of valve for controlling the ow of gaseous fuel from the tank yto the lightingstation. Such a valve is shown in Fig. 16 and may be employed instead of the valve illustrated in Fig. 3. `In the valve .of Fig. 16, the base 26 of the chassis 20 is` provided with a bore 276, similar to the bore` 112, leading from thefannular space 104. The bore 276 leads to a bore 272 formed in the base of the chassis andiinwhich thevalve means is positioned. The bore 2-72communicates downwardlywith a threaded bore 274 which terminates in a counterbore 276. A screw plug 278 is vthreaded in the `bore 274 and provided with a resilient gasket `28) engagedby the head of the screw plug and forming a sealingimeans Iagainst the escape of gaseous fuell from the bore in that direction. Preferably, thescrewplugis provided `with la screw driver slot 282 forzreception of :a screw driver for inserting the screw, and adjusting` it thereafter infthe bore.

lPositioned in .the bore '.272V is a resilient metering plug 234 .preferablyk formed of a suitable elastomerV or rubberlike product such as Neoprene Thevmetcring plug maybe -substantiallysolid f and is adapted to be compressedforrrestricting the'tlowof gaseous fuel through the vvalve-in response to adjustment of the screw plug 278, \as-will be 4explained-more fully hereinafter. The metering plug, similarly tothe metering ring 154 of Fig. 3,;is made of a material having a relatively high co- 'eicient of expansion and vthus expandable `and contractable'in-response to changes inambient temperature, for controlling the flow of fuel through'the valve, in a manner to-bereferred-to hereinbelow. The metering plug 23d is appropriately*dimensioned for 'forming Van annular space"286between itself-and the surface of the bore 272.

The bore 272 communicates upwardly with a threaded counterbore 288 in which is 'disposed a valve plug 290 provided'with -a flange 292 `at its lower end and cross grooves 294 in `its lower endsurface. The grooves 294 mayconveniently consist ofa pair of transverse grooves extending across theend vsurface-of the valve plug leaving wedge-shaped portions'of substantial dimensions between the grooves for engagement by the metering plug 284. The valve plug 290 is normally maintained rigidly in position, as will be explained presently, and serves as a reaction element against which the metering plug engages for-expansion and contraction of the metering plug in response to adjustment movements of the screw plug 278. vIn response to inward adjusting movement of the screw plug, the metering plug 284 is compressed between the screw plug Iand valve plug and distorted and forced into the grooves 294, as indicated at 295 in Fig. 17, and when the screw plug is adjusted outwardly, the metering plug is enabled to retract from such position. Thus the effective opening of the grooves 294 can be varied for controlling the rate of ow of the gaseous fuel therethrough andthereby through the valve.

' The'valveplug 290 is lprovided with a central longitudinalibore v296 and a central tapered projection 293 on itsl upper endthrough'which the bore 296 opens. The upper-face 300ofthefprojection 298 is preferably 'holemesse .13 lowed .or slightly concave,y presenting an annularV edge 302.' i The valve plug 29.10 is maintained rigidly in position by a tubular member 304 vhaving a lower threaded portion 306 threaded into' the threaded borer288. A resilient gasket 308 isinterposedbetween'thelowerv'end of they tubular member 304 and the flange 292 on the valve plug. `In response'to threading down the tubularmember 304, thev gasket 308 is compressedk into' engagement with the surface of the bore 288 and the surface of the valve plug to prevent the escape of gaseous fuel therepast. `The upper end`310 of the tubular member 304 forms aburner tip similar to the burner Vtip 70 of Fig. 3. Y For Athepurpose of closing the valve, a valve closer or shut-oil member 312 is provided, which preferably includes a head 314 and a stem 316. The head 314 is dimensioned relative to the inner surface of the burner tip 310 to form a space therewith for the free llow of gaseous fuel therethrough, andthe stem is dimensioned for free sliding, movement in the bore 296.l The valve closer 312 is. provided with a resilient valve seat l318 having a central aperture for receiving the stem 316, and seated against the under surface of the head 314. The stem 316.serves as a guide for the valve closer member 312 in its vertical movements, vbut isso dimensioned as to provide a space betweenitself and the bore 296 to permit the freeflow of gaseous fuel through the bore when the valve closer. is removed from the seat 302. The valve closer31r2 is depressed by means of'a ball 320 of rigid material, and preferably made of steel, disposed above the valve closer and held in the burner tip 310 bymeans of a disc orplug 322 havinga central aperture 324 into and through which the ball projects. The surrounding surface of thejaperture 324 has its upper edge peened over as at 326 so as to retain the ball in the burner tip. .The disc or plug 322 is preferably provided with a plurality of axially extendingV apertures 328, which are preferably eight in number,Y arranged around its peripheryV and spaced radially outwardly from the centralaperture 324,. l nThejdis: or plug y322 may be vretained Yin Athe burnen tip KVin anyy suitable manner such as by a press lit. Preferably Vthe central aperture' 324 is `so dimensioned relatively to Vthe ball that the gasous fuel is enabled v`to pass aroundthe ball aand through the aperture, and Ito Ithe same end the surfacenof the central aperture 324 may 'be providedwith grooves similarV to the grooves 178 of Figs. 3 and 4. The valve ball 320 is actuated by the lever arm 176 in a manner similar to that described in connection with Fig. 3; i. e., when the imperforate portion of the lever arm overlies the burner tip, it engages the ball and depresses it, forcing the valve closer 312 into shut-olf position wherein the valve seat 318 sealingly engages the valve seat 302. When the hole 180 registers with the ball, the latter is enabled to move-upward for enabling the valve closer 312 to open. The lever arm 176 may also be provided with a plurality of holes 330 which register with the perimeter apertures 328 when the hole 180 registers with the ball, to facilitate the ilow of the gaseous fuel from the apertures 328 upward into the stream or column reaching to the path of the sparks from the sparking wheel. The pressure of the gaseous fuel, similarly to the condition described in connection with Fig. 3, is sufficient to lift the valve closer 312 from the valve seat 302 when the hole 180 registers with the ball, enabling the fuel to flow through the valve and out of the burner tip.

In both valve structures, namely, that of Fig. 3 and that of Fig. 16, the valve can be adjusted manually for predetermining the rate of flow of gas and hence the height of the llame produced when the lighter is lighted. In the present construction (Fig. 16) that result is produced by adjusting the screw plug 278 which, when adjusted inwardly, compresses the metering plug 284 and forces it into the grooves 294. Also in both constructions the rate of llow of gas, and consequent height of the flame when the lighter is lighted, is automatically adjusted to compensate for changes in ambient temperatures. This feature was described above in connection with Fig. 3', and in the construction of Fig. 16 is automatically adjusted through the expansion and contraction of the meteringplug 284 in response to'changes in the ambient temperature. For example, when the ambient temperature rises,thevmetering plug 284 expands and restricts the grooves 294. The pressure of the gas also rises and tends to flow faster because of the increased pressure; but, because of the relatively restricted passages when the temperature rises, the rate of llow of the gas therethrough remains substantially constant so that the height of the llame producedis substantially constant regardless of changes in the ambient temperature.

I claim:

1. A lighter comprising a chassis, a fuel tank connected to said chassis, a fuel outlet passage leading from said tank, means for controlling the flow of fuel from said outlet passage including a normally open valve and a freely rotatable ball reciprocable relatively to said valve for closing the latter, a sparking wheel rotatably carried by said chassis, a llirit, means urging said llint into engagement with said sparking wheel, a drive element pivotally carried by said chassis for movement Vbetween two limit positions and Ihaving a portion movable over and into rolling contact with said ball when said drive element is moved into one said limit position for depressing said ball to close said valve', a one-way drive connection between said drive element and said sparking wheel for rotating the latter when said drive element is moved from its said one limit position to the other, and spring means resiliently urging said drive element toward its said one position. v Y

2. A lighter comprising a chassis, a fuel tank connected to said chassis, a fuel outlet passageleading from said tankand terminating in a burner tip, means for controlling the. ilow of fuel from said outlet passageincluding a 4normally lopen valve, and a valve-closing ball freely'rotatable and reciprocable in said burner tip for closing said valve, a sparking wheel rotatably carried by said chassis, a flint, means, urging said flint into engagement with said sparking wheel,'a drive element pivotally carried by saidchassis for movement between. two limit positions and having a portion movable in a plane closely adjacent theend of 'said burner tip and engageable with said ball when said drive element is in one said limit position for closing said valve, a one-way drive connection between said drive element and said sparking wheel for rotating the latter when said drive element is moved from its said one limit position to the other, and spring means resiliently urging said drive element toward its said one position.

3. A gaseous fuel lighter comprising a fuel tank, an outlet'passage leading from said tank, a burner tip having a generally circular discharge opening connected to said passage and formed with a plurality of circumferentially spaced notches in its perimeter, a control valve in said passage, and means for actuating said valve including a ball freely rotatable and reciprocable in said burner tip and projecting beyond the end thereof and substantially closing said discharge opening except at said notches.

4. A gaseous fuel lighter comprising a fuel tank, an outlet passage leading from said tank, a burner tip, having a generally circular discharge opening connected to said passage and formed with a plurality of circumferentially spaced notches in its perimeter, a control valve in said passage, including an orifice element having a restricted orifice therein and sealing member positioned to overlie said orifice, and means for urging said sealing member into position closing said orifice including a ball freely rotatable and reciprocable in said burner tip and projecting beyond the end thereof and substantially closing said discharge opening except at said notches.

5. A lighter comprising a chassis, a fuel tank connected aveasze to said chassis, said chassis having a fuel outlet passage therethrough leading from said tank and terminating in a burner tip, means for controlling the flow of fuel through said outlet passage including a normally open valve and a valve-closing ball freely rotatable and reciprocable in said burner tip and projecting through the burner tip, means for producing sparks and projecting them to a position adjacent said burner tip including a flint and a rotatable sparking wheel, a lever mounted on said chassis for pivotal movement between a Iirst position and a second position, said lever having an imperforate portion engaging said ball and thereby retaining said valve closed in all positions of the lever except said second position and having an opening registering with said ball in said second position and enabling the ball to project thereinto and enabling the valve to open, means controlled by movement of said lever for rotating said sparking wheel only when said'lever is substantiallyin said second position, and yieldable means urging said lever to said first position.

6. A lighter comprising a chassis, a` fuel tank connected to said chassis, an outlet passage leading from said tank vand terminating in a burner tip, valve means for controlling ow of fuel through said passage, means for producing sparks and projecting them to a position adjacent said burner tip including a iint and a rotatable sparking wheel, a lever arm, a shaft, a housing supporting said lever. arm and rotatably mounted on said shaft for pivotal movement of said lever arm in retracting direction to a first position and in advancing direction to a second position, one-way rotatable clutch means engageable with said sparking wheel, tension spring means in said housing interconnected between `said housing and said clutch means, means controlled by said lever arm for closing said valve means in all positions of said lever arm except said second position and enabling opening of the valve means in said second position, means controlled by said lever arm for restraining said clutch means against rotation except insaid second position, return tension spring means interconnected between said housing and chassis urging rsaid housing in retracting direction, and stopmeans on said chassis engageable withsaid'housing for limiting rotational movement of the housingl in both directions.

7. Valve means comprising a body having apassage therethrough, shut-ott valve means in said passage, manually actuatable means for controlling said shut-off valve Y 16 means, and adjustable'ow restricting means in said passage including anl inlet member having a plurality of circumferentially spaced inlet `passages extending therethrough, an outlet member having a generally cruciform outlet passagev including radially extending outer portions extending therethrough and overlying said inlet passages, a resilient ring disposed against said outlet member and overlying and closing. the radially outer portions of said outlet passage, and means for adjustably compressing said ring and thereby spreading it radially inwardly to adjust the extent it restricts said outlet passage.

8. In a gaseous lighter, a'fuel tank, means forming an outlet passage leading fromk thegfuel tank, manually actuatable shut-oli valve means .in the outlet passage, a metering plug in the passage having ports adjacent its periphery, a metering disc adjacent the metering plug and having radially arranged passages communicating with said ports, and a resilient-metering ring fitted to the metering disc and defining the path of the passage from the ports to the central space of the ring,V and means accessible to the eX- terior for adjustably compressing the metering ring for restricting the flow of gas ythrough the passage.

9. The combination of vclaim 8 wherein the metering ring uponcompression thereof is projected axially into the radial passages toward said ports.

10. The combination of claim 8 wherein the resilient sealing ring is retained on one side by an insert in the passage having a .central bore defining an outlet port against which the shut-off valve means bears to close the outlet passage.

11. The combination of claim 8 wherein the exteriorly accessible adjusting means includes a screw threaded in the passage and havinga reduced inner extremity bearing against the central portion of the metering plug.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,657,663 Devereux Jan. 31, 1928 V1,948,824 OConnor Feb. 27, 1934 2,196,879 lTrollen Apr. 9, 1940 2,459,042" Nave'et al. Jan. 11, V1949 2,524,952 Ashtonet al Oct. 10, 1950 2,620,643 Nissen Dec. 9, 1952 2,637,990 Aronson May 12, 1953 2,652,707 Reillyetal Sept. 22, 1953