US641567A - Acetylene-gas machine. - Google Patents

Description

' Patented Jan. l6, I900.

No. 64l,567.

A. WHITE 81. H. M. ROHWEDER.

ACETYLENE GAS MACHINE.

' (Application filed May 1, 1899.) (No ModeL; 3 Sheets-Sheet 1.

THE "cams PETERS 00 mom-Ln'uow WASNINGTON. n. c

No. 641,567 Patented Ian. I6, I900. A. WHITE & u. m. ROHWEDER.

AGETYLENE GAS MACHINE.

(Application filed May 1, 1899,)

(No Model.) 3 Shaets8heet 2.

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- o Altongey No. 64!,567. Patented Jan. [6, I900. A. WHITE & H. M. RDHWEDER.

ACETYLENE GAS MACHINE.

(Appiication filed May 1, 1899.)

3 Sheets-Sheet 3.

(No Model.)

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UNITED STATES PATENT more.

ALEXANDER lVI-IITE AND HENRY M. ROHWEDER, OF EPWORTH, IOWA, ASSIGNORS, BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, TO THE EPWORTH GASLIGHT AND HEATING COMPANY, OF WATERLOO, IOWA.

.3 ACETYLENE-GAS MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 641,567, dated January 16, 1900-.

' Application filed May 1, 1899. Serial No. 715,160. (No model.)

To (i/ZZ whom, it may concern.-

Be it known that we, ALEXANDER WHITE and HENRY M. ROHWEDER, citizens of the United States, residing at Epworth, in the county of Dubuque and State of Iowa, have invented new and useful Improvements in Acetylene Gas Generating Apparatus, of which the following is a specification.

Our invention relates to improvements in acetylene-gas-gencrating apparatus.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved arrangement of valves controlling, respectively, the connection between the generator and the gas-holder and the ad mission of air to the generator.

A further object of the invention relates to the manner of supporting the carbid-chamher in the generator.

A further object of the invention relates to an improved construction of the generator proper.

Still further objects of the invention relate to certain details of construction and operation of parts, which will be more clearly explained hereinafter.

\Ve have illustrated our invention in the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus. Fig. 2 is a sectional elevation thereof. Fig. 3 is a sectional plan view on the line 3 3 of Fig. 2. Fig. 4c is a perspective view, partly in section, showing the carbid-pail and the cover of the generator detached therefrom. Fig. 5 is a detail view of the discharge end of the water-supply pipe to the generator. Fig. 6 is a view in elevation of a portion of the gas-holder and of the mechanism for operating the valve in the Water-supply pipe. Fig.

7 is a sectional elevation of the generator proper, and Figs. 8 and 9 are detached perspective views of the same.

Referring to the drawings, the referencenumeral 1 indicates the outer cylindrical cas- This casing is provided with a false bottom 2, upon which is fixed an inner concentric cylinder 3, afiording the generating-chamber, and which is so located as to leave an annular space 4: between it and the outer casing 1. This space is provided with water through a spout 5 and is designed to receive the depending cylindrical portion 6 of the cover 7 to afford a water seal for the generating-chamber.

The numeral 8 indicates what we term the carbid-pail, which is removably seated in the generating-chamber 3. 'Near its upper end and on opposite inner sides this pail is provided with two projecting ears or lugs 9, slotted on their under sides, as indicated at 10. On the under side of the cover 7 is secured a bail 11, from which the carbid-pail 8 is suspended by means of the slotted lugs 9 in the manner of an ordinary bayonet-joint. The object of this construction is to permit the carbid-pail to be removed with the cover or bell 7 when it is desired to recharge the generator with carbid. By slightly turning the bell 7 or the pail 8 the bail 11 may be disengaged from the lugs 9 and the pail 8 re moved.

The numeral 12 indicates the generator proper, which is formed in two parts or vessels, (indicated, respectively, by the numerals 13 14..) The lower part 13 comprises a cylindrical chamber open at the top and divided by partitions 15 into a series of carbidcompartments 16, 17, 18, and 19. The casing of the vessel 13 is provided with a series of perforations or apertures 20 21 22 23, each of these openings leading into a compartment 16, 17, 18, or 19, and beginning with the opening 20, being located at progressively difierent heights on the vessel 13, as shown. The upper vessel 14 rests on the top of the vessel 13, and its bottom is provided with a flange or annulus 24;, which surrounds the top part of said lower vessel in the manner of a closure or cover. A central tube 25 in the vessel 14 permits the escape of gas from the lower vessel 13. Radiating from this tube are a series of partitions 26, which divide the vessel 14. into a series of carbid- compartments 27, 28, 29, and 30. A series of openings 31, 32, 33, and 34:, located at progressively different heights on the vessel 14, respectively communicate with these compartments, as in the case of vessel 13. The cover 35 of vessel 14 is slanting, as shown, a space 36 for the passage of gas being left between said cover and the top of tube 25. The cover 35 is provided with a central flue or chimney 37, above which is supported a guard 38.

The numeral 39 indicates the water-supply tank, leading from which is a pipe 40, which 43, constituting what we term a dripguard, the purpose of which is to prevent the water issuing from the orifice 42 running back on pipe 40 and falling outside of the generating-chamber. In order to permit the carbid-pail to pass the projecting end of pipe 40, it is provided with a flat side 8. After said pail'is inserted in the generating-chamher it is given a slight turn to bring its curved side under the end of the water-pipe.

The operation of the generator as thus far described is as follows: The cover or bell 7 of the generator being lifted out of the casing 1, the carbid-pail 8 is removed from engagement with the bail 11, as previously described. The generating vessels 13 and 14 are now removed from the pail 8 and their several compartments filled with carbid, after which they are returned to the pail. The latter is suspended from the bail 11 and the hell 7 inserted in the casing 1, the pail 8 being thereby suspended in the generating-chamber 3 in a manner to leave a slight space between its side and the side of the said generatingchamber. Water being now admitted to the pipe 40 in the manner to be presently described, issues from the orifice 42 and falls upon the guard 38 or upon the cover 35 and passes to the bottom of the pail 8. As the water rises a sufficient distance in said pail it will first pass through the lowermost opening 20 in the vessel 13 and attack the carbid in the compartment 16. After all the carbid in the compartment 16 has been slaked the water will continue to flow until it has risen to a sufficient height to enter the opening 21- and attack the carbid in compartment 17. In like manner the carbid in the remaining compartments 18 19 is successively attacked by the water, and when all the carbid in the Vessel 13 has been used the water will continue to rise and successively attack the carbidin the compartments 27, 28, 29, and 30 of vessel 14. The gas generated in vessel 13 passes up through the tube 25 and chimney 37 and escapes from beneath the guard 38, and the gas generated in the vessel 14 passes through the space 36 to said chimney and escapes in like manner.

The numeral 44 indicates the pipe for leading the gas from the generator into the gasholder. This pipe extends into the bottom of the generating-chamber and thence leads through the casing of the generator into a chamber in the bottom of the gas-holder, and serves also to carry the water of condensation from the generatingchamber, as presently described. The part of the cylindrical casing 1 below the false-bottom 2 constitutes the base of the generator.

Located in the pipe 44, between the generator and gas-holder, is a valve 48, operated by a rod 49, having an arm 50, which arm normally extends over the hell or cover 7 of the generator. Mounted on the rod 49, to turn therewith, is a disk 51, provided with a cut away portion or recess 52. In order to remove the bell 7 from the generator, it is necessary, or at least preferable, to admitair under the bell, and for this purpose we provide an air-cock 53 in the pipe 44, between the generator and the valve 48, which is operated by a handle 54, which normally lies parallel with the disk 51 and slightly above the same. The handle 54 can only be turned downward from its normal position, and owing to its location cannot be turned at all when the'circular portion of the disk 51 is beneath it. In operation when it is desired to remove the bell 7 the arm 50 must first be turned aside, and this will operate to close the valve 48 and prevent, escapeof gas from thegas-holder.

This turning of rod 49 will also operate to revolve disk 51 and bring the recess 52 thereof beneath the handle 54. Said handle can now be turned down to open cook 53 and permit air to enter pipe 44 and pass to the space heneath the cover 7, whereby said cover may be readily removed from the generator. When the cover 7 has been replaced and it is desired to return the parts to operative position, the handle 54 is first'raised to close cook 53, after which the handle 50 is turned to project over the cover 7, thereby, through the medium of rod 49, turning valve 48 to again open communication through pipe 44 between the gas-holder and generator and turning the circular part of disk 51 beneath the handle 54. By reason of the construction and arrangement of the parts just described it will be seen that it is impossible to remove the cover from the generator without first closing comin unication from the gas-holder, that the cook 53 cannot be opened until valve 48 has been closed, and that valve 48 cannot be opened, owing to the handle 54 extending downward in the recess 52, until the cook 53 has been closed.

For the mechanism just described we may hook 56, which engages over the edge of the casing of the gas-holder. The lower end of this strap projects below thebottom of thewater-tank and is adapted to pass in a staple 57 on the gas-holder.

This construction perinits the water-tank to be readily connected to or disconnected from the gas-holder, and this facilitates the readiness with which the parts may be packed for shipment.

The numeral 58 indicates the outer cylindrical casing of the gas-holder, and 59 the bell thereof.

The numeral 60 indicates an air-tight cylindrical casing which is supported on a false bottom 61 within the gas-holder. The purpose of this air-tight cylinder is to reduce the volume of water and air within the gas-holder. Between this cylinder 60 and the casing l is provided an annular space 61, containing water, and in which the cylindrical part of the bell 59 is located, the construction affording a water seal, as will be understood. Secured at their lower ends, respectively at diametrically-opposite points, to the casing 58 are two rods 62 63, the rod 62 being somewhat longer than the rod 63, as shown. These rods are extended upward a considerable distance above the casing of the gas-holder and have their outer ends connected by a bracerod 64, which brace-rod also serves as a stop to limit the upward movement of the bell of the gas-holder. The rod 63 is further braced by a lug or car 65 on the rim of the gas-holder, through which lug or car it passes. On the top of the bell 59 is secured a flat metal bar 66, having one end apertured and sliding on the rod 63. The opposite end of said bar is secured to the upper end of a relatively long sleeve 67, which slides on the rod 62. In the water-pipe 40 is a valve 68, to the stem of which is secured a valve-rod 69, which is formed of two parallel rods spaced throughout their length to afford a continuous slot 70. These rods are bent to afford a lower inclined part 71 and an upper vertical portion 72, but maintain their parallel relation throughout. On the lower end of the sleeve 67 is a short arm 73, extending into the slot 70 and provided on each side of the val ve-rod 69 with a guide-collar.

The operation is as follows: As the bell 59 rises under the pressure of the generated gas the sleeve 67 is carried upward and the short arm 73 engages the bend in the valve-rod 69, thereby lifting said rod and gradually turning the stem of valve 68 until the latter is closed and the supply of water from tank 39 to the generator is shut off. The vertical portion 72 of the valve-rod will now occupy an upright position, and as the bell continues to rise the short arm 73 can ride up in the slot in said vertical portion Without turning the valve 68 one way or the other. As gas is consumed the bell 59 falls, the arm 73 rides down in the slot 70 of the vertical portion of the valve-rod until the inclined portion 71 is reached, when the valve-rod will be turned downward, thereby opening the valve 38 and allowing water to flow through pipe 40 to the generator.

The mechanism just described for automatically controlling the supply of water to the generator is simple in construction, positive and certain in operation, and offers the minimum amount of resistance or friction between the movable parts.

The numeral 74 indicates a valve in the pipe 40, operated by hand to shut ofi the supply of water from the tank 39 to the generator.

In the space beneath the false bottom 61 of the gas-holder we provide a chamber 7 5,which is partially filled with water by means of a spout 76, having an overflow-tube 77. The pipe 44 for conducting the gas from the generator pass'es through the casing 58 and connects with an upright pipe 78, having its lower end submerged in the water of chamber 75 and its upper end extended to near the top of the gas-holder. Any water of condensation passing through the pipe 44: from the generator will run down the pipe 78 into the water of chamber 75, while the water in said pipe will prevent the gas under normal pressure from escaping through the lower end of said pipe into said chamber 75.

The numeral 79 indicates the supply-pipe to the burners or other place of consumption, said pipe being provided with a valve 80 and also with a purifying-chamber 81, filled with excelsior or excelsior and sponge for freeing the gas from moisture and impurities. The pipe 79 likewise passes through the casing 58 and within the chamber 75 is connected to an upright pipe 8:2, extending up to near the top of the gas-holder and having its lower end submerged in the water of chamber 75. The pipe 82 conveys gas from the gas-holder to pipe 79, and any water of condensation can run down said pipe into the Water in chamber 75. Secured on the bell of the gas-holder is a long cylindrical sleeve 83, having an upper closed end 84, projecting through and slightly above the top of the bell 59, as shown.

The numeral 85 indicates the safety escapea pipe, which projects upward in the sleeve 83 and downward through the false bottom 61, having its lower end open and communicating with the chamber 75. A branch pipe 86 leads from the lower part of pipe 85 out through the casing 58, and to this branch pipe 86 may be connected a pipe leadingfrom the building to the outer air. derstood that the water in the space 61 will normally form a seal between the lower end of the sleeve 83 and the upper end of pipe 85. The sleeve 83 has an opening 83 a few inches above its lower end, through which the gas may escape before the bell of the gas-holder rises to the top of the water seal. Should the bell of the gas-holder rise above a predetermined point, however, the opening near the lower end of sleeve 83 will be raised out of the water and gas will escape through pipe 85, branch pipe 86, and the pipe connected thereto to the outer air. The provision of It will be unpressure in the gas-holder would operate to blow the water out of the pipes 78 and 82 and the gas could escape in the chamber 75 and out of the blow-off 86.

The water-space 61 is supplied with water through a filling-spout 8'7.

The numerals 88, 89, and 90 indicate cocks for letting water out of the respective com partments 61, 75, and 4. V

The water-valve 68 is made with a narrow passage through it for the passage of the water, said passage being made so narrow that the valve will pass from a closed position to a full open and on to closing position again in moving through less than one-quarter of a circle. The object of this is that when the bell of the gas-holder descends to a certain point it shall open the water-valve, and in case the carbid is exhausted and the bell passes down to its lowest point it shall carry the valve past the open to a closed position and in so doing shut off the water and prevent flooding of the carbid-pail, which latter would be the case with an ordinary valve, as the water would still continue to flow.

Having thus fully described our invention, what we claim as new is-= 1. In an acetylene-gas-generating apparatus, the combination with the gas-holder and the generator of a pipe affording communication between the two, a valve in said pipe for controlling such communication, a cock in said pipe for admitting air therethrough to the generator, means for operating said valve and cook and means operating to prevent the opening of said cook until said valve has been closed or the opening of said valve until said I cook: has been closed, substantially as described.

2. In an acetylene-gas-generating apparatus, the combination of the gas-holder, of a generator having a removable bell, a pipe atfording communication between the generator and gas-holder, a valve in said pipe for controlling such communication, an air-cock in said pipe for admitting air therethrough to the generator, a rod foroperating said valve having an arm projecting over said bell, a handle for operating said air-cock and a disk carried by said rod and lying immediately beneath said handle and having a cut-away portion cooperating therewith, substantially as described.

3. In an acetylene-gas-generating apparatus, the combination with a casing affording a generating-chamber, of a removable bell located in said casing having a rectangular bail depending from the under side of its top, and a carbid-pail, open at its upper end only, located in said generating-chamberand extending upward in said bell and detachably sup ported from the top thereof by means of bayd= net-lugs secured on opposite inner sides of said pail and engaging over said bail, whereby said bell and pail may be removed together from the generating-chamber without permitting the escape of gas and the pail may subsequently be removed from the bell by turning the bail out of engagement with said lugs, substantially as described.

4. In an acetylene-gas-generating apparatus, the combination with the generator and a pipe for supplying water thereto, of a guard on the discharge end of said pipe for preventing the water from running down on said pipe, said guard comprising a cap having a discharge-orifice and surrounded by an out wardlyflaring flange, substantially as described.

5. In an acetylene-gas-gencrating apparatus the combination with the generatingchamber of a generator located therein com prising a vessel having a series of carbid-compartments and provided with a series of in let-openings located at progressively different heights, each of said openings communicating with one of said compartments, a second vessel supported on the first vessel and having similar compartments and a similar arrangement of inlet-openings therefor, a chimney or fiue communicating with the upper vessel, and an upright tube in said upper vessel communicating with said lower vessel, substantially as described.

6. In an acetylene-gas-generating apparatus the combination with the generatingchamber of a generator located therein and comprising a vessel having a series of carbidcompartments and provided with a series of inlet-openings located at progressively different heights, each of said openings communicating with one of said compartments, a second vessel supported on the first vessel and having similar compartments and a similar arrangement of inlet openings therefor, a chimney or flue communicating with the upper vessel, a guard located above said chimney, and an upright tube in said upper vessel communicating with said lower vessel, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof we have hereunto set our hands in presence of two subscribing witnesses.

ALEXANDER WHITE. HENRY M. ROHWEDER. Witnesses to signature of Alexander White:

RUssELL G. PAGE, F. HARBAUGH.

Witnesses to signature of Henry. M. Rohweder:

F. WOODRUFF, CHAS. G. DAVIS.

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