US733328A

US733328A - Acetylene-gas generator.

Info

Publication number: US733328A
Application number: US13650602A
Authority: US
Inventors: James H Mount
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1902-12-24
Filing date: 1902-12-24
Publication date: 1903-07-07
Anticipated expiration: 1920-07-07

Description

No.-'733,328. PATENTED JULY 7, 1903 J. H. MOUNT.

AGETYLENE GAS GENERATOR.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 24, 1902.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

N0 MODEL.

{ h wan fox wwwzoa No. 733,328. PATENTED JULY 7, 1903.

' J. H." MOUNT.

ACETYLENE GAS GENERATOR.

APPLICATION FILED'DEG. 24, 1902. N0 MODEL. 4 SHBETS-SHBET 2.

INVENTOR Jaw/e66 H. Moeuai No. 733,328. PATENTEDJULY 7, 1903. J. H. MOUNT. AUETYLENE GAS GENERATOR.

APPLIUATION TILED DEC. 24, 1902.

4 SKEBTS -BHEBT 3.

H0 MODEL.

'50 MODEL.

Wihwooco PATBNTED; JULY 7, 1903.

I. MOUNT.

AGETYLENB GAS GENERATOR. urnmumx mum DEC. 24, i902.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

vwemtoz J va/e6 17%); (Li

Patented J'uly '7, 1905.

PATENT OFFICE.

JAMES H. MOUNT, OF JAMESBURG, NEW JERSEY.

A-CETYLENE -GAS GENERATOR.

PECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 7 33,328, dated 111 7, Application filed December 2d 1902. Serial No. 136,506. (No model.)

To (0M 1077,0777, it may concern:

Be it known that 1, JAMES H. MOUNT, a citizen of the United States ofAmerica,and a resident of Jamesburg,county of Middlesex, State of New Jersey, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Acetylene-Gas Generators, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in acetylene-gas generators of the type wherein the generated gas displaces the water and acts on a fioat to control the supply of carbid.

In carrying out my invention I propose fixing a bell within a water-tank and arranging a float in the space formed between the bell and the walls of the tank. The function of the float is twofold, to wit: First, it is raised and lowered accordingly as the pressure of gas rises and falls to control the flow of carbid, and, secondly, it is free to be revolved without affecting the movement of the carbidvalve to agitate the residue in the bottom of the generating-chamber when cleaning the apparatus. I

One of the prime objects of my invention is to provide in a generator such an arrangement of parts as to permit of the absolute control of the gas to maintain a uniform pressure through the medium of the gas displacing the water forming the gas seal acting on a prescribed mechanism, which is connected to a valve so constructed and arranged that its movement is minutely and positively operated to control the admission of carbid to the generating-chamber. Furthermore, it is highly important in an apparatus of this character that the valve be delicately arranged and protected from the evil effects of the gas and at the same time be capable of being manually operated irrespective of the state of the pressure of gas; and to this end I have constructed and arranged the carbid-controlling valve so that it is thoroughly protected to insure its automatic movement being accomplished with as little resistance as possible.

It is also my object to provide agas-generator having as one of its chief characteristics means whereby the resultant residue in the gas-generating chamber may he removed without eliecting the grade of light to any appreciable degree.

I am aware that the principles as herein en umerated have been before attempted; but in all structures known to me the mechanism is of such a complex nature it is not susceptible to the quickness and at the same time positiveness of action required to effectually accomplish the desired ends to a degree which would render the apparatus of commercial value.

With these objectsin view it necessarily follows that specific details of construction have had to be devised; and my invention therefore comprehends important improvements therein. These as well as the more important elements, together with the advantages, 850., will be hereinafter described and be more particularly pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings, Figure l is a perspective view of my improved gas-generator. Fig. 2 is an enlarged vertical section of the same to more clearly bring out the operative details of construction. Fig. 3 is a horizontal section on the line A A, Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a similar view on the line B B, Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a detail perspective view of the joint between the carbid-holder and the bell. Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail sectional view of the carbidvalve and a portion of the holder. Fig. 7 is a detail view of the upper portion of Fig. 6, showing the parts in a different position. Fig. 8 is an enlarged detail perspective view of the upper end of the valve-stem. Fig. 9 is a detail perspective view of the fioat. Fig. 10 is a detail perspective view of the agitator. Fig. 11 is a plan view of the upper bar of the same.

The numeral 1 represents a tank which is of conical shape at the bottom and is mounted on legs 2, and it is provided at its upper end with a spent 3, communicating with the tank at 3. An annular partition 4 extends upwardly from theconical bottom, and at its upper end it has a contracted open neck 5, the top 6 between the flange of the mouth and the partition being slightlyinclined to readily shed water. The partition thus forms the gas-generating chamber 4, as will be more fully described hereinafter. A pipe 8, having a valve 9, connects the space 10 formed between the tank 1 and the partition 4 and the lower end of the generating-chamber.

11 represents a bell whose top 12 is of conical formation to shed water, and it has depending therefrom an annular partition 13, designed to be located in the space 10. The partition 13 does not extend to the bottom of the tank 1. Hence an intermediate compartment 14 is formed in the space 10, which, with ihe water 15, completes a seal to prevent the escape of gas. Extending outwardly from the bell toward the periphery of the tank 1 are arms 16, which engage threaded guides 17 on the upper edge of the tank, and to rigidly fasten the bell thereto to maintain it in proper relationship therewith nuts 18 engage the guides.

An escape-pipe 19 passes through the top of the bell, and its lower open end is positioned far enough in the water in the intermediate compartment 14 so that should the regulating devices, to be described, become inactive or for any other reason an excessive pressure of gas be prevalent the gas may escape to the atmosphere, and hence avoid serious consequences incident to an explosion. A branch pipe 20, in which is a valve 21, communicates with the escape-pipe 19 and the interior of the top of the bell.

A float rises and falls on the water in the space 10, and depending from it is a valvesupport 26. The support 26 consists of a rod bent at 27 27 to pass around the lower edge of the pendent partition 13 of the bell. Then it runs parallel with the partition, as at 28 2S, and is bent again at 29 29 and then turned down, as at 30 30, into the gas-generating chamber 4, the turned-down portion being connected, as at 31, and carries a vertical rod 32. The float 25 is mechanically supported by the brackets 25 when it falls below a fixed level and is again taken up when the water rises. The connection 31 also coacts with an agitator or scraper in the generating-chamber. The agitator consists of a rod 33,-bearing at its lowerenda spider-frame consisting of a pair of guide-arms 34 and a pair of scrapers 35. The upper endof the rod 33 is forked, and the forked upper ends are oppositely bent, as shown in Figs. 10 and 11, for convenience of positioning the agitator over the connection 31. The float may thus rise and fall under the influence of the pressure of gas without in the least affecting the movement of the agitator, while if it be desired to scrape and agitate the carbid residue in the bottom of the generating-chamber the operator by grasping the handles 35 revolves the float, which movement is transposed to the spider-frame. Such movement may be imparted at any stage of the operation without in the least retarding the generation of gas. Obviously by reason of the inclination of the bottom of the chamber 4 the residue when agitated will fall to the center 'tobe carried ofl through the pipe 36, which is controlled by a valve 37.

The bell has formed at the apex of its top a contracted neck 40, provided at its upper edge with a mutilated flange 41. Spaces 42 are formed between the mutilated portions of the flange, and one end ofv the flange is turned downward to form a stop-lug 43, while the opposite end tapers off into the neck 40. The neck receives the end of and supports the carbid-holder 45, in which is mounted the valve and the mechanism coacting therewith to render it susceptible to prompt and positive action for feeding carbid to the generat ing-chamber.

The carbid holder or magazine 45 comprises a tank-like structure with a conical bottom terminating in a neck 46, bearing an annular flange 47, from which project inturned flanges 48. The flanges 48 pass in the spaces 42 in alinement with the flange 41, whereupon the holder is turned toward the beveled ends of the flanges and the inturned flanges take (hereunder and bind against the stops 43. This action seals the joint between and locks the carbid-holder to the bell. A series of conical deflectors 45 are mounted in the holder, each being suitably supported and centrally perforated, and they are of smaller diameter than the interior of the holder to form spaces 49. The topmost deflector 45 is smaller in diameter than the others to permit the carbid to readily overflow the edges to avoid any possibility of choking at this point. Depending from the top of the holder 45 is a tube 50, (shown bestin Fig. 6,) and at its lower end it is of considerably larger diameter than the body portion. The enlargement 51 forms a skirt, and it is centrally located in the neck by means of radial flanges 52, the upper portion of said skirt being inclined to shed the carbid toward the space 53. Attached to the tube are several smaller auxiliary conical-shaped deflectors 54, which prevent the openings of the deflectors 45 becoming packed with carbid. In the bottom of the neck 46 is a plug 56, beveled on the top 57 and likewise on its bottom 58, and it is centrally perforated at 59. The

bevels

57 and 58 where they meet at the opening 59 form a knife-edge 60. A valve 62 operates in the opening 59 and is of such shape as to perform several highly important functions. The valve is of cone shape to the point indicated at 63, from which it extends upwardly a short distance, nearly vertical, as at 64. A

- neck 65 is formed above the valve proper, and

above the neck is an enlargement 66, which is beveled at the top and bottom, the top bevel fitting to a nicety the bevel of the interior of the skirt 51.

67 represents a stem fitting in the tube 50. The upper end of the stem is tubular and formed with two slots 68, provided with upper and lower shoulders 69, and in these slots is guided the ends of a cross-pin 70, carried by the lower slightly-enlarged end of an extension-stem 71.

72 indicates a beveled flange formed on the extension-stem 71, which is adapted to be seated in a depression 73 in the end ofa flange ICC 74 on the lower end of a sleeve 75, mounted in the upperend ofthetube50. The sleeve75 also passes through a stuffing-box 76, screwed on the end ofthe tank 45, andaknob 77is screwed on the stem 71 for manually operating the valve. The bottom of the valve 62 is beveled and terminates in a seat for the upper end of a rod 78.

79 represents a hollow conical base on the rod 78, and extending up into the rod 78 from the hollow portion of the head is a seat 80, which receives the rod 32 of the float-support. When it is desired to remove the stem 67, the knob 77 is removed, and the stem 67 may be withdrawn from the

sleeves

75 and 50 and in like manner restored.

The proportions of the various parts which form the valve-stem are such that when the knob 77 is drawn up to cause the ends of the cross-pin 70 to engage the uppershoulder 69 of the slot 68 the portion 64: of the valve 62 fits snugly the knife-edge of the opening 59, and the carbid is prevented from falling from the holder into the generating -chamber. Should, however, the knob be forced down on the stuffing-box 76 and there is no gas-pressure in the generating-chamber, the sleeve 75 and the extension-stem and stem are likewise forced down, and the valve 62 drops from its seat 59 by gravity; but if there is pressure in the generating-chamber at the time the knob 77 is depressed the end of the pin will be guided down the slots 68, and the valve will not be dislodged. Thus I have provided a valve construction for controlling the carbid which may be manually operated at any time irrespective of the condition of the gas-pressure; for, if it should be necessary to cease-generating gas during the time the carbid is flowing from the tankit may be accomplished by lifting the knob, or, as has been already stated, if the valve should be closed by gas-pressure its position does not prevent the forcing down or the elevating of the knob and the extension-stem.

Pulverized or powdered carbid is poured into the holder 45 through the opening 30, and it falls first into the upper conical deflector 45*, from whence it runs through the opening of the deflectors 45 below and finally into the space 53 in the neck 46. The carbid in passing through the openings is piled on the deflector below or in the neck, as the case may be, as indicated by the dotted lines 81 in Fig. 2, until eventually the topmost deflector becomes filled and it in turn overflows into the second deflector, and when the latter is filled the. carbid overflows and falling through the spaces 49 accumulates in the bottom of the tank, and when this becomes filled the carbid runs into the lowermost deflector, and so on until the tank becomes fully charged. I have found that in charging the carbid-holder it will to a limited extent pack by its own weight as the mass is formed into a pile unless it is intersected by the deflectors. This being true, I find it expedient to which sheds the powdered material to the space 53, where it is again divided and prevented from packing by the radial flanges 52. The carbid eventually falls on the upper bevel 57 of the plug 56 to be liberated by the lowering of the valve 62.

Experience has demonstrated that if any of the mechanism should be in direct. contact with the carbid the evil influences acting thereon form a rough surface, and the operation of the parts is materially affected. Since the valve-stem passes through the carbid-holder according to my invention, the tube 50 and its skirt 51 absolutely prevent the particles of carbid getting between and interfering with the parts which have frictional contact with each other. The carbid in falling from the space 33 to the top of the plug 56 only contacts with the neck 65 and the top of the valve, while the carbid never reaches the stem 67 above the enlargement 66. This is true by reason of the skirt shielding the stem, and it is also true by reason of the enlargement protecting the opening in the tube 50, which receives the stem. If the carbid should by accident get under the skirt, it cannot reach the stem in the tube, because of the enlargement, which will deflect it and direct it back again.

Heretofore in filling carbid-holders an objection has been found in the fact that the opening of the carbid-holder will permit the escape of gas, which was objectionable. To overcome this difficulty, I have provided means whereby the carbid can be introduced into the carbid-holder without the escape of gas. These means are as follows: At the top of the carbid-chamber I provide a port which consists of a pipe ground to receive a tapered stem and having a valve 8O interposed therein. 1 then provide a carbid funnel or receiver 89 with a tapered stem 90, having a valve 91 interposed therein. When I desire to fill the chamber, I close the valve 80", remove the carbid-funnel 89, and fill the same in some safe place, closing the valve 91 and screwing down the cap 89. I then bring this funnel to the machine, introduce the nozzle 90 into the pipe 80, the joints being ground to fit closely, then open the

valves

80 and 91, and permit the carbid to flow into the carbidchamber. I then close the

valves

80 and 91 and then remove the funnel 89 without per mitting the escape of gas. Any gas in the funnel may be permitted to escape in a safe place. I finally close the port 80 with the cap 80 for security.

95 is the service-pipe, which comm u uicates with the interior of the bell 11 at a point slightly above the normal water-line. A tank 96 communicates with the pipe 95, and a valve '97 controls the passage of gas thereto.

97 97 represent screens, one near the top and the other near the bottom of the tank, and between them is tightly packed cotton or the like, 98. An opening covered by a cap 99 aflords a convenient means for the insertion of a tool to agitate the cotton, which is necessary after the apparatus has been in use for awhile. The tank above and below the screens 97 is of conical formation, which isregarded of importance. hen the gas enters the tank from the bottom, it spreads out over the whole under surface of the cotton packing and insures the gas passing through the whole mass to be filtered, and when the gas reaches the top it is deflected by the upper conical formation toward the usual service-pipe 99. The cotton soon absorbs the moisture from the gas, and after it has become saturated to be of no avail as a filtering medium the valve 97 is turned off, the cap 99 removed, and a tool is inserted through the opening and the soaked cotton is withdrawn and dry material is replaced.

In operation the various elements are assembled as described. The knob 77 is depressed and the valve 62 falls from its seat, the movement being only sufficient to permit the powdered carbid to pass through the opening 59, from whence it is shed by the beveled top to the generating-chamber 4. Immediately the carbid reaches the water the gas is generated, and as the pressure increases it acts on the volume of water in the intermediate compartment 14 and the space 10 and elevates the float 25, and through the medium of the support 26 and rod 78 the valve is closed. The air must now be relieved from within the chamber, and to do so valve 21 is opened,

and after a sufticient volume has escaped the valve is closed. The closing of the valve 62 by gas-pressure in no wise affects the movement of the sleeve and knob 77. As the gas is consumed the pressure under the bell is relieved, whereupon the weight of water in the space 10 forces the water in the compartment to displace the gas, and the normal water-level is resumed. It is at this stage of the operation of my apparatus that the merits of the incline top 6 of the generator and the incline top of the bell come into play. The neck 5 is for the purpose of increasing the surface of water in the compartment 14 for the gas to act upon, and by inclining the surface 6 the water will be shed therefrom with little or no resistance when being driven down by the gas, and this is equally true of the water rising and falling in the space 10.

' When the water rises therein, the displacement about equals that of the area in the compartment 14:, so that when falling it is shed from the top of the bell with as little resistance as possible. It is to be observed that the level of the water in the generating-chamber remains the same during the period of generating gas. Hence all the gas-pressure is reflected to the water seal to raise and lower the float and the mechanism cooperating therewith. The movement of the float is extremelyslight. Consequentlytheslightest irregularity of the gas-pressure is reflected to the controlling-valve 62, which insures the pressure of gas being regulated and maintained at a substantially uniform standard. Unlike gas-generators of the gasometer and trigger type the controlling means I employ is protected and arranged to a degree of minute impulses, that the movement of the parts need only be sufflcient to let pass a sufficient quantity of carbid to support the float and the weight of the water.

When the gas is consumed, the float falls and with it the rod and the valve, only, however, to be again elevated when the carbid falls into the generating-chamber.

Acetylene gas carries a great deal of moisture, which tends to cause the parts to rust or corrode, 850. I found this element to be a factor in stopping the passage of the powdered carbid, and it was partially to resist this evil effect I beveled the bottom of the plug and top of the valve. By reason of the plug being located over the valve the latter protects the former in that the dampness first encounters the valve, and condensation accumulates thereunder and is thus prevented from rising to the bottom of the plug. Moreover, if condensation should be present either on the bottom of the plug or the top of. the valve it is immediately removed when the carbid is fed to the generating-chamber.

Should for any reason the gas exceed the predetermined pressure, the volume of water in the compartment will be displaced accordingly, and the gas will escape through the escape-pipe 19 to the atmosphere, a feature quite well known in this art.

It has been herein stated that the residue may be removed without displacing the gaspressure to any appreciable extent. This is accomplished by pouring a predetermined quantity of water in the tank 1 equal to the quantity to be drawn ofi. To gage this, a bucket 100 is used, which after being utilized to pour the water in the tank is placed below it to catch the residue. The attendant now turns the float around once or twice, which movement operates the agitator. The valve 37 is opened and the water and residue in the generatin g-chamber flows into the bucket 100. The escaping water would reduce the pressure of gas but for the fact that the water in the compartment 14: and space 10 is siphoned over the neck 5 into the generating-chamber. The measured quantity of water being withdrawn in proportion to the quantity having been introduced in the tank, the water must now be leveled up in order that the various parts may again assume their normal position for the automatic regulation of the gas. Valve 9 is opened and the water in space 10 flows through pipe, 8 into the generatingchamber and the extra quantity of water added to the tank will take the place of the residue which has been drawn off. The valve 7being open, the water in the space 10, compartment 14c, and generating-chamber becomes uniformly level, as indicated by the line marked normal level in Fig. 2. Valve 9 is now closed and the generating of gas is continued, as before described.

The bottom of the spout 3 is the visible indicator that the attendant may observe it the level of the water is correct, for unless the level is approximately correct, considering the relation of the float and the valve it operates, obviously the parts would not respond to the prompt and minute impulses incident to the change of the pressure of gas.

The slight movement of the float and the valve permits but a limited quantity of carbid to fall into the generatingchamber, and as the action of the pressure of gas is direct the light is uniform.

The lost motion in the valve-stem when the knob is depressed is of course limited. However, it is of such proportion that if for some unaccountable reason the valve 62 should drop from its seat the lower end of the enlargement 66 will find a seat in the opening 59 and prevent the unlimited escape of carbid. Such an accident is not likely to occur; but for safety it is of prime importance and would prevent the waste of material.

When the carbid-holder is removed from the bell, the gas therein will escape, and to prevent this I usually employ an ordinary cork (not shown) to temporarily close the neck 40 until the holder is again replaced.

It will be noted that in the construction of my apparatus I employ a gas-generating chamber 4, which contains the water into which the carbid falls. The water in this tank is stationary, except when it is being refilled. It is not aflected by the gas-pressure and forms no part of the water seal. I have observed in apparatus of this general type that where the same water is caused to serve the double purpose of combining with the carbid and also forming a water seal a certain odor is given forth by the water where it contacts with the air. This may be the result of various causes. I consider it an objectionable and possibly a dangerous feature, and I have therefore contrived means of avoiding this difficulty by separating my gasgenerating tank from my water seal.

What I claim as new is 1. Anacetylene-gasgeneratorcomprisinga tank, a movable float, a valve operable by the float, and means for manually operating the valve irrespective of the position of and without moving the float.

2. An acetylene-gas generator comprising a arranged to permit movement thereof without atfecting the float when the latter is held under gas-pressu re.

3. An acetylene-gas generator comprising a tank, a generating-chamber, a valve for supplying carbid to the generating-chamber, a float in the tank adapted for independent radial movement therein, and a connection between the valve and float operative irrespective of the position of the float.

l. The combination with a tank, ofa generating-chamber within the tank, a float arranged for radial movement, a carbid-holder, a valve therefor operable by gas-pressure, and means connecting the valve and float to operate the valve, said float being radially movable without regard to the position of the valve.

5. In an acetylene-gas generator, the combination with a tank, of a generating-chamber therein, a carbid-holder, a. plug therein which is beveled on its upper and lower sides and provided with a central perforation, a valve coacting with the perforation which is of conical formation, a stem on the valve having an enlargement adapted to also coact with the perforation, means for protecting the enlargement and valve-stem, means for manually controlling the valve, and means for automatically controlling the valve without regard to the manually-operable means, substantially as described. 7

6. In an acetylene-gas generator, the combination with a tank, a gas-generating chamber therein, a bell, a float interposed between the tank and the bell, a carbid-holder, a valve therein loosely connected to the float to permit of movement of either one independent of the other, the float being actuated by the gas-pressu re acting only on the water between ICC) the gas bell and tank without affecting the level of the water in the generating-chamber, substantially as described.

7. In an acetylene-gas generator, the combination with a tank, of a generating-chamber therein, a float supported by a liquid seal, a bell, a pipe connecting the tank and the generating-chamber below the level of the liquids therein, and a valve in the pipe, whereby the liquid forming the seal and that in the generating-chamber may be leveled, substantially as described.

8. In an acetylene-gas generator, a tank, a generating-chamber therein, a float in the tank adapted for radial movement, a carbidadmission valve operable by the float, an agitator within the generating chamber, and means connecting the float and agitator to operate the latter in the radial movement of the valve.

9. In an acetylene-gas generator, a tank, a generating-chamber therein, a float in the tank adapted for radial movement, a carbidadmission valve operable by the float, an agitator within the generatingchamber, and means connecting the float and agitator to operate the latter in the radial movement of the valve, said means being arranged to remain unaffected by the movement of the float in the operation of the valve.

10.- An acetylene-gas generator comprising a tank, a generating-chamber, a float supported by a liquid seal, a valve and stem therefor, means connecting the float and the valve, the movement of said float and valve adapted to be controlled by gas-pressure, a carbid-holder, and means for manually operating the valve irrespective of the position of the float and without moving the said float thereby, substantially as described.

'11. An acetylene-gas generator, comprising a tank, a generating-chamber, a float supported by a liquid seal, a valve and stem therefor, means connecting the float and the valve, a carbid-holder, and means loosely connected to the stem whereby the valve may either be operated by gas-pressure or man ually, substantially as described.

12. An acetylene-gas generator, comprising a tank, a generating-chamber, a float supported by a liquid seal, a valve, a stem therefor; which is slotted, and an extension having a pin which is adapted to move in the slot of the stem, whereby the valve may either be operated by gas-pressure or manually, sub stantially as described.

13. An acetylene-gas generator comprising a tank, a generating-chamber, a float supported by a liquid seal, a valve, a stem therefor, a carbid-holder, a guide therein for the valvestem, a skirt on the stem, and means in the carbid-holder for preventing the carbid becoming packed, substantially as described.

14. An acetylene-gas generator comprising a tank, a generating-chamber, a float supported by a liquid seal, a valve, a loose connection between the valve and the float, a carbid-holder, and means for controlling the valve through the medium of the loose connection irrespective of the position of the float, and permitting the float to be radially moved irrespective of the position of the valve, substantially as described.

15. In an acetylene-gas generator, the combination with a tank, of a generating-chamber therein, a float, a carbid-holder having a reduced neck at its lower end, an opening formed therein having inclined walls surrounding the same, a valve working in said opening, a stem for the valve, a guide for the stem, a series of conical deflectors provided with central openings in the holder, auxiliary deflectors on the guide, and means working in the guide for manually controlling the valve, substantially as described.

16. In an acetylene-gas generator, the combination with a tank, of a generating-chamber, a carbid-holder provided with a reduced neck at its lower end, a plug in the neck which is beveled on its upper and lower sides and provided with a central opening, a valve which is conical in formation which coacts with the opening, a valve-stem, an enlargement therein which may also coact with the opening in the plug, a skirt surrounding the enlargement, a guide extending from the skirt, means to control the valve, and means to prevent the carbid packing in the holder, substantially as described. v 17. In an acetylene-gas generator, the combination with a tank, of a generating-chamber, a carbid-holder which isbeveled on its under side toward the center, a conical valve located under the beveled bottom, a float supported bya water seal, means extending from the float under the valve, a rod connecting the said means and the valve for actuating the valve under the influence of the float, and means for controlling the valve manually irrespective of the position of the means extending from the float under the valve, substantially as described.

18. In an acetylene-gas generator, the combination with a tank, of a generating-chamber therein, a bell, a float supported by a liquid seal, a valve, means connecting the float and the valve, and an agitator, means connecting the agitator and the float whereby the agitator may be operated by the float, substantially as described.

19. In an acetylene-gas generator, the combination with a tank, of a generating-chamber therein, a bell, a float supported by a liquid seal, a valve, means connecting the float and the valve, and an agitator, means connecting the agitator and the float whereby the agitator may be operated by the float without affecting the position of the valve, substantially as described.

20. In an acetylene-gas generator, the combination with a tank, of a generating-chamber therein which contains liquid, a bell, a float supported by a liquid seal in the tank, means for leveling the liquid seal and the liquid in the generating-chamber, a valve, means connecting the valve and the float, and a carbid-holder, the float controlling the valve by gas-pressure on the liquid seal, substantially as described.

21. In an acetylene-gas generator, the combination with a tank, of a generating-chamber therein, a bell, a float supported by a water seal, an agitator in the generating-chamber, means connecting the float and the agitator, whereby the agitator may be actuated radially, but the vertical movement of the float will not impart movement to the agitator, a valve, and a carbid-holder, substantially as described.

22. In an acetylene-gas generator, the combination with a tank, agenerating-chamber, a float, means controlled by the float for introducing carbid to the generating-chamber,and means for drawing the liquid from the tank to the generating-chamber when drawing the residue therefrom, and means for simultaneously leveling the liquid in the tank and the generatingchamber, substantially as described.

23. In an acetylene-gas generator, the combination with a tank, of a generating-chamher therein having a contracted neck, a rigid bell in the tank between the walls thereof, and the generating-chamber, a float interposed between the bell and the walls of the tank, a carbid-holder having an opening above the generating-chamber, a valve coacting with the opening, and means connecting the valve and the float, substantially as described.

24. In an acetylene-gas generator, the combination with a tank, of a generating-chamber, a contracted neck formed on the chamber, that portion of the chamber between the neck and the walls thereof being beveled, a bell between the chamber and the walls of the tank whose top is inclined, a float whose top is beveled in the space between the bell and the tank, a carbid-holder, a valve, and

means connecting the float and the valve,snbstantially as described.

25. In an acetylene-gas generator, the combination with a tank, of a generating-chamber therein which carriesiliquid, a bell between the tank and the chamber, a float, a carbid-holder, over the chamber, a valve, means connecting the valve and the float, means for leveling the liquid in the tank and the generator, the generated gas accumulating in the bell and only acting on the liquid in the tank to actuate the float and valve, substantially as described.

26. In an acetylene-gas generator, the combination with a tank having liquid therein, a generating-chamber having liquid therein, a bell, a float, a valve and stem therefor, means connecting the float and the valve, a scraper in the chamber adapted to be actuated by the float, a carbid-holder, means therein for guiding and protecting the valve-stem, and means therein for preventing the carbid packing, substantially as described.

27. In an acetylene-gas generator, a valve interposed between the carbid-magazine and the gas-generator chamber, substantially as described, with a valve-stem for said valve, said stem passing into the gas-generator chamber, and also passing into the carbidmagazine, the upper end of the stem passing into the carbid-magazine being slotted to receive a cross-bar attached to the end of an extension-stem, the latter passing through the top of the carbid-magazine, means to operate said valve through said stem automatically by means controlled by the gas-pressure from within the gas-chamber, and manually by operating the extension-stem outside of the carbid-magazine, substantially as described.

28. In an acetylene-gas generator, a valve interposed between the carbid-magazine and the gas-generator chamber, substantially as described, the valve being mounted on a valve-stem passing into the generator-chamher and into the carbid-chainber, an auxiliary stem suitably mounted to pass through the dome of the carbid-magazine, and suitably connected with the upper end of the valvestem, so as to permit the free movement of the valve when the auxiliary stem is depressed, and operating to close the valve when the auxiliary stem is elevated, in combination with means to operate said valve automatically by means controlled by the gas-pressure from within the gas-chamber or manually by operating the stem through the auxiliary valve-stem from the outside of the carbidmagazine, substantially as described.

29. In an acetylene-gas generator, a tank having a conical base, a port and valvein the apex of the cone, an agitator adapted to fit said cone, an annular float mounted in the external water-compartment of the apparatus, adapted to revolve, and mechanical means connecting the float and the agitator so arranged that when the float is revolved the agitator Will in like manner revolve, substantially as described.

30. In an acetylene-gas generator, a bell having a port in its dome, a carbid-magazine having a nozzle adapted to fit in said port, a valve mounted in said nozzle, a float adapted to be supported in the outer chamber, me-

chanical means carried by said float supporting a vertical rod, said vertical rod support ing a valve and becoming part of the valvestem when the same is in contact with the valve, the valve and carbid-chamber, how- JAMES H. MOUNT.

Witnesses:

JACOB I. BERGEN, EMMA W. FINLAYSON.

too