US86635A - Improved fire-kindling - Google Patents

Description

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

IRA BIGKNELL, OF CINCINNATI, OHIO.

IMPROVED FlRE-KINDLING.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 86,635, dated February 9, 1869.

ducing a superior article of fuel or kindling.

by means of saturating coke or charcoal with inflammable fluids or oils, and then coating the same with a glutinous mucilage, so as to preserve from evaporation the absorbed fluid or oil, and also to so cover the surface of the particles or pieces of coke or charcoal as to prevent any soiling of the hands in handling,

' or the vessels in which it is kept. It sets and cements all the fine dust, and renders it perfectly clean and inoflensive. It ignites easily by means of a friction-match, and not only makes a good kindling for any kind of fires, but makes a complete fuel.

The materials used are coke as made in coke-ovens or coke from gas-manufacturing establishments. The former is the better article. The latter will answer a good purpose, and is less expensive. Charcoal is also used, and makes an excellent kindling or fuel.

Any inflammable fluids or oils may be used for the saturating ingredient. Rosin, pitch, gums, or any glutinous substances may be used for coating purposes.

Mode of lll'amcfactmiag.

Take coke or charcoal, for they alike are susceptible of the same process and improvement, and break the larger pieces to convenient sizes for kindling fires in stoves or grates. Provide a tank of sufficient size for convenience, holding from one to ten barrels, according to the quantity to be made. Now, take one barrel of gasoline, (whose specific gravity is .65,) eight (8) pounds of sal-soda, and four (4) pounds of pulverized alum, and

put them into the tank. Let the mixture stand for three days, stirring it thoroughly threeor four times each day, when it will be ready for use.

The quantity of gasoline may beincreased, preserving the relative proportions of the other ingredients.

Now, take coke or charcoal and put it into the mixture in the tank, and let it remain from one to two minutes, taking care that it is well wet or immersed in the liquid. Then remove the same by means of wire scoops or otherwise, and place it upon a grating to dry.

As soon as the fluid is absorbed and the coke or charcoal has become dry on the surface it is ready for the second process or coatmg.

Now, take another kettle or tank of any given dimensions, corresponding to the quantity of kindling or fuel to be made, set and arranged for heating over a fire or by steam. Take one barrel of rosin or pitch, and put it into the tank or kettle. Dissolve, melt, and heat the same until it boils.

Now, add ten (10) pounds of bees-wax and ten (10) gallons of the prepared gasoline, as above stated, stir and mix them well together, and when the mucilage is well mixed and boiling put the saturated coke or charcoal into the same, and let it remain from one to two minutes, taking care that it is thoroughly wet or immersed in the hot liquid. As soon as well dipped or covered in the glutinous preparation, remove the same by means of wire scoops or otherwise, and place it upon a grating, that it may drip and dry.

As soon as dry and the coating becomes hard it is ready for use.

Any number of barrels of rosinor pitch may be put into the tank at one time, observing the relative proportions, as above stated.

The above-described two processes of first saturating and then coating may be done at one operation, but it is better as above described.

I do not confine myself to theuse of gasoline in my invention, as any inflammable fluids or oils may be used; neither to the use of coal saturated with petroleum, or its equivalent, and coated with rosin or pitch and beeswax, to prevent its evaporation, or any other substantially the same.

IRA BIOKNELL. Witnesses: THos. MCLEAN, V. SOHWAB.