GB811779A - A new or improved ignition device - Google Patents

Abstract

811,779. Igniting torches. CHILDS, A. W. April 30, 1956 April 29, 1955], No. 12369/55. Class 75(3) An ignition device particularly for igniting oxy-acetylene torches for use in welding metals, comprises exposed spark gap elements 15, which may be adjustable, connected in the secondary circuit of a step-up transformer e,g. of ratio 1000 : 1, the primary circuit of which is intermittently excited by the operation of a switching device including means for rendering it active for a predetermined time upon initial activation. Such switching device, as shown, is conveniently a flexible inverted pendulum in the form of a helical spring 16 with touching turns and with an adjustable weight 21 at its end to vary the oscillation period, the pendulum forming the movable contact of the switching device, the other contact being formed by the sides of the apertures 17 in as housing 10 supporting the pendulum and containing the transformer and source of power e.g. a battery or a connecting device for coupling to a source of power and carrying the spark gap elements 15 on rods 14 so disposed with respect to the pendulum 16 that when this latter is deflected sideways as by the part of the torch to be ignited, to initiate. the sparks by the oscillation and intermittent making and breaking of the contacts 16, 17, the inflamable gas projected into the spark gap from the torch, is ignited and the flame projected away from the body of the housing 10 to avoid damage thereto by the flame. The ignition device may be incorporated in a portable casing 10 and support a permanent magnet to facilitate its retention on a bench or support of magnetic material or the device may be built in or permanently installed on or in association with a work bench or welding plant.