Research Type
CuratorPerson
Shaun SliferDate
Nov 18, 2020Notes
A mining or caving lamp has calcium carbide placed in a lower chamber, the generator. The upper reservoir is then filled with water. A threaded valve or other mechanism is used to control the rate at which the water is allowed to drip into the chamber containing the calcium carbide. By controlling the rate of water flow, the production of acetylene gas is controlled. This, in turn, controls the flow rate of the gas and the size of the flame at the burner, and thus the amount of light it produces.Research Type
InternetPerson
Shaun SliferDate
Jan 7, 2021Notes
"The Justrite Manufacturing Co. of Chicago, Illinois was formed in 1906 as an industrial fabricating company making special machinery and tools. With Frederick J. Becker as president, Justrite would become the most prolific manufacturer of carbide lamps for underground use and a name synonymous with the carbide lamp.
In 1911, Becker realized the potential market for carbide mining lamps and supplies and along with his chief designer August L. "Augie" Hansen, they created a product name with one of the top reputations in carbide lamps.... Justrite continued to expand the product line and their facilities and by 1919, they employed 350 employess and manufactured 42 distinct types of carbide lamps. Over the history of Justrite production from 1912 to 1931(catalogs 1 through 10A), at least 154 different lamp model numbers and at least 246 part numbers for a total of at least 400 number identifications were used by Justrite. Justrite provided more carbide lamps over a longer period of time than any other U.S. manufacturer. (See Pohs, Miner's Flame Light Book, pp 435-462)"
- halslamppost.comResearch Type
CuratorPerson
Shaun SliferDate
Jan 13, 2021Notes
Rarity: 1 (https://caves.org/member/mfraley/rarety.htm)
