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222,053 · Jacobs · "Improvement in Illuminating-Tiles for Roofs and Pavements" · Page 2 Home  > Prism Glass  > Patent Index  > Page 2

222,053: 2 of 3

used; also joints have been made with putty, or its equivalent, as the lower or horizontal half, and a fusible cement as the upper or vertical half. Further than this: in the construction of Hyatt's original tiles lead was employed to make a water-tight joint between the glass and iron. The lead was put around the glass and then the lead was calked in between the glass and the iron with a half-round set to make a tight joint.     In my invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in this specification, the iron-grating, as usual, forms the general strength. Before being set in the apertures, I cast a band of lead around each of the glass lenses. I then set the glass lenses, with their lead jackets on, in their proper position, and apply the plastic cement, and give the latter sufficient time to harden.     In my tile it is obvious that no calking of the lead could be done; the cement would all break away if attempted. Neither could the plastic cement be first applied, and (after hardening) the glass lenses be set in with a lead band, or the lead calked in, or melted lead poured in.     In the case of an iron tile where the cement filling surrounds the glasses, the water-tight

qualities are perfect-- there is no call for the interposition of lead, putty, or anything else between the Portland cement and the glass, so far as making a water-tight joint is concerned; but as my original invention I interpose a band of lead encircling the glasses between the latter and the Portland-cement filling, to accomplish an entirely different purpose-- not for its water-tight qualities, but to protect the glass from breakage due to certain natural laws, as previously explained in this specification.     Having thus fully set forth the nature and merits of my invention, what I claim as new is--     An illuminating-tile in which the glass lenses B B are provided with an encircling jacket, C C, of lead or other yielding material, in combination with a filling, D, of Portland cement, or other adhesive material, applied in a plastic state, and set in an iron plate or grating having suitable apertures in the same, substantially in the manner and for the purpose set forth. JACOB JACOBS. Witnesses:     JOHN ADAMS,     CHARLES REILLY.