The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-12-16
A PROFITABLE INVESTMENT.
A Patent Which Promises Rich Returns After
Being in Use Ten Years.

The allowance by Council of 5000 to Isaac C.
and Frank Walker, and Egan & Treat, for the
use of the apparatus in opening doors and I'm.
hitching horses in the fre-engine-houses, brings
to the attention of the public an interesting story
In regard to these patents, which is Of local sig
nifcance since one of the patentees and the own
ers of the consolidated interests in the patents
are residents of the city.
Robert Bragg, Of California invented in 1873,
an apparatus for opening engine house doors by
electric wires, but the patent thereon, although
applied for in June, 1873, was not issued until
July 13, 1875. Some months later, Jan. and
Feb. 8, 1875, other patents were issued to Bragg.
covering an invention, together with the original,
of one and releasing horses. This included every
thing, even halters and bells. In the meantime,
Cicero Slebert, a member of the Indianapolis
ire department., secured patent covering a
gong attachment. for releasing horses. Other
cities began to use the apparatus in their engine
houses, which continued without interference
until some months ago, when Siebert, in order
to test the validity of his patent gave quarter
interest in it to Frank Walker and another
quarter to member of his fire company, on the
condition that they would furnish the means
for carrying the case through the courts.
Another condition was made, that one test suit
10 UrOugnG OUTSIDE OIL Indianapolis. ME
Siebert, said his attorney, ibid not make any
express waiver of his rights regarding Indianap-
oils, nor did he intimate that at any time he
would demand pay from the city for the use of
the patent He only asked that any litigation
in regard to his rights be carried on outside of
this city. He did not like to push the matter
here presume, because he was a member of
the fire department"
In preparing for the suit, Mr.. Walker sought
material from the Patent Office records. and
there learning the full scope of the Bragg
patents conceived plan to unite that and the
Siebert invention under one ownership. Dr.
Isaac G. Walker went to California and pur-
chased Bragg's interest, and returning. secured
for himself and son all interest in the Siebert
patent, except an eighth, which the inventor re-
tanned Nov Siebert sold this interest to Dr.
Walker the entire ownership thus passing to
the Walkers, and the agreement not to sue In
dianapolis first was rescinded. After this Egan
q Treat got onefourth interest in
troI all of the United States ex-
cept New York and PENNSYLVANIA
retained by Bragg for his patent. The owners
made demand, Nov. 8, on Indianapolis for the
past and future use of the patents. They wanted
BIC, 000 which was afterwards reduced to IS O00
AS to the right of the owners to make this de-
mand, there has been no question, the only ele-
ments of dispute entering into the transaction
being the intrinsic value of the patents and the
right to pay for the past use of the Siebert pat
corning this city 1t was sought by some coun-
cilmen to cut the figure down to S., 900, but the
opinion that &c. 600 was reasonable sum COM
pared with what the city might have to pay if it
stood suit prevailed.
The owners of the patents cite decisions of the
United States Circuit Court in California
and Oregon. favoring Bragg's claims
Against the city Of Portland, Ore,
he was allowed damages of $l25 per
1000 inhabitants and from the city of San Jose
he recovered $1,000 In making their claim
against Indianapolis, they said they would accept
800 for each engine-house and give its free use
for seven years, which is less than the rate al,
lowed Bragg in his suit for damages. The pres
ent owners of the patents propose to call upon
every city now using them. There nine
in Indiana, several in illinois and Ohio, not
counting Chicago and Cincinnati. Louisville is
also using the patents as well as St Louis and
other large cities Taking the indianapolis set
Element as basis. the company has nice in
vestment, as Chicago will yield over $4,000,
Cincinnati $25, 900, and Louisville about $15 600
or $4,000. 1t is their intention to push their
claims and carry them into the courts if neces-
S6rY.