matthewleechen/300YearsOfBritishPatents huggingface dataset:
IMPROVEMENTS IN BICYCLES, TRIBICYCLES, AND OTHER VELOCIPEDES
Year: 1881

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Alphonse Lafargue at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 18th June 1881.
ALPHONSE LAFARGUE, of Kensington, in the County of Middlesex, Engineer,
"IMPROVEMENTS IN BICYCLES, TRIBICYCLES, AND OTHER VELOCIPEDES."
The object of the first part of my Invention is to convert the present bicycle
(at will) into a tricycle.
This I propose to do by providing an arrangement of mechanism by which the
trail wheel can be divided into two wheels (revolving separate) and so making a
tricycle, which will stand upon three wheels erect when at rest.
This result is obtained by providing a telescopic trail wheel axle fixed into or
connected with an expanding forked frame with levers actuated by a rod which
passes down the hollow back bone (or otherwise) of the bicycle. This apparatus
is actuated by a lever close within reach of the rider's saddle at front.
Thus the rider can when starting to move place the two trail wheels together
and so form a bicycle, or when stopping set apart or separate these two trail
wheels and form a tricycle, which will stand erect when at rest, a result long
desired but not attainable with the present bicycles.
This part of my improvements is applicable at little expense to existing bicycles.
Another part of my improvements relates to the arrangement and construction
of a new form of saddle in order to obviate the inconvenience of the present form,
which is rigid, and does not adjust itself to the varied angles of the leg when
rising and falling with the treadle or crank. I accomplish this by forming the
saddle in two halves or parts, right and left, placing these portions each upon a
spindle, and so arranging them that the halves shall vibrato upon said spindle to
suit the inclination of the leg and so save much power and prevent fatigue to the.
rider.
This spindle is bolted across the spring, and to it is attached a board, upon
which is secured an india rubber atmospheric cushion.
Another part of my Invention relates to the construction of an improved india
rubber stirrup or treadle consisting of an atmospheric double pad fixed upon the
spindle of the stirrup or treadle, which revolves on it and acts as a cushion to prevent
vibration being transmitted to the foot and leg, and so preventing much fatigue
to the rider which the present rigid stirrup or treadle occasions.
Year: 1881

page_text: No text detected.

page_text: provided for the purpose of cutting off the communication between the apparatus
and the pipe when required. The small valve, hereinbefore referred to, is provided
with three passages in the same manner as the plug of a three way cock, and is
connected to a spindle passing through a stuffing box and operated by means of a
lever capable of depressing the extremity of the said spindle, or according to
another modification of the small valve, the spindle of the said valve is provided
with a lever by means of which the valve may be partially rotated, so as to place
the required passages in communication with the space on one side of the piston.
The cock is closed by the pressure of the water in the pipe, which forces the main
valve on to its seat. When it is desired-to-allow the water to flow from the cock,
the small valve is operated by the means herein before described in such a manner
as to admit water under pressure from the pipe to one side of the piston on the
spindle of the main valve, whereby the said main valve is forced from its seat and
allows the water to pass freely. In order to arrest the flow of water, the small
valve is moved to such a position as to close the passage through which the water
under. pressure was admitted to one side of the piston, as hereinbefore described,
and at the same time open the passage provided for the escape of the water
previously admitted to the piston, whereby the latter is relieved from pressure and
the main valve closes under the pressure of the head of water.
IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM KETTLES, FEED WATER HEATERS, AND OTHER SIMILAR APPARATUS
Year: 1881

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Bramley Dewhirst and
George Barker at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the
10th October 1881.
WILLIAM BRAMLEY DEWHIRST and GEORGE BARKER, both of the City of
Manchester, in the County of Lancaster. "IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM KETTLES,
FEED WATER HEATERS, AND OTHER SIMILAR APPARATUS."
This Invention has for its object the construction of a steam kettle or apparatus
for heating water by steam which shall possess a large area of heating surface, in
which the water shall entirely surround the heating surface and so prevent loss of
heat through condensation by the atmosphere, and which shall not be liable as such
apparatus has hitherto been to leakage at the joints owing to the unequal expan-
sion of the parts. In carrying out our Invention we employ a series of open
bottomed cast iron cylindrical boxes, say three in number, which are placed one.
over the other upon a base plate, and thus constitute three enclosed chambers, the
top one being surmounted by a cylindrical casing of cast iron, copper, or other
suitable metal, which forms the heating chamber provided with inlet connection
for the cold water supply, and with suitable draw off taps. Suitable faced joints
are made between the parts, and the whole are bolted together by bolts extending
from a flange on the heating chamber and upper chamber, and thence downwards
through the base-plate. Rising from the top chamber and projecting upwards into
the heating chamber are a series of pipes which are closed at their upper extremi-
ties, and inside these pipes are a similar series of pipes of smaller diameter, which
rise from the top of the middle chamber and are open at their upper extremities.
In addition to the communication thus formed between the top and middle
chamber, we connect the top and bottom chambers by short tubes, and to the
bottom chamber we also apply a steam trap to draw off the condensed water.
It will thus be apparent that the water in the heating chamber surrounds the
larger tubes projecting upwards into it as hereinbefore described, and that by
introducing steam into the middle chamber the same is permitted to circulate,
first upwards through the small tubes, thence down between the smaller and
larger tubes into the top chamber, and finally through the short connecting tubes
071

page_text: to the lower chamber, giving off its heat meanwhile to the surrounding water
contained within the heating chamber, the condensed water being permitted to
escape through the medium of the steam trap.
These improvements are equally applicable in the construction of a water heater
for heating the feed water of a steam boiler with the exhaust steam from a steam
engine, and to other similar apparatus.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF VELVET
Year: 1881

page_text: A
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Richard Scott Collinge and Edward-
Collinge at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 19th September
1881.
RICHARD SCOTT COLLINGE and EDWARD COLLINGE, both of Oldham, in the
County of Lancaster. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF VELVET."
This Invention relates to the manufacture of a fast pile velvet on a somewhat
similar principle to that for which Letters Patent were granted to us (and Robert
Collinge) bearing date the 10th day of January 1880, No. 114, the object of the
present Invention being to make a softer face with a plain back.
The Invention consists in a peculiar manner of arranging and interweaving the
warp and weft threads, whereby the improved face produced in combination with
a plain back and the principal feature of the Invention consists principally in the
interweaving of fourteen ends or warp threads with nine or more picks or weft
threads, each face pick floating over eleven ends and then interlocking with the
other three, so as to make a fast pile.
The following will give an illustration of the principle of weaving this cloth :—
The first pick is a binding pick, and passes over one, under one, over one, under
one, and so on.
The second pick is a face pick, and passes under one, over one, under one, and
floats over eleven.
The third pick is a face pick, and passes over two, then under one, over one,
under one, and floats over nine.
The fourth pick is a face pick, and passes over four, then under one, over one,
under one, and floats over seven.
The fifth pick is a binder pick, and passes under one, over one, under one, over
one, and so on.
The sixth pick is a face pick, and floats over six, then locks under one, over one,
under one, and floats five.
The seventh pick is a face pick, and passes over eight, then locks under one,
over one, under one, and floats over three.
The eighth pick is a face pick, and floats over ten, then locks with three and
over the last.

page_text: The ninth pick is also a face pick, passing under one, floating eleven, and then
under one and over one.
This will produce a cloth with a soft face and a close-plain back, but several
variations of this cloth may be made with the same soft face and a plain back,
principally by varying the position of the binding picks so as to give a more or
less firm back, and the number of face picks (whether equal or unequal) employed
between each two binding picks and the same faced cloth with a ribbed back may
be produced with twice the number of ends, that is, twenty eight and nine picks.
IMPROVED MACHINE FOR CAPSULING JAR, BOTTLE, OR ANY OTHER RECEPTACLE
Year: 1881

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by George John Hutchings at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 22nd August 1881.
GEORGE JOHN HUTCHINGS, of No. 11, New Cross Road, London, S.E.
"IMPROVED MACHINE FOR CAPSULING JAR, BOTTLE, OR ANY OTHER RECEPTACLE.”
The said machine consists of four plates A, B, C, D, four grippers, and lever;
these are made of iron or other metal, and four india rubbers.
Plate A with large hole in centre.
"
"
"
B with four openings and centre hole.
C with four semi circular openings and centre hole.
D with two or more holes.
Grippers. One end forms a quarter circle with bevilled edges, the other end
with a stem, a hole passing from top to bottom.
The india rubbers each form a quarter circle, thicker in places, with tongue
at top.
The whole of plates are fastened together with bolts and screws.
This machine is worked by foot or hand.
The stand in shape of bottle fixed on plate supported by three or more legs, all
of iron or other metal.
IMPROVEMENTS IN MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS KNOWN AS HARMONICONS.
Year: 1881

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Marshall Arthur Wier at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 28th April 1881.
MARSHALL ARTHUR WEIR, of Gracechurch Street, in the City of London.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS KNOWN AS HARMONICONS.'
> "
My Invention relates to the mechanical reproduction of airs or tunes upon those
instruments known as harmonicons, wherein the notes are produced by a blow
upon metallic or glass plates. I effect this object by means of the device herein-
after specified, which is so designed as to drop shot upon the various plates in the
proper succession required by the tune or air it is wished to perform, in place of
delivering the blows by hand as at present practised.
My apparatus consists of a box enclosing the whole, at the bottom of which are
arranged in musical sequence the plates of the harmonicon.
At a convenient distance above the plates is a tray with grooves to correspond
with and immediately above each plate, and the grooves in which are made to be
about half the depth of the shot used. This grooved tray is slightly sloped, the
end from which the shot are to fall being the more elevated and immediately above
the ends of the plates. These plates project slightly beyond the tray, and are bent
downward so as to shed the shot into a receptacle after striking the plate, and thus
producing the required note.
The shot are supplied from a hopper above the grooved tray.
Between the hopper and the grooved tray and resting closely upon the tray is a
long strip of flexible material, such as strong paper. This strip is wound round
rollers at each side, and is pierced with holes corresponding to the grooves. As
the strip is wound from one roller to the other the shot drop from the hopper into
the pierced holes and corresponding grooves, and are thereby carried forward over
the edge of the grooved tray to drop upon the musical plates. The holes are
pierced at such intervals as to carry forward the shot in the proper order to
produce any desired succession of notes in a tune or otherwise..
The axis of the rollers are carried outside the case, and are turned by means of
a cranked key either to produce the tune or to wind back the strip to recommence.
The receptacle for the fallen shot may be made to ascend in guides, deliver into
the hopper, and return to its position by mechanism actuated by the revolution of

page_text: the rollers when winding back the used strip, or the same object may be effected
by mechanism actuated by the raising of the lid of the case.
I may in place of the strip employ an endless band, as in organettes.
The strips or bands may be replaced by others pierced for different tunes or
successions of notes, and may each be so pierced as to play one or more tunes.
I may find it convenient to facilitate the speed of revolution of the rollers by
means of multiplying gearing.
I may actuate the rollers by manual or mechanical power.
IMPROVEMENTS IN HOLDERS OR SUPPORTS FOR SEWING-THREAD SPOOLS OR BOBBINS
Year: 1881

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Coates, junior, at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 7th January 1881. A communication
from abroad by William S. Auchincloss, of Philadelphla, United States of
America.
JAMES COATES, junior, of Paisley, in the County of Renfrew, North Britain.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN HOLDERS OR SUPPORTS FOR SEWING-THREAD SPOOLS OR
BOBBINS." A communication from abroad by William S. Auchincloss, of
Philadelphia, United States of America.
This Invention has for its object the holding or supporting of sewing-thread
spools or bobbins in an improved manner, so as to be more convenient than
ordinary arrangements, and so as to facilitate the selection of different sizes or
"numbers" of thread when various threads are carried by one holder.
In one modification the improved holder or support consists of an oblong box of
wood or other suitable material, having fixed to it at suitable distances apart a
series of pins or spindles, which are by preference too short to pass quite through
the bores of the spools, so that the label on one end of each spool need not be
perforated. At one side of the bar there is fixed a series of spring clips, or a
single compound clip, which catching on the outer ends of the spools, keeps them
on their spindles, a clip being temporarily bended laterally when putting a spool
on or of a spindle. Springs of metal, rubber, plush, or other suitable material are
fixed so as to be under the spools, and so as to press the spools in a gentle
manner against the holding lips of the clips, and these springs impart a resistance
or tension when a thread is being drawn off its spools, which prevents the spool
overrunning. Nicks are formed in the bar to catch the thread ends in, and
cutting edges or pins may be provided to facilitate the detaching of lengths of
thread. When the holder is made for spools of different lengths the clips may be
made of correspondingly different lengths, or the bar or base may be formed with
steps of such sizes as to bring the outer ends of the spools to one level.
In another modification the base is made circular, and instead of the spring clips
there is a central stud having fitted at its outer end a disc of metal or other
material of a size to cover a part of each spool and so retain it. A concave cut is
made at one part of the disc, and the disc can be turned to bring the cut over any
spindle to admit of a spool being entered or removed.
IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE PLACES
Year: 1881

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Isaac Westley at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 7th February 1881.
ISAAC WESTLEY, of the Firm of Crichley Westley and Son, of Birmingham, in the
County of Warwick, Manufacturers. IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE PLACES."
My Invention has reference principally to the backs of fire places, and consists in
constructing the said backs in the manner herein after described.
My Invention consists further in combining with my improved fire place back
the parts herein after described.
Instead of making the back of the fire place vertical or slightly inclined from
top to bottom as usual, I construct the middle of the back with a nearly horizontal
projecting part, so that it overhangs or covers a portion of the fire space of the
grate above the grate bars, and acts as a radiator for radiating the heat into the room,
the flame, and heated air from the fire grate striking against or coming in contact
with the said nearly horizontal part of the back. The portions of the back above
and below the radiator described are not vertical but are inclined inwards, the
lower inclined portion joining the inner end of the radiator, and the upper inclined
part joining the outer end of the said radiator, each of the said upper and lower
parts making a nearly right angle with the middle projecting part or radiator.
The improved radiating back may either be made of fire clay and in one or more
pieces, or the said back may be made partly of fire clay and partly of metal, and
the said improved back may be fitted to any ordinary cast iron front and fire bars.
The bottom slab of the fire place may be made of fire clay, or of a perforated cast
iron plate.
.At the top of the fire place and between it and the chimney, a jointed door or
lid is situated, the position of the said door or lid being adjusted by a rack
supported by the upper edge of the fire place back. A hood projecting beyond the
plane of the fire bars and situated nearly parallel to the upper half of the fire place
back, may be used in order the more effectually to determine the passage of the
smoke and products of combustion into the chimney.
By constructing the parts of fire places according to my Invention fuel is
economized, and the heat is more efficiently radiated into the room than by the use
of the ordinary fire place back.
AND RELATING TO BRAKE APPARATUS FOR RAILWAY TRAINS."
Year: 1881

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by George Lewis Joy at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 28th April 1881.
GEORGE LEWIS Joy, of Southwark, in the County of Surrey.
IN AND RELATING TO BRAKE APPARATUS FOR RAILWAY TRAINS."
"IMPROVEMENTS
This Invention has for its object the production of a simple and efficient brake
apparatus, and is intended principally for use on freight trains.
It refers to that class of brakes operated by the speed of the engine being
retarded, and consists principally in the application of an automatic device for
and
throwing the pull-bars operating the brakes out of gear when motion ceases,
puts them in gear ready for action when the train is running.
A hooked pull-bar passes through a looped lever, its inner end being connected to
the automatic device, its forward end towards the draw-head being connected with
the brake lever.
This lever fulcrums on a bolt passing through a spiral spring, its outer end being
attached to the hand brake by a link.
Two blocks are fastened by a clamp to the axle or to lugs fixed on the wheel like
an engine governor, and are attached by side links to a disc moveable on the axle.
The free ends of a yoke or forked lever rest against this disc, and this yoke or
lever is pivoted at its centre to an elbowed shaft, the arm of which by means of a
bell-crank connects with the pull-bar.
When the train is running, the blocks or governors are thrown out by centrifugal
force, drawing the disc towards them, and the forked lever, impelled by the weight
of the hooked pull-bar in dropping into connection with the looped lever, follows.
The brake is then in gear and ready to be applied.
When the speed of the engine is retarded the drawbar is compressed, carrying
with it the looped lever and applying the brakes with a power proportionate to
the compression. To release the brakes the engineer increases speed (if still
moving), and all is free again.
When the train stops, centrifugal force ceases, and the governor blocks are forced
back to the axle by springs set in the clamps or lugs. Thus the pull-bar is put out of
connection with the looped lever. This sets free the brakes and offers no obstruction
to backing or pulling out.

page_text: If the drawheads remain compressed while stopping, and then the train has to be
backed at once, the engineer "takes the slack" just before stopping, and thus frees
the brakes.
To provide means of suddenly retarding the speed of the engine and tender to
apply the brakes without injury, to the apparatus, I employ on the engine an open
cylinder between the driving wheels, having two pistons connected to brake blocks
hung by links above from a common centre. The blocks are by their own weight
clear of the wheels till steam is admitted between the pistons, when they are at
once applied....
A single acting cylinder and piston operates the tender brakes, and I prefer to
work both engine and tender cylinders by one valve, a half movement applying
the tender brakes, and a further movement applying the engine brakes, should a
sudden stop have to be made.
IMPROVEMENTS IN CHAIN MAKING MACHINES
Year: 1881

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Alfred Julius Boult at the Oflice
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 20th June 1881. A communication
from abroad by Ludwig Danziger and Hugo Ziel, of Gleiwitz, Silesia, Empire
of Germany.
ALFRED JULIUS BOULT, of the Firm of Wm. P. Thompson and Co., Agents
for Foreign Patent Solicitors, 323, High Holborn, London, in the County of
Middlesex, 6, Lord Street, Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster, and Berridge
Street, Leicester, in the County of Leicester, Engineer and Patent Agents.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN CHAIN MAKING MACHINES." A communication from abroad
by Ludwig Danziger and Hugo Ziel, of Gleiwitz, Silesia, Empire of Germany.
This machine is designed mechanically to effect the shaping and welding of the
links in such a manner that rods or "blanks" of iron or steel cut into suitable
lengths, and heated to a welding heat, are introduced into the machine by the
attendant, to be formed into links, and their ends to be welded together by powerful
pressure, each subsequent link being passed through the preceding one, and a con-
tinuous chain thus produced. By means of such a machine, generally on a smaller
scale, small chains of other metal, for instance, brass, may be produced, the links of
which are made with their ends abutting against each other instead of being
welded.
The machine consists of operating parts, mostly mounted upon a table carried by
suitable standards or framework, and parts producing the various motions, these
latter being mounted upon a horizontal shaft driven by a loose pulley connected
with it when required by a suitable clutch and appurtenances.
The compressing slides or stamps are three in number, and lie and move hori-
zontally; the "blank" is placed across the jaws of one which compresses it round a
mandril into form of a staple or clamp, then another moves up and presses one end
of the staple round the mandril, and then the third slide presses round the other
end, and the ends being at a welding heat, and the pressure being considerable, the
link is completed, and the weld secure. The slides then withdraw, and a finger
carries the link over the mandril (which also shifts its position) into such a position
that when the next "blank" is inserted by the attendant, it passes through the
first link, and when made, the two are connected one through the other as in an
71

page_text: ordinary chain, cach link dropping down out of the way as needed. The various
motions are derived from cam discs of peculiar construction, and the necessary
levers, studs, springs, and the like are employed for imparting them to the different
parts of the machine.
The clutch gearing before alluded to is so arranged as to put itself out of gear as
soon as each link is completed, thus leaving the machine standing with the last link
in proper place for the attendant to insert the "blank" for the next one through it
and then put the clutch into gear again.
The blanks should be heated in a special forge or fire, so as to bring the ends to
a welding beat, whilst the centre part of the blank remains comparatively cool.
AN IMPROVED FOLDING LADDER AND MEASURE COMBINED
Year: 1881

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Clark at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 1st October 1881. A communication from
abroad by Arnold Schlaefli, of Soleure, Switzerland.
WILLIAM CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex, Patent
Agent. "AN IMPROVED FOLDING LADDER AND MEASURE COMBINED." [A com-
munication from abroad by Arnold Schlaefli, of Soleure, Switzerland.]
This Invention consists in an improved folding ladder for household purposes
generally, which is light and handy, and when not in use will occupy but little
space and serve also as a measure.
The ladder consists of a pair of side pieces attached to one another by parallel
rods, which are loosely jointed to the side pieces and form the rounds or steps of
the ladder. Each of the side pieces for the greater portion of its length would
preferably be semicircular in cross section, and when tho ladder is folded or collapsed
the one piece would lie flat against the other, forming single plain rod, which
would be suitably marked or graduated to serve as a measure; the sections may
however be of other shape. Each side piece terminates at one of its ends in a short
length similar in section to the two halves when folded together. The side pieces
are grooved longitudinally on their inner surfaces to receive the rods when the
ladder is collapsed, and they are held in the closed position by a catch on one part
taking over a stud on the other, and in the open position by a hook which passes
over one of the rods.
IMPROVEMENTS IN BOXES FOR CARRYING BOTTLES
Year: 1881

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Jabez Nall at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 23rd September 1881.
•
JABEZ NALL, of Penistone, in the County of York, "IMPROVEMENTS IN BOXES
FOR CARRYING BOTTLES."
My Invention relates to improvements in boxes for carrying or removing bottles
of mineral and other waters, alo, wine, and other similar bottles, and has for its
object strengthening the weak parts, and thereby increasing the durability and the
existance of such boxes very materially.
The above mentioned boxes are usually made with partitions or bins, so that the
bottles may be kept separate, and it is usual that all the bins are open and
communicato at the bottom of the box.
It is also usual that an open space is left on opposite sides, extending the whole
length of the box, for the purpose and to facilitate the cleaning out of the box; thus
the bottom of the box is entirely supported by its connection with the end pieces
of the box, and it is at about this point that the box generally fails.
In carrying out my Invention with the object of remedying this defect, I bore
one or more holes through the ends of the box in a vertical direction, and also
through the bottom of the box, one being on each side of the hand hole.
I then pass through the holes so formed pins or rods corresponding in size and
of a sufficient length to be secured at both ends by rivetting, or by nuts or similar
means.
For the further strengthening of said parts of said boxes I use a strip of iron or
other metal which I let in flush with the bottom of the box, and through which the
beforementioned pins or rods pass, and are rivetted or otherwise secured. A
similar strip may be used on the top of the box, or two smaller strips may be
used.
Where only one pin or rod is used at each end I prefer to put it in the centre,
and secure it in the hand hole.
In boxes for transport by rail or for export, the pins or rods may pass through
the lids of the boxes and be secured as before described.
IMPROVEMENTS IN DRIVING VELOCIPEDES, AND IN APPARATUS EM- PLOYED THEREIN
Year: 1881

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Kemp Starley at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 30th August 1881.
JOHN KEMP STARLEY, of the Meteor Works, Coventry, in the County of
Warwick. "IMPROVEMENTS IN DRIVING VELOCIPEDES, AND IN APPARATUS EM-
PLOYED THEREIN."
This Invention has for its object an improved method of driving velocipedes in
such manner that the speed may be decreased and greater propelling power
obtained when mounting hills, but so arranged that the hill gearing is called into
action only when required (thus avoiding at other times unnecessary friction), the
volocipede when running at its usual speed being driven in the ordinary manner
and its driving mechanism only connected by said gearing.
In order to carry my Invention into practice I mount loosely on the spindle or
axle, on which one or both of the driving wheels revolve, a chain wheel carrying a
double toothed pinion, the upper teeth gearing with a bevel wheel fixed to or
carried on the hub of the driving wheel, and the lower teeth capable of being
geared at will with a smaller bevel wheel mounted on a stationary spindle or axle,
and sliding on a feather or key moved by a clutch and lever or other device against
the lower teeth of the pinion when required to do so in mounting hills or running
on heavy roads when power and not speed is required.
When the normal speed is attained the gearing is not brought into use; but
when power is required to ascend any steep hill or in running over rough or heavy
roads, the gearing is by the before-mentioned lever or other suitable arrangement
brought into action, not to drive the velocipede but to impart a certain backward
motion to the driving wheels, thus gaining power at the expense of speed. The
double-toothed pinion then runs round the stationary bevel wheel, imparting a
reverse motion proportionately to the distance traversed in rolling over said
stationary pinion; thus the speed reduced is regulated by the disproportionate
sizes of the stationary bevel and hub wheels.
In another method, instead of employing a double-toothed pinion I may use
two, placing one on a diagonal spindle to gear with the other and the stationary
bevel.
The apparatus may be applied to either one or both sides of a tricycle or other
velocipede, and toothed instead of chain transmission may be used; when I may
dispense with one pinion.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF FELT HATS
Year: 1881

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Grimshaw at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 18th June 1881.
WILLIAM GRIMSHAW, of Hurst Brook, Ashton-under-Lyne, in the County of
Lancaster, Hat Manufacturer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF FELT
HATS."
The object of this Invention is to manufacture felt hats with a mottled colored
appearance, and which are now in vogue for lawn tennis and other recreative
purposes, and consists in crushing up tho hat body whilst in its soft stato, and then
printing the same with a yielding or hard surface covered with coloring matter, or
the crushing and printing operation may be performed simultaneously by the
printing block, and so that when such hat body is opened out, certain parts of the
same are covered deeply with the colored matter, whilst other parts are less so,
and thus I produce the required mottled appearance. In some cases I submit the
hat body to two or more printing operations whilst crushed up as aforesaid, or
after the same has been opened out and then squeezed together in a different
manner.
SCREW-TAPS AND SCREW-DIES
Year: 1881

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Ferdinand de Camp at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 28th December 1881.
FERDINAND DE CAMP of M. Gladbach (Germany) Engineer.
IN SCREW-TAPS AND SCREW-DIES."
"IMPROVEMENTS
The screw-taps and screw-dies which form the object of my Invention facilitate
and lighten hand labour to a much greater extent than by the same kind of
appliances now in use.
My screw-tap combines an ordinary roughing tool and a finishing tool in one
and the same appliance. It has four cutting faces and is provided with four
grooves for the reception of the waste metal, and is conical in shape so that the
lower end may serve as a "rimer" to square out the holes which are too small.
The twist of the thread is so constructed that it bites but little at one portion,
whilst at another portion it bites or cuts away about half the depth of the thread
the twist of the thread being completed by another portion. By the continued
and constant squaring of the nut to be tapped or threaded, caused by the conical
form of the thread on the screw tap, the next twist continues to bite or cut exactly
in the manner described and so on until the screw-tap has passed completely
through the nut and the operation is finished. A preliminary cut and a finishing
cut are therefore effected at each twist of the thread.
This screw-tap unlike those now in use, does not cut or bite with all the twists
of the cutting thread applied to a nut at the same time, and the result in the case
of my improved screw-tap is that the bite between each twist of the thread is so
little that the screw-tap may be worked or passed through the object to be tapped
or threaded with the greatest facility.
The twists of the threads of the screw-dies are constructed in exactly the same
manner so that they may be brought together to finish the thread by one turn of
the die without exerting much labour.
According to experiments made with these new screw-taps (one of which is
sufficient) only 25% of the time and force or power is necessary to effect the same
work as that required by screw-taps and dies now in use, and of which from two to
four to form a set are required according to the diameter.
All screw-taps and screw-dies at present constructed can be adapted to my
Invention.
NEW OR IMPROVED SHOES FOR WARMING AND KEEPING FEET WARM
Year: 1881

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by George Henry Ellis at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 26th September 1881.
GEORGE HENRY ELLIS, of 21, Finsbury Pavement, in the City of London,
Mechanical Engineer. "NEW OR IMPROVED SHOES FOR WARMING AND KEEPING
FEET WARM."
My Invention consists in constructing shoes having their soles made of a hollow
metallic or other case or chamber capable of being filled with hot water for tho
purpose of warming and keeping warm the feat. This chamber is covered with
felt or other warm material, and is provided with any suitable arrangement of
uppers" for attaching to the feet.
1
IMPROVEMENTS of Middlesex. IN THE CONSTRUCTION. OF VESSELS FOR CONTAINING FLUIDS
Year: 1881

page_text: "
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Imray at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 25th November 1881. A communication
from abroad by Woldemar Kowalevsky, of Moscow, in the Russian Empire.
JOHN IMRAY, of No, 28, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, in the County
"IMPROVEMENTS
of Middlesex.
IN THE CONSTRUCTION. OF VESSELS FOR
CONTAINING FLUIDS." [A communication from abroad by Woldemar Kowalevsky,
of Moscow, in the Russian Empire.]
According to this Invention vessels for containing fluids are made of spherical or
spheroidal form so as to have for a given capacity minimum of surface, and for
sustaining a given pressure minimum of thickness and weight. The vessel is made in
two pieces, encli being shaped as a hemispherical or hemispheroidal basin of sheet or
cast metal, papier maché, celluloid, or other suitable material, lined or coated in-
ternally according to the character of the fluid which it is intended to contain. The
two halves are jointed together at their edges, the joint being formed when sheet
metal is used by hooking a flange of the one half over a flange of the other half, and
soldering or brazing. The joint is protected and the vessel strengthened by &
strong ring of T section covering it, and by a similar ring put on the vessel at
right angles to the former. At one of the crossings of these two circles is pivotted
a ring by which the vessel can be lifted, and at any suitable part of the circum-
ference of the vessel is made a hole for filling or emptying, this hole being fitted
with a bush on which a cap can be screwed externally. When the vessel is made
of thin sheet metal it is of advantage to cover the surface with papier maché or
other soft material to deaden blows to which it may be subjected. Also the metal
may be corrugated to give greater stiffness and thereby reduce weight.
PROVEMENTS IN LOOMS FOR WEAVING."
Year: 1881

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Singleton at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 4th November 1881.
THOMAS SINGLETON, of Darwen, in the County of Lancaster, Machinist.
PROVEMENTS IN LOOMS FOR WEAVING."
"IM-
Firstly. To an improved weighting motion for the warp beam, no weights being
required. Around each ruffle of the beam are the usual ropes or chains, which at
one end are secured springs attached to the loom side, their other ends being con-
nected by links or bearers to a spring rod running the length of the loom, the
spring rod supported at each end in suitable brackets, one of which is regulated
by a screw, the other being in the form of an L lever; about the centre of the
spring rod is a bracket and runner. A pivotted lever, one end of which acts as a
feeler on the beam, its other end being eccentric, bears against the runner in tho
centre of the spring rod (or the eccentric portion of the lever may be toothed and
gear with another toothed cam so as to gratuate quicker), that as the beam
decreases in diameter the tension or weight is taken off the beam. In case the
weaver wishes to let off or back by moving the L lever on its fulcrum, the spring
released, and the tension taken off the beam, the spring thus being held in five places.
Secondly. To weave a better face upon the cloth, I employ a second bearer,
either stationary or revolving, the healds carried in suitable brackets so as to be
adjustable, so that the angle of the bottom shed is altered, and when beating up the
top shed is slack and the bottom shed is tight, thus a better face is put upon the cloth.
Or the bearer or rest may be a revolving eccentric shaft or a rest connected to the
slay, or may be arranged with levers from the back rest operated from the crank
shaft or other going part of the loom.
Thirdly. To an improved gripper for holding the weights and ropes I construct
my improved gripper so that there is no boring required, the saddle being made
in two parts, each part having studs or paps which fit into corresponding holes in
the stem hook or eye, the two pieces of the saddle being bolted together; or the
holes and paps may be reversed by this means, the saddle and the stem or hook
are hinged together, and so prevents either of them from being detached, and which
now is the case with the existing gripper.
Or the saddle may be made of malleable iron in one piece with papes or lugs, and
then nipped into position.
IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS TO BE EMPLOYED IN THE DYEING OF FABRICS
Year: 1881

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Charles Telford Smith, Samuel
Milne Milne, and John Harrison Binns at the Office of the Commissioners of
Patents on the 5th April 1881.
CHARLES TELFORD SMITH, SAMUEL MILNE MILNE, and JOHN HARRISON BINNS,
all of Bradford, in the County of York, Dyers. "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY
OR APPARATUS TO BE EMPLOYED IN THE DYEING OF FABRICS."
This Invention relates to improved construction and combination of apparatus
employed in what is known as "rainbow" or shaded dyeing, the pieces having
rainbow or shaded strypes dyed thereon, or the piece being so shade dyed from
selvage to selvage or from midway its width in opposite directions to its selvages.
For the purpose aforesaid we employ a machine comprising a vessel containing
the dye liquor, and provide a series of pairs of wheels or rollers, between which
the piece is drawn or caused traverse to and fro; the dye being supplied to the
piece by means of the bottom or lower wheels or rollers of each series by reason of
a portion of the diameter of the latter being immersed and running in the dye
liquor. In order to ensure regularity, it is essential that the piece so conducted
between the rollers aforesaid and through the machine in as nearly as possible a
straight line, to effect and ensure which we employ in combination with the wheels
or rollers aforesaid an endless spiked chain, temples, or other like devices applied
to each selvage of the piece, and in some cases it will be advantageous the wheels
or rollers between which the piece or fabric is drawn or caused to pass be geared
so as to ensure positive rotation of the said rollers or wheels.
Another construction of machine for the purpose aforesaid comprises an angular
shaped vessel for containing the dye liquor, having guide rollers placed obliquely or
at an angle over which the piece is caused to travel, so that according to the quantity
of dye liquor contained in the dye vessel, so will a greater or less portion of the width
of the piece be acted upon by the dye, and as the dye liquor is lowered in the vessel
at each succeeding passage of the piece, a less portion of the width of the piece again
acted upon and receives an extra or deeper shade; a like effect being secured by
the dye vessel divided into compartments, and each compartment provided with
rollers or wheels, and having a dye liquor of less strength or varying shade or
degree of colour.
The dye or colour as applied to a portion of the piece "runs" or extends, so
producing the shading off, the outer portion of the colored space producing a fine
effect, especially in lace or open loop woven fabrics.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF STEAM SHIPS AND OTHER VESSELS
Year: 1881

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Robert Francis Fairlie, of Victoria Street, in the City
of Westminster, Engineer, for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
CONSTRUCTION OF STEAM SHIPS AND OTHER VESSELS."
(Void by reason of the Patentee having neglected to file a Specification in
pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Robert Francis Fairlie at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 16th July 1881.
ROBERT FRANCIS FAIRLIE, of Victoria Street, in the City of Westminster,
Engineer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF STEAM SHIPS AND OTHER
VESSELS."
My Invention consists in constructing steam ships and other vessels in such
manner that in the event of the vessel sinking through the effects of a collision or
other cause the deck shall be free to float clear of the hull or body, and serve as a
capacious raft, by which the passengers and crew may be saved.
In carrying out my Invention I make the deck a separate structure from the
hull, and so connect its parts together that it shall possess the requisite strength.
It fits in a continuous groove or channel completely round the top edge of the
cargo part of the ship, and by a corresponding projection on the deck part, or by
any other method by which the connection may become watertight. The weight
of the deck part and upward pressure of the cargo or body part will be sufficient
to hold them in place, but to prevent any chance of movement or shifting I
connect them together as follows:-On the body or cargo part at the upper edge,
and on the inside, strong wrought iron angle knees are firmly fixed to the side at
suitable distances apart. In these knees are slots running towards the base of the
angle of sizes to suit the size of ship. There are strong plates placed to correspond
to the knees on the under part of the deck, to which they are fitted. From each
plate there extends downwards a strong piece, which fits easily into the slots in
[Price 201

page_text: the knees. When the deck is on its cargo part the pieces from the deck pass
through the knees, and below this a hole is bored and a pin inserted, thus
preventing any possibility of the deck parting from the cargo part. The pins are
connected by a strong chain, which is arranged to connect each pin without slack;
at least if there is slack it shall be to all pins alike. I connect these chains to a
centre chain, which is carried to a point near the wheel, where one or two of the
crew are always engaged. In the case of accident by bad seas, collision, or running
aground, the man at the wheel merely moves a handle, withdrawing all the pins at
once, and thus releasing the deck from the cargo part.
The deck may be provided with a keel, say, two or three feet deep at the middle,
and tapering off towards the bow and stern, and the deck may also have means of
fitting thereto a jury rudder and a mast and sail, or other means to enable it to be
navigated.
IMPROVEMENTS IN MECHANISM OR APPARATUS FOR TRANSMITTING MOTIVE POWER APPLICABLE TO VARIOUS USEFUL PURPOSES
Year: 1881

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Alphonse Lafargue at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 14th December 1881.
64
ALPHONSE LAFARGUE of Kensington in the County of Middlesex, Engineer.
'IMPROVEMENTS IN MECHANISM OR APPARATUS FOR TRANSMITTING MOTIVE
POWER APPLICABLE TO VARIOUS USEFUL PURPOSES."
This Invention relates to improvements in mechanism or apparatus for trans-
mitting motive power by converting reciprocating rectilinear motion into
continuous circular motion.
For example in place of connecting the piston rod of a steam or other motive power
engine to a crank for the purpose of imparting rotary motion to a crank shaft or
axis according to my improvements I connect the piston rod by means of a cross
head or its equivalent directly in line with the shaft or axis to be driven thus
dispensing with cranks connecting rods and other mechanism.
For this purpose upon the shaft or axis to which rotary motion is to be given
in accordance with my Invention I form right and left-hand spiral grooves around
the shaft to be driven or upon a collar or drum fixed thereon.
The right and left hand grooves meet at their extreme ends thus forming an
endless groove or grooves cut in opposite directions around the shaft.
The socket of a cross head working in guides envelopes or surrounds this
screwed portion of the shaft and on the inner surface of the socket a stud or studs
provided with friction rollers are fixed which fit into the spiral grooves formed on
the shaft.
By giving a reciprocating motion to the cross-bead by the piston rod of a steam
or other motive power engine or by other means the thrust exerted on the studs
and friction rollers acts upon the inclined surfaces of the spiral grooves thus
imparting a rotary motion to the shaft from which power can be transmitted for
various purposes.
A spiral thread or threads may be substituted for the spiral grooves if desired.
This improved engine may either be arranged to work singly or be arranged to
work double acting to avoid any dead centre.