matthewleechen/300YearsOfBritishPatents huggingface dataset:
AN IMPROVED FOLDING TABLE FOR READING, FOR ORDINARY USE, OR FOR THE BEDSIDE, AND TO ACT AS A FIRE SCREEN OR NOT, AS DESIRED.
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William John Hinde at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 9th February 1878.
WILLIAM JOHN HINDE, of 237, Euston Road, London, Cabinet Manufacturer.
"AN IMPROVED FOLDING TABLE FOR READING, FOR ORDINARY USE, OR FOR THE
BEDSIDE, AND TO ACT AS A FIRE SCREEN OR NOT, AS DESIRED.'
"
This Invention of an improved folding table for reading, for ordinary use, or for
the bedside, and to act as a fire screen or not, as desired, consists,―
Firstly. In taking the ordinary form of the vertical upright fire screen and pro-
viding it with a side, and fitting it so that it can fall down to make the projecting
flap, and when so let down to serve the purpose of a table.
Secondly. In providing the support to the table flap by means of tubular brackets,
one sliding within the other, so as to fold up in a small compass, and to let down
for the support, and without needing any further fixing or adjustment, the flap,
when thrown up, being retained in place by a catch, or the tube by a spring-fitting
catch serving the same purpose.
Thirdly. In providing that the vertical flap, whether up or down, shall be capable
of adjustment by sliding up or down, preferably in grooves in the frame, to give
the desired height, and then holding it by a screw clamp.
Fourthly. In providing for attaching the frame to the bedside in the following
manner-The frame is placed close to the bedside, and a vertical screw and handle
is used to raise a projecting arm working on the screw so that the projecting arm
shall press upward to the underside of the longitudinal side of the bedstead, and so
press the frame firmly to the ground, the weight of the bed upon the projecting
arm acting against the force of the screw, and thus holding the frame firmly in the
position desired.
Fifthly. In providing such flap, when used as a table, with one or two small
lifting flaps for a book rest, so that a book may be supported on either side, or on
both sides at once, either for a person sitting in the room, or for an invalid in bed,

page_text: the book flaps not extending the full size of the table so as to leave a portion of
the level surface of the table for a lamp, inkstand, or other article.
The table for an invalid in bed is most valuable, as it projects over the bed-
clothes, is capable of very solid fixing, adjustable to any height, and forms a
table for meals or book rest, and candle or lamp stand, without danger of being
upset.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF LETTER COPYING APPARATUS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Lorentz Albert Groth at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 20th July 1878. A communication
from Albert Amundson, Lieutenant, Royal Engineers, of Stockholm.
LORENTZ ALBERT GROTH, Civil Engineer and Proprietor of the Firm L. A. Groth
& Co., Scandinavian Patent and Mercantile Office of Stockholm, in the Kingdom of
Sweden. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF LETTER COPYING APPARATUS."
(A communication from Albert Amundson, Lieutenant, Royal Engineers, of
Stockholm aforesaid.)
The object of this Invention is to supersede the ordinary presses for letter
copying by a cheaper and simpler apparatus, which is used without a press and yet
shall afford a pressure by hand alone sufficient to copy the writing on to damped
surface. For this purpose the pressure is not applied to the whole surface at once,
as in a copying press, but only on a very small part of it at a time, and the whole
surface is gone over by gradual rolling of the apparatus, the apparatus proper which
is held in the hands of the operator, over the flat surface of the paper.
The apparatus is made of a curved cylindrical or partly cylindrical form, and
may be of wood, glass, china, or metal; it is provided with two knobs or handles
for taking hold of it with, and its pressing surface may consist of cardboard,
leather, wood, or india-rubber on an intermediate layer of some elastic substance.
The pressing surface is moistened when the apparatus is used; this may be done
by rolling it over an india-rubber spongy surface, or by means of an ordinary
copying press brush, or the copying leaf may be damped; the apparatus is pressed
against it by rolling pressure applied by hand.
The outer pressing surface may be arranged to tighten up, as required, by conical
or wedge or spring appliances, or by constructing it in two or more parts which are
forced apart, as required, by screw, or wedge, or spring, or other equivalent
appliances.
IMPROVEMENTS IN MAGNETIC APPLIANCES FOR CURATIVE PURPOSES
Year: 1878

page_text: -
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Herbert Coombes Byshe at the Offico
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 4th December 1878.
HERBERT COOMBES BYSHE, of Gothic Villas, Station Road, Gipsy Hill, in the
County of Surrey. IMPROVEMENTS IN MAGNETIC APPLIANCES FOR CURATIVE
PURPOSES."
My Invention has for its object the production of increased magnetic power in
appliances to be used for curative purposes by the adaptation and application
thereto of maguets formed and treated or coated on the surface in the manner
hereinafter stated.
The magnets above referred to are what I call double horse shoe magnets, and
are formed in such a manner as to contain four poles, that is to say, two north poles
and two south poles, instead of only one north pole and one south pole as usual,
thereby being adapted to give off when in use a greater amount of magnetic aura
than those magnets hitherto employed for the purpose.
And the magnets so formed are intended in some cases to be so treated on their outer
surfaces in order to prevent rust or oxydation by the process described in the Specifi-
cation of Barff's Patent, No. 862 (1876), whereby a film of black oxide of iron may
be formed on such surfaces, and increase the power of the magnets by rendering them
permanent, and possessed of the properties of the loadstone. In some cases also,
wherein it is especially desirable to avoid interference with the tempering of the
metal in the magnets to which it might be liable by the above treatment, they
are intended to have their surfaces protected from rust oxydation by means of a
composition or magnetic paint, the component ingredients of which are pulverised
iron, boiled linseed oil, and turpentine in the proportions of three ninths of iron,
four ninths of oil, and two ninths of turpentine or thereabouts.
CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN KEYLESS WATCHES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Wallen at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 15th October 1878.
THOMAS WALLEN, of Coventry, in the County of Warwick, Watch Manufacturer.
"CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN KEYLESS WATCHES."
My improvements consist substantially in a contrivance whereby one wheel is
made to do the work of the three now employed for that purpose, the same wheel
being by my Invention made to drive the winding wheel and the motion wheel.
According to my Invention the centre piece of the driving wheel (the said driving
wheel being in connection as usual with the pendant wheel) is not hung on a fixed
centre, but works upon a loose centre, whereby it can be allowed to travel in two
different directions, and in the one to gear with the winding wheel, and in the other
with the motion wheel, so that when in one position the watch can be wound,
and in the other the hands adjusted.
A locking spring provides the means of holding the driving wheel rigidly in either
position, as required.
The driving wheel is thrown into gear upon either the winding wheel or the
motion wheel by a direct action of the pendant knob or button, that is to say, when
this is elevated the driving wheel is also raised, and it is in gear with the winding
wheel, and when depressed the driving wheel is lowered in a corresponding degree,
and it then gears in the motion wheel.
But as a modification of my Invention the same result may be attained by giving
a side (instead of a direct) motion to the driving wheel. This is done by having
the centre piece, which carries the driving wheel, hung upon a point which is
nearer to its periphery than to its centre. A push piece is provided, which is in
connection with the said centre piece, and which when' required causes the driving
wheel to be thrown out of gear with the winding wheel, and transfers it to the
motion wheel.
AN IMPROVED APPLIANCE FOR COUPLING AND UNCOUPLING RAILWAY WAGGONS OR TRUCKS."
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Layton at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 13th November 1878.
ss
THOMAS LAYTON, of Redditch, in the County of Worcester, Gas Manager. AN
IMPROVED APPLIANCE FOR COUPLING AND UNCOUPLING RAILWAY WAGGONS OR
TRUCKS."
as to
This Invention has for its object the construction of an apparatus or appliance
for coupling and uncoupling railway trucks or waggons in such a manner
prevent the necessity of a person passing between the said trucks or waggons for
effecting this object, and thereby reduce the liability to accident which now
prevails.
The Invention consists of a grooved wheel about four inches in diameter and
about two inches thick attached at or near the corners of cach waggon or truck.
At each end of the truck a pair of iron levers, each about one inch in diameter and
about two feet six inches long, are laid upon the grooved wheels. These levers are
kept in position by their ends being hooked, and by their taking into or around
studs fixed to the side of the truck. The pair of levers at the end of each truck
are connected by a cranked iron cross bar that passes through two rings or loops
fixed on one of the coupling links, the said link being made a little larger than
those now in general use. At or near the extremities of each lever handles are
provided for adjusting them.
The action or mode of applying the apparatus is as follows:-To connect or
couple together two trucks or waggons when brought together, the attendant takes
hold of one of the handles of one of the levers and depresses it, and at the same
time thrusts it in the direction of the opposite truck. This action has the effect of
bringing the cranked part of the cross bar over the hook upon the draw bar, and
D971

page_text: upon the attendant releasing his hold of the lever the crank with its coupling link
will drop into proper position and connect the two trucks together. To uncouple
the trucks the handle at the other end of the lever is seized, and the action before
described is reversed, whereupon the waggons will be disconnected with great
rapidity.
Iм- PROVEMENTS IN CLIPS FOR ROPES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Rowbottom at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 18th June 1878.
JOHN ROWBOTTOM, Engineer, at the Digby Collieries, near Nottingham. "Iм-
PROVEMENTS IN CLIPS FOR ROPES."
My Invention consists of a steel clamp with a wedge working inside it. This
wedge has a groove along the top, in which the rope works between the wedge and
the top of the clamp. Attached to the small end of the wedge is a link, to which
the rope or other means of applying the force or power is attached.
When force is applied to the wedge in the proper direction, it jams or clips the
rope between the wedge and the clamp, and the more strain applied the faster it
holds.
In the Sheet of Drawings, Figure 1 is a section of my Invention. It shows the
rope clipped by a force applied to the wedge in the direction of the arrow.
Figure 2 shows end elevation of my improved clamp.
In Figure 1, A is the steel clamp; B, the wedge of steel or other suitable
material; C, the link to which power is applied; D, the rope.
In Figure 2, A is the clamp; B, the wedge; D, the rope.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND FITTINGS OF THE IRON FRAMES OF GRAND PIANO-FORTES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John George Webb at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 15th January 1878.
JOHN GEORGE WEBB, of Portland Street, Oxford Street, in the County of
Middlesex, Engineer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND FITTINGS OF
THE IRON FRAMES OF GRAND PIANO-FORTES."
This Invention relates to certain improvements in the construction and fittings
of the iron frames of grand piano-fortes, whereby the tone of the instrument is
improved, and other important advantages obtained as compared with the methods
of construction hitherto employed.
The frame is formed of cast iron in the ordinary manner, but is cored between
cach arch thereof with a groove, through which three or more slots may be cored or
cut, and under such slots respectively a tapered groove is cut at right angles thereto
for the keyways. A hard rolled brass plate, which may be rolled to any thickness,
is fitted and drilled with polished holes to a given height or scale with the greatest
accuracy.
Under the system previously adopted, seventy-one drilled and tapped holes were
formed in the iron casting, in which a similar number of brass drilled studs were
screwed, and through which the strings were passed.
In accordance with the present Invention, a brass plate provided with polished
holes for the strings is substituted, by means of which great labour is saved and
the tone of the piano materially improved.
At the treble end of the piano a transverse iron bridge is formed in the casting,
on which bridge a steel plate having a polished edge is inserted, and under which
the strings run. This arrangement is employed instead of the brass bridge which
has been hitherto used, and which is fixed by means of eleven screws in which holes
are drilled through which the strings pass. In the latter case it frequently happens
that the holes for the pins are inaccurately drilled, and in consequence a lateral
bearing is caused, and the tone of the instrument is impaired, whilst by the steel
plate under the present Invention any lateral bearing is rendered impossible.
IMPROVEMENTS IN CALENDAR CLOCKS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Frank Wirth at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 14th October 1878. A communication from
Theodor Weisser, of Furtwangen, in the Grand Duchy of Baden.
FRANK WIRTH, of the Firm of Wirth and Company, Patent Solicitors, at
Frankfort-on-the-Main, in the Empire of Germany. "IMPROVEMENTS IN CALENDAR
CLOCKS." A communication from Theodor Weisser, of Furtwangen, in the Grand
Duchy of Baden.
The improvements relate to the construction of improved machinery capable of
being worked by any convenient clock movement applied hereto, for the purpose
of showing the day of the month, date thereof, and corresponding day of the week,
and consist of a compartment or frame furnished with a roller carrying a band
marked with the numerals 1 to 31 for dates of the month, and on each side of said
compartment a drum, one marked with the days of the month and the other the
days of the week, said drums being placed on the same axle that carries the date
roller, the date band being attached at its upper end to the roller above mentioned,
and at its lower end to another roller having its axle attached to a spring which is
wound up by the unwinding of the date ribbon when the machinery is in operation.
The month and week drums are suitably geared to the axle carrying the dato
roller, and are moved in proper ratio to the date band when in motion. The
machinery is best constructed of metal as clock machinery, and the date band of
wire, woven tape, or other convenient material.
IMPROVEMENTS IN COUPLINGS FOR RAILWAY VEHICLES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Lloyd Wise at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 6th Noveniber 1878. A communication
from abroad by Albert Focke, of the Firm Louis Reichel and Company, of
Cöthen, Anhalt, Germany.
WILLIAM LLOYD WISE, of Chandos Chambers, Adelphi, in the County of Mid-
dlesex. "IMPROVEMENTS IN COUPLINGS FOR RAILWAY VEHICLES." (A communi-
cation from abroad by Albert Focke, of the Firm Louis Reichel and Company,
of Cöthen, Anhalt, Germany.)
This Invention relates to a construction of coupling for railway vehicles, whereby
the carriages may be coupled without the operator having to pass between their
ends.
For this purpose the draught and buffer apparatus are combined in a manner to
dispense with the ordinary buffers.
'
The nature of the Invention will be understood on reference to the accompanying
Sheet.of Drawings, wherein the ordinary buffers (to be dispensed with) are indi-
cated in dotted lines.
A and B are parts of two carriages; each is provided with buffer arrangements
a, a', which by means of a crosshead c placed under the carriage, are in connection
with the draught rod d. The screws e, e', allow of exact adjustment.
The coupling acts automatically on the carriages being pushed together; h' and h
are jaws arranged to turn on pins v fitted in forks u of the draw and pushing bars.
The jaws are kept normally closed by springs k, l, fastened to the flanges w of the
drawing and pushing bars. When the grippers are pushed against the pins m of
the forks i, the jaws h¹, h², open, and having gripped the pins m are immediately
closed by the springs , k. The jaws are thereupon automatically fastened together,
each pair by a pin n, which is forced through holes in the two jaws by a spiral
spring o, after having been set free by the action of the jaws on the spring catch q,
whereby the pin n was previously held back.
Each carriage has at each end a drawing and pushing bar provided with a fork i
and pin m, and another drawing and pushing bar provided with grippers, so
[Prins 21

page_text: arranged that on any two carriage ends coming opposite each other the gripper h
of each will be opposite the pin m of the other.
Each carriage end is provided with a shaft r fitted with a chain pulley and two
levers or arms by means of which a chains and with it a bell crank lever t may
be pulled so as to withdraw the pin n, thereby setting free the jaws of the gripper,
which can then open. The spring 9 will then return to its normal position, and
_will hold back the pin n in. readiness to again fasten the jaws together on the
spring q being struck by them.
The action of the crossheads c facilitates running round curves.
It will be evident the details may be modified without departure from the
essential characteristics of the Invention.
IM- PROVED APPARATUS FOR THE ABSORPTION OF SMOKE
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Imray at the Office of the Com-
missioners of Patents on the 15th February 1878. A communication from
abroad by Auguste D. Genge, of Paris, France.
JOHN IMRAY, of Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex.
« IM-
PROVED APPARATUS FOR THE ABSORPTION OF SMOKE." [A communication from
abroad by Auguste D. Genge, of Paris, France.]
This Invention relates to apparatus applicable to locomotives, steam vessels, and
factories, for effecting the absorption of or condensation of smoke by causing it to pass
in an extended course through a vessel in contact with liquid. The vessel is a tank
or box, which may be of rectangular form with a side opening to which is connected
the smoke pipe, and an opening on the opposite side with a pipe and damper for
escape of vapour. The lower part of the vessel is charged with liquid, and the
upper part is separated by partitions dipping down into the liquid, these partitions
having openings through them alternately at their opposite ends, so that the smoke
in its course from the simokė pipe towards the vapour pipe has to move in a zig-zag
direction over the surface of the liquid, becoming thereby condensed and absorbed.
The vessel has a double cover, a stop-cock for emptying it, a gauge cock for
ascertaining and determining the level of the liquid in it, and an aperture for
charging it with liquid with a thermometer placed therein.
IMPROVEMENTS IN VALVES FOR PUMPS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Friedrich Hermann Felix Engel at
A com-
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 29th April 1878.
munication from abroad by Olof Frederich Berg, Engineer, of the City of
Hamburg, Germany.
FRIEDRICH HERMANN FELIX ENGEL, Civil Engineer and Patent Agent, in the
City of Hamburg, Germany. "IMPROVEMENTS IN VALVES FOR PUMPS." (A com-
munication from abroad by Olof Frederich Berg, Engineer, of the City of Hamburg,
Germany.)
This valve consists of two, three, or more discs of different diameter, of best
leather, pasted together concentrically and under great pressure by means of an
india-rubber solution.
In the centre opening of the discs a metal box is fastened, one end of the box may
be furnished with a flange, and the other end be partly bent over the leather, or it
may be attached in any other suitable material. This box prevents the discs from
bursting at the edge of the opening, and wear and tear will be diminished. The
durability of these valves is greater than that of any other leather or india-rubber
valve hitherto in use.
OR APPERTAINING TO PHOTOGRAPHIC CAMERAS, AND IN THE MODE OF OPENING AND CLOSING THE SHUTTER
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by David Hoyles Cussons and Alexander
Cowan at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 29th June 1878.
DAVID HOYLES CUSSONS, of Southport, in the County of Lancaster, and
"IMPROVEMENTS
ALEXANDER COWAN, of Bayswater, in the County of Middlesex.
IN OR APPERTAINING TO PHOTOGRAPHIC CAMERAS, AND IN THE MODE OF OPENING
AND CLOSING THE SHUTTER."
In taking photographic portraits it is often of great advantage for the sitters not
to know the moment the exposure takes place, as they are very apt to fall out of
their natural expression in anxiety to keep it;, our Invention is designed to enable
this to be effected more easily.
It consists in connecting a lever attached to the cap, or preferably to an opaque
shield inside the camera, with an electro-magnet in such manner that when the
electric current is broken or made, the cap or shield flies into or out of place, and
exposing the plate or stopping the exposure as the case may be. The operator then
can hold a contact maker in his hand attached to wires made in the form of an
insulated rope in the well-known manner, and at any moment by depressing the
knob when far away from the camera can expose the plate and then close it. For
this purpose the disk or other plate acting as an interior cap can be made in one or
more pieces, and can be caused to open and close like a flap, a sliding shutter, a
semaphore disc, or a guillotine. In this way too an operator can take his own
likeness, as he can depress the knob without apparent movement.
We prefer to effect exposure by breaking contact rather than by making it, but
this is immaterial.
IM- PROVEMENTS IN DOUBLING AND TWISTING: FRAMES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Craven at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 21st June 1878.
THOMAS CRAVEN, of Koighley, in the County of York, Manufacturer. "IM-
PROVEMENTS IN DOUBLING AND TWISTING: FRAMES."
The object of my Invention is to arrange doubling or twisting frames in such a
manner that when the yarn begins to snarl on any spindle or spindles, or by any
cause the drag is slackened, the spindle or spindles thus effected will stop, and the
travel of the threads of yarn from the bobbins on the crecl to the spindles will be
stopped also.
I accomplish my object in the following manner :-To the bottom roller carriers
I fix a lever centred on a stud as fulcrum; one end of this lever is in connection
with a guard, and the other end, called the front end of the lever, extends over the
top of the spindle. The threads of yarn are conducted from each pair of front
rollers over the end of each lever to the bobbin on the spindle. When the yarn
begins to snarl or the pressure on front end of lever is reduced, the back end of the
lever falls, and the guard in connection therewith comes in contact with a revolving
bar, and actuates a series of levers and the top front roller, and stops the same
from revolving
By the application of my improvement I am enabled to run the frame at a higher
rate of speed, and thereby produce a corresponding increase in the quantity of yarn
doubled or twisted.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PURIFICATION OF GAS AND SEPARATION OF PRODUCTS THEREFROM
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Alexander McDougall and Joseph
Hepworth at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 10th October
1878.
ALEXANDER MCDOUGALL, of Penrith, in the County of Cumberland, Gentleman,
and JOSEPH HEPWORTH, of Carlisle, also in the County of Cumberland, Engineer
and Manager of the Gas Works. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PURIFICATION OF GAS
AND SEPARATION OF PRODUCTS THEREFROM."
Our Invention relates in the first part to the removal of carbon disulphide from
gas used for illuminating and other purposes; and in the second part to the separa-
tion of the said carbon disulphide and its collection for use in any of the processes
to which it is commonly applied.
In carrying out the first part of our Invention we cause the gas to pass through
sawdust, spent bark, or other material such as will enable us to prevent as large a
surface as practicable to the contact of the gas. The material so used is previously
charged and intimately mixed with oil and then placed upon grids or supports
perforated or provided with holes for the passage of the gas.
The grids or supports on which the prepared material is spread are placed in
scrubbers or purifiers furnished with inlet and outlet junctions, also with a per-
forated plate in the interior immediately beneath the top to admit and spread the
oil over the material on the first grid or support. The oil percolates through the
material on the first or highest grid on to the material on the second, and so on
through the series, meeting the gas as it passes upwards, and separating and carrying
down with it the carbon disulphide. The oil so charged passes finally through the
tube at the lower part of the scrubber or purifier into the vessel placed for its
reception, whence it overflows into a second vessel for purification or separation
therefrom of the carbon disulphide.

page_text: After purification by the separation of the carbon disulphide the oil is used a
second time, and so on continuously.
In carrying out the second part of our Invention we separate the carbon disulphide
from the oil used in purifying the gas by distillation or by hot air or steam, We
afterwards prepare the carbon disulphide for commercial use by well known 5
methods.
IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR PRINTING
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Frederick George Myers at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 24th June 1878.
FREDERICK GEORGE MYERS, Machinist, Rockingham Road, Kettering, in the
County of Northamptonshire. "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR PRINTING."
The machine forming the subject of the present Invention consists of any suitable
frame, as, for example, that of an ordinary printing machine, to the two sides of
which are attached a series of rollers or wheels on which the edges of the type bed
travels, thus supporting the table. The centre frame holds one or more wheels directly
under and parallel with the cylinder, at proper distances apart, according to the size
of the machine, to take the strain exerted on the table or type bed by the impression
of the paper, between which wheels and top cylinder the table passes, thereby
causing the impression, the other parts constituting this machine being similar to
those now in use in the ordinary machines.
Having thus described my Invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Lotters
Patent is,-
First. The use of rollors or wheels at the extreme width of the table or type bud
attached to the side frames only.
Second. The use of wheels or rollers directly under the table and cylinder to
support the strain exerted on the table underneath the impression.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MEANS OR APPLIANCES FOR RESISTING TORPEDOES OR SUBMARINE EXPLOSIVE BODIES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by George Augustus Pepper Staveley at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 12th April 1878,
GEORGE AUGUSTUS PEPPER STAVELEY, of 67, Strand, in the County of Middlesex.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MEANS OR APPLIANCES FOR RESISTING TORPEDOES OR
SUBMARINE EXPLOSIVE BODIES."
The improvements consist of a folding moveable or otherwise floating metal
lattice screen, made in sections, to be used as a species of floating chain armour, for
resisting and destroying torpedoes or floating or fixed mines; the screen does not
form a component part of a vessel, but should form a portion of her equipment.
The screen is to be lowered and raised in sections by means of davits, pulleys,
ropes, and levers, or other suitable mechanical means, and isolated from the vessel
when in use, flotation being ensured by the use of buoys. Also, for the purpose of
preventing the defence screen being driven in or through under a prolonged pres-
sure, the improvements embrace the use of fans, parachutes, or similar contrivances,
put into action by the pressure of the torpedoe, and thereby enabling the floating
screen to hold its own against such pressure, the resistance afforded being sufficient
to explode a percussive torpedo, without resorting to undue weight in the structure
of the screen.
The improvements are to be performed by making the screen of metal trellis work;
the fans or parachutes may be made of metal, expansible on impact or pressure,
and large enough to offer sufficient surface, combined with the water behind them,
to resist the impact of travelling torpedoes.
The lowering apparatus may be similar to that in use for lowering ships'
boats.
The various sections of the screen are to be secured to each other by wire rope
or chain, and these fastenings may form permanent hinges in some cases, or adjust-
able fastenings in others.
AN IMPROVED PROCESS OF PRESERVING FISH, FLESH, OR FOWL, AND FOR EM- BALMING.
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Cyprien Laurent at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 2nd May 1878.
CYPRIEN LAURENT, Apothecary, of the City of Paris, in the Republic of France.
"AN IMPROVED PROCESS OF PRESERVING FISH, FLESH, OR FOWL, AND FOR EM-
BALMING.
The characteristic feature of this Invention is that eatables, such as meat, fish,
fowl, and game may be kept fresh any length of time. Bodies may also be
embalmed by the same process. For this purpose a mixture is made, composed of
about 60 parts of bicarbonate of soda, and 40 parts of sugar; a solution of this is
made by the addition of a little water; the whole is then well shaken so that a
perfect mixture of the ingredients is effected and united so as to form a paste
which is partly liquid. A thin layer of this mixture is passed over the substance
to be preserved by aid of a brush or some equivalent. The matter or pieces thus
coated are then exposed to the air till they are well dried.
It is not imperative to use sugar, as the bicarbonate of soda alone would suffice,
the sugar being added to give consistency to the paste. When the preserved sub-
stances are to be used to make them fresh they must be steeped in cold water
for 24 hours so as to remove all traces of the preservative mixture.
AN IMPROVEMENT OR IMPROVEMENTS IN CONNECTING AND ADJUSTNG KNOBS WITH THEIR SPINDLES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Henry Shaw at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 9th May 1878.
HENRY SHAW, of Wheeler Street, Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Tool
"AN IMPROVEMENT OR IMPROVEMENTS IN CONNECTING AND ADJUSTNG
KNOBS WITH THEIR SPINDLES."
Maker.
The objects of this Invention are to facilitate the application of knobs and
spindles to the locks of doors of various thicknesses, to facilitate the connection
and adjustment of the knobs and spindles, to afford greater security, and to dispenso
with the usual neck screws.
The Invention consists in forming the knobs with or adapting to them tapering
necks projecting towards the lock or door and screwed externally, and having an
inner square hole or mouth slit through the thickness of the metal at the corners
of the square up to the shoulder of the knob. The knobs as thus formed are
affixed or secured to the spindle as herein-after described by the use of collar nuts,
which at one end aro tapered and screwed internally to feed upon the necks of the
knobs, and at the other end, that adjacent to the lock or door, are screwed left
handed, or in the reverse direction, to screw upon the spindle.
When the spindle is passed through the door and lock, one knob having firstly
been affixed or secured to it, the collar nut is screwed upon the spindle close up to
the door; the knob is then placed upon the spindle, which enters its square mouth,
and the collar nut is screwed (being turned in the same direction) upon its neck, the
segments of which it thus gradually closes and tightens upon the spindle, and
travels upon the latter towards the door, at the same time drawing the knob
with it.
A similar arrangement is capable of application to light hollow knobs by dis-
pensing with the screw upon the edges of the spindle, and using a plain unscrewed
squared spindle and collar nuts screwed internally of equal diameter and of one
direction of thread, by merely placing the knob on the unscrewed spindle and
screwing the nut tight upon the neck of the knob.
IMPROVE- MENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR STEERING TRAMWAY ENGINES AND CARS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Frederick Dawkin Bowles at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 26th March 1878.
FREDERICK DAWKIN BOWLES, of Brighton, in the County of Sussex.
"IMPROVE-
MENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR STEERING TRAMWAY ENGINES AND
CARS."
My improved apparatus is particularly applicable to steam cars, which may
thereby be turned into sidings or on to branch lines without applying moveable
switches to the way.
My Invention is based upon the use of steering wheels so arranged that they
may be made to exert a lateral and downward pressure upon the inside of one
or other of the rails, sufficient to cause the wheels of the car to leave the rails
upon which they have been running when it is required to pass on to a siding
or a branch line.
I propose to carry my steering wheels in forked links, these links being pinned
loosely in inclined brackets fixed to the frame of the car, so that the steering
wheels present themselves at an inclined angle to the rails.
1 propose to use four steering wheels, two at each end, right and left of the
car, and to connect the back and front links of each side by means of rods or bars,
a hand lever being attached to the centre of each of these side rods in connction
with a toothed quadrant, as may be required.
The action will be as follows:-Upon the driver wishing to pass on to a siding
or a branch line, say to his left, he pushes the right-hand lever from him, and
thereby draws the steering wheels down against the inside, or into the groove of
the right-hand rail, so that these wheels push the car wheels to the left and cause
them to abandon the line upon which they have been running. By reversing the
movement of the hand lever the pressure is taken off the inside of the rail.

page_text: I prefer to bevel the periphery of my steering wheels so as to obtain a good
bearing surface in the groove or on any other part of the rail.
may bend my forked lever to keep it closer to the end of the car.
I may use any suitable number of steering wheels, and make both front and
back wheels act at the same time upon the rail, or not, as I may find desirable.
IM- PROVEMENTS IN OBTAINING OR PRODUCING VEGETABLE CHARCOAL
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Wilhelm Hollmann at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 8th June 1878.
WILHELM HOLLMANN, of Wolfenbuettel, in the Duchy of Brunswick, and at
present of Greek Street, Soho, in the County of Middlesex, Manufacturer. "IM-
PROVEMENTS IN OBTAINING OR PRODUCING VEGETABLE CHARCOAL."
My Invention consists in treating certain mosses or plants in order to obtain
charcoal therefrom.
On the surface of some peat bogs there is found a layer of partly decomposed
light vegetation, consisting chiefly of plants or inosses of the genus sphagnum,
remarkable for the very low per-centage of its mineral constituents, and con-
sequently for the small quantity of ash left when it is burnt or charred. I take
this material, and after drying or partially drying it in the open air, or in sheds
or artificially, I carbonize it in retorts or heated cylinders. I afterwards pulverize
or reduce it to grains of the desired size, sifting it in order to separate those por-
tions which are not sufficiently reduced..
The charcoal thus obtained is particularly adapted for use in the manufacture of
gunpowder in lieu of the charcoal ordinarily employed.
It also forms a good filtering or purifying medium for water, alcohol, or other
liquids.
It may also be used as a disinfectant, and mixed with other substances constitutes
a valuable manure.
IMPROVED APPARATUS TO FACILITATE PLAYING ON THE ORGAN AND HARMONIUM
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Adam at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 26th October 1878. A communication from
abroad by Camille Maillet, of Antwerp, in the Kingdom of Belgium.
JOHN ADAM, of Queen Victoria Street, in the City of London. " IMPROVED
APPARATUS TO FACILITATE PLAYING ON THE ORGAN AND HARMONIUM." [A
communication from abroad by Camille Maillet, of Antwerp, in the Kingdom of
Belgium.]
This Invention relates to apparatus whereby a person possessing no musical
knowledge is enabled to play inusic and accompany singing, more particularly
sacred music and singing.
The apparatus is intended to be placed on the keyboard of an organ or harmonium,
and consists of two principal parts, one above the other, the lower one consisting of
a series of 42 or more levers, which I term intermediate levers, of uniform length
and height, and having stickers or depression pieces on the under side in the proper
positions to press respectively upon the black and white keys of the instrument
which are beneath them. These intermediate levers serve to equalise the height
and length of the black and white keys of the instrument, so that the same amount
of motion is required to depress a white or black key. These intermediate levers
work on a centre in a suitable frame, upon which is fitted the upper part consisting
of a box enclosing a number of keys termed chord keys (generally 35) which lay
across the intermediate levers, and have on their under side a number of depressing
pieces or stickers which rest each upon an intermediate lever at suitable intervals
in order that when a single one of the chord keys is depressed a group of the inter-
mediate levers, and consequently of the keys of the instrument, will be depressed
to sound a chord. These chord keys are not pivoted but move up and down in end
guides in the box. Each chord key is provided at the upper side with a small stud
or button to be depressed by the finger, the studs or buttons of all the keys
composing the keyboard being usually arranged in four rows, and may be con-
veniently marked with corresponding numbers on each row. These studs or
buttons are provided with springs to return them to their original position after
they have been struck.

page_text: The intermediate levers being of uniform height and length admits of the "chord
keyboard being shifted thereon, the relative-positions-of-the-two being determined
by notches. By shifting the extent of- a notch either way the key of the music is
raised or lowered a semitone.
The musical notation may be conveniently represented by short parallel lines
followed by numbers indicating the row and the number in the row-of-the-stud-or
knob, by-depressing which the desired chord will be sounded.
AN IMPROVED APPARATUS APPLICABLE AS AN INHALER, BRONCHITIS KETTLE, AND PORTABLE VAPOR BATH
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Lively Shepard at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 9th November 1878.
WILLIAM LIVELY SHEPARD, of No. 15, Euston Road, in the County of Middlesex,
Surgeon. "AN IMPROVED APPARATUS APPLICABLE AS AN INHALER, BRONCHITIS
KETTLE, AND PORTABLE VAPOR BATH."
This apparatus consists of a part cylindrical vessel, that is with a crescent formed
part bulged in on one side. It is closed at the top, terminating in a spout or outlet
tube, by preference slanting upwards in a direction towards the side of the aforesaid
bulged in part. The spout tapers off smaller and terminates when the apparatus
is applied as an inhaler by preference in a suitable mouthpiece. The spout may
be telescopic or consists of two or more lengths for convenience of packing. The
bottom edge of the cylinder is scolloped out or formed with holes.
Inside the top of cylinder I arrange a cup or ring for the reception of a small vessel
with strainer bottom part for containing the medicaments. The cylinder containing
the charged vessel inside is placed in any suitable vessel containing water, such as an
ordinary saucepan. When the water boils it circulates freely through the cylinder,
the steam and vapour rising up through the medicaments, and being charged therewith
the vapours pass off by the spout, either into the room, in which case the apparatus
acts as a bronchitis kettle, or into the mouth of the patient, in which case the
apparatus acts as an inhaler, or underneath blankets covering up the patient, in
which case the apparatus acts as a portable vapour bath. The bulged in part affords
facility for supplying the saucepan with water without removing it from the fire.
IMPROVEMENTS IN VELOCIPEDES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Edward Seed and Richard Woods at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 28th October 1878.
EDWARD SEED, of Blackburn, in the County of Lancaster, Window Blind Manu-
facturer, and RICHARD WOODS, of Blackburn aforesaid, Sawyer. "IMPROVEMENTS
IN VELOCIPEDES."
This Invention relates to an improved construction of velocipede constructed in
such manner as to carry three or more persons, and that each rider may simul-
taneously contribute to the motive power.
According to this our Invention the wheels (by preference three in number) are
arranged in triangular order, and a seat over each wheel; the wheels are each provided
with crank motion worked by the feet. The several wheels are connected to each
other, and as there is but one wheel for each side, the friction is reduced to a
minimum and the propelling power enhanced.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF SAFETY LAMPS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Edward Dooley and William
Minshall at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 1st July 1878.
JOHN EDWARD DOOLEY, Brassfounder, and WILLIAM MINSHALL, Machinist, both
of Stockport, in the County of Chester. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION
OF SAFETY LAMPS."
Our Invention relates to supplying atmospheric air to miners' safety lamps and
other lamps in such manner as to maintain combustion while preserving the flame
from noxious or other prejudicial gases, vapours, and strong currents and counter
currents, by which means we produce lamps of good lighting capacity, strong and
quite safe in use in mines, whatever may be the state of the air therein. For this
purpose we employ an ordinary miners' lamp, on the top of which we screw a cap
having a hollow flange forming a circular air chamber. The bottom part of the cap is
cut with a screw to screw it on the top of the lamp and also to screw up in position
a wire gauze or finely perforated metal cap which is brazed or otherwise secured to
a metal ring. The wire gauze cap closes the air chamber, and the metal ring screws
up the cap. The wire gauze cap allows only atmospheric air to pass into the burner
air chamber to the flame to maintain combustion. The air enters the circular air
chamber through a series of small holes drilled underneath the circular air chamber
or bottom plate of the hollow flange, or the air can enter through tubes from the
bottom of the lamp, the same being protected by a wire gauze cap. The top of the
lamp cap is made with a socket having a flange on the top, to this top flange is
brazed or otherwise secured a wire gauze ring, in which is fitted a glass or crystal
chimney, but by preference of toughened glass; the top of the chimney is held in
position by another wire gauze ring secured to the top cap of the lamp.
The gaseous products of combustion pass up the chimney and through the wire
gauze rim or ring, and thence down a passage formed by a circular space between
the chimney and a toughened glass cylinder, which is fitted over the chimney. The
cylinder is held in position by a circular perforated metal rim, through which
escapes the gaseous products of combustion, a protecting cage formed of neat

page_text: galvanized iron wires or bars is placed over the glass cylinder to protect the glass,
and the cage is supported on the top of the hollow flange air chamber.
We also construct miners' and other lamps with an outer glass chimney covering
made triangular, in which are secured bulls eyes made with convex surfaces. Those
bulls eyes are made hollow in which is placed water or liquids. These hollow bulls 5
eyes containing liquids or water can be used for other purposes on account of their
great illuminating power.
IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO THE MANUFACTURE OF IRON
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to James Couper, the younger, of Glasgow, in the County
of Lanark, and Robert Dobbie, of Larbert, in the County of Stirling, North
Britain, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO THE
MANUFACTURE OF IRON."
Sealed the 16th August 1878, and dated the 24th May 1878.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said James Couper and Robert
Dobbie at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 24th May 1878.
JAMES COUPER, the younger, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, and ROBERT
DOBBIE, of Larbert, in the County of Stirling, North Britain. "IMPROVEMENTS IN
AND RELATING TO THE MANUFACTURE OF IRON."
This Invention relates to the treatment in a blast, reverberatory, or other furnace
of the oxides of iron, and has more especial reference to utilizing the oxides known
as "purple ore," the residue of pyrites or "blue billy," in order to produce metallic
iron therefrom, either with or without an admixture of pig iron, or iron in other
forms.
In carrying out our Invention we take 100 lbs. of the oxide of iron, containing
about 96 per cent. of oxide; to this we add from 5 to 10 per cent, of the chlorides
of the alkalis or earths(chloride of sodium by preference), and twenty-two per cent. of
carbon.
Or, instead of the foregoing, we take 100 lbs. of the iron oxide, and from 5 to 10
per cent. of the sulphates, sulphites, or sulphides of the alkalis, or of the earths, and
DE now ont of naxhon

page_text: The substances, mixed as herein-before set forth, may be charged into the furnace
at once in the dry state, or they may be moistened with a liquid, such as water,
and formed into blocks or lumps before being charged into the furnace.
It is to be understood that the proportions above stated may be varied, and neces-
sarily will vary, according to the per-centage of foreign matter in the oxides.