matthewleechen/300YearsOfBritishPatents huggingface dataset:
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONNSTRUCTION OF TUBULAR BOILERS FOR HEATING BUILDINGS FOR HORTICULTURAL AND OTHER PURPOSES
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Edward George Rivors at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 19th December 1876.
EDWARD GEORGE RIVERS, of Cologne Road, Wandsworth, in the County of
Surrey, Civil Engineer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONNSTRUCTION OF TUBULAR
BOILERS FOR HEATING BUILDINGS FOR HORTICULTURAL AND OTHER PURPOSES."
My Invention relates to improvements in the construction of tubular boilers for
heating water to warm conservatories, green houses, and other buildings for horti-
cultural or other purposes.
The main objects of the said Invention are as follows, namely,—
First, an improved method of securing the tubes whereby repairs are greatly
facilitated.
Second, obtaining perfect circulation through the tubes.
Third, prevention of deposit of sediment within the tubes.
Fourth, utilization of the flue heat.
My improved boiler is constructed with pairs of wrought-iron or other suitable
tubes set horizontally, or nearly so, above the fire-bars, and secured to a wrought-
iron saddle-shaped circulating chamber, which forms the front of the boiler; each
tube has a screwed portion which passes through this chamber, the communication
with the water in the same being maintained by means of an aperture in the tube.
Each tube is secured by a hexagonal or other screw nut on the face of the cir-
culating chamber, which brings a back nut on the tube into close contact with the
back of the said chamber. The back nut may be either plain, or may have a taper
collar or ferrule, or be used in connection with the same." The said tubes are sup-
ported at their back or inner end by small brackets fixed around the interior of the
furnace; any of these tubes can be removed for repairs or renewal by simply un-
scrowing the face nuts, shifting the tubes back, and taking them from the interior
of the furnace through the fire-door without disturbing the setting of the boiler in
any way.
The said circulating chamber is divided by an H iron or other suitable stiffener

page_text: or stay piece designed to separate the flow and return currents of water, and to
resist the strain upon the chamber due to the screwing up of the tubes by the
aforesaid nuts.
To ensure a free circulation of the water through the boiler and the flow and
return pipes, I incline the said tubes from the front to the back of the furnace.
MENTS IN ROLLER SKATES
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Frederick Holmes and William
Hopkinson at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 19th
February 1876.
FREDERICK HOLMES and WILLIAM HOPKINSON, of Peckham, Surrey.
MENTS IN ROLLER SKATES."
"
IMPROVE-
Our Invention of improvements in roller skates is represented by the annexed
Drawing, in which Figure 1 shews an elevation of the skate; Figure 2 a reversed
plan; and Figure 3 an end elevation thereof.
Fixed to a wooden sole by means of screws are two carriages A and A, by which
the balls or spheres B are kept in position. The weight or strain of the skater will
fall on the balls or spheres B. C are rollers; D are friction rollers; E arc washers.
AN IMPROVED METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR LUBRICATING THE CYLINDERS OF STEAM AND ENGINES
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Henry Jonathan Chadwick and Joseph
Giggle at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 3rd May 1876.
HENRY JONATHAN CHADWICK, of Huddersfield, in the County of York, Mechanic,
and JOSEPH GIGGLE, of the same Place, Engineer. "AN IMPROVED METHOD OF
AND APPARATUS FOR LUBRICATING THE CYLINDERS OF STEAM AND
ENGINES."
OTHER
This Invention consists in delivering the oil or lubricant to the sides of the
cylinder from a circular pipe or other annular cavity placed within the cylinder
under the cover. This pipe or cavity is perforated so as to distribute the lubricant
upon the sides of the cylinder instead of allowing it to fall on to the piston. Tho
lubricant is supplied to the circular pipe through the cylinder lid from an ordinary
receptacle, and the discharge may be assisted by steam or other pressure suitably
applied.
IMPROVEMENTS IN FURNACES FOR UTILIZING THE GAS PRODUCED BY THE COM- BUSTION OF FUEL FOR THE GENERATION OF STEAM, SUCH IMPROVEMENTS BEING APPLICABLE WHOLLY OR IN PART TO ALL FURNACES
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Jackson at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 13th July 1876.
WILLIAM JACKSON, of No. 1, Willow Brook Road, Peckham, in the County of
Surrey, at present residing at Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster, Engineer.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN FURNACES FOR UTILIZING THE GAS PRODUCED BY THE COM-
BUSTION OF FUEL FOR THE GENERATION OF STEAM, SUCH IMPROVEMENTS BEING
APPLICABLE WHOLLY OR IN PART TO ALL FURNACES."
My Invention consists of a new construction of furnace, in which I separate the
gas from the coal or other carbonaceous material, and draw it off into a separate
chamber or receiver, in which after undergoing a process of oxidisation it is allowed
to escape from the chamber, and to pass over the face of the furnace, thereby
igniting it, and creating a greatly increased intensity of heat. To effect this I adopt
the following arrangement of parts:-To the front of the furnace I aflix a plate of
iron instead of the usual one. Within the furnace space, which may be of various
forms, I introduce one or more retorts fitted with a moveable gas-tight door at the
outer end. Each retort passes through the front plate of furnace, and projects
exteriorly in order to facilitate the operation of charging it with coal or other car-
bonaceous material, and discharging the coke.
I also fit within the furnace space one or more receivers or oxidising chambers for
the reception of the gas generated in the retort, containing a series of perforated
shelves, on which are placed small quantities of oxide of iron or pieces of rusty
scrap iron.
A gas pipe with suitable fittings leads from the exterior part of the
retort to the lower part of the receiver, and a jet of steam, although not indispensable,
is introduced within the gas, where it enters the receiver, mixing with it and
passing upward through the oxide or scrap iron, and thence through suitable orifices
in the top of the chamber into the upper furnace, where it becomes ignited.
I also fit two ranges of fire-bars longitudinally, which I prefer to make hollow
rom end to end; the lower range of bars is fitted below the retorts, the upper, range
above them, and I prefer to have the upper tier of bars perforated laterally as well
Prins 931

page_text: as hollow from end to end. Both ranges of bars are extended through the front
plate of the furnace, thus utilizing them as passages and distributors of air for
These two furnaces are fed in
effecting the more perfect combustion of the fuel.
the usual manner (through doors fitted in the front plate of the furnace space)
with the coke produced from the retorts, supplemented if required by coal or other
carbonaceous material.
IMPROVED DEVICES FOR ATTACHING BRACES OR SUS- PENDERS TO TROWSERS
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Henry John Broughton Kendall at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 13th June 1876.
HENRY JOHN BROUGHTON KENDALL, of Great Winchester Street, in the County
of Middlesex, Merchant. "IMPROVED DEVICES FOR ATTACHING BRACES OR SUS-
PENDERS TO TROWSERS."
My Invention relates to novel devices for effecting the attachment of braces or
suspenders to trowsers or pantaloons in such a manner that the same will bo
securely held when fastened, and may be quickly and conveniently attached and
detached by the simple adjustment of a clip, thereby obviating the necessity for the
ordinary straps and buttons, and avoiding the trouble and inconvenience arising
from the loss of buttons and replacing of the same.
The said Invention comprises a clip formed of a plate of thin steel, iron, brass, or
other suitable metal bent or doubled to form two elastic or spring jaws, and which
is designed to be attached by a buckle or buckle strap or otherwise to the braces. This
clip is constructed to grasp the waistband or top of the trowsers; its two jaws or halves
are corrugated across or from side to side of the clip, and it is provided with a small
stud or button, which is passed through slots formed through the two jaws of the
clip, and extending from near the top or bend to or nearly to the corrugated portion
of the same. The action of this stud or button is to compress or close the jaws of
the clip when pushed downward or toward the said jaws, while on the other hand
it permits the clip to spring open when pushed upward.
The said corrugations are so formed that those of one jaw fit into those of the
other jaw of the clip, and the inner surfaces of the said jaws are lined or covered
with thin baize or other woollen or similar material, which prevents the slipping of
the said clip upon the article or material grasped therein.
I may modify the above described fastening by substituting for the corrugated
clip a metal piece formed with a plate, which is to be sewn upon the waistband of
the trowsers, and an eye or loop for the reception of a metal hook attached to the
brace. The said hook may be readily inserted in or withdrawn from the said eye
or loop, and when the parts are so engaged the said device forms a secure and con-
venient fastening for the brace.
IMPROVEMENTS IN COVERINGS FOR FLOORS AND WALLS
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Thornton and James Thallon
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 22nd April 1876.
JAMES THORNTON, of Crowndale Road, Camden Town, in the County of Middlesex,
and JAMES THALLON, of Albert Street, Camden Town, aforesaid. "IMPROVEMENTS
IN COVERINGS FOR FLOORS AND WALLS."
This Invention relates to the employment of cork for covering floors and walls for
both ornamental and useful purposes.
Some of the advantages peculiar to cork are that it is impervious to moisture,
that it is a bad conductor of sound, that it is capable of resisting wear, and that it
is easily susceptible of ornamentation.
In carrying out our Invention (say, as a covering for wood, asphalte, or other
floors) we provide a veneer of cork, and apply the same to the floor by means of
common glue, shellac, or other cement.
The covering we prefer to use is composed of two layers of cork (the upper layer
being of fine and the under layer of coarse quality), interposed between which is
scrim cloth to give strength and tenacity to the compound veneer. This material
we use to make a parquetry flooring, cutting it up into suitable forms, and joining
up these forms so as to produce patterns, the. variously disposed run of the grain
serving to indicate the pattern. The pieces thus brought together we connect at
their elges by glue or cement, and in this way produce sheets or squares of
parquetry, which when laid together will produce a soft elastic covering, and give a
silent tread like carpeting.
When a more marked ornamentation is required, as for example a running border,
this we produce by applying to the cork heated metal rollers or plates furnished
with a desired device. These heated metal surfaces, by branding their patterns into
the cork, will impart a permanent ornamentation thereto. The like effect may also
be produced by the application of well known chemical agents.
This floor covering is suitable for drawing rooms, dining and other living rooms,
as it offers from its elasticity a very advantageous backing for carpets, and when
the carpets are removed it presents an admirable floor for dancing. It moreover
provides for the use of roller skates in dwelling houses, where the noise on a boarded
flooring would be intolerable.
For the covering of damp walls a single veneer of cork will usually be employed,

page_text: "
the attachment being effected by means of shellac or other cement that is un-
affected by moisture.
The cork covering may be decorated as above explained, and also with great
advantage by painting in oils, as the color when applied thereto will require no
flatting" to remove the gloss, a costly and unhealthy process.
IMPROVEMENTS IN MULES FOR SPINNING
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Smith at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 23rd December 1876.
William Smith, of Over Darwen, in the County of Lancaster, Operative
Cotton Spinner. "IMPROVEMENTS IN MULES FOR SPINNING."
This Invention relates to improved self-acting mechanism by the use of which a
gradual start and speed is given to the "carriage," which after attaining high
speed and in "running in" or nearing home is by the mechanism referred to eased
or checked so as to be gradually brought to rest. I employ a lever mounted upon
a stud as fulcrum; the fulcrum is a little over midway the length of the lever, and
the latter is in nearly the horizontal position. An arm attached to one end of the
lever is connected with the "friction" of the mule. There are two anti-friction
bowls or projections connected to the carriage, and as the latter travels one acts
upon the under side of one end of the horizontal lever, the other bowl or projection
acts upon the upper and other end of the lever so as to put in and out the friction.
When the carriage begins to move the lower bowl raises the lever, and by means of
the arm connected therewith a partial application of the friction ensues, and after
the full speed and when the carriage is running in, the other bowl acts upon the
opposite and upper end of the lever and the friction will be lifted out, so easing the
carriage on its "running in."
There is a spring incline attached to the front of the carriage which when the
latter runs in or reaches home comes in contact with a bowl attached to the
machine so as to further provide against shock or concussion.
The use of the apparatus above described admits of several appliances heretofore
used on mules for spinning being dispensed with.
IMPROVEMENTS APPLICABLE TO THE SOLES AND HEELS OF BOOTS, SHOES, AND CLOGS, FOR RENDERING THE SAME MORE DURABLE
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Harriet Wadsworth at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 1st July 1876.
HARRIET WADSWORTH, of the City of Manchester.
"IMPROVEMENTS APPLICABLE
TO THE SOLES AND HEELS OF BOOTS, SHOES, AND CLOGS, FOR RENDERING THE
SAME MORE DURABLE."
For the purposes of this Invention,―
First. I construct nails by preference of malleable iron with one, two, or more
short spikes or shanks underneath the head, in addition to or instead of the
ordinary spike or shank in order to cause such nails to adhere more firmly to the
leather, and to prevent their knocking off.
Secondly. I construct small metallic plates, by preference of malleable iron, with
similar short spikes or points, and with or without one or more conical holes formed
therein. I secure these plates to the wearing surfaces of boots or shoes by means
of such points or shanks, and by suitable nails having heads corresponding to the
conical holes when formed in the plates, the short spikes or points bedding into any
surface to which the plates are attached, and thus rendering them less liable to be
knocked off. These plates may be of a circular, segmental, or other suitable shape,
and I sometimes form them with a series of circular conical holes, into which I
force corresponding shaped pieces of leather, or other suitable material, and thus
I produce a more extended wearing surface for the above-mentioned purposes.
A modification of this Invention is also applicable in the construction of clog
irons, which I construct with similar spikes or points and conical holes in order to
render the same less liable to wear in two, or break near the centre. I strengthen
such clog irons at this part by a series of rings or additional strips of metal in or
near the centre, which rings or strips are connected to.the side by transverse ribs
formed all in one casting.
IMPROVEMENTS IN LOOMS FOR WEAVING
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Robert Hopwood Hutchinson and
Thomas Tetlow at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 21st
December 1876.
ROBERT HOPWOOD HUTCHINSON, of Blackburn, in the County of Lancaster,
Cotton Manufacturer, and THOMAS TETLOW, of Blackburn, aforesaid, Weaving
Manager. "IMPROVEMENTS IN LOOMS FOR WEAVING."
This Invention relates to improved "doll heads" or supports for the heald rollers
and healds employed in looms for weaving, and the Invention consists in so con-
structing the doll heads as that they shall possess a degree of elasticity whereby
thero is less friction upon the healds and yarn, so that the healds are more durable
und the yarn is in better condition for being woven and a superior cloth is produced.
According to this our Invention we cut the arm of the doll head or the head or
bearer, and the arm may (when constructing new parts) be made separately, and
the head and arm are attached to a blade spring so as to give the requisite elasticity
to the whole; or the head may by means of a projecting part and a bolt be attached
to a bow spring, or otherwise connected to or with spring or springs for purpose
aforesaid.
A NEW OR IMPROVED PACKING FOR STEAM ENGINES, PUMPS, AND OTHER LIKE PURPOSES
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by George MacLellan at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 4th May 1876.
GEORGE MACLELLAN, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North Britain,
India-rubber Manufacturer. "A NEW OR IMPROVED PACKING FOR STEAM
ENGINES, PUMPS, AND OTHER LIKE PURPOSES."
This Invention, which relates to a new or improved construction of packing for
use in the stuffing boxes of piston rods, valve rods, and pistons of steam engines,
pumps, and for other like purposes, has for its object the production of a packing
which shall combine an elastic base with a soft, fibrous, and absorbent body. The
packing embodying these features as constructed according to this Invention
consists of a base of soft vulcanized india-rubber upon which there are built up
edgewise a number of layers of thick soft cloth as distinguished from the duck
or thin close cloth hitherto used in packing of this kind, which becomes hard
and practically inclastic during the process of vulcanization, so that it is thereby
rendered non-absorbent. The thick soft cloth used with my improved packing
being so large in bulk as compared to the amount of india-rubber solution used to
cement the layers together is not hardened during the vulcanizing process, its
absorbent properties are therefore unimpaired, so that it is always capablo of
holding oil, grease, or other lubricant, and its functions as a lubricating packing are
thereby maintained constant.
AN IMPROVED MIXTURE TO BE USED IN FETTLING' PUDDLING FURNACES, AND IN IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF WROUGHT AND CAST IRON
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Holland Hickman at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 28th February 1876.
THOMAS HOLLAND HICKMAN, of Bilston, in the County of Stafford, Chemist and
Oil and Grease Manufacturer. "AN IMPROVED MIXTURE TO BE USED IN FETTLING'
PUDDLING FURNACES, AND IN IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF WROUGHT AND CAST
IRON."
The
The said mixture consists of the following ingredients, namely, antimony, sal
ammoniac, nitrate of potash (saltpetre), and ferrocyanide of potash (prussiate of
potash). When used in "fettling" puddling furnaces salt is added to the said
mixture, when the whole is thrown into the puddling furnace, after the "heat" is
withdrawn, and stirred with the fluid cinder by means of a hook or rabble.
cinder is then tapped, and as soon as cold may be used for "fettling" at once without
calcining in the "bull dog" kiln. Previously to throwing the said mixture, with the
salt added, into the furnace the cinder must be "flashed." The damper must be left
down during the stirring.
The quality and yield of the wrought iron are improved when the mixture is
used as aforesaid, but the quality is still further improved by adding a small
quantity of the mixture to the metal when in a molten state.
The quality of cast iron is improved by adding the mixture to it when the iron is
in a molten state.
IMPROVED MEANS OF SECURING THE HANDLES OF BRUSHES AND OTHER SIMILAR ARTICLES."
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Garner at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 28th January 1876.
WILLIAM GARNER, of Nuneaton, in the County of Warwick.
IMPROVED MEANS
OF SECURING THE HANDLES OF BRUSHES AND OTHER SIMILAR ARTICLES."
This Invention has for its object improved means of securing the handles of
brushes and other similar articles. I inake a socket with a flange or projections
formed at its base, or cast the socket to suit the shape of the back of the brush,
broom, or other article requiring a removeable handle; these projections or flange
are pierced with one or more holes to receive screws, nails, or pegs for holding it
down to the brush. The socket which projects from the brush to receive the
handle is also provided with one or more holes to receive screws, nails, or pegs to
secure the handle in the socket.
In some cases the socket may be split through one or more places, so as to adapt
itself to the handle of the brush, and an outer ring may be dropped over the socket
to bind or wedge it up to the handle, or the socket may be formed of more than one
piece in segments fastened separately to the handle, or held to the handle by an
outside ring, the pieces being also turned and fastened to the brush. These sockets
may be made from sheet tin, brass, zinc, copper, in one piece, or soldered together,
or they may he cast from any metal, or made from any suitable material.
This Invention is very simple, and it can be applied to any brush in a very short
time, thus doing away with the great annoyance of the handle coming apart from
the brush.
AN IMPROVED RACK FOR HOLDING BILLIARD CUES
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Battle Austin and George
Alexander Smith at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 5th
December 1876.
JAMES BATTLE AUSTIN, of 7, High Street, Bloomsbury, in the County of
Middlesex, and GEORGE ALEXANDER SMITH, of 200, Weedington Road, Kentish
Town, in the County of Middlesex. "AN IMPROVED RACK FOR HOLDING BILLIARD
CUES."
The object of this Invention is to form a rack for holding billiard cues in such a
manner that a cue can readily be placed therein, be securely held, and be easily
withdrawn without its sustaining any injury.
To hold the upper part of a cue we employ a clasp consisting of two curved jaws
turning upon pins, and each coupled by a wire to one arm of a small crank lever;
the other arm of this crank lever has descending from it a rod carrying at its lower
end a plate or stand, upon which the butt end of the cue is to rest. Below this
plate or in other convenient position is a spring by which the rod and plate are
pressed upwards and the clip jaws held apart. When the upper part of a cue is
placed between the jaws of the clasp, and its butt end rested on the plate or stand
at the lower end of the rod before mentioned, the weight of the cue overpowers the
spring by which the rod was previously sustained, and the rod is moved downwards,
thereby turning the cranked lever on its axis and closing together the jaws of the
clasp, causing them to hold the cue in the rack; at the same time a filling piece on
the crank lever enters between the tail ends of the clamp jaws, and prevents the
jaws from being opened by any strain put upon them.
To remove the cue from the rack it is only necessary to slightly raise the cue, the
jaws then again open, and the cuc is released.
The plate or stand upon which the butt end of the cue is to rest may be just
below a hole formed through a fixed plate at the lower part of the stand, whilst
the clamp jaws may be above or below a notch formed in another plate at the top
of the stand.
IMPROVED LOCKING DESK OR EASEL FOR ALBUMS." F
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Wilhelm Marx at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 5th May 1876.
WILHELM MARX, of Boulevard de Strasbourg, 23, Paris, Manufacturer:
IMPROVED LOCKING DESK OR EASEL FOR ALBUMS."
F
" AN
My Invention consists in a new arrangement of easel serving as a desk, and pro-
vided with a clasped girdlo for holding and facilitating the use of albums. The
easel with its fittings is arranged so as to blend with the covering of the album,
and thus both to constitute but one highly ornamental article of furnituro. The
album being supported by the easel the examination of photographs or other
illustrations is rendered very easy and attractivo; and when the album is closed it.
is secured by the girdle, and then locked by means of the clasp, and thus put out
of danger from servants.
A desk plate for the album is connected by a hinge with a movablo bar serving
as a foot. The album rests upon a board of a plate serving as the desk. On each
sido of the desk table, is a double-jointed arm, each jointed arm thus forming a
half girdle, each end of which is terminated by a one half clasp. The right part of
the clasp is a semicircle provided with two hooks. The left part of the clasp
is prolonged by a rim to arch over the clasp, and it carries two notches, into
which the hooks just mentioned engage. A key hung from a ribbon in a shoath is
introduced into an entry in the left clasp to assure the closing of the girdle.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF ROLLER SKATES
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Baldwin Fulford Weatherdon and
Richard Fenning Coles at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the
9th March 1876.
BALDWIN FULFORD WEATHERDON and RICHARD FENNING COLES, both of
Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineers. "IMPROVEMENTS
IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF ROLLER SKATES."
Our Invention has for its object improvements in roller skates, with the view
to simplify the construction and arrangement of the same, and enable the rollers
to move freely as required in a curvilinear or other direction at the will of the
skater without necessitating the canting or tilting of the stock or foot plate as
hitherto ;
and consists in constructing the axles on which the rollers revolve with
a centre bar or lever fixed longitudinally with the skate at right angles to the axle,
so that the ends of the said bar shall meet and be held together at about the
middle of the under side of the foot plate by a sliding slot and pin movement,
and admit of being moved from one side of the skate to the other in like manner
to a toggle joint, by the arrangement of which each axle with its pair of rollers
secured at the toe and heel of the skate are enabled to turn freely upon the pivots
in suitable fixed bearings on the stock and move jointly together, in connection
with which a small spike or projection placed on one of the toggle joints or radial
arms is employed either to work through an opening in the foot stock, or otherwise
arranged to catch into the sole of the boot of the skater, so that by a slight
movement of the foot either to the right or left the said spike or projection
shall move the toggle joint and cause the transverse axles and wheels to curve
round as desired in a rudder like manner, whereby a firm and durable foothold
is obtained, independently of all rocking action, yet enabled to move with the same
gliding freedom as when skating upon ice. An intermediate spring or elastic band,
if necessary, being employed for holding in position and steadying the action of the
toggle joint.
A ROTATORY ELECTRIC LIGHT
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by George Weathers at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 15th February 1876.
GEORGE WEATHERS, Surgeon, 144, Hampstead Road, London. "A ROTATORY
ELECTRIC LIGHT."
The chief difficulty hitherto experienced in the use of the electric light has arisen
from the fact that the terminal points of the positive and negative conductors
being consumed, it becomes necessary to make them approximate towards one
another at the rate at which they waste away. This difficulty is overcome by
causing a central ball to which the negative current of the battery is conveyed, to
be surrounded on all sides by brushes or balls to which the positive current of the
battery is transmitted. The opposite electricities are further developed in intensity,
and are made to act upon one another at a greater distance by the aid of a
mechanical contrivance, whereby the positive and negative balls are caused to
rotate upon their axes in opposite directions.
IMPROVE- MENTS IN PORTABLE STEAM CRANES
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Shanks at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 16th February 1876.
JAMES SILANKS, of Arbroath, in the County of Forfar, North Britain. "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN PORTABLE STEAM CRANES."
My Invention relates to the adaptation to portable steam cranes of means of
varying the speed according to the load which it is required to elevate, and consists
in the application of a second barrel of a different diameter from the barrel
ordinarily employed, and by preference driven therefrom. In the case of cranes
having a barrel of small diameter for raising heavy loads the second or additional
barrel should be made of a proportionately large diameter, so that when a com-
paratively light load is to be clevated the second barrel may be brought into gear
and the load be raised at a speed greater in proportion, whereby I adjust the
power and speed according as a greater or less weight is to be elevated.
AN IMPROVED SQUARE FOR THE USE OF CUTTERS-OUT
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Dyson at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 15th May 1876.
JAMES DYSON, of Huddersfield, in the County of York, Tailor's Cutter-out.
"AN IMPROVED SQUARE FOR THE USE OF CUTTERS-OUT."
This Invention consists in having such squares made or marked with divisions,
and figured in or on graduated scales in such manuer as to dispense with all the
graduated tape measures now in use with tailor's cutters-out.
123
"
10
The graduations are made on the usual principle of 30 inches breast measure,
and are divided and numbered so as to show at a glance the ½ ½ ½ and
/ as is generally understood by cutters-out. I propose to make these squares of
lance
or "box wood," or other cheap material which is non-clastic, or that will
not be liable to stretch or alter their shape as well for the purpose of cheap
production as to facilitate the operation of or economize time in cutting out
garments. By this Invention the cutter-out requires no graduated tapes, but only
his square and common inch tape. For instance, any given measure is marked in
aliquot parts from the angle of the square in 1 ½½½ ½ and 1/, parts of an
inch ranging from 12 to 24 breast measure graduated from the 36 inch breast
measure.
AN IMPROVED DOUBLE-ACTION SPRING DOOR HINGE TO OPEN A DOOR BOTH WAYS, THE HINGE TO BE FIXED IN THE TOP OF THE DOOR INSTEAD OF THE BOTTOM AS OTHER HINGES AT PRESENT IN USE ARE
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Gottfried Stierlin at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 3rd March 1876.
GOTTFRIED STIERLIN, of Schaff house, in the Republic of Switzerland, Patent
Hinge Manufacturer. "AN IMPROVED DOUBLE-ACTION SPRING DOOR HINGE TO
OPEN A DOOR BOTH WAYS, THE HINGE TO BE FIXED IN THE TOP OF THE DOOR
INSTEAD OF THE BOTTOM AS OTHER HINGES AT PRESENT IN USE ARE."
The double action door hinge is to be fixed in the first place at the corner of the
top of a door instead of at the bottom, as other patent hinges now in use are fixod.
It consists of a coiled steel spring fixed round a stout iron wire, which wire
passes through a cylinder at the top, and is fixed to a lever, and also riveted at the
bottom into another cylinder.
There are two levers, the first or top of the two levers being fixed into the
stout iron wire, upon which the spring works to open the door one way, the
underneath or second lever being riveted into the top cylinder to open the door
the reverse way. Between the two levers is an iron plate which is screwed into
the top of the door, and having at the spring end a hole which is so fitted as to
work round the top cylinder, which is riveted to the bottom lever. At the top of
the framework of the door is fixed a plate with an axle, which works into a hole in
the plate before mentioned as screwed on to the door, and these plates being both
fixtures the two levers are enabled to work either way. Again on the framework
at the top of the door is fixed another plate, such plate being at the end of the
levers furthest from the spring, having an india-rubber wheel, being so fixed as to
secure the door in its proper place when closed. On the ground at the bottom
of the door is a cast-iron plate with slot, so as to admit of corresponding plate
with axle fixed at the bottom of the door working into it.
IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE-ARMS
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Speirs Simpson at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 15th August 1876.
WILLIAM SPEIRS SIMPSON, of Battersea Park Road, London, in the County of
Surrey, Mathematical Instrument Maker. "IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE-ARMS."
The object of iny Invention is to preserve an equal range to a fire-arm of any of
the ordinary systems, Martini-Henry or other, while decreasing its length, and
giving increased facility of handling, and steadiness in firing.
1 propose to obtain these advantages by simply carrying the barrel of the fire-
arm to the butt end of the stock, or as near the butt end as may be found most
desirable, retaining the trigger in its present position, or placing it as far towards
the front end of the barrel as may be found most convenient, connecting the trigger
with the hammer or striker, which will be at the butt end of the fire-arm by a
connecting rod or any suitable mechanical contrivance.
It will be evident that by bringing the rear end of the barrel of a rifle close to
the shoulder of the rifleman, while placing the trigger in the most convenient
position to his hand, I enable him to steady his piece with less exertion than when
for an equal range he has an additional foot or more of barrel exerting its leverage
upon his arm. And I would particularly draw attention to the great advantage of
thus increasing the range of cavalry carbines without necessarily increasing their
length, or of preserving the ordinary range while shortening the carbine to the
extent of the length of its present stock behind the breech, and thereby greatly
increasing the facility of handling the weapon by cavalry.
IMPROVEMENTS IN KILNS FOR BURNING PLASTER, MAGNESIAN LIME- STONE, AND OTHER MINERALS
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Nightingale Palmer at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 22nd January 1876. A com-
munication from abroad by Prosper Constant Royer, of Choisy-le-Roi, near
Paris, Republic of France.
THOMAS NIGHTINGALE PALMER, of Lansdowne Road, Dalston, in the County of
Middlesex. "IMPROVEMENTS IN KILNS FOR BURNING PLASTER, MAGNESIAN LIME-
STONE, AND OTHER MINERALS." A communication.
My improvements consist in constructing a kiln for burning plaster and other
minerals in such a manner that the plaster is not in contact with the fire or smoke
of the furnace, and the vapours emanating from the plaster in burning are carried
off, thus ensuring a degree of whiteness hitherto unattainable.
In constructing my improved kiln I provide the furnace with a series of small
pipes for carrying off the smoke, the said pipes extending above the top of the
kiln. Over the top of the kiln I provide a cover or funnel with suitable doors
for charging the kiln, the plaster stones falling upon a cover arranged over the
furnace so as to forin two inclined planes of about forty-five degrees. A space is
left between this cover and the arch of the furnace to allow of the circulation of the
heated air. Suitable outlets are provided for discharging the burnt plaster. The
funnel or cover above mentioned carries off the vapours arising from the plaster
while being burnt.
My improved kiln may also be used for burning other minerals, such as magnesian
limestone.
AN IMPROVED WRITING PEN
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Alfred Hyman Louis at the Office of
the Commisioners of Patents on the 17th January 1876.
ALFRED HYMAN LOUIS, of Weymouth Street, in the County of Middlesex,
Gentleman. AN IMPROVED WRITING PEN."
"
My Invention relates to a pen made of gold, coated or covered with vulcanized
india-rubber, and provided with an iridium tip or point.
The object of the said Invention is the production of a pen which will be found
exceedingly comfortable and convenient for writing, and will be incorrodible and
practically indestructible by wear.
In the manufacture of these pens I proceed as follows, that is to say-I take a
piece of gold of the ordinary form of a pen, or nearly so, with an aperture therein
near the point, into which aperture the slit is to extend, but the said slit is not
made until the pen has been vulcanized. On the point of this piece of gold I firmly
solder a piece of iridium to form the tip. The gold piece thus prepared is then laid
upon a thin piece or strip of india-rubber compound prepared for vulcanization.
This piece of the compound is then wound or coiled around a mandril of iron or
steel, which forms the inside or core of the penholder, leaving the gold part above
described. Another coil of the said composition or compound is wound over the
first coil, including the said gold part, a small piece of the said compound being
placed over the point to indicate its position. The whole is then wrapped in tin
foil or other suitable material and vulcanized. The end of the vulcanized tube thus
formed is then filed to uncover the iridium, and the said tube is filed or cut to give
the pen the proper shape, care being taken to avoid displacing or injuring the
iridium tip.
If desired the pen may be first turned and made smooth in a lathe, but care
must be taken to avoid making the tube too thin at the point. After the pen has
been thus shaped, the point is slit and then ground. The nibs are then filed inside
and outside to give them the required elasticity, and the pen is then "set," that is
to say, the points of the nibs are brought evenly together and properly smoothed
and finished. The pen will then be ready for use.
In making these improved pens, gold of a quality not less than 16 carats should

page_text: be used. Care must be taken that the gold is sufficiently thick at the top of the
slit to resist the tendency of the india-rubber to spring back to its normal position,
and so displace the nibs after setting them,-but the gold between this part and the
tip must be so light or thin that it will not impair the elasticity of the india-
rubber.
IMPROVED APPLIANCES OR APPARATUS TO FACILITATe the ShiftinG AND SETTING OF THRESHING MACHINES AND PORTABLE ENGINES
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Francis Roper at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 22nd May 1876.
FRANCIS ROPER, Foreman, in the employ of Robey and Company, of the Per-
severance Iron Works, Lincoln, in the County of Lincoln. "IMPROVED APPLIANCES
OR APPARATUS TO FACILITATe the ShiftinG AND SETTING OF THRESHING MACHINES
AND PORTABLE ENGINES."
This Invention relates to improved appliances or apparatus to facilitate the
shifting and setting of threshing machines and portable engines, and consists of a
barrel for post with a double incline or wedge-shaped lower end to take into
a socket picce having an incline on one side and an abutment or lip on the
other. The upper part of the barrel or post has a nut recessed into it, and the
nut is threaded on the inside to engage into the threads of a rod which is free to
move up and down in the barrel or post. when the nut is "turned," which can be
done by a key or spanner.
The upper end of the threaded rod has jointed to it an eye-piece which terminates
in a flange and bolt, whose upper end is threaded to carry a nut, in order that the
bolt the stem of which is plain can be turned round and be made to adjust itself
to the angle to which the threshing machine or portable engine has to be moved,
the joint at the eye-piece also acting in conjunction if necessary. The bolt is passed
through and held in the axle or axle frame at about mid-distance of the weight of
the fore or aft part or both the fore and aft parts of the thrashing machine or
portable engine, another eye forns a hinge joint upon which the barrel post can
be lifted and kept from the ground while the machine or engine is being moved
from one place to another. When the socket piece is fitted upon the ground, and
the end of the barrel inserted into the hollow, the turning of the nut in the proper
direction causes the load to be lifted and to be shifted over the desired distance
that the belts may run true upon the band wheel or riggers. In first setting the
barrel in the socket piece I propose to set it at an angle, that the load while being
lifted should be inclined to slide over and thus relieve any undue strain that might
be put upon the apparatus.
I have referred to a screw rod as being in the barrel, but by a slight modification
it could be plain and act as a ram, the barrel would then contain the liquid as in a
hydraulic lift.
The apparatus also facilitates the lifting of a thrashing machine or portal le engine
to enable the wheels to be removed for oiling or other purposes.
AN IMPROVED RINK SKATE
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Robert Edwin Villiers at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 22nd February 1876.
ROBERT EDWIN VILLIERS, of the Canterbury Hall, Westminster Bridge Road,
Lambeth, in the County of Surrey. "AN IMPROVED RINK SKATE."
I propose to make a rink skate, which being without any delicate springs,
mechanism, or parts, shifting their position in relation to each other when the
skater leaves a straight line to perform evolutions or gyrations, shall be simple and
cheap in manufacture, diflicult to injure, and if injured easily repaired, and which
bearing only by points on the floor of the rink, whether the skater be travelling in
a straight or in a curved line, will run with great rapidity and diverge with the
greatest ease.
I purpose attaining my object by the use of balls or spheres in lieu of wheels.
I may use simply one toe and heel sphere or two or more spheres at toe and heel or
several spheres otherwise placed, but I find three spheres answer very well, that is
to say, one near the toe, one near the centre of the foot, and one near the heel.
These spheres will revolve on fixed axles carried in bearings, pendant from the foot
stand of the skate, and either of one piece therewith or fixed thereto by screws or
otherwise.
For facility of manufacture I propose to make all the spheres of equal diameter.
Very skilful skaters may however prefer to turn upon a single point instead of
several bearing surfaces, in which case it becomes necessary to increase the diameter
of the central sphere, or to slightly lower the bearing of its axle, so that this sphere
only touches the floor of the rink when the skate is in a perfectly horizontal
position.
propose to make the balls or spheres of wood, of metal, or any suitable
material.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF MULES FOR SPINNING COTTON & OTHER FIBROUS SUBSTANCES
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Henry Beresford and James Mullin
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 31st March 1876.
HENRY BERESFORD and JAMES MULLIN, both of Dukinfield, in the County of
Chester. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF MULES FOR SPINNING COTTON
& OTHER FIBROUS SUBSTANCES."
"
This Invention relates to an improvement in mules for spinning cotton and
other fibrous substances, and is designed to dispense with the ordinary process of
starching or pasting of the spindles previous to forming the cop, and consists in
so building the cop at the beginning of its formation that a firmer bottom is given
to it. This is effected by a peculiar movement or throw of the faller wire, which
is actuated by the copping rail. We cut a slice or section out of the rail about
twelve inches long at the end near the "stretch of the carriage and insert in its
place a peculiarly shaped piece or section of an inclined or wavy form, this is
placed in the rail only at the beginning of the formation of the cop (say, for about
twenty minutes or half an hour), or until it is sufficiently firm to allow of its
being built in the ordinary manner. Whilst this piece is in the rail an almost
circular and an open spiral layers of the thread are alternately laid on the spindles,
the open spiral layer thus binding and strengthening the almost circular layers,
which forms a more solid and compact cop bottom without the aid of starch or
paste; the open spiral layer also "hitches" under the cop bottom at each "stretch"
of the carriage, which prevents it becoming loose. After the cop bottom has
attained sufficient firnness this peculiarly shaped section is taken off the rail and
the original piece replaced, thus allowing the remainder of the cop to be built in
the ordinary manner. Or in some cases instead of having separate pieces or
sections for the rail one piece may be so formed at top and bottom that it need only
be reversed in the rail when required.
IMPROVEMENTS IN MILITARY AND OTHER BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS AND IN MEANS FOR SIGHTING THE SAME, APPLICABLE ALSO TO OTHER FIRE-ARMS
Year: 1876

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Alexander Walker at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 7th December 1876.
JAMES ALEXANDER WALKER, of 14, Southampton Buildings, in the County of
Middlesex, Consulting Engineer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN MILITARY AND OTHER
BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS AND IN MEANS FOR SIGHTING THE SAME, APPLICABLE
ALSO TO OTHER FIRE-ARMS."
This Invention relates to a simple and effective breech-loading arrangement for
military and other fire-arms, and also to means whereby a more ready and certain
aim can be obtained.
According to my improved breech-loading arrangement the breech chamber is
made in two halves, hinged together longitudinally along the upper surface, and
opening and closing on the under side, from which side the cartridge is inserted and
the expended case discharged, thus obviating the great disadvantages of presenting
lodgment for rain on the breech piece, and dispensing with the necessity for any
special motion for getting rid of the spent cartridge after firing, the cartridge case
simply falling out of the opened breech chamber by its own gravity. The hammer
or cock is enclosed within the lock and strikes a pin which fires the cartridge in the
well-known manner. The arm is provided with two triggers, the front one of
which is used for firing alone, whilst the rear trigger when pulled effects the two-
fold function of simultaneously opening the breech piece for the reception of the
cartridge and of setting the haminer at half cock. In this position of the breech
piece the cartridge is introduced from below by the left hand, the two first fingers
of the right hand always remaining on the respective triggers during the operations
of loading and firing. The cartridge whilst in the act of being introduced presses
against a lever which sets the hammer at full cock, or the same may be accomplished
by a further action on the trigger. So soon as the trigger is released the two halves
of the breech chamber close again firmly and tightly by the action of a spring or
springs and imprison the cartridge therein. The arin is now ready for discharging,
which is effected by pulling the fore trigger. On pulling the rear trigger the breech
chamber opens and allows the spent cartridge to fall out, at the same time setting
the haminer at half cock.
The improved means which I propose to employ for obtaining a more ready and
certain aim in fire-arms consists in the employinent of a straight groove or channel

page_text: extending along the top of the barrel from the muzzle to the breech, the breech end
of this groove being expanded or gradually widened so as the more readily to enable
the eye to take the line of sight along the groove.
If desired the usual or other elevation back sight may be employed, with or
without the said groove.