matthewleechen/300YearsOfBritishPatents huggingface dataset:
CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN PREPARING FOR DOUBLING OR SPINNING COTTON OR OTHER FIBROUS SUBSTANCES
Year: 1856

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Robert Thatcher, of Oldham, in the County of
Lancaster, Cotton Spinner, for the Invention of "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS
IN PREPARING FOR DOUBLING OR SPINNING COTTON OR OTHER FIBROUS
SUBSTANCES."
Sealed the 5th December 1856, and dated the 29th July 1856.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said Robert Thatcher at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition and Declaration,
on the 29th July 1856, pursuant to the 9th Section of the Patent
Law Amendment Act, 1852.
I, ROBERT THATCHER, of Oldham, in the County of Lancaster, Cotton
Spinner, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "CERTAIN
IMPROVEMENTS IN PREPARING FOR DOUBLING OR SPINNING COTTON OR OTHER FIBROUS
SUBSTANCES," to be as follows, and consists in a new method of treating the
produce of what is commonly known as the condensing carding engine.
Hitherto the coils from the condensing carding engine, whether composed of
cotton or spinning and carding room sweepings, have been passed direct to the
spinning frame, whether a mule or a roving frame. (To this latter material,
oily waste, spinning and carding room sweepings, though I do not confine
myself to it, my Invention more particularly refers.) But in my improved
method I subject the coils from the carding engine to a succession of easy

page_text: draughts, by which means I obtain a result in the case of sweepings not
before arrived at. The machines best adapted to carrying out this object, a
succession of easy draughts, are those known as the slubbing frame and dyer's
frame; but I do not confine myself to the use of one frame only, as a series of
two or more frames will in many cases be found advantageous. But although
these frames are those which I consider best adapted to my purpose, yet the
present arrangement of the rollers in these frames does not sufficiently carry
out my object. The present plan of regulating the draught is by a change of
wheels altering the speed of the rollers. But I cannot by this plan obtain a
draught sufficiently easy; I therefore reduce the diameter of the rollers, and
particularly the middle roller, and also bring the rollers much closer together.
By this means I obtain a change of draught, less than can be got by an
alteration of one tooth in the wheel.
Having thus described my improvements in preparing for spinning cotton
or other fibrous substances, I distinctly claim as my Invention the above
method of treating the coils from the condensing carding engine, or any
modification thereof, in which the said coils are passed directly through a
slubbing or dyer's frame, or a series of slubbing or dyer's frames, (or alternately
a slubbing and then a dyer's frame, or vice versa, previous to being subjected to
the spinning frames.
In witness whereof, I, the said Robert Thatcher, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-ninth day of July, One thousand eight
hundred and fifty-six.
ROBERT THATCHER. (L.S:)
IMPROVE- MENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF OXALATE OF SODA, WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE ALSO APPLICABLE TO THE MANUFACTURE OP OXALIC ACID
Year: 1856

page_text: by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Roberts, John Dale, and
John Daniell Pritchard at the Office of tho Commissioners of Patents,
with their Petition, on the 22nd December 1856.
WC, THOMAS ROBERTS and JOHN DALE, of Manchester, in the County of
Lancaster, Manufacturing Chemists, and JoHN DANIELL PRITCHARD, of War-
rington, Chemist, do hereby declare the nature of the Invention for "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF OXALATE OF SODA, WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE ALSO
APPLICABLE TO THE MANUFACTURE OP OXALIC ACID," to be as follows:-
Our improvements consist in producing oxalates of soda and other oxalates.
by subjecting the woody fibres or organic substances employed in such manu-
facture to the action of alkaline salts, with or without caustic alkalies, at a
high temperature in suitable vessels. The salts of oxalic acid, thus produced,.
when properly purified, may be converted either into binoxalates or oxalic
acid.
AN IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR RETAINING AND RELEASING CORDS OF VENETIAN BLINDS," OR CORDS, BANDS, OR CHAINS EMPLOYED FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Year: 1856

page_text: : LETTERS PATENT to James Jackson, of Manchester, in the County of
Lancaster, Blind Manufacturer, for the Invention of "AN IMPROVED
APPARATUS FOR RETAINING AND RELEASING CORDS OF VENETIAN BLINDS," OR
CORDS, BANDS, OR CHAINS EMPLOYED FOR OTHER PURPOSES."
Sealed the 15th July 1856, and dated the 17th January 1856.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said James Jackson at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
17th January 1856.
I, JAMES JACKSON, of Manchester, in the County of Lancaster, Blind Manu-
facturer, do hereby declare the nature of my said Invention for "AN IMPROVED
APPARATUS FOR RETAINING AND RELEASING CORDS OF VENETIAN BLINDS," OR CORDS,
BANDS, OR CHAINS EMPLOYED FOR OTHER PURPOSES," to be as follows, particularly
as applied to "Venetian blinds." Upon the top bar of an ordinary Venetian
blind I fix a small box of brass or other suitable metal; at one end of this box
a swinging wedge is placed, the upper portion of which is provided with an
axis or pivot, having its extremities bearing in the two sides of the box; this
wedge is also furnished with a projecting finger or pin at the opposite end of
the box. I employ a cranked lever similar in action to the "bell crank," one
end having a projecting pin placed so as to lift the pin upon the wedge, and

page_text: the other extremity, which passes through the end of the box, being provided
with a hole so as to allow of one of the cords being passed through. The
cords being passed under the swinging wedge, and along the bottom of the
box, and one of the cords being placed through the hole in the end of the
cranked lever, (the other cord passing down the side of the blind,) if tho cords
are now drawn downwards so as to lift the blind, the wedge will follow the
direction of the cord so far as the axis or pivot will allow, and permit the blind
to be drawn up; but immediately upon the release of the cord from the hand,
the wedge will drop upon the cord, and hold or retain the cord between the
thin end of the wedge and the bottom of the box. Should it now be desired
to release the cord and lower the blind, it is only necessary to draw that cord
which passes through the cranked lever in an inward direction from the
blind, by which means the finger upon the cranked lever will raise the corre-
sponding pin upon the wedge, (and consequently the wedge itself,) and thus
allow the cords to run free until they are stopped or arrested by allowing the
wedge again to fall upon them.
IMPROVEMENTS IN SIPHONS
Year: 1856

page_text: application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Gedge at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 20th February
1856. A communication.
I, JOHN GEDGE, of No. 4, Wellington Street South, Strand, in the County
of Middlesex, Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN SIPHONS," communicated to me by Bernard
Auguste Serres Duvignau, residing in France, to be as follows:-
I propose to make a siphon with a reservoir above, and connected directly
with the longer limb of the siphon, the shorter or bent limb forming its tubular
connection just below the reservoir. In use, the stopper with which the
reservoir is furnished, should be removed, the shorter limb being previously
immersed in the liquid to be withdrawn, the cock at the lower portion of the
longer limb closed, and any kind of liquid poured into the reservoir; this
liquid fills the longer branch almost to the height of the stopper, which is then
replaced, the cock turned on, and the liquid will flow. A column of air being
between the liquid used by filling the reservoir, and that to be withdrawn;
after the exit of the water or other priming liquid, no danger of mixing the
priming liquid with that intended to be drawn off will occur. This siphon will
be superior to the ordinary suction siphon, in the employment of which the
inhalation of corrosive vapour, and particles of acid being swallowed, often
seriously affects the health of the workman.
AN IMPROVED METHOD OF FORMING HAT BODIES OR OTHER FELTED ARTICLES
Year: 1856

page_text: application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Alexander James Walker and
William Bennett at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with
their Petition, on the 26th January 1856.
We, ALEXANDER JAMES WALKER, of the City of New York, and WILLIAM
BENNETT, of the City of Brooklyn, both in the State of New York, United
States of America, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
AN IMPROVED METHOD OF FORMING HAT BODIES OR OTHER FELTED ARTICLES, to be
as follows:-
We make use of a sheet of india-rubber or similar elastic substance of the
desired size and shape, and either formed or stretched to a flat surface, and
this clastic material is to be of the required thickness, either uniform through-
out or of varying thicknesses, according to the shape and character of the
conc or mould over which the said elastic material is drawn, as hereafter set
forth. Upon this sheet of elastic material, while in its flat and level position,
we cause fur, wool, or similar felting material from a suitable picker to be
deposited; and to ensure a uniform deposit, we make use of a ring or other
enclosure, within which the felting material is uniformly deposited to the
required thickness. We then apply a second elastic fabric to cover up the
felting material in its loose state as it lies on the first-mentioned elastic sheet,
and attach the two sheets together at their edges by hooks or other competent

page_text: We then draw or wrap the elastic fabrics.with the intervening felting
material around a cone former, or mould of the shape required for the felted
goods, and then, by motion given from the hands..or otherwise to one or both
of the elastic fabrics, the intervening felting material is felted together, so that
the same will be found, upon removing the outside elastic covering, to be
properly shaped and felted ready for removal from the cone or former.
AN IMPROVED COATING OR COMPOSITION TO BE APPLIED TO SUBSTANCES IN ORDER TO RENDER THEM UNINFLAMMABLE, AND IN THE METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME
Year: 1856

page_text: application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Richard Archibald Brooman at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
28th May 1856.-A communication.
I, RICHARD ARCHIBALD BROOMAN, of 166, Fleet Street, in the City of
London, Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
"AN IMPROVED COATING OR COMPOSITION TO BE APPLIED TO SUBSTANCES IN ORDER TO
RENDER THEM UNINFLAMMABLE, AND IN THE METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR
MANUFACTURING THE SAME," (communicated to me by Madame Boulard, a
foreigner residing abroad), to be as follows:-
I manufacture the composition as follows:-Into a furnace, of the con-
struction to be herein-after explained, I put,-
No. 1.
100 parts sand,
{"
"
50
10
"
6
raw soda,
lime,
wood charcoal,
and mix the whole well together, stirring it up for about four hours, till it
acquires a spongy consistency; I then leave it to cool, pound it, and dissolve
it in.

page_text: I stir the mixture well and pour off the clear liquid. I then take 20 parts
of No. 1 and 20 parts of No. 2, and add 100 parts water, and boil the whole
together for about 2 hours, until it is reduced to 80 parts; the composition
is then ready for use. It may be applied as a varnish or coating on wood,
metal, cloth, or other surfaces, and prevents the spread of flame.
I do not restrict myself to any of the before-mentioned proportions of
ingredients, &c.
The furnace which I employ for the purposes of the Invention is represented
in section in the annexed Drawing, in which A is the reverberatory furnace;
B, floor for the melting pots; C, C, melting pots; D, hopper or mouth for
admission of fuel; E, pipe for admitting air to the flame; F, sole; G, serpentine
passage for the air; II, cold-air pipe; J, ash-pit; K, fire bars; L, chimney;
E, N, damper, for shutting off air from the ash-pit; O, orifice for inspecting
and stirring the fire.
APPARATUS FOR CLEANING AND POLISHING BOOTS AND SHOES
Year: 1856

page_text: application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Henry Smith at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 2nd April 1856.
I, HENRY SMITH, of Lee, in the County of Kent, Gentleman, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention for "APPARATUS FOR CLEANING AND
POLISHING BOOTS AND SHOES," to be as follows:-
My Invention consists in fixing a brush or brushes upon a shaft, and in
communicating rotary motion thereto through wheelwork. I fit the brush or
brushes inside a case or covering, and provide spaces or openings for the
insertion of the boot or shoe to be cleaned.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE REFLECTION, EMISSION, AND RADIATION OF LIGHT AND HEAT FOR LAMPS, LIGHTHOUSE APPARATUS, AND OTHER USEFUL PURPOSES
Year: 1856

page_text: application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescriveu
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Macdonald, at tho Offico
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 28th May
1856.
I, JOHN MACDONALD, of No. 18, Henry Street, Upper Kennington Lane,
Vauxhall, in the County of Surrey, Machinist, do hereby declare the nature
of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE REFLECTION, EMISSION, AND
RADIATION OF LIGHT AND HEAT FOR LAMPS, LIGHTHOUSE APPARATUS, AND OTHER
USEFUL PURPOSES," to be as follows; and consists in obtaining a greater amount
of reflecting surface in the reflector; also for increasing the intensity of
surface light, in combination with the protecting glass or glasses for its
emission; and also the arrangement for the position of the burner for
inceasing the illuminating power of lamps generally.
The accompanying Drawings illustrate my Invention, in which Figs. 1 and
2 are elevations of an angular and circular reflector; Fig. 3, a section
through the lines A, B, Figs. 1 and 2; and Fig. 4 is a section of a plain
protecting glass and protecting magnifying glass.
The reflectors, which may be constructed of any of the well known materials
used for such purpose, may be of any polygonal shape; but the shape shown
in Fig. 1 is what I recommend.

page_text: For constructing a. plain protecting glass, the outer surface is made as
shewn at C, Fig. 4; and for a protecting magnifying glass, as shewn at D,
Fig. 4, I place the centre of the light at about the position of the line E, as
shewn in Fig. 3..
Any non-conducting substance of heat for receiving the glass or glasses can
IMPROVE- MENTS IN PREVENTING THE DASHING OF RAILWAY TRAINS AGAINST ONE ANOTHER, EITHER WHEN RUNNING IN CONTRARY DIRECTION OR IN THE SAME WAY
Year: 1856

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Benoist Amédée Fournier at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 1st
September 1856.
I, BENOIST AMEDEE FOURNIER, of Paris, in the Empire of France, Practical
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN PREVENTING THE DASHING OF RAILWAY TRAINS AGAINST ONE ANOTHER,
EITHER WHEN RUNNING IN CONTRARY DIRECTION OR IN THE SAME WAY," to be as
follows; and consists in adapting along the line of rails from place to place at
certain intervals, stops or catching blocks, communicating with each other by
wires or rods, and so arranged that when touched by the engine or train in
passing, the touched stop operates on that next to it, so that when a train
running in a contrary direction, or one following in same direction arrives
at the stop next to the one so touched, the valve or regulator or other like
important part of the engine is acted upon, and an alarm given at the same
time to give warning that the line is not clear, and the train would be stopped
independantly of the driver.
CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN TANNING AND FINISHING OFF LEATHER
Year: 1856

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Charles Richard Skinner at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
15th August 1856.
I, CHARLES RICHARD SKINNER, of Saint John's, in the City of Worcester,
Tanner & Currier, do hereby declare the nature of my said Invention for
"CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN TANNING AND FINISHING OFF LEATHER," to be as
follows (that is to say):-
My improvements in tanning consist in constructing a wheel of the required
dian eter and breadth to suit the tan pit, which wheel I intend to work in
journeys placed at the side of the pit, allowing about one-third of the periphery
of the wheel to be submerged; and to suitable rails, which form the periphery
of the wheel, parallel to its axis, I fasten on the skins intended to be tanned.
The wheel is then set in motion, and continues to revolve slowly until the
skins are thoroughly tanned, and it is evident that the skins will be alternately
submerged, thus producing a continued alternate dipping and draining action,
as well as agitating the fluid. By this continuous and self-acting process the
skins may be tanned in considerably less time than heretofore; and if a
number of pits are required, the axis of the one wheel may be extended from
end to end, placing a wheel to work over each pit.
And the second part of my improvements consist and relate to the finishing
off of leather. This process has heretofore been performed by laying the skin

page_text: on a flat bed, and rolling it backward and forward with a suitable roll. And
my improvements consist in securing a roller to the end of a strong arm,
which arm is carried up and also secured to a suitable axis, thus forming a
kind of pendulum action with a roller at the bottom, underneath which I place
n suitable bed, circular from end to end, in proportion to the radius or action
of the roller. And by moving and stretching the hide on the bed, it is evident
that the roller being pushed backward and forward from end to end by hand,
steam, water, or other power, that great uniformity of thickness will be given
to the skin; and to meet the variation in the thickness of the skins, and the
difference of the pressure required, I so adjust the bed that the operator may
raise or lower the bed at pleasure.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF IRON FOR KNEES FOR SHIPS OR OTHER PURPOSES
Year: 1856

page_text: application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Joseph Betteley at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 4th October
1856.
I, JOSEPH BETTELEY, of Liverpool, Anchor Manufacturer, do hereby declare
the nature of the Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF
IRON FOR KNEES FOR SHIPS OR OTHER PURPOSES," to be as follows:-
This Invention consists in making double-tapered bars of iron by means of
rollers of equal or unequal sizes, the forms of the double-tapered bar being cut
thereon. To obtain this double-tapered bar, I pass iron between the widest
part of the rollers, causing them to revolve one and a half or more times,
producing thereby a succession of inclined planes in one bar, which being cut
or sawed through at the thinnest part form double-tapered shapes of iron,
from which knees suitable for ships or other purposes can be made by bending
the bar at the thickest part.
AN IMPROVED MODE OF SIGNALLING FROM THE GUARD TO THE ENGINE DRIVER ON RAILWAY TRAINS
Year: 1856

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Worthington at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 17th November
1856.
I, JAMES WORTHINGTON, of Manchester, do hereby declare the nature of the
said Invention for "AN IMPROVED MODE OF SIGNALLING FROM THE GUARD TO
THE ENGINE DRIVER ON RAILWAY TRAINS," to be as follows:-
My Invention of an improved mode of signalling from the guard to the
engine driver on railway trains consists in giving signals to the engine driver
by striking a sonorous body, or putting a pendulum in motion by means of
projectiles. To the chimney or other convenient part of the engine is fixed a
sonorous body or pendulum, at a suitable part of the guard's van. In the
rear of the train is fitted a box or case, containing an air-gun, or repeating fire-
arm, or other propelling power, fixed opposite the centre of the sonorous body
or pendulum. Prior to the starting of the train, the chambers of the air-gun
or other propeller are charged with projectiles, which are intended to strike
the sonorous body or pendulum without perforating it. I also fit a similar
apparatus to the engine to enable the driver to give signals to the guard when
required.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF IRON RAILWAY WHEELS
Year: 1856

page_text: application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
-
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Joseph Curtis at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
21st May 1856.
I, WILLIAM JOSEPH CURTIS, of 1, Sebbon Street, Islington, Civil Engineer,
do hereby declare the nature of the Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
MANUFACTURE OF IRON RAILWAY WHEELS," to be as follows:-
This Invention has for its object improvements in the manufacture of iron
railway wheels. For which purpose the iron for making the spokes is at
intervals rolled with inclined projecting edges, in order to form that part of
each pair of spokes which produces the curve between two spokes, and by the
conjoined series of spokes the ring or felloe on which the tyre is fixed. The
tyre is formed with a projecting inner rib, with a dovetail or inclined groove
suitable for receiving one of the inclined projecting edges of the ring of the
wheel, and the tyre is also formed with a projecting or extending portion on
one side suitable to be bent over the other projecting inclined edge of the
ring or felloe of the wheel. The tyre having been put on to a wheel, the
projecting side is turned over by the pressure of a roller, so as to close on
the second inclined edge of the ring or felloe of the wheel, and thus will the
curved portions of the spokes which make up the ring or felloe of the wheel
be held securely in the dovetail groove produced on the inside of the tyre.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF HATS
Year: 1856

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by George Dawes at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 19th September
1856.
I, GEORGE DAWES, of the firm of Mayhew & Co., Hat Manufacturers, of
Union Street, Southwark, and 89, New Bond Street, in the County of Middle-
sex, do hereby declare the nature of the Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
MANUFACTURE OF HATS," to be as follows:-
The object of this Invention is to give elasticity to the inner part of hats,
so as to cause them to bear more uniformly on the head, also to improve their
ventilation, and to prevent grease penetrating through them. For these
purposes a ring of horsehair or other stiff elastic fabric is placed under the
leather or other lining, and this ring is doubled over upon itself, and where
doubled it is sewn all round to the edge of the hat. The elasticity of the ring
of stiff fabric gives softness to the inside of the hat, and the ventilation is
improved by the air being able to pass freely in through the horsehair or
other fabric round the edge, the air so entering passing out through perfora-
tions in the crown of the hat. The grease is also prevented from penetrating
through the hat by the lining being kept at a distance from the inside.
IMPROVE- MENTS IN EFFECTING THE CONSUMPTION OF SMOKE
Year: 1856

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Henry Dubs and Josiah Evans
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with their Petition, on
the 15th August 1856.
We, HENRY DUBS, of the Vulcan Foundry, Warrington, in the County of
Lancaster, Engineer, and JOSIAH EVANS, of Haydock, in the same County,
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN EFFECTING THE CONSUMPTION OF SMOKE," to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to a peculiar construction and arrangement of
furnaces for steam boilers or other purposes, whereby the combustion of the
smoke and gases is effected.
According to this Invention the furnace or fire box is partially divided by a
transverse fire-brick or metal mid-feather extending downwards a short
distance from the roof or crown of the furnace or fire box. Below this mid-
feather is fitted the grate, which is inclined downwards from the front to the
back of the furnace or fire box, and is capable of being raised or lowered
at pleasure by means of segmental racks and levers, or other convenient
mechanical arrangement.
The coal which has become incandescent will, from the inclination of the
grate, gradually work down to the lower end of the grate, or at that portion
behind the mid-feather, and when green fuel is to be introduced, the grate is
elevated so as to bring it nearly up to the lower edge of the mid-feather. The
coals are then thrown on to the front part of the grate, and the smoke and

page_text: unconsumed gases which are evolved therefrom are made to pass through the
incandescent fuel at the lower end of the grate, and through openings in the
mid-feather, which being highly heated will greatly assist in the combustion of
the smoke; as the combustion of the fuel proceeds, the grate is gradually
lowered, and the incandescent fuel pushed forward, or allowed to descend to
the lower portion of the grate to leave room for the fresh fuel to be
introduced.
TREATING THE SUNFLOWER PLANT TO RENDER ITS FIBRES APPLICABLE TO THE MANUFACTURE OF TEXTILE FABRICS, PAPER, YARN, CORDAGE &c.
Year: 1856

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Jacob Smith and John Luntley at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with their Petition, on the
7th April 1856.
We, JACOB SMITH, of No. 9, Union Court, Old Broad Street, JOHN LUNT-
LEY, of No. 3, New Broad Street Court, in the City of London, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention for TREATING THE SUNFLOWER PLANT
TO RENDER ITS FIBRES APPLICABLE TO THE MANUFACTURE OF TEXTILE FABRICS,
PAPER, YARN, CORDAGE, &c., to be as follows:-
Our process for converting the stalk of the sunflower into material for
making textile fabrics similar to woven silk and flax, and also for making
paper, yarn, cordage, &c., consists in dissolving the gummy or resinous matter
which binds or holds together the filaments of which it is composed. It is com-
posed of long fibres of various thicknesses, and held together by gummy or
resinous substance, which long fibres can be separated by dissolving the gummy
or resinous matter, either naturally by steeping in water in a manner similar
to that practised on flax, and known by the term water-retting; or by exposing
the same to the action of the dew and air, and known by the term dew-retting;
or other plans, as practised upon flax, for separating the fibrous portions of the
stalk. Now the stalk of the sunflower being composed of fibres of four different
qualities and thicknesses, can be divided into four varieties of fibre by splitting
it into halves (before pressing in a manner similar to that practised on flax) for
the purpose of separating the several varieties. Now the cup of the sunflower

page_text: being composed of an inner and outer rind, consisting of fibres interlaced, which
can be separated by steeping it in water or other plans as practised upon the
stalk, we afterwards press and wash to form a pulp applicable to the manu-
facture of paper, &c.
Now, the root of the sunflower being also composed of fibres, we dry either
by the action of the sun and air or by artificial means, and submit it to pressing
and combing machinery, in a manner similar to that practised on hemp and
flax, to separate the fibres, which are applicable to the manufacture of yarn,
cordage, &c. Now, the colour of a portion of the fibres of a stalk, cup, and
root of the sunflower not being sufficiently white, we submit the same to a
solution of chloride of lime or other. bleaching liquor to discharge part of the
colour; we afterwards press and wash out the said fibrous material, which may
then be dried and packed, and. by the usual processes converted into textile
fabrics, paper, yarn, cordage, &c.
AN IMPROVED NAME AND BUSINESS PLATE FOR THE OUTSIDES OF DOORS AND WINDOWS
Year: 1856

page_text: pucation Jor
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by George Davis at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 22nd December
1856.
I, GEORGE DAVIS, of Clerkenwell, in the County of Middlesex, do hereby
declaro the nature of tho said Invention for "AN IMPROVED NAME AND BUSINESS
PLATE FOR THE OUTSIDES OF DOORS AND WINDOWS," to be as follows (that is to
say):-
My Invention, which has for its object the production of name or business
plates by a less costly method than hitherto, consists in substituting in place of
the ordinary materials, such as sheets or plates of thick brass, zinc, or other-
wise (having engraved or embossed lettering thereon), thin metallic surfaces
of about one-sixth of the ordinary thickness, and causing the letters or devices
to be painted by the usual methods and than vanished and glazed, by which
means they are not only rendered less subject to tarnish, but incorrodible by
atmospheric or other influences, the thin metallic surfaces, when painted as
aforesaid, being inserted within a framo of any suitable construction, and
waterproofing or cementing materials employed for fixing the same thereto,
and rendering them impervious to moisture.
IMPROVEMENTS IN PERCUSSION CAP HOLDERS
Year: 1856

page_text: application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Montagu Hayes at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
27th September 1856.
I, JOHN MONTAGU HAYES, Captain, Royal Navy, of 6, Portland Terrace,
Southsea, do hereby declare the nature of the Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS
IN PERCUSSION CAP HOLDERS," to be as follows:-
This Invention has for its object improvements in percussion cap holders,
and consists in constructing such holders of a compound of india-rubber,
sulphur, and in some cases fibrous matters, subjected to heat to vulcanize or
render the same perminantly elastic. The holders are formed with holes or
recesses to receive the caps either on one or more sides; these holes retain the
caps within them ready for use, but will readily part with such caps when they
are placed on the nipples of fire-arms.
IMPROVEMENTS IN TREATING SOAP-SUDS TO OBTAIN PRODUCTS THEREFROM
Year: 1856

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by André Prosper Rochette at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
16th February 1856.
I, ANDRÉ PROSPER ROCHETTE, of Brighouse, near Huddersfield, do hereby
declare the nature of the Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN TREATING SOAP-SUDS
TO OBTAIN PRODUCTS THEREFROM," to be as follows:-
This Invention has for its object improvements in treating soapsuds to
obtain products therefrom. For this purpose the soap-suds are first subjected
to the ordinary process of precipitating the matters which are mixed with or
are in solution in the waters. These matters are then either first pressed in
the ordinary manner to express the more fluid matters therefrom, and then
introduced into a retort or vessel and carbonized; or the whole of the
precipitated or separated matters are subjected to a process of carbonization in
a suitable retort or vessel, by which various products are obtained, some
being distilled off, and the other remaining in the retort or vessel.
AN IMPROVED MODE OF TREATING MAIZE FOR DISTILLING, WITH APPARATUS THEREFOR
Year: 1856

page_text: application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by George Riley at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 10th September
1856.
I, GEORGE RILEY, of No. 1, The Grove, South Lambeth, in the County of
Surry, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "AN IMPROVED
MODE OF TREATING MAIZE FOR DISTILLING, WITH APPARATUS THEREFOR," to be as
follows:-
The nature of my improved mode of treating maize for distilling consists in
the application of heats thereto, hitherto considered improper to be used in
the British mode of distilling, & for which purpose I use a separate mash
tun, with apparatus therein, for bringing up the heat of the mash to that
point which I find most advantageous for the saccharine fermentation (upon
the addition of malt) & consequent production of spirit.
IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR EXCAVATING LAND FOR THE CONSTRUCTING TUNNELS
Year: 1856

page_text: application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Joseph Curtis, at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 2nd February
1856.
I, WILLIAM JOSEPH CURTIS, of 1, Sebbon Street, Islington, in the County of
Middlesex, do hereby declare the nature of the Invention for IMPROVEMENTS
IN MACHINERY FOR EXCAVATING LAND FOR THE CONSTRUCTING TUNNELS," to be as
follows:-
This Invention has for its object an improvement in combining machinery
for excavating land for constructing tunnels. For this purpose, a rectangular
or suitable form of frame, of a size depending on the intended tunnel, is con-
structed, and is arranged, when placed in an upright position, to be moved
forward by hydraulic pumps or mechanical means pressing against the work
which has been completed. There are three uprights, the two outer ones have
reverse screw threads formed thereon in such manner that a screw nut on
each of them when caused to rotate shall ascend its upright, and then when it
arrives at the end again descend. These nuts turn between two plates, which
carry an endless chain, and chain wheels by which the chain is carried. The
central upright is a shaft which gives motion to the chain wheels and chain.
In order to cut or remove the land in front, the chain carries ploughs or
cutters which cut away the land in front as the chain is caused to move. The

page_text: central upright or shaft is put in motion by a steam engine which moves on
suitable rails up to the work. Rails are also laid as the work progresses, so
that trucks may bring up bricks and materials to build up and form the tunnel,
and the earth is raised into the empty trucks by suitable buckets or lifters put
into motion by the steam engine.
IMPROVEMENTS IN BLEACHING, WASHING, OR CLEANSING TEXTILE FABRICS AND MATERIALS
Year: 1856

page_text: application for Letters Patent was not given within the time prescribed'
by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Armour at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 19th July
1856.
I, JOHN ARMOUR, of Kirkton Bleach Works, in the County of Renfrew,
North Britain, Bleacher, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention
for "IMPROVEMENTS IN BLEACHING, WASHING, OR CLEANSING TEXTILE FABRICS AND
MATERIALS," to be as follows, that is to say:-
This Invention relates to various arrangements in connection with the
ordinary "dash wheel "as at present in use in various manufacturing processes,
as well as to other apparatus, more or less modifications of the dash wheel;
the object of the said Invention being the improvement of the action of such
dash wheels or preparing apparatus.
In modifying a common dash wheel for this purpose, the circumferential
portion of the wheel case or chamber is made double, or with a jacket in the
form of an annular casing. The axle or shaft of the wheel is made tubular,
for the purpose of admitting steam, hot air, or hot water through it to the
enveloping casing, so that the wheel may thus be kept constantly heated to a
high temperature, if necessary. The heated current is passed into the shaft
by a stuffing box, suitable thoroughfares being provided for the conveyance of
the heated current, either into the annular casing, or into the internal divisions
of the wheel, or into both.

page_text: With a contrivance of this kind, the acids, alkalis, bleaching stuffs, and
cleansing ingredients are kept hot, thereby aiding the cleansing and bleaching
process very materially.
The shaft may be tubular either on one or both sides of the wheel; if
tubular on both sides, one tubular portion answers for the ingress of the heated
current, whilst the other serves to convey away the cooled agent. The tubular
shaft also affords the means of keeping up a continuous supply to the wheel of
heated alkali, or other bleaching or cleansing matter, as well as for the removal
of these matters when they have performed their office. Rotating wheels or
chambers of various forms may be used for carrying out this Invention, but
the improvements are more obviously applicable to the ordinary dash wheel
in which textile goods and materials of various kinds' are deposited for being
washed, bleached, and cleansed.
In addition to these arrangements, the wheel may be made to revolve in
a vessel of hot water, or over a heating chamber of any convenient kind,
and containing any convenient bleaching material.
IMPROVEMENTS IN CORN MILLS
Year: 1856

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Marples at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 5th August
1856.
I, THOMAS MARPLES, of Derby, in the County of Derby, Millstone Merchant,
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
CORN MILLS," to be as follows:-
My Invention is applicable to mills for grinding and crushing all kinds of
grain, drugs, chemicals, and all other mineral and vegetable substances, and
which may be worked either vertically or horizontally.
In the accompanying outline Drawing, A represents the stone in a vertical
position, and by being worked so instead of horizontally, will effect a great
saving of power.
The furrows being cut diagonally or diamond shape, secures a great
advantage both in more effectually grinding and crushing the corn or other
substance, and is more easily kept in order. B is a sliding convex and
diamond-cut stone, applied and brought into action by means of set screws, and
by being so adjusted that the corn, &c., may be crushed finer or coarser, as
required. C represents the shoe through which the corn passes from the
hopper D, and by being worked by the eccentric E, regulates the feed to the
stones. The mill may be either worked by hand or power, as shewn by the
pully F.

page_text: If required to encrease the speed by hand power, the motion is communi-
cated to the working stone by multiplying the toothed wheels, H, H, H, or it
may be worked by hand by a simple windlas, as shewn in plan A, Fig. 3. I
make the feeding apparatus with small fluted feed rollers and a trunk hopper
worked by a small pully from the main shaft G, or in any other convenient
manner.
IMPROVED MACHINERY FOR SWEEPING FLOORS, STREETS, AND WALKS
Year: 1856

page_text: by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Edward Newton at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
4th November 1856.-A communication.
I. WILLIAM EDWARD NEWTON, of the Office for Patents, 66, Chancery Lane,
in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature
of the said Invention for "IMPROVED MACHINERY FOR SWEEPING FLOORS,
STREETS, AND WALKS," to be as follows:-
This Invention of improved machinery for sweeping floors, streets, and:
walks, consists in the combination with a rotating brush cylinder of a fan and
a water vessel placed within the same casing, which partly encloses the said
cylinder the fan being made to draw in by inhalation and collect all the
lighter portions of the dust. which are taken up or thrown up by the action of
the brush cylinder, and to deposit them in water. thereby preventing them
from falling again on the swept surface, or being deposited on any surrounding
surface or surfaces.
The operation of the machine is as follows:-The handle is taken in one
hand by the operator, who walks behind the machine and pushes it before him
or her over the floor. and with the other hand turns a crank to give rotary
motion to the brush cylinder, as well as the fan and dash wheel. The brush
wheel, by its rotation as it moves over the floor, sweeps all dirt and dust up the

page_text: apron or incline into a box.
The heavier particles of the dirt and dust fall
into a drawer, while the lighter particles are drawn from the box by the fon
and driven through a trunk into the water vessel. The speed of the machine
over the floor may be varied, while the brush cylinder, fan, and dash wheel
are driven at a constant velocity. in order to sweep more or less in certain
places, according as the dirt may be more or less thickly distributed.
By employing this machine in dwelling-houses the covering of all the
furniture with the dust raised in sweeping is entirely avoided.
It is obvious that a machine of similar character to that above described
may be drawn by horses or propelled by other means, and the brush cylinder
and fan driven by horse or other power, and used for sweeping streets or
other ways.
IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR MEASURING AND FOLDING FABRICS
Year: 1856

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Joseph Hopwood, of Bolton-le-Moors, in the County
of Lancaster, Millwright, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY
FOR MEASURING AND FOLDING FABRICS."
Sealed the 16th January 1857, and dated the 31st July 1856.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Joseph Hopwood at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 81st
July 1856.
I, JOSEPH HorwOOD, of Bolton-le-Moors, in the County of Lancaster,
Millwright, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN MACHINERY FOR MEASURING AND FOLDING FABRICS," to be as follows:-
My improvements consist in causing the fabric to be measured and folded
to pass over a revolving reel, having, by preference, four spokes; these spokes
are adjustable on the axle to suit the width of fabric, and between each pair of
spokes a rail, capable of being moved to and from the centre by links, jointed to
disks, or otherwise, is fitted. The rails are nearly sharp on the outer edges, and
two opposite ones have clips, which are brought into contact with the selvages
of the fabric by links and excentric grooves in stationary disks, or by other

page_text: suitable means. The fabric to be measured and folded is carried past a
stationary stud, for the purpose of keeping one selvage true, and then over
the reel, which takes hold of the selvages and draws the fabric forward; the
fabric after passing over the rail without the clip is liberated again and
deposited on a table in folds equal in length to the distance between the
rails of the reel. By this means fabrics may be measured and folded at a
greater velocity than by the machinery hitherto employed.
IMPROVEMENTS IN PREPARING FOR AND IN TANNING HIDES AND SKINS
Year: 1856

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Matthew Whiting, Jun', of Manning Street,
Bermondsey, Tanner, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN PREPARING
FOR AND IN TANNING HIDES AND SKINS."
Scaled the 2nd May 1856, and dated the 4th February 1856.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Matthew Whiting at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
4th February 1856.
I, MATTHEW WHITING, Jun', of Manning Street, Bermondsey, Tanner, do
hereby declare the nature of the Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN PREPARING FOR
AND IN TANNING HIDES AND SKINS," to be as follows:-
This Invention has for its object improvements in preparing for and in
tanning hides and skins. For this purpose the hides and skins are suspended
by cords, strings, or otherwise from the sides of a pit, so that their upper ends
are below the liquor therein, and their lower ends are. kept just above the
bottom of the pit. Above the pit is suspended a frame, which descends into
and its lower end divides the pit transversely into two compartments, and it is
free to be oscillated slowly to and fro therein. The hides or skins hang nearly
or quite touching each other, and the oscillation of the frame presses alternately
those on one side, and then those on the other.
IMPROVEMENTS IN HORSE RAKES, WHICH IMPROVED RAKES MAY ALSO BE RENDERED APPLICABLE FOR SCARIFYING LAND
Year: 1856

page_text: by the Act.)
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by David Curwood at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 3rd July
1856.
I, DAVID CURWOOD, of Grocers Hall Court, in the City of London, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN HORSE RAKES,
WHICH IMPROVED RAKES MAY ALSO BE RENDERED APPLICABLE FOR SCARIFYING LAND,"
to be as follows:-
My improvements in horse rakes consist in mounting the rake teeth or
tines on an angular or A shaped frame, the traction of the horse may be at
the apex of the angle, in which case the frame is furnished with a shield placed
above & immediately behind the tines, against which shield the hay or other
crop as it is raked up presses, & is guided so as be thrown off on either side of
the machine. This machine or rake, as it progresses, throws the gathered crop
off on either side & leaves it in two continuous rows. Instead of gathering the
crops in two rows the rake may advance with the apex of the angular frame in
the rear, which will gather the whole breadth of crop towards the middle of the
rake. A portion of the frame is made without teeth or tines at the apex
of the angle to allow the gathered crop to escape from the frame, in which

page_text: case it will be left in one row up the middle of the path traversed by the rake;
shafts are adapted to drag it in the direction last described.
The frame is mounted on two hind wheels placed within the breadth of the
rake & one at the apex, all fitted to vary & regulate the height of frame from
the ground. Two hand levers are fitted so as to be adjusted according to
circumstances; by these hand levers the attendant walking behind can tilt
the machine & raise the tines further from the ground. By fixing another
series of teeth or instruments suitable for scarifying the ground, the same
arrangement & form of machine is applicable for that purpose.
Instead of gathering the crops in two rows one on either side, or in one row
in the middle as described, the tines and shield may be so inclined to the
course of the rake as to throw off the whole breadth of crop embraced by the
rake on one side and so gather it in one row.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MODE OR METHOD OF LEASING WARPS
Year: 1856

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Adam Bullough at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 4th June 1856
I, ADAM BULLOUGH, of Blackburn, in the County of Lancaster, Manufacturer,
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
THE MODE OR METHOD OF LEASING WARPS," to be as follows:-
Instead of the usual method of forming the lease by ties, bands, or healds,
separating the threads by hand, and then inserting the necessary ties, I propose
to strike one portion of the warp threads through some strong glutinous
composition, which will keep them firmly together, and then by drawing the
other portion of the warp threads tight, leaving the slack portion in the
composition, the lease will be formed at once, presenting a shed, through which
a cord, lath, or any convenient divider may be inserted, without the trouble or
labour of separating and tyeing the threads by hand, as heretofore.