IMPROVED PROCESSES AND APPARATUS FOR MANU- FACTURING COMPOUNDS OF PYROXYLINE OR GUN COTTON
Year: 1872

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine,
Lake, & Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for
the Invention of "IMPROVED PROCESSES AND APPARATUS FOR MANU-
FACTURING COMPOUNDS OF PYROXYLINE OR GUN COTTON."-A communication
from abroad by John W. Hyatt and J. Smith Hyatt, both of Albany,
New York, United States of America.
Sealed the 15th April 1873, and dated the 21st October 1872.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on
the 21st October 1872.
I, WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co.,
5 Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, do hereby declare the
nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVED PROCESSES AND APPARATUS FOR
MANUFACTURING COMPOUNDS OF PYROXYLINE OR GUN COTTON," a communication,
to be as follows:-

page_text: Third. In the process of dissolving or transforming pyroxyline by
means of camphor gum or other suitable solvent which becomes active
when melted subjecting the pyroxyline and solvent to pressure by means
of a plunger in a cylinder which is unequally heated in such a manner
that the mixed material will be first compacted in the colder portion
before the solvent is melted and the process of transformation commences.
The air is thereby allowed to more freely escape, and is more completely
expelled, while the conversion of the pyroxyline is effected in another
and hotter portion of the cylinder as the mass is forced through it.
Fourth. In the arrangement of a cold water jacket around the upper
portion or receiving end of the heated converting cylinder to prevent the
mclting of the solvent, and the partial conversion of the pyroxyline
before it has been properly compressed, as the premature conversion of
the pyroxyline in this end of the cylinder would operate to prevent the
free escape of the air during the compression of the mass.
Fifth. In the combination with a converting cylinder provided with a
cold water jacket around the receiving end thereof of a steam or hot
water jacket arranged around the lower portion or discharge end thereof
for melting the camphor gum, and facilitating the transformation of
the pyroxyline before it is discharged from the cylinder.
Sixth. In the arrangement with the cold water jacket of the con-
verting cylinder of the escape pipe of the hydraulic engine which
communicates with and supplies water to the said water jacket.
Seventh. In the arrangement with the upwardly projecting piston rod
of the hydraulic engine, and the supply and escape pipes thereof, of two
three-way cocks, and an intermediate lever, and connecting rod and arm
for operating the said water cocks or valves.
Eighth. In the arrangement in the discharge end of the converting
cylinder of a central heating and distributing core constructed with
radial pins or projections, whereby the material before it escapes from
the cylinder is caused to pass through the annular space around the
central core and in contact with the heated surface of the cylinder, while
the spurs or pins divide and mix the material, and at the same time
serve to conduct the heat from the cylinder to the central core.
Ninth. In the combination with the discharge pipe through which
the transformed material is forced from the converting cylinder of an

page_text: equalizing warm water vessel, through which the extended discharge
pipe passes. The water keeps the pipe sufficiently warm to prevent the
cooling of the material in contact with their inner surface faster than
the central portion, as the unequal cooling and consequent unequal
consistency of the different portions of the material will cause the central
and softer portion to move faster than the outer and harder portion, and
thereby destroy the homogeneousness of the mass, and render the surface
of the stick or rod as it is ejected from the pipe rough and broken.
Tenth. In the combination with the hydraulic engine, converting
cylinder, and celluloid discharge pipe of a mould and hydraulic clamp for 1
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said William Robert Lake in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 21st April 1873.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Twenty-first day of October, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-two, in the thirty-
sixth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give
and grant unto me, the said William Robert Lake, Her special licence
that I, the said William Robert Lake, my executors, administrators,
and assigns, or such others as I, the said William Robert Lake, my
executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree with,
and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during the
term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise,
and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the
Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVED PROCESSES
AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING COMPOUNDS OF PYROXYLINE OR GUN COTTON,"
a communication to me from abroad by John W. Hyatt and J. Smith
Hyatt, both of Albany, New York, United States of America, upon the
condition (amongst others) that I, the said William Robert Lake, my
executors or administrators, by an instrument in writing under my, or
their, or one of their hands and scals, should particularly describe and

page_text: ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the
same was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great
Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and immediately
after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said William Robert Lake, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same
is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement, reference being had to the accompanying
Drawing forming a part of this Specification.
Soluble cotton or pyroxyline as used in this Specification means, as is
generally understood, cotton or other vegetable fibre which has been
treated with sulphuric and nitric acids in certain proportions by
well-known processes, so as to render the fibre thus treated soluble in
certain well-known solvents.
This Invention relates to the conversion and manufacture of pyroxy-
line or soluble cotton into a solid (which is herein denominated "cellu-
loid" in accordance with a general process described in the Specification
of Letters Patent, No. 1025, dated April 18th, 1871, to which Letters
Patent reference is here made for a full description of the said process.
The principal feature of the process described in the said Specification
consists in employing camphor gum as a solvent of pryoxyline pulp by
thoroughly mixing the comminuted camphor gum with the pyroxyline,
and then subjecting the compound to heavy pressure in a heated mould
which dissolves the gum camphor, transforms the pyroxyline, and
compacts the compound into a comparatively solid mass
operation.
at onc

page_text: able nature, is rendered more or less liable to ignition when it is exposed
to the sun or to the heated air of a drying room.
Second. In the process of manufacturing celluloid by the use of
|.camphor gum or other solvent which becomes active under heat and
pressure, the subjecting of the mixture of pyroxyline and solvent
material to pressure by means of a plunger in a heated cylinder provided
with a discharge nozzle or pipe, the cylinder being of sufficient length to
cause the conversion of the pyroxyline to take place while the material
is being gradually forced through the cylinder, so that by replenishing
the cylinder as it becomes partially empty a gradual discharge of the
celluloid or converted material is effected in the form of a continuous
rod, bar, or sheet, as may be desired.
Third. In the process of dissolving or transforming pyroxyline by
means of camphor gum or other suitable solvent which becomes active
when melted, subjecting the pyroxyline and solvent to pressure by
means of a plunger in a cylinder which is unequally heated in such a
manner that the mixed material will be first compacted in the colder
portion before the solvent is melted and the process of transformation
The air is thereby allowed to more freely escape, and is
more completely expelled, while the conversion of the pyroxyline is
effected in another and hotter portion of the cylinder as the mass is
forced through it.
commences.
Fourth. In the arrangement of a cold water jacket around the upper
portion or receiving end of the heated converting cylinder to prevent the
melting of the solvent and the partial conversion of the pyroxyline before
it has been properly compressed, as the premature conversion of the
pyroxyline in this end of the cylinder would operate to prevent the free
escape of the air during the compression of the mass.
Fifth. In the combination with a converting cylinder provided with a
cold water jacket around the receiving end thereof of a steam or hot
water jacket arranged around the lower portion or discharge end thereof,
for melting the camphor gum and facilitating the transformation of the
pyroxline before it is discharged from the cylinder.
Sixth. In the arrangement with the cold water jacket of the con-
verting cylinder of the escape pipe of the hydraulic engine, which
communicates with and supplies water to the said water jacket.

page_text: Seventh. In the arrangement with the upwardly projecting piston rod
of the hydraulic engine, and the supply and escape pipes thereof, of two
three-way cocks, an intermediate lever, and connecting rod and arm
for operating the said water cocks or valves.
Eighth. In the arrangement in the discharge end of the converting
cylinder of a central heating and distributing core constructed with
radial pins or projections whereby the material before it escapes from
the cylinder is caused to pass through the annular space around the
central core, and in contact with the heated surface of the cylinder,
while the spurs or pins divide and mix the material, and at the same
time serve to conduct the heat from the cylinder to the central core.
Ninth. In the combination with the discharge pipe through which the
transformed material is forced from the converting cylinder of an
equalizing warm water vessel, through which the extended discharge
pipe passes. The water keeps the pipe sufficiently warm to prevent the
cooling of the material in contact with their inner surface faster than
the central portion, as the unequal cooling, and consequent unequal
consistency of the different portions of the material will cause the
central and softer portion to move faster than the outer and harder
portion, and thereby destroy the homogeneousness of the mass, and
render the surface of the stick or rod as it is ejected from the pipe rough
Seventh. In the arrangement with the upwardly projecting piston rod
of the hydraulic engine, and the supply and escape pipes thereof, of two
three-way cocks, an intermediate lever, and connecting rod and arm
for operating the said water cocks or valves.
Eighth. In the arrangement in the discharge end of the converting
cylinder of a central heating and distributing core constructed with
radial pins or projections whereby the material before it escapes from
the cylinder is caused to pass through the annular space around the
central core, and in contact with the heated surface of the cylinder,
while the spurs or pins divide and mix the material, and at the same
time serve to conduct the heat from the cylinder to the central core.
Ninth. In the combination with the discharge pipe through which the
transformed material is forced from the converting cylinder of an
equalizing warm water vessel, through which the extended discharge
pipe passes. The water keeps the pipe sufficiently warm to prevent the
cooling of the material in contact with their inner surface faster than
the central portion, as the unequal cooling, and consequent unequal
consistency of the different portions of the material will cause the
central and softer portion to move faster than the outer and harder,
portion, and thereby destroy the homogeneousness of the mass, and
render the surface of the stick or rod as it is eiected from the pipe rough
and broken.
Tenth. In the combination with the hydraulic engine, converting
cylinder, and celluloid discharge pipe, of a mould and hydraulic clamp
for holding the mould together while it is being filled with the
celluloid.
The soluble cotton or pyroxyline is first ground or comminuted in a
wet condition, and the excess of water expressed therefrom. The
camphor gum and pigments, as desired, are then thoroughly incorporated
therewith by mixing rollers or other suitable apparatus. The compound
thus prepared is conveniently formed into cakes by means of a mould
and follower, the bottom of the mould being made separate, and serving
to transfer the formed cake to the pile. These cakes are preferably made
about twelve inches square, and from one-fourth to one-half an inch in
thickness. It would be difficult to properly absorb the moisture from a
cake of much greater thickness. These cakes are laid up in a pile with
a suitable layer of unsized or blotting paper, or other suitable absorbent

page_text: material between them. The pile thus formed is subjected to consider-
able pressure in a hydraulic or other press, which causes the intervening
layers of the paper or other material to sufficiently absorb the moisture
from the compound rapidly and uniformly. During this process the
compound is protected from the air to prevent the evaporation of the
camphor, and also all liability to ignition of the. material. The
rapidity with which the drying is effected results in a great saving in
time and in the space required. The material thus dried is ready for
conversion into celluloid.
hydraulic clamp.
Figure 3 is a horizontal section of the hydraulic engine on the line x, x,
Figure 1.
Figure 4 is an enlarged vertical section of the lower portion of the
converting cylinder.
Figure 5 is a horizontal section of the same on the line y, y, Figure 1,
showing a bottom plan of the distributing core block therein.
Figure 6 is an enlarged sectional view of the upper portion of the said
hydraulic engine, shewing the manner of packing the head and piston
thereof.
Figure 7 is a vertical section at right angles to Figure 1 of the said
mould and hydraulic clamp.¨
Figure 8 is a bottom plan of the sliding plate of the clamp on which.
the said mould rests.
Like letters indicate corresponding parts in each of the Figures.
A is the hydraulic engine, and B the converting cylinder arranged
one above the other, and fastened to a post C by flanges a, b, or in any a
other suitable manner. The said converting cylinder is shewn cast in
one piece, with a central flange through which pass vertical suspension
rods d, d. The upper portions of these rods connect the heads of the
hydraulic engine, and are of reduced size to form a shoulder for the

page_text: lower head a to rest upon, while their upper ends are provided with nuts
above the upper head a', by which the two heads are firmly secured
together. E is the piston of the hydraulic engine, and F, the solid
plunger cast therewith or attached to it, and extending downward
through the lower head and a suitable stuffing box, so as to work in the
bore of the converting cylinder in which it snugly fits. e is the valve
rod extending upward from the piston, through the upper head and
through a bearing c attached to the post C. G is a force pump receiving
its supply of water from a reservoir G', and forcing it through a pipe g
to the hydraulic engine and the mould clamp Q. The pipe 9 leads to a
three-way cock g³, from which branch the two supply pipes g² leading to
both ends of the hydraulic cylinder, while a branch pipe g³ leads to the
cylinder of the hydraulic mould clamp. The flow of water through the
pipe g to the cylinder and clamp is controlled by a stop cock g'. h, h,
are the two water escape pipes of the hydraulic cylinder uniting with a
three-way cock h', from which a common escape pipe h³ leads to the
water jacket of the converting cylinder. A branch pipe provided with
a stop cock h* leads from the supply pipe 9 to the escape pipe 7². The
three-way cocks g¹ and h¹ are connected by a short rod provided with a
lever i. The inner arm of this lever and an arm keyed to the valve
rode are connected by a vertical rod 1. The upper end of this rod
slides in a hole or slot in the end of the arm ¹, and is provided with stop
pins above and below the arm, with which pins the latter alternately
engages in actuating the cocks g' and h¹. The outer arm of the lever i
forms a handle for the attendant, by which both cocks are closed, and
the supply and escape of the water shut off by bringing the lever into a
horizontal position. The cocks are simultaneously opened, and the
engine set in motion when required by elevating or depressing the lever.
When depressed, as shown in Figure 2, the upper supply and lower
escape pipes are opened, which causes the piston to descend, while a
reversed and elevated position of the handle closes these pipes, and opens
the lower supply and upper escape pipes, and reverses the piston.
188
Assuming that the valve lever i is in its upper position pressure is
applied to the cylinder of the hydraulic engine and the mould clamp
simultaneously by opening the cock g' and closing the cock h*. The
resistance in the mould clamp being less than in the hydraulic engine
the two parts of the mould are firmly clamped together before the action
of the hydraulic piston forces the celluloid into the mould.

page_text: By opening the cock and closing the cock g the pressure is simul-
taneously removed from the hydraulic cylinder and the mould clamp,
the surplus of water from the latter passing through the pipe h³ to the
escape pipe, and thence to the water jacket of the converting cylinder,
while the engine is at rest for lack of pressure, and the movement of the
celluloid stopped.
J is the water jacket surrounding the upper portion of the converting
cylinder, from which the escape j is shown in the Drawing as connected
with the reservoir; by means of this connection the same water is
repeatedly used without waste. K is the steam jacket surrounding the
lower portion of the cylinder; k, the steam supply pipe; and the
escape pipe thereof; and is a thermometer fitting in a hole in the side
of the cylinder for determining the temperature thereof. L is the dis-
tributing core block fitting in the lower end of the converting cylinder.
It is provided with radially projecting spurs or pins at its periphery,
and with radial grooves or channels in the lower end for the passage of
the material from the periphery to the centre and mouth of the discharge
nozzle M. This nozzle may be provided with two or more branch dis-
charge nozzles m, m, closed by a three-way or other suitable cock m³, to
which mould pieces m³ of various sizes and form of bore can be attached.
N is the equalizing vessel through which the mould pipe passes. The
water or other liquid in this vessel may be heated by a steam pipe n or
other suitable contrivance, and the temperature regulated by means of a
thermometer n².
O is the lower and O' the upper portion of the hydraulic clamp
secured together by bolts o, or in any other suitable manner. The lower
portion O is formed with a shallow bore or recess extending partially
through it in which fits the piston p or lower end of the follower P.
Q is the mould formed in two parts and of the shape of the article to be
produced; it is placed on the follower under the portion O' of the press;
and is formed to receive and snugly fit when the two halves are put
together the nozzlo of the discharge pipe leading from the stuffing or
converting cylinder. The pressure together of the two parts of the
mould around the end of the pipe forms a tight connection when one is
required, while the mould is readily disconnected therefrom when the
pressure is removed.
For convenience in introducing and withdrawing the mould a sliding
plate R fitting in dovetail ways in the face of the follower is employed

page_text: for the mould to rest upon. The upper side of this plate is provided with
a rib extending lengthwise, and terminating at the rear end with
lateral stops
The under side of the mould is made with a groove
corresponding in size with the rib or way r which fits therein. The said
plate being partially withdrawn from the clamp a mould is arranged
thereon, when by pressing against the mould with a stick it is caused
to slide on the plate until it strikes the stops of the latter, when both
together slide back until the nozzle of the discharge pipe has entered the
mouth of the mould, and the same is in a condition to be clampled.
The sliding plate R is provided with an opening or handle by which it
and the said mould when filled and released by the opening of the clamp
are readily withdrawn therefrom.
When light moulds are employed bearing or stop blocks S of the
thickness of the mould are used between the clamps to prevent the
crushing of the moulds. The blocks arrest the approach of the follower
to the upper head when the parts of the mould have been brought firmly
together. These stops are preferably made of several slightly curved
plates placed one above the other so as to operate as an elliptic spring to
force open the jaws of the clamp when the water is shut off, and form
when the plates are pressed together a stop of the required thickness, as
shown in Figure 7.
The joints at the top and bottom of the aforesaid hydraulic engine are
packed by means of a ring u of packing material, and a disc u' with the
edge beveled from the inner side and clamped to the heads of the cylinder
by bolts u, as clearly shown. The said disc forces the packing material
in the angle at the junction of the cylinder with its heads, while the
pressure of the water within operates to more effectually pack the joint.
With this improved mode of packing the area of the heads against which
the water presses is not increased above that of the cylinder as it is when
the packing is interposed in an annular recess between the end of the
cylinder and the heads, and the heads and fastening thereof are subjected
to less strain by this improved mode of fastening. The hydraulic piston
is packed in a like manner, as clearly shewn in Figure 6; and the same
packing is applied to the piston of the mould clamp, in Figures 1
5 and 7.
The pyroxyline and solvent, with or without other ingredients, either

page_text: drying pile as above described, or in picces or scraps of the previously
transformed or partially transformed material or celluloid, are placed
into the converting or stuffing cylinder, and water is let into the upper
end of the engine by depressing the lever, as shown in Figure 2, the
piston and follower being thereby caused to slowly descend, the supply
pipes are made small to allow sufficient time for the heating of the
contents of the cylinder and their conversion or softening before they
are forced therefrom. The water jacket keeps the material cool until it
has been compressed into the lower portion of the cylinder and the air
allowed to escape. In the lower portion of the cylinder the heat from
the steam jacket melts and renders active the solvent of the pyroxyline,
or re-dissolves and agglomerates the scraps of the previously converted
material, when the contents are gradually forced through the annular
space around the core L among the pins, which thoroughly divides and
mixes up the mass and brings every portion thereof in contact with the
heated surface of the cylinder core or pins, thereby ensuring a complete
transformation and a homogeneous compound. The celluloid is now
forced through the dischargo nozzle into the mould pipe m³, maintained
at suitable and equable temperature by the liquid of the equalizing
vessel N, from which it may be discharged when desired in the form of
a bar, sheet, or stick, according to the shape of the bore of the pipe.
Instead of forming the celluloid into bars, rods, or the like, as abovo
described, the material may be forced from the discharge pipe or nozzle,
with or without the interposed equalizing warm water vessel, directly
into a mould of the form of the article required to be produced. In
such case the water is turned on the hydraulic press, as herein-before
described, at the same time it is on the engine, so that the follower will
have been elevated sufficiently to clamp the parts of the mould together
by the time the material begins to enter the same. The area of the
piston of the press should be sufficiently large to prevent the pressure:
from the engine forcing the mould apart. The mould being filled the
cocks 9' and ' are reversed, shutting off the supply of water from the
force pump G and opening the escape from the engine and the mould
clamp, whereby the hydraulic piston is arrested in its movement, the
piston and follower of the mould clamp are permitted to descend, and a
the mould may be withdrawn and another one substituted. Water is
again led into the press to clamp the mould, when the engine is again
started and the second mould filled, and so on, until the stuffing cylinder

page_text: is exhausted, or nearly so, of its contents. The engine is then reversed,
the converting cylinder re-filled, and the above process continued.
Having thus fully described the said Invention as communicated to
me by my foreign correspondents, and the manner of performing the
same, I wish it understood that I claim,-
First. In the manufacture of celluloid the process of drying the pre-
pared mixture of pyroxyline, or soluble cotton and camphor gum, or its
equivalent, by first compressing the mixture into thin cakes and
arranging the same in a pile with interposed layers of bibulous paper or
other porous absorbent material, and then subjecting the pile thus
formed to pressure as herein set forth.
Second. As a part of the process of manufacturing celluloid or com-
pounds of pyroxyline by the use of camphor gum or other solvent which
becomes active under heat, the subjecting of the mixture of the pyroxy-
line and solvent to pressure by means of a plunger in a heated cylinder
provided with a discharge nozzle, whereby the material is transformed
and the celluloid discharged from the cylinder in a continuous rod, bar,
or sheet, as herein set forth.
Third. As a part of the process of dissolving or transforming pyroxy-
linc by means of camphor gum or other equivalent solvent which
becomes active when melted, the subjecting of the pyroxyline and
solvent to pressure in the upper portion of a cylinder, which upper
portion is kept sufficiently cool to prevent the melting of the solvent and
transformation of the material therein during the compression of the
material and expulsion of the air, while the lower portion of the said
cylinder is heated at a temperature sufficiently high to melt the solvent
and transform the pyroxyline, which is forced through the same and out
of a discharge nozzle, as herein set forth.
Fourth. The arrangement of the cold water jacket around the upper
portion or receiving end of the heated converting cylinder, substantially
as and for the purpose set forth.
Fifth. The combination and arrangement with the converting cylinder
B of the cold water jacket J and steam jacket K as and for the purpose
set forth.
Sixth. The arrangement with the hydraulic engine and cold water
jacket of the converting cylinder of the escane nine 43 loading from the

page_text: Witness,
HENRY JAMES NOONE,
8, Southampton Buildings,
London.
W. ROBT. LAKE. (L.S.)

page_text: ور
In the Matter of Letters Patent granted to William Robert Lake, of the firm
of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London,
for the Invention of "IMPROVED PROCESSES AND APPARATUS FOR
A com-
MANUFACTURING COMPOUNDS OF PYROXYLINE OR GUN COTTON
munication from abroad by John W. Hyatt and J. Smith Hyatt both
of Albany, New York, United States of America, dated 21st October
1872 No. 3101 which Letters Patent have been assigned to and are now
vested in the Celluloid Manufacturing Company of the City and State of
New York, United States aforesaid.
SCLAIMER AND MEMORANDUM OF ALTERATION proposed to be
filed by the said Celluloid Manufacturing Company.
WHEREAS Her Most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria by Her Royal Letters
tent bearing date the 21st day of October in the year of our Lord one
ousand eight hundred and seventy two in the thirty sixth year of Her reign
for Herself Her heirs and successors give and grant unto the said William
bert Lake his executors administrators and assigns the sole privilege of making
ing exercising and vending within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
eland the Channel Islands and Isle of Man the said Invention of IMPROVED
OCESSES AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING COMPOUNDS OF PYROXYLINE OR
"
"
'N COTTON A specification of which invention was duly filed in the Great
al Patent Office in pursuance of one of the provisoes in the said Letters
tent.
And whereas by an Assignment dated 5th November AD. 1881. and duly
corded in the Great Seal Patent Office aforesaid the said Letters Patent and all
ht title and interest in and to the same have been assigned to and are now
sted in us the said Celluloid Manufacturing Company.

page_text: And whereas since the said Assignment was made and recorded we the said
"Celluloid Manufacturing Company" have ascertained that having regard to the
existing public knowledge at the date of the said Letters Patent the title of the
same and the claims in the said specification were made too wide and com-
prehensive. We are therefore desirous of restricting the same and of correspondingly
amending the description of the said invention as hereinafter appearing.
"
NOW KNOW YE therefore that we the said Celluloid Manufacturing Company
by and with the consent of Her Majesty's Attorney General do alter and amend
the said Letters Patent and specification as follows:-that is to say, we amend the
title of the said Letters Patent by making it as follows viz: "An improved process
and apparatus for manufacturing compounds of pyroxyline or gun cotton" and
referring to the Queen's Printers' copy of the said specification and to page + thereof
we make the same alterations in the title that is to say in line 29 we insert the
word "An" before the word "improved" and we substitute for the word
'processes" the word "process." And on page 6 wo strike out the wholo of the
matter commencing with the word "Second" in the 3rd line to the end of the 12th
line constituting the second of the ten defining clauses of the specification and wo
strike out of line 14 page 6 the words " or other suitable solvent which becomes
nctive" and we strike out of line 15 the words "when melted" and after the word
'gum" in line 14 we insert the words "in the manner herein described" and we
re-number consecutively all the defining clauses except the first. On page 13 we
strike out of line 7 the words "or its" and out of line 8 the word "equivalent "
and we strike out the whole of the matter from the commencement of lino 12 to
the end of line 18 constituting the second claiming clause. And we strike out of
line 20 the words "or other equivalent solvent which" and out of line 21 the
words "becomes active when melted" and we insert after the word "gum" in
line 20 the words "in the manner herein described and we re-number con-
"
"
secutively all but the first of the remaining nine claiming clauses.
"
And in order that the effect of the said Disclaimer and Memorandum of
Alteration may be fully understood we annex a copy of the said Letters Patent
and specification as they will appear after the above specified alterations have been
made therein.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME I WILLIAM
ROBERT LAKE, of the firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents, Southampton
Buildings, London, send greeting WHEREAS Her Most Excellent Majesty Queen
Victoria by Her Letters Patent bearing date the twenty first day of October
in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy two in the
thirty sixth year of Her Reign did for Herself Her heirs and Successors give and
grant unto me the said William Robert Lake Her special license that I the said
William Robert Lake my executors administrators and assigns or such others ns I
the said William Robert Lake my executors administrators and assigns should at
any time agree with and no others from time to time and at all times thereafter
during the term therein expressed should and lawfully might make use exercise
and vend within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland the Channel
Islands and Isle of Man an Invention for "AN IMPROVED PROCESS AND APPARATUS
FOR MANUFACTURING COMPOUNDS OF PYROXYLINE OR GUN-COTTON "' a communi-
cation to me from abroad by John W. Hyatt and J. Smith Hyatt both of Albany,
New York, United States of America upon the condition (amongst others) that 1
the said William Robert Lake my executors or administrators by an Instrument
in writing under my or their or one of their hands and seals should particularly
describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention and in what manner the
same was to be performed and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal
Patent Office within six calendar months next and immediately after the date of
the said Letters Patent NOW KNOW YE that I the said William Robert Lake
Do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention and in what manner the same

page_text: is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement reference being had to the accompanying drawing forming a
part of this specification..
"Soluble cotton or pyroxyline as used in this specification means, as is generally
"understood, cotton or other vegetable fibre which has been treated with sulphuric
"and nitric acids in certain proportions by well known processes, so as to render
"the fibre thus treated soluble in certain well-known solvents.
"This invention relates to the conversion and manufacture of pyroxyline or
"soluble cotton into a solid which is herein denominated "celluloid" in accordance
"with a general process described in the Specification of Letters Patent, No. 1025,
"dated April 18th, 1871 to which Letters Patent reference is here made for a full
description of the said process.
"
"The principal feature of the process described in the said Specification consists
"in employing camphor-gum as a solvent of pyroxyline pulp by thoroughly
"mixing the comminuted camphor-gum with the pyroxyline, and then subjecting
"the compound to heavy pressure in a heated mould which dissolves the gum-
camphor, transforms the pyroxyline and compacts the compound into a
comparatively solid mass at one operation.
«
"The said Invention consists, first, in the method or process of drying the
prepared mixture of soluble cotton and camphor-gum by first compressing the
"moist pulpy compound into thin cakes of convenient size, proferably about one
"fourth to one half an inch in thickness, and arranging these cakes in a pile with
"intermediate layers of paper or other absorbent material, and subjecting the pile
"to pressure in a hydraulic or other suitable press. By this process the material
"is uniformly and sufficiently deprived of its moisture, while the compression of
"the material and exclusion of the air prevent all danger of the ignition of the
material, which from its inflaminable nature, is rendered more or less liable to
ignition when it is exposed to the sun or to the heated air of a drying room.
"Second. In the process of dissolving or transforming pyroxyline by means of
camphor-guin in the manner herein described subjecting the pyroxyline and
"solvent to pressure by means of a plunger in a cylinder which is unequally
heated in such a manner that the mixed material will be first compacted in the
"colder portion before the solvent is melted and the process of transformation
" commences. The air is thereby allowed to more freely escape, and is more
completely expelled, while the conversion of the pyroxyline is effected in another
"and hotter portion of the cylinder as the mass is forced through it.
"
..
(5
"
"
"Third. In the arrangement of a cold water jacket around the upper portion or
receiving end of the heated converting cylinder to prevent the melting of the
"solvent and the partial conversion of the pyroxyline before it has been properly
compressed, as the premature conversion of the pyroxyline in this end of the
cylinder would operate to prevent the free escape of the air during the
compression of the inass.
"
"
"
"Fourth. In the combination with a converting cylinder provided with a cold
"water jacket around the receiving end thereof of a steam or hot water jacket
arranged around the lower portion or discharge end thereof for melting the
camphor-gum and facilitating the transformation of the pyroxyline before it is
discharged from the cylinder.
2
"
Fifth. In the arrangement with the cold water jacket of the converting cylinder
"of the escape pipe of the hydraulic engine, which communicates with and supplies
water to the said water jacket.
*
«
"
Sixth. In the arrangement with the upwardly projecting piston-rod of the
bydraulic engine, and the supply and escape pipes thereof, of two threeway-cocks,
an intermediate lever, and connecting rod and arm for operating the said water
"cocks or valves.
"
"Seventh. In the arrangement in the discharge end of the converting cylinder
"of a central heating and distributing core constructed with radial pins or
projections whereby the material before it escapes from the cylinder is caused to
"

page_text: t
manner.
The said converting cylinder is shown cast in one piece, with a central
flange through which pass vertical suspension rods d, d. The upper portions of
these rods connect the heads of the hydraulic engine, and are of reduced size to
form a shoulder for the lower head a to rest upon, while their upper ends are
provided with nuts above the upper head a¹, by which the two heads are firmly
secured together. E is the piston of the hydraulic engine, and F, the solid plunger
"cast therewith or attached to it, and extending downward through the lower
head and a suitable stuffing box, so as to work in the bore of the converting
cylinder in which it snugly fits. e is the valve-rod extending upward from the
"piston, through the upper head and through a boaring c attached to the post C.
"G is a force-pump receiving its supply of water from a reservoir G³ and forcing
it through a pipe g to the hydraulic engine and the mould clamp Q. The pipe g
"leads to a three-way cock g' from which branch the two supply pipes g² leading
"to both ends of the hydraulic cylinder, while a branch-pipe g³ leads to the cylinder
"of the hydraulic mould clamp. The flow of water through the pipe g to the
"cylinder and clamp is controlled by a stop cock g'. h h are the two water-escape
pipes of the hydraulic cylinder uniting with a three-way cock h¹, from which a
common escape pipe leads to the water jacket of the converting cylinder. A
"branch-pipe h³ provided with a stop-cock h' leads from the supply pipe g to the
escape pipe h. The three-way cocks g' and h' are connected by a short rod
provided with a lever i. The inner arm of this lever and an arm keyed to thé
"valve rod e are connected by a vertical rod 2. The upper end of this rod slides
"in a hole or slot in the end of the arm i¹, and is provided with stop-pins 3 above
"and below the arm, with which pins the latter alternately engages in actuating
"the cocks g¹ and h¹. The outer arm of the lever i forms a handle for the
"attendant, by which both cocks are closed, and the supply and escape of the
"water shut off by bringing the lever into a horizontal position. The cocks are
simultaneously opened, and the engine set in motion when required by elevating
or depressing the lever. When depressed, as shown in Figure 2, the upper supply
"and lower escape pipes are opened, which causes the piston to descend, while a
" reversed and elevated position of the handle closes these pipes, and opens the
"lower supply and upper escape pipes, and reverses the piston.
rt
<<
"
«
66
Assuming that the valve lever i is in its upper position pressure is applied to
"the cylinder of the hydraulic engine and the mould clamp simultaneously by
opening the cock g and closing the cock /* The resistance in the mould-clamp
being less than in the hydraulic engine the two parts of the mould are firmly
clamped together before the action of the hydraulic piston forces the celluloid
"into the mould.
"
.2
By opening the cock h* and closing the cock g* the pressure is simultaneously
" removed from the hydraulic cylinder and the mould-clamp, the surplus of water
" from the latter passing through the pipe h³ to the escape pipe h³, and thence to
"the water jacket of the converting cylinder, while the engine is at rest for lack
" of pressure, and the movement of the celluloid stopped.
"
"
"
"J is the water-jacket surrounding the upper portion of the converting cylinder,
"from which the escape j is shown in the Drawing as connected with the reservoir;
by means of this connection the same water is repeatedly used without waste. K is
"the steam-jacket surrounding the lower portion of the cylinder; k, the steam supply
pipe and the escape pipe thereof; and k² is a thermometer fitting in a hole
" in the side of the cylinder for determining the temperature thereof. L is the
distributing core-block fitting in the lower end of the converting cylinder it is
provided with radially projecting spurs or pins at its periphery, and with
"radial grooves or channels in the lower end for the passage of the material from
the periphery to the centre and mouth of the discharge-nozzle M. This nozzle
may be provided with two or more branch discharge nozzles m, m, closed by a
three-way or other suitable cock m¹, to which mould pieces m² of various sizes
" and form of bore can be attached. N is the equalizing vessel through which the
mould-pipe passes. The water or other liquid in this vessel may be heated by a
"
45
"
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65

page_text: steam-pipe n or other suitable contrivance and the temperature regulated by
" means of a thermometer n'.
"
41
"
"O is the lower and O' the upper portion of the hydraulic clamp secured
together by bolts o, or in any other suitable manner. The lower portion O is
formed with a shallow bore or recess extending partially through it in which fits
the piston 2 or lower end of the follower P. Qis the mould formed in two parts
* and of the shape of the article to be produced; it is placed on the follower under
"the portion O¹ of the press, and is formed to receive and snugly fit when the two
"halves are put together the nozzle of the discharge pipe leading from the stuffing
or converting cylinder. The pressure together of the two parts of the mould
"around the end of the pipe forins a tight connection when one is required, while
"the mould is readily disconnected therefrom when the pressure is removed. For
convenience in introducing and withdrawing the mould a sliding plate R fitting
"in dove-tail ways in the face of the follower is employed for the mould to rest
34 upon.
44
41
"
"
The upper side of this plate is provided with a rib extending lengthwise, and
terminating at the rear end with lateral stops . The under side of the mould
"is made with a groove corresponding in size with the rib or way ☛ which ſits
"therein. The said plate being partially withdrawn from the clamp a mould is
arranged thereon, when by pressing against the mould with a stick, it is caused
"to slide on the plate until it strikes the stops r¹ of the latter, when both together
"slide back until the nozzle of the discharge-pipe has entered the mouth of the
mould, and the same is in a condition to be clamped.
"
11
"The sliding plate R is provided with an opening or handle by which it and the
"said mould when filled and released by the opening of the clamp are readily
"withdrawn therefrom.
"When light moulds are employed bearing or stop blocks S of the thickness of
"the mould are used between the clamps to prevent the crushing of the moulds.
"The blocks arrest the approach of the follower to the upper head when the parts
"of the mould have been brought firmly together. These stops are preferably made
of several slightly curved plates placed one above the other so as to operate as an
elliptic spring to force open the jaws of the clamp when the water is shut off,
and form when the plates are pressed together a stop of the required thickness
as shown in Figure 7.
16
"1
2
44
$2
"
The joints at the top and bottom of the aforesaid hydraulic engine aro packed
by means of a ring u of packing material, and a disc ' with the edge bevelled
"from the inner side and clamped to the heads of the cylinder by bolts u as clearly
"shown. The said disc forces the packing material in the angle at the junction of
"the cylinder with its hende, while the pressure of the water within operates to
more effectually pack the joint. With this improved modo of packing the arca
"of the heads against which the water presses is not increased above that of the
cylinder as it is when the packing is interposed in an annular recess between the
"end of the cylinder and the heads, and the heads and fastening thereof aro
subjected to less strain by this improved mode of fastening. The hydraulic
piston is packed in a like manner, as clearly shewn in Figure 6; and the same
packing is applied to the piston of the mould-clamp, in Figures 1 and 7.
"
21
"
"
16
"
The pyroxyline and solvent, with or without other ingredients, either before
" its conversion in the condition in which it is taken from the drying pile as
"above described, or in pieces or scraps of the previously transformed or partially
"transformed material or celluloid, are placed into the converting or stuffing 5
cylinder, and water is let into the upper end of the engine by depressing the
lever, as shown in Figure 2 the piston and follower being thereby caused to
slowly descend, the supply pipes aro made small to allow sufficient time for the
heating of the contents of the cylinder and their conversion or softening before
they are forced therefrom. The water-jacket keeps the material cool until it bus 5
been compressed into the lower portion of the cylinder and the air allowed to
" escape. In the lower portion of the cylinder the heat from the steam-jacket
"
"

page_text: melts and renders active the solvent of the pyroxyline, or redissolves and
agglomerates the scraps of the previously converted material, when the contents
are gradually forced through the annular space around the core L among the
pins, which thoroughly divides and mixes up the mass and brings every portion
"thereof in contact with the heated surface of the cylinder core or pins, thereby
ensuring a complete transformation and a homogeneous compound. The celluloid
"is now forced through the discharge nozzle into the mould pipe m², maintained at
"suitable and equable temperature by the liquid of the equalizing vessel N, from
"which it may be discharged when desired in the form of a bar, sheet, or stick,
according to the shape of the bore of the pipe.
1
"Instead of forming the celluloid into bars, rods, or the like, as above described,
"the material may be forced from the discharge pipe or nozzle, with or without
"the interposed equalizing warm water vessel, directly into a mould of the form
"of the article required to be produced. In such case the water is turned on the
hydraulic press, as herein-before described, at the same time it is on the engine
so that the follower will have been elevated sufficiently to clamp the parts of the
"mould together by the time the material begins to enter the same.
The area of
"the piston of the press should be sufficiently large to prevent the pressure from
"the engine forcing the mould apart. The mould being filled the cocks g* and h
are reversed, shutting off the supply of water from the force-pump G and opening
"the escape from the engine and the mould clamp, whereby the hydraulic piston
"is arrested in its movement, the piston and follower of the mould-clamp are
permitted to descend, and the mould may be withdrawn and another one
"substituted. Water is again led into the press to clamp the mould, when the
engine is again started and the second mould filled, and so on, until the stuffing
cylinder is exhausted, or nearly so, of its contents. The engine is then reversed,
the converting cylinder refilled, and the above process continued.
cr
"
"
24
"
"
Having thus fully described the said invention as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondents and the manner of performing the same, I wish it
"understood that I claim :-
"First. In the manufacture of celluloid the process of drying the prepared
"mixture of pyroxyline, or soluble cotton and camphor-gum, by first compressing
"the mixture into thin cakes and arranging the same in a pile with interposed
layers of bibulous paper or other porous absorbent material, and then subjecting
the pile thus formed to pressure as herein set forth.
"
"
"f
at
"
"Second. As a part of the process of dissolving or transforming pyroxyline by
means of camphor-gum in the manner herein provided the subjecting of the
pyroxyline and solvent to pressure in the upper portion of a cylinder, which
upper portion is kept sufficiently cool to prevent the melting of the solvent and
"transformation of the material therein during the compression of the material
"and expulsion of the air, while the lower portion of the said cylinder is heated at
a temperature sufficiently high to melt the solvent and transform the pyroxyline,
"which is forced through the same and out of a discharge-nozzle, as herein set
" forth.
"
"
Third. The arrangement of the cold water jacket around the upper portion or
receiving end of the heated converting cylinder, substantially as and for the
purpose set forth.
"E
Fourth. The combination and arrangement with the converting cylinder B of
"the cold water jacket J and steam jacket K as and for the purpose set forth.
"
Fifth. The arrangement with the hydraulic engine and cold water jacket of
"the converting cylinder, of the escape pipe h² leading from the engine to the said
"water jacket for supplying water thereto, as herein set forth.
"
"Sixth. The arrangement with the piston-rod of the hydraulic engine and tho
supply and escape pipes to the same, of the three-way cocks g', ' intermediate
"lever i, connecting rod and arm, as herein set forth.
"
Seventh. The arrangement of the central heating and distributing core block L

page_text: " in the lower or discharge end of the converting cylinder, substantially as herein
" set forth.
16
Eighth. The combination with the heated stuffing cylinder and mould-pipe m
"of the warm water vessel N for preventing the premature cooling of the mould-
pipe, as herein set forth.
"
H
"
Ninth. The combination with a hydraulic engine, a stuffing cylinder, and
discharge pipe of a mould and bydraulic press-clamp, substantially as herein set
" forth."
In witness whereof we John A Bartow (President) and Warren S. Silicocks-
both Directors of the said Celluloid Manufacturing Company have on
behalf of said Company hereunto set our hands and seals and caused the
seal of the said Company to bo affixed this twenty third day of August in
the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty two.
10 the Commissioners of Intents for Inventions.
I hereby grant my Fiat giving leave to the above named Celluloid Manufacturing
Company, the Assignees of the said Letters Patent, to file in the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents for Inventions with the Specification to which the same
relates the above written Disclaimer and Memoranduin of Alteration.