matthewleechen/300YearsOfBritishPatents huggingface dataset:
IMPROVEMENTS IN MATCH AND FUSEE BOXES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Koch at the Office of the Com-
missioners of Patents on the 29th May 1878.
JOHN KOCH, of Warner Street, Clerkenwell, in the County of Middlesex.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN MATCH AND FUSEE BOXES."
The object of my Invention is to permit a match or a fusee to be drawn from its
box alight.
I propose to make the match or fusee box, whether of metal, paper, wood, or
other material, thin enough to yield under the pressure of the fingers, and to place
within the box a sheet of sand or emery paper, roughened metal, or other material,
friction against which will light a match or a fusee.
Assuming the box to be of a circular shape, I propose to wind the emery paper
or other striking material around a core or piece of wood or other material placed
in the centre of the box, and to introduce the matches or fusees between each fold
of the sand paper or sheet of metal or other material, with the lighting end down-
ward.
If the box is an oblong square I may or may not use a core, and the sand paper
will be folded over so as to form a series of pockets for the matches or fusees; or I
may make my box of a material which will not yield to the pressure of the fingers,
but simply place the matches in the box within folds, or in pockets of sand paper
or other striking material.
In the case of a box which has a core, or which is flexible beneath the fingers, I
withdraw the match or fusee alight by closing the hand somewhat firmly on the
outside of the box, and then pulling out a match, the friction against the sand paper
causing it to issue lighted.
If the box is not flexible I pull out the inner casing or drawer holding the matches
and then pressing on the roughened metal or sand paper in the folds or compart-
ments of which the matches or fusees are held I withdraw the match or fusee, as
above mentioned.

page_text: I would here observe that I do not propose to limit myself to any particular form
of box, to any material in its manufacture, or mode of manufacture, and may arrange
the sand paper, roughened metal, or other material, by friction against which the
match or fusee is to light, within the box in any manner which will result in the
lighting of the match or fusee, as above specified.
IN APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUPPLYING LUBRICANT TO THE BEARINGS OF SPINDLES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Amos Ogden, Thomas Marsh, and
Abraham Mills at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 23rd
March 1878."
AMOS OGDEN and THOMAS MARSH, of Ashton-under-Lyne, in the County of
"IMPROVEMENTS
Lancaster, and ABRAHAM MILLS, of Royton, in the same County.
IN APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUPPLYING LUBRICANT TO THE BEARINGS
OF SPINDLES."
Our Invention relates principally to the spindles of mules, throstles, and other
spinning machinery.
The first part of our Invention is suitable more particularly for application in the
formation of mule spindle footsteps.
We form a number of bearings in or on a plate which is formed with a raised
back, on the top of which is cast, formed, or fixed a covering plate, which is drilled
for the passage of the lower ends of the spindles; the front of the footstep plate is
formed or provided with a raised edge; the bearings are or may be countersunk.
An open space is left between the said covering plate and raised edge, and through
this space the lubricant is supplied at the required intervals, and access is had to.
remove the dirty lubricant when desirable.
A second part of our Invention is applicable to larger spindles, such, for example,
as throstle spindles.
Upon
The footstep bearing is drilled in a pap cast upon the bottom of a trough.
the upper part of the trough is cast a boss, through which the spindle passes. Access
to the trough for the supply of lubricant and for cleaning the trough is had
through an opening at each side of the said boss, and these openings are covered by
a plate which can be slid upwards on the boss when lubricant is to be supplied to
the trough.
A remaining part of our Invention is designed for application to the bolster plates
or upper bearings of mule spindles.
In one arrangement two bearings are formed in one casting, and between the two
bearings is formed a recess, which communicates by means of end openings with
the two bearings.

page_text: A piece of felt or other absorbent material to hold the lubricant, and to supply it
to the spindles, is or may be inserted into the said recess.
In another arrangement a. greater number of bearings are formed in one plate,
which is formed with an upper recess.
The upper ends of the bearings are formed in paps, which extend above the 5
bottom of the said recess, and the bearings communicate by means of side openings
with the said recess.
A piece of felt or absorbent material is punched with holes to suit the said paps,
and lies in the said recess.
The lubricant is supplied to the bearings by means or partly by means of the said 1
felt or material
IN DYEING ALL WOOL GOODS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Walker at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 14th February 1878.
"IMPROVEMENTS
WILLIAM WALKER, of Bradford, in the County of York, Dyer.
IN DYEING ALL WOOL GOODS."
The object of this Invention is to give to pieces composed of all wool a fast and
clean dye.
I accomplish the above object by neutralizing all oils in the goods or pieces
before preparing by means of an alkali, forming thereby a soluble soap. The goods
or pieces are taken and dollied, after which I pass them through an acid solution to
neutralize any excess of acid; the whole of the constituents formed by the above
process are washed. I then prepare them for dyeing in the ordinary way, only there
is less labor involved in preparing in consequence of the above processes.
Hitherto the goods composed of all wool have been prepared for dyeing at once,
and the colors, especially the various shades of navy blue, have been loose.
By my improved method of treatment the special colors or shades herein referred
to are made clean and fast.
IMPROVEMENTS IN BAGS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Lloyd Wise at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 3rd January 1878. (A communi-
cation from abroad by Joshua Collins, of the City of Montreal, in the County
of Hochelaga, and Province of Quebec, Canada.)
sex.
WILLIAM LLOYD WISE, of Chandos Chambers, Adelphi, in the County of Middle-
" IMPROVEMENTS IN BAGS." (A communication from abroad by Joshua
Collins, of the City of Montreal, in the County of Hochelaga, and Province of
Quebec, Canada.)
My foreign correspondent describes the nature of the said Invention as follows: —
The object of my Invention is to produce a bag so made as to be speedily and
easily closed and opened, and which will besides give a perfect seal, and when
required to be emptied, open out, if desired, to its full width (not always to full
width, but can do so if wished), thus insuring the instantaneous discharge of its
contents. I effect this by cutting down for any desired distance, centrally on either
side of the mouth through the substance of the bag, strengthening or reinforcing in
any suitable way the edges of the cuts thus made to prevent tearing, and further
close up the mouth for a short distance at either corner. I then secure within the
mouth of the bag a funnel, the line of junction of this with the bag proper being
below the ends of the slits cut down from the mouth. By this construction all that
is required to close the bag when it has been filled is, to roll up or turn in the
funnel, and bring together the four corners of the slits, securing them by any
suitable fastening. By this means the egress of any of the contents is entirely
prevented.
In opening the bag immediately the fastenings are loosened and the funnel turned
or rolled out, the pressure of the contents will cause the slits to open out so as to
make the mouth, if desired, the full width of the bag (or even larger), thus ensuring
an instantaneous and complete discharge,

page_text: These bags will be primarily used to hold grain or produce of all kinds, but are
equally applicable to the conveyance of letters and any other articles of freight
usually carried in bags, the material of which the bags are made being varied
according to the differing requirements..
CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRELIGHTERS FOR DOMESTIC AND OTHER PURPOSES
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Edward Teale, of Fern Bank, Worsley, in the
County of Lancaster, Lamp Manufacturer, for the Invention of "CERTAIN
IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRELIGHTERS FOR DOMESTIC AND OTHER PURPOSES."
Sealed the 27th May 1879, and dated the 30th November 1878.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Edward Teale at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 30th November 1878.
WILLIAM EDWARD TEALE, of Fern Bank, Worsley, in the County of Lancaster,
Lamp Manufacturer. CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE LIGHTERS FOR DOMESTIC
AND OTHER PURPOSES."
My Invention consists of a peculiar combination of calcined kiesilguhr, wood pulp
powder, and certain inflammable oils. In carrying out this Invention I employ
calcined kiesilguhr and wood pulp powder in certain proportions and in a very dry
state, and which I saturate with naphtha or petroleum, or other inflammable oil,
making the mass into a thick paste; the paste so made I confine within a
hermetically sealed case. When required to use the fire lighter I open the top of
the case containing the aforesaid preparation and place the case in a convenient
position and light it, and upon and around the flame I place pieces of wood or
coal.
My preparation will give a steady flame for ten or twenty minutes, is free from
offensive smell, and is both cleanly and effective.

page_text: WILLIAM EDWARD TEALE. (L.S.)
IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM BOILERS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Alexander Melville Clark at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 28th May 1878. A communication
from abroad by Stephen Johnson Gold, of Cornwall, in the County of Litchfield,
State of Connecticut, United States of America.
ALEXANDER MELVILLE CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of Mid-
dlesex, Patent Agent. "IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM BOILERS." [A communication
from abroad by Stephen Johnson Gold, of Cornwall, in the County of Litchfield,
State of Connecticut, United States of America.]
This Invention relates to boilers for generating steam for any of the purposes for
which steam is used, and it consists in a boiler having a drop or well, from which
radiate horizontal pipes that are connected with vertical pipes that pass upward
through the flues of the boiler, and discharge into the upper part or steam room of
the boiler.
The object of the Invention is to provide a boiler in which steam may be gene-
rated in pipes, and delivered to the steam chamber without unduly agitating the
water in the main portion of the boiler, and without the necessity of passing the
steam through the water in the main portion of the boiler to get it into the steam
chamber.
The main portion of the boiler consists of a plain vertical cylindrical shell, having
one or more concentric rows of vertical tubes, which pass through the top and
bottom of the boiler. A cylinder projects downward from the centre of the head,
forming a well, the bottom of which is near the fire. Radial pipes are screwed into
this cylinder, which pipes for convenience in putting the pipes together are arranged
in spiral rows.
Upon the outer end of each pipe is screwed an elbow that receives vertical pipes
which extends upwards through one of the vertical tubes first mentioned, and is
connected with a short tube that projects into the steam chamber through the head
of the boiler.
As many radial and vertical pipes are connected with the well at the bottom of
the boiler as there are tubes in the outer row, but I do not limit or confine myself
to this arrangement or proportion of pipes and tubes or flues.

page_text: The boiler thus described is set in a suitable arch or casing over a fire-grate, and
in such relation to the latter that the fire is quite near the bottom of the well and
lower rows of tubes.
By this improved construction of boiler a great amount of pipe surface is exposed
to the action of the fire, so as to generate steam first in the pipes. The steam thus
made is conducted directly through the pipes to the steam room of the boiler without
passing through the water contained by the body of the boiler.
In this manner steam may be generated before the water in the main portion of
the boiler becomes thoroughly heated.
This feature is particularly valuable in steam fire-engines, and in the boilers of
steam boats, and in other places where it is required to generate steam quickly.
AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE MECHANICAL CONSTRUCTION OF OPTICAL INSTRU- MENTS.
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Swift at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 6th February 1878.
JAMES SWIFT, of 43, University Street, Tottenham Court Road, London,
W.C. "
AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE MECHANICAL CONSTRUCTION OF OPTICAL INSTRU-
MENTS.
33
This Invention has for its object an improvement in the mode of applying
mechanical motion to optical instruments or any parts of them where the well-
known rack-and-pinion motion is required, the same improvement being especially
applicable to microscopes, either simple or compound, or to any apparatus apper-
taining or belonging thereto.
This improvement will be best understood on stating that when motion is required
for focal or other purposes it has hitherto, been communicated and applied to the
best optical instruments by what is known to makers of the same as a "rack-and-
pinion motion," both of which act horizontally, that is to say, the teeth or "cogs" of
the pinion are made to work into the rack at a level coincident with the plain of
the horizon, whereas my improvement consists in applying a right or left handed
spiral or screw pinion working in and geared to a rack with cogs of an angle corre-
sponding with that of the spiral of the said pinion. This angle or "pitch" I prefer
for instruments of ordinary size is from 12 to 15 degrees from horizontal, though
an angle more or less may be applied when the size of the instrument renders the
same necessary.
The object of my improvement is therefore to obtain a more gradual motion than
has been hitherto attained by the plane rack and pinion now in use, and which has
been long acknowledged by optical instrument makers to be too abrupt for minute
research, but in order to counteract this defect, various expedients, known as fine
adjustments, have been resorted to, and the same applied to other parts of the
instrument, but which the improved motion of a spiral pinion working in an
angular rack will render unnecessary in all but the very highest kinds of research. -
That this improvement may be thoroughly understood, this Specification is
accompanied with a Drawing.

page_text: Fig. 1 represents the horizontal rack and pinion now in use; and Fig. 2, the
angular rack with the spiral pinion which constitutes my said improvement.
I deem it necessary to add that I am fully aware that one of the optical body
tubes. of binocular microscopes as now usually made is moved by means of a rack,
the cogs of which are at a slight pitch or angle in relation to its sides, and thus
varying more or less from the horizontal rack by which its fellow tube is moved,
but the practical difference between this angular rack and my Invention is, that
the former is worked by a horizontal or straight pinion, whereas my tube or tubes
is moved by an angular pinion geared to fit the cogs of the rack as I have described
above, and which constitutes the advantageous difference I claim in regard to the
results of my Invention.
IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR LIGHTING FIRES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Fielding at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 8th October 1878.
JAMES FIELDING, of the City of Manchester. "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR
LIGHTING FIRES."
I take a Bunsen gas burner and apply the same betwixt the bars of the fire-
place, so that the mouth of the tube projects into and amongst the fuel.
I prefer to hang the tube horizontally or nearly so upon the fire-bars by a suitable
hook or clamp and connect the burner to any gas supply.
By the application of the Bunsen principle to the purpose I am enabled to obtain
a more intense heat, and so to kindle the fire more rapidly than has hitherto been
practicable.
OBTAINING MOTIVE POWER, AND IN APPARATUS THEREFOR " "IMPROVEMENT
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by George Fitt at the Office of the Com-
missioners of Patents on the 27th November 1878.
GEORGE FITT, of Bow, in the County of Middlesex.
OBTAINING MOTIVE POWER, AND IN APPARATUS THEREFOR
"
"IMPROVEMENTS IN
My Invention relates to improvements in obtaining motive power, and in the
apparatus employed therefor, whereby power may be multiplied without loss of
speed, and continuous motion obtained. '
It consists principally of two weighted or heavy pistons fitting closely and working
vertically in cylinders filled beneath the pistons with water. On the upper end of
each piston rod is a table or cross-head, from which project vertically two toothed
racks or bars gearing into toothed pinions working loosely on two overhead shafts,
and causing the latter to turn in one direction only by clutchès fixed on the shafts,
as hereafter described.
On one of these shafts is a spur wheel gearing into a pinion on an intermediate.
shaft, to which is fixed an eccentric for working a force pump, whereof the suction
and delivery pipes are connected with the spaces beneath the pistons of the hydraulic
cylinders.
One of the weighted or heavy pistons being at the top of its cylinder, and beginning
to descend therein by gravity, one of its toothed racks will commence to turn the
pinion into which it gears, and which taking into the fixed clutch on the shaft will
also cause the latter to revolve and work the force pump by means of the
eccentric.
As the piston descends the water beneath it flows into an air chamber, and thence
into the suction chamber of the force pump, and is forced by the latter through the
delivery pipe into the second cylinder beneath the piston, which then begins to
ascend, one of its toothed racks gearing into the pinion on the second overhead
shaft, and causing it to turn by means of a clutch, thereby transmitting the force
to any desired purpose.
This action of the two pistons continues until the first piston has arrived at the
bottom and the second piston at the top of their respective cylinders when the

page_text: second piston will begin to descend and the first piston to ascend in a similar manner
to that described.
The pinions and clutches on the overhead shafts are so arranged that when the
pinions of one shaft are coupled with their clutches so as to turn the shaft the
pinions of the other shaft are out of gear with their clutches and revolve loosely on
the shaft without turning it.
The inlet and outlet of the water to and from each cylinder and the force pump
are regulated by cocks or valves actuated by tappet rods or otherwise from the
moving mechanism of the apparatus.
When great power is required two or more of these apparatuses may be arranged
side by side, or in any other relative position, their overhead shafts being coupled
together.
A NEW OR IMPROVED COMBINED ARTICLE OF FURNITURE FOR USE IN OFFICES, COUNTING HOUSES, AND OTHER LIKE PLACES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Charles John Guy at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 17th October 1878.
CHARLES JOHN GUY, of the Firm of John Guy and Sons, of South Street,
Finsbury Market, in the County of Middlesex, Wholesale Cabinet Manufacturers.
'A NEW OR IMPROVED COMBINED ARTICLE OF FURNITURE FOR USE IN OFFICES,
COUNTING HOUSES, AND OTHER LIKE PLACES."
86
The object of my Invention is the combination of a wash stand with a
copying press stand, whereby space in an office, counting house, and other like
place is economized, and the vacancy between the legs of a copying press stand
utilized.
For the purpose of my Invention I fit under the top surface or slab which holds
the copying press a shelf or board, having an opening in its centre to receive a
washing basin, and I arrange such shelf or board in such manner as to permit of
its being readily drawn or slidden out when it be desired to use the basin, and of
its being slidden back or restored to place on the basin being finished with.
Beneath the shelf carrying the basin I fit another shelf or shelves (moveable or
stationary) for the purpose of holding a ewer, soap dish, or other toilet utensil, and
below these shelves I can also add a drawer or drawers.
When the wash stand and the shelves or drawers are not in use they can bo
kept concealed from view by means of a door, so that the combined article with
them present the appearance of an ordinary copying stand with its press.
In one arrangement the shelves and drawers are so connected with the door, that
they are brought forward on opening the door, and are caused to retire on the door
being closed.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OR TREATMENT OF PAPER FOR PREVENTION OF FRAUD
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Alfred Anthony Nesbit at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 13th April 1878.
ALFRED ANTHONY NESBIT, of 38, Gracechurch Street, in the City of London.
“IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OR TREATMENT OF PAPER FOR PREVENTION
OF FRAUD."
The object of this Invention is the manufacture or treatment of paper for cheques,
bank notes, deeds, law documents, or other instruments of a similar character, so as
to prevent alterations being fraudulently made thereon by the use of chemicals,
including acids and cyanide of potassium. For this purpose I mix with the paper
pulp or pass the manufactured paper through an alkaline solution of peroxide of
iron (or any salt of peroxide of iron) and ferrocyanide of potassium, or other base,
in which the iron is kept from precipitating by the addition to the solution of
tartaric acid, citric acid, sugar tartrates or citrates, or other organic substances
having the power of preventing the precipitation of oxide of iron by an alkali, or
sulphocyanide may be substituted for ferrocyanide, or ferricyanide may be sub-
stituted for ferrocyanide, and the salt of protoxide of iron for one of peroxide of
iron.
Upon the application of a chemical to paper manufactured or treated according
to my Invention a colour or stain will be produced, whether the chemical be applied
over ink or not.

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Alfred Anthony Nesbit at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 13th April 1878.
ALFRED ANTHONY NESBIT, of 38, Gracechurch Street, in the City of London.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OR TREATMENT OF PAPER FOR PREVENTION
OF FRAUD."
The object of this Invention is the manufacture or treatment of paper for cheques,
bank notes, deeds, law documents, or other instruments of a similar character, so as
to prevent alterations being fraudulently made thereon by the use of chemicals,
including acids and cyanide of potassium. For this purpose I mix with the paper
pulp or pass the manufactured paper through an alkaline solution of peroxide of
iron (or any salt of peroxide of iron) and ferrocyanide of potassium, or other base,
in which the iron is kept from precipitating by the addition to the solution of
tartaric acid, citric acid, sugar tartrates or citrates, or other organic substances
having the power of preventing the precipitation of oxide of iron by an alkali, or
sulphocyanide may be substituted for ferrocyanide, or ferricyanide may be sub-
stituted for ferrocyanide, and the salt of protoxide of iron for one of peroxide of
iron.
Upon the application of a chemical to paper manufactured or treated according
to my Invention a colour or stain will be produced, whether the chemical be applied
over ink or not.
IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM ENGINES AND APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Friedrich Hermann Felix Engel at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 10th June 1878. (A communi-
cation from Carl Hecht and Heinrich Kröger, both of the City of Kiel,
Germany.)
FRIEDRICH HERMANN FELIX ENGEL, Civil Engineer and Patent Agent, in the
City of Hamburg, Germany. "IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM ENGINES AND APPARATUS
CONNECTED THEREWITH." [A communication from Carl Hecht and Heinrich Kröger,
both of the City of Kiel, Germany.]
The purpose of this Invention is to save steam in steam engines by recovering
the pressure of the exhaust steam for the motion of the piston.
The arrangement of the apparatus is as follows:-The steam from the boiler to
the engine passes through an injector, which is brought in connection with the
exhaust pipe. The exhaust steam is by this means sucked out of the cylinder,
compressed, and together with the direct steam from the boiler brought to the
distributing pipe of the engine. Between the injector and the exhaust pipe aro
placed a suction valve and a reservoir with a tap for waste water. By this con-
struction a vacuum is produced on the exhaust side of the piston, and the pressure
of the exhaust steam recovered for the working power of the engine, the only
loss of steam being caused by condensation of the stean in the pipes and cylinder,
while a loss of pressure of the direct steam from the boiler will occur from the
ejection and compression of the exhaust steam.
IMPROVEMENTS IN COMBING MACHINES
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Charles Denton Abel, of Southampton Buildings, in the
"
County of Middlesex, for the Invention of IMPROVEMENTS IN COMBING
MACHINES." A communication from abroad by Jean Baptisto Meunier, of
Fourmies: Nord. France.
Sealed the 15th April 1879, and dated the 1st November 1878.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION filed by the said Charles Denton Abel at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 1st November 1878.
CHARLES DENTON ABEL, of Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN COMBING MACHINES." [A communication from abroad by
Jean Baptiste Meunier, of Fourmies, Nord, France.]
This Invention relates to that description of machines for combing wool or cotton
fibre in which a revolving cylindrical comb effects the combing of the tuft or sliver
held by the grippers while a reciprocating noil comb enters the sliver at a right
angle or other angle thereto so as to keep back the noil and other impurities in the
fibre. According to one of the present improvements a second noil comb is
mounted on a rocking arm actuated by an excentric so as to cause the comb to
advance between the surface of the cylindrical comb and the lower gripping jaw,
and to enter the sliver or tuft, while, at the same time, the first noil comb descends,
so that the teeth of the two combs in entering the tuft cross each other at an angle
to a certain extent, and thus effectually retain the noil between them while the tuft
is acted on by the cylindrical comb.

page_text: The cylindrical surface is constructed of metallic segments, on which are formed
a series of shoulders projecting at an obtuse angle from the cylindrical surface and
running parallel to the axis of the cylinder like teeth, which shoulders form the
beds for the comb plates; these have two or more lugs projecting from their back
edges which fit into corresponding recesses or notches forined in the shoulder above
the one to which the comb is fixed. In these lugs are formed slotted holes, through
which pass screws that are screwed into the segment so as to secure the comb
plates,-the-slotted-holes-in-which-allow-of-their-being-adjusted-in-position.――·

page_text: Having thus described the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner
the same is to be performed, as communicated to me by my foreign correspondent
I claim;-
First. The use of an additional comb A (Fig. 1) in combination with the ordinary
working parts of a combing machine, substantially_as_and_for_the_purposes herein
set forth.
Second. The method, substantially as-herein described, of fixing the-comb plates
on the segments of the comb cylinder.
In witness whercof, I, the said Charles Denton Abel, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Twenty-fifth day of April, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and seventy-nine.
IMPROVEMENTS IN BOOT JACKS
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to James Harvey, of Old Kent Road, in the County of Surrey,
for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN BOOT JACKS."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said James Harvey at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 31st January 1878.
JAMES HARVEY, of Old Kent Road, in the County of Surrey.
IN BOOT JACKS."
"IMPROVEMENTS
My Invention relates to improvements in boot jacks, and consists, first, in the
employment of a pair of pivoted jaws which are caused by the weight of the user to
automatically close on and firmly grasp the boot. The means by which this auto-
matic action of the jaws may be obtained are various, and I will describe one or
two arrangements as examples.
The jaws are curved to conform somewhat to the shape of the foot, and project
from the front end of a foot board, upon which the person using the boot jack stands.
These jaws are mounted on a pivot in a bridge piece attached to the foot board or
otherwise, and are extended backward in the form of a pair of lever arms, so that
when the levers are separated, the jaws are closed, and vice versa.
These move-
ments may be obtained in various ways.
Springs may be so applied to the levers as to close them, and therefore give the
jaws a constant tendency to keep open, the closing movement of the jaws being
obtained either by a set of jointed toggles in the form of a parallelogram or other-
wise, so connected to the foot board or other part of the boot jack, and to the
levers, as to be compressed between the floor and the foot board by the weight
of the person standing on the latter, and force apart the levers and force the
jaws together. On the romoval of the weight from the foot board, the parts are
returned to their former position by the springs.

page_text: These toggles may be variously arranged, and I may dispense with them altogether,
and in lieu thereof employ a wedge so applied as to be forced between the levers;
or I may employ curved levers provided with slots or grooves in which pins or
studs on the foot board travel, when the latter is raised or depressed, to effect the
opening and closing movements of the jaws.
My Invention also consists in lining the jaws with india-rubber or other soft
material, and in making the jaws grooved or hollow on the inside face to receive a
strip or pad of india-rubber or other material. The grooves may be of dovetail
form to retain the soft pad; or the latter may be secured by rivets or otherwise.
The object of this part of my Invention is to avoid injury to the surface of the
leather.
My Invention also consists in providing the extremities of the said jaws with
inward and upwardly curved extensions forming an arch over the toe of the
boot, to facilitate the withdrawal of the foot. Their under side is covered
with a strip of india-rubber or other soft material to avoid scratching the boot
upper.
My Invention also consists in making the jaws of the boot jack wholly of a
metal spring curved to a suitable form and mounted on the foot board. These
springs may either be-covered or not with a soft elastic material, to avoid injury to
the boot.
IMPROVEMENTS IN PROPELLORS FOR SHIPS AND VESSELS
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Loftus Perkins, of Seaford Street, Gray's Inn Road, in the
County of Middlesex, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN PROPELLORS FOR
SHIPS AND VESSELS."
Sealed the 26th November 1878, and dated the 8th June 1878.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Loftus Perkins at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 8th June 1878.
LOFTUS PERKINS, of Seaford Street, Gray's Inn Road, in the County of
Middlesex. "IMPROVEMENTS IN PROPELLORS FOR SHIPS AND VESSELS,"
This Invention has for its object improvements in propellors for ships and
vessels.
The face of each blade of the improved propellor is a surface generated by a
straight line rotating around and traversing along an axis to which it remains
perpendicular. The propellor has two blades, each making about one quarter turn.
The blades have the thickness given to them necessary for strength, and they are
provided with a boss to receive the propellor shaft. This boss commences at the
leading end of the blades, and its length is such as to occupy, say, about one-third of
the length of the propellor measured along the axis. The portions of the blades in
rear of the boss are cut away as they would be by the rotation about the axis of a
right line springing from the circumference of the boss, and so inclined that if pro-
duced it would meet the axis within the boss and make it an angle of thirty degrees
or thereabout. The blades are also cut away on the exterior so as to reduce them
to the same breadth throughout, say equal to one-third of the length of the propellor
measured along the axis. The leading edges and the corners of the blade may be
rounded, and so the propellor is completed.
The number of blades may be increased, but I prefer the two-bladed screw.

page_text: LOFTUS PERKINS. (L.S.)
IMPROVEMENTS IN APPA- RATUS FOR HEATING WATER KNOWN AS ECONOMISERS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Joshua Brunton, Alfred Armitage,
and Whitaker Taylor at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on
the 16th March 1878.
JOSHUA BRUNTON, ALFRED ARMITAGE, and WHITAKER TAYLOR, of Huddersfield,
in the County of York, Engineers and Millwrights. "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPA-
RATUS FOR HEATING WATER KNOWN AS ECONOMISERS."
This Invention relates to apparatus to be employed for utilizing the waste heat
arising from the furnaces of steam boilers, such apparatus being commonly called
"economisers;" and our improvements consist in constructing such economisers of
a series of pipes inserted at each end into hollow circular water boxes having mid-
feathers after each alternate pipe. This apparatus is mounted vertically in the flue,
the axis or centre of the lower water box resting upon a footstep, and the upper
part of the shaft or axis, which is hollow, being supported in suitable bearings. The
hollow shaft is divided internally by a longitudinal partition, and communicates by
two openings with the upper water box, so that water can be admitted to one side,
which, entering the box, will circulate through the whole series of pipes and pass
out by the other side of the bollow shaft.
The apparatus is caused to revolve continuously to the extent of one revolution
in each direction by means of worm and worm wheel actuated by ordinary reversing
apparatus. Scrapers for cleaning the pipes are employed, which are caused to travel
up and down the pipes by self-acting means. The frame carrying the scrapers is
suspended by three chains which pass over guide pullies and are attached to a
stationary drum fixed above the apparatus. This drum has three grooves, within
each of which one of the chains is fastened.
The circumference of the drum is about equal in extent to the length of the
surface of the pipe to be cleaned, so that as the chain is wound on or off the
drum by the motion of the apparatus the scrapers are caused to travel exactly the
length of the pipes. To the bottom of the apparatus is also fixed a scraper which
removes the fallen soot into a hole or receptacle provided for the purpose.
IMPROVEMENTS IN RAILWAY AND OTHER RETURN TICKETS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Bracebridge Hilditch at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 29th August 1878.
JAMES BRACEBRIDGE HILDITCH, of 11 & 12, Cheapside, in the City of London,
Silk Merchant. "IMPROVEMENTS IN RAILWAY AND OTHER RETURN TICKETS."
In order to facilitate the delivery of tickets by passengers as well as their col-
lection and classification by officials of railway and other companies I make the two
halves of return tickets dissimilar in form.
The tickets may be of cardboard of the ordinary size, and the dissimilarity in
form of the two halves produced by slicing off or rounding one or both of the corners
of either half of the ticket with a machine constructed for the purpose.
This
enables the passengers to distinguish the return half from the half to be given up
on the first journey after they have been torn asunder, and without troubling to
read the name of the station printed thereon.
The two halves are also made dissimilar in respect of colouring, or by a mark or
pattern printed thereon, the half entitling the passenger to travel in one direction,
say on the up line, having a distinct character of its own, and differing from that.
used on the down line.
The same colours may be used to denote the different classes of carriage in which
the ticket entitles the passenger to travel, as are now generally adopted, and the
dissimilarity between the halves of the tickets used on the up and down line
produced by different depths of shade of the same colours; thus, white or light
yellow may be used to denote first class for the down journey, and yellow or dark
yellow the up journey; light blue, second class for the down line, and dark blue
the up; light red, third class for the down line, and dark red the up.
The collectors receiving only light coloured tickets from passengers in a down
train, and dark colours from those in an up train, can instantly detect an error

page_text: made by a passenger offering him the wrong half of the ticket, and be able to
classify them at a glance without troubling to read the printing.
My Invention relates only to tickets providing for a return journey, but it is
desirable that all tickets used in the same direction be of uniform light or dark
shade of colour or printed pattern.
IMPROVED MEANS FOR PREVENTING DEPOSIT IN PIPES AND OTHER TUBULAR CONDUITS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Gerard Wenzeslaus von Nawrocki at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 1st April 1878. A com-
munication by Friedrich Lobe, of Malapane, in the German Empire.
GERARD WENZESLAUS VON NAWROCKI, of the Firm J. Brandt and G. W. v.
Nawrocki, Patent Agents, Berlin, Leipsigerstrasse, 124, German Empire. "IMPROVED
MEANS FOR PREVENTING DEPOSIT IN PIPES AND OTHER TUBULAR CONDUITS."
[A communication by Friedrich Lobe, of Malapane, in the German Empire.]
According to the present Invention the deposit of solid matter contained in fluids
that require to be conveyed through pipes and other tubular conduits is prevented
by providing at intervals in the pipe or conduit fins or ribs of helical shape formed
or fixed in the upper part thereof, their configuration being such that as they
approach the lower part of the pipe they die away into the sides thereof so as to
allow an open space free from obstruction along the bottom part of the entire length
of the pipe or conduit. By this means, as the fluid containing solid matter suspended
therein flows along the pipe, the upper part of the fluid in being brought in contact
with the helical ribs has a rotary motion imparted to it, whereby as it sweeps
round it is made to impinge laterally upon and carry round and along with it any
solid matter that may have been deposited on the bottom of the pipe. It has been
found from experience that the said projecting ribs act most efficiently, firstly, if
their inner boundary line has the form of a parabolic curve, whose apex is in the
upper part of the pipe, while the limbs die away in the lower part thereof; and,
secondly, if the body of fluid that is directly acted upon by the ribs is greater
than the body of fluid that passes through the lower part of the pipe without being
acted upon thereby.

page_text: The Invention may be conveniently applied to pipes or tubular conduits either
by introducing at the desired distances apart, in place of the ordinary pipe or
conduit, special lengths of piping or tubes having the said ribs formed or fixed
therein; or the ribs may be formed on a thin shell open at bottom, which is then
fitted into a length of ordinary pipe or tubular conduit.
PROVEMENTS IN THE METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR FINISHING WOVEN FABRICS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Kippax at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 13th December 1878.
"
JOHN KIPPAX, of Bolton-le-Moors, in the County of Lancaster, Finisher. IM-
PROVEMENTS IN THE METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR FINISHING WOVEN FABRICS."
My Invention relates to the finishing of quilts, sheetings, towellings, twills, and
other woven fabrics. In the ordinary process of finishing to which my Invention
relates the goods are passed between rollers, the lower roller being partly immersed
in the finishing fluid, and when the fabric has to be finished on both sides it is
passed a second time between the same rollers.
According to my Invention I in the first place when finishing on both sides employ
two sets of rollers, the fabric after passing through the first set to treat one side
being led under or over the other set so as to be reversed, and being then passed in a
contrary direction through the second set, whereby the other side of the fabric is
treated; I may also use two or more sets of rollers when finishing on one side only,
whereby I am enabled to use a weaker liquid and to obtain a better penetration; I
nay interpose drying cylinders or apparatus between the two sets of rollers. In the
second place when finishing some descriptions of goods I run two pieces together
through the rollers, the pieces being reversed so that each piece is finished or treated
on one side. The method is particularly applicable in cases wherein it is advisable to
avoid the crushing or laying effect of the rollers, as for example, in Turkish or
honey-comb towels, quilts, twills, and pile goods; I pass the goods with the faces
together or with the sides or faces which it is desirable should not be crushed or
flattened together, and I thus avoid to a great extent the crushing or flattening
effect of the roliers, and obtain a better finish or effect. In the cases of fringed
towels I arrange the two pieces together, so that the fringed parts of one piece are

page_text: opposite to the cloth parts of the other piece, whereby the fringed parts are better
finished; I prefer to reverse the two fabrics and to pass them through a second set
of rollers, thereby finishing both pieces simultaneously as hereinbefore indicated,
but a similar result may be obtained by passing the two fabrics twice through a
set of rollers as when treating a single fabric in the ordinary manner.
A NEW OR IMPROVED PACKING FOR PISTONS AND SIMILAR PURPOSES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Edwin Carter at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 8th February 1878.
EDWIN CARTER, of Huddersfield, in the County of York, Packing Manufacturer.
"A NEW OR IMPROVED PACKING FOR PISTONS AND SIMILAR PURPOSES."
This Invention consists in forming a packing for pistons and similar purposes out
of material derived from old card cloth. This card cloth consists of a series of
layers of woven fabric joined together by india-rubber or other cement, and in
carrying out my Invention the cement is dissolved and the layers separated and
formed into a packing, either with or without wire gauze
Hitherto, when wire gauze has been used, it has been confined to the inner circum-
ference of the ring, but I find packings are rendered more serviceable by introducing
rings of gauze between the layers of fibrous substance at intervals throughout
the whole thickness of the packing.

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Edwin Carter at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 8th February 1878.
EDWIN CARTER, of Huddersfield, in the County of York, Packing Manufacturer.
"A NEW OR IMPROVED PACKING FOR PISTONS AND SIMILAR PURPOSES."
This Invention consists in forming a packing for pistons and similar purposes out
of material derived from old card cloth. This card cloth consists of a series of
layers of woven fabric joined together by india-rubber or other cement, and in
carrying out my Invention the cement is dissolved and the layers separated and
formed into a packing, either with or without wire gauze.
Hitherto, wlien wire gauze has been used, it has been confined to the inner circum-
ference of the ring, but I find packings are rendered more serviceable by introducing
rings of gauze between the layers of fibrous substance at intervals throughout
the whole thickness of the packing.
IMPROVEMENTS IN ARMOUR PLATING, IN CAST STEEL, OR WROUGHT IRON FOR MEN-OF-WAR OR OTHER VESSELS, FOR FORTS, OR OTHER DEFENSIVE OR AGRESSIVE WORKS, ALSO FOR LIGHTHOUSES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Martin Underwood at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 11th July 1878.
MARTIN UNDERWOOD, Architect, of No. 92, London, Wall, London, in the County
of Middlesex. "IMPROVEMENTS IN ARMOUR PLATING, IN CAST STEEL, OR WROUGHT
IRON FOR MEN-OF-WAR OR OTHER VESSELS, FOR FORTS, OR OTHER DEFENSIVE OR
AGRESSIVE WORKS, ALSO FOR LIGHTHOUSES."
Each plate is so dovetailed and grooved and of such dimensions as that one or
more shall fit into the other or others and form one plate of any thickness or any
length and breadth without a bolt; thus the side of a vessel of any dimensions can
be so armoured as practically to consist of only one plate; and it is claimed by
these presents that the weakening process of rivetting will be superseded, and that
staunchness and elasticity will be gained, and that by the adoption of such plates
for the casing of vessels greater safety with greater economy will result.
Other advantages, such as celerity in armouring a vessel, will be gained.
Each dovetailed plate can be of the following dimensions: Thirty or more feet
long; two feet, or two feet six in breadth; four inches, six inches, or eight inches
in thickness; but all the above dimensions can be varied to meet the necessities of
machinery, the principle being applicable to any size plates.
Each plate consists of one female dovetail and a series of male dovetails, with
the exception of the outside plates, where male dovetails are omitted.
.