matthewleechen/300YearsOfBritishPatents huggingface dataset:
IMPROVED MEANS OR APPLIANCES TO BE USED IN MINES FOR THE PURPOSE OF AFFORDING GREATER SAFETY TO MINERS FROM FIRE
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Young at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 7th October 1878.
WILLIAM YOUNG, of Belfast, in the County of Antrim, Ireland. " IMPROVED
MEANS OR APPLIANCES TO BE USED IN MINES FOR THE PURPOSE OF AFFORDING
GREATER SAFETY TO MINERS FROM FIRE."
This Invention has for its object the prevention of the spread of fire in mines in
the event of explosions of gases or "firedamp" by the use of certain means or
appliances for the purpose of affording greater safety to miners from fire. And the
nature and novelty of the Invention has reference to improved means or appliances
to be used in nines for the said purposes, and consist in the application of a coating
of alum and clay, lime wash, or other equivalent non-inflammable coating to all
the surfaces of the coal or cuttings within the working parts or places of the pit,
which coating when an explosion of gas occurs would prevent the ignition of the
coal seams which has hitherto proved so fatal to the miners, and to render greater
facilities for the escape of the miners when an explosion occurs; it is proposed to
protect all the wood surfaces, supports, or linings in the mine by applying to
their surfaces the same non-inflammable substance or substances herein-before
referred to.
The coating substance or material may be applied by a brush or otherwise in a
liquid or semi-liquid state, and the thickness of the coating may be regulated
according to the degree of inflammability of the coal or wood, or the foulness of the
mine. By the use of this Invention many of the horrors hitherto attending coal
mine explosions will be very much lessened or prevented. Instead of coating the
props and other woodwork in the mine they may be saturated or coated with the
non-inflammable solution before being placed in the mine.
PROVEMENTS IN PEN STANDS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Harrison Hilton at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 4th October 1878.
JOHN HARRISON HILTON, of Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster.
PROVEMENTS IN PEN STANDS."
« IM-
The object of this Invention is to provide a pen stand of such a nature that the
pen may be more readily placed in position after use, and more readily picked up
again for use than is at present the case.
For the above purpose I so construct a pen stand that the pens shall be retained
in a vertical or nearly vertical position, instead of being laid in a horizontal or
nearly horizontal position, as is at present the practice.
In carrying my Invention into practice I make use of an upright standard or
standards secured in a base or sole piece, and I form such standard or standards at
or near its or their top or tops with dividing pieces standing out or projecting
horizontally; or I fit such standard or standards with a cross bar or bars having
dividing pieces as above mentioned. The base or sole piece may be of soft wood or
like suitable material, or it may be made of hard material formed with a smooth
or a grooved corrugated or undulating or other suitable surface to prevent
the end of the pen which rests thereon from slipping. In some cases clips or springs
may be attached or secured to the standard or standards at or near the bottom
thereof, in place of the dividing pieces before mentioned, or in any other convenient
position, so that the point of the pen may be retained some distance above the base
or sole piece.
If desired my improved apparatus may form part of an inkstand.
STRUMENT
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Robert James Rae at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 12th October 1878.
ROBERT JAMES RAE, of Hampstead, in the County of Middlesex,
IN MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS."
"IMPROVEMENTS
These improvements relate, firstly, to the construction of violins and similar
instruments. Upon the bridge small pulleys or rollers of metal or hard wood are
fitted, and over these pass the strings. Instead of attaching the ends of the strings
to the tail board as at present, metal springs of spiral or other suitable form are
interposed between the ends of the strings and the tail board.
Another improvement consists in making the strings of metal instead of catgut,
it is preferred to employ bronze metal or alloy of suitable quality for this purpose,
and when requisite the weight of the wire may be increased by coating or covering
the same with gold or other heavy metal.
Another improvement consists in making pianos, harps, and like instruments
with strings or wires of bronze metal or alloy of suitable quality, as herein-before
described. The pins or screws to which the strings or wires are attached may be
inade of like metal with the wires.
The advantages gained by these improvements are superiority of tone, increased
durability, and avoidance of rust, more particularly in damp climates.
IMPROVEMENTS IN MULES FOR SPINNING FIBRES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Arthur Hardwick at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 7th November 1878.
ARTHUR HARDWICK, of Heckmondwike, in the County of York, Spinning Over-
looker. "IMPROVEMENTS IN MULES FOR SPINNING FIBRES."
This Invention consists in the use of apparatus designed to prevent or greatly
reduce the shock (with frequent breakage) given when reversing the traverse of the
carriage.
According to this my Invention, by means of gear wheels a stud attached to one
of the latter operates at the required time a holding catch supporting a lever con-
nected with the friction driving apparatus of the mule, so providing an independent
means of knocking off, enabling the spindle driving apparatus to be brought to a
stand still or positive dwell before reversing the traverse of the carriage, and avoiding
the shock consequent on the use of appliances and method heretofore used to
accomplish reversing.
IMPROVEMENTS IN TRICYCLES AND OTHER VELOCIPEDES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Richer at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 9th December 1878.
JOHN RICHER, of Twickenham, in the County of Middlesex, Tricycle Manu-
facturer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN TRICYCLES AND OTHER VELOCIPEDES."
This Invention relates first to improvements in tricycles of the character described
in the Specification of Letters Patent granted to me, and dated 31st January 1878,
No. 420.
According to this part of my improvements I arrange the guide wheel in front
or rear of the driving wheel, so that they both travel in the same track. For this
purpose the rear end of the back bone is advantageously mounted near to the
driving wheel upon the axis (which carries the side travelling wheel), arranged
parallel to or in a line below the axis of the driving wheel.
The front end of the back bone is curved outwards into a position in front of the
driving wheel and over the guide wheel, being formed with a socket to receive the
stem of the fork which carries the guide wheel.
A lever handle is mounted on the end of the stem of the fork to govern the
direction of the guide wheel, as is well understood. The back bone may be arranged
in the centre of the machine if desired. When two guide wheels are used they are
so arranged as to travel on the same line as the driving and travelling wheels; in
order that the wheels may run in the same track on each side of the velocipede in
accordance with another part of my improvements.
IMPROVEMENTS IN AND APPERTAINING TO CANDLESTICKS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Phillips Thompson at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 18th June 1878. [A commu-
nication from abroad by Virgil L'Eplattenaire, of New York City, United
States of America.]
WILLIAM PRILLIPS THOMPSON, of 6, Lord Street, Liverpool, in the County of
Lancaster, British and International Patent and Trade Mark Agent and Consulting
Engineer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND APPERTAINING TO CANDLESTICKS." (A com-
munication from abroad by Virgil L'Eplattenaire, of New York City, United
States of America.)
This Invention consists in a new manufacture of candlestick for carrying about,
capable also of being used to some extent in place of a lantern, as the flame is
shielded froin draughts of air. It consists, 1st, of an ordinary bottom; this in its
cheapest form can be stamped out of metal, and have a ring handle soldered to it.
The socket is likewise stamped out, and compressed to shape, and bolted or soldered
to the bottom.
A series of projecting rays forming the rim of the socket serve to steady an
ordinary lamp glass in position. This lamp glass stands on some (preferably 3)
projecting lumps on the bottom of the candlestick, the space between the lumps
forming an air passage. This is better than perforations in the bottom or gaps in
the base of the glass, which however would answer the purpose.
A cap composed of a simple plate of metal for top, with an elastic or compressive
material for circular side, will act as an extinguisher instead of having to take off
the glass. This could be fastened by a chain to the handle or other part.
IMPROVEMENTS CONNECTED WITH PUMPING APPARATUS FOR RAISING SUBMERGED SHIPS OR VESSELS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Arthur Wolfe Smyth at the Office of*
the Commissioners of Patents on the 17th October 1878.
"
ARTHUR WOLFE SMYTH, of Portlick Castle, Glasson, in the County of Westmeath,
Ireland. IMPROVEMENTS CONNECTED WITH PUMPING APPARATUS FOR RAISING
SUBMERGED SHIPS OR VESSELS."
This Invention relates to improvements connected with pumping apparatus for
raising submerged ships or vessels, and consists in fitting a gutta percha tube of
large diameter with internal metal hoops or rings at intervals, these being held at
respective distances apart by ropes, the ends of which extend beyond the ends of
the tube to enable the tube to be attached at its lower end to the ship or vessel
to be raised, and at the upper end to a staging or platform which I prefer to be
arranged between two lighters or other vessels in which the engine for working the
pump is fitted. The pump plunger is arranged within the gutta percha tube, and
receives its motion from the engine in the ordinary manner. Near the lower part
of the tube a flange is formed to enable it to be nailed to the deck of the vessel that
has to be raised, and the tube is encased within a network to prevent abraision and
also to give strength.
In practice the tube is to be attached to a sunken vessel by divers or others, and
then the hatchways and other openings closed. The pump is then set to work by
the engine on the lighter, and the water from the vessel brought up above the level
of the platform or staging, from which it escapes. This drawing off of the water
from the vessel by degrees produces a vacuum within the vessel, and a tendency
to lift herself gradually in proportion while the pumping continues, which raising
can be shown by floats or other appliances provided for the purpose, the pumping
being stopped as soon as the vessel has left the bottom, so that she may afterwards
be acted upon by the tow ropes by which she has been previously secured to a tug

page_text: or other vessel for hauling her into shallow water or out of the tideway should she
be in such a position.
The apparatus above described may be used in combination with sinkable
pontoons or cassions, which can be sunk and attached to the vessel to assist in
raising her.
IMPROVEMENTS IN INVALID COUCHES, BED RESTS, AND OTHER SIMILAR ARTICLES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Isaac Chorlton at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 20th December 1878.
ISAAC CHORLTON, of the Firm of Chorlton & Dugdale (Excelsior Spring
Mattress Company), of Manchester, in the County of Lancaster, Spring Mattress
Manufacturers. "IMPROVEMENTS IN INVALID COUCHES, BED RESTS, AND OTHER
SIMILAR ARTICLES."
The first part of this Invention relates to improvements in invalid couches, bed
rests, and other similar articles, and consists in producing the necessary elasticity in
such articles by the application of extension springs radiating from a centre, one
modification of the same being in accordance with an Invention for which Letters
Patent were granted to William Welch, on the 5th day of August 1874, No. 2714.
Secondly, this Invention relates to an improvement in the construction of the
framework of invalid couches, whereby the same can be rendered more portable and
capable of taking up less room when not in use.
In performing this part of my Invention I construct one portion of the length of
the frame separate from the other, and so pivot the same to the longer portion, that
it is capable of being turned round upon such pivot, and thus to occupy one of two
positions when fully extended, acting as a full length couch, and when in the other
position to pass under the main portion of the frame, and thus the entire couch is
reduced considerably in length, viz., when not required for reclining upon, and can
be locked in either position by a spring bolt or other equivalent appliance.
IM- PROVEMENTS IN THE MEANS OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF OIL, SEED, CORN, OR OTHER CAKES, AND IN EXTRACTING THE OIL OR OTHER LIQUID THEREFROM
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by George Ephraim Selby at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 4th March 1878. •
.
GEORGE EPHRAIM SELBY, of Church Street, in the Parish of Sculcoates, of the
Borough of Kingston-upon-Hull, in the County of York, Oil Mill Foreman.
"IM-
PROVEMENTS IN THE MEANS OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF
OIL, SEED, CORN, OR OTHER CAKES, AND IN EXTRACTING THE OIL OR OTHER LIQUID
THEREFROM."
My Invention has particular reference to hydraulic or other presses used in the
manufacture of oil, seed, corn, or other cakes, and in extracting the oil or other
liquids from the same.
In my Invention I place between the jaws on the underneath side or top of the
box, which is of ordinary construction, a die, and thereto attach also a plain,
corrugated, or branded plate, or plate having thereon certain pattern or patterns,
mark or marks, device or devices. Between the top and bottom of the box I place
a frame of metal or other suitable material having a loose bottom plate for receiving
the material to be pressed. The frame, by preferenco, is perforated, and a layer of
cloth or other suitable material, when required, may be applied to the surface or
outer edges thereof.
My improvements may be applied to ordinary presses, the object of them being
to dispense with the hair wrappers and bags.
A NEW OR IMPROVED METHOD OF CONSTRUCTING MILLS AND OTHER BUILDINGS, AND OF MAKING FIREPROOF THE FLOORS AND ROOFS OF SAME, ALSO APPLICABLE TO BUILDINGS ALREADY ERECTED
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas William Helliwell at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 27th February 1878.
THOMAS WILLIAM HELLIWELL, of Brighouse, in the County of York, Architect.
"A NEW OR IMPROVED METHOD OF CONSTRUCTING MILLS AND OTHER BUILDINGS,
AND OF MAKING FIREPROOF THE FLOORS AND ROOFS OF SAME, ALSO APPLICABLE TO
BUILDINGS ALREADY ERECTED."
This Invention refers principally to fireproof mills or buildings, and the object
thereof is to render the same fireproof without material increase in the cost of con-
struction. For this purpose I construct the floors as follows:-Upon iron beams I
place a sheet or series of sheets of corrugated or plain iron, arched or flat. Over
this may be placed a layer or coating of concrete or other non-conducting substance,
and above this a solid plank flooring of suitable thickness for the work of bearing.
This construction of flooring is cheaper, and is as effective as any now in use. This
can also be applied to buildings already built having wood floors by fixing light
ironwork to the ordinary floor beams, and placing thereon the sheets of iron as
named.
My Invention relates also to the roofing for mills and other buildings, whether
fireproof or otherwise.
Hitherto, where metal has been employed in roof structures, the trusses have
been supported by tie rods and bolts, instead of which I propose to employ sections
of rolled metal joists for all the sustaining parts, the joists being rivetted in such a
form as to give the best results for the weight of metal employed on the ordinary
well-known principle of construction.
By using joists the broad flanges offer facilities for securing shafting and other
mill gear thereto in a manner which it is impossible to apply to ordinary metal
roofs. Over the metal joists I fix a covering of planks, on which I fix sheets of
slate, glass, or zinc, as may be required, secured thereto by any of the methods

page_text: described in previous Letters Patent granted to me, dated August 1st, 1877,
No. 2951.
In place of the clip or nails shewn in the above Specification I may fix the sheets
by soldering together with strips of zinc.
To guide the rain falling on the roof the edges of the sheets are fluted or bent.
IMPROVE- MENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF UMBRELLAS AND SUNSHADES OR PARASOLS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Henry James Felton at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 29th January 1878.
HENRY JAMES FELTON, of 6, Aldermanbury Postern, London, E.C.
"IMPROVE-
MENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF UMBRELLAS AND SUNSHADES OR PARASOLS."
This Invention relates to improvements in umbrellas and sunshades or parasols,
and has for its object to enable any person to detach the stick from the umbrella,
sunshade, or parasol, thus rendering the umbrella more portable, & leaving the.
wearer at liberty to use the stick as a walking stick, while the frame and cover can
be packed away in a portmanteau for the convenience of the travelling public.
For this purpose I apply at the bottom of the notch a piece of tubing, and in this
tubing a spring stud, which when pressed enables the person holding the umbrella,
sunshade, or parasol to simply draw out the stick; this may also be produced by
an extra length of tubing, soldered on the end or top of the notch, and a stud
inserted as before explained; or by a thumbscrew on the top or bottom of the
notch, or by a slot cut in the top of the notch & a stud or pin inserted, but I
prefer using the former of these, as the stud when placed at the bottom of the
notch or inside of the umbrella, sunshade, or parasol will keep much cleaner, and
not get out of order, as it might if placed at the top or outside of the umbrella,
sunshade, or parasol.
For the purposes of my Patent I prefer at present using the automaton frame,
but the same idea can be produced with the paragon or round steel frame.
Figure I represents the notch A, being the notch ordinarily used, & B, the piece
I purpose adding, which will have the advantage in addition to enabling the stick
to be taken from the umbrella, sunshade, or parasol at the will of the user, of also
dispensing with the old & unsightly stopper that has hitherto been generally
used. C shows the stud I purpose inserting that will be fixed in the stick, & come
through a round hole cut in the tube B to receive it.
IMPROVEMENTS IN LADIES', GENTLEMEN'S, AND Now the
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by George Dean at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 1st February 1878.
GEORGE DEAN, of Derby.
CHILDREN'S BOOTS AND SHOES."
"IMPROVEMENTS IN LADIES', GENTLEMEN'S, AND
Now the
It is well known that the elastic side springs now generally used in boots and
shoes are by the friction of the garments upon them soon worn out.
object of this Invention is to protect these elastic side springs from the effects of
friction; and the Invention is carried into practical operation in the following
manner --Instead of being so inserted in the top of the boot as to be visible and
open to the friction of the garments, it is placed behind a cover or protecting
surface of the same material as the rest of the boot or shoe is made, namely, leather,
kid, or other suitable substance. This covering piece or surface is permitted to
open by the insertion of any convenient number of loops made of elastic material,
the foot is then inserted, the side springs are opened and then retract, and the
covering pieces almost wholly cover the springs which are thus shielded from
friction.
This Invention is equally applicable to vamped or galoshed boots and shoes.
IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR SPINNING AND DOUBLING
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Alfred Salomons and Thomas Leah at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 19th October 1878.
ALFRED SALOMONS, of the Firin of Messieurs Micholls, Lucas, & Co., of Manchester,
in the County of Lancaster, Cotton Spinners and Merchants, and THOMAS LEAH, of
Stockport, in the County of Chester, Manager. "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY
FOR SPINNING AND DOUBLING."
This Invention consists in an improved mode of constructing the bolster bearings
of the spindles of throstle spinning and doubling frames, and in an improved mode
of obtaining the requisite drag or friction on the bobbins.
The bolster is screwed into the lifter rail and it is cast or made with a tube pro-
jecting upwards; in this tube is a recess on to which is sprung a steel clip; the
bobbin fits over the tube and steel clip and rests on a flannel or other washer
bearing on the flange of the bolster bearing; as the bobbin revolves it carries the
steel clip with it and a more regular drag is obtained by the action of the steel clip
on the tube than can be obtained in the ordinary manner.
The interior of the steel clip is lubricated by the oil from the spindle passing
through holes in the sides of the tube of the holster; I prefer to make a recess in
the flange of the bolster to collect the oil.
When the full bobbins are doffed the steel clips are prevented coming off by the
recess in the tube of the bolster.
The details above set forth may be varied.
IMPROVEMENTS IN GAS COOKING STOVES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Augustin Fielding at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 2nd July 1878.
AUGUSTIN FIELDING, of Denbigh Hall, Old Jewry, in the City of London.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN GAS COOKING STOVES."
This Invention has for its object improvements in the arrangement and construc-
tion of gas cooking stoves, in order to render them more compact, useful, and
economical than heretofore. For this purpose I arrange a gas cooking stove with a
series of compartments one above another, each separate compartment being devoted
to a different cullinary purpose.
The bottom part of the lower compartment is arranged with a deep dripping
pan, in which a horizontal spit is mounted suitable for roasting a joint of meat,
goose, or poultry, jets of gas issuing from a suitable burner or burners at the upper
part of this compartment.
The spit is caused to rotate by means of self-acting apparatus actuated by a spring
barrel, or it may be actuated by a descending weight and pulley, or by other
mechanical means.
Above the spit a grid or grill frame and pan is arranged to slide upon bearing
bars on each side of the compartment for broiling or other cooking purposes.
The top plate of the roasting compartment forms the bottom of an oven, which is
heated by the same gas burner as that used for roasting.
Over the oven another compartment is arranged with a grid or grill and pan,
which is slid into position, and supported on bars on each side of the compartment,
a gas burner or burners being placed near the top plate of this compartiment, which
forms the hot-plate of the upper compartment, closed in by doors, for containing
saucepans and other like cooking utensils for boiling, stewing, or other cooking
operations.
The sides and back of the stove have a boiler combined therewith for heating

page_text: water, or the boiler may be applied to one of the sides or back of the stove only, if
desired.
Separate flues are arranged to conduct the products of combustion from the gas
burners into a common flue at the back of the stove.
The number and arrangement of the compartments may be varied, and also the 5
burners employed for heating the same.
RAISING SUNKEN VESSELS BY THE DISPLACEMENT OF WATER WITHIN THE VESSELS BY AIR OR GASSES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Henry Forsey Brion and John
Thompson at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 2nd July
1878.
HENRY FORSEY BRION, of 22, Philip Road, Peckham Rye, London, S.E., and
JOHN THOMPSON, of 5, East Terrace, Evelina Road, Nunhead, London, S.E.
"RAISING SUNKEN VESSELS BY THE DISPLACEMENT OF WATER WITHIN THE
VESSELS BY AIR OR GASSES."
Raising sunken vessels by the displacement of water within the vessels by air or
gasses, causing the vessels to rise and float on the surface of the water.
Divers have to go down to the vessels to make water-tight deck holes, port holes,
berth holes, or any breakages, by metal, wood, canvass, india-rubber, leather, or any
other texture, to break or cut away where may be required for the air, gasses, or
water to have a free course from one end of the vessel to the other. To break or
cut holes in her bottom for the escapement of water, or to place tubing or piping
where may be required for the escapement of water. Also to insert hoses, piping,
or tubing to lead into the openings in the vessel, the same holes, piping, or tubing
to be connected to force pumps. When the pumps are put in action they will force
air or gass into the vessel, expelling the water and thereby causing the vessel to
rise and float on the surface of the water.
IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF SELF-ACTING MULES AND TWINERS USED FOR SPINNING AND DOUBLING COTTON AND OTHER FIBROUS SUBSTANCES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Doleman at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 16th January 1878.
"IMPROVEMENTS
THOMAS DOLEMAN, of Oldham, in the County of Lancaster.
IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF SELF-ACTING MULES AND TWINERS USED FOR SPINNING
AND DOUBLING COTTON AND OTHER FIBROUS SUBSTANCES."
"
'faller wire" from rising too
The object of this Invention is to prevent the
quickly when the carriage goes in to the rollers so as to prevent the yarn from
becoming slack and forming "snarls." To effect this object I make the boss of the
"backing-off cam or tumbler longer than usual, and to this elongated end I attach
This strap also passes
a pulley, round which passes an endless friction strap.
round a second pulley carried on a weighted lever which keeps the strap always at
a proper tension.
This second pulley is provided with a ratchet wheel and click so arranged that
the friction is only applied when the tin roller is turning in the reverse direction,
that is to say, during the "backing off," and this keeps the "backing-off" chain
always tight whilst the carriage is running up to the rollers, and prevents the faller
wire from rising too suddenly by the click taking hold of the click wheel.
Instead of passing the backing-off chain round a pulley fixed to the lever known
as the "monkey tail," I dispense with the latter lever and attach the pulley to the
lever known as the "boot leg," so as to have a firmer hold of the chain; and instead
of attaching the end of this chain to a sector keyed on the faller shaft I attach it to
a straight lever keyed on the same, and so arranged that it can be lengthened or
shortened to regulate the action of the faller.
IMPROVEMENTS IN FEEDING BOTTLES.
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Norah Kelly at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 4th June 1878.
NORAH KELLY, of Bolingbroke Villa, Hornsey Rise, in the County of Middlesex.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN FEEDING BOTTLES.".
In the ordinary feeding bottle there is a teat, stopper, or plug & a flexible tube.
The said tube easily gets filled up or choked by the milk or other liquid curdling,
&c. A great difficulty arises to clean the tube on account of the stopper or plug
preventing the matter causing the stoppage to be forced through it, & this is
likewise the case with the teat, which can only be removed & cleaned, after
forcing the tube off the substance on which the teat is fixed. This is not only
difficult to detach & replace, but the flexible tube gets damaged more or less
during this process.
Now with my Invention I divide the stopper or plug lengthways into two or
more sections, the former being the better number. These sections may be united
by small pegs fitting into holes corresponding in another section, or by a hinge,
groove, & slot, &c., but it is not imperative that they should be united or held
as described, as the neck of the bottle holds the said sections togeather.
The teat I make to unscrew off the flexible tube, or vice versa.
It will thus be seen that should the flexible tube become choked directly the
stopper or plug is removed from the bottle the said stopper or plug can be pulled
in two or more pieces or sections, which at once releases the said tube from the
stopper or plug; & on unscrewing the teat the tube is entirely free to be cleaned
by squeezing or forcing a brush, stick, or other substance through it from end to
end; & the teat by being easily unscrewed can also be cleaned & instantly
replaced without damaging the most delicate flexible tube.

page_text: 1st. I claim the dividing of the stopper or plug lengthways into sections, so
that the division passes down the circular space or hole which runs through the
stopper or plug, in which space the flexible tube rests.
2nd. I claim the novel way of fastening the teat to the tube in connection with
a child's feeding bottle, as herein-before described.
AN IMPROVED ELEVATOR FOR GUNS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thorsten Nordenfelt at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 28th March 1878.
THORSTEN NORDEN FELT, Engineer, of 1, Saint Swithin's Lane, London, E.C.
"AN IMPROVED ELEVATOR FOR GUNS."
The object of this Invention is to provide a more rapid and efficient mode of
elevating and depressing guns in taking aim than has hitherto been alone by means
of elevating screws or other known means; the trunnions of the gun being placed
as usual in the bearings of a gudgeon, the pin of which acts as pivot for the lateral
motion, I attach for this purpose to the rear part of the gun a pin or friction
roller which is held and supported by an excentric disc, the axle of which is fixed
upon or connected with the gudgeon, and which is moved by hand and elevates or
depresses the gun at will, the upwards and downwards motion being transferred to
the pin or friction roller either direct from the circumference of the disc, or by
means of a cam running in an eccentric (volute) line on the side of the disc; or
when great variation of nim is required by means of an eccentric ring or strap
which is fixed to the pin and runs round the eccentric disc.
This Invention will enable the gunner to adjust his vertical aim quite as
accurately as hitherto, but much more rapidly, which is of especially great im-
portance on board ships and for light or rapid firing guns.
IMPROVEMENTS IN SECURING LEGGINGS, TRAVELLING BAGS, AND OTHER SIMILAR ARTICLES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Reid at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 22nd June 1878.
WILLIAM REID, of the City of Manchester.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN SECURING
LEGGINGS, TRAVELLING BAGS, AND OTHER SIMILAR ARTICLES."
As applied to the fastening of leggings I arrange a round or other suitably shaped
hole, opening into a slot at each extremity of the overlapping metallic strip, which
is secured at one edge of the legging, herein-after called the outer metallic strip;
and instead of the other metallic strip being at the other edge of the legging all in
one piece as heretofore I divide the same at or about the centre of its length, and
there joint each half to cranks branching from a central stud in opposite directions,
this central stud being formed with a button, which passes through a slot formed in
the outer metallic strip, so that when passed through such slot and turned at right
angles therewith the central portion of the legging is secured, whilst by having
button headed studs at the other extremities of these half strips, and passing the
same through the slotted holes herein-before mentioned, such studs are by the same
turning action of the central stud caused to slide into the slots, and thus at the
same time secure the top and bottom of the legging.
This method of fastening is equally applicable for securing the metallic frames of
travelling bags and other similar articles, in which case the lock may be arranged to
actuate the two half strips, and thus effectually prevent the frame of the bag being
forced open, as is sometimes practicable when such frame is only secured by a lock
in the centre.
IM- PROVEMENTS IN FABRICS TO BE USED FOR DISINFECTING, AND ALSO FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Noad at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 14th August 1878.
JAMES NOAD, of Richmond Works, Plaistow, in the County of Essex.
"IM-
PROVEMENTS IN FABRICS TO BE USED FOR DISINFECTING, AND ALSO FOR OTHER
PURPOSES."
This Invention has for its object improvements in fabrics to be used for disinfecting
and also for other purposes.
I produce a fabric suitable for use for lining coffins and for many other uses where
disinfecting or the suppression of unwholsome or unpleasant smells is required, by
reducing willow or other non-resinous wood to a pulp or dough by grinding and
crushing. With this pulp or dough I mix carbolic acid or other disinfectant, and I
roll it out on to a woven fabric, such as calico, so as to obtain sheets of any desired
thickness, which may be made either plain on the surface, or with a pattern pro-
duced by the rollers by which the dough is spread. It is a property of this crushed
wood to retain the disinfectant for a great length of time, giving it up however for
the destruction of noxious vapours, little by little, as it is required.
I employ frequently a woven fabric on each side of the sheet of wood pulp or
dough.
A similar fabric, but without the disinfectant, is very useful for making steam
and other joints. Sometimes for this purpose I build up the fabric with two or
more thicknesses of wood pulp or dough, with woven fabric between.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE EMPLOYMENT OF COMBUSTIBLE GASES AS MOTIVE POWER AGENTS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Théodore Benedict Edouard Turrettini
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 24th December 1878.
THÉODORE BENEDICT EDOUARD TURRETTINI, of Geneva, Switzerland, Engineer.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE EMPLOYMENT OF COMBUSTIBLE GASES AS MOTIVE POWER
AGENTS."
This Invention has for its object improvements in the employment of combustible
gases as motive power agents.
I have discovered that the storing of combustible gases under pressure as a source
of motive power presents considerable advantages from an economical point of view
over the employment of compressed air, and furnishes besides a store of force which
can be utilized both by its expansion from its state of compression and by the
expansion resulting from its combustion.
The present Invention has therefore for its object the storing of combustible
gases under pressure in the feed vessel of a gas motor on any system and suitable
to any use.
Illuminating gas is constantly stored in a compressed form for the purpose of
lighting, but I am not aware that any one has recognised up to the present time its
possible applications in this form, and its economical advantages as a source of motive
power. Now its employment permits as compared with compressed air at an equal
pressure of 30 atmospheres the employment of reservoirs of 30 times less capacity,
hence a very appreciable economy and considerable lightening of the vehicles when the
combustible gas is applied to locomotion. My Invention is especially applicable to
locomotion, and more particularly to tramways. According to my experiments a
tramway carriage carrying a reservoir of 110 gallons of gas compressed 10 atmos-
pheres, and weighing, everything included, about four and a half tons, and requiring
an average traction force of 220 pounds, can make a journey of about 8 miles, and
that the stationary power necessary to renew its store every hour will not require
a greater force than half a horse power.
No modification is necessary either in the reservoir which will only be diminished
in size or in the motors, when it is desired to utilize also the force of the expansion

page_text: of the compressed gas, for example, to aid in starting the carriages. For this pur-
pose it is only necessary to add suitable mechanical arrangements.
I do not limit myself to the application of my Invention to tramways, but I
reserve to myself the use of my discovery in all cases, whatever may be the object
of storing the motive power.
I also do not limit myself to the employment of illuminating gas, most of the
combustible gases capable of being stored in this way under very heavy pressures
without change may be used.
AN IMPROVED JOINER'S CRAMP
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Hansell at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 5th December 1878.
THOMAS HANSELL, of St. Albans, in the County of Herts, Upholsterer. "AN
IMPROVED JOINER'S CRAMP."
•
The object of my Invention is to make a joiner's cramp more readily adjustable
to suit the size of the work to which it is to be applied, and bring work of different
dimensions within the range of a comparatively short tightening screw.
And my
Invention consists in making the shifting jaw of the cramp adjustable in the
following manner:-This jaw is fitted to slide along the bar of the cramp, but
instead of being fixed in the desired position by a wedge or by a cross pin passing
through one of a row of holes in the bar as usual the latter is formed with ratchet
teeth along one edge, and the jaw is provided with a pawl pressed by a spring into
the ratchet teeth of the bar, whereby the jaw is held in whatever position it may
be placed, so that it may be readily moved close up to the work before the pressure
of the tightening screw is applied, thus saving time and enabling a shorter screw
to be used.
The pawl is connected to and raised by a lever mounted on the top of the jaw in
a convenient position to be readily oscillated by the pressure upon it of the hand by
which the jaw is held and slid along the bar. To avoid wear and increase the
strength of the pawl it is not pivoted upon a centre pin, but it has a rounded end,
which is received and works in a corresponding circular cavity in the solid metal
of the jaw.
The lever by which the pawl is raised out of the ratchet teeth of the bar may be
IMPROVEMENT IN THE MANUFACTURE OF NETS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Robert Stirling Newall at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 10th April 1878.
ROBERT STIRLING NEWALL, of Ferndene, Gateshead, in the County of Durham.
"IMPROVEMENT IN THE MANUFACTURE OF NETS."
The nature of my improvement consists in making nets of wire, rope, or strands
combined in such a manner as to be capable of resisting a strong blow such as that
from a torpedo. For this purpose I take a flexible rope or strand, and form it into
loops by bending one part of the rope round a block or series of blocks in a zig-zag
form, while the other part is bent in curves corresponding but reversed, so that the
said two parts of the rope when combined by seizings where they cross each other,
and when removed from the moulding blocks, form a series of loops or links of any
required length. These are then combined by other loops, which I prefer to be
welded links of iron, and by this means is formed a net of the size necessary.
If these nets are required for the protection of a vessel in the water they are or
may be suspended from davits or spars so as to hang below the water at a distance
from the side of the vessel, and they will thus prevent a torpedo from striking the
ship or vessel.
IMPROVEMENTS IN AIR PUMPS OF STEAM Bridge. ENGINES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Eustace Wigzell and Joseph Pollit at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 13th June 1878.
EUSTACE WIGZELL and JOSEPH POLLIT, Engineers, Bank Foundry, Sowerby
"IMPROVEMENTS IN AIR PUMPS OF STEAM
Bridge, in the County of York.
ENGINES."
Our Invention relates to further improvements in air pumps fitted to the con-
densers of steam engines, rendering unnecessary the use of the foot valve or valves
heretofore employed, for which Letters Patent were granted to us, dated the
Twenty-seventh day of July, One thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven,
No. 2878.
The improvements consist in the construction and employment of a single and
effective delivery valve applied to the air pump of the steam engine, for which purpose
we cast round and near the end of the barrel of the pump a series of openings, which
form a grating, and through which the water and air are discharged. Over the
grating is stretched an india-rubber belt or band, which is kept from moving out
of working position by lugs cast round the pump barrel, and near to the grating
openings. Other lugs are cast on the pump cover; the india-rubber band or belt
fits between the lugs.
Over the barrel end of the pump is cast a jacket forming the hot well; the
bottom part of this jacket is cast with a short pipe, to which is fitted the waste
water pipe. On the return of the stroke of the bucket or plunger the water and
air are forced through the grating, lifting up the india-rubber band or belt, allowing
the water and air to pass in the hot well, from which it is delivered into the waste
water pipe. On the out stroke of the bucket or plunger the india-rubber band or
belt presses tightly over the grating. By these means we construct a valve of an
elastic band or belt stretched over a grating, which is simple, easy to fit on, and
cheap and perfectly noiseless and durable.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE of THE RIBS AND STRETCHERS OF UMBRELLAS AND PARASOLS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Corder at the Office of the.
Commissioners of Patents on the 5th December 1878. Partly a communi-
cation from abroad by Francis Robert Cannell, of Lisbon.
WILLIAM CORDER, of the Firm of Corder and Turley, of Birmingham, in the
County of Warwick, Manufacturers. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE of
THE RIBS AND STRETCHERS OF UMBRELLAS AND PARASOLS." [Partly a communi-
cation from abroad by Francis Robert Cannell, of Lisbon.]
The said Invention has for its object to obtain great elasticity in the ribs and
great strength in the stretchers of umbrellas and parasols combined with great
lightness in both cases, and the said Invention consists in constructing the said ribs
and stretchers in the manner hereinafter described.
The said ribs and stretchers are made according to this Invention from hollow or
tubular wire formed by bending a long narrow strip of sheet steel. The edges of
the strip of sheet steel may either be bent each into a semi-circular figure in cross
section, the middle part remaining flat, thus forming a double arch on the flat
middle part of the rib, or the middle part of the strip may be made of a trough
shape, each edge being turned inwards to form it into a nearly tubular figure. The
shaping of the strip of steel is effected by rolling or drawing machinery such as is
commonly used for like purposes, which machinery constitutes no part of the said
Invention.
The hollow or tubular wire described is hardened and tempered in the ordinary
way, and cut into the required lengths for ribs and stretchers. The ribs are com-
pleted by the formation in the ordinary way of a tip at one end and the flattening
of the other end, the said flattened end being jointed to the top notch. The middle
bit by which the stretcher is jointed to the rib is made separately and fixed in its
place on the rib by compression.
The stretcher is completed by flattening the end to be jointed to the runner notch,
and making on or attaching to the other end the fork which is jointed to the
"middle bit" on the rib. The said fork may be made from the end of the stretcher
itself by slitting the end, flattening out the divided part, and forming the fork from
the said divided part. Or a separate fork may be made from iron, or steel wire, or
Price 231

page_text: sheet iron, or steel, and affixed to the end of the stretcher by compressing or
otherwise.
Although it is preferred to make both the ribs and stretchers of umbrellas and
parasols of hollow or tubular wire shaped as hereinbefore described, yet ribs made
of the said wire may be used in conjunction with stretchers of the ordinary kind,
and ribs of the ordinary kind may be used in conjunction with stretchers made
according to this Invention.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE FASTENINGS OF SOLITAIRES AND SUCH LIKE. ARTICLES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Pursall at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 28th January 1878.
WILLIAM PURSALL, Gentleman, of Harborne, in the County of Staffordshire.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE FASTENINGS OF SOLITAIRES AND SUCH LIKE. ARTICLES."
In carrying my improvements into effect I secure to the back of the front disc or
ornament of solitaires a stem formed by suitable tools from steel or other metal,
which stem is divided (transversely from its apex about two-thirds of its length)
into four or more parts; this completes the front part.
For the second or back part I take a circular disc which may be of bone, ivory,.
or metal, pierced in the centre to receive a tubular shank, the inside diameter of
which is the same as the stem of the front part before being divided, but increases
or expands towards, the purpose of which will be hereafter described; this completes
the back part.
To connect the article of dress I pass the tubular shank through the button holes
of such article, then press the stem of the front part into it, which being divided
contracts until it reaches the base, which being enlarged allows the divided stem to
expand to its normal position, thereby holding the parts securely together, to
disconnect which merely requires a slight drawing pressure by the finger and
thumb to be instantly withdrawn; by this simple arrangement, dispensing with
complicated mechanical action, I make solitaires more durable and greatly reduce
their cost of production.
The front part may be ornamented in any desirable manner.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE DIAPHRAGMS OF LEVELLING AND OTHER SURVEYING TELESCOPES, AND IN THE METHOD OF MEASURING HORIZONTAL DISTANCES THEREBY.
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Howley Wells at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 22nd October 1878.
WILLIAM HOWLEY WELLS, of Woodchurch, Ashford, Kent, Civil Engineer.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE DIAPHRAGMS OF LEVELLING AND OTHER SURVEYING
TELESCOPES, AND IN THE METHOD OF MEASURING HORIZONTAL DISTANCES
THEREBY.
دو
A "vertical space," formed by lines on glass, or spider lines either fixed or
moveable, or in any way convenient to the shape of the levelling telescope required
to be used for the above purpose, is so adjusted in the diaphram of the instrument
that when focused with the object glass this "space" will contain a certain height
of the levelling staff image, when the latter is placed at a given distance, & having
once determined a proportional height & distance, & fixed the "vertical space
accordingly any distance to which the staff is moved within the power of the
telescope to read the figures thereon will be given by the figuring of the staff
included within the "vertical space" alluded to above as fixed in the telescope
diaphram. For instance, if the "vertical space" in the diaphram is adjusted to
include one foot of the staff image at a distance of one hundred feet as a datum, &
the staff is then removed until 1.75 ft. of its image is included within the "vertical
space" fixed in the diaphram of the telescope, the observer will know that the staff'
is at a distance of 175 feet from him.
The novelty claimed by this Invention is that by making or altering thus the
diaphrams of levelling and other surveying instruments they can be used to read
the distances as easily as the level heights are read by them off the staff, without
any scale or other device being figured or engraved on the diaphram of the telescope,
and by using in the operation the instruments & staffs generally in use simply
modified as above by forming a "vertical space" in the diaphram of the telescope in
such manner that the image of the staff included within it will give the distance.