matthewleechen/300YearsOfBritishPatents huggingface dataset:
IMPROVEMENTS IN SEWING MACHINES."
Year: 1878

page_text: <
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by James Spence at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 21st January 1878.
JAMES SPENCE, of Glenanne, in the County of Armagh, in Ireland, Mechanic.
IMPROVEMENTS IN SEWING MACHINES."
My Invention relates to the production of the triangular perforation known as
the French vein or hem-stitch by machinery, and consists in the use of contrivances
and arrangements by which the head of the machine and the needle bar and shuttle
box are actuated simultaneously and continuously through a series of agencies so
as to form the aforesaid stitch, and the needle is elevated and lowered perpendicularly,
the cloth plate remaining stationary.
The head of the machine and the needle bar and shuttle box are all united or
connected with each other so as to shift together, and are supported by a step or
pivot in a sliding socket, which is held in or restored to position by a spring, and
actuated laterally in the opposite direction by a stud and runner coming into contact
with a disc cam or tappet on the wheel, and the progressive and retrogressive
movements of those parts are effected by the aid of a spring and a lever actuated by
a face, cam, crank, or tappet on the wheel. Thus, the first stitch being accomplished,
the disc, cam, or tappet on the revolving wheel catches the stud and runner which
are attached to the sliding socket, and carries it laterally with the head, needle bar,
and shuttle box, while the face, cam, crank, or tappet on the wheel comes into
contact with a projecting piece or snug attached to the head, causing the rotatory
motion necessary to bring the head into position for the second stitch; and upon
this also being accomplished the lateral motion previously given to the sliding socket
is reversed, and the head restored to its former position by the action of the springs
before-mentioned, the parts being thus brought into position for the third and
fourth stitches, which fourth stitch constitutes the first of the succeeding series of
stitches.
Instead of attaching the foot to the head of the machine I attach it by means of
a shaft to a rocking bar actuated by a face, cam, or tappet on the wheel (so as to
bring forward the work), and lifted at every stitch in the hem by a snug, receiving
motion from a spud on the wheel.

page_text: The tension of the thread is effected by a perforated pin fixed to the needle
bar.
By tightening the screw on the sliding socket so as to stop one motion of the
head the machine already described can be adapted for sewing on buttons, and by
removing the lever and stud so as to stop both motions of the head it may be
employed for ordinary purposes.
IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR MILKING ANIMALS
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thomas Bowick, of Bedford, in the County of Bedford, for
the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR MILKING ANIMALS."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Thomas Bowick at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 3rd August 1878.
THOMAS BOWICK, of Bedford, in the County of Bedford.
APPARATUS FOR MILKING ANIMALS."
"IMPROVEMENTS IN
The improvements consist in the combination of one or more vats or receptacles
mounted in gimbals, or otherwise, with a suction pump or pumps either attached
to said vat or receptacles, or mounted independently, connected with one or more
suitable flexible tubes fixed to one or a series of cross armed semi-flexible tube
arrangements, in communication with four teat holders or sheathes fitted with
springs for gripping the teats and excluding the air, together with one or more
attachments for holding in position the cross arms and their teat holders.
.
The vats may be made of any convenient material, and the pump or pumps of
sufficient dimensions to suck one or more animals. The pumping may be coincident
with the milking, or otherwise; the flexible tubes leading from the cross arms
to the pump and to the vats may conveniently be of rubber; the cross arm tubes
for the passage of the milk may be made of material, such as gutta percha or
soft metal capable of bending to a desired form and keeping that form in ordinary
use so that the four sheathes at the ends of the cross arms may be easily fitted
to different sized animals.
IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR SHIP STEERING INDICATIONS AND OTHER PURPOSES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Frank Ricardo Francis at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 15th November 1878.
FRANK RICARDO FRANCIS, of Lawford Road, in the County of Middlesex, Tele-
graph Engineer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR SHIP STEERING INDICATIONS
AND OTHER PURPOSES."
The primary object of my Invention is to prevent collisions in navigable rivers,
on coasts, and at sea.
I place a lamp at the bow or at masthead and if desirable at the stern of a ship
or vessel, either above or below the position of the present and existing side and
masthead lights of ships or vessels, capable of indicating at all times the positions
and alterations of the helm.
I do this by employing two sets of electro magnets, from the armatures of which
I connect levers for elevating diaphragms of colored glass by means of electric
currents which are caused to pass from a voltaic battery, actuated by a commutator
in connection with the helm of a ship or vessel, whereby the helm or rudder if put
to port causes a red light to be shown, if to starboard a green light, and when
amidships a white light to appear.
The important feature of my Invention is that when the helm of a ship or vessel
is amidships a white light is shewn, and at any change of the helm the proper
indicating light will be given; that is to say, if the helm be at port a red light will
be exhibited, and if at starboard a green light will instantly appear. And so long
as the helm remains at either port or starboard, no matter to what degree or for
what length of time, the same and proper light will constantly appear until the
helm is brought to amidships, when the anterior light at once disappears, followed
by the white, which last light necessarily takes position and changes again
simultaneously and in accordance with the movements of the rudder, and by no
other means can the signals be affected.

page_text: The peculiar construction of the electrical portion of my Invention renders it
unnecessary to employ the electric current for any other purpose than the changing
of the light, and so long as the light or lights remain unchanged the battery
continues to be at rest. Any number of lamps may be used in connection with the
rudder, and the light is procured from the most improved kind of oil or hydro-
carbon best adapted for such purposes as before mentioned.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF PROJECTILES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Marc Léonce Fayolle at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 4th March 1878.
MARC LÉONCE FAYOLLE, of 13, Grafton Street, Fitzroy Square, in the County of
Middlesex, Gentleman. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF PROJECTILES."
This Invention has for its object to facilitate the introduction of charges of
various descriptions and dimensions into the interior of hollow projectiles, to utilize
the entire available space within a shell, to enable the bursting of the projectile to
be computed with the utmost accuracy, and to reduce the deviation or wabbling
propensities of the projectile to a minimum. To this end I construct a projectile
in the form of a hollow cylinder surmounted by a hollow cone, formed either by the
rotation of a rectilinear or of a spherical triangle around its axis.
I close the cylindrical part of the projectile by means of a separable bottom
piece, which may either itself be screwed into the cylinder, or may be fixed by
means of screws or other appropriate appliances into the sides thereof; and in
doing so I not only utilize the entire capacity of the interior of the shell, and
arrive at the other advantages herein-before recited, but I am also enabled to apply
to the inside of the shell an integument, whereby to obviate priming and prevent
the corrosion thereof. The top or point of the shell I likewise form separable
from its body, and in that top or point I make a longitudinal aperture passing
through the apex of the cone, and two or more lateral openings perpendicular to
the axis of the projectile. By this means I am enabled to preserve the apex of the
cone, and in doing so increase both the speed and the penetrating power of the
projectile, the pointed shell meeting with less resistance in the air than would be
the case with a shell having a flat or open top.
In order to further secure increased efficiency in the working of the projectile I
furnish the outside of the shell with a band, forming a helical tape around the

page_text: same. With a view to the same end I provide a spindle or wire passing longi-
tudinally through the powder charge, which being placed in a bag or case may be
attached to the projectile; and to the end of the spindle or wire I fix a guiding
disc or washer, the shape and dimensions of which correspond to those of the
chamber of the piece of ordnance for which the projectile is intended.
AN IMPROVED QUOIN FOR LOCKING TYPE IN THE CHASE
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by George James Boyce at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 25th November 1878.
GEORGE JAMES BOYCE, of Stockwell, in the County of Surrey, Warehouseman.
"AN IMPROVED QUOIN FOR LOCKING TYPE IN THE CHASE."
This Invention relates to an improved quoin for locking type in the chase, and
consists in constructing the quoin in two portions by dividing it obliquely so as to
form inclines or wedge-shaped pieces. These inclines fit on the top of each other,
and are guided in their movement by a rib or projection on one incline fitting into
a groove on the other. On both these inclines or wedge-shaped pieces teeth or
indentations are formed, and between the divisions of which a key fits, such key on
being turned either way causing the inclines to separate in opposite directions to
the desired amount, and thereby locking the type in the chase, and thus dispensing
with the numerous blocks or pieces and appliances now employed for locking type
in the chase.
IM- PROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR SECURING AUTOMATICAL LUBRICATION OF DOOR Locks
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Walter Brierley at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 7th December 1878. A communication
from abroad by Charles Cohn, of Gorlitz; Empire of Germany.
WALTER BRIERLEY, of Halifax, in the County of York, Patent Agent. "IM-
PROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR SECURING AUTOMATICAL LUBRICATION OF DOOR
Locks." A communication from abroad by Charles Cohn, of Gorlitz, Empire of
Germany.
The object of my improvement in door locks, and in automatical lubrication
connected therewith, is to construct an oil chamber in the lock, by which all parts
of it are continually lubricated.
The upper horizontal cheek of the lock box consists of one piece of cast iron or.
other suitable metal being cast hollow, forming an oil chamber, which may
be closed (or not) at the head of the door by a small screw, so that the oil is pre-
vented from being thrown out. In the said screw a small longitudinal groove in the
length of it must be arranged, so that the atmosphere is acting on the surface of
the oil in the chamber.
In the bottom of the cheek piece is bored a small hole, and the lower surface of
the piece serves to conduct the bolt of the lock latch.
The bolt is likewise bored by a small hole of the same diameter and in such a
position that at the moment of the opening of the door, that is to say, at the
moment of retiring the bolt, the two holes end are communicating, so that a small
portion of oil is dropping down, which lubricates the bolts and all parts of the
lock.
The door being closed no lubrication is allowed, and only the upper surface of the
bolt is slightly oiled.
In this manner an economical and continual lubrication of the lock is obtained,
whilst in the mean time the cast iron cheek gives greater strength to the lock
itself.
IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR RAISING WEIGHTS, SUCH AS MINERAL TRUCKS OR CORVES FROM MINES, AND AUTOMATICALLY RELEASING THE SAME. AT HIGH LEVELS.
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Ernest de Pass at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 12th December 1878. A communication
from abroad by Charles Marie Auguste Jeanson, of 17, Boulevard Saint
Martin, Paris, France.
ERNEST DE PASS, of 68, Fleet Street, in the City of London, Patent Agent.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR RAISING WEIGHTS, SUCH AS MINERAL TRUCKS
OR CORVES FROM MINES, AND AUTOMATICALLY RELEASING THE SAME. AT HIGH
LEVELS. A communication from abroad by Charles Marie Auguste Jeanson, of 17,
Boulevard Saint Martin, Paris, France.
The essential feature in this Invention is endless chains passing over and under
pullies at the pit's mouth or other situation, and under a pulley at the bottom of the
shaft, also in a guide fitted within the shaft for preventing the slip of the chain,
should, say, the up running portion be weighted out of proportion to that of the
other or down running portion, or vice versa.
The endless chain or chains carry at intervals a series of projections which take
hold of the trucks, wagons, or corves when they are pushed along a line of rails in
proximity to the lower pulley, in order that they may be lifted.
The trucks in the shaft while being lifted pass between pullies which guide the
chain or chains; thees passing through a break or equilibrium apparatus to
prevent them slipping should they be unequally weighted. The equilibrium
apparatus is composed of a framework between which are chain wheels having
sprockets or teeth to engage with the links of the chains, and against which rollers
press to keep them in contact. The apparatus is suspended in the shaft and is
under the control of weighted levers, which produce an equilibrium or balancing
of the loaded trucks with the empty ones.
When the trucks arrive out of the pit
or shaft they pass between an upper set of pullies, and become deposited upon the
ground or upon rails to enable them to be moved away as desired, each truck as
deposited releasing itself automatically from its connection with the chains.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF METAL FRAMES FOR SKYLIGHTS OR ROOF WINDOWS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Walter Alfred Barlow at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 19th February 1878. A communication
from abroad by Jacob Hilgers, of Rheinbrohl, Rheinpreussen, Germany.
WALTER ALFRED BARLOW, of 6, St. Paul's Churchyard, London, Patent Agent
and Engineer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF METAL FRAMES FOR
SKYLIGHTS OR ROOF WINDOWS." A communication from abroad by Jacob Hilgers,
of Rheinbrohl, Rheinpreussen, Germany.
This Invention relates to certain improvements in the manufacture of metal
frames for skylight or roof windows, the object being to produce a better class
of frame, and one less liable to fracture and leakage, than those ordinarily
used.
Metal skylight or roof window frames have hereto been manufactured either of
zinc, cast iron, or sheet metal or galvanized sheet metal; the flat or roof frame
together with the standing up frame or boxing which is a protection against the
entering of rain water, it being when cast of one piece; such a fraining has the great
disadvantage of being heavy and cumbersome, very easily broken as well as rusting,
and in the case of roof window franes of sheet metal, both the parts are made of
several pieces, and put together at the corners by rivetting or soldering. These
rivetted or soldered places are liable to be and become imperfect, so that they are
leaky and do not stop out the "weather," and to obviate these defects is the object
of this Invention.
This Invention consists in the construction of roof window or skylight frames
from sheet metal by the process of stamping or shaping sheet metal to the required
form or shape. The flat or roof frame as well as the upward standing frame or
boxing is stamped in one piece from a rolled metal sheet, whereby all the imperfections
inherent in the construction of a roof window frame as heretofore manufactured are
avoided.
The roof windows can be manufactured from sheet metal of several kinds, but it
is preferred and intended to manufacture them out of black sheet metal, and to zinc
or galvanize them to prevent rusting, and the form can be readily varied for special
purposes of fixing and use.
IMPROVEMENTS IN TRAVELLING BAGS, WHEREBY THEY MAY BE USED FOR SAVING LIFE IN CASE OF SHIPWRECK
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Louis Autra at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 26th September 1878.
LOUIS AUTRA, of No. 9, Frith Street, Soho, in the County of Middlesex.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN TRAVELLING BAGS, WHEREBY THEY MAY BE USED FOR SAVING
LIFE IN CASE OF SHIPWRECK."
.
Most travellers carry a bag, and even persons upon pleasure excursions are very
generally provided with one in which to carry a variety of matters conducive to
their comfort.
I propose to make this bag so that in case of need it may be with facility used to
buoy the owner in the water, and for this purpose I propose to attach to the exterior
or interior, but preferably outside the bag and upon each of its sides, a double
covering or lining of waterproof material, each of these coverings being provided
with a valve by which it may be inflated with air, and I may further provide the
bag with a means of slinging it round the person or I may adapt the handles of the
bag so that they may be used for this purpose.
•
Instead of making the coverings or linings to fit on to the bag I might make the
bag itself of waterproof material and use only a single outer or inner lining or
covering, and instead of making each side of the bag into a separate air compart-
ment I might have a single compartment only.
IMPROVE- MENTS IN TELEPHONES AND TELEPHONIC CALL MECHANISMS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Herbert John Haddan at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 8th November 1878. A communica-
tion from abroad by Abner Mulholland Rosebrugh, of Toronto, in the Dominion
of Canada, Doctor of Medicine.
HERBERT JOHN HADDAN, of the Firm of Herbert and Company, Solicitors of
Patents, of 67, Strand, in the City of Westminster, Civil Engineer.
" IMPROVE-
MENTS IN TELEPHONES AND TELEPHONIC CALL MECHANISMS." A communication
from abroad by Abner Mulholland Rosebrugh, of Toronto, in the Dominion of
Canada, Doctor of Medicine.
The Invention has for its object the combination of an improved telephone and a
signalling apparatus in one instrument, and consists of one or more permenent
magnets which are used in common for the purpose of magnetizing the cores of the
telephone electro magnets, and also to magnetize the cores of moveable coils or
electro-magnets used for the production of induced currents for signalling purposes.
The telephone is constructed as follows:-To a diaphragm which is connected with
a mouth piece in the usual way, and which is made of any suitable material, one or
more cylindrical pieces of magnetized steel are attached, say, one quarter of an inch
in diameter and one inch in length; the free end expands suddenly near the end
to, say, one half inch diameter. This magnetized cylinder passes loosely through
the centre of the core of an electro-magnet which is secured to a plate placed about
one quarter of an inch from and parallel to the telephone diaphragm.
IMPROVED MEANS AND APPARATUS FOR BLASTING COAL AND OTHER MINERALS
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Ernst Gustavus Reuss, of Grosvenor Street, Manchester,
in the County of Lancaster, for the Invention of "IMPROVED MEANS AND
APPARATUS FOR BLASTING COAL AND OTHER MINERALS."
Sealed the 7th February 1879, and dated the 3rd December 1878.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Ernst Gustavus Reuss at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 3rd December, 1878.
ERNST GUSTAVUS REUSS, of Grosvenor Street, Manchester, in the County of
Lancaster. "IMPROVED MEANS AND APPARATUS FOR BLASTING COAL AND OTHER
MINERALS."
It has been proposed to employ for the blasting of coal and other minerals in
mines and workings the explosion of cartridges or cases charged with highly com-
pressed air, but there frequently are difficulties in working the air compressing
apparatus in the neighbourhood of the place where the explosion of the cartridge
is desired to take place.
The object of my Invention is to facilitate the use of cartridges of the kind
mentioned by combining with them means of increasing by the combustion of an
explosive the pressure of their contents, so as to burst them without producing so
much flame as to occasion danger even when the atmosphere of the mine or working
is charged with explosive gases. For this purpose I prepare a strong cartridge,
which preferably is in the form of a hollow cylinder in the following manner :-I
insert into it a small charge of an explosive, such as gun-cotton or gun-powder,
with an electric fuse, such as is employed to fire mines or torpedoes; I then charge
the interior of the cartridge with air to a high degree of pressure, such for example
as 5,000 to 7,000 lbs. on the square inch. The cartridge so prepared is inserted in
a hole bored in the coal or mineral to be blasted and tamped in; an electrical
Dana

page_text: current is then passed through the wires of the fuse, whereupon the explosive is
ignited, producing considerable volume of gaseous matter at a bigh temperature,
which beating the compressed air raises the pressure in the cartridge so as to burst
it, and the explosion causes the disintegration of the coal or mineral. A large
portion of the heat of the flame of the explosive being taken up in heating the
compressed air little or no flame can escape from the cartridge on its explosion.
The risk of escape of flame may be further lessened by damping the greater part of
the gun-cotton where it is employed as the explosive.
IMPROVEMENTS IN A DRY EARTH CLOSET PAN, WHICH IS SELF CLEANSING, DISCHARGING, AND TRAPPING, AND WHICH CAN BE USED INSTEAD OF A WATERCLOSET
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Martin Underwood at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 22nd August 1878.
MARTIN UNDERWOOD, Architect, of 92, London Wall, in the City of London, and
County of Middlesex. "IMPROVEMENTS IN A DRY EARTH CLOSET PAN, WHICH IS
SELF CLEANSING, DISCHARGING, AND TRAPPING, AND WHICH CAN BE USED
INSTEAD OF A WATERCLOSET."
The whole apparatus is constructed of iron and brass, a portion of the iron
enamelled, or in other suitable material, and consists of a pan to receive the earth
and excreta, an under pan which receives the soil and excreta, and which by levers
discharges the said earth and excreta backwards and downwards through a pipo or
other orifice and closes such orifico, acting as a trap. The whole is put in motion
by the raising of a handle which communicates with the levers and mechanisın.
IMPROVEMENTS WILLIAM HINCHCLIFFE,, Machinery Overlooker. IN CARD SETTING MACHINES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Edward Smith and William Hinch-
cliffe at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 13th June 1878.
EDWARD SMITH, of Huddersfield, in the County of York, Card Maker, and
"IMPROVEMENTS
WILLIAM HINCHCLIFFE, of the same Place, Machinery Overlooker.
IN CARD SETTING MACHINES."
This Invention relates to those machines which employ a pair of rollers for
feeding and traversing the leather, and our improvements consist in employing a
cam with a perfectly smooth edge or face for giving the traverse motion to the said
pair of rollers. This cam is mounted on a stud or shaft, which carries a ratchet
wheel, to work which we fix an eccentric on the end of the driving shaft, which
actuates a catch lever in gear with the ratchet wheel
The rollers are mounted on a sliding shaft, which receives motion from the cam
by means of a fork, stud, or finger suitably applied.
IMPROVED MEANS AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING GASEOUS FLUID UNDER PRESSURE, SUITABLE FOR PRODUCING MOTIVE POWER
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Inray at the Office of the Com-
missiouers of Patents on the 6th May 1878. A communication from abroad by
Augusto Quentin, of No. 23, Boulevard de Strasbourg, Paris, France.
JOHN LMRAY, of No. 20, Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex.
"IMPROVED MEANS AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING GASEOUS FLUID UNDER
PRESSURE, SUITABLE FOR PRODUCING MOTIVE POWER." [A communication from
abroad by Auguste Quentin, of No. 23, Boulevard de Strasbourg, Paris, France.]
According to this Invention a continuous combustible cord of nitroglycerine
mixed with gunpowder and glycerine is wound on a bobbin, and placed in a com-
partment of a strong vessel. By means of a pair of rollers, pressed together by
springs, the cord which passes between the rollers is wound off the bobbin at a
speed corresponding to that of its combustion, and delivered into another compart
ment of the vessel, where it burns, generating gaseous fluid at a pressure suitable
for working a motive-power engine.
The combustible cord is produced by pressing in moulds a paste consisting of
nitroglycerine and finely pulverised gunpowder and glycerine, intimately mixed
together, so as to form a composition which burns, but not explosively, its rapidity
of combustion being regulated as desired by the quantity of glycerine added.
The moulded paste is covered by moistened paper, which is made adhesive by
being served with a solution of caoutchouc in chloroform.
The vessel in which the combustion of the cord takes place is provided with a
pressure gauge and safety valve, and the rollers for drawing the cord off the bobbin
are conveniently driven by a small engine worked by a portion of the fluid produced
in the vessel, the speed of the rollers and consequently of the delivery of the cord
being regulated as desired by a stop-cock or valve in the pipe supplying the small
engine with its working fluid.
MENTS IN EARTH AND WATER CLOSETS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Henry Moore at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 18th June 1878.
HENRY MOORE, of Denny, in the County of Stirling, North Britain.
MENTS IN EARTH AND WATER CLOSETS."
"IMPROVE-
This Invention, which relates to improvements in earth and water closets,
consists in the application thereto of self-acting mechanism, whereby the weight of
the sitter acting upon the seat causes it to cant and act upon apparatus arranged
so as to admit a certain quantity of water or earth while the closet is in use.
According to my Invention, the seat of the closet is hinged in front, and is
supported at the back upon two or more springs, which retain it in a certain
normal position when the scat is unoccupied, and so that no water or earth will
find admission to the pan or body of the closet.
When however the closet is in use, the weight of the occupant overcomes the
resistance of the back supporting springs and causes the rearward portion of the
seat to become depressed, and so act upon a valve or other arrangement, whereby
the required supply of earth or water is obtained.
In the case of earth closets, the mouth of the sand or earth receptacle is closed
by a plate fixed to the back part of the scat, and in such a position that when the
seat sinks beneath the weight of the occupant the plate also is moved, so as to
uncover the mouth of the receptacle and allow a regulated quantity of sand or
earth to flow into the pan and mix with or cover the freshly deposited excreta.
In applying the Invention to waterclosets, the sent instead of acting upon a plate
or plates, as herein-before described, may be caused to open a cock or valve and
allow water to flow into the pan from a cistern or other vessel.
As soon as the seat is relieved from the weight of a sitter, the springs coming
into action cause the back portion to rise and stop the influx of sound or water by
the herein-before referred to means.
IMPROVED MEANS (OR APPA- RATUS) FOR DIFFUSING LIQUIDS IN THE FORM OF SPRAY
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Woodman Rolston at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 4th April 1878.
WILLIAM WOODMAN ROLSTON, of 19, Constitution Hill, Birmingham, County
of Warwick, Thermometer and Hydrometer Maker. "IMPROVED MEANS (OR APPA-
RATUS) FOR DIFFUSING LIQUIDS IN THE FORM OF SPRAY."
The object of this Invention is to diffuse in the form of a spray, perfumed or
other liquids for toilet, medical, disinfectivo, and other purposes, so as to insure a
certain result without the necessity of adjustment or liability to derangement, and
that by a simple, inexpensive, and portable instrument.
A fine spray is diffused by means of a current of air blown through the stem, and
then passing through and around a porous material placed inside or outside the
bulb or vessel in which the perfume or other liquid is held, one end of the said
porous material being immersed in the liquid to be diffused, and the other end com-
mmunicating with the exterior of the instrument in such a manner as to allow the
spray to be diffused upon or around the person of the user.
We make the vessel of the instrument spherical, or otherwise, and the stem or
pipe bent or otherwise.
The material used to be glass, clay, wood, bone, metal, or other material.
We obtain the spray through the pores of a piece of cane, but do not confine our-
selves to cane, we may use any other porous, capillary, or perforated material.
IMPROVEMENTS IN JACQUARDS FOR LOOMS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Abraham Flather and Arthur Sowden
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 18th October 1878.
ABRAHAM FLATHER and ARTHUR SOWDEN, of Bradford, in the County of York,
Machinists. "IMPROVEMENTS IN JACQUARDS FOR LOOMS."
The object of this Invention is to construct uprights and needles of such form and
strength as to prevent the upright from turning and thus missing the lifting knifes
of what is termed the " gripe." Such turning of uprights cause the piece that
is being woven to be spoilt.
We accomplish our object in the following manner:-The wire forming the
uprights is of such section, triangular, oval, or heart section preferred, that when
the single, double, or threble eyes of the horizontal wire is passed round the upright
the hook on the top of the same cannot turn, and is thus brought uniformly to the
same position with regard to the lifting knife of what is termed the "gripe" does
not require any twisting to allow of the broad side of the wire forming the upright
to rest steadily upon the lifting knife. The section of wire of which the upright is
formed in our improvement has also the advantage of fitting the grooving out in
the bottom of neck cord board, into which the bottom hooks of the upright fall,
thus giving additional steadiness to the uprights.
IMPROVEMENTS IN LOOMS FOR WEAVING
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Charles Henry Taylor at the Offic
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 16th November 1878.
CHARLES HENRY TAYLOR, of the Firm of J. Taylor Bros., of Huddersfield, in
the County of York, Manufacturers. "IMPROVEMENTS IN LOOMS FOR WEAVING."
This Invention relates to apparatus for breaking the fall or effecting the gradual
lowering of the shuttle boxes in looms having change shuttle boxes, and my
improvements consist in the employment of a hooked lever hinged to an upright
rod, to which a constant rising and falling motion is imparted by means of a lever
operated by a cam on the crank shaft. The hooked lever above mentioned works
in a vertical position or nearly so with the hooked end uppermost, and opposite
a series of notches or steps formed on or attached to the end of the box lever,
and when the said hooked lever is falling in company with the reciprocating rod,
the lower end thereof comes in contact with an incline, which causes the upper
end to engage with the notch on the shuttle box lever to which it happens to
be opposite at the time, and if the shuttle boxes are released the weight thereof is
sustained by the hooked lever during its upward motion, after which the hook is
drawn out of contact with the box lever projections by spiral or other spring
suitably arranged.
IMPROVE- MENTS IN CORNETS AND OTHER WIND INSTRUMENTS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Benjamin Joseph Barnard Mills at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 19th January 1878.
A communication from abroad by Charles G. Conn and Eugene Dupont, both
of Elkhart, in the State of Indiana, United States of America, Musical Instru-
ment Manufacturers.
BENJAMIN JOSEPH BARNARD MILLS, of the Firm of Harris and Mills, of 23,
Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex, Patent Agent. "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN CORNETS AND OTHER WIND INSTRUMENTS." A communication from
abroad by Charles G. Conn and Eugene Dupont, both of Elkhart, in the State of
Indiana, United States of America, Musical Instrument Manufacturers.
The Invention consists in constructing a cornet or other sliding valve instrument
so that it may be changed from a higher to a lower key by the introduction of
additional piping. To this end valve slides are employed of such length that they
may be drawn out to the necessary extent when the main piping is increased, and
to compensate for the length which is added to tho valve slides; to admit of drawing
them out as aforesaid bends are applied to the valves corresponding in length to the
added length of the valve slides, which bends form parts of the wind passage when
open tones are produced and are closed by the depression of the valves to produce
valve tones.
The Invention further relates to the use of graduated valve slides in combination
with the aforesaid compensating bends.
The objects of the Invention are to provide a cornet or other wind instrument
which may be adapted to play in different keys at the will of the performer, and
further to construct a cornet or other analogous instrument which will produce
open tones and valve tones of the same quantity and quality by avoiding a change
in the direction of the air current when the valve tone is substituted for the open
tone.
A NEW OR IMPROVED TEMPERING SCALE FOR THE USE OF TOOL MAKERS AND OTHERS."
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Alexander Melville Clark at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 9th February 1878. A communi-
cation from abroad by
"
ALEXANDER MELVILLE CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of Mid-
dlesex, Patent Agent. A NEW OR IMPROVED TEMPERING SCALE FOR THE USE OF
TOOL MAKERS AND OTHERS." A communication from abroad by
The object of the Invention is to furnish the metal worker with a reliable scale
or guide, termed a chromatic tempering scale, whereby he may temper various
tools to the proper degree by comparing the colors produced by heat on the surface
of the tools with the color indicated on the scale as appropriate to such tools, and
the Invention consists in a fac simile or close imitation of the gradations of color, tint,
or hue, which appear on the surface of hardened steel or other metal when re-heated,
the said fac simile having characters, letters, words, or figures denoting the shade
of color indicating the temper appropriate to the various tools, implements, and
objects known and employed in the arts.
.
The scale exhibits all the colors assumed by polished steel during the process of
tempering, the colors being approximately blue at one end, and passing through
purple, red, orange, to yellow at the other end, the colors being blended into each
other by interinediate gradations. At the side or upon the color scale the names
of various tools are inscribed, for example, the word "springs" at one point, the
word "axes at another, and so on, the signification being that springs and axes in
the example are to be tempered to correspond with the colors opposite the name
of the implement or article to be tempered.
"
The scale is produced by chromo-lithography or an analogous process on paper,
wood, or other material, and represents all of the gradations of color that may be
produced on the surface of steel in the process of tempering.
PROVEMENTS IN BICYCLES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Townsend Trench and James
Sexton Simonds at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 18th
October 1878.
JOHN TOWNSEND TRENCH, of Kenmare, in the County of Kerry, Ireland, and
JAMES SEXTON SIMONDS, of No. 21, Bachelors Walk, in the City of Dublin.
PROVEMENTS IN BICYCLES."
This Invention has for its object improvements in bicycles.
IM-
In certain states of the weather and roads it is found that bicycles provided with
the vulcanized india rubber tyres in common use are very liable to slip.
According to our Invention we prevent all danger from this cause by forming
transverse or longitudinal grooves in or projections on the face of the tyre which
bears upon the road. These grooves or projections may be produced by cutting or
otherwise, and they may either be confined to the bearing face of the tyre, or they
may pass entirely around it.
The projections or ridges between the grooves may have a core of harder
material than the body of the tyre.
A NEW OR IMPROVED WATERPROOF MATERIAL
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Jules Crouzières at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 21st March 1878.
JULES CROUZIÈRES, of Marseilles, in the Department of the Bouches du Rhône,
and Republic of France, Manufacturer. "A NEW OR IMPROVED WATERPROOF
MATERIAL."
The matters entering into the composition of my new or improved waterproof
material are tar, oxide of iron, gutta percha, linseed oil, india-rubber, spirit varnish,
ochre, and zinc white.
I dissolve the gutta percha in a suitable quantity of tar and of linseed oil. I
allow this mixture to cool; then add the zinc white, previously triturated with
linseed oil, and finally the oxide of iron, the india-rubber, spirit varnish, and the
yellow or other ochre in proportions regulated by the color I wish to give to the
material. I then take a sheet of pasteboard or millboard, preferably of a maroon
color, coat it with a little linseed oil, using a sponge or otherwise; I then apply
the above composition cold by the aid of a brush, or in any suitable manner, and
leave it to dry, when it may be cut as required.
This material may be used very advantageously for the intermediate sole of a
boot or shoe, and in lieu of a cork sole, it being both waterproof and hygienic, for
tarpaulins, and for a great variety of purposes.
IMPROVEMENTS IN AND APPERTAINING TO MACHINES FOR CLEANING KNIVES AND OTHER ARTICLES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Howard Bushy Fox at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 24th August 1878.
HOWARD BUSHY Fox, of Oxton, in the County of Chester.
"IMPROVEMENTS
IN AND APPERTAINING TO MACHINES FOR CLEANING KNIVES AND OTHER ARTICLES."
This apparatus for cleaning knives consists in a circular horizontal frame, into
which all the knives are inserted in a row of slots, forming one or more circles
round the centre of said frame. This frame rotates on top of a drum or series of
concentric drums by means of a crank handle, belt, and pulley, or otherwise. On
the spindle attached to said frame and supported in a central tube of said drum
the knives as they revolve pass between brushes, leather pads, or other abrading
surfaces supplied with Bath brick dust, or emery, or otherwise, and rigidly attached
to the drum or other stationary framework.
The bed frame carrying the knives, and the drum holding the brushes and pads,
have a pawl and ratchet or their mechanical equivalent, so that the frame can only
travel one way. The holes for the knives too are so arranged with guides that the
knives are held securely upright, and can only be inserted, all facing one way.
On the bed plate or stand supporting the drum I place a brush to clean forks
with, and sometimes arrange machines with curved brushes or pads for the purpose
of cleaning spoons.
When the apparatus is somewhat worn the various parts can be reversed, so that
all parts may wear alike.
IMPROVE- MENTS IN MACHINERY FOR TREATING CERTAIN TEXTILE FABRICS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Herbert John Haddan at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 6th September 1878. A communi-
cation from abroad by Julien Devilder, of Cambrai, in the Republic of France.
HERBERT JOHN HADDAN, of the Firm of Herbert and Company, Solicitors of
Patents, of 67, Strand, in the City of Westminster, Civil Engineer. "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN MACHINERY FOR TREATING CERTAIN TEXTILE FABRICS." A communi-
cation from abroad by Julien Devilder, of Cambrai, in the Republic of France.
The improvements relate to machinery for suppling and widening woolen, cotton,
and other textile fabrics, except silk, and consists in the arrangement of feeding,
damping, and tension rollers in combination with a widening roller in such manner
that the material may be fed equally, damped sufficiently, and extended both
longitudinally and transversely as desired, and according to the nature of the
material treated.
The improvements are to be performed by mounting the rollers in a convenient
frame or frames. The damping rollers should consist of oue of zinc opposed to a
wooden roller covered with cloth; the tension rollers, which also serve to guide the
material, should be made of copper; the widening roller is formed of plates or
blades of copper crossing each other two by two, and arranged to turn and separate
froin each other during one half of the revolution of the roller, and come near each
other during the other half revolution, the separating process extending or widening
the material.
CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR PREPARING COTTON AND OTHER FIBROUS SUBSTANCES TO BE SPUN
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Abraham Holden at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 10th April 1878.
ABRAHAM HOLDEN, of Little Hulton, near Bolton, in the County of Lancaster,
Cotton Mill Manager. "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR PREPARING
COTTON AND OTHER FIBROUS SUBSTANCES TO BE SPUN."
My Invention is applicable to drawing frames and other machines used in pre-
paring cotton and other fibrous substances to be spun, in which the slivers or
rovings pass over or through guide spoons or other equivalents, and it consists in
an improved arrangement of parts for stopping the machine when an end breaks or
ceases to be supplied.
In the head or mouth part of the ordinary knocking off spoon or guide I.mount
a small roller or lip plate for the sliver or roving to pass under; the roller is turned
round by the sliver or roving as it is drawn forward by the back roller, conse-
quently tension is put on the sliver between the spoon roller and the taking-in
roller; or if the lip-plate spoon is applied, the tension is caused by the lip resting
on the sliver as it passes forward to the taking in or draft roller.
The advantages gained by this Invention are preventing uneven yarn by ensuring
the full complement of slivers or rovings to each delivery, making less waste,
reducing the amount of machinery, economising oil and power, and consequently
producing a more even and stronger weft and yarn than heretofore.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF LATICES AND PEGS USED IN WEAVING FANCY GOODS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Shorrock at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 1st July 1878.
WILLIAM SHORROCK, of Preston, in the County of Lancaster, Manufacturer of
Latices and Pegs. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF LATICES AND PEGS
USED IN WEAVING FANCY GOODS."
The latices as at present made and used have a hole opposite to each hook or jack
to receive a peg, which peg acts upon the hook or jack when opposite, therefore
thore will be a hole to each hook or jack, in consequence of which the latices are
made very weak froin so many holes.
My Invention consists in making latices with one hole to each two hooks or
jacks, so that one-half the holes only are required, thereby leaving the latice
doubly strong to what it is as at present constructed.
To overcome the requirement of the first-named extra hole I make my present.
pegs, No. 1, slightly cranked or one-sided; No. 2, samo as at present; Nos. 3 and 4,
according to the requirement of my pattern.
The object of my Invention is to save time in making, and by only boring one
hole where two are now used a doubly strong latice is produced at a considerable
less cost.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR COPYING WRITING
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Edward Price at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 31st December 1878.
EDWARD PRICE, Gas Engineer, of Hampton Wick, in the County of Middlesex.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR COPYING WRITING."
This Invention consists of a convenient form of vessel to be composed of glass or
other material, and having a piece of sponge or other porous substance held by a
cap or otherwise in such a manner that part of it will be inside the vessel which is
to contain water or other fluid, and part outside, shaped so as to form a brush,
which will be kept wet by the action of capillary attraction, thus forming a self
wetting surface to be used for damping copying paper or for other purposes. This
vessel to be made with a suitably formed base for taking copies by rubbing with
pressure a sheet of oiled paper placed on the damp tissue, which will receive the
required impression. With this will be used, for convenience in taking and
preserving copies, a book of alternate writing and tissue leaves, the tissue to be in
numbered pages with an alphabetical index, and the writing paper to have printed
headings, and to be perforated for tearing out.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE BLOCK SYSTEM OF RAILWAY SIGNALLING, AND IN THE MEANS OR APPLIANCES FOR THE PURPOSE OF LOCALIZING THE POSITION OF TRAINS ON RAILWAYS
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Teale Powell at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 17th January 1878.
"
THOMAS TEALE POWELL, of Harrowgate, in the County of York, China and Glass
Merchant. IMPROVEMENTS IN THE BLOCK SYSTEM OF RAILWAY SIGNALLING, AND
IN THE MEANS OR APPLIANCES FOR THE PURPOSE OF LOCALIZING THE POSITION
OF TRAINS ON RAILWAYS."
The object of this Invention is an improvement in the block system as at present
carried out on railways, the said improvement being more particularly for the
purpose of indicating in the signal cabin the actual position of any train within
one of the blocks or sections into which the line is divided, and also to dispense
with a certain number of block signal cabins or stations, thereby materially reducing
the cost of working the block system.
These objects are effected by placing the signal cabins a greater distance from
each other than has been usual hitherto, and subdividing the large block or section
thus erected into a number of subdivisions or sub-blocks. The commencement of
each of these sub-blocks is distinguished by a short signal post provided with an
audible or visible signal, or both. A trigger or depressor is also inserted or counter-
sunk into the rail within each sub-block, so that directly a train enters one of the
sub-blocks the wheels of the train will push down the depressor or trigger, and will
through the medium of the depressor (by electricity or otherwise) ring a bell in the
signal cabin it last passed, and also in the cabin it is approaching.
The object of the bell is to call the attention of the signalman to an indicator
fixed within his cabin, which shall point out to him the number of the sub-block
into which the train has just entered. The indicator, which may be of the ordinary
construction, is also worked by electricity or mechanical means, and will remain at
the indicated number of the sub-block until the train shall have passed in the next
sub-block, when the wheels of the train by pressing down the depressor fixed within

page_text: that sub-block will again ring the signal bell, and call the signalman's attention to
the indicated number, which will have passed on to the number of the sub-block
into which the train has just entered.
The signals at the beginning of each sub-block may either be worked automa-
tically from the engine, or by the proper appliances from the signal cabin.