matthewleechen/300YearsOfBritishPatents huggingface dataset:
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF BUTTONS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John McNay Rimington at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 9th March 1877.
JOHN MONAY RIMINGTON, of the Town and County of Newcastle-on-Tyne.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF BUTTONS."
This Invention relates to certain improvements in the construction of buttons to
be used in connection with articles of furniture, and for other similar purposes, and
is more especially applicable to the attaching of antimacassars and other loose
coverings to articles of furniture, whereby they are secured thereto in any required
position, and in an elegant, simple, and efficacious manner, without injury either to
the article so fixed or to the furniture.
The main body of the button is constructed in the ordinary manner, and can be
of any required design or size. The shank consists of a piece of metallic wire
twisted into a spiral form, one end thereof being attached to the back plate of the
button, and the other end being sharpened to a point. Upon it being desired to
employ buttons constructed as before described the antimacassar or other article is
placed in the required position, and the point of the button shank placed in contact
therewith, when upon turning the button the convolutions of the shank are caused
to pass through the antimacassar, and to enter the article of furniture, to which it is
thus firmly attached. By turning the buttons in the opposite direction they become
instantly disengaged, and allow of the antimacassar or other article being removed.
IMPROVEMENTS IN TELEGRAPH POSTS, AND IN THE METHOD OF FIXING THE SAME
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Musgrove Norman, of Barrow-in-Furness, in the
County of Lancaster, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN TELEGRAPH
POSTS, AND IN THE METHOD OF FIXING THE SAME'
Sealed the 6th April 1877, and dated the 7th February 1877.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Musgrove Norman at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 7th February 1877.
JOHN MUSGROVE NORMAN, of Barrow-in-Fuiness, in the County of Lancaster
"IMPROVEMENTS IN TELEGRAPH POSTS, AND IN THE METHOD OF FIXING THE
SAME."
My Invention relates to the construction and fixing of posts for the support of
suspended telegraph wires, the chief object of my improved construction being to
secure lightness and portability consistently with strength and firmness, and facility
of placing the posts themselves and the insulators thereon
My improved post consists of two separate uprights of angle iron, or of iron of a
trough section, which are diven into the ground at some distance apart, and are
tied together at or near the top by one or more cross bars of angle or tiough iron
bolted to them, the said cross bars being perforated with numerous holes for the
reception of insulators both in the part between the uprights, and also if required in
the parts which extend beyond the uprights like projecting arms In placing such
posts as I have described it is generally unnecessary to dig holes in the ground, as
holes can be made of sufficient depth by the action of & jumping tool
Where the soil is of a soft or yielding character I prefer to dig a shallow trench
extending beyond and on each side of the uprights, and after the uprights are fixed
in position I fill this trench with concrete, cement, asphalt, or other material that
will set and haiden, and I thereby have the posts retained firmly and steadily in a
cake of hard material which sets upon them.
A NEW AND IMPROVED FORM OF PAVING BLOCKS OF WOOD, STONE, OR OTHER MATERIAL SUITABLE FOR PAVING STREETS, ET CETERA
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Smallpeice, of No. 6, Gray's Inn Place, in the
County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, for the Invention of "A NEW AND
IMPROVED FORM OF PAVING BLOCKS OF WOOD, STONE, OR OTHER MATERIAL
SUITABLE FOR PAVING STREETS, ET CETERA."
ealed the 4th December 1877, and dated the 10th October 18
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said William Smallpeice at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 10th October 1877.
WILLIAM SMALLPEICE, of No. 6, Gray's Inn Place, in the County of Middlesex,
Civil Engineer. "A NEW AND IMPROVED FORM OF PAVING BLOCKS OF WOOD,
STONE, OR OTHER MATERIAL SUITABLE FOR PAVING STREETS, ET CETERA."
My Invention which is specially intended to be applied to paving blocks of wood,
consists in making the blocks in the form of a frustrum of a wedge or pyramid, so
that when laid with their bases touching each other, and thereby bearing on the
whole of the surface of the foundation, a wedge-shaped space, widest at the top, is
left between them. This space may be filled with a grouting of concrete or any
other suitable material of a gritty nature at present in use, or by specially
prepared wedge-shaped blocks of stone (natural or artificial), or stoneware, or
earthenware.
When stone or other paving blocks are used, then the space between them may
be filled with wedge-shaped blocks of wood.
EXPLANATION OF THE DRAWING.
Figures 1, 2, and 3, show elevation, plan, and end view of the blocks in their
simplest form suitable for ordinary wood pavement.
Figure 4 shows the manner of forming the blocks by cutting in half a block of
sufficient thickness for two ordinary blocks on the line A, B, which makes a small
angle with the vertical. By varying this angle, the space between the blocks is
varied.
Figures 5, 6, 7, and 8, show slight modifications of the above.
Figures 9 and 10 show another niodification suitable for crossings, stables, stable
and other vards, et cetera.

page_text: Figures 11, 12, and 13, show the specially prepared wedge-shaped blocks for
filling the spaces between the paving blocks.
In conclusion, I claim as my Invention,―
First. The making the paving blocks in the form of a frustrum of a wedge or
pyramid, as herein described.
Secondly. Filling the spaces between such blocks with wedge-shaped blocks of
natural or artificial stone, stoneware, earthenware, or like material, or wood.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this Tenth day
of October 1877.
FORMING PATTERNS OR DESIGNS ON FELTED FABRICS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Edwin Thurmand at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 16th August 1877.
EDWIN THURMAND, of Batley, in the County of York.
OF FORMING PATTERNS OR DESIGNS ON FELTED FABRICS."
"AN IMPROVED METHOD
The felted fabrics on which the designs or patterns are formed may be of ordinary
construction and of any desired colour. On this fabric I form a raised pattern by
means of twisted thread or unspun "roving," which is paid out on to the felted
fabric from bobbins arranged on suitable framework, or from an ordinary feed beam.
As the twisted thread or unspun "roving" is paid out on to the material, both are
passed between what is known as a "hardener," whereby the twisted thread or
unspun "roving" is secured to the felted fabric.
By the above means striped and other patterns may be formed upon and secured
to felted fabrics.
A "bat frame "
or other convenient apparatus may be used for laying on the
twisted thread or unspun "roving."

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Edwin Thurmand at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 16th August 1877.
EDWIN THURMAND, of Batley, in the County of York.
OF FORMING PATTERNS OR DESIGNS ON FELTED FABRICS."
"AN IMPROVED METHOD
The felted fabrics on which the designs or patterns are formed may be of ordinary
construction and of any desired colour. On this fabric I form a raised pattern by
means of twisted thread or unspun "roving," which is paid out on to the felted
fabric from bobbins arranged on suitable framework, or from an ordinary feed beam.
As the twisted thread or unspun "roving" is paid out on to the material, both are
passed between what is known as a "hardener," whereby the twisted thread or
unspun "roving" is secured to the felted fabric.
By the above means striped and other patterns may be formed upon and secured
to felted fabrics.
"
A "bat frame or other convenient apparatus may be used for laying on the
twisted thread or unspun "roving."
IM- PROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR CONVEYING PASSENGERS AND GOODS ACROSS WATER.
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Kennedy at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 5th January 1877.
WILLIAM KENNEDY, of Saltcoats, in the County of Ayr, North Britain. "IM-
PROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR CONVEYING PASSENGERS AND GOODS ACROSS
WATER.
This Invention has for its object the providing of improved, simple, and con-
venient apparatus for conveying passengers and goods across water, such apparatus
being, under some modifications, designed to facilitate the crossing of rivers or
canals; whilst the improvements are not limited in their application to any
reasonable extent of space to be crossed or traversed, provided that the structures
are made of suitable proportions and adequate strength.
In carrying out the Invention a level or nearly level roadway is formed at the
bottom of the river, or other water to be crossed or traversed, such roadway being,
according to some modifications, provided with rails or suitable guides presenting
the least possible projection. A ferry carriage mounted on wheels is provided to
run upon the roadway, and it is an essential feature of the Invention that the main
or driving wheels of this carriage are of a size corresponding to the depth of water,
and such that their axle is above the ordinary level of the water.
The ferry carriage may have two pairs of the large wheels, or one pair of large
wheels and one or two pairs of smaller wheels, and it is by preference fitted with
fixed or revolving brushes or scrapers for clearing the rails or roadway.
The ferry carriage is to be propelled by means of a boiler and engine placed, by
preference, in a central compartment, and on each side of such compartment plat-
forms are provided at the level of the quay to receive carts, wagons, and other
wheeled vehicles. Foot passengers may be accommodated on the same level, but it
will generally be more convenient to provide for them an upper saloon or platform,
to which access will be had by stairs, either on the ferry carriage itself or on the
quays.
In some cases, instead of the roadway being formed with rails or guiding surfaces
for the wheels of the ferry carriage, there may be a flat roadway for these to run on,
and the carriage may be guided across by one or more ropes, chains, or hawsers

page_text: connected to a centre post or posts fixed in the bed of the river or water-covered
space, or otherwise.
In some cases, where the bed of a water-covered space is naturally or can easily
be made sufficiently level, it may be unnecessary to form a rigid roadway, and in
such cases the wheels of the ferry carriage may be made with broad flanges, so as
not to easily sink in sand or mud. When the ferry carriage is of large size it may
be provided with three or more pairs of large carrying wheels, all or some of which
should be provided with springs, to admit of their accommodating themselves to
slight inequalities in the surface of the roadway.
IMPROVEMENTS IN COUPLINGS FOR AIR AND VACUUM BRAKES FOR RAILWAYS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Herbert John Haddan at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 26th June 1877. A communication
from abroad by William Stevens, of New York, in the United States of
America.
HERBERT JOHN HADDAN, of the Firm of Herbert and Company, Patent Agents,
of 67, Strand, in the City of Westminster, Civil Engineer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN
COUPLINGS FOR AIR AND VACUUM BRAKES FOR RAILWAYS." A communication
from abroad by William Stevens, of New York, in the United States of America.
The Invention consists in the combination with the male and female part of the
air pipe between the adjoining cars of a plug valve with a one-armed plug for each,
furnished with a counter connected hook for each, and springs and locking
projections for each, so that while the cars are connected and the air pipe coupling
intact, said valves are held and locked, affording a free passage through them for
the proper operation of the brake; but by the disconnection and motion apart of
the cars said plugs and valves are automatically unlocked and turned, thereby
closing the escape and passage of air through them; such unlocking and turning
being caused by the engagement of the said arms of said plug valves with their
opposite attached hooks, before the entire uncoupling of the male and female part
takes place, and consequent loss of the pressure or vacuum of air in the pipe,
whereby the great convenience of the coupling being in readiness for recoupling at
any time is secured.
The various parts may be of inetal; the arms and hooks of the plug valves and
their springs may be proportioned according to the strength desired and the
distance between the male and female part of the tube coupling, the object being
to hermetically seal the tube in or by the act of uncoupling or dividing it.
THE METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR DRYING, CHARRING, PRESSING, STAMPING, AND COOLING PEAT, THE COOLING PROCESS BEING SUBSEQUENT TO THE CHARRING
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Barrow at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 13th September 1877.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN
THOMAS BARROW, of Rock Ferry, in the County of Chester.
THE METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR DRYING, CHARRING, PRESSING, STAMPING,
AND COOLING PEAT, THE COOLING PROCESS BEING SUBSEQUENT TO THE CHARRING."
My Invention consists in drying peat which has been first disintegrated and
masticated by causing the same to pass through by means of screws or worms a
series of open troughs or gutters which discharge one into another, and are placed
over a suitable flue or furnace. The troughs discharge the peat into a hopper or
pipe which feeds a series of charring pipes provided with screws or worms, and
placed over or in connection with a suitable furnace. The charring pipes are by
preference arranged one above the other, and are provided alternately with right
and left handed screws or worms, the ends of the pipes being connected by elbow
pieces, so that the peat drawn by the screws in one pipe is discharged through the
elbow into the next pipe, through which it is drawn by the reverse screw, and so on
through the series. The screws are mounted on suitable shafts which run in
stuffing boxes, and are driven by any suitable gear.
The driving troughs and the charring pipes are by preference fitted over one
furnace common to both. The furnace is provided with a door at each end, and
rails, on which run trucks, being the fire-grates, the trucks with fresh fuel being
fed at one end, and the burnt-out trucks removed at the other end, or in lieu of the
trucks ordinary fire-bars may be used, or an endless band furnace.
The charring pipes are provided with baffle plates, dividing the furnace into a
series of flues, over the upper of which are placed the drying troughs. The charring
pipes are also provided with steam and gas escape pipes, leading to a suitable
condenser.
From the charring pipes the peat is discharged into a receiver, and on to a
rotating disc, provided with dies of suitable form. The disc rotates over or against
a table, and the stamper which presses the peat into the dies consists of a lever,
one end of which is weighted, and the other provided with a stamping piece of
[Price 2d3

page_text: wood or metal, and also a discharging piece. The stamper presses the peat into
the die as the disc passes over the table, and the discharger afterwards forces the
pressed peat through the die or hole. The stamper may be worked by any suitable
mechanism, and the disc may be horizontal or vertical. One or more stampers may
be fitted in connection with each disc.
For cooling peat charcoal I pass it through a series of pipes immersed in water,
the motive agent being a worm or screw working in such pipes.
When it is required to pulverize the peat charcoal such can be done by passing it
between suitable rollers.
IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR SPINNING
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by George Dyer at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 18th May 1877.
GEORGE DYER, of Belfast, in the County of Antrim, in Ireland, Flax Mill Manager.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR SPINNING."
My Invention relates to that part of a preparing machine known as the gills, and
has for its object the cleaning of same and preventing the accumulation of floss or
nap thereon by means of a self-acting appliance in lieu of hand labour.
My Invention consists in the use of a separate inverted gill or brush extending
across each head of fallers or gill bars, and attached to the top slides or the bottom
of a faller, or a brush actuated by eccentrics or tappets, and attached to the frame
rising between fallers in the bottom screw.
EGG WISKS OR BEATERS.
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Luke Collier at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 14th August 1877.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN
LUKE COLLIER, of Rochdale, in the County of Lancaster.
EGG WISKS OR BEATERS.".
My Invention consists of improvements in egg wisks which are used by con-
fectioners and others.
The apparatus or machines at present in use are formed with the wisk and pail
as fixtures, and therefore only one pail can be used for each machine. This arrange-
ment has been found very inconvenient, and therefore to obviate the objections to
same I construct my arrangements so that one wisk may in turn be used for any
number of cans or pails.
In carrying out my Invention I adopt mainly the following arrangements:-
The machine (which may either be worked by hand or steam power) has a
table capable of sliding up and down, said table serving to hold the vessel or can
containing the eggs.
When the wisking is required to be done, the table with the vessel is raised (the
wisk being attached to the framing which carries the table) and the wisk enters the
vessel; the operation of turning the wisk is then performed in the usual manner.
When the wisking is completed the table is lowered (by means of a rack and
pinion actuated by a handle, or by other suitable means), and with it the vessel or
can, which is replaced by another vessel or can, and the operation is repeated.
Thus one machine will serve for any number of vessels or cans, my Invention
providing that by fixed machinery constructed in this way, with a sliding table
capable of being raised or lowered by suitable arrangements or gearing, any number
of vessels or cans containing the eggs are successively used, and thus not only is
there a saving in time but also in cost.
CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN SPINAL SUPPORTERS OR APPARATUS FOR TREATING SPINAL CURVATURES."
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Mary Sophia Seltzer at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 13th October 1877.
MARY SOPHIA SELTZER, of Twisden Road, Highgate Road, in the County of
Middlesex. "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN SPINAL SUPPORTERS OR APPARATUS FOR
TREATING SPINAL CURVATURES."
My Invention relates to an apparatus for treating spinal curvatures, so composed
and so combined with a corset that it may be conveniently worn by the patient at
all times, and that the pressure or tension upon the spine may be increased or
relaxed with the greatest facility, and to the exact degree required by means of
screw threaded supports and nuts.
I propose to make my improved spinal supporters of two crutches, the curving
cross piece or head of each crutch being carried by a straight staff or support, screw
threaded in a part of its length, and passing into a screw tapped nut, which may be
attached to the corset by means of a spring plate or otherwise.
On each side of the corset, at the point where it is cut out to suit the curve of
the arm or shoulder, I propose to make pockets to receive the staff or support of the
crutch; and I may tie the curved piece or head of the crutch to the corset by tapes
passing through loops; or I may adopt other means of connecting the crutches with
the corset, provided that they will permit the staff or support to be released so as
to turn in its nut to increase or relieve tension.
I may make my crutches wholly of metal, or the screw threaded part may be of
metal, and the remainder of any strong and light material which I may find
suitable, and I may pad the crutches as well as the exterior of the nut, as I may
find most desirable.
The actual corset will be such as are ordinarily worn, and with or without pads,
and the pockets for the crutches be of the same or any strong fabric.
Ordinary spinal supportes are curved, but each of my crutches has a straight
staff or support not following the lateral curvature of the spine, but alway giving a
tension tending not only to relieve the spine, but also to straighten it; the mode of
D

page_text: applying and regulating the pressure by simply turning the supports in their nuts
will be found a more ready as well as a stronger arrangement than any of the
various sliding and other joints now used in spinal supporters, and by reason of its
few and simple parts my apparatus may not only be made very cheap but also of
very little weight or bulk, a matter of the highest importance in apparatus of this
nature.
IMPROVEMENTS IN PUMPS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the Honorable Richard Clere Parsons
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 14th June 1877.
The Honorable RICHARD CLERE PARSONS, of Connaught Place, in the County
of Middlesex, "IMPROVEMENTS IN PUMPS."
The object of this Invention is to construct a pump for raising water or other
liquids, which will have many advantages over the centrifugal pump without the
disadvantages inherent in that system of pump, such for instance as a throttling
action on the water at the inlet, also a constantly increasing leakage consequent
upon the wearing of the face joints, and further the great expense of construction,
there being so many parts which require careful fitting and constant renewal in the
centrifugal pump.
In constructing, say, a vertical pump, according to this Invention, I make the
pump case for a certain portion of its length cylindrical, and give the same a conical
extension outwards at both ends to facilitate the admission to and discharge of water
therefrom.
In the cylindrical portion of the casing I mount a fan consisting of a central
cylindrical core, carrying on its periphery helical blades which extend from end to
end thereof. Immediately above this fan is a fixed cylindrical core of the same
diameter as that of the fan, and to it are fitted helical blades set in the opposite
direction to those of the fan, and forming guides for the passage upwards of the
water which is raised by the rotation of the fan. These blades fit as close as may
be to the cylindrical casing. The fixed core is closed at its upper end by a conical
extension, which is rigidly attached to the outer casing, and carries at its apex a
bearing for the fan spindle. Below the fan and also rigidly attached to the outer
casing is an inverted cone, the base of which corresponds in diameter to that of the
core of the fan. This cone carries a step bearing for the lower end of the fan
spindle.
In working this pump it is immersed in water to a level slightly above the lower
extremities of the guide blades, and on rotating the fan the water flows up the fan
and guide blades and fills the casing above, which is provided with a suitable
orifice for the discharge of the water.

page_text: The principle upon which this pump works is that of impact, the blades of the
fan serving to scoop up the water in which they are immersed, and to throw it up
in a vertical direction, at the same time, generating in it a considerable rotary
motion. This rotary motion is arrested by the fixed guide blades which form
inclined planes for the easy ascent of the water.
I would remark that this pump may if desired be constructed with more than one
set of fan and guide blades on the same spindle or shaft, and the advantage of
increasing the number of these sets of blades is that a pump thus constructed can
be made to raise water to any required lift without increasing the speed of the
rotation of the fan spindles.
AN IMPROVED FLUID OR COMPOSITION APPLICABLE TO THE PRESERVATION OF WOOD, IRON, AND OTHER MATERIALS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Edwin Phillips at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 19th September 1877.
WILLIAM EDWIN PHILLIPS, of Broxton, in the County of Cheshire. "AN
IMPROVED FLUID OR COMPOSITION APPLICABLE TO THE PRESERVATION OF WOOD,
IRON, AND OTHER MATERIALS."
According to this Invention I take boiled linseed oil and add a sufficient quantity
of charred English oak, in powder, to make the liquid of the consistency of thick
cream; it is then placed in a vat, and undergoes a churning process, say, by double
action machinery for, say, about 15 minutes, during which process air is circulated
among the fluid by means of tubes placed in openings in the lid of vat; it is
then treated with oil of origanum and alkanet root solution, 2 drachms of each to 4
gallons, worked for a few minutes again, strained, and bottled for use.
The composition may be applied by means of a brush.
IMPROVEMENTS IN LUBRICATING THE JOURNALS AND LIKE PARTS OF REVOLVING OR ROTATING SHAFTS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas James Smith at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 5th January 1877.
THOMAS JAMES SMITH, of the firm of Robertson, Brooman, and Company, of
166, Fleet Street, in the City of London, Patent Agents. "IMPROVEMENTS IN
LUBRICATING THE JOURNALS AND LIKE PARTS OF REVOLVING OR ROTATING SHAFTS."
(Communicated from abroad by Albert Piat, residing at 19, Rue des Halles, Paris,
France.)
This Invention relates to improvements in lubricating the journals and like parts
of revolving or rotating shafts, and consists mainly in forming a hollow as a cup in
the pedestal base of a plummer block or in putting a cup therein for holding oil
which can be poured into it from the side. The bearing ring or brass is formed
with an annular or semi-annular groove or recess in which folded gauze, as wicks
or tapes, are arranged and pressed upon by springs to hold them in place and also
in contact with the shaft, so that the oil can be drawn up by capillary attraction,
the other ends of the wicks or tapes being within a spout or tube dipping into the
oil well or cup; the spout or tube may be vertical or at an inclination. The folded
material is of a smooth character or texture. The uprights of the pedestal carry a
cap and vertical screw bolts to hold the cap in position, and the cap has an ad-
justing screw to bear upon the top brass.
IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR CLEANING TABLE CUTLERY
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Edward Beanland at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 7th November 1877.
JOHN EDWARD BEANLAND, Builder's Manager, of Bradford, in the County of
York. "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR CLEANING TABLE CUTLERY."
This Invention relates to those descriptions of knife-cleaning machines in which
the knives are held stationary and pointed in a radial direction towards the axis of
revolving surface rubbers; but in the working of such machines the knives are often
drawn into the machine, and especially when the handle is turned in the wrong
direction. The object of this Invention is to remedy these defects, and to steady the
knives in position, thereby preventing the drawing in of the knives, and the moving
sideways, also the breaking of the handles, and to improve the durability of the
rubbers forming the polishing surfaces. For this purpose I fit or cast under each
flange for the knives slotted bearers, in which are passed the knives; brackets,
which are made with curved ends having tapered slots or hollows, receive the backs
of the knives being cleaned in the machine. The brackets steady the knives,
prevent them moving sideways, reduce the wear and tear of the leathers or rubbing
surfaces, and prevent the breaking of the handles.
•
IMPROVEMENTS IN PINCERS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Herbert John Haddan at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 14th September 1877. A communi-
cation from abroad by Aaron Francis Stowe and Moses Pettes, both of
Worcester, State of Massachusetts, United States of America.
HERBERT JOHN HADDAN, of the Firm of Herbert and Company, Patent Agents,
of 67, Strand, in the City of Westminster, Civil Engineer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN
PINCERS." A communication from abroad by Aaron Francis Stowe and Moses
Pettes, both of Worcester, State of Massachusetts, United States of America.
This Invention relates to pincers, pliers, vices, tongs, and such like intended to
have their jaws working parallel, and consists in combining with said jaws and
their operative lever a special parallel notion or mechanism for producing parallel
motion; the said special mechanism consisting in making the heel of each jaw lap
on the shorter arm of its lever and be pivoted thereto, and furnishing the inner side
of each heel with a straight groove made parallel to its upper edge to receive a stud
extending from the shorter arm of the lever pivoted to the outer heel.
The various parts are most conveniently made of metal.
IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR APPLYING RAILWAY BRAKES AND CONTROLLING THE PASSAGE OF TRAINS ALONG RAILWAYS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by George Baker at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 27th September 1877.
GEORGE BAKER, of Bateman's Cottages, Redan Hill, Aldershot, in the County of
Hants. "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR APPLYING RAILWAY BRAKES AND
CONTROLLING THE PASSAGE OF TRAINS ALONG RAILWAYS."
This Invention has for its object to automatically apply the brakes of a railway
train and shut off steam, or, it may be, reverse the engine in case of the train
passing a signal placed at danger. For this purpose I secure to the lower end of the
vertical screw spindle, now commonly used for applying railway brakes, a wheel
with large teeth around its circumference, or it might be a number of radial arms.
Upon the line of railway I place a stout post or arm, which can either be caused to
stand upright and in a position for the teeth on one side of the wheel above men-
tioned to strike against, or can be caused to lie down and be out of the way of this
wheel. The post or arm can be raised or lowered simultaneously with the ordinary
signal arms by coupling it by rods and levers with the horizontal rods, by which
movement is given to the signal arms from the hand signal levers, so that when-
ever the signal is raised to danger the post or arm is simultaneously caused to stand
upright. In the event of a train then moving past this post the wheel before men-
tioned upon the lower end of the brake screw will come against this post, and will
be thereby caused to revolve and apply to the brake. When the brake is thus
applied to the wheels of the engine steam may at the same time be shut off or the
engine reversed; the movements necessary for effecting this being obtained from the
moving parts of the brake apparatus.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE TREATMENT OF HYDROCARBON OILS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF GAS, AND OF OIL FOR LUBRICATING AND OTHER PURPOSES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by George Frederick Cornelius at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 21st November 1877.
GEORGE FREDERICK CORNELIUS, of Merton Abbey, in the County of Surrey.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE TREATMENT OF HYDROCARBON OILS FOR THE MANUFACTURE
OF GAS, AND OF OIL FOR LUBRICATING AND OTHER PURPOSES."
This Invention consists in improvements in the treatment of hydrocarbon oils
for the manufacture therefrom of gas and oil, and by which I am enabled to use
waste "spirit," such as Canadian for example.
According to this Invention I take petroleum spirit, which may be Canadian
waste spirit, and add thereto two per-cent. more or less of nitric acid, and twenty
per cent, more or less of rosin (which may be in powder); this mixture is then put into
a suitable vessel, into which steam is injected, when the light oil or spirit will distil
over and in order to form the gas, a solid chemical, soluble in the said light
oil or spirit is added, such as naphthaline para, naphthaline, or camphine to the
extent of about five per cent. more or less. I then add about five per cent. of
camphor to purify or sweeten the gas; cotton, wool, or other porous material is then
saturated with the said light oil, and placed in a suitable closed vessel, and upon air
being forced through the said vessel a highly illuminating or heating gas is formed.
In order to make the gas travel I place at a convenient distance from the gas
holder a charcoal or other fire round the pipe that conveys the gas from the holder
so as to superheat the compound gas formed.
Gas manufactured as above may be used either in combination with other gases
or separately.
The residue resulting from gas manufactured as above described is valuable as a
lubricating oil, or it may be treated so as to render it valuable for other purposes
where a superior oil is required.
A modified mode of carrying out this Invention is by making the oil the chief
product and the gas a subsidiary or waste product.
IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR MAKING AND PRESSING BRICKS AND OTHER PLASTIC OR SEMI- DRY FORMS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Titley at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 10th February 1877.
THOMAS TITLEY, of Loeds, in the County of York "IMPROVEMENTS IN
MACHINERY FOR MAKING AND PRESSING BRICKS AND OTHER PLASTIC OR SEMI-
DRY FORMS”
My improvements have reference to the means employed for imparting the
required motion to sciew presses for making and pressing bricks and other plastic
or semi-diy forms, whereby a greater pressure may be obtained, and also the work
may be done much quicker than by machines of ordinary construction
The press itself may be constructed in the same manner as ordinary screw presses,
on the upper portion of which I mount or attach in any convenient position, by
preference horizontally, a steam cylinder of ordinary construction, provided with
slide valves, which may also be of ordinary construction Within the cylinder is
fitted, so as to slide freely, the rod of which is by preference made to project to a
suitable distance through both cylinder covers On each end of the piston rod is a
suitable bracket, to each of which is attached a chain which works on to a barrel
keyed or otherwise fixed on the upper end of the screw of the machine On the
chain barrel are provided projections or pins placed in an oblique or screw-like
position, on which the links of the chain work The steam is turned into one end
of the cylinder by the attendant, producing thereby motion to the piston, from
which the required motion is transmitted through the piston rod, brackets, chain,
and barrel to the screw of the press
The motion of the piston is reversed by a tappit lever arrangement, which is
made adjustable and actuated by the downward movement of the chain barrel The
machine is brought to a standstill by means of another tappit arrangement actuated
by the upward movement of the chain barrel. By the adjustable tappit arrange-
ment the traverse of the screw, up or down, may be regulated to suit the various
thicknesses or sizes of the work under treatment
When preferred a fly wheel may be provided on the upper end of the screw, in
order to maintain a regular action of the same.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF CRAPE
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Edinund Phillips and Samuel Howard
Kay at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 8th December
1877.
EDMUND PHILLIPS and SAMUEL HOWARD KAY, of Cheadle, in the County of
Stafford, Crape Manufacturers. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF
CRAPE."
"
Our Invention relates to the fabrics which are woven in the form of a fine tissue
of a gauze like character, and are subsequently subjected to a crimping or craping
process, such, for example, as the fabrics now well known by the designation of
"Norwich crapes."
Such crapes were originally composed entirely of silk, but of
late years a specially prepared description of cotton yarn has been employed either
alone or in conjunction with silk yarn in the weaving of the tissue. When cotton
yarn is alone used, the tissue has not the peculiar characterestics of the silken tissue,
and even when silk is employed to constitute a part of the tissue the admixture
injures the character of the fabric to some extent.
To remedy these defects to some extent was the object of a previous Invention
for which we petitioned Her Majesty to grant unto us Her Royal Letters Patent,
on the ninth day of November ultimo, and is also the object of our present In-
vention. In the said former Invention we employed yarn prepared from finely
carded jute. In our present Invention we employ yarn prepared from the fibres
of the "Boemeria Nevea," that is to say, from the material ordinarily termed China
grass.
The material prepared from such fibres must be finely carded and spun into
suitably fine yarn. In the spinning process, or subsequently to such process, we
cause the yarn spun from the said material to be hard twisted so as to adapt it to
the requirements of the crape manufacture. The yarn so prepared is woven into
a tissue either alone or in conjunction with silk yarn, and the tissue so formed is
treated and finished in the same manner, and by the same machinery as when

page_text: manufacturing silk crape, or is finished by suitable means to obtain the peculiar
character of the Norwich crape.
The yarn prepared from the said fibres may also be used in conjunction with
hard twisted cotton, or linen yarn, or with the fine hard twisted jute yarns, or in
conjunction with either one or more of these materials and silk yarn.
IMPROVEMENTS IN TWO OR FOUR WHEELED PUBLIC CARRIAGES PLYING FOR HIRE OR FOR PRIVATE USE
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Augustus Westwood at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 7th March 1877.
" CERTAIN
AUGUSTUS WESTWOOD, of West Bromwich, in the County of Stafford.
IMPROVEMENTS IN TWO OR FOUR WHEELED PUBLIC CARRIAGES PLYING FOR HIRE
OR FOR PRIVATE USE."
My improvements apply more particularly to the class of vehicles known as
"Hansom cabs," deriving their name from the inventor, Joseph Hansom, and is
applicable to all forms of cabs where the doors close in front, or angularly at the
sides of such vehicles, and consists in an arrangement to each door of a strap or
finely jointed chain, so connected to the doors that by working over pulleys the
said strap or chain, or other means of connection, is brought to the rear of the
carriage, whereby the driver or attendant, who sits behind, either with his right or
left hand, or right or left foot, may, as required, open either one or both doors of
his vehicle, either for taking up or setting down a fare, as the case may the with-
drawing of either hand or foot from the appliances connected with the said door or
doors will leave the door or doors free to close, either by their gravitation, counter-
pois, or springs arranged for that purpose.
be;
When such kind of cab or cab bodies are so arranged that they may be jointed to
a pair of front wheels, with the ordinary perch-action and driving box, the apparatus
and straps have only to be arranged and adapted to be brought in like manner
under the control of the driver in front.
Secondly. My improvements relate to means, simple and restricted, of conveying
to the driver (whether before or behind) by his fare as to which side of the road or
street he desires to be put down or to pull up for business or other calls; this I
purpose realizing by placing a right and left hand indicator conveniently in view of
the driver, the said indicators being normally closed and held so by a spring or
other means, but which directing indicators becomes exposed at the will of the fare
or passenger or passengers, by merely pulling a wire, strap or chain, and to continue
such pull sufficiently long for the indicator to direct the driver as to your wish.
A NEW OR IMPROVED TRAVELLERS' PORTABLE COOKING APPARATUS
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Curtis at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 1st October 1877.
JOHN CURTIS, of the City of Manchester, in the County of Lancaster. "A NEW
OR IMPROVED TRAVELLERS' PORTABLE COOKING APPARATUS."
This Invention has for its object the combining together in a small compass
dining utensils to be used by travellers and others when in out of the way places
and when there is not time or convenience to make a fire.
I employ a small tin box about seven and a half inches long, four inches broad,
and two inches deep, and in the corners I place angular bottles, boxes, or canisters,
for holding respectively, spirits, milk, salt, a spirit lamp, and tea and sugar; and in
the centre of the box, filling up the intermediate space, I place a frying pan, into
which fits a kettle, inside which I place a tea strainer, a holder for containing an
egg whilst boiling, an egg cup, and portable water bottle. On the top of the frying
pan and kettle I put a drinking cup, standards, or brackits, for holding the lamp
and kettle, and frying pan when in use, above all being a plate for eating off, such
stands or brackets being very conveniently formed of two pieces, each having a
slotted cross bar into which one or the other fits, and forms a firm four legged
stand. The inside of the box lid is provided with loops or brackets for holding
a knife, fork, and spoon, and other useful articles.
IMPROVEMENTS IN GOLOSHES AND OTHER OVERSIIOES
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Beniamino Basevi at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 15th May 1877.
BENIAMINO BASEVI, of Milan, in the Kingdom of Italy, temporarily residing at
Arundel Street, in the County of Middlesex. "IMPROVEMENTS IN GOLOSHES AND
OTHER OVERSIIOES."
The goloshes and overshoes at present in use, while impervious to moisture, aro
objectionable in consequence of their retaining the perspiration from the feet of the
wearer within them.
The object of this Invention is to obviate this defect by making the goloshes or
overshoes ventilating. For this purpose a tube is inserted near the top of the part
of the shoe above the heel, and this tube is led down to and along the sole of the
shoe; over the sole and the tube is inserted a thin false sole perforated with holes.
The accompanying Drawings No. 1 to 4 will enable this to be readily understood.
The tubes are of india-rubber, gutta percha, or other flexible material, covered
with a thin metal coating or with a spiral of fine wire.
Another way of effecting my object is to mould the goloshe with grooves along
the sole and the sides, as shown in the Drawing, marked A, B, and C.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE ORNAMENTATION OF ARTICLES OF GOLDSMITHS' AND SILVERSMITHS' MANUFACTURE.
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by William Hayes and Harry Hayes at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 9th November 1877.
WILLIAM HAYES and HARRY HAYES, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick,
Silversmiths. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE ORNAMENTATION OF ARTICLES OF GOLDSMITHS'
AND SILVERSMITHS' MANUFACTURE.".
This Invention refers to illuminating or ornamenting articles of gold, silver, and
other metals, or their imitations, by a process somewhat resembling enamelling, but
at a much lower cost, which process is the following:-We take an article, say for
instance a band bracelet of silver, and engrave on the surface any design we please;
this engraving we then paint in oil colours sufficiently thinned, when a transparent
effect is desired, so as to shew the delicate lines of the engraving through the paint,
or thickened when the design is to resemble a solid enamel or gem. The bracelet
is afterwards stoved to harden the colours. Or instead of engraving, the design
may be an embossed one, and treated in the same way; or in either of these cases
it may be the ground of the bracelet which shall receive the colour, and the design
may appear in metal.
AN IMPROVED SYSTEM OF DAY AND NIGHT WATCHES, BASED UPON THE PRINCIPLE OF A TWENTY-FOUR HOURS DIVISION OF TIME
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John George Henry Hoch and Carl
Johann Heinrich Friederich Dagobert Obach at the Office of the Commissioners
of Patents on the 29th May 1877.
JOHN GEORGE HENRY HOCH, of 283, Brixton Road, Brixton, in the County of
Surrey, Watch and Clock Manufacturer, and CARL JOHANN HEINRICH FRIEDERICH
DAGOBERT OBACH, of 314, Brixton Road, Brixton, in the County aforesaid, Picture
Dealer & Printseller. "AN IMPROVED SYSTEM OF DAY AND NIGHT WATCHES,
BASED UPON THE PRINCIPLE OF A TWENTY-FOUR HOURS DIVISION OF TIME."
This Invention relates to all chronometer, lever, and cylinder watches, either
wound up by key or keyless. The dial has either two sets of figures from one to
twelve, or one set from one to twenty-four runing in one continuous circle. These
figures begin either with the figure twelve or twenty-four, in lieu of which the
figure nought might stand at the top of the dial, so that the figure twelve of
either set will stand opposite to it at the bottom, where, now on dials in common
use the figure six is placed.
The different wheels and pinions composing the motion work are placed between
the dial and lower plate of the movement, and are so calculated and ajusted that
the hour hand will revolve around the dial once in every twenty-four hours, and
the minute hand in like manner once in every two hours.
The integral parts and calculation of the watch are in no wise interfered with
by this Invention.
IMPROVEMENTS IN CHECK OR STOP VALVES FOR CONTROLLING THE SUPPLY OF WATER TO STEAM BOILERS AND OTHER APPARATUS, AND FOR SIMILAR PURPOSES."
Year: 1877

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Jonas Dalby at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents on the 9th November 1877.
JONAS DALBY, of Ipswich, in the County of Suffolk. IMPROVEMENTS IN CHECK
OR STOP VALVES FOR CONTROLLING THE SUPPLY OF WATER TO STEAM BOILERS AND
OTHER APPARATUS, AND FOR SIMILAR PURPOSES."
My Invention relates to an improved stop or check valve for use in connection.
with steam boilers and other vessels that have to be fed or supplied with liquid
under pressure, and I term the said Invention a double or compound check valve.
When designed for feeding a pair of steam boilers, the said compound apparatus
is constructed as follows, that is to say :-It has a box which is connected with the
supply pipe, by which the water is brought to the apparatus, and with two pipes
leading to the said boilers. Within the said box are two valves of any suitable
kind arranged above the said supply pipe, and between the same and the apertures
connected with the other two pipes.
Above one of these valves is a screw spindle which works through a stuffing box
in the top of the said valve box, and which is provided with a hand wheel or other
suitable means for operating or adjusting it. The said spindle has on it a double
collar. This collar is connected with the forked end of a lever fulcrumed on the
top of a small standard projecting upward from the valve box. And the said lever
extends beyond its fulcrum and is connected on the opposite side thereof to a rod
which extends down through another stuffing box over the other valve. The result
of this arrangement of the said rods and lever in combination with the valves is,
that it will be impossible to close or screw down both valves at the same time, and
therefore there will be no danger of accidents from this cause.
In applying my Invention to a set of four boilers supplied by the same feed
pipes, I place one of these double or compound valves between the boilers of each
pair, and arrange another apparatus of double area to direct the supply to either

page_text: or both pairs of boilers as before. I thus obtain the same degree of safety as with
a single pair of boilers without the use of ordinary safety valves.
The said compound or double valve may be placed upon steam boiler feed pipes
and arranged upon or in connection with pump suction pipes in place of the ordinary
stop valves.